2019

On This Date 10 Years Ago . . .

On Saturday, January 24th 2009, Whisk(e)y Apostle began with our first post. Ten years ago. Wow.

Time can be a funny thing. On the one hand, ten years seems like a LONG time ago (the days before everyone had ‘smartphones’ as we know them today; Android’s first phone had only been out a few months, and if you wanted an iPhone – you had better be on AT&T). On the other hand, not so much (Jack Daniel’s was $19.99 for a 750 mL – same as today). A lot has changed in those ten years. I have a hard enough time remembering what I had for lunch 3 days ago, let alone what I was doing ten years ago. A scan of the headlines quickly brought me back.

Within the couple weeks surrounding our launch, some of the news of the day (here in the US at least) included:

  • The “Miracle on the Hudson” (US Airways Flight 1549), which happened 9 days earlier.
  • Barack Obama’s first inauguration as President of the United States, which was the Tuesday prior to our first post.
  • The United States was still in the throes of the Great Recession of 2008. The $787 billion stimulus package hadn’t yet been passed, and the Dow hadn’t yet his it’s recession low (which would happen in March 2009).
  • Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was in the midst of his impeachment trial.

While not ‘front page headlines’ in the mainstream media, some big news was taking place in American whiskey. That same month, Constellation Brands sold Barton (along with 40 other brands) to Sazerac, effectively exiting the American whiskey market (well, at least until 2016 when they purchased High West, and shortly after a minority stake in Bardstown Bourbon Co). In April 2009, Pernod Ricard sold Wild Turkey to Gruppo Campari (and just a couple years later, would invest in doubling their production capacity).

The ‘bourbon boom’ as we know it today hadn’t really gotten into gear. And I’d venture a guess that many of our readers weren’t yet “really into whiskey” yet (by my own admission – I wasn’t!)

We’ve shared how we each ‘found whiskey’ before, but that’s just the beginning of the journey.  After more than 650 collective whisk(e)y reviews, and hundreds of other posts, I thought it would be fun to check in with each of the apostles on their thoughts of what Whisk(e)y Apostle and the last ten years have meant to them.

Matt

Ten years seems like an eternity ago and yet seems too short a time. The way I remember it, Richard and I started planning for the site sitting on a picnic table in Bloomington, IL while I was in graduate school, so the idea is closer to 15 or 16 years old. We had to go to a local park to find a cigar friendly environment. So we smoked, drank whisky, and philosophized as we laid the ground work for what eventually became Whisk(e)y Apostle. We even coined the term Whisk(e)y Apostle and came up with our slogan at that cracked and faded table along the edge of the Constitution Trail. It would be several years before we circled back to the idea. If I could offer advice to anyone, it would be to not try to launch a time-consuming enterprise while in graduate school or while planning a wedding, and definitely not while doing both. I’d be lying if I said the site became everything we envisioned on that picnic table way back when, but I can’t say I’m disappointed.

Ten years is no small feat and, thanks to Gary, it’s got legs beyond Richard and I. I’m grateful to Richard for taking the reins when I had to step away due to some personal difficulties. I always intended to come back (in more than the ghostly role I play these days), but there was a I time when I spent 6-10 hours a week reading blogs, whiskey enthusiast publications, and press briefings, and another 4-8 hours tasting, writing, and attending events. I just don’t have that kind of time these days. If I’m honest, I don’t have the interest either. When we started this, Richard and I had a Pokemon approach (gotta try ‘em all). I’ve found what I like and I’m comfortable in that. I’ll try pretty much anything, but I don’t have that desire to try everything anymore. I’ll still talk/argue/pontificate about whisk(e)y with anyone who cares to listen, but I don’t search it out (the Georgia Bourbon Society and our yearly trips to Bardstown, KY pretty much fill my needs there). If you’re a long-time reader (thanks to both of you), you’ll be happy to know I still hate marketing double-speak, liars (but I like a good story), and most Canadian Whisky. I’ve softened my stance on cocktails, peat, and ice in whisky. I still love the ritual of whiskey and sharing it with friends, both old and new. Thanks for the ride.

Richard

10 years come and gone. I wasn’t a father ten years ago. I had just brought home the puppy I would name Aberlour and now she sits looking at me write with a gray face and the calm tolerance of a senior dog. Youth, family members gone, energy….it’s easy to measure time in things lost. But as I look back on those ten years and what Whisk(e)y Apostle* meant to me I keep thinking about what I gained.

As Gary pointed out, I gained many great friendships with other whiskey enthusiasts from around the world. I’ve gone from sharing drams at the Quaich Bar in Scotland to drinking freshly thieved snorts of bourbon straight from the barrel offered to me by names like Jim Rutledge and Eddie Russell. This site has brought me people, opportunities, and experiences that I never would have imagined when Matt and I were sitting on that damn splinter ridden picnic table so many years ago. I drink better now, no doubt. I smoke much better too (I can’t believe we ever smoked those infused cigars). In general, I think my life is much richer and more fulfilling in many ways because of the water of life and the site we dedicated to it.

I’ve definitely found my groove when it comes to whiskey. I know my sandbox and where I like to play. That doesn’t mean that it still doesn’t excite me. All you need to do is happen upon me talking to some poor soul who only wanted to ask a couple of questions and you will see by the dissertation I’m delivering that I am actively still “proselytizing the way of malt.” But life changes and we change. With a career, two daughters, and many commitments it became increasingly difficult to give Whisk(e)y Apostle the time it deserved. I can’t fully express my gratitude to Matt for convincing me to start this journey and to Gary for keeping the dream alive. The site has brought so many wonderful experiences and people into my life. I couldn’t imagine the last ten years without it.

And the drams were pretty damn good too!

* We never really addressed this here but the damn parentheses were Matt’s idea. In the early days we were sending all our thoughts back and forth for post, etc. He kept telling me to use the parentheses because that’s “part of our brand”. It seemed a little silly then and it does now too but ten years in there is no going back.

Gary

As the whole of my whiskey journey has really been in the last 10 years, I think what stands out to me are how many friends I’ve made thanks to the water of life.  I’ve mentioned before how much this blog meant to my personal whiskey journey, which I know can sound like some made-up cornball story despite being 100% true.  In June of 2012, I emailed Richard to ask about this ‘Georgia Bourbon Society’ he had mentioned in a post the year prior (having recently started attending Metro Atlanta Scotch Club gatherings, and looking to expand my horizons).  The next month I attended my first official meeting of the ‘Georgia Bourbon Society’ (GBS), and after enduring a hazing involving a goat and some truly nasty dusty bourbon, I was welcomed into the group (or at least not immediately told to leave and forget the address).  I can link back dozens of friendships back to that single point, with folks from around the world.  I can’t count how many amazing evenings I’ve shared with them, trying new (and old) whiskies, learning more about the spirit we all share a love of, and being reminded that at the end of the day – a good fart joke is just as funny in your 30s and 40s as it was when you were 7.

Beyond the friendships and camaraderie I’ve enjoyed through whiskey, some other highlights for me also revolve around this blog.  I was super excited in late summer 2014 when Richard asked if I was interested in taking a stab at doing some whiskey reviews.  And I was honored when last year he asked if I’d be interested in taking on the managing editor responsibilities here at Whisk(e)y Apostle.  I learned it’s more work than I originally thought, but is absolutely a labor of love.


Thanks for still reading (if you’ve got this far), and indulging us in our short trip down memory lane.  Looking forward to continuing to bring you whiskey reviews, ponderings, and other nonsense!

Cheers!
Gary (and Matt & Richard)

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Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Red Wine Cask Finish

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Red Wine Cask Finish
19 yrs old

40% ABV
$165-$180
Website
NOTE: If the link above takes you to their homepage, scroll down and select “United Kingdom” as the country.

What the Distiller Says

We created the third expression in our Age of Discovery Collection to commemorate the 1831 voyage of the HMS Beagle. The Beagle travelled around the globe and landed on the east coast of South America, allowing Charles Darwin to collect fossils that would lead to the development of his famous theory of evolution.

Aged 19 years, this edition is finished in oak casks that were once used to produce the complex, velvety wines of South America. The result is an extraordinarily rich single malt with exceptional smoothness, complemented by warm, spicy notes.

Celebrating the spirit of discovery, this expression can be found exclusively in selected Travel Retail outlets.

Tasting Notes
COLOUR: Rich gold with a hint of ruby.
NOSE: Toasted marshmallow with red berry and vanilla oak tannin. Ripe fruits and a hint of woody spice.
TASTE: Spicy notes on first taste, deep and smooth with a velvety sweetness. Rich oak notes and berry sweetness.
FINISH: Sweet with a long, lingering tannin.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Dried fruit, specifically berries and grapes, toffee, leather and subtle smoke.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet, grapes, cherries and dark fruit, bits of chocolate, vanilla, pecans, and a hint of ginger.
Finish:  Moderately long, a tad drying but still on the sweet side.
Comments: This was the biggest departure of the three, with more influence from the cask finish standing out. Quite nice with the fruit notes prominent, and easy to drink. If you’re not wanting to explore the subtle differences of the three, and are just looking for one that is more unique – this would be the one I’d pick; although the price tag is a little steep for me.

Rating: Stands Out

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Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Madeira Cask Finish

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Madeira Cask Finish
19 yrs old

40% ABV
$165-$180
Website

What the Distiller Says

In homage to the intrepid Portuguese voyagers who went on to change our understanding of the new world, we created Glenfiddich’s first ever 19 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky.

Finished in fine, aged Madeira wine casks from an independent island winery dating back to 1850 we named this expression, Glenfiddich Age of Discovery.

An earthy, bright whisky with a warmth that fades to long sweetness. The first time we’ve used Madeira casks for incredible, rich depth.

Tasting Notes
COLOUR: Antique gold.
NOSE: Deep earthy aromas of sweet ripe fig and orange marmalade create a backdrop to bright notes –fresh gooseberry and grapes ripening on the vine.
TASTE: Rich, spicy cinnamon and crushed black pepper rest on a deep earthy base. Caramelised fruits, crystallised ginger, raisins and hints of dry oak unravel. A satisfying, silky smooth, almost oily texture.
FINISH: Dry with warmth that fades into sweet marmalade notes.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Sweet, dark fruit (apricots, raisins, dates, figs), caramel and a sharper spice note; hints of clove and cinnamon over oak.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet and fruity, cherries with apricots, dusted with cinnamon and clove, spice notes kicking in stronger at the back.
Finish:  Moderately long, peaches and honey with white pepper.
Comments: Compared with the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Bourbon Cask Reserve, this is also quite nice, but a fairly subtle difference. The finish here isn’t heavy handed, which in one respect I appreciate, but on the other hand – you hope for something a bit more “different”. If you’re a big Glenfiddich fan, and a whiskey geek to boot, this box set with the 200 mL might be worthwhile to appreciate the subtle differences. But if you’re hoping for a big change, you may be disappointed.

Rating: Stands Out

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Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Bourbon Cask Reserve

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery – Bourbon Cask Reserve
19 yrs old

40% ABV
$165-$180
Website

What the Distiller Says

The Great American Rivers once transported fine oak casks filled with American bourbon towards New Orleans. Bourbon casks could only be used once, their aromas and flavours released quickly, without being exhausted by long maturation. Excellent for ageing single malt Scotch.

Our second release in the Age of Discovery collection and a first for us, Bourbon Cask Reserve is inspired by that history. It is our only expression exclusively matured in American bourbon casks, for 19 years. Creating a refined balance of spicy sweetness and rich dried fruit flavours.

Tasting Notes
COLOUR: Autumn barley fields.
NOSE: Warm, crunchy toffee and deep citrus notes. Marmalade on toast with fine orange liqueur balanced by dry, almost smoky oak tannin.
TASTE: Intriguing layers of light tannin, underpinned by rich notes of vanilla pod, fine leather and Havana tobacco. Develops into a sweet, velvety mouth-feel with spicy hints of cardamom and nutmeg.
FINISH: Warm, delightful long finish.

NOTE: Richard reviewed this about 5 yrs ago (including his notes below as well) from a sample provided. Normally I wouldn’t post a duplicate review – but his was done as a new release at the time, and this is done more as part 1 of a 3 part series.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Sweet, dried fruit with vanilla, musty oak, subtle baking spices and milk chocolate.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, sweet and fruity; canned pears, apricots with nutmeg and allspice.
Finish:  Moderately long with pears and hints of cracked pepper.
Comments: Richard picked up this “Age of Discovery” box set while visiting the motherland, which included a 200 ml bottle of the Bourbon Cask Reserve, the Maderira Cask Finish, and the Red Wine Cask Finish. I thought it would be interesting to taste these three together to compare/contrast, as they are each 19yr Glenfiddich. This is the first of the three, and a very nice dram. On the sweet side of things but not cloyingly so, and nothing off putting. Would have liked a bit more spice to balance things out, but using this as my baseline for exploring the other two. While nice, this doesn’t hit me squarely enough to shell out the dough for a bottle.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Pears, the malty whiff of an IPA, and orange-mint chewing gum.
Palate: A hint of sweet vanilla at first, then Christmas spices, old rough leather like a pair of old buckskin work gloves.
Finish: Very mellow, wet toothpicks, mint notes, fading to old cigar.
Comments: This is a very interesting dram. Personally, if I was going to spend $150 on a bottle of Glenfiddich it would be the 21 year old finished in rum casks. That’s not a knock on this bottle, it’s just not the best Glenfiddich has to offer at the price point. It’s still an interesting iteration and a nice glass of scotch. However, I think this would be more for the Glenfiddich devotee rather than the uninitiated.

Rating: Stands Out

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Johnnie Walker White Walker

Johnnie Walker White Walker

41.7% ABV
$50
Website

What the Blender Says

WHITE WALKER BY JOHNNIE WALKER
In celebration of the final season of the critically-acclaimed HBO series, Game of Thrones, Johnnie Walker is proud to introduce White Walker by Johnnie Walker.

This new blend perfectly reminds Johnnie Walker and Game of Thrones fans alike that “Winter is Here.” The limited edition bottle utilizes thermochromic ink to give fans a frosty surprise message when frozen. With flavor notes like caramelized sugar, vanilla, and fresh red berries, White Walker by Johnnie Walker makes for a delicious serve. The new blend is best served ice cold, inspired by the White Walkers beyond The Wall.

The Limited Edition White Walker by Johnnie Walker will make a nationwide icy launch starting October 2018 until supplies last.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Sweet, bright, green hay, malty cereal notes with some fruit (pears and cherries), subtle smoke and sea air.
Palate:  Sweet malt, pears with a touch of caramel; a subtle spice note and a hint of tangerines.
Finish:  Short to moderate in length, slightly drying with a touch of pepper spice (and a bit boring).
Comments:  So my wife and I are fans of Game of Thrones, so I figured I could write this purchase off as something we both can enjoy, and not ‘another whiskey’ I’ve brought into the house.  That didn’t work. This is definitely different than your Johnnie Walker red or black labels; has a bit more of an edge. Nothing off-putting, but for $50 – unless you’re just really keen to have the bottle (which I’ll admit is kinda cool), not something I’d pick up again. I did sample it both at room temp and right from the freezer. Predictably, it is a bit more thick and viscous coming out of the freezer in terms of mouthfeel, which is nice – but the flavors are even more muted.

Rating: Average

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