Wow, we’re really coming toward the end of this series. Only 3 more “Rick’s Mystery Dram” posts after this… My eyes are really being opened to the word of American Whiskeys and I’m starting to make a list of bottles to buy. Thank you Rick. I hope this series is helping you as much as it’s helping me.
As I mentioned in the 3rd post for this “Rick’s Mystery Dram” Series, I’ve decided to make this a wee bit more interesting by sending out a mystery dram to the correct guesser of the week’s mystery dram or, if there has been no correct guess, the sample goes to a commenter (randomly chosen). Last week, “Tony” won the mystery dram and I look forward to hearing from him as to find out what type of whisk(e)y sample he wants – Scotch or American.
Details on how to win a mystery dram sample (which will be Scotch or American whisk(e)y, your choice) are listed below, after the review.
Review time! And, by the way, this is an American whiskey again.
On the nose – Spicy nose and very “woody”.
Pencil shavings right up front followed by cinnamon buns and something grainy (corn, perhaps some rye influence here).
Vanilla bean creeps up to soothe the spiced top notes.
On the mouth – Less intense and woody as the nose had suggested.
Reminded me a bit of the last mystery dram (getting a similar chlorine note as I got on the last one though not as upfront).
Smooth as a baby’s tuckas (has to be some wheat influence here or some cask-magic going on) but very tannic.
My mouth has been stripped of all my moisture (thankfully this stuff is mouth-watering and it’s all getting replaced good and quick).
Finish – A medium length with notes of sugar daddy and sugar babies.
In sum – This is the first time I am willing to stick my neck out and try to name what the mystery dram is. I’m a tad bit nervous but hey, Frig it. I’m going to guess at it because A) it reminds me a bit of last weeks’ mystery dram with a bit less “oomph” (which was Jefferson’s Presidential Select 17yr) and B) I think I’ve had this one before.
Rick, is it Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Bourbon? Whether it is or isn’t, let’s give the good readers time to chime in and hold off on answering until your normal time (this coming Saturday).
In case I am dead wrong, here are the clues –
- Very woody nose with hints of pencil shavings, grainy grains and sweet, buttery cinnamon.
- The flavor is much smoother but drying. Hint of chlorine and what seems to me, obvious wheat influence. My guess is it’s about 45%-47%ABV
- Sweet finish, toffee-flavored-taffy goodness
JMSWS antes up!
For those who attempt to guess – each week I will be sending out one mystery dram (a small 5cl bottle) and the first person guesses correctly wins the dram. Actually, if there are no correct guesses for the week then a winner will be chosen at random. You win whether your right or not (like a weatherperson – right or not, s/he still has a job)!
So again, I will be awarding a free whisk(e)y sample every week to one lucky winner (whether you guess correctly or not).
How do I enter to win you ask?
Easy, comment on this post with what you think the mystery dram of the week may be. It’s that simple.
I will let you choose the type of mystery dram — Scotch or American Whiskey (though that’s all you’ll know about it). And if you’d like, you can send me your tasting notes and I’ll post them for my readers to guess at. If you’d prefer the blind tasting to be between just you and me… that’s cool too.
For previous “Rick’s Mystery Dram” entries :
Here’s Mystery Dram #1 (which ended up being Parker’s Heritage First Edition)
Here’s Mystery Dram #2 (which ended up being Parker’s Heritage Golden Anniversary)
Here’s Mystery Dram #3 (which ended up being Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2000 vintage, barrel # 234)
Here’s Mystery Dram #4 (which ended up being Tonala 4 year Anejo tequila)
Here’s Mystery Dram #5 (which ended up being Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve, 10 year)
Here’s Mystery Dram #7 (remember, there was no #6 dram. #7 ended up being Jefferson’s Presidential Select, 17 year, batch #3)