Must Try

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
55% ABV
$75
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Since the 1990’s, the Michter’s team has been doing pioneering work to re-establish the high quality American Rye whiskey category. The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Rye marks yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter’s more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but we believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the inaugural release range from 108 to 110.8 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys Rye whiskey.

Production: Single Barrel. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Cooperage: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Barrelling Strength: 103 Proof
Bottling Strength: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels range from 108 to 110.8 proof.
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, fruity spice; a little water really opens it up – bringing brown sugar and a touch of (seriously) BBQ sauce.
Palate: Really nice thick mouthfeel with warm pepper spice, fruity (but not citrusy – more like figs, apricots); a touch of water brings out some nougat and cocoa.
Finish: Lingers nicely, and stays wet.
Comments: This is a really unique rye, it makes me think of Lot 40 Malted rye (not that you would ever mistake the two, but something about it makes me think “malted rye”). I sampled this a few times over a two week period, and it is honestly the first whiskey that – with a touch of water – brings to mind BBQ sauce (and not in a bad way!!) This does go into the barrel at a lower proof than most in the industry (103 proof, where many/most go in at 125 proof), and I think that certainly contributes to the lovely mouthfeel and uniqueness. Rye fans will appreciate what this has to offer, although be prepared to pay for the experience.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Toasted nuts, burnt churros, and a nice vanilla sweetness.
Palate: Dark chocolate, cracked pepper, and caramel come out first. Spend more time with it and you get nice dark fruit notes weaving through it.
Finish: Much more woody than spicy with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Comments: This is a very nice high proof rye. It’s not necessarily nice enough to warrant the price tag but to be honest I have the same complaint about everything Michter’s puts out. I’m not the hardcore rye hound that Gary is but I appreciate a well made rye like this. It doesn’t bowl me over in any particular way but it’s nice. I will enjoy the bottle I bought. However, given the price I won’t buy a second.
Rating: Stands Out

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William Heavenhill Small Batch

/ / Bourbon, Review /

William Heavenhill Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Third Edition)
50% ABV
$130
Website

What the Distillery Says:
For William Heavenhill, distilling was a family tradition. By some accounts, Heavenhill corn whiskey supplied Bardstown’s historic Talbott Tavern in the early 1800s. The limestone spring William used to make his Bourbon was the same spring that inspired our company’s original name: The Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

Each edition of William Heavenhill is different than the previous one. A new edition is released every Fall exclusively at the Bourbon Heritage Center. This third edition of William Heavenhill is an extremely limited and unique offering. It has been aged for 132 months under the careful supervision of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. Comprised of less than 12 barrels, this small batch Bottled-In-Bond product is the perfect addition to any whiskey connoisseur’s collection.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Sweet caramel, vanilla, crème brulee with a hint of anise; subtle oak and a wisp of smoke.
Palate: Starts like candy (I’m picturing a Heath bar?) before dancing over to spicy, and finishes softly; rice pudding & peach chutney.
Finish: Medium in length, and soft.
Comments: Wow – what a great balance between the sweetness and spice! I sampled this at the gift shop just as I was coming down with a cold, so I didn’t pick one up (couldn’t really taste anything). Had no idea what I was missing out on. This is a lovely whiskey that is right in my wheelhouse. Sweet, but not cloyingly so. Spicy, but not to sharp. It takes me on a mellow rollercoaster through all of my favorite places.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Soft and rich. Candy and sweet cherry liqueur with notes of black licorice and vanilla cream.
Palate: Sweet, rich, and delicious. Toffee and cherry candy sweetness playing with a nice rye spiciness and woody back note.
Finish: Light wood and little smokey hints.
Comments: Delicious. This is a whiskey that gets better every time I taste it. The editions change year to year but if you happen to come across this you really have to try it.
Rating: Must Try

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Nikka Coffey Grain

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
45% ABV
$60 to $65
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
This Grain Whisky is distilled in a “Coffey still”, which is a very traditional and rare patent still Nikka imported from Scotland in 1963. The Coffey still produces a complex whisky with a mellow and sweet taste originating from the grain itself. Please enjoy the uniqueness of this whisky which Nikka offers to the connoisseurs.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy and floral with a sharpness that reminds me most of young bourbon all with an herbal back note.
Palate: Deliciously creamy like a lovely vanilla custard enhanced by a light caramel sweetness.
Finish: This finishes a little hotter and spicier than you would expect going through the nose and palate.
Comments: I’ve called other whiskeys “ridiculously drinkable” in the past but this sets a whole new standard. This delicious little beauty from the land of the rising sun goes down like water. A whiskey for fans of scotch, Japanese whisky, and bourbon.
Rating: Must Try

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Hibiki 17

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Hibiki Suntory Whisky 17 Years Old
43% ABV
$125
Website
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What the Blender Says:
HIBIKI: THE HARMONY OF JAPANESE NATURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Embodying the soul of Japanese craftsmanship, this harmonious blend resounds with calm complexity and “Wa”, oneness.

“Kanzen”or complete, Hibiki is a harmonious blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies which are meticulosly blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.

Seductive, blossoming and enigmatic, Hibiki celebrates an unrivaled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory. From its launch, Hibiki has been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and her people.

Hibiki is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but among the most prestigious and honoured whiskies in the world.

Elegant. Poised. Slowly revealing a clear yet complex equilibrium.

Color: amber
Nose: peach, apricot, melon, rose, lily, lemon leaf
Palate: toffee, black cherry, vanilla, and Mizunara (Japanese oak)
Finish: sweet, fruity, with lychee aftertaste

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy and floral with stone fruit sweetness. Pralines, dried tea leaves, and a bit of cocoa powder.
Palate: Light, rich, and exceptionally balanced. Vanilla cream, citrus zest, banana custard, and cherry turnovers.
Finish: As light and delicate on the finish as the palate. This doesn’t finish like an aged whiskey at all. It goes down ridiculously smooth.
Comments: This is probably one of the top ten most drinkable whiskeys I’ve ever had. It’s not especially complex but the balance and drinkablity are stunning. This is one of those whiskeys you need to be careful with because you could blink and be halfway through the bottle.
Rating: Must Try

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Peat Monster Reserve

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

The Peat Monster Reserve Edition Malt Scotch Whisky
48.9% ABV
$125 to $150 (1.75L)
Website
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What the Blender Says:
To celebrate the 5th birthday of our best selling whisky, we bottled a limited release reserve version of The Peat Monster. Even peatier, smokier, richer and higher-strength than the classic version, it was available only in magnums. Only 1,325 cases of 4 magnums each (1.5L and 1.75L) were produced.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Campfire ash and brine with notes of fresh cut pine wood. A slightly meaty back note sits underneath and as you let this one open up turns to a nice bit of hazelnuts.
Palate: Smoke is more peaty and the brine is more salty. There is a little dark chocolate and saltwater taffy sweetness that shows itself more with a nice cigar. Laying over the entire palate is a creamy chewiness that is really nice.
Finish: Shorter than expected and lightly medicinal. There is something reminiscent of Cloreseptic throat spray and Ricola lozenges. It’s also a bit woodsy, not woody. Wet pine needles perhaps?
Comments: I just happened upon this about six months ago in a store I frequent with some regularity. Since then I’ve seen a few more. Even though this was a 2008/2009 release it can still be found on occasion. Don’t let the size of the bottle scare you off. This is delicious whisky.
Rating: Must Try

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