Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
"the nose and delivery are just about as good as it gets." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019 Sazerac Rye dates back to the 1800’s and symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans saloons. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became know as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This 6 year-old version of the famous Sazerac Rye is produced at the scenic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort (probably using a 'barely legal' rye recipe), home of numerous other whiskies such as Eagle Rare 10 year-old, Eagle Rare 17 year-old, Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms and George T. Stagg. The beautifully designed bottle harks back to the pre Civil War days when barrels of whisky were poured into ornately engraved decanters supplied by the distiller, displaying the colour of the whiskey to good effect. In what seems to be a company tradition, the price is nowhere near the kind of money many other ryes command. Our re-tasting since last visiting this stalwart in 2008 found moderate aromas suggesting caraway and oak shavings then green apple, orange zest, wood spice and sweet nutty/vanilla notes. This is a soft, plush 'fruity' style without compromising depth of flavour - dried apricots, apply rye and white pepper come counterpointed by light vanilla oak. The keynote grain isn't aggressive like some others, while the balance is near perfect, and there's dark rye bread, more pepper and a subtle muddled mint refreshing the fade. In short - Sazerac is a broad appeal whiskey with enough mid-palate sweetness, complexity and kick to convert one-eyed Bourbon nuts - or even the odd malt enthusiast. Keep this as the 'proper' choice for a Manhattan or Sazerac Cocktail. 45% Alc./Vol.
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
"...you can buy me a dozen of these roses any day of the week." - breakingbourbon.com Produced from a mashbill of 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, the strain of yeast used for the Single Barrel bottlings is Four Roses' version “V” which is described as being "delicately fruity, spicy, and creamy." (The distillery is unique in that it uses five different strains to create ten different whiskies). Ages will vary in this series, (a seven year minimum is cited by one source). Regardless, the aim is to bottle when the whiskeys are deemed to have reached their peak, with each barrel yielding approximately 180 bottles. Each release is individually marked with a warehouse and barrel number which is not predictable and subject to change without notice. It's also part of the fun: No two barrels create identical tasting Bourbons, thus the single barrel concept provides the opportunity to appreciate and compare whiskies from different barrels and aging locations. [Barrel RN 8-4R tasted] Bright burnished copper penny colour. A robust Bourbon sniff with a dense core of vanilla custard and caramel fudge overlaid with peppermint, balsa wood, cocoa and hints of cherry. Concentrated yet controlled with razor sharp sweet/dry balance; a burst of vanillan oak, honey and spiced peach, offset by a tangy, vibrant finish. Glace cherry is followed by late mint freshness. Text-book poise and length. As complete a Bourbon as you could expect to find in its category, this really over delivers. 50% Alc./Vol.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey
One litre Travel retail exclusive bottling. Rare breed, as the name suggests, is a unique bourbon experience. A marriage of Wild Turkey 6, 8 and 12 year olds, Rare Breed is 'barrel proof', meaning that it is bottled at barrel strength with no water added to lower the proof or dilute the flavour. Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell follows suit even after bottling - he keeps his Rare Breed in the freezer so he doesn't have to add ice, which would melt and ultimately dilute the flavour! Non-chill filtered.
Michter's US*1 Sour Mash Whiskey
The Michter's "US 1" bottlings are so named to honour Michter’s heritage. The brand was established in 1753 as America’s first whiskey company. Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey
Jack Daniels it's a legend in the world of whiskey. This iconic brand has become synonymous with quality, tradition, and a taste that can satisfy even the most discerning palate. The story of Jack Daniels begins back in the 19th century, in the small town of Lynchburg, Tennessee. It was there that a young and ambitious man named Jasper Newton Daniel, better known as Jack, set out to create a whiskey that would leave a lasting mark on the world. Jack Daniels is known for its unique production process, which sets it apart from other whiskeys. The key ingredient is the limestone-filtered water from the nearby Cave Spring Hollow, giving the whiskey its distinct smoothness and character. The grains used in the distillation process are carefully selected and milled at the distillery, ensuring only the finest quality. One of the most intriguing aspects of Jack Daniels is its charcoal mellowing process. This involves slowly dripping the whiskey through ten feet of tightly packed charcoal, resulting in a smoothness that is unmatched. This process, known as the Lincoln County Process, is what gives Jack Daniels its signature flavour profile. But it's not just the production process that makes Jack Daniels special. It's the people behind the brand, the craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of whiskey-making. Each drop of Jack Daniels undergoes meticulous scrutiny and is crafted with passion and expertise, ensuring that every sip is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence. Jack Daniels has made an indelible mark on popular culture as well. From its appearance in countless movies and TV shows to being the drink of choice for rock stars and rebels alike, Jack Daniels has become more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of authenticity and rebellion. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey 700ml is a truly rare and exceptional grain spirit that has been released in extremely limited numbers. For the first time since prohibition, Jack Daniel's has used a new Rye recipe, resulting in a unique and complex flavour profile that is sure to impress whiskey enthusiasts. Rye has always been a part of the famous Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 grain, but it has never been in the spotlight as the lead grain. This unaged rye offers a spicy, surprisingly sweet flavour that is sure to delight the palate. This historic creation marries the smoothness of Jack Daniel's with a unique 70% rye grain bill. Complex flavors of ripe fruit mingle with light toasted oak notes to create a taste rich with spice and a pleasant lingering finish. This is a big, bold rye that does not overpower, making it a perfect choice for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
Michter's US*1 American Whiskey
The Michter's "US 1" bottlings are so named to honour Michter’s heritage. The brand was established in 1753 as America’s first whiskey company. Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge. Unlike Bourbon or Rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, our US1 Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. In late 2013, then Master Distiller Willie Pratt agreed to re- release our US1 Unblended American Whiskey after a nearly three- year absence from the market, deeming it "just right" and "the best it's ever been." Crucially, our US1 Unblended American Whiskey never contains grain neutral spirits - hence its "unblended" distinction. This Whiskey has deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon
The Michter's "US 1" bottlings are so named to honour Michter’s heritage. The brand was established in 1753 as America’s first whiskey company. Washington and his troops drank Michter’s while they were hunkered down in Valley Forge. Michter's US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made from a carefully selected mashbill that features the highest quality American corn. It is then matured to the peak of perfection. Truly "small batch" each batch of our US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels, leaving no margin for "blending out" imperfection and thus necessitating excellence from every barrel. Reflecting the spirit of the Bluegrass State, Michter's US$1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is nuanced, mellow and earthy. Michter's US *1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also available with personalized Fort Nelson Select labeling at Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery. Truly “small batch,” each release is typically composed of no more than two dozen barrels, with the quality shining through. A very well-balanced, sweeter style of bourbon. Flavours of rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes, smoky depth, with an oak finish.
Four Roses Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Four Roses Bourbon is a smooth and mellow, 80 proof Kentucky Bourbon. The nose has notes of gentle spice, honey, floral essences, and fruit. The palate has flavours of fresh fruit with hints of apple and pear. It is crisp yet smooth & soft. The finish is long, mellow, and pleasant. It began when Paul Jones, Jr., the founder of Four Roses Bourbon, became smitten by the beauty of a Southern belle. It is said that he sent a proposal to her, and she replied that if her answer were “Yes,” she would wear a corsage of roses on her gown to the upcoming grand ball. Paul Jones waited for her answer excitedly on that night of the grand ball…when she arrived in her beautiful gown, she wore a corsage of four red roses. He later named his Bourbon “Four Roses” as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely belle, a passion he thereafter transferred to making his beloved Four Roses Bourbon.
Baker's 7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
From still to rickhouse to bottle, a lot of things happen with Baker’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Weather, length of aging and rickhouse placement all shape the distinct notes and flavours of each barrel. See how and where your bottle was born. No two barrels of Baker’s are the same. Each is as unique as the man the bourbon is named for. Each barrel sits in its own unique place throughout our rickhouses, patiently aging for a minimum of seven years to extract the notes of vanilla trapped within the charred oak. And with Baker’s there’s no batching or mixing. Each bottle is filled from one singular barrel. Which means inside each bottle is a big, bold bourbon, full of tiny subtle details that change barrel to barrel. There’s no wrong way to drink Baker’s – whether it’s neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, you’ll notice strong, traditional bourbon cues, like oak, caramel and vanilla. Bottled at 107 proof, the flavours inside each single barrel really shine through. This full-bodied bourbon really stands out in any cocktail. This bottle is from Batch B-90001.