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. 

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

Whiskey Roundup - Bourbon

Late to the punch again this week. It's almost time to be thinking about next week's roundup, and here I

am just getting out the words for this week's collection. This week, I am writing about whiskey that is uniquely American, bourbon. 

I agree with Dick. The Jim Beam Repeal Batch was great. Way more drinkable than the white label, lending it to being drinkable on it's own, outside of a mixed drink. I wrote a review about the Repeal Batch a while back. 

Dug this bottle out of the back of the cabinet tonight. Forgot I even had it. Similar to the white label. Thin and not much complexity. Still not bad though. I'd drink this over white label Beam any day. #bourbon pic.twitter.com/vAr5BAgxc1

— Dick (@NordenLizard) July 1, 2020

I would love to go sit down and help with this collection! This is the kind of whiskey collection that needs friends and good conversations. There are a few standouts and I would love to sink my teeth in to that Knob Creek and the Rare Breed! 

So, who wants to come help? #bourbon pic.twitter.com/PUGPqlosEw

— TheBigMike1983 (@thebigmike1983) July 3, 2020

Sometimes I think that every night is an Old Fashioned kind of night. It's a cocktail you can settle in with and enjoy a good book or share deep conversations with. Like most, I discovered this great cocktail while watching Mad Men, and it became my weekly tradition to have friends over to watch the new episode and pour a couple of Old Fashioneds.  

It feels like an old fashioned kind of night. Cheers all out there. I hope you’ve had a great day and have an even better night. #LoveYouAll #Bourbon #OldFashioned pic.twitter.com/esG0csmiOe

— Critical Poet (@CriticalPoet) July 4, 2020

The Willet Pot Still is a bourbon that honestly gets shit on a lot. It is a very polarizing bourbon. Is it the best bourbon out there? No. Is the worst bourbon on the market? Also no. Now, I don't have it in my current collection and I don't plan on running out to get a new bottle. If I found myself in a situation where this was the only bourbon option, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it. 

Dicided to give the Willet Pot Still another try. It has improved a little since I initially opened it up months ago. Still not great though. Heavy corn and ethanol taste to it. Just doesn't fit my taste profile. #bourbon pic.twitter.com/vwqtHGH09C

— Dick (@NordenLizard) June 28, 2020

Whiskey Roundup - Scotch

This week, The Whiskey Roundup is all about Scotch. I searched Twitter with #scotch. I found a lot of great posts to share! We're going to look at  everything from scotch reviews and new releases to first scotches to sherry cask finished scotches.

Let's dive in to the Roundup!

Dewar's was the first Scotch I ever tried back in college. Back then, it was the White Label. My tastes have come a long way since then.
 

A #luxurywhisky deserves a #luxurychocolate – our @dewars 18 goes perfectly with this 70% chocolate from #VirungaNationalPark in DR Congo. The richness of the chocolate brings added refinement to the smooth almond & butterscotch of this #whisky #homeofdewars #itsdramtime pic.twitter.com/KGOtarRfbY

— Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery (@DewarsAberfeldy) May 9, 2018

That's a fine bottle. I bought the same for a friend recently. Can't wait to sit down and share it with him. Maybe with a nice cigar too!

After dinner #relaxation #cigars #scotch #whisky #music #botl #sotl 🥃🍂💨💨 pic.twitter.com/Qxposfy2Co

— Vincent Di Virgilio (@VIPvinnyD) June 24, 2020

 New whiskey and scotch releases are exciting. It's always great to have a source to go to let you know all about the new releases that are coming out. 

https://t.co/lvzgleXB0b New and upcoming whisky releases: Ardbeg 2000 single cask, Glenmorangie Malaga Cask, Craigellachie 1995 and more... @Ardbeg @TheGlenmorangie #scotch #whisky pic.twitter.com/ypOAfR1AOM

— WhiskyNotes (Ruben) (@WhiskyNotes) June 27, 2020

I'm a big fan of tasting notes and reviews, especially when they are showcasing special cask projects and special releases!

Quick Fire Whisky Tasting Notes: @GlenMorayDist Madeira Cask Project: https://t.co/HY7us3XdfW @GlenMorayIain #scotch #whisky #review pic.twitter.com/MoK3AgJy9k

— Steve Rush 🥃 (@TheWhiskyWire) June 27, 2020

#NEW #SCOTCH! Edradour 10 Year Old 2020 UCF - CASK #117

Sherried scotches are my favorite scotch expressions. I'm always looking for a new one to try.  

The latest bottle of sherried loveliness. A firm whisky staple at TWB and favourite of our customers.

Buy online now at #TheWhiskyBarrel.com - https://t.co/0fFoyAX6YZ pic.twitter.com/NGdRZDq9TN

— The Whisky Barrel (@WhiskyBarrel) June 26, 2020

 The more I look in to the world of scotch, the more I realize that my scotch knowledge is limited. There are distilleries I've never heard of releasing bottles I've never ever dreamed. I can't wait to continue my journey through the world of scotch!

https://t.co/s9gWTjDk88 Undisclosed Orkney 2000, rather muscular and high quality. One of the latest bottlings from Le Gus't #scotch #whisky pic.twitter.com/dgWuyU30VD

— WhiskyNotes (Ruben) (@WhiskyNotes) June 26, 2020

Slainte! 

Whiskey Roundup - Father's Day 2020

Today is Father's Day, a day to honor, celebrate, and spoil the dads in our lives. I don't know a lot of dads who don't like whiskey, so Father's Day is the perfect day to kick off the new format for the Whiskey

Roundup. I'll be searching for a whiskey topic each week, and incorporating that in to the Whiskey Roundup. Some weeks, as I found with Father's Day, the topic will not have as much to cover.

That's almost freaky fast. I do love some Colorado Whiskey, so will have to give these guys a look. I wonder if it makes it's way down to Texas from those beautiful Rockies.

Speed of light...
.
.
.#291coloradowhiskey #coloradowhiskey #FathersDayWhiskey #hardmadethecoloradoway #livefastdrinkresponsibly #everythingmatters #rideitlikeyoustoleit #drinkitlikeyouownit #whiskey #ruggedrefinedrebellious #whisky #bourbon #worldwhiskeyawards #cowboywhiskey pic.twitter.com/vrEo4Ld7C4

— Distillery 291 ®️ (@distillery291) June 12, 2020

Whiskey is a great gift for dad. Order it here online for a special gift.  Even if it comes in late, I don't thank dad would mind!

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21. If Dad is a whiskey lover, you’ve found the place for the perfect gift. Award-winning Maritime Whiskeys found only here! Show Dad Some Love by ordering online. https://t.co/houJnkPfTr. #cadeedistillery #maritimewhiskey #fathersdaywhiskey pic.twitter.com/bRcMPMR9oK

— Cadée Distillery LLC (@cadeedistillery) June 1, 2020

Whiskey Roundup 06/07/20 to 06/13/30

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey

articles! This is the Whiskey Roundup! 

This piqued my interest, but now that I'm writing this, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm excited to get back to normal, but I think we still need to be smart about it. Either way, I wish Motor City Gas the best.

Motor City Gas is officially back open for #cocktail service. Thursday/Friday 5–10 PM, Saturday 2-10 PM and Sunday 2-7 PM. We are still doing “to go” #whiskey flights and cocktail kits. Email MotorCityGas@Gmail.com for a full menu. pic.twitter.com/feYwY2GaCr

— MOTOR CITY GAS (whiskey distillery) (@MotorCityGas1) June 12, 2020

This is awesome! I'm a huge fan of alternative fuels/energy sources to make a better future. Now, let's see how alternative energy does with whiskey!

Cheers to a brighter future! ☀️ 🥃

173 solar modules were transformed to help us convert sunshine to whiskey in style.

🎥 - @samesunvt#WhistlePig #Farm #SolarPowered #Whiskey pic.twitter.com/4Nuf7PuX79

— WhistlePig Whiskey (@WhistlePigRye) June 10, 2020

For any traveling whiskey drinker, this is a super cool idea. I know if I were taking a tour of Ireland, this would be a must to help me map out my travels! 

Making a start on listing Irish Distilleries.. #irishwhiskey #ireland #whiskey pic.twitter.com/7c9I8UMq3j

— Whisky-Finder (@WhiskyFinder) June 12, 2020

 For budget reasons, $50 is right at the top end of what I typically pay for a bottle of whiskey. I know that leaves a lot on the table. I've been seeing Old Scout out there, but haven't made a move on it yet. Good to see it's in my range.

This bottle is fantastic. $50 and one hell of a pick in the Orlando area. Will include a sample to one of the winners today.

Cheers 🥃#whiskey pic.twitter.com/yxuXJ3zXj3

— Mat Houchens (@MatHouchens) June 13, 2020

Whiskey Roundup 05/31/20 to 06/06/20

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey articles! These

Whiskey Roundup

are may favorites for this week!

I had no idea that the other day was National Donut Day, until we were driving along and decided to stop for a snack. Maybe the only thing that could have made that donut stop better was to have a small bottle of whiskey to go along with it. I guess I could have pulled out the flask I had in my backpack. I'm kidding. Don't drink and drive folks.  

Need some ideas for #NationalDonutDay and what #whiskey to put in your glass? Well, you are in luck!@whiskyanddonuts have just the site for you.https://t.co/xyNB2R6QLU pic.twitter.com/e2Rp8VRPve

— Spirit Ice Vice (@SpiritIceVice) June 5, 2020

Here's a cocktail using one of my favorite rye whiskies, that just happens to be from Texas, like me. At first glance, I'm not sure how these flavors would go together, but then again, I'm no mixologist. I do know that the orange bitters and rye go great together. I think the solution here is to go get the missing ingredients for my bar and try this one out myself.   

1.75 oz. @BalconesWhisky rye
.5 oz. Campari
.25 oz. Creme De Cassis
2 dashes Orange Bitters

Combine all ingredients in a stirring glass with ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel.https://t.co/sFeH3HRvFY#whiskey #cocktails pic.twitter.com/LyWeooB9Dl

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) June 5, 2020

 Another cocktail. This one looks amazing with the foam and cherries on top. Did you know that angostura bitters originated in Trinidad & Tobago? Also, be sure to check out the link for the whiskey cocktail recipes!

@mysugarthumb1's classic cocktail, enhanced with Angostura bitters (originating from House of Angostura in Trinidad & Tobago) is perfect for cleansing the palate for an evening sip.

Get this and 100+ Whiskey Cocktai recipes: https://t.co/9uedibfrp1#feedfeed #cocktails #whiskey pic.twitter.com/PrIqY30VyR

— feedfeed Julie & Dan (@the_feedfeed) June 5, 2020

Current Whiskey Inventory

I don't know about you, but I like to keep track of my current whiskey inventory. I get some flack for the amount that I have on hand, and I want to make sure I don't double up on anything. It's also a good way to keep track of whether you have tried something or not.

What is in your current whiskey inventory?

Current Whiskey Inventory

Bourbons

Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1835 Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Repeal Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bulleit 10 Year Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bulleit Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bulleit Blenders Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Weller Special Reserve The Original Wheated Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Garrison Brothers TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey

TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Small Batch

Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Evan Williams BIB Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Hickory Hill Single Barrell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Col EH Taylor Small Batch BIB Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rye

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Bulleit 12 Year Rye Whiskey

Balcones TX Rye 100 Proof Whiskey

Whiskey

Clyde Mayes Alabama Style Whiskey

Mellow Corn Straight Corn Kentucky Whiskey BIB

Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whiskey

Crown Royal Black Blended Canadian Whiskey

TX Blended Whiskey

Suntory Whisky Toki

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Scotch

Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch

Glenmorangie Highlands Single Malt Scotch

The MacAllan 12 Single Malt Scotch

Oban 14 Single Malt West Highland Scotch

Glendronach 12 Highland Single Malt

Laphroaig 10 Islay Single Malt

Laphroaig 15 Islay Single Malt

Johnnie Walker Wine Cask Blend

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Whiskey Roundup 03/22/20 to 03/28/20

Whiskey Roundup

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey articles! This is the Whiskey Roundup!


I'm beyond proud of the way distillers and brewers alike are coming together and working outside of their normal modes, in an effort to some good for these strange times we are in. We can all do our part during these crazy times.

We are making hand sanitizer today. 🤷🙌 Hard to believe all retailers in the area are still out-of-stock of something that is so simple to make and so vital in this crisis.#handsanitizer #coronavirus #covid_19 #craftspirits #whiskey #whisky #rum #oakland #california #brandy pic.twitter.com/nBlXLimmJU

— Wright & Brown Distilling Co. (@wrightandbrown) March 22, 2020

I've always been a fan of reading. I've said that learning never stops, and once you think you know everything, is when things start to fall apart. Reading is the perfect thing to do with your time if you are on lock down. It doesn't have to be educational or whiskey reading, but I'd suggest them both!

Some light reading to get me through the #LockInNotLockDown #whiskey #whiskeyreads pic.twitter.com/n4pZZ5934w

— whiskeyrunner (@whiskeyrunner2) March 28, 2020

This is what we need to see. Alcohol has been declared an essential business during these strange times. In states with less than relaxed alcohol laws, making it legal to ship to your door is the right thing to do. People are still going to get and buy it. Let's keep everyone home as much as we can and let it be brought to their doorsteps!

Kentucky Passes Alcohol Shipping Bill # Bourbon #Whiskey

✔️ “House Bill 415 passed today, which will allow producers to ship spirits directly to consumers.” https://t.co/E9yfmtFNgl

— All Things Bourbon (@BourbonTrends) March 27, 2020

Sometimes, you want to try something new. The Old Fashioned or the Fancy Free may not not be sounding so great tonight and you want to try out a cocktail you've never had before. Here are three more to try out tonight to help break the ice.

Three More Whiskey Cocktails - Wharf 21 Drink John Collins, rusty naul https://t.co/ugcLgmJyW5 6 #whiskey pic.twitter.com/PZG97dnUOX

— The Whisk(e)y Chap 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥃 (@whiskeychap) March 28, 2020

Scotch Week

To kick off the New Year, I am going to be doing another new series! I like doing these series because it is a great opportunity to explore new whiskies.

Scotch Week

I'm excited to announce Scotch Week! Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! I'll be doing daily Scotch posts and may even dive into a whiskey review or two. I was tempted to include some Scotch blends, but in the end I decided to stick to all single malt Scotches.

It all starts on Sunday!

For those of you out there not following along on social media, be sure to follow to see the daily posts!

Instagram: @thewhiskeytapes
Twitter: @tapeswhiskey
Facebook: @thewhiskeytapes

Here is what I'll be featuring next week on Scotch Week!

1. The MacAllan 12
2. Glen Moray
3. Glenmorangie Original
4. Laphroaig 10
5. The GlenDronach 12
6. Oban 14
7. Laphroaig 15

25 Days of Whiskey 2019

This year marks the 3rd year I have done 25 Days of Whiskey on my Instagram. It started out on the Me, Myself, and Cuisine Instagram page, before I started The Whiskey Tapes last year! I've always liked doing the 25 Days of Whiskey, because it allows me explore so many whiskeys in such a short time.

This is a sneak peak at the whiskeys I am featuring this on the 25 Days of Whiskey!



25 Days of Whiskey

1. Weller Special Reserve
2. Suntory Whisky Toki
3. Bulleit Rye 12 Year
4. Four Roses Small Batch
5. Balcones Baby Blue
6. TX Blended Whiskey
7. 1835
8. Johnnie Walker Wine Cask Blend
9. Col. E.H. Taylor Small Batch
10. The MacAllan 12 Year
11. Jameson Irish Whiskey
12. Balcones 100 Rye
13. Johnnie Walker Black Label
14. Bulleit Bourbon
15. The Glendronach 12 Year
16. Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon
17. Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whiskey
18. Clyde Mayes Alabama Style
19. Title No. 21 American Whiskey
20. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 
21. Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon
22. Crown Royal Black Label
23. Laphroaig 10 Year
24. Garrison Brothers Bourbon
25. Hickory Hill Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Whiskey Roundup 11/10/19 to 11/16/19

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey articles!
These are may favorites for this week!

Sometimes the best cocktails are made out of what was on hand, with no real plan!

Just a quick #cocktail with what I had around, no idea of the name. Tasty, though.

2 oz #rye #whiskey
.5 oz Benedictine
.5 oz cherry liqueur
4 dashes chocolate bitters

Build in rocks glass, stir with ice, express & garnish with orange twist. pic.twitter.com/s37FHRyEog

— Eric Lewis (@TheHeronKing) November 16, 2019

This pretty well sums up where I want to be right now!

Photo of the day #whiskey pic.twitter.com/ZgsPAccZrT

— Whiskey Scene (@whiskeyscenemag) November 15, 2019

I love Texas Whiskey! Great to see so many great brands on display!

Texas representing at a charity gala! #texaswhiskey #experiencetexaswhiskey #whiskey #charityevent pic.twitter.com/xZzZ0bBTSx

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) November 10, 2019

This sounds dangerously drinkable! Warned up, it would be great around the holidays with the cooler weather!

#Phoenix in #November. Salted Caramel #Whiskey on the rocks with apple slices by the pool. pic.twitter.com/SuKUMwcemT

— Kelly Loubet Singh (@kellyloubet) November 10, 2019

That's a nice glass, with a damn nice whiskey behind it! Happy birthday Brian!

This glass makes #whiskey better #birthday lunch pic.twitter.com/EhLWuFnvLt

— Brian (@Dobboinaus) November 10, 2019

Whiskey Roundup 11/03/19 to 11/09/19

Every Saturday I go through Twitter with #whiskey and roundup my favorite whiskey articles! These are may favorites for this week!

I love this. A daughter, promoting her dad's whiskey and telling you where to get it!

My Dads whiskey “Duke and Dame” is now at the @HardRockHolly 🤩🤩
At their Daer nightclub and Dayclub. Then their rooftop bar in 6 weeks! #SupportBlackBusinesses #whiskey pic.twitter.com/ocVvn4KcGz

— Taylor (@TaylorAleana) November 8, 2019

It's not my go to, but sometimes when I slow down long enough, I do enjoy to sit down for a nice peated whiskey.

Find our Peated Whiskey at #SageVeganBistro locations across Los Angeles!
___#LARestaurants #Pasadena #CulverCity #EchoPark #Whiskey #LA #CraftDistillery pic.twitter.com/vfdVGQVaGL

— Stark Spirits (@StarkSpirits) November 9, 2019

I like this lineup. I'm going to have to go out and find it!

Fall means whiskey weather. Settle in with a nice glass and a good book. #TimSmithSpirits #Whiskey pic.twitter.com/bJilvp0y5w

— Tim Smith Spirits (@TimSmithSpirits) November 8, 2019

There's something comforting about consistency.

We’re known for our Original thinking. #DrinkResponsibly #Bushmills #Whiskey #IrishWhiskey pic.twitter.com/CSzPJ9c9xO

— Bushmills Ireland (@BushmillsIRL) November 2, 2019

I like a hotel that promotes their whiskey menu!

Have you tried the new #whiskey menu at #TheHotelHershey? The #IberianLounge has more than 100 whiskeys from around the world, including a private selection of hard-to-find whiskeys, such as one-time releases, small batches and single barrels. #HersheyPA pic.twitter.com/8B3iEMIY2U

— Hershey PA (@HersheyPA) November 8, 2019

I had the same thought. Still need to give it a try!

Never seen #whiskey in a tin container before pic.twitter.com/IFCZjZcKvw

— Darrylw71 (@darrylw71) November 1, 2019

The Sexton

I picked up The Sexton for St Paddy's day after looking for an Irish Whiskey that wasn't the usual Jameson or Bushmills. Don't get me wrong, I like both of those. They're both great whiskies. But, it's nice to change it up some times. The Sexton was recommended to me in a whiskey group on
Facebook and I went looking.

The Sexton

About the Whiskey:

One of the coolest things about The Sexton is that in the midst of a boys club, master distiller Alex Thomas has managed to create an amazing whiskey in a man's world! That is amazingly cool. The Sexton is triple distilled in copper pot stills and then aged in former Oloroso sherry casks, from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

From the Bottle:

I love the label and the overall design of the bottle. It's unique. The delivery of the product goes beyond what's simply inside the bottle. Turn the bottle and read as you drink:

Up in the cold grey Northern reaches

of County Antrim

The Sextons tend to the spirits

digging the fresh graves of the 

river rush graveyard

and planting stone crosses

in the soft mowed grass.

Show up just before dawn,

when the dew is glistening

on the headstones,

and you'll catch the

cool morning breeze

carrying the fresh scent of

unmistakable oak from a breathing cask.

Follow that scent into the crypt

and you might find a locked door, 

faintly glowing at its edges 

through that door.

Find the rows of beckoning

European Oak,

once the sacramental casks of

fine sherry, now brimming with Aqua Vitae.

You see, the be a Sexton is a spiritual trade,

and whiskey is their favorite spirit,

Tasting Notes

Color:

The Sexton is amber in color

Nose: 

The Sexton has sweet notes of caramel and spice, not spicy, but cloves. 

Taste:

The Sexton carries the notes of caramel and spice over from the nose, but then you are introduced to notes of vanilla and dried fruit and some nutty notes as well.

Finish:

The Sexton is smooth with a creamy mouth feel. The finish is medium, not long or too short. On the finish the notes of vanilla and caramel return, leaving you with the notes of spices giving you a warm feeling as you set the glass down to enjoy what you just had.