Bourbon

Brown-Forman goes north of the border

Brown-Forman, makers of Canadian Mist are coming out with a new Canadian whisky. Collingwood is “mellowed” using maple wood. Here is the press release Brown-Forman sent over:

Brown-Forman Releases Collingwood Canadian Whisky
Introducing the only toasted Maplewood mellowed Canadian whisky

February 14, 2011, Louisville, Ky. – Brown-Forman announces the release of Collingwood, a new premium Canadian whisky which is set to hit shelves in February. Collingwood will be the only Maplewood mellowed Canadian whisky available on the market.

Every batch of Collingwood starts with the finest Canadian grains, pure spring water from Ontario’s Georgian Bay and its very own, hand-crafted, Maplewood mellowing process. The whisky is triple distilled for smoothness and then matured in white oak barrels. In Collingwood’s unique finishing step, the whisky rests with toasted Maplewood to complete its smooth character.

“By now, people have figured out fancy bags and bottles don’t make great whisky, it’s what’s inside that counts,” said Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris. “With passion and perseverance, we set out to create nothing short of the smoothest Canadian whisky ever made. Collingwood has arrived to set the new standard for smoothness and to revolutionize the Canadian whisky category.”

The gentle Maplewood mellowing process Collingwood undergoes is something unique in the Canadian Whisky category. It has a refined character that can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed in a whisky cocktail.

Collingwood’s unique over-cap, flask shaped package was created by the media & design group at Brown-Forman based in Louisville, Kentucky.

“The brand objective was to communicate and personify smoothness to the discerning whisky drinker,” said Webb Blevins, Global Creative Director at Brown-Forman. “We believe Collingwood is the smoothest whisky ever made, and because of this, we wanted the package to really show off the liquid inside. We tried to immediately communicate premium without shouting or trying to impress, because Collingwood is for those who have nothing to prove to anyone but themselves.”

Collingwood will launch an ad campaign to coincide with the product’s release in several trade magazines and out of home billboards in launch markets. Available in Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Texas initially, more markets will be added later in 2011. Each bottle is presented at 80 proof with a suggested retail price of $26.99 for a 750ml bottle.

The good folks at Brown-Forman are sending over review samples of Collingwood and the new Early Times bourbon. I will post reviews as soon as I can.

Drink wisely my friends,

Richard

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New U.S. Releases: January 2011

A new year and some new whiskey coming our way. January is typically a little light on new releases but anything better than the drought we saw in November and December. Here are the two we heard about this month.

Arran Machrie Moor
ABV: 46%
Price: $60
Timeframe: Early 2011
Matt mentioned this a couple of weeks ago. This will be the first peated single malt coming from Arran. Only 9,000 bottles are included in this initial release.

Evan Williams 2001 Vintage
ABV: 43.3%
Price: $26
Timeframe: Early 2011
I always look forward to this annual release. I really enjoyed the 2000 vintage last year. I can’t wait to try this one.

As always, if you heard of something we missed please let us know.

Drink wisely my friends,

Richard

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Four Roses 100th Anniversary

Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, 2010 Release
Bottle 395 of 2359, Barrel No. 24-2 B
54% ABV/108 Proof
$100
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
It only seems right to witness the 100th anniversary of our unique distillery building with a perfectly aged, one-of-a-kind limited edition single barrel selected from on of our 10 Bourbon recipes. After 17 years, this uncut, non-chill filtered work of art has matured into a Bourbon of uncommon character and taste. The aromas of brisk cloves and candied fruits preview the bold, jammy flavors of peach and cherry that meld seamlessly with creamy, spiced vanilla and antique oak. And the very long, velvety finish is, of course, the perfect tribute to a remarkable building – in itself so exquisitely aged.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and creamy on the nose. Creme brûlée and cloves.
Palate: The richness continues on the palate. It’s very spicy and fruity with a lot of vanilla and oak but I get very little of the sweetness from the nose.
Finish: Even at a high octane proof this is quite smooth. There’s an almost medicinal note that I don’t usually find in Four Roses bourbons. Spicy with hints of cherry.
Comments: First of all, for the whiskey geeks out there this bottling is a 17 year old from the OBSV recipe. I’m not quite sure if I like this more or less than the 2010 Small Batch Limited Edition. You really can’t go wrong with either. If you find the opportunity to get a glass of this you really should try it.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010 Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
55.1% ABV/110.2 Proof
$75
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
Four Roses is the only distillery that gently ages 10 distinct Bourbon recipes. Form time to time, our Master Distiller selects a few exceptional barrels and marries them by hand to create an exquisite Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon like this one. Three recipes aged between 10 and 15 years have been artfully mingled at barrel strength, creating a rich, complex spirit defined by soft oak, caramel and honeysuckle aromas. Subtle flavors of cherries and apricot are well balanced with whispers of light spice, honey and raspberries. And the cream smooth finish is satisfyingly long and mellow, making this a Bourbon you’ll not just savor, but long remember.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Interestingly, the nose isn’t that alcoholic given the barrel proof and surprisingly delicate. Orchard fruit and some spice hide in the background.
Palate: Sweet, spicy, and oaky on palate. It also reminds me of a honey drizzled fruit cup like the one your mom put in your lunch as a kid.
Finish: The finish is very long with plenty of oak. It leaves cinnamon in the mouth long after the drink is gone.
Comments: Oddly enough the first thing that struck me about this whiskey was the name. I believe, to date 14 words is the longest official name of anything we’ve reviewed. For you whiskey geeks out there, the actual recipes used in the limited edition are a 15 year old OBSV, an 11 year old OBSK and a 10 year old OESK. They stopped calling this annual release “Mariage” so that they could use more recipes instead of just two. If this year’s release is any indication I’ve not problem with the change.
Rating: Must Try

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Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2010

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, 2010 Edition
47.5% ABV/95 Proof
$35 to $40
Available across the U.S.

What the Distillery Says:
George Garvin Brown, founder of Old Forester bourbon and the first person to bottle bourbon, was born in Munfordville, Kentucky, on September 2, 1846. This vintage release of Old Forester has been selected to honor the birthday of this bourbon pioneer, innovator and industry leader.

This year’s vintage release of Old Forester is crafted from a 72 barrel batch of 97J24. These barrels were evenly matured together in the very middle of Warehouse K, on the 5th floor in ricks 42, 43, and 45, surrounded by open space. This environment allowed the barrels to easily breathe during maturation and develop a rich fruit and spice character.

Color-Deep caramel brown.
Aroma-Rich hints of cedar, dark chocolate and tropical fruit underscored by caramel and butterscotch notes.
Taste-Crisp cedar and nutty oak mingle with fig, berry and citrus character.
Finish-A long, crisp wood spice note ends with a touch of fruit.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Very rich on the nose. Sticky toffee and cedar wood with an almost oily resinous smell.
Palate: Raisins, Christmas spices (think mulled wine or pumpkin pie spice) with a little mint right before the finish.
Finish: The finish is long and woody. Pepper and oak seem to stay around forever.
Comments: Are you looking for good bourbon for under $40? Here you go. This annual release has swung widely from year to year. This year’s is some of the best 12 year old coming out Brown Forman. Not a must try but it really stands out.
Rating: Stands Out

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