Here are a few more random rums

Naga ‘Full Proof’ 10 yo 2011 (62.3%, OB, Royaume de Siam, charred American oak, 2,752 bottles, 2022)
Distillerie du Galion 3 yo ‘Easy Peasy’ (56.3%, Swell de Spirit, Martinique, agricole, bourbon barrel, 600 bottles, 2024)
Rhum Brun Vieill…

Naga 'Full Proof' 10 yo 2011 (62.3%, OB, Royaume de Siam, charred American oak, 2,752 bottles, 2022)

Distillerie du Galion 3 yo 'Easy Peasy' (56.3%, Swell de Spirit, Martinique, agricole, bourbon barrel, 600 bottles, 2024)

Rhum Brun Vieilli 2023 (56.4%, Distillerie de Lyon, Cuvée Collaborative, molasses, +/-2024)

Single Estate French West Indies Rhum 2017/2023 (58.3%, L’Esprit, cask #BB7, 240 bottles)

Fiji 22 yo 2001/2022 (59%, Rock & Rhum, 244 bottles)

Hampden 2023/2024 ‘Pedro Ximenez’ (62.9%, The Colours of Rum, Jamaica, cask #28, 329 bottles)

Clarendon 24 yo 1997/2022 (49.2%, The Colours of Rhum, #13, cask #28, 192 bottles)

Clarendon 40 yo 1984/2024 (64.2%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams, Famille Ricci, Jamaica, 90 bottles)

Hampden 41 yo 1983/2024 (53.5%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams, Famille Ricci, Jamaica, 90 bottles)

Press Release: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNB

Russell’s Reserve Welcomes Third Annual Single Rickhouse Bottling with Camp Nelson B, Its Highest Barrel Proof Offering To-Date LAWRENCEBURG, KY (Oct 2, 2024) – Award-winning Russell’s Reserve introduces Single Rickhouse 2024 – Camp N…

Russell’s Reserve Welcomes Third Annual Single Rickhouse Bottling with Camp Nelson B, Its Highest Barrel Proof Offering To-Date LAWRENCEBURG, KY (Oct 2, 2024) – Award-winning Russell’s Reserve introduces Single Rickhouse 2024 – Camp Nelson B, the much anticipated third installment in its Single Rickhouse Collection, and the highest proof offering to date across the entire […]

The post Press Release: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNB appeared first on Rare Bird 101.

Diageo Unveils Special Releases Of 2024

Worldwide spirits behemoth Diageo has launched their 2024 Special Releases collection of single malt Scotch whiskies with the theme of Spirited Xchange Second Edition, highlighting an exploration of flavors in Scotch malt production. Diageo’s 2024 Spirited Xchange Second Edition Special Releases features an octet of single malts that focuses on flavor exploration and cask combinations. […]

The post Diageo Unveils Special Releases Of 2024 first appeared on Whisky Critic – Whisky Reviews & Articles – Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Worldwide spirits behemoth Diageo has launched their 2024 Special Releases collection of single malt Scotch whiskies with the theme of Spirited Xchange Second Edition, highlighting an exploration of flavors in Scotch malt production.

Diageo’s 2024 Spirited Xchange Second Edition Special Releases features an octet of single malts that focuses on flavor exploration and cask combinations.

Diageo’s 2024 Spirited Xchange Second Edition Special Releases includes a single malt from Mortlach called Midnight Dusk [finished in both Ramandolo white wine and Sangiovese red wine casks], a single malt from The Singleton called Autumn Walk [also finished in a variety of casks], a single malt from Talisker called Tidal Churn [utilizing an oceanic-inspired stone-spun churning method], a single malt from Lagavulin called Fireside Tales [matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks], a 21-year-old single malt from Benrinnes called Grand Crescendo [matured in American oak wine casks, European oak casks, and rejuvenated casks with charred ends], a single malt from Roseisle called Origami Kite 2 [matured in first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks], an unpeated single malt from Caol Ila called Ambrosial Feast [matured in refill and rejuvenated ex-wine casks] and a single malt from Oban called Coastal Orchard [finished in new fresh charred American oak barrels freshly seasoned with Oloroso sherry and blended with refill casks].

The Diageo 2024 Spirited Xchange Second Edition Special Releases collection will be available in limited quantities from select Scotch whisky retailers.

The post Diageo Unveils Special Releases Of 2024 first appeared on Whisky Critic - Whisky Reviews & Articles - Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Revisiting Glen Mhor

Glen Mhor 1979/2004 (43%, Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Mhor 21 yo 1976/1997 (43%, Hart Bros)
Glen Mhor 8 yo (57%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Distillery labels’, 1980s)
Glen Mhor 30 yo 1982/2012 (54.1%, Cadenhead ‘Closed Distilleries’, bourbon, 198 …

Glen Mhor 1979/2004 (43%, Gordon & MacPhail)

Glen Mhor 21 yo 1976/1997 (43%, Hart Bros)

Glen Mhor 8 yo (57%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Distillery labels’, 1980s)

Glen Mhor 30 yo 1982/2012 (54.1%, Cadenhead ‘Closed Distilleries’, bourbon, 198 bottles)

Glen Mhor 30 yo 1975/2005 (51.2%, Glenkeir Treasures, 270 bottles)

Glen Mhor 30 yo 1967/1997 (60.1%, Gordon & MacPhail for 30th Anniversary of Barmetro, sherry, 199 bottles)

House of Suntory Rolls Out Hibiki 40 Years Old

A new blended whisky from the House of Suntory has just been released,  the Hibiki 40 Years Old. This is the oldest blended whisky the company has ever released. The new Suntory exclusive blend includes whiskies from all three Suntory distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Each whisky is aged over 40 years to produce an […]

The post House of Suntory Rolls Out Hibiki 40 Years Old first appeared on Whisky Critic – Whisky Reviews & Articles – Style. Attitude. Whisky..

A new blended whisky from the House of Suntory has just been released,  the Hibiki 40 Years Old. This is the oldest blended whisky the company has ever released.

The new Suntory exclusive blend includes whiskies from all three Suntory distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Each whisky is aged over 40 years to produce an aromatic and flavorful blend.

Tasters described the spirit as the culmination of decades of expertise and experience. Hibiki 40 Year Old represents ‘generations of learning and craftsmanship’ for the House of Suntory.

As a special release, it is crafted by Suntory chief blender Shinji Fukuyo and features aromas of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. Beyond that, it has a taste of acacia honey and dry fig that is subtle and reminiscent of a temple.

House of Suntory Launches New Whisky

suntory

“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquility of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them,” said Fukuyo.

In addition, this release goes one step further. It features a special liquid, a decanter, and a box. Suntory worked closely with Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to create the washi label on the box.

Notably, the decanter itself is made of crystal glass with 30 facets, crafted by a master glassmaker who has created pieces for the Japanese imperial family. It’s decorated with traditional Japanese Maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer.

Furthermore, a twelve-sided wooden box is a statement in itself, made up of 12 different kinds of Japanese wood representing the twelve months of the year. Meanwhile, flowers and grasses depicted in maki-e lacquer on its exterior represent Japan’s four seasons.

As an exceptionally limited release, Suntory’s Hibiki 40 Year Old will be priced at $35,000 and is set to be released in selected markets at selected retailers.

The post House of Suntory Rolls Out Hibiki 40 Years Old first appeared on Whisky Critic - Whisky Reviews & Articles - Style. Attitude. Whisky..

Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey

I’d like to thanks CraftCo and their PR team for sending me this sample with no strings attached.

I’d like to thanks CraftCo and their PR team for sending me this sample with no strings attached.

Hey, it’s bonus review time here at the BourbonGuy house. Samples are stacking up faster than we can taste them, so I figured, “Why not just do some bonus posts?” And here we are.

Fox & Oden is one of the many brands in the CraftCo portfolio, along with the CopperCraft bourbon we reviewed back in May. CraftCo, in turn, is part of the DeVos-owned Windquest Group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Much like its portfolio-mate, this bourbon is also "Distilled in Indiana." According to the brand’s website, this particular bourbon is a blend of eight- and fifteen-year-old bourbons, utilizing both MGP’s 21% Rye and 36% Rye bourbon mashbills.

The company doesn’t provide much more information beyond that. However, I don’t know about you, but for me, "Distilled in Indiana" on an unknown bourbon is a plus. If it’s coming from MGP, it will probably fall somewhere between pretty darn good and great. So, let’s see how it tastes, shall we?

Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon

Purchase Info: This bottle was sent to me at no charge for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $99.99.

Price per drink (50 mL): $6.67

Details: 49.5% ABV. A blend of 8- and 15-year-old bourbons using MGP’s 21% and 36% Rye bourbon mashbills.

Nose: Brown sugar, red fruit, and a lot of oak.

Mouth: Caramel, cinnamon, leather, and oak.

Finish: Warm and medium in length, with notes of red fruit, orange zest, almond, and oak.

Thoughts: In a very rare occurrence, my oak-loving wife pronounced this as being too oaky. Once the shock of such a statement from her had worn off, I was forced to agree. But I tend to have a low bar when it comes to calling something "over-oaked." By no means does this taste like you’re sucking on a stick or anything, but oak and oak-derived notes like leather are the predominant flavors here, with other notes playing a supporting role. It’s good, but I’m not sure I’d personally pay $100 for it. That said, this would be an easy recommendation for someone who enjoys oak-forward bourbons and doesn’t think twice about dropping a hundred bucks on a single bottle.


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Inbox | The Week’s Whisky News | October 4, 2024

Welcome to Inbox – our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to the WFE email. We started Inbox several years ago as we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece received. It features items from arou…



Welcome to Inbox - our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to the WFE email. We started Inbox several years ago as we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece received. It features items from around the world of whisky and is published by us each Friday. Within Inbox we aim to write a few lines detailing each press release/ piece of news/ PR event that we have received and provide links, where possible, for you to find out further information. 
 
Here is a round-up of this week's whisky news.
 
________
 
 

The Northern Irish distillery of Bushmills has announced the fifth batch of their highly-acclaimed Causeway Collection. The series of single malts are inspired by The Giant's Causeway, which is located on the Co. Antrim coast and just two miles from the distillery. The 2024 edition features eight whiskies, which include some of Bushmills' rarest spirits, that are aged between 10 and 23 years of age.

The Bushmills Causeway Collection 2024 features three firsts for the brand with the 10 years old Barolo Cask, 2010 Double Moscatel Cask (finished in two different ex-Moscatel casks) and 22 years old Mizunara Oak. Other highlights include the 2011 Oloroso Sherry Cask and 23 years old Madeira Cask. All eight whiskies are bottled at their natural cask strength and are non-chill filtered and of natural colour. Prices range from £76 to £385/ US$100 to US$505. They will be available in selected world markets including China, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK and the USA, plus travel retail.


Bushmills have also announced the latest addition into their travel retail exclusive World Wood Series range - the Bushmills 12 years old PX Casks. It follows 15- and 21-year old expressions released in 2023. This, like the Causeway Collection, has been created by Alex Thomas - the Master Blender for Bushmills. This new whisky has matured for 11 years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels before a one-year in first and second-fill ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available in airports throughout Asia. A bottle will cost US$70.


 

The north Highland distillery of Dalmore has revealed the second trio of whiskies in its Cask Curation Series. The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition showcases three rare single malts in partnership with Symington Family Estates, the makes of Graham's Port. It features bottlings at 27-, 30- and 43-years of age. Each has been finished in different rare vintage single harvest Tawny Port barrels from Graham's. Further additions to the series will appear in 2025 and 2026.
 
The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 27 Year Old 1997 Cask Finish has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 2 – a very rare 1997 Single Harvest Graham's Tawny Port cask. It is bottled at 49.3% ABV. The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 30 Year Old 1994 Cask Finish has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 3 – a very rare 1994 Single Harvest Graham's Tawny Port cask. It is bottled at 43.9% ABV. 
 
The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 43 Year Old 1952 Cask Finish has been matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 1 – a 1952 Single Harvest Graham's Tawny Port cask. It is bottled at 41.8% ABV. All are non-chillfiltered and of natural colour. The trio will only be sold as a set, and this will cost £35,000.



The independent Scottish distiller of Eden Mill has partnered with a local salt company to create a sugar syrup aimed at cocktail aficionados and bartenders. The Eden Mill Smoked Salt Sugar Syrup sees the Lowland distillery collaborate with fellow Fife business East Neuk Salt Company to create an ingredient to add depth to your favourite cocktail or mocktail. 
 
The hand-harvested sea salt flakes, which are 100% organic, were smoked on former Eden Mill single malt whisky barrel staves. The staves were also used to smoke the sugar used to make the syrup. The syrup is available from Eden Mill's two retail stores in Edinburgh and St. Andrew's, plus via www.edenmill.com - here there is a deal where each bottle of The Guard Bridge blended malt will come with a free bottle of the syrup for a limited period.
 
 

The Islay farm distillery of Kilchoman has launched a new limited that has been fully matured in ex-Port casks. The Kilchoman Port Cask Matured is the third such release and the oldest such release to date. The inaugural Port Cask Matured was released in 2014 and the second in 2018. The 2024 edition has been matured for a minimum of six years in re-fill ex-Port barrels. This new bottling will be available in selected specialist whisky retailers worldwide. A bottle will cost £xx.



The Lowland distillery of Kingsbarns has bottled its oldest ever single malt to date with their latest limited edition release. The Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2024 is bottled at 8 years old and has been fully matured in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. It is released in its purest form - at the natural cask strength of 58.2% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural colour. There will be just 3,000 bottles and these will be available via the brand website www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com and the distillery shop in Fife from October 16. A bottle will cost £75.
 
 

The Kentucky distillery of Michter's has launched two expressions into its rare Legacy Series - the Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon and Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash. In 1753, Swiss farmer John Shenk founded Shenk’s distillery in Pennsylvania. This distillery was later renamed Bomberger’s distillery in the 1800s before its name changed again to Michter’s in the mid-20th Century. This heritage is what the Michter’s Legacy Series honours. 
 
Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon (pictured, above right) is a Kentucky straight bourbon with a high malted rye percentage in the recipe and is aged in rare Chinquapin oak barrels. It is bottled at 54% ABV. Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey (pictured, above left) is a Kentucky rye whiskey that has matured in French oak casks. It is bottled at 45.6% ABV. Both whiskeys are now available in limited quantities and cost £120.




A little biofuel. I mean, grain whiskies

North of Scotland 1964/1981 (100° proof UK, George Strachan, cask #37526, 5cl)
North British 34 yo 1989/2024 (43.7%, Liquid Treasures, bourbon barrel, 15th anniversary)
Invergordon 27 yo 1997/2024 (52.2%, Dràm Mor, refill bourbon barrel, c…

North of Scotland 1964/1981 (100° proof UK, George Strachan, cask #37526, 5cl)

North British 34 yo 1989/2024 (43.7%, Liquid Treasures, bourbon barrel, 15th anniversary)

Invergordon 27 yo 1997/2024 (52.2%, Dràm Mor, refill bourbon barrel, cask #300709, 218 bottles)

Port Dundas 23 yo 2000/2024 (62.2%, Frank McHardy, Signature Reserve, 270 bottles)

Girvan 26 yo 1997/2024 (46.5%, Frank McHardy, Signature Reserve, 230 bottles)

Cameronbridge 31 yo 1992/2024 (51.5%, Frank McHardy, Signature Reserve, 234 bottles)

Invergordon 50 yo 1972/2023 ‘Clan McBean’ (42.9%, The Whisky Barrel, cask #TWB1034, 128 bottles)

North British 30 yo 1993/2024 (52%, The Taste of Whisky, refill sherry butt, cask #52169, 187 bottles)

Cambus 34 yo 1989/2023 (58.9%, Alambic Classique, Rare & Old Selection, sherry cask, cask #23082, 169 bottles)

North British 31 yo 1991/2023 (45%, Whisky Age, 1st fill barrel, 189 bottles)

Invergordon 36 yo 1988/2024 (48.7%, Cask 88 and Tiffany’s New York Bar Hong Kong, PX finish, 240 bottles)

Invergordon 37 yo 1986/2023 (46%, Whisky Dudes, refill butt + 1st fill PX quarter, cask #23654A, 203 bottles)

Girvan 27 yo 1996/2023 (55.1%, The Whisky Blues, hogshead, cask #37956, 301 bottles)

Girvan 26 yo 1997/2024 (57.6%, Whisky Dudes, hogshead + 1st fill amontillado, 194 bottles)

Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch B924 Review

No one is going to be disappointed with this one. It’s not quite the flavor bomb from earlier this year, but what it lacks in potency it more than makes up for in approachability.

Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey Batch B924 Review

BOTTLE DETAILS


  • DISTILLER:  Heaven Hill Distillery
  • MASH BILL: 51% Wheat | 37% Corn | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: NAS - Non-age stated, reportedly 7-9 years
  • YEAR: 2024
  • PROOF: 122.6 (61.3% ABV)
  • MSRP: $65

DREW'S NOTES


SHARE WITH: The wheat whiskey curious, folks who like their barrel proof whiskey unusually approachable, and fans of apple pie.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, but the A Batch from earlier this year was a slightly better bang for your buck.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle for those who haven't added one of these to the home bar yet. If you've owned any prior releases (especially the A batch from February of this year), you may want to sample at a bar first to see if it's truly worthy of your personal collection.

OVERALL: The second and final release of Bernheim Barrel Proof for 2024 is another solid addition to Heaven Hill's wheat whiskey lineup, but it was always going to be hard to stand up to its immediate predecessor. While this latest edition still showcases lots of the qualities that made that batch such a standout, it lacks just a little of the body and concentration of flavor that propelled the A224 release into Must Buy/Bottle territory for me.

The nose is a little softer than the A release but again showcases warm, honeyed cereal baked to a golden brown. It's a little more savory, too, almost buttery pie crust. As it opens, notes of cinnamon apples and caramelized sugar ooze out of the glass. The palate is rich and bright with notes of butterscotch candies, honey syrup, and caramel apple. It's even more approachable than the A release, warm and round and without any classic barrel proof heat right up until the finish where a flourish of pepper and cinnamon RedHots sizzles into a long, silky conclusion accented by notes of toffee and apple chips.

No one is going to be disappointed with this one. It's not quite the flavor bomb from earlier this year, but what it lacks in potency it more than makes up for in approachability.

BRAND NOTES


This extension to the Bernheim brand means you can now enjoy a premium Wheat Whiskey at full barrel proof. Like the original, Bernheim Barrel Proof is produced at the Bernheim Distillery and is the first wheat whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain, giving it a soft, sweet flavor that’s extra smooth. Released twice a year, each offering is aged for seven to nine years in our open-air rickhouses. This is a chance to experience our unique wheat mashbill in its pure form: non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Mahogany
  • Aroma: Oak staves and fresh bread
  • Taste: Buttery notes of caramel and honey with clove spice
  • Finish: Soft and complex; notes of honey and caramel


Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Mike And Matt Taste Old Pepper Single Barrel Whiskeys

Back in April of 2024, Steve Akley, the owner of the ABV Bottle Shop, asked me and Rosemary to be part of a group of people that included Maggie Kimberl and Royce and Rebecca Neeley, to select some barrels of… Continue Reading →

Back in April of 2024, Steve Akley, the owner of the ABV Bottle Shop, asked me and Rosemary to be part of a group of people that included Maggie Kimberl and Royce and Rebecca Neeley, to select some barrels of... Continue Reading →