Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks

56% ABV
$50
Website
Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Distillery Says

Lux Row Distillers makes Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish available nationwide

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 28, 2025) – Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers is expanding its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey family with the national release of Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish. The new release is crafted from small batches of 4-year-old ryed straight Kentucky bourbon finished for six months in casks that held PX Sherry, an intensely rich and sweet wine made from overly ripened, sun-dried grapes. Offered at 112 proof (56% ABV), Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish will be available nationwide in February at a minimum suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750mL bottle.

The PX Sherry cask finish imparts an aromatic bouquet of dried figs and dates, and decadent flavors of grape syrup and candied fruit followed by hints of spice, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate. The result is a unique and balanced pour.

“We wanted to meld the intensely sweet flavors of PX Sherry with the spicy, peppery flavor notes of our ryed bourbon,” said Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe. “The outcome is a delicious combination of two opposing yet complementary flavors that results in a truly unique expression.”

Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish debuted in October 2024 at Lux Row Distillers and quickly became a favorite of distillery visitors and guests.

“PX Sherry was an immediate hit at Lux Row,” said Lux Row Brand Manager Eric Winter. “We’re looking forward to expanding its footprint and sharing this unique offering with bourbon drinkers who are looking for one-of-a-kind flavor options and taste profiles.”

Lux Row Small Batch PX Sherry Cask Finish is the latest offering to join Lux Row’s award-winning brand family. Current Lux Row products include 12-year Double Barrel and Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel, which earned a Platinum medal at the Ascot Awards, a Double Gold designation at the SIP Awards and a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

TASTING NOTES
AROMA: An aromatic bouquet of dried figs and dates
PALATE: Flavors of grape syrup and candied fruit
FINISH: Hints of spice, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate

What Gary Says

Nose:  Caramel, vanilla, figs, plums, bit of orchard fruit and oak.
Palate: Creamy with caramel, chocolate, vanilla, grape soda, honey, nutmeg and a bit of cinnamon.
Finish:  Moderately long with baking spices and dark fruits.
Comments: Wow, this is just delicious! Full disclosure – I’m a fan of PX sherry maturation and finishes, so I went in expecting to really like this and was not disappointed. This nails that PX sherry finish balance without overpowering the bourbon base, and bottled at a respectable ABV – this drinks like a champ neat. A few drops of water won’t hurt it, and brings out some more orchard fruit on the nose, but I think this is a winner neat in a nosing glass.

Rating: Must Try

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Redbreast 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review / ,

Redbreast 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

58.9% ABV
$320
Website
Redbreast 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

What the Retailer Says

This elegantly sherried Redbreast was aged entirely in second-fill oloroso casks, making for a complex dram that balances notes of dried fruit and nuts with the distinctive spiciness of Irish pot still whiskey. After almost two decades in the Midleton distillery warehouses in County Cork, it shows excellent maturity with fine tannins and hints of dark chocolate. Outside of the celebrated core range, there are precious few Redbreast whiskies in the wild, so we are particularly proud to offer this limited-edition bottling exclusively to customers of The Whisky Exchange.

Nose: Opens with notes of black cherry and vanilla, accompanied by light dustings of nutmeg with a sherry nuttiness softly lingering in the background. The pot still spices continue to build along with delicate dried herbs, all gently resting on a solid oak foundation.
Palate: Delicate tannins at first, with the fruits slowly building over time adding hints of stewed apples and prune. The tannins continue to evolve adding dark chocolate undertones that work in harmony with a subtle honey-derived sweetness, complimenting the pot still spices and red liquorice confectionary notes.
Finish: The fading fruits and subtle sweetness allow the oak and sherry seasoning to have the last word, with the tannins lingering until the very end.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Sherried fruit with golden raisins and cherries, vanilla, nutmeg, oak, heather and soft wood spices.
Palate:  Rich mouthfeel, fruity with apples and pears, oak, dark chocolate, honey, baking spices, black cherries and toffee.
Finish:  Long, damp and syrupy with fruit notes.
Comments:  Just lovely and right in my wheelhouse. I’m a big fan of Redbreast, and also a fan of sherried matured/finished whisk(e)y. The use of secondary fill sherry casks rather than first fill is nice and offers more of a balance where the sherry isn’t dominant but isn’t hiding either. A bit of water opens this up, bringing the nose towards more tropical notes of candied pineapple and mango, and on the palate the toffee forward over the dark chocolate. All of that is delicious as well, but I’m drinking the remainder of this sample neat and enjoying every last step of that fruit and dark chocolate dance!

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

46% ABV
$100
Website
Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

What the Distillery Says

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. The whiskey was then finished in Tawny Port casks for a number of years, adding a new dimension to the profile used in the expression. All of the whiskeys then completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.

Nose: Sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelized almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character linger in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Taste: Rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins’ soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.

Finish: Lingering finish which sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Rich fruity malt with blood orange, currants, figs, honey, mincemeat pie (without the cloves).
Palate:  Creamy and fruity with orange, figs, caramel apple, nutmeg, honey and a hint of clove.
Finish:  Moderate in length with dark fruits and baking spices.
Comments:  Sometimes you find whiskies where the nose and the palate are quite different; one might even say the nose was misleading. That couldn’t be further from the truth with this dram – the two are very closely aligned. I’m a fan of Redbreast (the 12 year cask strength was the first Irish whiskey I really loved). I’m also a fan of port for finishing or maturation. Maybe the two of those combined had set my expectations too high, as I couldn’t fight off this feeling of disappointment. I mean – this is a really nice and very drinkable dram; just not as special as I had hoped it might be. Although to be fair, it isn’t priced as outrageously as others, so all in all, it balances out.

Rating: Stands Out

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Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Irish Whiskey

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review / ,

Two Stacks The First Cut
Signature Blend Irish Whiskey

43% ABV
$38 (700 mL) / $5 ($100 mL ‘Dram in a Can’)
Website
Two Stacks First Cut Signature Blend Irish WhiskeyTwo Stacks Dram in a Can Irish Whiskey
We would like to thank Two Stacks Whiskey and Raptor Communications for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Two Stacks Irish Whiskey Expands U.S. Distribution Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day Through Foley Family Wines & Spirits Partnership

Flagship Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Irish Whiskey Now Available Nationwide through Foley Distribution Network, Including Innovative “Dram in A Can”

SANTA ROSA, CA (February 3, 2025) – In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Two Stacks, one of only three recognized whiskey bonders in Ireland, is expanding the U.S. distribution of its flagship product – Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend Irish Whiskey – through its new import agency partnership with Foley Family Wines & Spirits. Both the 700 ml bottle of The First Cut and the unique 100 ml Dram in A Can are now available in 19+ U.S. markets, including NY, MA, FL, MN, and and are expected to achieve national distribution by the end of the year.

As more discerning Irish Whiskey drinkers reach for bottles during St. Patrick’s Day and other celebratory occasions that combine authenticity and tradition with quality and innovation, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey blends these attributes. Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend is the marriage of five whiskeys from some of Ireland’s most lauded distilleries making it a clear demonstration of the time-honored craft of bonding and blending. With two Single Grain Whiskeys providing the foundation, a Pot Still Whiskey (an Ireland-only geographic indicated spirit) lends layers of green apple and spice; a Double-Distilled Malt Whiskey adds body, rich mouthfeel and rounded fruity esters; and a Peated Malt Whiskey adds a hint of smoke.

Two Stacks’ signature five-part blend showcases transparency at its core, proudly highlighting the distilleries that contribute to its unique character. While this blend hails from Great Northern Distillery, Two Stacks collaborates with more than 17 distilleries across the island of Ireland, including Killowen, Boann, Adara, Dingle and Echlinville Distillery. Every label details the exact blend composition and the origins of the distillates, ensuring customers know exactly what is in their whiskey. This blend comprises 40% Single Grain Whiskey (aged in former Kentucky Bourbon casks), 40% Single Grain Whiskey (aged in virgin American Oak casks), 8% Pot Still Whiskey (aged in Oloroso Sherry casks), 10% Double-Distilled Malt Whiskey (aged in former Kentucky Bourbon casks), and 2% Peated Malt Whiskey (aged in former Kentucky Bourbon casks). Blended and bottled/canned at 86 Proof, it exemplifies both craftsmanship and full product transparency.

“Two Stacks The First Cut Signature Blend features Peated Malt Whiskey,” noted Two Stacks Co-Founder Shane McCarthy. “Peat is typically associated with Scotch, but, in fact, has a rich legacy in Irish whiskey history. As recently as the early 1800’s, historians noted an abundance of ‘smoky’ Irish whiskeys, primarily from northwest Ireland, where peat was an abundant fuel source.”

While only two percent of the final blend, the 4+ year old Peated Malt Whiskey adds more than a very light smoke. It delivers a layer of flavor complexity not found in other Irish whiskeys, as it contributes to an exceptionally long finish and a defined, robust character. According to the founders, The First Cut Signature Blend brings melted butter, peach, and a hint of black tea and brown sugar on the nose; seeded bread, a hint of toasty oak, butterscotch and blackberry greet the palate; followed by a long finish, with plenty of honeyed warmth.

Before the 1930s, there were hundreds of recognized whiskey bonders in Ireland – now there are just three, including Two Stacks. A whiskey bonder has the unique ability to take whiskeys from different distilleries, employ further aging if desired, and create truly differentiating whiskeys versus a single distillery laying down continuous distillate of a similar profile.

Two Stacks was founded in 2020 by three friends, Shane McCarthy, Liam Brogan and Donal McLynn, whose friendship began over 15 years ago, rooted in a shared love of Irish hospitality and a deep passion for Irish history & culture. Their singular goal of changing the narrative on Irish Whiskey would be achieved by reaching into Ireland’s deep whiskey roots and putting real people back into the fine art of Irish Whiskey making to create complex, sophisticated blends capable of challenging any Whiskey in the world.

In addition to a 700 ml sustainable bottle made from 100% recycled glass ($37.99 MSRP), The First Cut Signature Blend is also available in a ground-breaking 100 ml Dram in a Can ($4.99 MSRP). Both products may also be purchased online https://twostackswhiskey.com/. The recyclable aluminum can provides added convenience for those wanting to enjoy a high-quality whiskey on the go. With the new embossed bottles, Two Stacks is one of the first brands using 80% recycled glass, along with all-natural cork and recycled plastic seals.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Heather, vanilla, peaches, apples, cereal with a hint of peat.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, fruity with peaches and sweet lemon custard, toffee, vanilla and a bit of spice.
Finish:  Moderately long and syrupy with fading fruit notes and vanilla.
Comments:  This as a really lovely, thick mouthfeel for a 43% dram!  The non-chill filtration really stands out, and they need to CALL THAT OUT (they don’t mention this on the web-site or in the press release; it does state on the bottle that this is non-chill filtered and in the glass that’s evident – and a differentiator!) Solid Irish whiskey, especially at this price point.  Sure, I’d love to see this at a higher ABV but if it isn’t cask strength that’s often the case. The ‘Dram in a Can’ didn’t taste different – I tried them both side by side and while not EXACTLY the same, they were incredibly similar.  Definitely no ‘off’ flavors from the canned dram, which I wondered about. Personally I’d just buy a bottle and use a flask for ‘on-the-go’ pours, but to each their own.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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High West High Country American Single Malt Whiskey

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

High West High Country
American Single Malt Whiskey

44.8% ABV
$80
Website
High West High Country American Single Malt Whiskey
We would like to thank High West Whiskey and lippe taylor for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

High West’s High Country American Single Malt is a single malt whiskey distilled and blended by High West in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, aged for 4-8 years. Recognized for its robust, flavor-forward profile, this year’s expression features unique notes of sourdough French Toast, crème caramel and fresh-picked kumquats. This monumental release marks a momentous occasion for the distillery on the heels of the TTB’s decision last month to formally recognize American single malt as an official whiskey category in the U.S.

“We can’t wait to share this year’s High Country American Single Malt with whiskey lovers throughout the state,” said Tara Lindley, Director of Blend & Sensory at High West Distillery. “With a slightly older age perception, the blended single malt whiskeys of this rendition were aged in used and new charred white American oak barrels, with a portion finished in French oak Ruby Port, Oloroso Sherry, and PX Sherry barrels for a distinctly robust flavor profile.”

Bottles of the limited run of High Country American Single Malt are available now throughout Utah. The spirit can be purchased at High West General Store in Old Town Park City, High West Distillery on Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, or UT state liquor stores for $79.99 per bottle.

On the Nose: Wildflower honey, golden raisins, lemon peel, chamomile, sourdough French toast, roasted Brazil nuts, mossy wooden bridge over a babbling brook
Palate: Rich layered toffee notes, ripe cantaloupe, graham cracker, crème caramel, dried hay, puffed cereal, cocoa nibs, leather
Finish: Fresh-picked kumquats, maple pecan pie
How to Drink: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water while appreciating a magnificent western vista.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Apricot, pears, honey suckle, floral notes, nutty with a bit of oak.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet and fruity with baked pears, apricots and tangerines, vanilla with a bit of pepper spice.
Finish:  Moderate in length, drying with pepper spice and a light caramel note.
Comments:  American Single Malt Whiskey is still a pretty new category, which is exciting and challenging at the same time. Exciting as it lends itself well to innovation and different approaches, but challenging as there isn’t a “baseline expectation”. I found this pour to be interesting, and definitely won’t be confused with bourbon or rye. This has more in common with its cousins from across the pond. The lower ABV lends to this being easy to drink and approachable, although it leaves me wondering ‘what might have been’ at a higher proof. Maybe a cask strength limited edition someday?

Rating: Stands Out

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