Category Archives: Distilleries

A World of Discovery, Barrell Bourbon, George Dickel, Let's celebrate!

Barrell Bourbon single cask release for Gordon’s Fine Wines – an 8yo “Tennessee whisky” *not* produced by Jack Daniels (so, it’s a big Dickel then, right?)

 

Region – Tennessee – 62.35% ABV (multiply by 2 to get “proof”, if you feel you need to. Or just keep it simple and use the more logical ABV system) – $89/bottle and only available at Gordon’s Fine Wines in Watham, MA.

Last night I did a seminar at Gordon’s Fine Wines in Watham (you know you’re pronouncing the town name right as when you say it, it sounds like you’re clearing your throat), Massachusetts.

I only recently (recent being this past March) found out about Gordon’s because of my new job with ImpEx Beverages.  Gordon’s is an account of mine.   In working with Gordon’s, I found that both Nick and Kenny (my contacts there) seemed to know and care more about whisk(e)y than most people I know. As a whisky geek myself, that was exciting.

Actually, I recently reviewed one of their single cask selections. A Russell’s Reserve single cask bourbon.  Their bottling and the one from Warehouse Liquors in Chicago selected by one of my favorite people, Gene Charness, helped me to appreciate these cask selections.

Anyway, after the seminar, Nick broke out bottles of “this and that” and we all had a good time tasting “this and that.”

As I was leaving, I asked Nick if there was anything else he felt I needed to taste of.

“Have you had our Barrell Bourbon selection?” asked Nick. “No,” I replied, “I’ve not had that one yet. I didn’t know that they were doing single cask bottlings.” Proudly, Nick said “actually, we were the first to do a Barrell Bourbon single cask selection.” “Well,” I exclaimed “let’s have a pour!”

Ladies and gents. this bourbon was the best bourbon I had this year hands down.  Gordon’s being my account or no, I speak truths here.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say this is in the top 5 whiskies I’ve had all year.  I had to buy a bottle, and buy a bottle I did.

I love bourbon, I really do.  My issue with bourbon, however, is that it all tastes like bourbon.  It’s all (for the most part) very samey with some fun nuances.  This bourbon, however, presented flavors to me that made it stand apart from the rest.

Barrell Bourbon George Dickel Gordon's Fine WinesPerhaps because it’s a Tennessee whisky (Yes, “whisky.” That’s how George Dickel spells it and we’re making an assumption here that this is a Dickel whisky) with their charcoal filtration process it’s different? Not sure. All I can say is — sweet fancy moses, this is good hooch!
So, what are the full details?  8yo & 6mos, new charred oak, cask # 013, bottle # 101, 62.35% ABV

Details on taste? Here you go:

Barrell Bourbon George Dickel Gordon's Fine WinesOn the nose — Corn (obviously, I mean this is a corn based spirit…).  Fried treats such as apple fritters (heavy in oil) and funnel cakes with powdered sugar.

Candied nuts such as cashew, filbert and pecans.  Sweet tomato sauce over fried dough on a paper bag with the oil soaking through the bag. I feel like they’ve bottled the smells from a fall country fair.  Salted butterscotch caramels, too.

Everything in its right place here. Amazing.

Barrell Bourbon George Dickel Gordon's Fine WinesIn the mouth — F#ck and Yes. A powerful entry (62.35% ABV after all) but the whisky is so viscous, the juice wraps your tongue in Phyllo dough, honey and walnuts (and walnut oil). It’s like drinking baklava.

If you feel like you need to add water, go ahead. Me? I think it’s at the perfect strength.

Honey cooked coconut flesh over vanilla ice cream with Kahlua poured over it all. This is such an indulgent whisky.

Finish — Interminable. The nuttiness takes over but there’s a salty element here to balance it out.

In sum — Drop dead gorgeous. I’m in love. This is one of those rare moments where I wish I had enough $$ to buy a whole case. I will need a 2nd bottle for sure. This is as celebratory a dram as it gets.  My hat’s off to you Nick and Kenny — a well selected cask of whisky!

 

BenRiach, Glentauchers, Samaroli, Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2015

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar dram # 3 – Samaroli Glentauchers & BenRiach, 19yo

 

Blended malt Scotch whisky – 43% ABV

SCOTCH WHISKY ADVENT CALENDARMy dirty little not-so-secret secret is that of all the independent bottlers out there, Samaroli is my favorite (albeit a bit on the expensive side here in the US).  Everything they do is quite intentional, and as an independent bottler myself, I find them to be inspiring.

When I saw this blended malt bottled at 43% I was intrigued to say the least.  Usually, I’m am turned right off at 43%, especially when it comes to independently bottled whiskies. However, this is Samaroli. I love them.  Plus, the combination of Glentauchers & BenRiach is quite intriguing.

The age is listed at 19 years old which will be the youngest whisky in the mix. I am not sure which one is 19 years old, and how old the other malt is.

Let’s just dive right in:

On the nose — Oh, wow. Ok. So, how do I jam my nose event further into the glass? Seriously, this one, dram # 3 in the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar, has the best nose yet. I’m not sure where to begin. (at the beginning maybe?) Sweet diluted honey, baklava, gobs and gobs of malt, a fresh spring morning, rain on sarsaparilla leaves, a clear spring, honeycomb. Oak is present for sure and it gives you that “I’m an older whisky” note.  Sweet chamomile tea. Lovely, simply elegant and loverly.

In the mouth — The mouth is an exact replica of what I go on the nose with the addition of spice on the side of the tongue. I will say, the entry was a bit weak and would likely benefit from being 46%…

Finish — The finish is where it’s at. The building of spice combined with the honey and oak make for a great and lengthy crescendo.

In sum — If the ABV were slightly higher, this one could have qualified for being in my top ten drams of 2015. It was that good. ‘Nuff said.

Glenglassaugh, Glenglassaugh, Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2015

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar dram # 2 – Malt Whisky Co’s “Craigmills” (Glenglassaugh), Sauternes matured

 

Region – Highlands – 59.3% ABV

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Glenglassaugh

I consider myself lucky with the fact that I’ve had the supreme honor and pleasure to spend time with Mr. Stuart Nickerson, Managing Director of The Malt Whisky Company. I first met Stuart when he was with Glenglassaugh and I was starting my own independent bottling company.  It was right around this time, as well, that I was doing a fun series of interviews on this blog and Stuart was nice enough to say “yes” when I asked if he would mind me interviewing him.

To check out the interview, click here.

As you’ll read from the interview, Stuart has had quite a history in Scotch whisky and he continues to make history now with his latest venture, The Malt Whisky Company.  Additionally, Stuart has become the Executive Director at Tipperary Boutique Distillery.

For more details on The Malt Whisky Company, click here.

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar GlenglassaughOn to the whisky at hand:

Here we are, Dec 2nd. Yesterday we had a 15yo single sherry cask bottled by A.D. Rattray and today we’ve got an NAS, cask strength Sauternes matured Glenglassaugh which has been bottled at 59.3% ABV.

While NAS, the ABV tells me that this is likely some younger juice. This does not worry me one bit. Young whisky is where it’s at for me.

Scotch Whisky Advent CalendarOn the nose — Yup, smells like some lovely, youthful, Glenglassaugh. Nice minerality on the nose.  Followed by layers of fresh apricots, golden raisins, cooked pecans, and perhaps a touch of wet paperboard.

The sauternes cask influence is quite clear here and offers a richness that compliments the youthful qualities such as clear notes of fresh cut pear, fruity floor cleaner (the kinds that smell so good you want to drink them but don’t because that’s just crazy, and it’d make you sick. I mean, what were you even thinking?!)

Scotch Whisky Advent CalendarIn the mouth — Incredibly sweet and as dense as a sticky bun. With time you can pick it apart, and when you do, I hope you’ll find: apricot jam, crushed filberts, olive oil spiciness toward the back of your throat, and honey over pears.  The mouthfeel is oily as heck.

Finish — Rich apricot sweetness that lasts quite a long time. Green peppercorns dance on the tongue for a time, too.

In sum — The flavors are so tight here, you really need a good 30 minutes to pull it all apart. This is a thinking wo/man’s dram, no doubt. You do not want to just toss this one back. Spend time with it, reveal its secrets. You’ll be happy you did.

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2015, Tomintoul

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar dram # 1 – A.D. Rattray’s 15yo Tomintoul, Sherry cask # 9289

 

Region – Speyside – 61% ABV

Hon·or (änər): as defined by Oxford English Dictionary (this being the 3rd definition of many): Something regarded as a rare opportunity and bringing pride and pleasure; a privilege: ‘Mrs Young had the honour of being received by the Queen.’


hon·or (änər): as accepted by me when I am asked to be *the* blogger to review all 25 Scotch Whisky Advent calendar drams by the good people that put this whole fancy thing together:

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

Con·fu·sion (kənˈfyo͞oZHən): as defined by me when it comes to Advent calendars.  What does this Jew know from Advents and such?

Actually, I know quite a lot. Being that we Jews are the vast minority basically everywhere other than New York and Israel, and that Christianity is ubiquitous and Christmasness is the law of the land from Oct 1 – Dec 26, there’s simply no dodging knowledge of Christmas customs.  I don’t knock such traditions. They’re quite beautiful, in fact. I may not follow them, but I do see the beauty.

So, here we find ourselves together, joining schwartzes, you and me, to do a series of things: discover whisky, appreciate a nice surprise (25 new whiskies per day from Dec 1 – Dec 25!!), and celebrate each day as something new and different.

Today, December 1, 2015, has us opening hole # 1 (sounds a bit dirty, yes, but keep your mind out of the gutter). In hole #1 (teehee) we find a 5cl bottle of 15yo Tomintoul from 1999. Cask # 9289 which has been bottled at 61% ABV.  That’s quite a way to kick off the days leading up to Dec 25th!!

We’re a strong group of men and women though, right? We laugh at 61% ABV – HA!

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

On the nose — Initially, it’s a bit sharp on the nose but after a few minutes, it’s still a little sharp on the nose. That said, let’s give a puff of air into the glass to dissipate the alcohol and see what happens…

Scotch Whisky Advent CalendarOh, wow, a wonderful sherry richness comes through! Orange and black pepper marmalade is to the fore followed by bitter chocolate and baked pears.

Quite a bit of spice on the nose (not heat now, spice) a la Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and, get this, a hint of turmeric!

Finally, pickled walnuts and hints of sour grapes (interesting).

Scotch Whisky Advent CalendarIn the mouth — Easy entry, even for 61%. Silky mouthfeel with hints of quince jam, spiced charoset and the flavor of the smell of sweet potpourri that has a good amount of orange in it.

I don’t usually add water but I’m feeling adventurous.

Scotch Whisky Advent CalendarWith a few drops: roasted chicory and loads of honeysuckle make themselves known.  The richness here is huge without being too sherried/too oaky. In fact, there’s virtually no astringency even as we get to the finish.

Finish —  Somewhat short yet there a lasting nuttiness that is quite pleasant.

In sum —  Someone once said that any distillery that starts with a “T,” with the exception of Talisker, is “terrible.” I wholeheartedly disagree. This here cask of Tomintoul is proof that great whisky can be produced at any distillery.  This is a fine cask selection.  Thank you to A.D. Rattray for choosing this cask for the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar!
An everyday dram, Takin' It Easy, Wild Turkey - Kentucky Spirit

Wild Turkey “Kentucky Spirit” cask # 98, pick by Julio’s

 

Region – Kentucky – 50.5% ABV

Wild Turkey Kentucky SpiritI’m not a bourbon guy (generally speaking). Really, I’m just not huge on American spirits in general.

Don’t get me wrong, I quite enjoy bourbon, rye, and other American whiskeys. It’s just that, well, my heart and passion is in malt whisky.

You can look at all of my posts over the past 6 or so years, and see that I focus on malt whisky. Malt whisky is mine, my precious.  I wants it. I needs it. The others, they’re all tricksie!!

Gollum! Gollum!

Still, I need to give credit to a whisk(e)y where credit is due.  There are some good bourbons, great bourbons, and amazing bourbonsout there. Today, I’m reviewing a great bourbon. A well selected cask.

I think this cask may be all sold out at this point (I’m glad I purchased my bottle when I did) as this was a bottling that Whisky Advocate quite liked.  It’s in the top 10 of 2015’s releases.  Not too shabby.

On to the tasting!

On the nose — Spoiler alert! It smells like bourbon! Cloves, cinnamon, allspice, pencil shavings, coconut, cooked vanilla pods.  The standard stuff you’d expect to smell (thank you new charred oak – we know you all too well).

Let’s get beyond this though… buttered popcorn, wet leather, salted bread dough (huh…), Cherry tarts. All of these notes are well integrated.

In the mouth — Big and spicy stuff with notes of salted licorice, vanilla ice cream, buttered baguette, cream of corn soup (if it could be a very sweet soup).  Pear skins, and a hint of mint.  Decent mouthfeel with a fair amount of oiliness.

Finish — Cherry tootsie pops, all the way.  Medium finish

In sum — This can be picked apart (a la the above) or treated like bourbon should be treated – simply fine-fine sippin’ juice!  Really yummy stuff here.  Nicely chosen, Julio’s!!  Well met.