2014

Hudson Four Grain Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Hudson Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey
46% ABV
$45 to $50 (375 mL bottle)
Website
4grain-bourbon-300x300
What the Distillery Says:
Hudson Four Grain Bourbon whiskey brings together the distinct characteristics of corn, rye, wheat and malted barley. Each batch starts with 800 pounds of grain which is ground at the distillery, cooked and fermented, then distilled twice. It is aged in our signature small barrels. Our Four Grain Bourbon is a rich full-flavored spirit. The grains are perfectly suited one to the others so that the end result balances the soft richness of corn, the sharp peppery notes of rye, all the smooth subtlety of wheat and the sweetness of malted barley. Each bottle is hand numbered.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Cornbread; more like a corn whiskey than a typical bourbon; bit of burnt sugar and a hint of orange zest
Palate: Creamy corn syrup that starts off soft, and sharpens with a bit of spice at the end. This dram doesn’t attempt to mask its youthful age, but rather wears it proudly. Slight cinnamon undertone.
Finish: Relatively short but smooth, with a little spice.
Comments: I wish I had the Hudson Baby Bourbon on hand for a direct comparison, as this reminds me a lot of that, which is a 100% corn mashbill. The corn shines more easily with less age, leaving the wheat, rye and barely to play minor supporting roles. While an interesting whiskey, the price point of around $50 for a 375 mL is hard to fork over – unless you really like young corn whiskey.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank Exposure America for providing us with a review sample.

Editorial Note: I would like to take a minute to welcome Gary to the Whisk(e)y Apostle team! Long time readers will know that Whisk(e)y Apostle was never meant to be a one man show. I think diversity of opinion is at the core of what we are trying to proselytize. I’ve had a few people review with me over the years after Matt couldn’t do it any longer. Now though, I’ve found a great guy with a fantastic palate who geeks out about whiskey (mostly bourbon and rye) as much a me. Since we were sent a sample of this bourbon and Matt and I already reviewed it a while ago I thought it would be a great first review for Gary. Please welcome him to the team!

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Balblair 1989

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Balblair 1989 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2nd Release
43% ABV
$130
Website
Balblair_Bt_Box89_whisky_detail
What the Distillery Says:
Balblair Vintage 1989 2nd release was introduced in 2010. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights.

Aroma: The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance.

Palate: On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness.

Finish: Long, complex and smooth finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely nose of bright floral notes, bananas, and canned apple pie filling.
Palate: Fruity sweet with the intensity of dried fruit and raisins.
Finish: A little black pepper on the way down. There’s an odd rubber/medicinal note mid finish and then it smooths out into mellow oak.
Comments: A very nice middle aged expression of Balblair. This one is for those whisky drinkers with a sweet tooth. The finish is a little off putting but then just keep drinking so that it stays on the palate and problem solved!
Rating: Stands Out

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Balblair 2002

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Balblair 2002 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$60
Website
Balblair 2002 Hi Res
What the Distillery Says:
Balblair 2002 is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky that has been uniquely marked with the age the whisky has been laid down.

Balblair was established in 1790, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Every year, Balblair Distillery Manager John MacDonald tastes, judges and selects straight from the cask, bottling at exactly the right moment, when the balance between the age and the character of the whisky is at its best. Small batches are made available when the time is right, making Balblair a malt that is released in vintages.

Tasting Notes
Color: Balblair 2002 has a sparkling gold appearance.
Nose: On the nose there are the signature Balblair aromas: floral and fragrant with zesty fruits such as oranges and lemons. The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels used in the maturation impart toffee and vanilla notes.
Taste: Full-bodied, yet sweet and spicy in character, with hints of oranges, lemons, green apples, toffee, and vanilla. There is a typical long finish as the floral and fruit notes develop and combine with the initial spice and sweetness from the American oak casks.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Bright cherries, overripe bananas, kiwi, and flowery. A Caribbean Banana Mama?
Palate: Milk chocolate, raw nuts, vanilla, light sweet caramel. Caramel flan with a kiwi reduction.
Finish: Light, floral finish with very little wood or burn.
Comments: Wow, what a difference a couple of years makes. The 2002 vintage is head and shoulders above the 2000 we reviewed earlier. A light aperitif dram for sure but very nice.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank the Thomas Collective and International Beverage for providing samples for review.

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Balblair 2000

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Balblair 2000 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
43% ABV
$55
Website
Balblair_2000_whisky_detail
What the Distillery Says:
The 2000 Vintage was a superbly well balanced, full-bodied malt with aromas of pears, pineapple and green apples. Introduced in July 2010, this Vintage replaced the popular 1997, as the youngest Vintage in the Balblair collection.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Balblair 2000 is bright golden in appearance

Aroma: Hints of honey and vanilla, that come from the long years of maturation in American ex bourbon oak barrels, can also be detected, adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage.

Palate: On the palate the sweet, honey, floral notes combined with hints of coconut and rich spices.

Finish: A smooth, long lasting and warming finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Crisp apples and light honeysuckle notes.
Palate: Light and almost non-existent. The body is reminiscent of water. The sweetness and hints of floral notes are even lighter than on the nose.
Finish: Clean, crisp, and short.
Comments: Whoa, not a fan. This is so light it’s almost like a slightly more tasty vodka. I’m looking for a lot more than this from my scotch.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank International Beverage for sending us the review sample.

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Hudson Baby Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey
46% ABV
$40 to $45 (375ml bottle)
Website
babybourbon-300x300
What the Distillery Says:
HUDSON BABY BOURBON is the first bourbon whiskey to be distilled in New York. This single grain bourbon is made from 100% New York corn and aged in our special small American Oak barrels. This unique aging process produces a mildly sweet, smooth spirit with hints of vanilla and caramel. The BABY is Tuthilltown’s first whiskey and the first legal pot-distilled whiskey made in New York since prohibition. BABY BOURBON is a perfect introduction to aged whiskey spirits. It is mild and friendly, bright to the tongue and warming all the way down. Each bottle is hand waxed and numbered. It is a true American classic. The BABY is our most sought after spirit. Make sure you alert your fine spirits dealer today to ensure your supply.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The corn whiskey is heavy on the nose. There’s just a hint of vanilla but not much. No doubt from the short(3 months) time in the barrel. Oddly, there is something here that reminds me of Woodford Reserve.
Palate: Sweet cornbread drizzled with cinnamon icing.
Finish: It is a little hot on the finish but smoother than I expected.
Comments: I’m not the biggest fan of the craft whiskey movement. I find most of it over priced and underwhelming. However, this one is hiting some interesting flavor spots for me. It’s very tasty and approachable. It’s still a little hard to swallow at $40 to $50 for half bottle but very tasty.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Jaimie and Exposure America for providing us with a review sample. They were also kind enough send over a cocktails suggestion too!

Blackberry Baby Bourbon Sour
2 oz. Hudson Baby Bourbon
3-4 Fresh blackberries
0.75 oz. Simple syrup
0.75 oz. Lemon juice

Add to pint mixing glass: 3-4 fresh blackberries + 0.75 oz. simple syrup, muddle well. Add 0.75 oz. lemon juice, 2 oz. Baby Bourbon, and ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with blackberry folded into lemon twist on pike.

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