Average | Whisk(e)y Apostle: Proselytizing the way of the malt

Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon

November 15, 2015 / Richard / Bourbon, Review / Average, Probably Pass

Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
45.7% ABV
$45 to $50
Website

What the Bottler Says:
Introduced to great acclaim in the Fall of 2014, Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a groundbreaking whiskey expression. It is made by taking Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and then aging it for an additional period in a second custom made barrel. This second barrel is assembled from 18-month air dried wood and then toasted but not charred. The truly unique and delicious taste of Michter’s US 1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon represents a remarkable achievement given that it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon with nothing extra added or done except placement in a second toasted barrel.

Production: Small Batch. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Bottling Strength: 91.4 proof (45.7% Alcohol by Volume)
Cooperage: First Barrel: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Second Barrel: Toasted but not charred barrel made from 18-month air dried wood
Tasting Notes: Campfire and cinnamon, with pecan and candied fruit. Lingering finish of baked pears, vanilla, and marshmallow

What Gary Says:
Nose: Soft mustiness, leather, cigar paper, fall leaves with a subtle sweetness – hints of vanilla, tapioca and caramel.
Palate: Nice, creamy mouthfeel, woody but also young; fairly subdued spice that is slow to present itself.
Finish: On the short side, and a little forgettable.
Comments: This whiskey has no age statement, and not being a “straight bourbon” we can only guess how long it spent in either the first or second cask. Michter’s states that this is using their US1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (which also has no age statement, which would imply a minimum of four years old in the original barrel) before introducing it to a second barrel that is toasted rather than charred. For all of that work, it left me wanting. To my palate, it came across as young, with the nose having more of the toasted oak influence and not as much sweetness. It is interesting, but is priced where it needs to be more than interesting for me to recommend it.
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: Burnt sugar, curdled corn pudding, and cinnamon with an odd “meaty” base note.
Palate: It’s more floral in the mouth but the flavors are very muted. I would dare to almost call this bland.
Finish: Hot and dry. Not pleasant at all.
Comments: Wow was I not impressed with this at all. I probably wouldn’t reach for this a second time on flavor alone (unfortunately I bought a bottle) but the nearly $50 price tag makes this down right painful. It’s a no age stated bourbon that Michter’s refers to on their website as a “straight” bourbon. I’m guessing from the hot finish and the lack of much in the flavor department that this is more on the young side and pretty close to four years old at the far end.
Rating: Probably Pass

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Singleton of Glendullan

November 7, 2015 / Richard / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside / Average

The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky of Glendullan
Matured for Twelve Years
40% ABV
$40 to $50
Website

What the Distiller Says:
The youngest of The Singleton distilleries by a year, Glendullan brings a light, delicate, greenwood flavour to the family of three. This is the gift of the American oak casks, the insides of which the liquid caresses to yield a whisky with the subtle softness of fresh orchard fruits.

Built in 1897, the last of seven distilleries founded in Dufftown, Glendullan was the brainchild of blenders from Aberdeen by the name of William Williams and sons. With solid business acumen and a private railway siding, the Williams gave Glendullan a healthy start in life. So solid in fact that it took the barley shortages of the Second World War to halt production – though the momentous world event caused only a seven year blip in the history of this exceptional malt.

American Oak brings subtle, honeyed hints to The Singleton of Glendlullan range, with a touch of European Oak offering a balancing dryness. It’s this combination that rounds off the edges and enhances the sweet vanilla and orchard fruit flavours.

Notes of apple and pear, chewy raisins and juicy red strawberry fruit, all perfectly balanced by a smooth, drying spiciness. A special selection of American and European Oak casks makes sure that those fruity, natural flavours stay in perfect balance throughout maturation.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Sherry and stewed fruits on the nose.
Palate: Sweet vanilla cream with more light fruity notes and a fair does of grainy maltiness.
Finish: Light, short, and pleasant.
Comments: Summed up in one phrase I would says a pleasant, easily drinkable daily dram. This isn’t a knock your socks of scotch but it’s not supposed to be. This is a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich 12 competitor in terms of flavor and price. It stands up admirably.
Rating: Average

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Jim Beam Soft Red Wheat

November 5, 2015 / Richard / Bourbon, Review / Average, Stands Out

Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat 11 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
45% ABV
$50 (375ml)
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ best exemplifies the merger of tradition with unique experimentation and exploratory craftsmanship. It’s the ultimate experience for the truest of whiskey adventurers, a product 11 years old with the passion of seven generations of whiskey making.

Color: Golden honey to amber
Aroma Slightly soft with mild oak notes
Taste Sweet and softly spicy; caramel, vanilla, slight light brown sugar sweetness
Finish Light bodied and very approachable

What Gary Says:
Nose: Vanilla with a bit of cinnamon, sweet without much wood; soft anise with subtle stewed peaches.
Palate: Soft, sweet corn, with a touch of fruit (pears and apples).
Finish: Moderate in length, and wet.
Comments: The nose has a familiar “Beam” hint to it (which I apologize for failing to describe better than that!) I would not have guessed this was 11 yrs old; as it is very soft, mellow, and smooth. I didn’t get much wood at all, which isn’t a bad thing. This is a very approachable, easy to drink whiskey – although it is priced such that it is more of a novelty than something I would stock in the bar.
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: Richer and less hot alcohol funky than normal Beam. Honeysuckle and cinnamon candies.
Palate: Nice soft creamy mouthfeel. Toffee and corn pudding sweetness playing with a surprising spicy back that would almost make me think of of rye bourbon.
Finish: Peppery and viscous.
Comments: Beam goes wheat. A curiosity that most bourbon geeks should try. The continuity of the Beam yeast is an interesting counterpoint to the new wheated mashbill. It’s very easy to drink and enjoyable. However, at $50 for a half bottle it’s not a $100 bottle of bourbon for sure. For the casual drinker I can’t say that this should move to the top of your list.
Rating: Stands Out

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1792 Sweet Wheat

October 29, 2015 / Richard / Bourbon, Review / Average, Stands Out

1792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
45.6% ABV
$30 to $35
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Crafted with sweet and delicate wheat instead of the more traditional rye, this bourbon is quite distinctive from most. The soft wheat delivers a subtle and smooth taste with gentle layers of flavor. Each sip expresses a harmony of sweetness and dryness.

TASTING NOTES
A well balanced bourbon with delicate body. Notes of vanilla and caramel are complimented by a touch of white oak tannins. This is further mingled with dried fruit to deliver a richly smooth flavor.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Enigmatic . . . a bit of young corn sweetness, but hints of some age in the subtle wood (some sources state this is about 8 yrs old)
Palate: Very, very soft mouthfeel – pleasant sweetness comes through, but very little spice.
Finish: A hint (more of a tease) of a spice note, and then dissipates.
Comments: When I first sniffed this pour, I thought “Yep – Barton”, as there is a familiar resemblance there, but more like cousins than brothers. I like 1792, and this just left me wanting a bit more spice – which isn’t surprising for a wheated bourbon. I think if someone gave me this to sip without me thinking about 1792, I would enjoy it for what it is – although at the price point, I am likely to pass.
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: Honey and caramel corn.
Palate: Lovely creamy vanilla and caramel sweetness. It reminds me a bit of a well spiked eggnog.
Finish: A little spicy kick at the end.
Comments: Very delicious and enjoyable. I find a bit more here than I do with a Makers, Weller, or Old Fitzgerald. It’s a nice balancing interplay of sweet and spicy. More please!
Rating: Stands Out

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Taketsuru 12 Year

October 9, 2015 / Richard / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review / Average

Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 Year Old Nikka Whisky
40% ABV
$60 to $70
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Malt whisky is distilled exclusively from barley malt, and is considered to be the forefather of all other types of whisky. In general, it is divided into single malt whisky (several malt whiskies from a single distillery vatted together) and pure malt whisky (malt whisky from several distilleries vatted together).

What Richard Says:
Nose: Green, as in vegetal with green apple peel, not young.
Palate: Light, and drinkable but somewhat bland.
Finish: Sharp black pepper spiciness with just a hint of the time spent in wood.
Comments: The first Nikka release to hit the U.S. a couple of years ago did not blow my socks off like the whiskies Suntory entered the market with. I find this Taketsuru to be bland and uninspiring. It’s not off putting but seem to be made more for mizuwari than straight enjoyment. For upwards of $70 for this blended malt I would recommend beating down your curiosity and spending less money on a better blended malt from Compass Box.
Rating: Average

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