Review

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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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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