Must Try

Four Roses 100th Anniversary

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, 2010 Release
Bottle 395 of 2359, Barrel No. 24-2 B
54% ABV/108 Proof
$100
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
It only seems right to witness the 100th anniversary of our unique distillery building with a perfectly aged, one-of-a-kind limited edition single barrel selected from on of our 10 Bourbon recipes. After 17 years, this uncut, non-chill filtered work of art has matured into a Bourbon of uncommon character and taste. The aromas of brisk cloves and candied fruits preview the bold, jammy flavors of peach and cherry that meld seamlessly with creamy, spiced vanilla and antique oak. And the very long, velvety finish is, of course, the perfect tribute to a remarkable building – in itself so exquisitely aged.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and creamy on the nose. Creme brûlée and cloves.
Palate: The richness continues on the palate. It’s very spicy and fruity with a lot of vanilla and oak but I get very little of the sweetness from the nose.
Finish: Even at a high octane proof this is quite smooth. There’s an almost medicinal note that I don’t usually find in Four Roses bourbons. Spicy with hints of cherry.
Comments: First of all, for the whiskey geeks out there this bottling is a 17 year old from the OBSV recipe. I’m not quite sure if I like this more or less than the 2010 Small Batch Limited Edition. You really can’t go wrong with either. If you find the opportunity to get a glass of this you really should try it.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010 Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
55.1% ABV/110.2 Proof
$75
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
Four Roses is the only distillery that gently ages 10 distinct Bourbon recipes. Form time to time, our Master Distiller selects a few exceptional barrels and marries them by hand to create an exquisite Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon like this one. Three recipes aged between 10 and 15 years have been artfully mingled at barrel strength, creating a rich, complex spirit defined by soft oak, caramel and honeysuckle aromas. Subtle flavors of cherries and apricot are well balanced with whispers of light spice, honey and raspberries. And the cream smooth finish is satisfyingly long and mellow, making this a Bourbon you’ll not just savor, but long remember.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Interestingly, the nose isn’t that alcoholic given the barrel proof and surprisingly delicate. Orchard fruit and some spice hide in the background.
Palate: Sweet, spicy, and oaky on palate. It also reminds me of a honey drizzled fruit cup like the one your mom put in your lunch as a kid.
Finish: The finish is very long with plenty of oak. It leaves cinnamon in the mouth long after the drink is gone.
Comments: Oddly enough the first thing that struck me about this whiskey was the name. I believe, to date 14 words is the longest official name of anything we’ve reviewed. For you whiskey geeks out there, the actual recipes used in the limited edition are a 15 year old OBSV, an 11 year old OBSK and a 10 year old OESK. They stopped calling this annual release “Mariage” so that they could use more recipes instead of just two. If this year’s release is any indication I’ve not problem with the change.
Rating: Must Try

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Wild Turkey American Spirit

/ / Bourbon, Review, The Collector's Cabinet /

Wild Turkey American Spirit 15 Year Old Bourbon, Bottled in Bond
50% ABV/100 Proof
Originally – $100
Collectible

What the Distillery Says:
Created by legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, associate distiller Eddie Russell, American Spirit is bottled at bond proof, in a super premium package, and limited to just 24,000 bottles globally. Bourbon is a true American innovation and the US Senate passed a resolution officially declaring September 2007 National Bourbon Heritage Month. Our American Spirit was released to coincide with this momentous occasion.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose is very rich and smooth with lots of cinnamon and vanilla. Water opens up the oak on nose.
Palate: I get a lot of molasses cookies and mint sprigs with vanilla. A little water really makes this one sing. The palate turns very creamy.
Finish: The finish is amazingly smooth given the BIB proof.
Comments: This is sadly the last of my bottle. It was almost gone and so Matt and I had to hurry up and review it. No more to be found around me. I challenge anyone who says they don’t like Wild Turkey to try this if they can. Plus, it’s bottle in bond! You just don’t see enough of those anymore.
Rating: Must Try

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Johnnie Walker Gold

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Johnnie Walker Gold Label, The Centenary Blend
40% ABV/80 Proof
$65
Available Worldwide

What the Distillery Says:
Johnnie Walker Gold Label was blended to celebrate the first 100 years of the House of Walker in 1920. A well-kept secret, it’s only been available outside the company since the 1990s. It has a distinctly smooth, sweet and luxurious character, with a stylish elegance and refined quality.

Gold Label is crafted using whiskies such as Clynelish for a honeyed flavor and creamy texture yet still retaining the signature Johnnie Walker smokiness.

With its rich gold color and old-gold glints, it reveals a full, round, deep nose. There are notes of soft raisins and toffee, fresh malt and light cream – Gold Label is as enticing as it is sensuous.

Its palate is rich and broad with full malt flavors and honeyed spices with almonds and marzipan, which leads to a distinctive creaminess.

Cardhu provides strong yet smooth malt and oak flavors. Extra-mature grain whiskies deliver some of the lingering sweetness, while Clynelish from the northern Highlands is responsible for the unusual aromatic creaminess. The finish is multidimensional and satisfyingly long.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fresh woodchips added to a fire.
Palate: Slightly sweet with hints of shortbread cookies and mild oak. No water with this one.
Finish: Short and crisp. This is a whisky that gets the heck out of Dodge.
Comments: Gold Label is actually recommended by Diageo to be served out of the freezer. I guess given the muted flavor the chill doesn’t have much to hide. I know this is Matt’s favorite of the Johnnie Walker blends but I’ve never really taken to it. It’s very mild and easily approachable but there’s nothing there to make me specifically want a glass of Johnnie Gold. I do think that overall it stands out because it’s not offensive and shows a great balance similar to Dewar’s Signature. On a side note, I find Gold Label to be a great palate cleanser to prep me for tasting other whiskies.
Rating: Stands Out

What Matt Says:
Nose: caramel, smoke, orchard fruit, light zesty citrus
Palate: Heavier sherry influence than younger Johnnies; dark berries, smokey sweetness
Finish: Lingering traces of peat smoke and brine
Comments: Wow!  Richard and I could not disagree more.  Perhaps its because the sample I sent over was the last drops of a bottle that was open for a while.  I think this is the best JW has to offer.  It’s complex and bold, but smooth.
Rating:  Must Try

Overall Rating:  Stands Out

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Yamazaki 18 Year Old

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky
43% ABV
$100
Available in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

What the Distillery Says:
This is a full-bodied whisky with spicy cherry-like tones. The toffee aromatics of this copper-gold colored whisky offer a pleasant, long, dry finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Honey, caramel, orchard fruits, honeysuckle, and a very cognac-like note that plays over a foundation of light oak and cherry blossoms.
Palate: The lighter notes of the palate dance around and play with the wood in a great way. TA candied sweetness that is balanced with the oak rather than cloying. Water dampens the sweetness and pulls out more hints of smoke.
Finish: The finish is oaky yet refreshing in a manly sort of way. It is slow to develop and lingers a good while.
Comments: The extra sherry casks give this whisky a nice extra umf compared to the 12 year old. This is one of my all around favorite whiskies at the moment. This is a dram to make you respect and fall in love with Japanese malt.
Rating: Must Try

What Matt Says:
Nose: Sherried, crisp green apples, star fruit, dark berries and a myriad of other things that ebb and flow in a dance too fluid to measure.
Palate: Warm and velvet soft. Chocolate covered blackberries, slight tannic bitterness, bananas, and apples.
Finish: Cloves and allspice.
Comments: A really stellar whisky.  At a lower price point, I could drink this everyday and never get tired.  It’s complex enough to have something to offer at every dram, and smooth enough that you don’t have to think too much about what you’re drinking.  If you could taste a classical symphony, it might taste like this.
Rating: Must Try

Overall Rating: Must Try

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