Must Try

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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Blood Oath Pact No. 10

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Blood Oath Pact No. 10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Cabernet Franc & Merlot casks

49.3% ABV
$130
Website
Blood Oath Pact 10
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Blender Says

Lux Row Master Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe marks a decade of distinction – and secrecy – as he renews his annual pact with bourbon drinkers by releasing Blood Oath Pact 10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey double finished in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks. A limited supply of 17,000 (3-in) cases will arrive at retail this month at a suggested price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle. As with all of Rempe’s pacts, Blood Oath Pact 10 is offered at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV).

Blood Oath Pact 10 combines some of the finest rare bourbons Rempe could find, including two well-bred ryed bourbons and one finished bourbon each complementing the others. In honor of Blood Oath’s double-digit age milestone, Rempe achieved a double finish for this year’s special, secret blend. The first finish was perfected in Cabernet Franc barrels, imbuing rich flavors of tart raspberries and black pepper. The second finish was refined in Merlot barrels, instilling the tastes of red stone fruits with undertones of vanilla, cocoa and anise. The result is a delicious and distinctive pour.

For a decade Rempe has sought out famous and forgotten rare bourbons and bottled them in combinations for his limited-release Blood Oath Pacts. Not to cater to anyone’s loyalties, he has sworn to never reveal where he finds his bourbon, but only promises to choose and make the best he knows.

“We wanted to create something truly distinctive and unique to mark our 10th edition of Blood Oath and we did just that,” said Rempe. “For this offering I sourced three extraordinary bourbons that could be elevated even further through a double finish in Cabernet Franc and Merlot casks, and would ultimately deliver the kind of rich, fruit-forward notes and smooth drinking experience I wanted to achieve. It’s a superb blend and I’m excited to share it.”

Lux Row only releases one new Blood Oath Pact annually, and each limited edition features a distinct and thoughtfully designed label. This year, a black label with striking silver highlights adorns the Blood Oath Pact 10 bottle. And like its predecessors, each bottle of Blood Oath Pact 10 comes in a commemorative fire-branded wooden display box.

The official launch of Blood Oath Pact 10 will include a total allocation of 51,000 bottles, 1,400 of which will be held for a future Trilogy release. The first Trilogy featuring Pacts 1, 2 and 3, was released in 2018, and the second Trilogy featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, was released in September 2021 in conjunction with National Bourbon Heritage Month. The next Blood Oath Trilogy, featuring Pacts 7, 8 and 9, will be offered later this year.

TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Sweet fruit with hints of oak.
PALATE: Rich caramel with flavors of tart raspberries and black pepper.
FINISH: Distinct notes of red stone fruits with undertones of vanilla and cocoa.

What Gary Says

Nose: Fruity with berries, nectarines, caramel, nutty note, cigar paper, oak and dark chocolate.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, load of fruit including raspberries, plums, apricots and black cherry, honey, vanilla, dark chocolate, nutmeg, anise and a hint of root beer.
Finish: Long and syrupy with raspberry, honey and oak.
Comments: This is my favorite Blood Oath to date; complex, layered, nuanced, balanced, and all-around delicious! The finishes bring a ton of fruit to the party, but don’t overpower the bourbon spirit. This drinks lovely neat, but adding a few drops of water brightens the fruit notes on the nose, leaning more into a citrus vibe. I love the versatility of this bourbon – it is one that I could sit and ponder, nosing for hours over a long quiet evening. Or just sip while enjoying good company, and great whiskey!

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

49.5% ABV
$35
Website
Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distiller Says

ST. LOUIS (April 9, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the latest addition to the Ezra Brooks brand family: Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish. Finished in port casks from Portugal for six months, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish delivers the great spicy ryed bourbon taste and smooth finish Ezra Brooks is known for in its already bold 99 proof bourbon, with additional flavor notes. The new variant will start shipping to retailers later this month at a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750 ml bottle.

With a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malt, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish is distilled using the highest quality ingredients, aged the old-fashioned way and bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). Distinctive packaging features prominent callouts and a special label color highlighting the port cask finish.

“We created Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish for bourbon fans looking for an elevated taste profile and unique flavor option,” said Eric Winter, Ezra Brooks brand manager. “Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe was intrigued by the juxtaposition of ryed bourbon’s spicy flavor profile and the sweeter, dark fruit notes often found in port wines.”

“This special finish brings notes of vanilla, tobacco and leather together on the nose, and sweet fruitiness and dark chocolate on the palate,” said Rempe. “We’re excited to share this special new variety with consumers as the first in a planned series of annual finishes for the Ezra Brooks 99 family.”

What Gary Says

Nose: Charred oak, port wine notes of berries, raisins, caramel, vanilla, pipe tobacco and leather.
Palate: Round mouthfeel with caramel, dark chocolate, raspberry jam, honey, apricots and cinnamon.
Finish: Moderate in length, syrupy with spicy fruit notes and chocolate.
Comments: Nice edition to the Ezra Brooks family! The bourbon isn’t lost and overpowered by the finish, which I appreciate (frequent readers know a heavy-handed finish is one of my pet peeves). This is nicely balanced, highlighting the lovely fruit notes from the port cask finish while retaining the spicy sweetness of the bourbon. Drinks really well neat, as well as in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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North British Signatory Cask Strength 1991 30 Year

/ / Review, Single Grain / ,

North British Signatory Cask Strength 1991 30 Year
Single Grain Scotch Whisky

54.7% ABV
$130
Website
North British Signatory 30 Year Single Grain Scotch Whisky

What the Bottle Says

Distilled on: 09/02/1991
Bottled on: 0/25/2022
Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt
Cask No: 262084
Bottle No X of 494

Tasting Notes by The Chaps at Master of Malt:
Nose: Honeyed granola, apple tart, a whiff of vanilla, and buttered popcorn.
Palate: Floral honey and sweet orchard fruit crumble with toasted cereal topping and dustings of brown sugar. Hints of grassy oak beneath.
Finish: Diced nuts and baking spices, with butterscotch balancing peppery heat.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich, vanilla butter-cream frosting, honey, oak, leather, bit of cornbread.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with honey, vanilla, toffee, caramel, raisins, plums with some pepper spice.
Finish: Long and drying with caramel, raisins, spice and light roast coffee.
Comments:  Another really solid single grain that is a lovely sipper neat, although it gets even better with just a few drops of water. Brings out some fruit notes on the nose, and on the palate I get some notes of canned pears. If I was better organized, I’d have done a side by side with this sample and the other North British 30 Year Old (which I know is part of why Rich bought both of these). Unfortunately haven’t been as well organized as of late. Although interestingly enough, these were sampled probably 6 weeks apart, and different tasting notes but the same rating

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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North British Old Particular 1988 30 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Single Grain / ,

North British Old Particular 1988 30 Year
Single Grain Scotch Whisky

48.4% ABV
$100
Website
North British 30 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky

What the Bottle Says

One of 180 Bottles Charged from a Refill Barrel
Ref DL12798
No Colouring; No Chill Filtration

This Single Cask Was Distilled July 1988 And
Bottled August 2018

Specially Selected for K&L Wines

Nose: Opens with a golden syrup, slight spice and Californian orange quality
Palate: Expect Scottish marmalade with runny honey and lightly toasted pine nuts
Finish: Medium long with a citrus twist, American cream soda and gentle pepper

What Gary Says

Nose:  Vanilla, buttercream frosting, hint of baking spices (hermit cookies), light caramel, porridge cereal notes with a subtle hint of citrus.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel with a citrus zip, honey, caramel, oak and hints of herbal tea.
Finish:  Long, damp with honey, pepper and vanilla.
Comments:  This is a really nice well aged single grain, and like others – benefits a lot from time in the glass (the old adage of ‘1 min in the glass for every year in the cask’ is asking a lot; I gave it an honest 20 minutes and it was much improved over freshly poured). Delicate and subtle, with a lovely depth on the nose. A bit of water brings a nuttiness to the nose, while the mouthfeel maintains the viscosity and the palate introduces some notes of toffee.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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