Review

Bourbon Steak’s Ragged Branch Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Bourbon Steak’s Ragged Branch Wheated Bourbon
Exclusive to Bourbon Steak’s DC Location

60.5% ABV (for sample provided; varies by barrel)
$21 for 2 oz pour in restaurant (see menu for current price)
Restaurant Website
Distiller Website
Bourbon Steak Ragged Branch Bourbon
We would like to thank Bourbon Steak and The Brand Guild for sending us a sample to review.

What the Restaurant/Distillery Team Says

Bourbon Steak has teamed up with Ragged Branch, the renowned distillery located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, to launch an exclusive Bourbon Steak Bourbon, only available at the restaurant’s DC location!

Ragged Branch crafts the finest, authentic Virginia bourbon and every drop comes from their own grain – milled and mashed daily, aged in charred American white oak barrels and distilled onsite. Ragged Branch produces almost zero waste, as the water in the distillery is recycled for cooling tanks and the spent mash is fed to their cattle, creating their own unique flavor of beef, also produced at the farm.

Bourbon Steak is Chef Michael Mina’s love letter to the American Steakhouse, and the DC location is the brand’s flagship and a staple in the DC food scene, having debuted nearly 15 years ago at the Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Georgetown. The limited edition bottle is truly unique, hand crafted, twice barreled and double oaked. Ragged Branch hand cuts and filters the bourbon straight from the barrel, ensuring the utmost smoothness and quality. Sip it neat, on the rocks, or enjoy in Bourbon Steak’s House Manhattan!

Bourbon Steak places community at the core of their operations and are proud to be partnering with this exceptional local distillery to create this special bottle – only available at Bourbon Steak DC.

Mashbill: 68% corn | 16% wheat | 16% malted barley

What Gary Says

Nose:  Salted caramel, oak, fruit notes of cherries and a bit of orange, hint of malt and mixed nuts.
Palate:  Thick mouthfeel, caramel, chocolate, toffee, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, cherries, blackberries and pepper.
Finish:  Moderate in length with cherries, cola and oak.
Comments: An interesting pour; blackberry is a note I don’t get very often in bourbon, same with cola. A bit of water brings out notes of cedar on the nose, and actually thickens the mouthfeel while bringing out more chocolate. The barley content is a bit higher than you typically see which may be contributing to that uniqueness. I inquired what ‘twice barreled and double oaked’ meant and they explained that the bourbon is first aged for 4.5 years in a #3 charred virgin oak barrel before being aged an additional 1.5 years in a #4 charred virgin oak barrel.

Rating: Stands Out

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Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon

57.5% ABV
$80
Website
Lux Row Distillers Four Grain Double Barrel Bourbon
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Distillery Says

Lux Row Distillers Introduces Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon
Latest offering, featuring Lux Row’s ryed- and wheated-bourbon mashbills, will be offered in limited allocations starting in August 2023

ST. LOUIS (July 17, 2023) – Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers is offering the best of both worlds by combining its ryed- and wheated-bourbon mashbills with the introduction of Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon. A limited allocation of 7,500 (6-pack) cases will start arriving at retail this August at a suggested price of $79.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Offered at 115 proof, Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon is the combination of a single barrel of 4-year-old wheated bourbon and a single barrel of 4-year-old ryed bourbon. The wheated mashbill produces a smoother bourbon with caramel and citrus notes and velvety oak finish, while the ryed mashbill produces a spicier bourbon with hints of caramel and vanilla and smooth, mellow finish. Together, the bourbon’s four grains (corn, wheat, rye and malted barley) come together in a balanced, flavorful mix of both mashbills.

“The enormous popularity of our Lux Row 12 Year Bourbon, despite being a Kentucky-only distillery-exclusive offering, inspired the creation of a bourbon that could be offered in all markets. The result is Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon,” said Eric Winter, whiskey brand manager at Luxco. “The ‘double single barrel mashbill’ is a direct innovation from Lux Row 12 Year’s double barrel mashbill. Combining Lux Row Distillers’ two mashbills in this fashion has created a unique four-grain bourbon with a well-balanced taste that is certain to become a favorite of both ryed- and wheated-bourbon drinkers.”

Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel is offered in the same high-end bottle as Lux Row 12 Year and will feature a front metal-plate Lux Row logo and custom metal-plate collar. The customized bottom label features each bottle’s barrel number and fill date for each of the two single barrels utilized. The side and neck label call out the four-grain aspect of the bourbon’s mashbill.

TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Oak, caramel, and vanilla
PALATE: Caramel, citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon
FINISH: Velvety smooth, with a mellow oak finish

What Gary Says

Nose:  Caramel, citrus zest, vanilla, grilled corn, oak and honey.
Palate:  Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, honey, bit of citrus zest and medium-roast coffee.
Finish:  Moderate in length, damp with cinnamon, honey, caramel and oak.
Comments:  I’m a big fan of the Lux Row 12 Year Double Barrel Limited Edition. As Lux Row notes, this is in the same bottle (which is a nice, hefty bottle with a solid topper if you’re into that), and is similar in the ‘double single barrel’ concept. Some key differences are that this is four grain (using one wheated bourbon and one rye bourbon), where the 12 year is all the rye mashbill.  Another key difference is the age. I do appreciate the transparency by Lux Row to note the age as 4 years, since many would just not call it out – and age isn’t everything, or even the most important thing.  All that said, I did find this to come across on the young side, with some notes of grilled corn on the nose (which with a bit of water brings out popcorn). There aren’t any offputting notes – four years old is bottled-in-bond minimum, and a solid bourbon.  But for the price of $80, unless you’re really wanting to have a nice bottle or are trying to fill a hole in your collection with a four-grain bourbon (which there aren’t a ton of admittedly), this one might be tough.  I like it well enough, but at this price point, I feel there are plenty of offerings I’ve had (including from Lux Row) at half the price that I like just as well, or maybe more.

Rating: Average

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Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur

/ / Other Spirits, Review /

Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel
Irish Cream Liqueur

17% ABV
$15
Website
Saint Brendans Irish Cream Salted Caramel
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

Made with award-winning, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, all-natural cream from Irish dairy farms and salted caramel flavor, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel brings a new sweet-and-salty twist to traditional Irish cream. Produced by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan’s Salted Caramel is bottled at 34 proof (17% ABV) and is available in a 750 ml bottle. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July 2023 at a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose with silky cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The warm, sugary finish highlights the sea salt and rich caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish Portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile. I expect our Salted Caramel will be a go-to choice for adults looking for a fun, boozy treat – especially during the summer months.”

What Gary Says

Nose:  Creamy, caramel, butterscotch with a bit of chocolate.
Palate:  Thick and creamy mouthfeel, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla and cream.
Finish:  Long caramel crème candy.
Comments:  Honestly, these aren’t usually my thing – but after reviewing the Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream earlier this summer and enjoying that (and maybe more importantly, learning my wife LOVED it), I decided to give this a try. Glad that I did! This is really nice. Quite a bit sweeter by comparison but is dangerously drinkable. Pour a couple fingers worth over a cube and this is delightful (although doesn’t need the ice coming out of the fridge). I quite enjoyed just a bit of this over some freshly baked banana nut bread (just letting it soak in).

Rating: Stands Out

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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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