Little Book Chapter 2: Noe Simple Task

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

Little Book Chapter 2: Noe Simple Task
59.4% ABV
$90 – $100
Website

What the Blender Says

FREDDIE’S NOTE
As the name implies, this round of Little Book was a long journey that really tested my skills as a blender. Maybe I jinxed myself naming my first batch “the Easy.” Superstitions aside, I spent a lot of time in the lab on this one. I tried almost forty different recipes. But in the end, all that hard work paid off and we landed on a one-of-a-kind whiskey I’m really proud of.

The road to Noe Simple Task started when I visited our Canadian distilleries in early 2017. I enjoy travelling to different places in the world to see how they distill their spirits. There, I was able to taste some great Canadian whisky straight out of the barrel. I was really drawn to the fruit and floral notes they achieve. I wanted to know more.

Later in the year I went back for a deeper dive to learn all about their process. And taste some more great whisky. This was a step outside my comfort zone. The rules and laws for making whiskey in Kentucky that I grew up with don’t apply up there. But I came back inspired and began blending.

Now, while the flavors of the Canadian whisky had piqued my interest, my heart still lies in Kentucky. So I was excited about the idea of bringing the best of both worlds together. Knowing I wanted to blend with Kentucky Straight Rye, I started experimenting with different Canadian whiskies, trying to pull in those fruity and floral notes. They use a lot of different barrels to age up there, so I was able to play around with a lot of different flavors. I was looking for something that would round out the blend and really showcase the nuances of both the American and Canadian whiskies. In the end, I found the 40-year-old whisky and 13-year-old rye helped me achieve exactly what I wanted—a truly balanced and refined whiskey with a nice, lingering finish that’s full of flavor.

Blend Overview:

    • 13-year-old, uncut and unfiltered1 Canadian rye whisky at 111.9 proof
    • 8-year-old, uncut and unfiltered1 Kentucky straight rye whiskey at 119.8 proof
    • 40-year-old, uncut and unfiltered1 Canadian whisky at 137.8 proof
    • Proof: 118.8

Tasting Notes: Little Book “Noe Simple Task” features floral and fruity notes that balance out the spice from the rye whiskies in the final blend. The finish is long, lingering and spicy with notes of caramel.
Sipping Suggestions: Neat, over ice, or with a few drops of water

1While we get every last ounce of charred oak flavor from our barrels, we make sure any actual pieces of barrel wood are left behind at the distillery.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Evergreen/pine with mint, maple syrup, cloves, nutmeg and subtle dried fruit.
Palate:  Warm and sweet, vanilla, caramel, mincemeat pie with raisins and apples.
Finish:  Moderately long, thick with a cinnamon note.
Comments:  I’m a fan of Canadian rye, and the nose screams that to me – more so than the Kentucky rye which is more aggressive. There are some typical notes found in both (for me, mint and some of the baking spices), but I find evergreen notes often in the Canadian rye whiskies. On the palate, it is far more balanced – sweet with those baking spices. Sipping neat, this drinks easier than 118.8 proof. I wasn’t a big fan of the first Little Book release, but this is damn tasty whiskey; one I could just sip and enjoy or take my time pondering. Fairly complex, balanced, and just delicious.  Would I love to see this at a lower price point?  Sure, but hard to argue that there are other similar pours out there to be had for less (for starters, hard to find something similar!)  If you know you like Canadian rye whiskey, I’d call this a ‘Must Try’.
Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

We would like to thank Beam Suntory and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.

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Mad March Hare Irish Poitín

/ / Other Spirits, Review /

Mad March Hare Irish Poitín
40% ABV
$30
Website
Mad March Hare Poitin
What the Bottler Says
Poitín (pronounced ‘put-cheen’) is as Irish as it gets. Distilled as early as the sixth century, it predates every spirit you’re likely to have ever tasted including whiskey. Irish Poitín is a truly unique spirit with an intriguing story, having been forced underground in 1661, and secretly distilled for over 300 years.

Mooney epitomized the rebellious irish man of old. Under the guise of a local fruit & vegetable trader, he distributed his famous Poitín across the land. Always one step ahead of The Law,
Mooney was affectionately known by locals to be as ‘mad as a march hare’.

Quietly distilled in traditional copper pot stills, from locally sourced malted barley. Mad March Hare is a classic Irish Poitín of unrivaled smoothness and flavour, making it just as good
over ice, with a simple mix or in a craft cocktail.

Tasting Notes
Aroma: Heavy malt notes, with coconut & baked apple combine in a highly impressive aroma.
Taste: Silk and creamy texture, over-layered with dried fruits, vanilla and French toast, could leave one to believe it was aged.
Finish: Long and brimming with honey sweetness, with malt spice, toasted almonds and lingering hints of lemon desserts.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Thick and grainy sweet, sugar cookies with a touch of molasses, honey, hint of boiled cabbage.
Palate:  Sweet, malty, a tad vegetal with notes of honey, vanilla and a hint of pepper spice at the end.
Finish:  Short and slightly drying.
Comments:  Poitín is pretty similar in concept to what American distilleries bottle as “new make” or “white dog”; but completely different to drink. With corn being the primary grain in a bourbon mashbill white dog, it is a very different kind of sweet than a malted barley poitín. The use of copper pot stills, and triple distillation all play a role as well. The nose on this is quite thick and dense for only 40% ABV; much more so than the palate.  I personally am not a big fan of white dog, “moonshine” (which technically anything you’re buying legally – isn’t), new make, or apparently poitín. If you are a fan of one or more of those, than I hope my tasting notes are helpful. I do find the history of the spirit, and how it was impacted by the colonization of Ireland, and the various class and religious struggles that the country has experienced. I’m always thankful for the opportunity to try new things, because the only way we know what we like or don’t is to experience them.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank The Gallavant Group for sending us a sample to review.

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Egan’s Legacy Reserve

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Egan’s Legacy Reserve Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 15 Years
46% ABV
$200
Website

What the Bottler Says
Legacy Reserve is limited to 1,000 bottles worldwide— an exceptionally rare spirit ideally suited for collectors and connoisseurs. Aged for 15 years in American bourbon casks, each bottle is hand-selected by Maurice and Jonathan Egan, whose forefathers Patrick and Henry Egan began the brand six generations ago. An unmistakably Irish Whiskey, this expression advances the category of true single malts with a complex flavor profile and long finish. It boasts a characteristically spicy palate, pairing toffee and vanilla with fruits and citrus, full-bodied while hinting at oaky dryness.

“Legacy Reserve is meant to be had neat or on the rocks — that’s the Irish way, and the only way,” says CEO John Ralph. “We’re a bare-knuckles brand. With this bottle, we’re out to prove that small, thoughtfully produced legacy spirits have a viable place in the global market.”

What Gary Says
Nose:  Vanilla, fruit salad dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, musty oak with hints of rice pudding and spongecake.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel that sharpens a bit with a spicy uptick; fruity with pears, peaches and cherries with a hint of nutty honey.
Finish:  Moderate in length, wet and sweet.
Comments:  I appreciate the higher proof, as well as the non-chill filtering here. This dram has a nice delicate complexity; quite subtle as is not uncommon with Irish single malt whiskey. A couple drops of water opened it up nicely as well. While quite nice, I’d have a hard time spending the suggested retail for it. There’s nothing off putting about this whiskey, but there are some equally very nice 15 yr single malts out there for significantly less (close to half). Now they’re not limited editions, and the bottles are pedestrian, so if you’re a big fan of Egans and looking for the limited edition bottle, go for it. If you’re looking for something to open and drink, and don’t care how many bottles they made of it, I’d look to try this one first before spending the asking price.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank The Gallavant Group for sending us a sample to review.

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Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish
51.8% ABV
$80
Website

What the Distiller Says
Each year, Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell, crafts a limited edition malt to celebrate friendship (“Cairdeas” in Gaelic). Released in limited quantities stateside as one of the most a highly anticipated Laphroaig offerings each year, the 2018 iteration, Cairdeas Fino Cask, features notes of toasted almonds, dried fruit and sea salt, all of which perfectly complement the whisky’s peaty, unmistakably Laphroaig flavor.

Crafted in the spirit of ‘friendship’, the 2018 bottling of this annual release whisky is perfect to share with friends old and new. Laid to rest in Warehouse 8 and 10, Cairdeas Fino Cask showcases an especially unique double maturation process in first-fill bourbon casks, followed by Fino Sherry Casks.

COLOR: Golden amber
NOSE: Toasted almonds
BODY: Full bodied
PALATE: Dried fruit and sea salt
FINISH: Laphroaig’s signature peaty flavor

What Gary Says
Nose: Sea air, brine, peat, medicinal notes with a touch of citrus sweetness and mixed nuts.
Palate:  Sweet, peaty with notes of caramel custard, spongecake and almonds underneath.
Finish:  Moderate in length, damp with hints of stewed fruits as it fades.
Comments:  I’m a fan of Laphroaig to be sure (so I’m biased like that), but in general I commend them for having a limited edition that isn’t outrageously expensive, and also is true to the core spirit. If you don’t like Laphroaig, you probably won’t like this – because it tastes like Laphroaig, with a subtle twist. I appreciate that they aren’t trying to turn it into something completely different (not to knock innovation of that nature either). I found this to be a delightful and enjoyable pour. Compared to your standard Laphroaig 10yr, I find this to be a tad less medicinal with just a bit more citrus and nutty sweetness. I found a bit of water tamped down those nuances (the peat isn’t subdued that easily), but at 51.8% this didn’t need any water. I don’t know that I loved this as much as last year’s Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask, as the differences were more subtle and nuanced. But I definitely like it a lot, and wouldn’t turn down anyone offering it!
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Laphroaig and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.

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Glenturret Old Particular 1987 28 Year Old

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Glenturret Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Douglas Laing “Old Particular” 1987 28 Year Old
(K&L Wines Exclusive)
49.7% ABV
$100
Website
1286859x
What the Retailer Says:
It’s rare to see a 25 year old whisky for less than $150 these days, and even when we do see the occasional bottle our first instinct is often to ask: what’s wrong with it? Understanding that natural reaction we had to ask ourselves: how will people respond when we offer them a 28 year old, single barrel, cask strength, Highland single malt for $99.99? We’re hoping you’ll be excited because we’re absolutely thrilled! Glenturret isn’t a household name among whisky drinkers, but for those in the know it’s part of the Edrington portfolio: the group that owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes. Glenturret is also considered the oldest distillery in Scotland, having been founded in 1775, and today it’s the home of Famous Grouse: the world-renowned blended whisky in which it plays a large role. This 28 year old expression has reduced naturally down to a perfectly-drinkable 49.7% ABV and has the richness, oiliness, and concentration that only mature whisky can offer. It’s full of brandied fruit, resin, supple caramel, and creamy malted goodness. Despite its old age, the whisky is surprisingly lithe and light on its feet. By no means is this a heavy, full-bodied number, but rather a classic Highland whisky with plenty of barrel-aged complexity. For the price, it’s a no brainer.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, thick depth of tropical fruit salad, herbal spice, subtly floral with a note of malted milk balls.
Palate: Viscous, creamy mouthfeel, crème brluee, fruity (plums, lemon curd) before sharpening to a pepper spice – and then softening up again; a bit of water thins the mouthfeel a bit, but opens up the fruity sweetness further, adding a cereal grain note.
Finish: Long, and softly drying.
Comments: I’d never had anything from Glenturret, and this was more of an opportunistic purchase than anything (had the chance to pop into one of K&L’s stores, and thought “$100 for 28yr single malt? Why not!”) One of the better $100 blind purchases I’ve made. This is a lovely dram, and while very drinkable at bottled/cask strength – it stands up to water nicely. This was one of three bottles I picked up during my visit, and the only one I sought a back-up of. As a single cask private selection (which was sold out in short order), I don’t expect to have another chance to add a third, but this would be an insta-buy for me if I did.
Rating: Must Buy

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