Must Try

Parker’s Heritage Wheat Whiskey

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

Parker’s Heritage Collection, 8th Edition (2014),
Original Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey Aged 13 years
63.7% ABV
$90
Website
parkers-heritage-whiskey
What the Distillery Says:
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the 2014 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill, who holds the world’s second largest inventory of aging American Whiskey, will be shipping the rarity into selected markets across the country beginning in mid-September and it will hit retail shelves in September and October. The annual release of the Parker’s Heritage Collection bottling, of which this represents the eigth in the series, is always highly anticipated by whiskey lovers worldwide and the bottlings are some of the most lauded and coveted releases of the year.

This year, for the first time, Heaven Hill will be using an American Straight Whiskey style other than Bourbon for the Parker’s Heritage Collection release. The 2014 edition will feature 13-year-old straight wheat whiskey, bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered. The barrels used for this year’s offering were from the very first run of what later would become Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey. With a minimum of 51% soft winter wheat in the mashbill or grain recipe, Bernheim is the only straight wheat whiskey produced by a major American distiller and has been available since 2005. For this reason, this year’s Parker’s Heritage Collection release has been dubbed “Original Batch Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey”.

The release will be comprised of two small batch dumps, the first of which will be bottled at a robust 127.4° proof or 63.7% alcohol by volume. The cask strength and lack of chill filtering mean the whiskey is bottled much as it came out of the barrel after 13 years of aging on the top floors of Rickhouse Y on the Heaven Hill property in Bardstown. Heaven Hill announced in June that they were repackaging the Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey to add a 7 year age statement, but the additional 6 years of maturation gives the Parker’s Heritage Collection Original Batch Wheat Whiskey even greater complexity and depth. The soft, biscuity profile of Bernheim is tempered with additional oak and char notes, and the finish is long and spicy.

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) several years ago. Last year’s edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, called the “Promise of Hope” release, raised over $300,000 for the ALS Association’s Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund through a $20 per bottle contribution made by Heaven Hill. Heaven Hill will continue with this cause-related campaign, and will contribute $5 from the average national retail cost of $89.99 for every 750ml bottle sold of this year’s “Original Batch” release to ALS research and treatment. With every past edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection selling out of Heaven Hill’s warehouses, the company expects to generate an additional $65,000 to battle ALS through this year’s edition, which is not as broad a release as last year’s “Promise of Hope” bottling.
This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection promises to be a worthy successor to the previous seven releases, which, having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, stand as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.” As a result, the Parker’s Heritage Collection releases have become some of the most anticipated and sought after bottlings of every new year.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Clearly high-proof; allspice, bit of clove, honey, pound cake and sandalwood. A bit of water helps knock the alcohol down, and brings out more cereal (malted milk?)
Palate: Heat at first, followed by hints of vanilla, cream of wheat (or oatmeal – I get those confused). A bit of water dissipates the heat and leaves a lovely honey-suckle sweetness with cinnamon and baking spices.
Finish: Nice, moderate to long, although a bit dry. Water helps this out as well.
Comments: Like the Bernheim 7 yr Wheat Whiskey, important to have expectations that this is not a bourbon, although there are some similarities. Almost twice as old as the Bernheim 7 yr Wheat Whiskey, I think this whiskey showcases how well the wheat grain takes age without taking on a lot heavy oak characteristics. I diluted some of this to 90 proof (same as Bernheim 7 yr), and there is a marked difference with the added 6 yrs of age (richer, sweeter, wood more evident). To me, this isn’t as woody as a rye bourbon of similar age (say Elijah Craig 12yr). I have had whiskey at 127 proof that is more drinkable and not as hot as this one, but it opens up beautifully with some water.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Whoa, that alcohol punches you in the nose. There are some nice hints of baking spices but the alcohol dominates until you add some water.
Palate: Even at bottle strength this is a delicious palate of vanilla creme brulee and brown sugar & cinnamon oatmeal. A few splashes of water open up a nice honeyed creaminess.
Finish: This is surprisingly smooth at bottling strength with a dry, chalky, woody finish that I’m not too fond of.
Comments: This is definitely a lighter whiskey (not to be confused with “light whiskey”) and I feel that with the age a proof it suffers because of that. It tastes very good, especially if you can get that water ratio just right. However, the nose is too delicate on this wheat whiskey to stand up to the higher proof. It’s a sub 100 proof nose for me. Second, it doesn’t finish well. It doesn’t really matter how I play with the water, the finish just isn’t doing it for me. I’m sure if you are a big Bernheim Wheat Whiskey fan that you will love this but it’s more of niche curiosity than something I think you would have to try or buy.
Rating: Stands Out

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Ballantine’s 30 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Ballantine’s Very Old Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 30 Years

43% ABV
$350
Website
wBallantines30-LARGE

What the Blender Says

Rich, Oak-Influenced & Lingering. Ballantine’s 30 Year Old ranks as one of the world’s most exquisite blends.

With a deep gold colour, subtle sweet flavour on the nose and a complex palate of honey and vanilla, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old is an exceptional, rare and exclusive whisky.

Nose: Deep, soft fruity aromas and an elegant subtle sweetness with a luscious vanilla oakiness.
Taste: A full, rich complex balance of honey, floral and fruity flavours, with mellow notes of vanilla.
Body: Soft yet strong, confident and luscious.
Character: Full, balanced, rich and fruity.
Colour: Deep old gold.
Finish: Long-lasting and elegant.

What Richard Says:

Nose: Hello old scotch. There’s just a nose to old scotch that makes it stands out. Deep, a little sherry sweetness, a nice pipe tobacco/oiled leather interplay, and some old polish wood.
Palate: Smooth, balanced, creamy but not overly viscous, and rich. A little cigar smoke, nice oak notes, and deep sweetness.
Finish: Long and surprisingly fruity. There’s a little dry oak around the edges but the fruit prevails.
Comments: This is a very complex and well layered blend. When it comes to high end blends if you’re in the market for a bottle then you probably don’t need my opinion. Even still, if you see a bottle at a bar then give a go. It’s a pleasure to experience.

On a side note, I give HUGE props to Ballantine’s for the bottle closure. No f-cking cork! It’s a solid, well made, water tight screw cap. Other whisky maker please take note!

Rating: Must Try

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Old Pulteney 35 Year

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 35 Years
42.5% ABV
$740
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
The embodiment of our Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship, this new expression is matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which have been expertly hand selected by our Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring. The eye catching detail and design of the limited edition reflects our rich maritime heritage, which includes a stunning wooden box with porthole revealing the unique Old Pulteney bottle which carries the classic herring drifter, which has become a symbol of the brand.

Colour: Light amber

Nose: The initial wave of honey sweetness, exotic spices and citrus is followed by fruit cake and bitter chocolate. Over time gentle undertones open up with hints of fresh vanilla and sticky toffee pudding. A truly indulgent whisky on the nose enriched and fabulously balanced by the long maturation.

Palate: Full bodied and bursting with attitude. This exceptional dram is sweet and spicy and quickly develops a range of signature Old Pulteney flavours from honey, rum soaked raisins and Californian oranges to the heavier notes of seasoned leather, pralines and a touch of the salty North Sea air. A slow long finish with gentle waves of dried fruit and silky tannins.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely “old scotch” nose of rich oiled leather, fine pipe tobacco, cinnamon candies, and dried apricots.
Palate: Viscous but not chewy. Candied nuts, baking spices, and salted caramels. It’s a bit odd on the palate because it doesn’t stick around. It hits and then is gone. It’s a short palate even when left in the mouth for a bit.
Finish: Licorice, cigar tobacco, a light saltiness, and a little wood but less than expected. The finish is relatively short too.
Comments: This is an exceptionally delicious dram. I don’t often get the chance to drink 35 year old scotch but the taste for it is acquired with dangerous speed. The Old Pulteney DNA gets a little muddled after so many years but hints of the sea air are transformed into salted caramels on the palate and a dusting of salt on the finish. Really, my only complaint is the brevity of the palate and finish on this terrific dram. It’s too rare and expensive to keep downing drams to hold onto the flavor. I wish it lingered a bit more.
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank The Thomas Collective and International Beverage for sending us a sample for review.

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Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2014

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Barrels
2014 Release
59.65% ABV
$169
Website
cask34
What the Bottler Says:
Louisville Distilling Company is proud to announce the limited-edition release of the critically acclaimed Angel’s Envy Cask Strength. The Expression will be available this October in select markets including: CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OR, TN, TX, WA. Due to the scarcity of barrels necessary for the enhanced finishing process, Angel’s Envy will only release 6,500 bottles. Previous releases quickly sold out.

Named “best spirit in the world” by Paul Pacult in the June 2013 edition of Spirit Journal, Cask Strength shared top honors with a 25-year-old single malt whisky that sold for nearly twice the price. In his review, Pacult awarded the brand five stars – his highest recommendation – noting, “this masterpiece deserves a sixth rating star.”

As with Angel’s Envy, the super-premium bourbon of uncompromising character and quality, Cask Strength is aged to the perfect level of richness and maturity (up to seven years) in the few American white oak barrels that made the cut. The barrels are then blended into a single batch and finished in hand-selected port casks.

“Cask Strength is rare and rich bourbon worth savoring,” said Wes Henderson, Chief Innovation Officer, Angel’s Envy. “The first couple of releases sold out quickly so we’re thrilled to make it even more widely available this year.”

The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, is $169. A remarkably complex bourbon at 119.3-proof and 59.65% alcohol by volume, Cask Strength is best enjoyed with just a bit of water to release the flavor nuances.

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Tasting Notes
Color: Deep Amber red tint, coppery
Nose: Toffee, Butterscotch, Toasted Oak, Cherries, Ripe Peach, Berry Jam, Vanilla, notes of banana
Palate: Lots of port notes: Cherries, Oak, raisins. Still get a beautiful bourbon feel with Vanilla, Honey, a butter velvet feel, a little bit of clove spice, honeysuckle
Finish/Feel: Glides around your palate, lingers for a few moments, but not too long as to keep you from another sip. Add some water and it opens nicely. Warm and sweet, but still tingly.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Old leather furniture (the comfortable stuff!); orange marmalade on toast, caramel crème candy and tobacco. The port finish is just beneath all of this, and holds it together beautifully.
Palate: A rich, chewy mouthfeel of dark candied fruit with cinnamon, caramel and toffee; a dry sweetness.
Finish: Shorter than I would like, but well organized with a soft landing that leaves me looking to refill the glass.
Comments: This is the kind of whiskey I could pour a dram of and just sniff the glass for a few hours; a really intriguing nose. Despite being nearly 120 proof, I find this quite drinkable neat. With a bit of water, you don’t lose the balance between the port pipe influence and the bourbon, and the mouthfeel nicely transitioned from chewy to creamy. The port shines through more for me on this cask strength offering, much more than it did on the initial release. To be candid, I was not a big fan of the first release, but I think this is a beautifully crafted whiskey.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose is a little heavier on the port that what comes across in the regular bottling. Hints of vanilla but there is also a treacly syrup note that reminds me more of single scotch than a bourbon.
Palate: The mouth feel is so rich and creamy that it’s almost like bourbon and port syrup. Citrus, tree pitch, and a fair dose of vanilla.
Finish: Long, slow, and surprisingly smooth for a cask strength bourbon.
Comments: Very nice. The price makes this one hard to swallow but it’s a delicious bourbon none the less.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

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Four Roses OESO

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength OESO Private Selection
57.0%
$55 to $70
Website
photo (3)
What the Distillery Says:
The Private Barrel Program is offered to Four Roses retailers only. But as a discerning Bourbon drinker, you also get to enjoy the benefits of our Four Roses Private Barrel Program at your local participating retailer.

From time to time, a limited number of exceptionally smooth and complex barrels from any or all of our 10 Bourbon recipes present themselves to our Master Distiller. Each barrel is aged between 8 and 10 years. We then invite our retailers to a private tasting and selection of their favorite barrels. Once chosen, each selection is bottled and private labeled as a non-chill filtered Single Barrel at Barrel Strength in limited quantities of approximately 200-230 bottles.

75% Corn, 20% Rye, and 5% Malted Barley mashbill with yeast strain imparting robust fruity flavor.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy caramel, orange marmalade, crushed mint, vanilla, cinnamon, licorice and a slightly meaty back note.
Palate: Chewy cherries jubilee, Mint Juleps, vanilla greek yogurt and bit of char.
Finish: More crushed mint with a mild oakiness and slow fade of barrel char.
Comments: This specific bottle was a Georgia Bourbon Society selection.
Rating: Must Try

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