Wednesday, September 26, 2012

New Arrivals: Healthy Spirits Four Roses Private Selection "Dave's Barrel"

Hey all,

Just got in Dave's hand selected barrel from our Four Roses private selection program, my "Nate's Barrel" sold out in a matter of days and I wouldn't be surprised if this one did to. Jim Rutledge hand selected these samples for us, fortunately we've developed a strong relationship with Jim over the years, and he knows exactly what warehouse locations best suit our tastes. Dave and myself heavily scrutinized both barrels we ended up picking, rating them on various criteria including nose/aroma, flavors and taste, and mouthfeel/finish. Dave's pick ended up being from one of the highest tiers in their warehouses, giving it the beautiful color you see in the picture and causing it to gain in proof (63.4% alcohol). The higher tiers are one of the few spots in the warehouses where the barrels gain strength instead of losing it giving it a robust oaky mouthfeel and layer upon layer of depth. The recipe choosen was OESV, the higher corn content recipe which gives the finished bourbon a beautiful creaminess and flavors of bananas foster and delicate berry fruit. Again this will probably sell out fast, beer and bourbon club members may call in to reserve .

Nate

Hey all,

Isle of Jura distillery has long been one of my favorite Scotch producers. The island lies just north east of Islay and has a lot of the same coastal sea air influences and large supply of local peat. Their unpeated single malts remind me a lot of Tobermory and are certainly more complex than your average Highland or Speyside single malts. The offerings most requested though, single malts I simply had to bring into the shop (over flowing shelves be damned), are the incredible Superstition and Prophecy. Superstition is Jura's lightly peated whisky, a great entry level scotch for anyone who's looking to cross over into the smokey-peaty side of things. Has a mild yet intrinsic smokiness, beautiful sea weed and ocean brininess, and finishes with a nice honey sweetness. Prophecy is their big peat monster, peated to a level close to Ardbeg or Laphroaig. Intense flavors of smoke, peat tar, tobacco, stoney minerals and sea salt with a touch of caramel and sherry. Both expressions are dynamic and worth trying. Cheers

Nate

New Arrival: Larceny Wheated Bourbon

Hey all,

Just landed Heaven Hill's newest offering, Larceny wheated bourbon, an off shoot brand from their Fitzgerald line. While I'm told Larceny is in the 6-8 year range I must say I was impressed with the oakiness and depth of flavor I got on this. Definitely tastes a little older, reminiscent of the Old Fitzgerald 12 year, but with the body of something like the Woodford Double Oaked. At under $30 bucks it's a steal for sure. This might just be my new every day bourbon.

Nate

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

High West American Prairie Reserve!

Hey all,

Just got in the new High West American Prairie Reserve, it comes in at a very reasonable price compared to their other releases and 10% of sales go towards the American Prairie Reserve in northeastern Montana, one of the largest wildlife reserves in the country. Prairie Reserve is a blend of two straight bourbons. The first is a 6 year from the old Seagrams distillery LDI with a mashbill of 75% Corn, 20% rye, 5% barley. The second is a 10 year from Four Roses with a high rye content mashbill of 60% Corn, 35% rye, and 5% barley.

Tasting Notes:
-On the nose I get aromas of peppercorns, rye bread, ginger snaps, peanut butter cookies, mangos, yellow cake, sugar cookies and fennel. Super engaging aromas that are a perfect balance between rye spice and fresh baked cookies. On the palate I get flavors of candy corn, toffee, sweet corn, wild flower honey, milk chocolate and tiramisu. Overall it's incredibly lush and approachable with just the right amount of peppery-earthiness in the finish. You want this.

Cheers

Nate