October, 2022 - BourbonSphere

Tomintoul Celebrates Robert Fleming’s 30th Anniversary With a Series of Special Single Malts

These celebratory scotch whiskies all scored 92 points or more, though only a select few are available in the U.S.

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Master distiller Robert Fleming celebrated three decades at Tomintoul Distillery in 2020. When Angus Dundee Distillers bought Tomintoul Distillery from Whyte & Mackay in 2000, they insisted that Fleming remain as part of the deal. Fleming personally selected these long-aged whiskies to showcase the character of the gentle spirit in oloroso sherry casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, and a single bourbon barrel. While only the second and third editions were released in the States, the third-edition single cask is exclusive to the U.S. Now in his 32nd year as the custodian of Tomintoul Distillery, Fleming can take great pride in the quality of these special whiskies named in his honor.

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary Collection Reviewed

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 2nd Edition
93 points, 51.1%, $1,095

After a 1-year finish in a PX sherry butt, this delivers an intense nose of honey, stone fruits, vanilla cream, golden plum, orange, lime peel, white pepper, and sanded oak. The first sip brings pear, apple, citrus, and spice, then after a delay, sweet citrus and peel oils erupt with grapefruit, light toffee, honey, marzipan, gentle mint, pepper, and clove, leaving soothing cinnamon and subtle oakiness to finish. (700 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 3rd Edition
92 points, 52.7%, $1,050

Elegant classic Speyside characteristics from a single bourbon cask; a nose of light summer fruits, green apple, peach, nectarine, oak spices, vanilla sponge, orange cake, and hints of candied lemon and lime. Sweet lemon, lime marmalade, vanilla, and intense wood spice flavors deepen into creamy banana custard, toffee, and seasoned oak, with a complex finish of oak tannins and dry spices. (240 bottles; U.S. exclusive)—Jonny McCormick

Tomintoul 30 year old Robert Fleming 30th Anniversary 1st Edition
92 points, 49.7%, £495

After a final decade in a Spanish oloroso sherry butt, the nose of this starts sweetly, then blossoms with rich fruits, plus vanilla, honey, spun sugar, nutmeg, dried vine fruit, mixed peel, cherry stone, and gingerbread aromas. It has flavors of plum, green apple, orange, treacle sweetness, red berry fruits, peppery spice, cooked peach, walnut, dates, and a lip-smacking finish of cinnamon, Jaffa orange, and Brazil nut.—Jonny McCormick

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Diageo’s Prima & Ultima Series Captures A Moment in the History of Single Malt Scotch

The full set is available for purchase, but U.S. scotch lovers can also obtain four of the individual bottles on their own.

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Master blender Dr. Craig Wilson had the privileged task of selecting the rare casks—the first and last of their kind—for this third release of Diageo’s Prima & Ultima series. Acquiring one of the 317 full sets will set you back £36,500/$43,400, but for the first time, four of the individual bottles from the collection will be released for sale in the U.S. on their own.

Based on the theme of “A Moment in Time,” the collection comprises eight whiskies with a combined maturation of nearly 300 years. It marks the series debut of Royal Lochnagar, and it’s the first collection to feature both Brora and Port Ellen whiskies: That hasn’t happened since the 2017 Diageo Special Releases. To mark this year’s Platinum Jubilee, the Port Ellen was bottled from the last remaining cask filled in 1980, the year Queen Elizabeth II visited Port Ellen maltings on Islay.

The 2022 Prima & Ultima Series Reviewed

Prima & Ultima Port Ellen 41 year old 1980
96 points, 59.6%, £36,500/set

The oldest Port Ellen ever released is a classic: a mind-blowing dry, salty, coastal dram. Dense peat, almost meaty; smokiness abounds, with driftwood, brine, zested lime, greengages, and new chamois leather notes. Satin smooth, with saltiness and sweet citrus, it’s peppery at full strength though it takes water well. Dilutes to honey, barley, and baked lemon notes, developing a thick creaminess before finishing with banana candy, peat smoke, and chocolate. (555 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Brora 40 year old 1981
95 points, 44.1%, £36,500/set

This last Brora release from 1981 has a nose of salty seaweed, toffee, ozone, ripe melon, canned pears, muted vanilla, beeswax candles, and well-integrated peppery smoke. Oily and mouth-drawing, with flavors of crème caramel, treacle, pepper, caramelized apple, and toffee, becoming waxy then velvety, with notes of cassis and dark chocolate. Smoke is a constant presence, while those oils lubricate the throat with dark vanilla and nutty flavors. (354 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Royal Lochnagar 40 year old 1981
94 points, 52.5%, $6,000 (or £36,500/set)

This wraps up a whisky experiment designed to curb the angels’ share. An elegant nose of fresh florals, honeysuckle, linen, fine spices, clotted cream on scones, blossom honey, soft oak, and lemon zest. The balance of sweet fruitiness and Lochnagar’s spiciness is delicious, with flavors of crème caramel, creamy banana, and a final phase of honey, vanilla custard, and white chocolate. This rocks, but gently. (1,047 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima The Singleton of Glen Ord 34 year old 1987
94 points,49.4%, $1,200 (or £36,500/set)

The last Glen Ord stock of this vintage has a concentrated, layered nose of lemon bonbons, gooseberry custard, toffee, vanilla, ripe barley, honey, fruit pastilles, and gentle oak. The taste buds are smothered in the confectionary sweetness of lemon meringue pie, butterscotch, honey, creamed coconut, gingernut biscuits, and toffee apple, plus pepper and lively clove. Water adds richness and deeper citrus flavors. Stunning—like a summer’s evening you wish would never end. (1,047 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Lagavulin 28 year old 1993
93 points, 50.1%, $3,000 (or £36,500/set)

Drawn from the last 1993 casks, there are notes of chocolate-covered cherries, crystallized ginger, seasoned oak, woodsmoke, salt and pepper potato chips, and black tea on the nose. Plenty of European oak influence on the palate, with rich toffee, dried vine fruit, praline, robust smoke, pepper, and clove, though water coaxes out brighter cherry jam flavors. Spectacularly good, even if it plays many familiar old Lagavulin tunes. (642 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Talisker 37 year old 1984
93 points, 51.9%, $3,500 (or £36,500/set)

Dry smokiness, salt, pepper, dried chile flakes, seashells, flaky chocolate, and the old oak of empty bourbon barrels baking in the sun. On the palate, sweet concoctions of lemon curd, oranges, and chalky rock candy are bridged by peppery smoke to an oilier phase of nougat, almond, and seasoned oak, ending with creamy chocolate notes. Talisker has released older bottlings, but these are the last of the casks from 1984. (968 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Mannochmore 31 year old 1990
92 points, 45.1%, £36,500/set

Initially matured in refill casks, this unconventional whisky developed rich chestnut hues after nearly three decades in virgin European oak. An intriguing nose of prune juice, sultana, halva, wood spice, After Eight mints, and caramelized sugar. The palate expresses orange marmalade, chocolate-covered Brazil nuts, cocoa, oak spice, black cherry, and black currant mousse to finish: Refrain from adding water. This is exactly what you want from a series like this. (317 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

Prima & Ultima Cragganmore 48 year old 1973
88 points, 44.8%, £36,500/set

Drawn from the oldest casks from the distillery’s steam-driven stills era, the beguiling nose has a honeyed intensity of vanilla cream, Quaker Oats, ripe stone fruit, mango, fresh tropical fruits, ground almond, and candied orange. The tart bitter-orange flavors are mouth-drawing, with peppercorn, walnut, and a jungle of oaky tannins. It’s very dry, with a finish of slightly tough dried fruit, falling short of Diageo’s sublime 1973 original. (351 bottles)—Jonny McCormick

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Old Forester Names Melissa Rift As Master Taster

Old Forester announced today that Kentucky native Melissa Rift has been named Brand Ambassador/Master Taster. Rift will help continue the revitalization of Old Forester, the only bourbon to exist before, during and after Prohibition and the founding brand of Brown-Forman. She replaces Jackie Zykan, who stepped down over the summer to become a consultant. “Melissa …

Old Forester announced today that Kentucky native Melissa Rift has been named Brand Ambassador/Master Taster.

Rift will help continue the revitalization of Old Forester, the only bourbon to exist before, during and after Prohibition and the founding brand of Brown-Forman. She replaces Jackie Zykan, who stepped down over the summer to become a consultant.

“Melissa brings a dynamic personality, a devotion to the bourbon industry and an enthusiasm for the rich heritage of our 152-year-old brand,” said Mark Bacon, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Super-Premium American Whiskey. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Brown-Forman family and are excited for her insights to amplify this new chapter in Old Forester’s legacy.”

This announcement marks a milestone and dream come true for Rift, who gained a holistic understanding of the growing bourbon industry from her beginnings as a bourbon tour guide. Most recently, she held a leadership role at Beam Suntory and previously served as Single Barrel Program Director at Bulleit Distilling Co.

“As the country’s first bottled bourbon, Old Forester has such a history – but also an opportunity to usher in a new era for the entire industry,” Rift said. “There’s nothing better in the market than Old Forester – and I look forward to introducing more people to this authentic brand.”

Born in Louisville, Rift authentically understands the rich culture of Kentucky bourbon and looks forward to sharing it with consumers, bartenders, media – and diverse consumers across the nation. She and her wife, Brittany, live in Louisville with their two dogs and two cats.

“I’m extremely excited to create a more inclusive bourbon industry to reflect the changing face of our beloved consumers and represent the Old Forester legacy so many love,” Rift said.

Mike And Matt Taste Rare Perfection Canadian Whisky

Rare Perfection is a brand being bottled by the Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. This company has been in the whiskey business since the 1980s. They sourced whiskey and sold it in the Japanese market for many years before bringing… Con…

Old Lochside and Lochnagar

Lochside 40 yo 1981/2022 (49.2%, Gordon & MacPhail, Private Collection, The Recollection, refill sherry hogshead, 141 bottles)Royal Lochnagar 42 yo 1978/2020 (48.1%, OB, Cask of Distinction, for Gareth Christopher, American oak hogshead, cask #722, 90 …

Lochside 40 yo 1981/2022 (49.2%, Gordon & MacPhail, Private Collection, The Recollection, refill sherry hogshead, 141 bottles)
Royal Lochnagar 42 yo 1978/2020 (48.1%, OB, Cask of Distinction, for Gareth Christopher, American oak hogshead, cask #722, 90 bottles)

Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Review

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ One of the problems with being a well-known, perhaps even ubiquitous brand is that even the most casual snob will bypass it. By “casual,” I mean a crippling case of toxicity or Kruger-Dunning effect is unnecessary. All someone needs is the notion that they should pursue something novel or (imagined …

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

One of the problems with being a well-known, perhaps even ubiquitous brand is that even the most casual snob will bypass it. By “casual,” I mean a crippling case of toxicity or Kruger-Dunning effect is unnecessary. All someone needs is the notion that they should pursue something novel or (imagined to be) more elevated to bypass stuff that is pretty good, but way too familiar. I used to see this literally every day when I was a DJ in my undergraduate days; my first exposure to toxic fandom was with music nerds, way back in the 1990s.

In my opinion, this perception has beset Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel Aged Cab Sav. When the subject comes up, I hear a lot of buzz about other bourbon barrel aged wines… but not this one. This conversation takes place entirely inside whiskey circles, so maybe this isn’t the case with wine folks, but like I wrote above… casual snobbery. Go figure.

The Wine
The fruit for this comes from Monterey County coastal vineyards, and it has been aged in a mix of new and used bourbon barrels for at least three months. That is an interesting phrasing, because new bourbon barrels means a charred, 53-gallon white oak barrel that has not been used to age bourbon. So the wood here is a mix of half-spent, bourbon-infused oak and the new oak that contributes so much to why bourbon tastes the way it does.

That likely explains the strong vanilla overtones in the wine. This is so much the case that vanilla shares center stage with the Cab Sav cherry and blackberry fruitiness. The customary cedar becomes an oakier current, so familiar to us whiskey fans, grounded in earthy coffee and barrel char notes.

The Price
Checking with a few retailers revealed the street price for this bottle is $11 to $14, and at that rate it is very well worth it. In fact, it will become my go-to for bourbon barrel aged red wine for some time to come.

This is a limited release. There was one in 2017, and this one is from 2019. So keep an eye out, because there may very well be a gap during which it is unavailable.

Q&A With Stephanie Macleod, Dewar’s Master Blender

By Richard Thomas I observed a few years back that whisk(e)y enthusiasts were living in a time of the changing of the guard, when well-established whiskey-makers were retiring from long-held posts. The best examples of this lately were in 2020, with Chris Fletcher succeeding as Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s and Kevin O’Gorman rising from …

By Richard Thomas

Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender of Dewar’s
(Credit: Dewar’s)

I observed a few years back that whisk(e)y enthusiasts were living in a time of the changing of the guard, when well-established whiskey-makers were retiring from long-held posts. The best examples of this lately were in 2020, with Chris Fletcher succeeding as Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s and Kevin O’Gorman rising from Master of Maturation to Master Distiller at New Midleton.

However, in the midst of all this changing of the guard, another class of whiskey-makers have grown into the new giants of their industry, the fixtures that should be well-known names among enthusiasts. That is especially so when one realizes that, nowadays, anyone who has been a big company Master Blender or Master Distiller for 10 or 15 years has had a hand on the tiller of one or more whiskey brands for the duration of the world whiskey boom. In an early indicator of the current day, many of them are women. That brings us to Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender at Dewar’s and its associated family of single malts.

It’s been a busy year for Dewar’s, so it looked like a good time to check in with Macleod about what is going on today and to look back on her tenure.

RT: You took over as Master Blender at Dewar’s in 2006, so your tenure encompasses basically the whole of the modern whisky boom times. Just how many Dewar’s whiskies have you created in that time?

SM: You’re right, we’ve been very busy at Dewar’s. For the Blended Scotches we’ve launched around 30 new expressions, and if you include all the single malts too, it’s well over 100, probably nearer 200 now with our Single Malts ‘Exceptional Cask’ range and the Limited Editions.

Dewar’s 15 Year Old Scotch
(Credit: John Rayls)

RT: And of them, which creation are you fondest of?

SM: Dewar’s 15 was my first project, so that one is closest to my heart, however, Double Double 32 is a four-times award winner at the International Whisky Competition, and made me 4 times Master Blender of the Year – so I’m very fond of that one too! There is a Dewar’s whisky for every occasion, and there’s a cocktail for every Dewar’s whisky – I always say that Dewar’s is made to be savored and enjoyed how you want to drink it – there’s no prescribed ceremony – it’s your Dewar’s, enjoy it!

RT: Dewar’s is quite popular here in the States. I think the rule is that in any given year, it is either the top-selling Scotch Whisky or just slightly behind Johnnie Walker, and it’s been big in America since before Prohibition. So, for the Americans, what sets Dewar’s White Label apart from its peers?

SM: I love visiting the US, and so it makes me very proud that Dewar’s has maintained its position in the hearts of US whisky appreciators. Dewar’s has a rich history and a complex and distinctive flavor that holds it character over ice or in a cocktail and I think that’s what makes it distinctive from other whiskies with Americans.

Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Single Malt
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

RT: Dewar’s owns Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla, each a distillery and a malt with its own unique flavor profile. How do these malts contribute to the Dewar’s flavor profile?

SM: Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and Macduff/Glen Deveron are all much sought after Single Malts.

Aberfeldy is a Highland Malt – which is rich and complex with notes of honey, fruits notes and a citrus twist; Aultmore is a Speyside Malt and it’s typical of that region – it has an ethereal quality – with soft notes of fruit, freshened with herbal and green notes; Craigellachie is also a Speyside – but it is not a typical Speyside – it is made in the very traditional way of using Worm Tubs as the condensers, and so it retains a muscular quality and with age exotic notes of pineapple emerge, but always bolstered by the complex muscularity of this whisky; Royal Brackla is a Highland Malt – I describe it as ‘Summer in a glass’ it’s vibrant and elegant with green, floral and fruity notes; Glen Deveron which is distilled at Macduff Distillery is also a Highland Malt with beautiful toasted cereal notes and baked apples.

RT: Totally off-topic, self-indugent question here: I’ve heard you did some sensory science work on olive oil back in the day? I’m an azeite nerd; please, do tell me all about it.

SM: My goodness it was a long time ago – but we were trying to compile a flavor map of olive oils, so we had Italian olive oils and also a Spanish one, which had a distinctive aroma of peaches – it was awesome!

RT: Onto new stuff. I understand Dewar’s is bringing out a new, reformulated version of the 12 Year Old. It replaces the version created by your predecessor, Tom Aitken. What has changed?

SM: Dewar’s 12, I must stress uses the same recipe since it was introduced in 2000 that has not changed! All Dewar’s Blends are Double Aged – which means that once all of the malt and grain whiskies come of age and we blend them together, instead of sending it for bottling we take the blend and fill it into specially selected oak casks to allow the disparate flavor properties of the different malts and grains to interact with one another, providing a smoothing effect. The cask we use have no more maturation potential to yield. However, for the refresh of Dewar’s 12 – instead of Double Aging in the typical casks we now use 1^st fill Bourbon casks – which has bestowed on Dewar’s 12 more creamy caramel notes and more citrus zest – making it even more approachable.

RT: My misunderstanding there. But you also have another release in the Casks Series coming out, French Smooth. This one is finished in Calvados casks. How much experimentation goes into arriving at the cask selections for this series?

SM: Dewar’s 8, French Smooth is outstandingly beautiful – it’s finished in Calvados casks; Calvados is a French apple brandy, and its character remaining in the casks, works incredibly well with our Dewar’s 8. When we want to use a new type of cask, quite often I’ll get that particular spirit or wine, and pour some into a glass, swirl it and then empty it, then pour the whisky in – if they compliment each other at that stage then we’ll source the casks. Once the casks arrive, we nose each one and then once filled we’ll assess monthly or more in order to ensure that the characteristics of the finishing cask don’t dominate the flavor of the whisky.

Ardbeg 8 Year Old For Discussion Bottle Competition

Be it for one of our industry leading Tweet Tastings or one of our monthly bottle competitions, we love nothing more than being able to share and giveaway some of our favourite drops of dramspankage. Talking of which, we’re delighted to announce that we’re teaming up with the Islay based Ardbeg distillery to give away a bottle of Ardbeg 8 Year Old – For Discussion.Originally launched last summer,

Eggo Nog or Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper

Eggo Nog or Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper – The choice is yours! These two limited releases are sure to add a little fun to your Fall! Read on to learn more!

The post Eggo Nog or Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Eggo Nog or Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper – The choice is yours!

‘Tis the Season….

…for some interesting new beverages. These two are just a little too interesting, so I had to share. Last week we heard about Eggo Nog, and this week it is the new bourbon flavored Dr. Pepper. Check out excepts of the press releases below if you want to learn more. Unfortunately, it looks like the Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper is only available through an on-line lottery, so it doesn’t seem like something you can just go out and try. That’s too bad, though, because now that I know about both of these, I really want to try them! What about you? Cheers!

Fansville Reserve – Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper

Dr Pepper revealed today (10/17/2022) the latest limited-edition indulgence: Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve. As part of the brand’s strong connection to college football, the new Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve is a non-alcoholic beverage inspired by the tailgate and crafted for fans with flavor that evokes sweet, savory, and woody notes with subtle hints of cherry, vanilla, chocolate and caramel depending on the sipper that are sure to delight the palate.

Launched in time for consumers to enjoy while cheering on their favorite team this football season, Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve is the perfect ready-to-tailgate treat that fans deserve. The only way consumers can get their hands on a can to try at home is by logging in or enrolling in the Pepper Perks program¹ and then partaking in an exciting game of scratch-to-win on the Dr Pepper website where deserving fans have a chance to win various exciting prizes, including one can of the new Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve. The limited time offering is only available while supplies last.

Eggo Nog

A delicious, Eggo-Inspired cream liqueur to help grownups L’ Eggo during the holiday season

During the chaos of the holidays, parents need a moment to themselves more than ever. Eggo® heard from parents that one of their favorite times to enjoy Eggo® Waffles is during their ‘evening me time,’ when the kids have gone to bed, and they can finally relax and enjoy it in peace. That insight inspired Eggo to create Eggo Nog, a rich and delicious eggnog liqueur to elevate parents’ free time and give grownups a unique way to L’Eggo of the holiday stress this season.

Made in partnership with craft distillery Sugarlands Distilling Co. out of Gatlinburg, Tenn., Eggo Nog Appalachian Sippin’ Cream is a decadent rum-based liqueur with cinnamon and nutmeg flavor notes. To make for an even more delicious experience, it pairs perfectly with Eggo Thick & Fluffy waffles to help keep you feeling cozy (and perhaps slightly toasted) all winter long.

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!

The post Eggo Nog or Bourbon Flavored Dr. Pepper appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey

This review sample was kindly provided by the PR team for Uncle Nearest Whiskey with no strings attached.

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This review sample was kindly provided by the PR team for Uncle Nearest Whiskey with no strings attached.

IMAGE: A bottle of Uncle Nearest Rye sitting in the morning sunlight. Enjoying itself and waiting for the appropriate time to crack itself open and be shared.

Holy shit, y’all! I’m back! Did you miss me? I missed you. Not quite as much as I missed my taste buds and breathing normally, but you were at least top three…five. Top five, for sure.

You have no idea how happy I am right now. And not just because I can actually taste and smell the whiskey I’m writing about tonight. No, last night I had just about the best date night I can possibly imagine. My absolute favorite musical artist, Butch Walker, was kicking off his tour last night up in Dinkytown (the area around the northern edge of the University of Minnesota campus), and my wife got us tickets. I’ve been beaming since the show ended. I can’t hear anything because my old deaf ears take longer to recover from the noise of a loud and raucous rock show than they did when I was younger. But I don’t even care. It was worth it.

Add to that fact the opportunity to talk about whiskey, and I’m just in heaven right now. Though I’m going to warn you right now, the flow of this post may suffer tonight. I’m taking frequent breaks to sing along with the Spotify playlist I made that has the songs that were played at the concert. I’ve been doing it all day. Needless to say, it’s been quite the bouncy day for me.

Anyway, we are talking about whiskey, not music. Though if you give me even a sliver of opportunity, I’ll talk music all night. So I’m really trying hard to reign myself in tonight…

Right, yes. Back to whiskey. Tonight we are taking a look at the latest offering from Uncle Nearest. It is a distillery exclusive that holds promise for more widely available releases in the future. Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered is a rye whiskey sourced from Canada and then aged in New York and then Tennessee. It is bottled at whatever strength that the batch was when the barrels were all dumped. It says “Uncut” right in the name. This batch ended up at 119.7° proof, but I’m going to guess if they have future batches that, they will be at least a little different. If you are curious about what the PR Firm has to say about it, here is the summary I got from them:

To create its uncut/unfiltered rye whiskey, Uncle Nearest sourced its rye from Canada and raised it in New York for four years. Once it was ready, the Uncle Nearest team brought it back to Tennessee to rest and finish in its barrels before being bottled. The new expression reinforces Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler’s ability to create the highest quality whiskeys possible even when moving away from the filtration process that was created by her great-great-grandfather. Uncle Nearest’s inaugural rye whiskey is available as a distillery exclusive offering available for purchase ($149) at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN.

As I mentioned, this seems to be just the beginning for Uncle Nearest and their experiments in the world of Rye whiskey. According to the details I got from the producer: “For those unable to make it to Shelbyville, there will be more Rye to come from Uncle Nearest in the coming months, including Straight Rye and Single Barrel Rye.” As a lover of both Rye and Canadian whiskey, this is good news for me.

But most importantly, how does it taste?

Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey

Purchase Info: This sample bottle was kindly provided to me for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $149.

Price per Drink (50 ml): $10.00

Details: Distilled in Canada, Aged in Canada, New York, and Tennessee. 59.8% ABV. Batch 001.

Nose: Caramel, black tea, mint, chocolate, and a hint of bubble gum.

Mouth: Very hot. Caramel, chocolate, and black tea.

Finish: Long and very warm. Notes of toffee, chocolate, cinnamon, and mint.

Thoughts: This is a pretty good rye whiskey. You can taste the Canadian origin. Lots of caramel/toffee and black tea notes. It's very sweet but as hot as one would expect something that's almost 120° proof to be. Just a tiny splash of water does wonders to tame the heat and bring out even more sweetness. This is a "dessert rye" if I've ever tasted one. I think I like the standard Tennessee Whiskey Uncle Nearest releases better, but this is a very interesting change of pace when it comes to rye whiskey. If it were in a store, I doubt I’d want to pay $150 for a bottle. But if I was at the distillery and it was going to be a souvenir, well, then all bets are off. I’ve paid much more for worse whisky as a distillery exclusive in the past. It has made me decide to keep my eyes open for the other Ryes that will be coming along in the fairly near future, though.

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