Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
55.65% ABV
$50 to $60
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
From the barrel to bottle at 108 to 114 proof, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength retains the signature front-of-the-palate flavors of Maker’s Mark – while amping up the oak, caramel, vanilla and spice to create a remarkable new bourbon.

Though it’s bottled at a higher proof than either Maker’s Mark or Maker’s 46 bourbons, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength has a lower proof than most cask strength whiskies. To us, a higher proof can overwhelm a bourbon with a heavy alcohol taste. And at Maker’s Mark, we’ve always been about creating whiskies that taste “yummy.”

Although Maker’s Mark goes into barrels at a consistent entry proof of 110, the proof of Maker’s Mark Cask Strength will vary. As water evaporates from the barrels as our whisky slumbers, the proof increases. But if you’ve ever lived in Kentucky, you know our summer temperatures can fluctuate wildly so the rate at which our bourbon becomes the “angel’s share” also differs. As a result, we’re never 100% sure what the proof will be till we open the barrels.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Light, sweet oak, vanilla wafers w/ a hint of licorice.
Palate: Warm, soft sweet vanilla with honey, caramel crèmes with undertones of cinnamon creeping in.
Finish: Moderate, with more bite than the start.
Comments: The first time I tried this, I was underwhelmed – especially for the price (it was $50 for a 375 mL bottle initially). Thankfully the price has come down quite a bit, although still on the high side for me. This is what I expected Maker’s Mark to be at cask strength. Still sweet/smooth, but a bit more of a bite that kicks in near the end and carries through the finish.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Much heavier on the wood than regular Maker’s with big doses of vanilla.
Palate: The barrel strength pushes this one out of the gate like it’s on fire. The oily rich mouthfeel bursts with caramel sweets, dark cocoa powder, vanilla cream, and one single Red Hot candy dissolved in the mix.
Finish: Woody but much spicier.
Comments: This reminds me of the first time I tried Maker’s Mark. Back then it was an impressive step up from Jack and Jim. It seemed to be bursting with flavor compared to bourbon’s I had up to that point. I get the same thing from the Cask Strength version. It’s sort of what I’ve hoped Maker’s would be for a long time. As pricing has come down to near $50 for a full 750 ml bottle it’s something you really should try.
Rating: Must Try

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WhistlePig 2016 Boss Hog

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

WhistlePig The Boss Hog Straight Rye Whiskey: The Independent
60.3% ABV
$299.99
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
The name says it all. This is our biggest, most profound whiskey. For the Boss Hog in us all.

The 1st edition, created in 2013, was our best at the time: our best barrels, barrel strength, 12 year aged.

In 2014, the 2nd edition was created as a memorial to Mortimer, one of our founder’s first pigs. He died heroically whilst defending the honor of Mauve, his porcine lover and companion. This marked the first time Mortimer appeared on the pewter stopper. Again we used our barrels as barrel strength, this time aged for 13 years.

This 3rd edition of Boss Hog, The Independent, is a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. This is our first Rye Whiskey ever finished in Hogshead 250 liter Scotch casks – the largest barrels in the business – which were enhanced with new American Oak heads.

The result is extraordinary. A fine balance between complex spices and delicate nuance. There’s nothing else like it.

Nose: Oak and vanilla are predominant, with undertones of mint, caramel, and baking spice.
Palate: Warm and bold, with lots of spices. Very faint hints of peat and smoke. Slightly earthy.
Finish: Surprisingly easydrinking for 125 proof with a long, warm, spicy finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Mint tea and newly made vanilla extract.
Palate: Heavy on the mint, vanilla, and caramel with a light back smokiness. The press notes are right, this drinks much easier than the proof would foretell.
Finish: Mint, allspice, oak, and dark cocoa powder.
Comments: Apparently WhistlePig is not to be out done by Jim Beam’s $300 13 year old rye by coming out with their own $300 rye. It’s a bit surprising given the recent release of their 15 Year for $200. Let’s be honest, the price stings a bit. This isn’t a rye for the masses. However, if you have the opportunity to try this then please do. It is a stellar glass of rye.
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank WhistlePig for sending us a sample to review.

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Nomad Outland Whisky

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Nomad Outland Whisky
41.3%
$30
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Nomad Outland Whisky is imbued with the characteristics of the wild, open space of the Scottish Highlands. A new concept that takes the Whisky itself on a journey from its birthplace to the warm and humid plains of Jerez.

In Jerez it is left to soak up the wonderful natural aspects of this special micro-climate giving Nomad its quintessential Scottish character and a soul that is truly Jerezano.

After a year of tests, ageing the Whisky in barrels that had previously held Fino, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherries, to find the perfect blend, our Master Blenders chose those Whiskies that had been aged in Pedro Ximénez.

A premium blended whisky produced from a unique selection of over 30 different malt and grain whiskies from Speyside, The Higlands, Scotland, each 5 to 8 years old. The resulting blend is left to mature in Scotland in sherry casks for 3 years, altogether, before being transferred to Jerez where it will be finished for a mínimum of 12 months in old Pedro Ximenez casks in the San Fernando cellar of González Byass.

This outland whisky matures in the unique micro-climate of Jerez, subject to the different changes in temperature, the winds and the humidity of the Andalusian city close to the sea. NOMAD, over time, will absorb the native yeasts which are present in the atmosphere of the cellar, and it will be imbued with the tastes and flavours of the old Pedro Ximenez casks, previously used to age sherry, giving the whisky its unique character.

Bright, topaz coloured whisky

It has a unique aroma with malty notes, reminiscent of oak and sherry due to its ageing in american oak barrels.

Smooth and elegant on the palate

With prominent flavours of raisins, honey and distinctive bouquet as a result of the finishing of the whisky in Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels.

A long finish, pleasant

With hints of vanilla and dried fruits. A very elegant whisky with a complex aftertaste.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Thick, dusky sherried raisins, figs, plum wine.
Palate: Creamy, but less intense than the nose; sweet raisins, plum, sherry with a bit of smoke.
Finish: Moderate in length, and on the wet side.
Comments: When I first nosed this whisky, I thought “Whoa – this is REALLY different!” The nose is very thick and dense, and very unique. While unhelpful to 99% of you, it immediately reminded me of a friend’s International Whisky Night, where I sampled whiskies from Australia, Korea, and all over the world. My point is this is a pretty unique pour. On the palate, I felt a bit let down – as the flavor was much less intense, although not off-putting or unpleasant. This is one of those drams where I could sit with an ounce and nose it for hours if for whatever reason I couldn’t drink that night. For me, the nose was “Must Try”, while the palate was closer to “Average” – although still different enough. I’d love to have tried this at a higher proof.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Heavy on the raisins. Very rich and dark fruit forward. The sherry dominates the nose…probably too much.
Palate: Sherry, raisins, Fig Newtons, and just about any other baked dark fruits.
Finish: The finish shows the youth of the malt more than anything else. Not terribly developed but unoffensive.
Comments: So…for $30 I can’t be too critical. This is VERY sherry forward. It’s almost like a refortified fortified wine. The sherry makes this one dimensional and not reminiscent of scotch in any way.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank Nomad for sending us samples to review.

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Westland American Single Malt

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review / ,

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey
46% ABV
$75
Website
westland-american-single-malt
What the Distillery Says:
A flagship malt is the core expression of a distillery’s house style. Westland’s American Oak is a reflection of where it is made and the collective intent of those who made it. When we founded Westland Distillery, we had a vision for an entirely new category of whiskey. Distilled from the rich, flavorful barley of Washington State and matured predominantly in new American oak casks in the steady, cool humidity of our seaside home, this whiskey is a testament to that vision. All of these choices and ingredients conspire to create an approachable, mature and uniquely American single malt that can stand with the best whiskies in the world.

The initial nose provides lemon and orange custard backed by freshly produced waffle cone. Shortly after, a rich creaminess emerges with creme brûlée and chocolate custard while a hint of jasmine hides just beneath the surface. The first sip confirms the creamy and rich fruit custard notes of the nose, adding an element of rainier cherries. After five minutes, melting swiss chocolate is revealed with a hint of almond. Extended tastings brings out bananas and cream with Turkish coffee.

GRAIN BILL:
Washington Select Pale Malt
Munich Malt
Extra Special Malt
Pale Chocolate Malt
Brown Malt

CASK TYPE(S):
Cooper’s Select New American Oak
Cooper’s Reserve New American Oak
First Fill Ex-Bourbon

YEAST STRAIN: Belgian Brewer’s Yeast

FERMENTATION TIME: 144 Hours

What Gary Says:
Nose: Young malt, lemongrass with some floral notes over peach and sea air.
Palate: Slightly creamy mouthfeel with apricot, peach, and honey over gentle spice(like mincemeat pie dialed down by half).
Finish: On the short-side, and wet (but pleasant).
Comments: A well done malt – I find it nicely balanced and approachable. Nothing off-putting about it, although it left me wanting more (as in – this same whiskey but maybe with another couple of years, and a few more points of proof). It is pretty tasty, although a tad on the thin side. For the price, unless you’re a whiskey geek who wants to try and support American Single Malt (a noble cause to be sure!), there are a lot of Scotch single malts that deliver more flavor for less. But that is the price of being an early adopter. This is a finely crafted whiskey, and shows a lot of potential. It isn’t trying to be Scotch-like, but clearly is a single malt. I haven’t tried their other offerings, but this sample definitely has gotten me interested in looking!
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and sweetly floral. There are background notes that are slightly meaty and also brandy like.
Palate: Delicate and well balanced. The sweetness here reminds more more of a cognac than a scotch. Poached stone fruits come to mind.
Finish: A little peppery and slightly hot but a few drops of water smooths that out.
Comments: Yeah, I’m the guy that typically hates American craft whiskey. I find it uninspiring, poorly put together, young, and over priced. That is a broad generalization but I am hard pressed to find exceptions to those descriptors. This however, would be one such exception. This is a delicious whiskey. It’s unique, well balanced, and it doesn’t show its youth at all. That said, you need to approach this on it’s own merits and don’t go looking for a scotch clone. If anything, this reminds me more of a nice brandy rather than a single malt scotch. My only complaint is the price. I know it’s tough for the new guys to sell their product with all that start up cost to recuperate but damn there are a lot of nice $75 bottles of whiskey out there. Hopefully, as Westland gains scale they will be able to target a more reasonable price point.
Rating: Must Try

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Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2016

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels
2016 Release
62.3% ABV
$179.99
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Ranked the “Best Spirit in the World” by Spirit Journal, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels is unlike any whiskey you’ve ever tried. Angel’s Envy is releasing fewer than8,000 bottles of our award-winning Cask Strength this year, so don’t miss your chance to pick up a bottle or two of this rare and delicious spirit.

Perfection is a patient man’s game. So we waited until Angel’s Envy reached the perfect level of maturity. We judge only a handful of barrels exceptional enough for our lengthy finishing process. The result? Even at 124.6 proof—our highest ever—every sip is worth savoring.

A remarkably complex and unfiltered spirit, we suggest you enjoy it neat or with just a splash of water to release the flavor nuances, and perhaps with a few friends who appreciate outstanding whiskey. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength was worth waiting for, now it’s worth sharing.

Appearance Rich gold with an amber depth
Nose Rose petals, dense fruitcake, fresh strawberries, cracked black peppercorns, clove
Palate Caramel coffee, dried fig, aged tobacco, toasted sourdough bread
Finish Rich and buttery, add water to soothe the burn and let the finish linger

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, luscious port sweetness with dark fruit and molasses, hints of aniseed and cigar paper.
Palate: Viscous mouthfeel with port, caramel apples, plums, and a hint of citrus over oak.
Finish: Moderately long and drying.
Comments: I really do enjoy this whiskey, as I have the previous year’s release of cask strength. It is an intensely flavorful whiskey, on the sweet side to be sure, but nicely balanced (not cloyingly sweet). This is where I would normally rant about the price, and how if it were half the price I would be recommending it up one side and down the other. But I honestly can’t explain prices for most whiskies in today’s market – so, whether it is worth it or not is up to you. If you can afford it, I do think this is a delicious whiskey. But I won’t be a buyer at the suggested retail.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose is a bit coy out of the bottle. It comes across a bit woody and musty (and this bourbon isn’t that old) with a bit of caramel candies. With some water the nose opens to more notes of vanilla, melted peanut butter, and cocoa powder.
Palate: A sweets grab back with a heavy does of semisweet chocolate chips, follow by Big Red cinnamon gum, and toffee crisps. Water pulls more of the vanilla and caramel forward.
Finish: This finishes more on the dry side with a wisp of wood. When water is added more lingering notes of cocoa powder remain.
Comments: Price, price, price. Kind of like Gary I’m getting a little tired of harping on the prices of recent releases. I hear the other side of the argument saying how “under valued bourbon was for so long”…blah blah blah…horseshit. Value is an individual’s perception and opinion. It has nothing to do with price. Price is set by supply and demand. Prices are high because demand is high. And producers of bourbon are taking every advantage they can to maximize profits during the boom. Do I blame them? No. Would I do the same thing in their place? Yes. Do I have to like it? Hell no. It still pisses me off.

All that ranting aside, this is a delicious whiskey. It would be hard to find someone who wouldn’t like it. If it’s in your price and value and range them by all means I suggest picking one up if you are inclined to. And if you happened to invite Gary and I over to share that bottle that you paid for then that wouldn’t be too bad either.
Rating: Stands Out

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