Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon

I typically bring a bottle to the deer camp to share with everyone. Nothing too fancy, but something that will make it through the weekend. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (white label) has been part of
my rotation for quite a while. It has the right amount of easy-sipping smooth flavor combined with affordability. I decided to bring something a little nicer than that last weekend when I saw the Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch on the shelf next to it. As you can see from the picture, it was a hit. I'm surprised any of it made it home. 

From the Bottle:

Evan Williams earned the title "Kentucky's First Distiller" in 1783, when he began his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Today, that pioneering heritage is honored in the crafting of the special small batch bourbon. After fully maturing, a limited numner of barrells are then specially chosen and mingled to just the taste. The result is a genuine classic - smooth, rich, and worthy of it's name.

Whiskey Facts

Distillery: Old Evan Williams Distillery, Bardstown, Kentucky

Type: Small Batch Bourbon

Age: Not Stated

Proof: 90 Proof / 45% ABV

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has a copper color. It has long fingers that seem to hang on to the glass.

Nose: On the nose, Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has not of vanilla, honey, and figs.

Taste: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is spicy, almost peppery, right upfront. It follows that up with some notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, and figs. 

Finish: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has a long finish. The spice hits hard on the back. The whiskey lingers on its way down.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is a great bourbon for the budget drinker or anyone looking for something new to try. I started off by saying that I brought it to deer camp to share. This bottle is great for sitting around the campfire. This bourbon goes down smooth and will certainly keep you warm. I will be buying it again. 

 

Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey

The mountains of Colorado have been my favorite place for years, especially the areas around Estes Park

Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey

and the ski areas towards Copper Mountain and Breckenridge. So of course, finding the Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey was a a real treat for me. Trying new whiskies is always a fun experience, especially when they come from an area that means something to me. It seems to enhance the experience. So, I was pretty excited to get to try this one out.

Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey

Distillery: Breckenridge Distilliery, Breckenridge, CO

Batch: Unnumbered

Type: Bourbon Blend

ABV: 43% / 86 proof

A blended whiskey with snowmelt water from the Rocky Mountains

Appearance: Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey is copper in color. It has long fingers that creep down the side of the glass.

Nose: On the nose, Breckenridge Disillery Bourbon Whiskey has sweet notes of spice, vanilla, and caramel.

Taste: Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey has semi-sweet flavors of a vanilla, caramel, and spice.

Finish: Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey has a quick finish. The flavors fade away quickly.

Overall, Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey is a pleasant whiskey to drink. The sweet flavors and quick finish make it a naturally easy sipper. This is a great whiskey to enjoy around a campfire or deer camp. Maybe I'm biased because of my love for the mountains, but this is a great bourbon whiskey that I expect to add to my always on hand list of bottles. 

That reminds me, maybe it's time to do an updated inventory post. 

High Country American Single Malt

HIGH COUNTRY AMERICAN SINGLE MALT RELEASING THIS DECEMBER - NATIONWIDE High West's High Country American Single Malt is finally available nationwide. As admirers of the famed single malts of Scotland, we challenged ourselves to create a true American Single Malt, embodying the pioneering spirit of the American West, while paying homage to those that got us here. High Country American Single Malt is one of High West's only products that is made out of 100% High West own-make distillate. Aged a minimum of two years, and produced high in the Wasatch mountains of Utah. Unfiltered and distilled on the grain for a robust, western character. Class & Type  An American single malt whiskey distilled and blended by High West in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Sensory Notes: Nose: Baked apple, honey drizzled over fresh fig, lavender graham cracker, overnight oat groats with peaches and cream, dried white daisies, cinnamon stick, tobacco in a private study Taste: Banana bread with vanilla glaze, warm granola with dried fruit, frangipane with crushed golden raspberries served on a cedar plank Finish: Raw honey, toasted almond, marzipan, baking spice Technical Details Proof: 88° ABV: 44% Price  Price: $79.99 How to Drink Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water while appreciating a magnificent western vista.  The Artwork This release features the third installment of the Ed Mell Label Artist Series. Ed Mell is a notable western painter and sculpturer who specializes in capturing the beauty, vastness and spirit of the landscape of the American west with a unique contemporary spin. We feel that this custom painting done by Ed, perfectly captures the majesty of the great Mountain West. High West Distillery is home to pioneers of blending artistry and what better way to showcase the art of whiskey distilling than through an artist series that blends the humble beginnings of the old west with the new. WHERE TO BUY?  High Country American Single Malt will be available nationwide starting in December. We recommend asking your favorite High West retailer about this release now. If you are in Utah, High Country American Single Malt will be available at High West's location in Park City Friday, December 3rd, 2021 at 11am, in addition to the Utah State Liquor Stores. *High West General Stores are limiting 1 case (6 bottles) per person* HOW HIGH WEST IS MADE | HUCKBERRY HOLIDAYS  Our friends at Huckberry came by to learn all about the whiskey making process with our Distilling and Blending Manager, Isaac Winter. As luck would have it, we were distilling our High Country American Single Malt - check out the video here to experience the magic.

 

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Sip responsibly. This communication is not intended for those under the legal drinking age.

Please do not forward to anyone under 21. ©2021 High West Distillery. Park City, Utah.

 

Canadian Whisky, More than Just Crown Royal

Canadian Whisky - Photo Credit Chilled Magazine

This week, after a brief hiatus, the Whiskey Roundup is back! For the first roundup after it's return, I chose Canadian Whisky as the featured whiskey. It turns out, Canadian Whisky has more to offer than just Crown Royal. I was actually surprised at how much I didn't know about Canadian Whisky offerings. I have not had most of these.

How great is that this is know as "Canadian Blanton's?" Blanton's is one of those that is so hotly debated, I try to stay away from it. Anyway, good to know that there is an alternative.

Latest scoresheet, this time for Caribou Crossing, the alleged "Canadian Blanton's."

Full review: https://t.co/yMvUScxNnj#cariboucrossing #canadianwhiskey #sazerac #scoresheet #review pic.twitter.com/ltI3pZLrUA

— The Whiskey Ramble (@RambleWhiskey) March 23, 2021

Aside from what's inside the bottle, I have to admire the design behind the bottle too. I can take some time to find the perfect bottle befitting the carefully crafted liquid gold that will be inside of it.  

The main label of our Benjamin Chapman Whiskey is inspired by classic 1960’s fashion, showing subtle lines as a fashionable tweed suit of that era might have adorned.#3badge #3badgemixology #benjaminchapman #benjaminchapmanwhiskey #whiskey #bc #ryewhiskey #rye #canadianwhiskey pic.twitter.com/wOANNib2n7

— 3 Badge Beverage (@3badgecorp) March 10, 2021

I had to include at least one Crown Royal product in here. Truth be told, I do have two bottles of Crown in my collection. This is not one of them though. I know people who go ape shit for this stuff and buy it by the case. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to trying it out.  

#CrownRoyalPeachWhiskey 🍑 is now in stock at both Tower locations! Bottles are limited to 4 per person. Grab some delicious #CanadianWhiskey while supplies last! 🥃 pic.twitter.com/ZmucPoeWw8

— Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits (@TowerATL) February 22, 2021

This is another one that I have heard of, but never tried. I always thought of it as a mixer, and since I don't do a lot of mixed drinks with whiskey, I never paid much attention to it. I'm reconsidering that view now though.  

Happy new year!😀This is good stuff!!#canadianwhiskey pic.twitter.com/gdQdYsBqh9

— ron paterson (@sxyron) January 1, 2021

Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2021

An exciting announcement from the folks over at Maker's Mark! I'm always a big fan of experimental finishing, so this is one that I am extremely excited about! Plus it will be bottled at cask strength! 

The press release follows.

As always, we want you to be the first to know about exciting news here on Star Hill Farm. In this case, it’s a new development in celebration of one of the most traditional aspects of how we make your whisky. Our Maker’s Mark® Wood Finishing Series has been successful beyond anything we imagined, thanks to you. As you know, each year we’ve focused on one aspect of my grandfather’s taste vision and amplified that using the proprietary finishing process developed by my dad, Bill Samuels, Jr., when he created Maker’s Mark 46®. This year, we’ve taken our inspiration from the distilling process itself: our 36-inch copper column stills (considered small by modern standards), our use of a small rectifier and our practice of never chill filtering our whisky. It’s all done – or not done – in the service of flavor and texture. Because of our still design and our non-chill filtration, our bourbon retains more of the fatty acid esters (FAEs) that give Maker’s Mark® not only its subtle hints of tobacco and dried fruits but also its signature rich and creamy mouthfeel.  Now, after a year of experimenting, our pursuit of amplifying both flavor and texture in our taste vision has resulted in not one, but two all-new Wood Finishing Series expressions. First up will be our 2021 Limited Release: FAE-01, launching this spring. It will be followed later this year with a fall release, our 2021 Limited Release: FAE-02. To the benefit of our spring release, FAE-01, we ended up with a whisky that, as our Master of Maturation, Jane Bowie, says, “tastes just like a barrel warehouse smells.” If you’ve ever visited our little distillery, I think you and your tastebuds know what I’m talking about. This is a bourbon with rich, figgy notes complemented by tobacco undertones and a woodiness that create a unique depth of big, bold flavor. What’s more, in what is certainly a first for us, we seared our FAE-01 stave on one side, leaving the other side raw. The results surprised even us, and further accentuated this release’s one-of-a-kind flavor profile. Our Spring Limited Release, bottled at cask strength of roughly 110 proof, will begin arriving at select retailers nationwide very soon. None of our Wood Finishing Series releases to date have lasted long on store shelves, so I encourage you to check with your favorite retailers for the latest availability. Learn More I’ll have more details on our Fall Limited Release in a few months. Without giving too much away, I can promise that it’s the other side of the coin – or stave – from the spring release. Thank you once again for your continuing support of Maker’s Mark and the people who continue to work (safely) every day to handmake your favorite bourbon.  Best Regards, Rob Samuels Grandson of the Founders Managing Director, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc.

Jameson St Patrick's Day Time Off Sweepstakes

Who likes to get free money for St. Patrick's Day? And as an added bonus, Jameson will donate $50 for each winner to Restaurant Workers Community Foundation!

ONE MONTH UNTIL ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Mark your calendars for March 17th Schedule your St. Patrick’s Day Time Off now. It’s like PTO but made for St. Patrick’s Day! Head to our page for cocktail ideas & merch + enter for a chance to win $50 to spend this St. Patrick’s Day. And, for each winner, we will donate an additional $50 in their honor to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation to complement the $150,000 donation we are making this St. Patrick’s Day. ENTER NOW NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Jameson St. Patrick’s SPTO Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. (which excludes P.R. and all U.S. territories & possessions), 21 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Begins 12:00:01 a.m. ET 2/17/21; ends 11:59:59 p.m. ET 3/7/21. Visit https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-US/competition/spto-sweeps for Official Rules, which govern. Alcohol is not included with the prize. Sponsor: Pernod Ricard USA, LLC, New York, NY.

The Whiskey Journey

Photo by Richard Lawrence on Reshot

I belong to a couple of whiskey groups on Facebook and it is always interesting to see what different people see as good whiskey and what others see as swill. On any given day, any member of these groups can post about a new whiskey they are trying or post about one of their new favorites, only to have somebody comment about their whiskey choice, asking, "How can you drink that?" or saying, "Drain pour!" Everyone has opinions and that's what keeps it interesting. 

This is the biggest thing to think about and remember when it comes to whiskey. It's very much like art and literature and film. Everything is subjective. You either like it or you don't and everyone has an opinion.

But there is a journey to truly enjoying good whiskey. Good whiskey again being subjective. Some people may tell you otherwise, but you don't just start out drinking peated Scotch. I didn't, at least. A milder maybe a wheated whiskey is more your style and a better starting point. 

The typical whiskey drinker is going to start out looking at something that can be mixed with Coke, probably Jack Daniels or Crown Royal. I'll drink Crown Royal on the rocks, but I've also grown passed whiskey and Coke. If whiskey and Coke is your game, then I would think you're looking at flavored whiskey, either honey, vanilla, or cinnamon. There a lot of options out there.

After you get used to drinking whiskey and Coke, whiskey cut with Coke, you're probably ready whiskey on the rocks or whiskey neat to really start enjoying and appreciating the flavors and elements of the whiskey. People typically tell you to start with a lower proof whiskey, maybe around 80 proof. I think that is bad advice. Instead, I look towards what I call the gateway whiskeys or bourbons. These are going to be whiskeys like Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Wild Turkey 101, and Buffalo Trace. These are all very approachable and drinker friendly whiskeys, lending themselves to tastings, on the rocks, neat, and cocktails. 

Once you get comfortable with these approachable whiskeys, you'll want to start looking at small batches, different grains and mash bills, Irish whiskeys, Japanese whiskeys, and experimental whiskeys. I'm here to tell you now that this is where the rabbit hole begins. You'll find yourself just going to the liquor store just to see what they have spending hours in the whiskey aisle, getting to know the people that work there. While fun and exciting, it can be a very expensive hobby once you start looking for some harder to find and more sought after bottles.

Now, is when you get in to an advanced phase of whiskey drinking and enter the world of Scotch. I think that to truly appreciate Scotch, you need to learn to appreciate the other whiskeys. In the world of Scotch you get to taste Scotches from five different areas of Scotland, each with their own discernable qualities. Some are aged in Sherry casks. Some are peated, giving an earthy, almost charcoal flavor. Scotches aged in Sherry casks are my favorites of the Scotch world. Scotches are all good and they are all unique, but I think you need to make it through the whiskey journey to fully appreciate it. 

There are a lot of whiskeys out there and there are a lot of ways to enjoy them. Some are easier to drink and enjoy than others. Some are more complex than others. The only way to know is to embark on your own whiskey journey. Read books. Keep notes. See what flavor notes you can find. It really can be a lot of fun. 

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Like most, my first whiskey experience was Jack Daniels. It's cheap. It's American. It's classic. And maybe most importantly, it's readily available. Later, I would try Crown Royal, because that's what my dad drank. When I got to college, my roommates and I would buy Evan William's Black Label, because it was the cheapest thing we could get our hands on. Later, at the time having no idea what good whiskey is, I would find out how good it is, and what's more, I would find out about the Bottled-in-Bond white label, just a few dollars more. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond has become a semi daily drinker for me. That is to say at least, that it always has a place on my shelf. 

From the Bottle

Bottled-in-Bond status is earned only by meeting strict government standards, originally passed in 1897 to ensure quality and consistency. In accordance with these standards, this bourbon is 100 Proof, aged at least 4 years, and produced at a single distillery within a single distillation season.

About the Whiskey

• Distillery: Old Evan Williams Distiller, Louisville Kentucky. It is interesting to note that there are two distilleries, noted on the bottle by KY-1 for Louisville and KY-31 for Bardstown. This bottle is from the Louisville Distillery. 

• Type: Single Distillery

• Charcoal Filtered

• Age: At least four years

• 50% ABV / 100 Proof

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Evan Williams BIB is amber in color. The legs are quick on the glass and don't linger on the glass long at all. 

Nose: On the nose, there are notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet caramel.

Taste: The whiskey is subtly sweet, with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, similar the notes on the the nose

Finish: The whiskey has a slow finish, though it is not buttery. It has a light and even mouthfeel. The oak hits you in the back of the mouth and gives way to an oak bomb with sweet vanilla notes. 

Japanese Whisky - The Whiskey Roundup

Japanese Whisky Photo from VinePair

Japanese Whisky is one of those whiskey booms that was almost too good to be true. The Japanese
somehow found a way to make and market whiskey, some using Irish and Scottish Whisky Methods, that is sometimes smoother than the original. It is so sought after that it has become difficult to find in some cases. Though it is coming back around to liquor store shelves.

As much as I enjoy a good whiskey neat or on the rocks, it's nice to see one every once in a while that is distilled and bottled specifically for a cocktail, in this case the Highball. 

Highball lovers, our newest #JapaneseWhiskey was crafted with you in-mind. Bright, citrus-forward and barrel-aged for 3-9 years, the pristine, alkaline water from nearby Koriyama springs creates a round, full-bodied texture that's perfect for mixing. Thank you @vineconnections! pic.twitter.com/zysUFculVw

— Kata Robata (@KataRobata) November 7, 2020

This is disappointing, though not surprising. Of course, every country is going to have different regulations. Even in the US, there is a distillery in Indiana called MGP where a lot of craft distilleries buy distillates and take them home to bottle, label, and distribute. Most of these craft distilleries are honest about the source, but that doesn't appear to be the case in Japanese whisky, which is what concerns me. 

Some Japanese whiskeys aren't Japanese, and some aren't even whiskey. #JapaneseWhiskey #whiskeyhttps://t.co/EdAX3ma2gb

— Global AgInvesting (@globalaginvest) June 30, 2020

Sometimes, you have to treat yourself. From what I have heard, not having been able to try these out myself, these are some outstanding whiskeys. The founder of the Nikka distillery learned from the masters in Scotland. Some of the whiskys at Nikka are made using the coffey column still method. 

Best #xmas gift to myself... 😉#nikka #japanesewhiskey #blended #smooth pic.twitter.com/SiMAWlYUKx

— Stefan Laszlo (@StefLaszlo) December 28, 2019

I have had the opportunity to enjoy the Suntory Whisky Toki and have only dreamt about the others, seeing only a few in the wild. From what I understand, like the MacAllan 12 in the Scotch world the Yamazaki 12 and 18 are both considered the barometer for what is considered a great Japanese whisky.  

Our sister location, Kyatchi Saint Paul is so full of charm and character. Wouldn't you agree? Not to mention, great food, creative cocktails,and good Japanese whisky 🥃 🍣 🍜 🌭 🍻 #whisky #whiskey #japanesewhisky #japanesewhiskey pic.twitter.com/DNdHxNA6Y2

— Kyatchi (@KyatchiMpls) January 23, 2020

Fall Cocktails - The Whiskey Roundup

Fall Cocktails

It's been about since it officially became fall, but in here in Texas it has been feeling more like summer
than fall. It's finally cooling off. That means that it's finally time to start adding some fall flavors to our cocktails!

Now, I know that this is primarily a whiskey blog, and that's probably what you're here for. There are so many fun ideas out there, that not only I have trouble limiting it to the four I typically include in the Whiskey Roundup, but I knew I had to include some non-whiskey cocktails too, if only to mix it up.

I love apples, and I like rum, and I can only imagine that these flavors would go together wonderfully. It also sounds super simple to make, with minimal tools and ingredients needed. 

Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail - the perfect fall cocktail. Ready in just a few minutes and really good. No cocktail shaker needed! #fallcocktail #spicedrum #rumcocktail #cocktail https://t.co/XJVWGTYOB0 via @healthfulideas

— MaryB (@KnottyMarie) October 31, 2020

Pumpkin beers have been huge the last few years, so it only makes sense to incorporate a pumpkin beer in to a fall cocktail, especially with that spiced rum and butterscotch. 

Drink up witches because today things are getting spooky. I’ve got a #pumpkin #cocktail so addictive you’ll think someone cast a spell on you. https://t.co/T2GfEYBdSB #fallcocktail pic.twitter.com/7ZBjo6eeHw

— Cheryl Sousan (@TidyMom) September 27, 2018

I had to include a White Russian in honor of The Dude. For those who may not know, this cocktail is made from vodka, Kahlua, and cream. Those flavors should compliment the addition of pumpkin really well!

Pumpkin Spice White Russian from @teakandthyme
Foodista's Drink Blog of the Day! https://t.co/C4B2o8IDqa #Foodista #DBOD #Drink #cocktail #whiterussian #pumpkinspice #fallcocktail #vodka #coffeeliqueur #teakandthyme pic.twitter.com/ZETqsWZSWV

— Foodista (@foodista) October 24, 2019

I've made a few cocktails using ginger and lemon/lime and a few of them have included Maker's Mark. The pear liqueur sounds like an interesting addition. 

New post-hike/apple picking fall cocktail! The Harriman - Maker's Mark, Pear Liqueur, Ginger, Lemon #fallcocktail pic.twitter.com/wS3nhDeDlU

— Burnside (@BurnsideNYC) October 17, 2015

How Long Can I Keep a Bottle Open?

Open Bottles

The age old question for collectors. Once I open a bottle of whiskey, how long before it goes bad? There are staunch whiskey "connoisseurs" out there who act like once you have opened a bottle, it starts to oxidize so quickly, that you should either drink it all immediately or pour it down the drain, or else risk drinking tainted whiskey. Let me say, I'm not that guy. I have a couple bottles that have been opened for maybe four years and primitive palate can't tell the difference.

I should note, that there is a lot of science to it that I don't fully understand and am not quite qualified to answer. So, I'm setting out to do some research to answer the question. 

First, what happens to a bottle once it is opened? Air, oxygen specifically, gets inside the bottle once the cork is pulled and reacts with the liquid gold inside. Of course, each bottle will react differently. Most noticeably, the color and flavor will change. This reaction is called oxidizing. 

Feast Magazine tells us tat the best way to avoid the dreaded oxidization is to simply drink it. That is a good tip. They do point out that a fuller bottle will last longer, with a bottle more than half full lasting up to five years, while a bottle less than half full will last closer to two years. They point out that to make whiskey last longer, the best thing to do is to decant the whiskey into smaller bottles.

The Whiskey Wash also points out that while we wish it would, whiskey doesn't last forever. They do point out that there is one benefit of oxidizing. The whiskey has a tendency to open up a bit after a few months. Going back to a bottle after the flavor has opened up may create a better flavor experience than before. The whiskey wash also points out to limit light and control room temperature. 

Whiskey.com tells us that an unopened bottle could last ten years or more in the conditions. They take it to a different extreme for opened bottles, saying that they may only last between six months to two years.

There's a lot of information out there on this topic. I encourage you to do some of your own trial and error on the topic. Maybe, you could even do your own AB test with a bottle decanted to a smaller bottle, but leaving some in the original to see which will age oxidize and change faster. There are countless articles out there as well. There are a few things that I think these articles leave out though. First is climate. A bottle is going to react differently in different climates, so make sure to consider that when it comes to temperature and relative humidity when it comes to picking a storage location. The second factor is palate. Everyone tastes whiskey differently. What may be bad to someone else, may be fine to you. Everyone's whiskey journal is different and I hope you are enjoying yours. 

Slainte! 

Redemption Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pre-Prohibition Revival Whiskey

Redemption Bourbon Straight
Bourbon Whiskey

I was given this bottle for my birthday. My friends wanted to give me a bottle I had never tried before. They gave me a couple different ones to try, and sure enough they succeeded with giving me a bottle I had never had in the Redemption Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey Pre-Prohibition Revival Whiskey.

When I tried it, I was instantly hooked, and this whiskey has ended up in my glass quite a few times since then. It's that good. Looking through Redemption Whiskey's website, I found that they offer a few other varieties. A wheated bourbon, which I always a fan of, and a couple of different rye whiskies, which I am also partial to. I'll be searching for these two varieties to round out the shelf.

About The Whiskey

Redemption Bourbon is bottled by Redemption Barrell Selections in Lawrenceburg, TN. The whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels for no less than two years and is bottled at 42% ABV / 84 Proof.

This bottle is from Batch No 29.

Redemption Bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley.

Tasting Notes

Redemption Bourbon is amber in color. In the glass, the bourbon has quick, short fingers that run down glass almost as fast as they form.

On the nose, I found notes of oak and vanilla, and slight hint of ethanol.

I enjoyed the taste and flavor of this bourbon. The oak and vanilla notes carry over from the nose. There is a sweetness to this bourbon, likely from the high corn content in the mash bill. After the sweetness subsided, there was a touch of spice from the rye. The mouthfeel is buttery and balanced.

The finish of this bourbon is very smooth and even, not fast or slow. There is some that hits you on the end, along with some more spice from that rye in the mash bill. 

Whiskey Cocktail - The Whiskey Roundup

Photo by Brian on Reshot

Whiskey is so incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to cocktails. The flavors you can pull off with whiskey are limitless. Unlike some other liquors, where the cocktail flavor comes from whatever else you are putting the cocktail, whiskey has an identity all its own and makes the cocktail. The other ingredients in the cocktail then compliment the whiskey and make a whole cocktail experience. Give me a Manhattan or on Old Fashioned any day of the week over a vodka and tonic with a lime. 

So this week on the Whiskey Roundup, as you may have guessed, we are exploring all things Whiskey Cocktail!

I don't typically go for fruity cocktails, but I do like a few of them. In this case, the bourbon is main player and is complimented by the fruit and kiwi juice. I'm intrigued by the sparking apple cider element of it too!

Kiwi go again! We're back with another fruity, yet boozy summer cocktail for you to try. The first cocktail in August is the Bourbon Kiwi Apple Shimmer.✨ #clevelandwhiskey #cocktail #bourboncocktail #whiskeycocktail https://t.co/yZIfiFx0qO

— Cleveland Whiskey (@clevewhiskey) August 4, 2020

I'm from Texas, and in Texas, we're all about anything that has anything Texas on it. Like this cocktail. Forget the other types of mules and try out the Texas Mule!

This weekend, try a Texas Mule. Recipes and bottle finder here - https://t.co/EutG7U3hBM#whiskey #whiskeycocktail #mule #texasmule pic.twitter.com/uS9QUdxOPF

— Milam & Greene Whiskey (@MilamandGreene) August 1, 2020

I'm going to take back what I said about fruity cocktails, because now that I've found this, I'm not sure that there' any turning back. I love strawberry lemonade. Add some bourbon and you have a good thing going.  

A whiskey drink that tastes like strawberry lemonade.

2.25 oz whiskey
.75 oz simple syrup
.5 oz lemon juice
1 strawberry

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well to muddle the strawberry. Strain into a glass with ice. #whiskeycocktailhttps://t.co/HqeKIn8b54 pic.twitter.com/Eq1xXaWG77

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) July 31, 2020

 

Bourbon and ginger beer is always a great combination. Now add in a chili? I just might have to try! 

The sun? Shining. The meat? Grilled. The barbecue? Lit. There's only one thing to quench your thirst - an Irish Squealer. Recipe here: https://t.co/lGLVVPLYuj #bbqdrinks #whiskeycocktail #flamingpig #irishwhiskey #bbqcocktails #thirstquencher pic.twitter.com/jTb9My47zc

— Flaming Pig Irish Whiskey (@drinkflamingpig) July 19, 2020

Knob Creek - The Whiskey Roundup

Knob Creek Small Batch
100 Proof

I have a bottle of Knob Creek Small Batch 100 Proof on my shelf that I have been nursing for over a year now. It's so damn delicious I don't want to see it go. Silly, I know. I could always run out get another. But I'm hanging on to it. Birthday present and all. While I'm busy nursing this one bottle, this week I'm looking at a few things Knob Creek.

I always like to bring a small bottle with me on the off chance that I actually play golf. It's not very often. And usually it's something cheaper like Bulleit or Buffalo Trace, whatever I can find in a pint size. Knob Creek really steps it up a notch and brings the game to a new level.

Not a bad way to spend a Friday! •
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•#bourbon #whiskey #rye #ryewhiskey #golf #florida #knobcreek pic.twitter.com/epZui1VcNK

— Bourbonr.com (@Bourbonrcom) May 10, 2019

There are two things in the whiskey world I am having trouble getting behind. Smoked whiskey and maple flavor. I do like the flavors, I just don't know that everyone needs to be putting whiskeys out there with those flavors. Is it a money grab?

Holy Crap! This is delicious! I might go get another bottle before these are all gone. #knobcreek pic.twitter.com/Rw5cxJc5pn

— Mario Carrelas (@failedmanman) March 14, 2020

This was a great review on Knob Creek. A history nerd myself, I liked the historical background offered at the beginning of the review. I also like that it's a South African doing the review of an American whiskey.

Review and Tasting notes for Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey #WhiskyoftheWeek #Bourbon #KnobCreek #blissbloggers
https://t.co/vtZXMbIqMr pic.twitter.com/TtAhIfNPGL

— WhiskyoftheWeek (@WhiskyoftheWeek) June 13, 2019

A Jim Beam turf war. It's interesting to see that despite the differences in age and proof, not mention price, the flavors were similar. I may have to try out a similar tasting comparison myself.  

A Jim Beam faceoff: one is 14 years old & 120 proof for $45, the other is 13 years old & 107 proof for $100. The Knob Creek leans spicy & the Baker’s leans sweet, but they are strikingly similar.

On value & taste, I prefer the Knob Creek.#jimbeam #knobcreek #bakers13 #bourbon pic.twitter.com/lZ5SwC6psJ

— Bourbon News (@TheBourbonNews) January 17, 2020

Bulleit Bourbon - The Whiskey Roundup

 Bulleit Bourbon was my first real whiskey crush. Bulleit is super versatile, and with the six offerings they now offer, including ryes, it can meet your needs for any drink whether it be neat, rocks, or in a cocktail. So, it only made

Bulleit Bourbon and Rye

sense to feature Bulleit in the Whiskey Roundup. 

Bulleit Rye is my favorite rye out there. It's so smooth and drinkable. I have found myself wondering where the bottle went, so I have to be careful.

I'd take a #bulleit for you pic.twitter.com/RZLm6DXVmw

— SoDamnAwkward (@SoDamnAwkward2) January 15, 2020

I was so damn excited to get my hands on a bottle of Bulleit 12 Year Rye when it came out. It did not last long it was so good. Bulleit keeps on surprising me with new offerings. 

'Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Adds 12-Year-Aged Rye To Family Of Award-Winning Whiskeys'#bulleit #rye #whiskey #whiskyhttps://t.co/zSpHjc2zGV

— 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒚 (@Marc_Whiskey) March 26, 2019

My favorite cocktail and Bulleit. When was the last time you had a Bulleit Old Fashioned? It's pretty amazing! 

I have plans later. Delicious, beautiful plans. #bourbon #oldfashioned #bulleit #bulleitbourbon pic.twitter.com/JF1Vn62MrX

— Kim Douthit 👻 (@seattlescreams) March 19, 2020

Whiskey and writing, especially Bulleit bourbon and writing. They seem to go together maybe better than coffee and writing. I have a full week of writing planned out, so I'll have to give it a try. 

Have a great night, all.#HandWritten #Bulleit #Bourbon #ChristmasPreParty pic.twitter.com/UFzzR7LZ8N

— Nate Laverty (@NateLaverty) December 8, 2018