Review - Evan Williams Bourbon
Evan Williams is the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey in the US and the world. Fits the bill for the price and good for a bonfire and one heck of a hangover. If you put the glass up to your ear you can hear banjos playing…
Rating 3 Glasses
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Years Aged: 4-5
Proof: 86
Local Price (USD): $12.95
Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Honey yellow like the cheap stuff you get on the side of the road in rural Iowa. Slow legs that are tighter than a camel's ass in a sandstorm.
Nose: Sour mash to its core. Tingles the nostrils. Sugar & turpentine.
Taste: Like being 19 again. Alcohol, corn, oak.
Finish: Alcohol with a little bit of spice and caramel
Conclusion: Evan Williams is the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey in the US and the world. Fits the bill for the price and good for a bonfire and one heck of a hangover. If you put the glass up to your ear you can hear banjos playing. Kicks you in the face on the first sip then mellows out and a few rocks of ice and/or your favorite soda will make this awesome. Keep it on hand as a great mixer and for your friends that don't appreciate your higher end whiskeys.
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.
…The main component of what makes the profile of this whiskey unique is the proprietary dual-charcoal filtration process…that makes you want to fire up the Traeger® with every sip.
Longbranch is a good value for an 8 year small batch and a great whiskey for someone being introduced to Bourbon and American Whiskey.
Bottled at 108.4, this particular selection from barrel No. 18F829 is truly a wonder to behold. Familiar but with a depth of flavor and ABV punch that you won’t get from Michter’s std US-1 Rye.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 is a solid barrel proof bourbon that is readily available and reasonably priced. Steadily increasing in proof over the years, this most recent release at 116.8 is the best yet… Rare Breed delivers a flavor packed punch that can hang with the other big boys in the category …
…Old Grand-Dad uses a mash bill of 62% Corn, 28% Rye & 10% Malted Barley. This unusually high Rye content and high proof makes this pour an especially potent one. Basically like pouring 10lb of sugar into a bucket of kerosene and setting it ablaze…
Light oak and vanilla that wants to stay for a while. Somewhere in between your brother-in-law jetting out before the end of the 1st quarter …and your great uncle just hanging around long after the final buzzer, watching re-runs of The Price Is Right and reciting for the 26th time the story about how he was “that close” to making it on the show…
…Tuthilltown ages their Baby in “special small American Oak Barrels” which explains how they achieve such a dark color and heavy oak influence from such a young whiskey. The other unique thing…is their use of sonic maturation by playing loud music to agitate the whiskey inside the barrels....
The oak is really the front man of the band…Definitely makes a killer (albeit expensive) whiskey & coke and would feel right at home in an old fashioned…
You can’t beat Elmer T. Lee for the flavor and value… ETL is pretty darn rare so grab it when it’s available as you won’t find a better or more consistent single barrel bourbon for the price. Earned all of its 4.5 glasses and we will definitely be picking up every bottle we come across.
We plan on keeping a bottle of 107 on hand at all times and for under $30 bucks you can too. Probably would not be a good first experience for a novice whiskey drinker because it comes across pretty hot and surprisingly deep in flavor. Someone who enjoys bourbon would appreciate the detour from your standard Kentucky release.
Review - Stillhouse Original Whiskey
This is not a sipping whiskey but rather a mixing whiskey. Their website clearly states that it is to be served completely chilled (the reason for the stainless steel container)…
Rating 2 Glasses
Distillery: Stillhouse Spirits Co. USA
Years Aged: N/A
Proof: 80
Local Price (USD): $22.95
Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Clear thick water
Nose: Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly®, with just a hint of Fritos®
Taste: Smooth but corny like it's told too many knock knock jokes
Finish: The alcohol hangs around for a while fading to creamed corn
Conclusion: We reviewed this whiskey as we would any other; room temperature and in a Glencairn to capture the flavors, aromas and character but may have not enjoyed the true experience intended by the distillery as it was basically a corn dog in a can. This is not a sipping whiskey but rather a mixing whiskey. Their website clearly states that this is to be served completely chilled (the reason for the stainless steel container) and as such we may have to re-visit this one at a later date to give it fair shake. Check out Stillhouse.com for their many drink recipes including but not limited to the Stillhouse Mule, That's My Jam & Cigar Roller.
10 individual custom wood finishing staves were hand selected by Troutdale Liquor in Troutdale, OR creating this kick in the pants….It isn’t for faint of heart at 109.8 proof and is definitely not in the price point for just anyone either. This is top-shelf hand-crafted Kentucky Bourbon and fits the bill.
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.
…The main component of what makes the profile of this whiskey unique is the proprietary dual-charcoal filtration process…that makes you want to fire up the Traeger® with every sip.
Longbranch is a good value for an 8 year small batch and a great whiskey for someone being introduced to Bourbon and American Whiskey.
Bottled at 108.4, this particular selection from barrel No. 18F829 is truly a wonder to behold. Familiar but with a depth of flavor and ABV punch that you won’t get from Michter’s std US-1 Rye.
…Wanderback's second release sets itself apart by first aging in new American oak barrels then finishing its last 6 months in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels. In our opinion Batch No. 2 is a notch above its older sibling and delivers a smoother, more balanced and flavorful experience overall….
The first release from Wanderback Whiskey, Batch No. 1 was made in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, WA….This solid whiskey is full of oak and smoke and perfectly at home enjoyed neat in a Glencairn.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 is a solid barrel proof bourbon that is readily available and reasonably priced. Steadily increasing in proof over the years, this most recent release at 116.8 is the best yet… Rare Breed delivers a flavor packed punch that can hang with the other big boys in the category …
…Old Grand-Dad uses a mash bill of 62% Corn, 28% Rye & 10% Malted Barley. This unusually high Rye content and high proof makes this pour an especially potent one. Basically like pouring 10lb of sugar into a bucket of kerosene and setting it ablaze…
Light oak and vanilla that wants to stay for a while. Somewhere in between your brother-in-law jetting out before the end of the 1st quarter …and your great uncle just hanging around long after the final buzzer, watching re-runs of The Price Is Right and reciting for the 26th time the story about how he was “that close” to making it on the show…
…Tuthilltown ages their Baby in “special small American Oak Barrels” which explains how they achieve such a dark color and heavy oak influence from such a young whiskey. The other unique thing…is their use of sonic maturation by playing loud music to agitate the whiskey inside the barrels....
The oak is really the front man of the band…Definitely makes a killer (albeit expensive) whiskey & coke and would feel right at home in an old fashioned…
Review - Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
Smoothest cask strength we've ever had. It was a great introduction to the brand and now we know why everyone has such high opinions of Redbreast. It's flippin' good (did I happen to mention the pancakes?). Great Irish for an over-proof lover and if we could find it again we would buy it just the same.
Rating 4 Glasses
Distillery: Midleton Distillery
Years Aged: 12
Proof: 114.4
Local Price (USD): ~$99.00
Availability: Uncommon
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Dark amber syrup. Great on pancakes.
Nose: Even though high ABV not a heavy burn. Turkish delight. Candy, mild citrus, very sweet.
Taste: Vanilla and smooth as a babies bottom. Toasted oak and cherries
Finish: Decently long. Good oily lingering and caramel corn.
Conclusion: Smoothest cask strength we've ever had. It was a great introduction to the brand and now we know why everyone has such high opinions of Redbreast. It's flippin' good (did I happen to mention the pancakes?). Great Irish for an over-proof lover and if we could find it again we would buy it just the same.
This one is unique in that it is the only Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey widely available today. Connemara Original is perfect for those scotch lovers that would like something just a bit lighter to enjoy on a hot day or with light dinner. Pour a big glass and call it good as this is one you could sip on all evening.
Smoothest cask strength we've ever had. It was a great introduction to the brand and now we know why everyone has such high opinions of Redbreast. It's flippin' good (did I happen to mention the pancakes?). Great Irish for an over-proof lover and if we could find it again we would buy it just the same.
Like getting an allergy shot in the middle of summer and then, because you were such a good boy, stopping at a Tastee-Freez for a creamsicle. Smooth thanks to triple distillation but complex due to the different casks (Virgin, Seasoned & Sherry) used in maturation.
We loved 12 Year and this is a welcome step in the right direction. It's sweeter with more heat but retains all of the characteristics that we have come to love in a good Tullamore.
Its a pretty good Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey from Midleton but saying that it is fairly expensive for what you get is probably an understatement.
We’re split. Some said it’s better than the Caskmates Stout Edition and some said that we are crazy but one things for sure, the blend with the flavors and the aromas are spot on.
Yes, it's clean, smooth, refined and has all of the great things you would expect from an aged selection out of Ireland maybe 5-10 years ago, but with all of the good competition recently attacking this price point it really seems hard to justify the purchase.
This whiskey is aptly named as it has all the aspects of a traditional Irish Whiskey but rougher around the edges. For the price its OK and would definitely make for a good mixer. Just because of the backstory this would be a good conversation starter if brought to the party.
This is the whiskey you bring to a party because the price doesn't leave you broke and it won't embarrass you in front of your friends.
Quite the hit of aromas in the forefront but like its younger brethren fades quickly, opening to a world of Irish delight (which is like Turkish delight but much more boozy) with sweet caramel happiness and more intense sherry notes.
Review - Slane Irish Whiskey
Like getting an allergy shot in the middle of summer and then, because you were such a good boy, stopping at a Tastee-Freez for a creamsicle. Smooth thanks to triple distillation but complex due to the different casks (Virgin, Seasoned & Sherry) used in maturation.
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: Sourced
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 80
- Local Price (USD): $34.95
- Availability: Widespread
- Local Price (USD): $34.95
Background
In 2015 Brown-Forman purchased all shares of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Limited. Brown-Forman also owns a multitude of other brands such as Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve & Old Forester to name just a few.
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Bright brass. Fat and chunky slow legs.
- Nose: Tangerine, alcohol, medicinal & toasted oak
- Taste: Sherry, alcohol & caramel
- Finish: Long and good. Sherry comes through at the end and creamy. Slight bit of oakiness.
- Conclusion: Like getting an allergy shot in the middle of summer and then, because you were such a good boy, stopping at a Tastee-Freez for a creamsicle. Smooth thanks to triple distillation but complex due to the different casks (Virgin, Seasoned & Sherry) used in maturation. We were surprised to experience a good spicy burn even though the ABV is no higher than most other standard Irish whiskeys. We are of the opinion that Slane could potentially best Jameson or Jameson Black in a head to head competition. For the complexity and the depth of flavor the value is off the charts for us and it just goes down easy. Slane will most definitely be a staple in our liquor cabinets.
This one is unique in that it is the only Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey widely available today. Connemara Original is perfect for those scotch lovers that would like something just a bit lighter to enjoy on a hot day or with light dinner. Pour a big glass and call it good as this is one you could sip on all evening.
Smoothest cask strength we've ever had. It was a great introduction to the brand and now we know why everyone has such high opinions of Redbreast. It's flippin' good (did I happen to mention the pancakes?). Great Irish for an over-proof lover and if we could find it again we would buy it just the same.
Like getting an allergy shot in the middle of summer and then, because you were such a good boy, stopping at a Tastee-Freez for a creamsicle. Smooth thanks to triple distillation but complex due to the different casks (Virgin, Seasoned & Sherry) used in maturation.
We loved 12 Year and this is a welcome step in the right direction. It's sweeter with more heat but retains all of the characteristics that we have come to love in a good Tullamore.
Its a pretty good Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey from Midleton but saying that it is fairly expensive for what you get is probably an understatement.
We’re split. Some said it’s better than the Caskmates Stout Edition and some said that we are crazy but one things for sure, the blend with the flavors and the aromas are spot on.
Yes, it's clean, smooth, refined and has all of the great things you would expect from an aged selection out of Ireland maybe 5-10 years ago, but with all of the good competition recently attacking this price point it really seems hard to justify the purchase.
This whiskey is aptly named as it has all the aspects of a traditional Irish Whiskey but rougher around the edges. For the price its OK and would definitely make for a good mixer. Just because of the backstory this would be a good conversation starter if brought to the party.
This is the whiskey you bring to a party because the price doesn't leave you broke and it won't embarrass you in front of your friends.
Quite the hit of aromas in the forefront but like its younger brethren fades quickly, opening to a world of Irish delight (which is like Turkish delight but much more boozy) with sweet caramel happiness and more intense sherry notes.
Review - Tullamore DEW Limited Edition Phoenix Irish Whiskey
We loved 12 Year and this is a welcome step in the right direction. It's sweeter with more heat but retains all of the characteristics that we have come to love in a good Tullamore.
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: Tullamore Distillery
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 110
- Local Price (USD): $54.95
- Availability: Uncommon
- Local Price (USD): $54.95
Background
- You really can't make this stuff up. Here's an excerpt from their website -
- "In 1785, Tullamore witnessed a devastating hot-air balloon accident. The resulting blaze nearly destroyed the town but immeasurably strengthened her people. Since that day, they placed a phoenix in the town’s coat of arms. Driven by their positive spirit, the town’s renaissance in the ensuing decades saw the establishment of the Tullamore distillery in 1829."
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Pale yellow with crossing legs.
- Nose: Astringent, sherry & vanilla.
- Taste: Healthy amount of alcohol gives a good burn with a little bit of spiciness & caramel.
- Finish: Decently long lasting heat with a sweet sherry rounding the finish line.
- Conclusion: We loved 12 Year and this is a welcome step in the right direction. It's sweeter with more heat but retains all of the characteristics that we have come to love in a good Tullamore. We feel that Phoenix could stand toe to toe with a number of great Scotch Whiskys in this price point and is a definite standout in the Irish realm. Love the higher ABV as we are all fans of high/overproof bottlings and would definitely buy it again if we had the chance.
This one is unique in that it is the only Irish Peated Single Malt Whiskey widely available today. Connemara Original is perfect for those scotch lovers that would like something just a bit lighter to enjoy on a hot day or with light dinner. Pour a big glass and call it good as this is one you could sip on all evening.
Smoothest cask strength we've ever had. It was a great introduction to the brand and now we know why everyone has such high opinions of Redbreast. It's flippin' good (did I happen to mention the pancakes?). Great Irish for an over-proof lover and if we could find it again we would buy it just the same.
Like getting an allergy shot in the middle of summer and then, because you were such a good boy, stopping at a Tastee-Freez for a creamsicle. Smooth thanks to triple distillation but complex due to the different casks (Virgin, Seasoned & Sherry) used in maturation.
We loved 12 Year and this is a welcome step in the right direction. It's sweeter with more heat but retains all of the characteristics that we have come to love in a good Tullamore.
Its a pretty good Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey from Midleton but saying that it is fairly expensive for what you get is probably an understatement.
We’re split. Some said it’s better than the Caskmates Stout Edition and some said that we are crazy but one things for sure, the blend with the flavors and the aromas are spot on.
Yes, it's clean, smooth, refined and has all of the great things you would expect from an aged selection out of Ireland maybe 5-10 years ago, but with all of the good competition recently attacking this price point it really seems hard to justify the purchase.
This whiskey is aptly named as it has all the aspects of a traditional Irish Whiskey but rougher around the edges. For the price its OK and would definitely make for a good mixer. Just because of the backstory this would be a good conversation starter if brought to the party.
This is the whiskey you bring to a party because the price doesn't leave you broke and it won't embarrass you in front of your friends.
Quite the hit of aromas in the forefront but like its younger brethren fades quickly, opening to a world of Irish delight (which is like Turkish delight but much more boozy) with sweet caramel happiness and more intense sherry notes.
10 individual custom wood finishing staves were hand selected by Troutdale Liquor in Troutdale, OR creating this kick in the pants….It isn’t for faint of heart at 109.8 proof and is definitely not in the price point for just anyone either. This is top-shelf hand-crafted Kentucky Bourbon and fits the bill.