Gary

Managing apostle and whiskey enthusiast

Rossville Union Bottled in Bond 6 Year Straight Rye Whiskey

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Rossville Union Bottled in Bond
Straight Rye Whiskey, Aged 6 Years

50% ABV
$50
Website
Rossville Union Bottled in Bond 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Distillery Says

Ross & Squibb Distillery releases Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof
Limited release of hand-selected, six-year-old rye whiskey puts Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery’s 175-year rye tradition on full display

ST. LOUIS (August 17, 2023) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery announced the newest member of the Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey brand family: Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Hand-selected by Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman, Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is set for limited release of 3,000, 6-in cases in time for National Rye Month this month and will be available at select retailers at a suggested price of $49.99 per 700 ml bottle.

Aged six years and offered at 100 proof, Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey features a mash bill consisting of 51% rye and 49% barley malt. This release was distilled in March of 2017.

“I’m proud to continue Ross & Squibb’s tradition of creating high-quality rye whiskey that dates back to 1847. Since that time, we have worked to perfect our craft, giving our rye whiskeys unmatched character,” said Stirsman. “For our Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey we combined our industry leading rye expertise with a new high malt mashbill to create something truly special. We then let the barrels mature for a minimum of 6 years, resulting in aromas of sweet malt, dark chocolate, raisin and saddle leather with tasting notes highlighted by caramel and mocha with a rich, candied-fruit body, followed by a slight green-apple, malted-chocolate and cinnamon finish.”

“With the growing American whiskey market, compounded by the craft-cocktail revival across America, we are seeing a growing interest and demand for dark, more-complex spirits,” said Shanae Randolph, Marketing Director-Brands for MGP’s Luxco Branded Spirits. “Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey arrives at just the right time, as it is made the way rye whiskeys are supposed to be and is perfect in cocktails made the way they used to be.”

What Gary Says

Nose:  Malt, subtle citrus zest, chocolate, dried mint, worn leather, oak and a hint of cedar.
Palate:  Orange with caramel, orchard fruits (apples, pears), mint, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Finish:  Short to moderate in length, drying with fruit and cinnamon.
Comments:  I really love this mashbill, with no corn and loads of barley malt. Compared to Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof, this is a completely different whiskey, and incredibly unique. It is still sweet despite the absence of corn, but more herbal and fruity. That amped herbaceous character makes this a phenomenal rye for cocktails, as well as a treat for the whiskey geek to explore neat. It doesn’t need any water, but a few drops brings out some kiwi on the nose along with both nectarines and peaches on the palate.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect
Blended Straight Whiskey

59.05% ABV
$150
Website
Little Book Chapter 7 In Retrospect

What the Distillery Says

Little Book® Chapter 7, “In Retrospect,” is the seventh chapter in the Little Book Whiskey series. “In Retrospect” offers any curious whiskey drinker a chance to explore where American Whiskey can go by looking back to where it’s been.

Now, with six chapters written, the seventh chapter of Little Book pushes the story ahead, building on what’s come before in ways not yet seen. Little Book Chapter 7 is a blend of seven different liquid streams, blending one liquid from each of the previous chapters, then adding a record seventh. “In Retrospect” is a nod to the past but also sets the course for what’s next, not only for Little Book, but Freddie’s continued journey as Eighth Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery.

“Hopefully over the course of this journey, we’ve intrigued somebody enough to try something different”.
Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Master Distiller, Fred B. Noe Distillery

LITTLE BOOK “IN RETROSPECT” IS COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING LIQUID STREAMS
18 yrs Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
17 yrs Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
10 yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
9 yrs Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
5 yrs Straight Malt Whiskey finished in Applewood Smoked barrels
4 yrs Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
4 yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Deep russet with golden hues
AROMA: Subtle sweetness with notes of clove spice
TASTE: Slightly floral with light smoke and sweet vanilla, followed by caramel

What Gary Says

Nose:  Oak, cherry wood, spice notes, musty grain with a slightly floral note.
Palate:  Thick and chewy, caramel, citrus spice, smokey oak, raw honey and cinnamon.
Finish:  Moderate in length with caramel, oak and honey.
Comments:  The nose on this reminds me of a malt whiskey, which is one of the components although with four of the seven being bourbon was a bit of a surprise (and it wasn’t even my birthday!) The palate brought things back to bourbon and rye land, although still different. This has a thick and chewy mouthfeel that I really dig. I had just finished tasting and making my notes on Little Book Chapter 6 when I was offered a sample of this. They’re all quite different, and while not a side-by-side comparison, I enjoyed the palate and mouthfeel on this one more than Chapter 6. A bit of water brightens the nose and amps those floral notes, along with bringing the citrus forward on the palate. Just wish the nose was more aligned with what the palate delivers, although that bit of a disconnect or feint can be intriguing as well.

Rating: Stands Out

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Little Book Chapter 6: To The Finish

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Little Book Chapter 6: To The Finish
Blended Straight Whiskey

58.7% ABV
$125
Website
Little Book Chapter 6 To The Finish

What the Distillery Says

Little Book® Chapter 6, “To The Finish,” is the sixth chapter in the Little Book Whiskey series. “To The Finish” offers a chance for any curious whiskey drinker to expand their palate – both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The name of this year’s chapter offers fans of American whiskey an opportunity to experience liquid that I personally had a hand in creating and showcases the innovation of Little Book chapters over the last six years.

Little Book Chapter 6 is a blend of five different liquid streams using different wood staves and barrel techniques that impart a unique liquid profile due to the secondary aging. This chapter continues to push the boundaries of blending and challenges what some might assume of lower aged whiskies. The way these liquid streams complement each other makes this liquid extremely approachable, even for those who haven’t given cask strength whiskey a try.

The inspiration for Chapter 6 came from combining two of my passions – cooking and whiskey. The way they complement each other and come together is what sparked my curiosity for “To The Finish”. Using the smoke and flavor of hardwoods, I am able to bring together timeless tools from the culinary trade into pioneering my work with American Whiskey. The result is a taste that’s bigger than its individual parts. A flavor made from generations of curing, grilling and distilling.

For the Noe family, the kitchen has always been a home away from the distillery and a way to share family traditions between generations. My granddaddy spent hours in the smokehouse practicing his craft and curing meats. My dad’s passion was reinvigorated once I was old enough to tag along. Dad enjoyed teaching me about this family tradition and working to perfect granddaddy’s sausage recipe – he always thought it needed a bit more sage. My personal passion is around family and cooking, looking into the details of what works and what doesn’t. These traditions around family meals, shared traditions, and my pursuits at the grill inspire my own work in the rackhouse and they’ve been poured into Little Book Chapter 6.

Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Master Distiller, Fred B. Noe Distillery

LITTLE BOOK “TO THE FINISH” IS COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING LIQUID STREAMS
4-year Straight Malt Whiskey Finished with Cherrywood Staves
4-year Straight Malt Whiskey in Applewood Smoked Barrels
4-year Straight Malt Whiskey Finished in Hickory Smoked Barrels
5-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Deep amber with copper undertones
AROMA: Charred oak intermingled with complex mix of savory and sweetness
TASTE: Rich toasted grain notes with hints of sweet wood smoke
FINISH: Bright finish with a robust mouthfeel and welcoming sweetness

What Gary Says

Nose:  Oak, malt, cherry wood, honey with a hint of vanilla.
Palate:  Thick mouthfeel, cereal grain notes, slightly sour fruit notes with black cherry and blackberries along with honey and a bit of pepper.
Finish:  Long and drying with honey, berries and a bit of smoke.
Comments:  This is an interesting dram (thanks Bruce for the sample!) Honestly when I first sat down with it, I didn’t care for it – but with each sitting it is growing on me a little more. I’m not sure I understand the point or goal of “the finish” (other than it is a longer than average finish). It is interesting to me as a whiskey geek, although it isn’t terribly well balanced or cohesive. Some water helps bring out the fruit, as well as thickening the mouthfeel. Marking this as ‘Stands Out’ as it is different – and interesting because it is different.

Rating: Stands Out

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Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Tale of Two Islands

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Tale of Two Islands

59.11% ABV
$90
Website
Barrell Cask Finish Series Tale of Two Islands
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Blender Says

In 2018, Barrell Craft Spirits produced a very limited release of our Tale of Two Islands Rum: a Jamaican Rum matured in peated Islay single malt barrels. To create it, the blending team filled previously used Islay Single Malt Whisky casks with a small amount of Barrell Rum Batch 001. We let it mature and the result was a deeply intense Jamaican rum with just a touch of misty peat smoke. With separate distillation, aging, and finishing influences from Jamaica, Kentucky and Islay, this was a truly unique spirit.

For the Cask Finish: Tale of Two Islands blend, the team took the empty casks that held the Tale of Two Islands Rum, and used them to finish a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys. The sweetness of the rum and the smokiness of the Islay casks mingle together with the underlying bourbon that continues the Tale of Two Islands.

BLEND COMPONENTS:
Indiana: 5, 6, & 9 years old
Maryland: 5 & 6 years old

  • A blend of straight bourbon Whiskeys
  • Further matured in Tale of Two Islands barrels
  • Bottled in Kentucky
  • 118.22 proof cask strength bottling

DERIVED MASH BILL:
Corn: 73%
Rye: 23%
Malted Barley: 4%

FLAVOR NOTES
This is a classic bourbon with notes of old-fashioned donut and coconut macaron. Over time, that bourbon slowly leeched the brooding peatiness left behind in the barrel staves by smokey Islay whisky. A splash of water unlocks wild, tropical volatiles that are the calling card of Jamaica’s ester-packed rums.

​Neat
Appearance: Rich mahogany.
Nose: All the hallmarks of high-re bourbon are tinted with the smoke of Islay malt. It singes the sage, torches the marshmallow, flambés the banana, and grills the peach. Apricot and candied cherry round out the stone fruit character while coconut macaron complements the banana.
Palate: Dark chocolate, espresso, and malty porter set the stage. They usher in a different side of Islay, this time its tarry, inky side. The texture is waxy with some gritty tannin that highlights its chalky mineral character. Underneath, it’s still a fruity bourbon, exhibiting notes of candied lemon peel, nectarine, and plum sauce, all enhanced by the rum that previously sat in the barrel.​
Finish: The waxy texture turns greasy with clarified butter, brisket, and lemon oil. They leave behind burnt caramel, blackberry, and peppercorn.
With a splash of spring water
The fruits are tinged with pink, becoming grapefruit, watermelon, and lychee. A conga line of pineapple, papaya, and creamsicle issue forth from the rum barrel. Honeycomb and almond croissant anchor everything firmly in bourbon territory. Black licorice, rootbeer, and lavender reflect back the palate’s herbal side.

What Gary Says

Nose: Fruity with subtle Islay smoke and herbal notes, apricots, pears, peaches and cherries with a bit of coconut and sage.
Palate: Dark chocolate, fruity with orange, coffee, grapefruit, lemon, caramel with subtle peat and pepper.
Finish: Moderately long and a bit sharp with fruit, caramel and pepper.
Comments: I was really looking forward to this one, as I’m a big fan of Islay whisky. That part is subtle, which to be honest is what I look for in a finish (as many tend to be heavy handed so that dominates the spirit). Barrell Craft Spirits has always done an amazing job with finishing to keep it dialed back, although I was sorta hoping this one they might let go a bit longer – or that the rum aging in the Islay cask already took much of that smokiness with it. This is still a really interesting whiskey, with just a hint of that Islay swagger remaining. A bit of water brings out more grapefruit and grilled peaches on the nose, and some honey and anise on the palate.

Rating: Stands Out

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Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Amburana

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Amburana

58.21% ABV
$90
Website
Barrell Cask Finish Series Amburana
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Blender Says

Amburana casks are challenging to work with, as they impart strong cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla spice notes. True blending expertise is required to enhance the bourbon with Amburana and maintain balance. The Barrell Craft Spirits blending team created a bourbon blend of two mash bills with different char levels finished in Amburana casks. A vatting of individual casks without finishing was layered in to add depth, richness and complexity, ensuring the bourbon shines through first and foremost.​

Rather than working with cubes, spirals, staves, or other oak alternatives like many producers, Barrell Craft Spirits’ Chief Whiskey Scientist Tripp Stimson sourced true 53-gallon barrels made from sustainably harvested amburana wood to finish bourbon. It took a full year of R&D to hone in on the right timing and conditions that would create just the right balance of flavor concentration, layering in those heady tropical spice notes without losing the delicious flavor of the bourbon itself.

The wood’s strong impact within a short time frame demands a level of expertise that goes far beyond just filling it with bourbon, waiting a few months, and then bottling. Barrell Craft Spirits’ approach involves the delicate art of blending and small adjustments to proof, temperature, and other conditions that allow the amburana contribution to shine while complementing the natural attributes of the bourbon, rather than overpowering it.

BLEND COMPONENTS:
Indiana: 5, 6, 7, & 10 years old
Kentucky: 5 years old

  • A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys
  • Further matured in Amburana barrels
  • Bottled in Kentucky
  • 116.42 proof cask strength bottling

DERIVED MASH BILL:
Corn: 75%
Rye: 21%
Malted Barley: 4%

FLAVOR NOTES
An intense baking spice character centered around cinnamon fills every nook and cranny of the tasting experience. It’s a veil through which one experiences the aromas of chocolate, walnut, and toasted sourdough. The palate also has a narrative driven by cinnamon and spicy ginger beer with cameos from marmalade, tarragon, and hefeweizen. A healthy splash of water foregrounds passionfruit, goldenrod, and honeycomb.

​Neat
Appearance: Russet.
Nose: Cinnamon, and a lot of it. Along with other baking spices, it suffuses nearly every other aroma. Heavily spiced horchata, café de olla, and banana bread all feature it. Apple fritters and cracker jacks toe the line between sweet and savory.
Palate: The texture is rich and buttery. Here, too, those oak-derived spices predominate, with licorice root joining the assemblage. Pumpkin pie is reinforced by masala chai and ginger beer. More traditional bourbon flavors of tarragon, verjus, and lemon meringue pie keep the oak in check.
Finish: An array of citrus peels welcomes in cider apple and dirty martini. Sweeter than the palate, notes of hefeweizen and dark cuban rum persist on the tongue thanks to some grippy tannin.
With a splash of spring water
The sweet and savory balance begins to teeter. As sweetness gains the upper hand, one finds white chocolate, honeycomb and graham cracker. Then it seesaws the other way revealing sugar-snap pea and skillet cornbread. A bit of the underlying whisky surfaces here to show off honeydew melon, passionfruit, and jasmine. The palate paints a botanical portrait with strokes of lilac and chive blossom. It’s anchored in loamy soil with a salty streak along the finish.

What Gary Says

Nose: Lovely baking spices, vanilla undertones, bit of caramel, loads of cinnamon, baked goods (banana nut bread and oatmeal cookies), nutmeg, clove, honey and a hint of floral notes.
Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, dark chocolate, anise, nutmeg, ginger with a citrus zip and oak.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with orange bitters, cinnamon hot candy and espresso.
Comments: Loads of baking spices! Very interesting, spicy and with an edge (might have thought this was rye if tasting blind). A bit of water brings out some graham cracker on the nose and more fruity notes on the palate. Another really solid blend with a unique finish (one I’d certainly never tried before).

Rating: Stands Out

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