Review

Penelope Toasted Series Batch 24-301

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Penelope Toasted Series Batch 24-301
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50% ABV
$70
Website
Penelope Toasted Series Batch 24-301 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
We would like to thank Luxco for sending us samples to review.

What the Blender Says

Our Toasted Series is a testament to the power of serendipity. When we began to explore toasted finishes, we weren’t expecting each barrel to be so different — so we decided to embrace this variety of chars and toasts that make every bottle in our Toasted Series truly one-of-a-kind.

After full maturation in charred new American oak barrels, Penelope Bourbon is finished in a new, hand-toasted barrel. While it can be hard to predict the flavor profile of each bottle in our Toasted Series, the deep notes of vanilla imbued by the toasting process add another dimension to our signature flavor profile. Whether you’re into a Heavy Toast or Medium, our Toasted Series
truly offers something for everyone.

That’s the serendipity of Penelope.

Type & Proof: Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 100 Proof | Non Chill-Filtered | Aged 4 Years
Process: Straight bourbon whiskey finished in a new, freshly toasted barrel.
Toasted Barrel: Char 5 | Heavy Toast
Mash Bill: 74% Corn | 21% Rye | 5% Malted Barley

AROMA: Brown sugar and cinnamon breakfast pastry
BODY: Vanilla and graham cracker with hints of dried cherry fruit
FINISH: Savory roasted marshmallow finish and slight spice

What Gary Says

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, subtle cinnamon rolls, toasted marshmallow, cornbread and charred oak.
Palate: Vanilla wafers, honey, caramel, cinnamon, apples, cherries and oranges.
Finish: Moderate in length, syrupy with cinnamon, nutmeg and honey.
Comments: I do get the cinnamon roll note but not nearly to the extent as with Penelope Rio. Overall, this is a very nice pour. Nothing off-putting to me other than the price tag which seems high (thinking of another very well established bourbon brand that offers a ‘toasted barrel’ variety at slightly less proof but more age for a lower price). Now if you’re a whisk(e)y geek, finding batches with different toasting levels and comparing contrasting those would be different and unique (and not something you could do with the other brand) – so that may be worth a premium. A bit of water brings out more honey and graham cracker notes, which I do enjoy – although this is quite nice neat as well.

Rating: Stands Out

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Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Years Old Batch 3

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Batch 3
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

46.2% ABV
$300 – $370
Website
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Batch 3 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

What the Distillery Says

From the Ardbeg Distillery to Port Ellen and beyond, follow the rocky coast and you will discover the heavenly vista of Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van), the beautiful beach known locally as the Singing Sands…
For this captivating place has white soft sands that sing beneath your feet, a hum that ebbs and flows with the winds and the tides. But beguiling as this place is, do not drop your guard. Bathing is ill advised in the seemingly tame crystal waters where jagged, volcanic rocks pierce the sands along the shore.
CURLS AND WISPS
Scented wood smoke billows, mingling with sea spray carried on the air. Wisps of pine resin, aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze. A flood of fresh citrus zest with a touch of cayenne pepper piques the senses, while a splash of water chases in a flow of waxy notes and charcoal, with droplets of classic Sherry and linseed oil.
TIDES OF CHANGE
A rush of rich, sappy texture is followed moments later by classic, sweet, smokiness, with tarry rope and treacle toffee bobbing on the palate. A second wave brings a ripple of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke is distant now but present, while smoked brown sugar, sugar coated walnuts and gentle spices float gently then dissolve. A long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot in its wake, slowly drifting away.
Batch No. TB/03-10.10.01/21/BL

What Gary Says

Nose: Peat smoke, salty sea air, coastal camp fire, creosote, tar, smoked pork, hints of grapefruit, tangerines, nylon rope and wet bandages.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, vanilla, peaches, pears, peat and cracked pepper.
Finish: Moderately long and wet with fruit, peat smoke and tobacco.
Comments: I’m a fan of Ardbeg, and to me this is a lovely, complex, nuanced dram. The meaty, smokey, brininess on the nose just transports me to what I imagine it must be like to have an open-pit fire on an Islay beach. A bit of water brings out caramel crème and honey on the palate. While I enjoy it, at this price point I’m not a buyer.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Joseph Magnus Private Barrel Bourbon Finished in Sherry Casks

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Joseph Magnus Exclusive Private Barrel Bourbon
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks

51% ABV
$100-$130 (varies by age/retailer)
Website
Joseph Magnus Bourbon Exclusive Private Barrel

What the Producer Says

Jos. A. Magnus is pleased to offer a limited private barrel selection program. Contact us for more information.
NOTE: This bottle was selected for/by Tower Beer, Win & Spirits

What Gary Says

Nose: Dark fruit, vanilla wafers, salted caramel, raisins, smoke, leather and oak.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel, cherry vanilla cola, orange zest with a bit of grapefruit, cinnamon and chili spice.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with black cherry cough syrup and smoke.
Comments: I’m a fan of sherried whiskey, and this is a nice representation of that. Cherry cola isn’t a note I get often, and ironically I don’t like cherry cola, but I do dig that note in my whiskey! A bit of water brings some rickhouse must out on the nose, and the fruit notes start bending towards citrus. This would be a nice cigar smoking bourbon.

Rating: Stands Out

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Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara

57.76% ABV
$90
Website
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Mizunara
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Blender Says

Casks made from rare Mizunara hardwood are a true work of art. The wood is meticulously cut, and the barrels carefully raised due to the wood’s characteristics. Mizunara finishing imparts subtle notes of sandalwood, herbal spice, and coconut to bourbon, and precision is required to craft a harmonious blend. This cask finished bourbon was expertly blended using bourbons distilled from multiple mash bills and finished in Mizunara casks for one and a half years.

BLEND COMPONENTS:
Indiana: 6, 7, & 9 years old
Kentucky: 8 years old
Tennessee: 8 & 14 years old

  • A blend of straight bourbon Whiskeys
  • Further matured in Mizunara barrels
  • Bottled in Kentucky
  • 115.52 proof cask strength bottling

DERIVED MASH BILL:
Corn: 76%
Rye: 20%
Malted Barley: 4%

FLAVOR NOTES
An Invigorating nose of fresh strawberry and white peach interweaves with sugar cookies and toasted corn. Vibrant notes of lemongrass and peppermint hit the palate first, then transform to a deep sweetness of Medjool dates followed by an enthralling citrus and woodsy earthiness.

​Neat
Appearance: Amber honey.
Nose: Starts with a burst of strawberry, golden raisin, amontillado sherry, and a touch of sawdust. Then sweeter notes of honey, vanilla, sugar cookie, and white peach appear, followed by cocoa, cherry, oiled leather, toasted corn, and palo santo.​
Palate: The palate is viscous with herbaceous notes of lemongrass, star anise, and peppermint striking first. Honey, sweet cornbread, and dates appear followed by galangal and a woodsy note.
Finish: Spearmint, palo santo, lime zest, and ginger.
With a splash of spring water
An eruption of sandalwood, palo santo, vanilla, and cherry on the nose. The palate brightens with notes of lemon curd, fresh honey, sweet peppermint, and vanilla ice cream and finishes with ginger and lime zest.

What Gary Says

Nose: Sandalwood, berries, raisins, black cherry, ginger snaps, leather, undertones of caramel and vanilla with a hint of minerality.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, honey, caramel, bright citrus notes leaning from orange or lemon, peppermint, clove and cinnamon.
Finish: Long, warm and slightly drying with peppermint, citrus spice and honey.
Comments: This is a really nice addition to the Cask Finish Series! Love the spiciness on this one, which drinks closer to a rye to me despite the high corn content. The Mizunara wood brings a lovely earth spiciness to the party, and as has been my experience more often than not – the BCS blending team does a superb job of balancing the finishing to not overshadow the main spirit. A bit of water amps up the sandalwood, brings out notes of cherry cola on the nose.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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High n’ Wicked No. 7 Foursquare 2007 Single Grain Irish Whiskey

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review / ,

High n’ Wicked No. 7 Foursquare 2007 Single Grain Irish Whiskey

50% ABV
$80
Website
High n’ Wicked No. 7 Foursquare 2007 Single Grain
We would like to thank Altamar Brands, LLC and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

High n’ Wicked, the importer and specialty bottler of exceptional whiskeys, today launched its latest singular limited release: a collaboration with Foursquare Rum Distillery. The new expression, a Single Grain Irish Whiskey, originally distilled in County Cork, Ireland, features a mash bill of 95% French maize (corn) and 5% malted barley. The whiskey was first matured in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for six months in casks which previously held the award-winning “Mark X 2007” Barbados Rum from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.

This rare and distinctive expression was created by merging the skills of two of the most respected and admired producers of spirits in the world: Richard Seale of the legendary Foursquare Rum Distillery, and Noel Sweeney, former Master Distiller/Master Blender of Cooley who selected, finished, and blended this special whiskey.

“We got the Dream Team for this one,” said Lyons Brown, Founder and CEO of High n’ Wicked. “Foursquare has risen to the pinnacle of the rum world and is quickly becoming a global icon in spirits. We expect to work with Richard on additional releases in the future.”

Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), the new expression is available for purchase in select U.S. markets and online via highnwicked.com for the suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750ml bottle. It offers aromas of coconut, treacle, lemon peel, almond, nougat, fig, and vanilla, which give way to subtle tropical notes of clove and cinnamon followed by rich caramel and candied hazelnuts. The liquid lingers gently and finishes soft with a hint of custard.

“Foursquare’s ‘Mark X 2007’ was a highly expressive and complex Barbados rum and these casks married beautifully with the nuanced and subtle characters of this exquisite Single Grain Irish Whiskey,” said Richard Seale, Master Distiller/Master Blender, Foursquare Rums. “Seeing this collaboration come together from such a long-standing partner in our Exceptional Cask Selections importer, Altamar Brands, and through High n’ Wicked, has been a genuine pleasure.”

High n’ Wicked launches singular limited releases several times per year which are specialty bottlings of some of the finest domestic and global whiskeys. These “treasures” feature single barrels and expert double wood finishes that add layers of complexity to already superb distillates. To date, the brand has issued eight distinct American and Irish whiskey releases which include American Bourbon, Single Malt Irish whiskey, and Single Grain Irish Whiskey. High n’ Wicked also produces an award-winning flagship straight bourbon whiskey and straight rye whiskey which are regularly available.

Aroma: Coconut, Treacle, Lemon Peel, Almond, Nougat, Fig and Vanilla – giving way to subtle tropical fruit notes of mango and candied pineapple.
Palate: Rich and sweet on the open, highlighting baking spice notes of clove and cinnamon, immediately followed by rich caramel and candied hazelnuts. It lingers gently and finishes soft with a hint of custard

What Gary Says

Nose: Lemon curd, cornmeal, coconut, hints of pineapple and molasses.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel, sweet with caramel, honey, lemon spongecake, subtle baking spices including nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon with vanilla.
Finish: Moderately long, syrupy with lemon pudding and caramel.
Comments: Single grain whiskey tends to be very light and delicate, and this is absolutely all of that – but the corn sweetness shines through and is complemented really well by the tropical notes. I really like the mouthfeel on this, which drinks lovely neat but also holds up with a bit of water without losing that viscous feel.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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