Review

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
55% ABV
$75
Website
2015-05-13-1431481998-6160108-michtersbarrelstrengthrye
What the Bottler Says:
Since the 1990’s, the Michter’s team has been doing pioneering work to re-establish the high quality American Rye whiskey category. The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Rye marks yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter’s more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but we believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the inaugural release range from 108 to 110.8 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys Rye whiskey.

Production: Single Barrel. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Cooperage: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Barrelling Strength: 103 Proof
Bottling Strength: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels range from 108 to 110.8 proof.
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, fruity spice; a little water really opens it up – bringing brown sugar and a touch of (seriously) BBQ sauce.
Palate: Really nice thick mouthfeel with warm pepper spice, fruity (but not citrusy – more like figs, apricots); a touch of water brings out some nougat and cocoa.
Finish: Lingers nicely, and stays wet.
Comments: This is a really unique rye, it makes me think of Lot 40 Malted rye (not that you would ever mistake the two, but something about it makes me think “malted rye”). I sampled this a few times over a two week period, and it is honestly the first whiskey that – with a touch of water – brings to mind BBQ sauce (and not in a bad way!!) This does go into the barrel at a lower proof than most in the industry (103 proof, where many/most go in at 125 proof), and I think that certainly contributes to the lovely mouthfeel and uniqueness. Rye fans will appreciate what this has to offer, although be prepared to pay for the experience.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Toasted nuts, burnt churros, and a nice vanilla sweetness.
Palate: Dark chocolate, cracked pepper, and caramel come out first. Spend more time with it and you get nice dark fruit notes weaving through it.
Finish: Much more woody than spicy with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Comments: This is a very nice high proof rye. It’s not necessarily nice enough to warrant the price tag but to be honest I have the same complaint about everything Michter’s puts out. I’m not the hardcore rye hound that Gary is but I appreciate a well made rye like this. It doesn’t bowl me over in any particular way but it’s nice. I will enjoy the bottle I bought. However, given the price I won’t buy a second.
Rating: Stands Out

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Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
45.7% ABV
$45 to $50
Website
US1-toasted-bourbon
What the Bottler Says:
Introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US 1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.

Production: Small Batch. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Bottling Strength: 91.4 proof (45.7% Alcohol by Volume)
Cooperage: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted but not charred barrel made from 18-month air dried wood
Tasting Notes: Campfire and cinnamon, with pecan and candied fruit. Lingering finish of baked pears, vanilla, and marshmallow

What Gary Says:
Nose: Soft mustiness, leather, cigar paper, fall leaves with a subtle sweetness – hints of vanilla, tapioca and caramel.
Palate: Nice, creamy mouthfeel, woody but also young; fairly subdued spice that is slow to present itself.
Finish: On the short side, and a little forgettable.
Comments: This whiskey has no age statement, and not being a “straight bourbon” we can only guess how long it spent in either the first or second cask. Michter’s states that this is using their US1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (which also has no age statement, which would imply a minimum of four years old in the original barrel) before introducing it to a second barrel that is toasted rather than charred. For all of that work, it left me wanting. To my palate, it came across as young, with the nose having more of the toasted oak influence and not as much sweetness. It is interesting, but is priced where it needs to be more than interesting for me to recommend it.
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: Burnt sugar, curdled corn pudding, and cinnamon with an odd “meaty” base note.
Palate: It’s more floral in the mouth but the flavors are very muted. I would dare to almost call this bland.
Finish: Hot and dry. Not pleasant at all.
Comments: Wow was I not impressed with this at all. I probably wouldn’t reach for this a second time on flavor alone (unfortunately I bought a bottle) but the nearly $50 price tag makes this down right painful. It’s a no age stated bourbon that Michter’s refers to on their website as a “straight” bourbon. I’m guessing from the hot finish and the lack of much in the flavor department that this is more on the young side and pretty close to four years old at the far end.
Rating: Probably Pass

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Rhetoric 21 Year

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Rhetoric Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 21 Years
45.1% ABV
$110
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
An experiment in maturation, Rhetoric is re-released annually to explore the flavor characteristics imparted by each additional year the bourbon spends in wood, allowing for side-by-side comparisons. Aged in charred American oak barrels for one year longer than last year’s 20-Year-Old release, this rich, complex bourbon represents an exciting evolution in the progressively aged Rhetoric series. Throughout the process, the base Rhetoric liquid remains unchanged, with progressive aging expected to continue through the release of Rhetoric 25-Year-Old in 2019.

The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company was created in 2014 to find and share forgotten barrels of whiskey with discerning adult fans, who are encouraged to sip responsibly. Rhetoric 21-Year-Old follows five previous Orphan Barrel bourbons: Barterhouse (20-Year-Old), Old Blowhard (26-Year-Old), Rhetoric (20-Year-Old), Lost Prophet (22-Year-Old) and Forged Oak (15-Year-Old).

Rhetoric stocks were found at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Ky. The bourbon was distilled in 1993 at the Bernheim Distillery historically located at 17th and Breckenridge in Louisville, Ky., while owned and operated by United Distillers. Rhetoric 21-Year-Old is hand bottled in Tullahoma, Tenn.

“The progressive aging experiment we’re employing with the Rhetoric series is incredibly unique,” said Ewan Morgan, Master of Whiskey for DIAGEO. “We’re going to be able to compare a line of bourbons side-by-side to see how aspects of the liquid – color, aroma, flavors and mouthfeel – are impacted by extra time spent in the barrel. Like many others, I’m looking forward to tasting what one extra year in the barrel does to these bourbons over the coming years.”

Compared to last year’s release, Rhetoric 21-Year-Old is richer and more complex, with a fuller mouthfeel and slightly higher proof of 90.2 (45.1% ABV). Aromas of cherry, sweet tobacco, honey and leather build upon the oak, fruit, vanilla and caramel of Rhetoric 20-Year-Old. New tasting notes of sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, baking spices and honey complement the charred wood, caramel, vanilla and black pepper spice of Rhetoric 20-Year-Old.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Big oak; the charred bottom of freshly baked spice cookies.
Palate: Less wood than the nose telegraphed, rich sweetness; burnt caramel, ginger snaps, molasses.
Finish: Long, but fairly dry.
Comments: After trying a few times, I did a comparison with the previous year’s release of Rhetoric 20 yr, and found them quite similar. This has a nice, rich mouthfeel at the front of the palate, and then dries out through the finish. 21 yrs is a long time in a barrel, and while there is heavy oak influence, it isn’t what I would call over-oaked. The Rhetoric 20yr was the first Orphan Barrel release I purchased, as I was intrigued by the opportunity to sample whiskey that was distilled at or about the same time over a series of releases. I wouldn’t say there was zero difference between the 20 and 21 yr, but it is very subtle – which isn’t a big surprise (many believe most of the wood influence takes place early on).
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich, deep tones of caramel, cinnamon, cherry, and polished leather.
Palate: The palate comes on more slow and muted than the nose. Cherry candies, vanilla extract,
Finish: Medium length going from a chewy sweetness into deep, slightly spicy oak.
Comments: Old and woody with more on the nose than the palate delivers. You’ve probably heard this story before about 20 plus year bourbons and it’s kind of the same here. This should’ve gone to bottle a few years earlier. It’s kind of scary to think they are continuing to age it for later releases.
Rating: Stands Out

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Singleton of Glendullan

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky of Glendullan
Matured for Twelve Years
40% ABV
$40 to $50
Website
Singleton of GD
What the Distiller Says:
The youngest of The Singleton distilleries by a year, Glendullan brings a light, delicate, greenwood flavour to the family of three. This is the gift of the American oak casks, the insides of which the liquid caresses to yield a whisky with the subtle softness of fresh orchard fruits.

Built in 1897, the last of seven distilleries founded in Dufftown, Glendullan was the brainchild of blenders from Aberdeen by the name of William Williams and sons. With solid business acumen and a private railway siding, the Williams gave Glendullan a healthy start in life. So solid in fact that it took the barley shortages of the Second World War to halt production – though the momentous world event caused only a seven year blip in the history of this exceptional malt.

American Oak brings subtle, honeyed hints to The Singleton of Glendlullan range, with a touch of European Oak offering a balancing dryness. It’s this combination that rounds off the edges and enhances the sweet vanilla and orchard fruit flavours.

Notes of apple and pear, chewy raisins and juicy red strawberry fruit, all perfectly balanced by a smooth, drying spiciness. A special selection of American and European Oak casks makes sure that those fruity, natural flavours stay in perfect balance throughout maturation.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Sherry and stewed fruits on the nose.
Palate: Sweet vanilla cream with more light fruity notes and a fair does of grainy maltiness.
Finish: Light, short, and pleasant.
Comments: Summed up in one phrase I would says a pleasant, easily drinkable daily dram. This isn’t a knock your socks of scotch but it’s not supposed to be. This is a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich 12 competitor in terms of flavor and price. It stands up admirably.
Rating: Average

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Jim Beam Soft Red Wheat

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat 11 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
45% ABV
$50 (375ml)
Website
JB_SC_Harvest_Wheat
What the Distillery Says:
Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ best exemplifies the merger of tradition with unique experimentation and exploratory craftsmanship. It’s the ultimate experience for the truest of whiskey adventurers, a product 11 years old with the passion of seven generations of whiskey making.

Color: Golden honey to amber
Aroma Slightly soft with mild oak notes
Taste Sweet and softly spicy; caramel, vanilla, slight light brown sugar sweetness
Finish Light bodied and very approachable

What Gary Says:
Nose: Vanilla with a bit of cinnamon, sweet without much wood; soft anise with subtle stewed peaches.
Palate: Soft, sweet corn, with a touch of fruit (pears and apples).
Finish: Moderate in length, and wet.
Comments: The nose has a familiar “Beam” hint to it (which I apologize for failing to describe better than that!) I would not have guessed this was 11 yrs old; as it is very soft, mellow, and smooth. I didn’t get much wood at all, which isn’t a bad thing. This is a very approachable, easy to drink whiskey – although it is priced such that it is more of a novelty than something I would stock in the bar.
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: Richer and less hot alcohol funky than normal Beam. Honeysuckle and cinnamon candies.
Palate: Nice soft creamy mouthfeel. Toffee and corn pudding sweetness playing with a surprising spicy back that would almost make me think of of rye bourbon.
Finish: Peppery and viscous.
Comments: Beam goes wheat. A curiosity that most bourbon geeks should try. The continuity of the Beam yeast is an interesting counterpoint to the new wheated mashbill. It’s very easy to drink and enjoyable. However, at $50 for a half bottle it’s not a $100 bottle of bourbon for sure. For the casual drinker I can’t say that this should move to the top of your list.
Rating: Stands Out

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