Pikesville Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
55% ABV
$50
Website
pikesBottle
What the Distillery Says:
The long history of Maryland Rye began with the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, the Civil War brought thousands and thousands of outsiders to Maryland, who, upon war’s end, returned to other parts of the country, preferring the Maryland Rye they enjoyed during their stay. Pioneering Maryland businessmen worked to satiate this thirst for Maryland Rye with the help of improved railway infrastructure and the rise of coast-to-coast brand marketing.

L. Winand & Brothers Distillery was founded in the town of Scott’s Level, Maryland, just Northwest of Baltimore, where they began producing Pikesville Rye in 1895, named after the adjacent town. Historians speculate L. Winand & Brothers named their product Pikesville because “Scott’s Level” would have sounded too much like Scotch.

The passage of the 18th Amendment, which enacted Prohibition, forced the L. Winand & Brothers Distillery to close. Following repeal, businessman Andrew Merle acquired the Pikesville brand in 1936 and contracted Monumental Distillery, owned by Standard Distillers in Baltimore for distillation of the brand.

A collapsing smokestack accident in 1946 at Monumental caused a change of hands and the renaming to Majestic Distilling Corporation. With sales of Maryland Rye dwindling, Majestic ceased distillation in Baltimore in 1972, marking the end of Maryland Rye production and securing Pikesville’s place in history as the last-standing Maryland Rye brand. Even with the distillery in Baltimore closed, the brand survived on existing whiskey stocks until 1982 when it was sold to Heaven Hill. Since then, it has been produced in Kentucky and is now produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery.

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey refuses to be forgotten. First produced in Maryland in the 1890s, the brand, along with the rest of the once-booming Maryland Rye industry, was shuttered by prohibition. The brand reemerged after prohibition and became the last standing Maryland Rye, as the rest of the industry’s production had ceased. Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations, Heaven Hill keeps this historic Maryland mark alive with this award-winning six year old, 110 proof offering.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Pale copper
AROMA: Dusty cocoa notes with oaky smoke underneath
TASTE: Dry and spicy, with honeyed rye and cloves
FINISH: Soft vanilla and baking spices

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, orange zest & a hint of dark chocolate under rye spice.
Palate: Bright pepper spice w/ warm cinnamon rolls & clove; intense with citrus undertones.
Finish: Medium & peppery.
Comments: I’m a big rye fan – and I really like this whiskey. I’d have it in my cabinet . . . if it were less expensive. I think Rittenhouse BIB (also by Heaven Hill) is one of the best rye-buys on the market. This is basically that same distillate with a couple more years of age and at a higher proof. Age and proof aren’t the whole story (not sure where these are aged vs Rittenhouse), but to charge more than twice what I can pick up Rittenhouse BIB for seems a bit much for me. If this were more like $35-$40 – I would call it a “Must Try” (and honestly, if you consider yourself a rye fan – I really would look for an opportunity to try it . . . ideally without having to buy a whole bottle first).
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Melted chocolate oranges with mint tea by the smoker out in the backyard.
Palate: Aggressive and muscular. Cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves, allspice berries, crushed mint, and vanilla pods cured together in old, seasoned oak barrels.
Finish: Dry oak and slightly bitter with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Comments: A delicious and aggressive rye that, like it’s younger brother Rittenhouse, plays well in nearly all situations from cocktails to slow sippers and everything in between. Like Gary, my only complaint is the price. I realize that a number of ridiculously overpriced non-distilling producer bottled ryes of similar age are pushing up the market price. It really is a shame. Even still, I think this would be stellar in the $35 to $40 but at $50+ its a bit steep.
Rating: Stands Out

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Lord Lieutenant Kinahan’s 10 Year Old

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Lord Lieutenant Kinahan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 10 Years
Bottle Number: 080583, Batch 1
46% ABV
$60 to $70
Website
kinahan_s-10-year-old-single-malt-irish-whiskey-1
What the Bottler Says:
Kinahan’s was founded in 1779 on Trinity Street, Dublin. In 1807 Kinahan’s attracted the attention of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, so much so that he ordered for the whiskey to be kept exclusively for himself. This resulted in each cask being marked ‘L.L.’ (Lord Lieutenant).

In 1863 the Court of Dublin awarded Kinahan’s L.L. whiskey with legal protection against other Irish producers who were trying to invade the brand. This event is recorded in the Dublin archives, precedenting the first protection of a whiskey trademark in history.

By the mid 19th Century Kinahan’s L.L. whiskey came to the attention of many American connoisseurs, including Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology”. Kinahan’s L.L. is known to have been the whiskey of choice for Jerry Thomas since 1862.

Our Single Malt Irish Whiskey has been matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels for at least 10 years. Our Malt Master carefully samples the aged whiskey, cask by cask. He will only select single malt which overlays the original mellow, rich and full flavoured character that is unique to a forgotten Irish Whiskey of ‘L.L.’ flavour.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Richer, fuller, more well rounded and robust on the nose. Dark fruits and oatmeal raisin cookies.
Palate: Pleasant creamy sweetness with just a touch of light saltiness. Oranges, cherry pie, and cocoa powder come forward with a peppery woody back palate.
Finish: The finish is slightly dry and a little bland.
Comments: I saw this and thought “ugh, another bland sourced Irish Malt” but this is really a nice and enjoyable dram. It’s more flavorful and attention grabbing than I expected. I can’t say it’s a $70 malt but if it was under $50 I would recommend it highly.

Rating: Stands Out

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Egan’s 10 Year Old

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Egan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 10 Years
47% ABV
$50
Website
Egans-Irish-Whiskey
What the Bottler Says:
While bourbon and Scotch get more press, Irish whiskeys have quietly become the fastest growing, barrel-aged spirit in America. They’re accessible, highly aromatic and loaded with an abundance of palate pleasing flavors. In addition, years of steadily increasing popularity have not significantly driven up their price, thus keeping them relative bargains.

Among the brands fanning the category’s popularity is recent arrival EGAN’S SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY. Although new to the U.S. market, the whiskey can hardly be referred to as an overnight success. It actually represents a legacy of nearly 160 years. The founders established their firm on Bridge Street in the heart of Tullamore, County Offaly.

“For our initial foray into the American market we’ve selected a single malt that’s been barrel-aged for 10 years and bottled at 47% alcohol (94 proof),” says Jonathan Egan, 6th generation owner. “We firmly believe it to be one of the finest Irish single malts on the market. After a few minutes left alone with our whiskey, we’re confident that malt enthusiasts and aficionados will become lifelong fans.”

While I can’t speak for others, I’m convinced he’s right. The Egan’s Single Malt is bottled non-chill filtered, which leaves it unaltered and in full possession of its character. The whiskey has a fetching golden/amber appearance, a light, silky textured body and a generous fruit and malt bouquet. The longer you allow it to breath and fully oxygenate in the glass, the more of its engaging aromas will come forward. Egan’s has a slightly warm entry that quickly expands, filling the mouth with flavors of honey, malt, cranberries, apples and a bevy of baking spices. The long, dry finish reveals the added flavors of caramel and baking spices. With a price tag of under $50, it’s a virtual steal. Kudos

What Richard Says:
Nose: For a 10 Year old Cooley product the nose on this is more barrel forward. That lighter, grassy fresh, crisp apple Irish nose tucks itself way in the back behind the barrel.
Palate: Light, crisp, and fairly drinkable. I read somewhere that a fellow was referring to some of these rebranded Cooley malts as “relabeled Tyrconnell” or something to that effect. That’s fairly on par. I find this base whiskey to be unoffensive and fairly drinkable. However, in and of itself it does not leave much to bring you around for another go.
Finish: A little hotter than you would expect for an Irish whiskey of this age. It leaves you with impressions of wet wood and industrial solvents.
Comments: Meh. If this was $30 to $35 I would say average for a reasonably priced 10 year old Irish whiskey. Approaching $50 (and fortunately Matt bought this on sale) it’s an easy pass. There are a lot of whiskeys I would rather spend $50 on.
Rating: Probably Pass

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Yellow Spot

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Aged 12 Years
46% ABV
$99
Website
irish_yel1
What the Distillery Says:
Yellow Spot whiskey was last seen in Ireland in the mid to late 1960’s. Created and sold by Mitchell & Son Wine and Spirit Merchants, Yellow Spot was always a 12 year old whiskey which was slightly sweet due to the inclusion of some single pot still spirit which was matured in Spanish Malaga wine casks. Inspired by the original, Yellow Spot is the rare taste of a bonder’s style Pot Still Irish whiskey. Maturation in Bourbon barrels, Sherry butts and Malaga casks creates a superbly complex whiskey with fresh and sweet top notes.

Nose: Mown hay & cracked black pepper, Red bell peppers, nutmeg, clove oil & green tea. Sweet honey & peaches from the Malaga casks.
Taste: Honey sweetness with pot still spices. Flavours of fresh coffee, creamy milk chocolate & Creme Brulee. Notes of red apples & toasted oak.
Finish: Sophisticated & complex. Sweetness throughout, with a mix of red grape & dry barley upon exit.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Tobacco, candied ginger, eggnog, and vanilla drizzled peaches and cream.
Palate: Rich orange blossom honey, Del Monte fruit cocktail, and melted milk chocolate.
Finish: Sweet fruit playing against spicy black pepper.
Comments: Fantastic. Absolutely stellar. Easily my favorite 12 year old pot still Irish whiskey at drinking proof. (Redbreast Cask Strength still does it for me at the higher proof). The Sherry, Bourbon, and Malaga wood fit together seamlessly. For sure, this is an Irish Whiskey all should try. If it wasn’t so damn expensive I would be yelling in your ear that you have to get out there and buy a bottle.
Rating: Must Try

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Teeling Single Malt

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey
46% ABV
$50 to $55
Website
smallmalt_big
What the Distillery Says:
Third release in the Premium range of Teeling expressions completing our full range of non aged Irish whiskeys. Made from 100% Malted Barley from a range of different ages including Malt whiskey distilled in 1991. Aim to produce the most flavoursome NA Irish Single Malt based on our innovative maturation/finishing techniques while retaining the distinctive Irish smoothness. Consists of a vatting of 5 different wine cask (Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon) finished Irish Malt whiskeys. Like all the Teeling whiskeys it is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration allowing for all the natural flavours of the whiskey to be retained.

Nose Vibrant with notes of melon, figs, toffee and lemon
Taste A balance mix of dry fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves
Finish Long with sweetness in harmony with dry tannins from the wood

What Richard Says:
Nose: Crisp, fresh, fruity sweet, and slightly tannic. Apple peels, lemon bars, white chocolate shavings, and toffee crisps.
Palate: Vanilla cream on Christmas cakes followed by a snort of Port with a root beer chaser. As it opens up, more of the white chocolate from the nose starts coming out in the palate too.
Finish: Mildly wood, slightly tannic, and a spice grinder full of spices (not “spicy”).
Comments: I would say that there is a lot going on here but with a vatting of five different wine casks how could you not expect that. Surprisingly, the blending is superb and everything coalesces quite nicely. I’m having a hard time deciding whether I like this better or the Small Batch. But then again, if you don’t have to choose why would you.
Rating: Stands Out

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