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. 

 

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.

The MacAllan - The Whiskey Roundup

The MacAllan 12 - Photo Credit
Alan Walker via Deposit Photos

Sundays are for Scotch. The MacAllan 12 was my gateway Scotch, so today for Day 6 of 25 Days of Whiskey, I am dedicating the Whiskey Roundup to the storied House of MacAllan.

I had never heard of MacAllan Week until today. That's a pretty cool idea if you ask me. When it comes to offerings and variety, The MacAllan has a lot to offer.

Just a little reminder that #macallanweek is coming up soon!

The @the_macallan #rarecask 2018 batch 3 (the highest rated of the series on @whiskybase ) will be one of 8 bottles I am opening and reviewing to see whether modern #macallan stands up to scru… https://t.co/N8udfbEh8s pic.twitter.com/g6aowlCXHs

— PoshScotch (@PoshScotch) December 2, 2020

The MacAllan also offers a variety of rare bottles, some as much as 50 years old. I doubt I'll see any of these in my lifetime, but it's nice to see what's out there.  

MACALLAN SIRIUS - 26-YEAR-OLD

Exceptional bottling of an ultra-rare Speyside Single Malt Scotch

Strictly limited edition of 690 bottles exclusively reserved for the Ultimate Whisky Collectorhttps://t.co/lvb4W1Peao@The_Macallan#macallan #whisky #singlemalt #scotch #whiskey pic.twitter.com/wbHnKZB4DB

— Whisky kingdom (@Whisky_Kingdom) December 3, 2020

When I was first introduced to The MacAllan, it was it at Richard's Liquors in Kingwood, TX. I was looking for a Christmas gift for my newly minted step dad. I worked at the Starbucks next store to Richard's and had become friendly with a few of the people who worked there. I was told that The MacAllan was the barometer by which all other Scotches are compared. That was enough for me.  

Repost : @firewaterxo

Recognized and admired by the entire sophisticated world of connoisseurs, Macallan remains the expression of single malts that can be judged before all; this unparalleled reputation has been built by the masters of wood.
.#macallan #macallanwhisky pic.twitter.com/gfwCQmCaTa

— Elite Spirits (@EliteSpiritsDel) November 27, 2020

This is incredibly cool. Scotch being a traditionally Scottish liquor, enjoyed the world over, I like to see a special variety made just for Londoners. 

INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN LONDON

A unique limited edition single malt whisky providing a sensorial journey through one of the world’s greatest capital cities. ⁠
⁠
Available Nowhttps://t.co/lSyicH4MF8
⁠@The_Macallan

⁠#macallan #singlemalt #whisky #scotch pic.twitter.com/wGZQYyCHke

— Whisky kingdom (@Whisky_Kingdom) December 3, 2020

High West Distillery High Country American Single Malt

I received a press release today from High West Distillery that I wanted to share with you. If you are going to be in the Park City, Utah area this weekend, stop by their distillery or general stores and pick up a bottle of their new distillery only release, High Country American Single Malt!

HIGH COUNTRY AMERICAN SINGLE MALT High Country American Single Malt DISTILLERY ONLY RELEASE SATURDAY,  DEC.5TH This Repeal Day, celebrate the end of prohibition with a bottle of  High Country American Single Malt! An American single malt  whiskey distilled and blended by High West in the Wasatch Mountains  of Utah. Class & Type  Whiskey  Sensory Notes: Nose: Grandma's apple turnover, huckleberry fudge, cardamom pod,  dried lavender, oak rocking chair, smoked lemon rind  Taste: Nutcracker cracked walnuts, dried apricots, dark chocolate  covered cherry truffles, bear claw pastry, smoked honeydew melon  syrup Finish: Honeycomb, sourdough toast with white grape jelly,  burnt caramel  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.  WHERE TO BUY?  Distillery only release, available at High West general stores in  Park City and Wanship.  *High West General Stores are limiting 2 bottles per person*

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. 

High West Distillery American Prairie Bourbon

High West Distillery
American Prairie Bourbon

My dad spends most of his time living about halfway between Houston and Austin. Whenever we go to
visit, it's for the weekend, so I always pickup a bottle to take with me for us to try together. The last time we went, this was the bottle I took with me. 

I have a sweet spot for Park City, Utah because of some ski trips we used to take when I was a kid. The fact that they have a whiskey distillery in Utah is pretty astounding to me. I've visited as an adult and found that in Salt Lake City anyway, not all of the beer was made full strength. We had to seek it out. So a whiskey distillery is an accomplishment in itself.

I didn't know it when I bought it, but sales from this whiskey are used to support the American Prairie Reserve. I love the outdoors and anytime I can do anything to support preservation efforts, I'm all about that. Knowing that, I'll be adding this bottle to the standard stock I keep in the house. Plus, this whiskey is pretty amazing. 

About the Whiskey

• Type: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged between 2 and 13 years
• Barrel Type: New, charred, white American Oak
• Mashbill: Their website reports two mashbills. First, 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt from MGP. Also, 84% corn, 8% malted barley from undisclosed source. There are other whiskey components that are undisclosed due to contractual reasons.
• Batch: This particular bottle is from batch number 19J01
• 46% ABV / 92 Proof
• Not chill filtered

Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance

American Prairie Bourbon is copper in color, with slow fingers that linger in the glass. The bourbon almost sticks to the glass.

Nose

On the nose, there are notes of oak and sweet vanilla and caramel. There were also some slight notes of ethanol.

Taste

The oak and vanilla notes carry over from the nose. There is an element of spice that leads me to believe there is higher rye content possibly in the contractually undisclosed mashbill information.

Finish

There was a light and even mouthfeel, with a quick finish. After you swirl it around or your tongue for a few minutes, you get an oak bomb right as it goes down. 

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! 

Jim Beam, An American Original

Photo Credit jimbeam.com

 Jim Beam is one of those whiskeys that gets a bad rap as whiskey brand that is better suited for a mixed drink than to drink on its own. I think it is easy to over look some of their innovations and experimentations. It is also surprising to find out some of the other brands labels Jim Beam is distilling, besides their original namesake, the 4 year aged Jim Beam original, the White Label. I chose to look at Jim Beam this week as part of the Whiskey Roundup, because I wanted to learn more about the company that has been around since 1795. That's a lot of history to boast as a company. 

Remember what I said a minute ago about Jim Beam being overlooked as a brand best reserved for a mixed drink? At 100 proof, I'm not sure that this $250 dollar would be hitting your glass only to be filled with coke. This bottle will be hitting airport duty free shops in early 2021.

A little over the top? So maybe that’s where the 15 year old Knob Creek single barrels went?

Article via @MaximMag. #Bourbon #BourbonLens #Whiskey #JimBeam https://t.co/s3BH66qUcN

— Bourbon Lens (@BourbonLens) October 20, 2020

Old Tub is another label put out by Jim beam that I never heard of. After a little research, I found out Old Tub was Jacob Beam's original brand of bourbon. Sadly, it is not available at my local store.  

NCF makes a big difference with Beam -> Old Tub Bottled In Bond Bourbon Review https://t.co/UcA43kZVGI #OldTub #JimBeam #Bourbon #Whiskey #WhiskeyReview pic.twitter.com/2aC3yNrJ67

— The Whiskey Jug (@TheWhiskeyJug) October 22, 2020

If you have followed along for the last couple years, you've no doubt seen my 25 Days of Whiskey series on Instagram and Facebook. It should come as no surprise that I love whiskey advent calendars.

2020 Jim Beam Whiskey Advent Calendar Available Now! - https://t.co/VW1y7oYr6k #subscriptionbox #AdventCalendar #JimBeam pic.twitter.com/rbhpcD92G6

— Hello Subscription (@helloboxes) October 24, 2020

Booker's is a bourbon that I have heard of, but never had the opportunity to have for myself. I was also not aware it was made by Jim Beam. I'll be on the lookout for this and a few other Jim Beam labels to try out. 

Booker's Bourbon 2020-02 "Boston Batch" Review https://t.co/GV71DfKwbn #Bourbon #Whiskey #jimBeam #Bookers #WhiskeyReview pic.twitter.com/aQKLItp8cW

— Grain and Grape (@GrainAndGrape) October 22, 2020

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. 

Clear Ice

Clear Ice

Clear ice. It's everywhere. People are lauding it for its almost magical qualities. I'm here to make an unpopular rant of my opinion of clear ice. I have to say that I'm not a fan. Ok, maybe to say that I'm not a fan isn't right. Maybe, I just don't care about it.

As much as I like to photographs of my drinks for everyone to enjoy on Instagram, I really don't care if my ice photographs well. The ice isn't the main player in the picture. The ice isn't why I'm here.

People say that clear ice tastes better, because it's the natural minerals in the water that make the ice appear cloudy. Well, maybe my palate isn't as developed as those who think it makes a difference in flavor. Let me ask you this. Do you think that the water in your whiskey, you know, the water they made the whiskey with is completely free and clear of the minerals you so desperately want to get rid of in your ice? Buy a better water filter for ice maker then.

As a man of curiosity, I have looked online at some "recipes" for making clear ice. Having never actually made it myself, it seems like a lot of extra work to make ice. At least extra work and time that could be spent doing something else. Remembering to set a timer. Remembering what that timer is for. And then, taking what is typically a large block of clear ice and breaking it into smaller pieces before it completely freezes.

I think I'll just stick with my Death Star ice molds. 

Wild Turkey 101 - The Whiskey Roundup

Wild Turkey 101

In honor of 101 Day happening just last week, I decided to feature Wild Turkey 101 in the Whiskey Roundup this week! Despite it sounding like a hot bourbon with a proof of 101, WT101 is one of the smoothest, most drinkable whiskies out there, and at an extremely fair price too.

This is one hell of a whiskey flight lineup, and for the money you probably won't be able to beat it anywhere. Plus, looking at some pictures of the Roosevelt Hotel, it is a damn nice looking place to stay and soak in some New Orleans hospitality!

Wild Turkey season may be April in Louisiana but at the Roosevelt we have a special treat! #bourbon #weekend #wildturkey #staycation #experience pic.twitter.com/ErMQ40N2Nk

— The Roosevelt Hotel (@TheRoosevelt_NO) October 2, 2020

I've been listening to a lot of podcasts lately, and not just about bourbon. I think I just found my new favorite. Can't wait to start giving it a listen. 

My #101Day is better than yours.#ThisIsMyBourbonPodcast #TIMBP #Bourbon #Whiskey #Whisky #WildTurkey #PerryPour #DrinkMoreBourbon pic.twitter.com/VjeN8QvzMq

— This is my Bourbon Podcast 🥃 (@mybourbonpod) October 2, 2020

This is a quandary worth investigating. The Wild Turkey 81 is good, but why not go for a proven classic and step up for the WT101? The price isn't that much different between the two. You could even get both and do a side by side comparison without breaking the bank. Think about it. 

Photo evidence of a common head scratcher at my local liquor store where WT81 is regularly out of stock but WT101 is plentiful 😂
cc: @RBird101 #bourbon#wildturkey pic.twitter.com/6taDnzV1Xp

— My.Bourbon.Journal (@MyBourbonJrnl) October 1, 2020

This is a fine whiskey that I would love to get my hands on. Wild Turkey Rare Breed carries a score of 93 from the Beverage Testing Institute. Looking at my local store prices, it runs around $45, so it's not going to break the bank, it's just a matter of finding it in the wild. 

A drop of Rare Breed 112.8 proof. In traditional Wild Turkey style the cork snapped on me as well 😧 luckily I keep old corks for just this occasion 👍#Bourbon #Whiskey #WildTurkey pic.twitter.com/EnIZxNWMOr

— Gentleman Grimm (@GentlemanGrimm) October 3, 2020

Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels

I've always liked finished whiskeys. That is to say, whiskeys finished in different types of

Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon
Whiskey is Finished in Port Barrels

barrels. So, when I got a bottle of Boondocks 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels for my birthday, I was excited. Of the four bottles I got for my birthday, this was the bottle I opened first. The flavors and aromas were amazing as soon as I opened the bottle, even for my primitive palate. I loved the "B" embossed on the glass of the bottle. 

About the Whiskey

• Distilled at Boondocks Distillery in Bardstown, KY
• Bottled at 45% ABV / 90 Proof
• Master Distiller David E Sheurich

 

Nose

The Bardstown Bourbon has great floral, fruity, and wine notes on the nose. This is the result of the port barrels. I have not found the whiskeys not aged in port or wine barrels have these aromas in them.

 

“Aged whiskey is hard to find. Good aged whiskey is even harder to find. It’s about investment, time and production.”

 

Appearance

The Bardstown Bourbon is copper in color, with long, lingering fingers. The whiskey almost hangs on the glass.

 

 

Taste

The Bardstown Bourbon has a sweet vanilla flavor it, though not overpowering as if the flavor was added. There is a buttery mouth feel, similar to the long hanging whiskey fingers. I got more of the port on the nose than I did in taste.

 

 

Finish

The Bardstown Bourbon has a long smooth finish, mostly on the front. This is not a hot whiskey, but there was a slight burn on end. I couldn't quit drinking it.

 

 

I really enjoyed this bourbon. It has a great flavor profile that opens up really nicely when a few drops of water is added to it. This is a great bourbon taken neat or with a few drops of water, but also lends itself to a few ice cubes as well.