Jameson Pumps Brakes On Imbibing

Irish whiskey industry giant, Jameson, is pumping the pre-emptive brakes on responsible drinking two months before St. Patrick’s Day via a collaboration with Irish actress/comedian, Aisling Bea, in a promotional campaign titled ‘Jameson. Easy Does It’. The promotional video depicts several social drinking occasions although not the big one – St. Patrick’s Day – and […]

Irish whiskey industry giant, Jameson, is pumping the pre-emptive brakes on responsible drinking two months before St. Patrick’s Day via a collaboration with Irish actress/comedian, Aisling Bea, in a promotional campaign titled ‘Jameson. Easy Does It’.

The promotional video depicts several social drinking occasions although not the big one – St. Patrick’s Day – and makes its debut today in Ireland before being presented worldwide later this year on a variety of media platforms.

Bladnoch, active casks and limoncello

Bladnoch ‘Liora’ (52,2% , OB, 2022)Bladnoch 27 yo (56.7%, Master of Malt, Darkness!, cask #30337, 100 bottles, 2017)

Bladnoch 'Liora' (52,2% , OB, 2022)
Bladnoch 27 yo (56.7%, Master of Malt, Darkness!, cask #30337, 100 bottles, 2017)

Mike And Matt Taste Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition

This Bourbon is a collaboration of the Kentucky Owl Distillery’s Master blender, John Rhea, and the Japanese Master Blender, Yahisa Yusuke, from the Nagahama Distillery in the Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Samples of Bourbon were sent to Japan, where Yusuke…

This Bourbon is a collaboration of the Kentucky Owl Distillery’s Master blender, John Rhea, and the Japanese Master Blender, Yahisa Yusuke, from the Nagahama Distillery in the Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Samples of Bourbon were sent to Japan, where Yusuke evaluated... Continue Reading →

Sarah Burgess Joins The Lakes Distillery (Episode 987: January 15, 2023)

Sarah Burgess has held a lot of different positions during her 25-plus years in the whisky industry, from serving as a seasonal tour guide to running three different distilleries and being a whisky maker for The Macallan. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge as the lead whisky maker for The Lakes Distillery in England. We’ll talk with Sarah on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, a Scottish government consultation on alcohol sales and marketing has the Scotch Whisky industry crying foul, while Irish Whiskey exports set a new record during 2022. Links: The Lakes Distillery | Irish Whiskey Read More »

Sarah Burgess has held a lot of different positions during her 25-plus years in the whisky industry, from serving as a seasonal tour guide to running three different distilleries and being a whisky maker for The Macallan. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge as the lead whisky maker for The Lakes Distillery in England. We’ll talk with Sarah on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, a Scottish government consultation on alcohol sales and marketing has the Scotch Whisky industry crying foul, while Irish Whiskey exports set a new record during 2022.


Links: The Lakes Distillery | Irish Whiskey Association | Gordon & MacPhail | GlenDronach | Elijah Craig | Cardhu | Angel’s Envy | Journeyman Distillery 

Sipp’n Corn Bourbon Law Update – Sazerac Hits Republic National with Friday the 13th Lawsuit.

News broke on January 3 that Sazerac was terminating its distribution relationship with Republic National Distributing Company and moving to numerous smaller distributors in about 30 states.  This was such a massive change in the industry that a few days later, we covered it…

News broke on January 3 that Sazerac was terminating its distribution relationship with Republic National Distributing Company and moving to numerous smaller distributors in about 30 states.  This was such a massive change in the industry that a few days later, we covered it on the Bourbon Community Roundtable.

Now, just days after the release of that Roundtable episode, Sazerac sued Republic in federal court in Louisville on January 13.  Sazerac came out of the gate with allegations that Republic has refused to pay for tens of millions of dollars for Sazerac products, has stopped payment on nearly $40 million of wholesale products, and that Republic has “bad-mouthed Sazerac in the marketplace.” 

As we speculated on the Roundtable, Sazerac also complains and alleges that Republic failed to sufficiently promote Sazerac products to retailers and that Republic “would oftentimes improperly condition the availability of certain high-end (and highly sought after) Sazerac products, such as Pappy Van Winkle, to its retail accounts on the purchase of non-Sazerac products, commonly known as ‘tie-in’ sales.”

Although not mentioned in the Complaint, Sazerac and Republic had expanded their relationship as recently as 2019 when Sazerac bought 19 brands from Diageo.  Republic added those new brands to its portfolio in seven states.  According to its website, Republic serves almost 90% of the U.S. market volume and it uses its national reach to help supplies build relationships and reach their target consumers, which sounds like precisely what a large producer like Sazerac would need.

One new fact revealed by the Complaint is that Sazerac and Republic entered into a new global distribution agreement in 2021 and it was really Republic who terminated that Agreement, and that happened in summer 2022 (without any news splashes).

In total, Sazerac asks the Court to award it $38.6 million in damages through January 12, 2023, and that continued breaches will result in “at least an additional $48 million in damages.” Remember, Complaints only present one side of the story and Republic has not yet had an opportunity to tell its side of the story.  The case is Sazerac Company, Inc. v. Republic National Distributing Company, LLC, No. 3:23-cv-00025.

Maker’s Mark Ambassador Tour

My oldest daughter gave me one of the best free gifts out there – a Maker’s Mark Ambassador Membership. While the program has recently…

My oldest daughter gave me one of the best free gifts out there - a ,Maker's Mark Ambassador Membership. While the program has recently changed to be a little more stringent on membership, a key feature still remains. As an Ambassador, your name, along with other Ambassadors, is tagged to a given barrel. When your barrel matures - in about 7 years - you are notified and are able to take a special Maker's Mark Ambassador Tour.

Burks' Distillery and the Samuels Family

A visit to Maker's Mark can often be an adventure. Located in the hills and hollows of Laretto, Kentucky, it is off the beaten path. On our ,first visit, we learned the hard way to follow the directions on the ,website and not the GPS on our phones. This time, we were better prepared and didn't take "the scenic route".

The Maker's Mark brand was born in 1953 when the Burks' Distillery was purchased by William "Bill" Samuels Sr. Bill wanted to put a spin on the old family recipe and chose to substitute wheat for the more typical rye as the flavoring grain. The finished product was sweeter and smoother than many of its competitors.

Makers changed hands a few times over the years and is now part of the Beam Suntory franchise. Bill's wife, Margie, played a key role in the marketing of the premium product, beginning with the brand name down to its iconic square-shaped bottle sealed in red wax. You can learn more about "the why" behind some of these features in our earlier tour ,post.

My Barrel Matures

Several weeks ahead of our tour, I received a large envelope from Maker's Mark. Inside, in almost Willy Wonka-fashion, was a golden ticket announcing that my barrel had matured and was provided a window of several months when I could visit the distillery, select bottles from "my barrel" (note the quotes), and even hand-dip the bottles.

To be clear, as an ambassador, one is "tagged" with a barrel. Through the ambassador portal and website, I'm able to check-in on my barrel and see how it is aging. When it's ready, it, along with hundreds of other barrels, is dumped to fill thousands of bottles. This is not like a single-barrel product where I can see my exact barrel and taste "my barrel". Rather, it's more symbolic and figurative, rather than literal.

Through the website, you and a guest can select a date and time for your visit. Ambassadors and one guest are granted lifetime free tours and tastings. Upon check-in, we were able to pre-pay for several 1-liter bottles. These were available at the conclusion of the tour - with custom labels bearing my name - for dipping in the gift shop.

Tour Summary

The tour is small and intimate - perhaps 5 or 6 couples - all of whom are Ambassadors. We begin with a short walk from the visitor's center to view the 45-foot column stills and spirit safe, followed by the wonderful aroma of the mash tubs.

We stop for a few moments in the labeling area, where the original labeling presses of the distillery's earliest days are still used. A number of commemorative bottles are on display that represent charitable causes and signature events. We then slip into one of the small rickhouses on the site to take in some of the angels' share (Note that most of Maker's rickhouses are not on the distillery site). A new addition, along with a cocktail area in the visitor's center and a restaurant at the old, onsite firehouse, is the Maker's 46 and Private Select cave. Yes, you heard that right - a cave.

When we last visited, this area was under construction. Bill Samuels Jr. pioneered the use of wood finishing with bourbon. You may recall that Maker's 46 and its Private Selection line use the flagship Maker's mash bill of 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley - and finish it with a mix of staves resulting in a unique spirit. Several types of wood staves are used, allowing, literally, over 1,000 unique combinations. While I knew the staves were added, how they're added is captivating.

The cave we're in has been dug into the hillside with modern equipment. Bill recognized that the whiskey that was being finished with wood staves couldn't be exposed to the typical heating and cooling offered by Kentucky weather in a traditional rickhouse, as the resulting whiskey was too "wood heavy" and oaky.

As a result, barrels of traditional Maker's whiskey are dumped and partially deconstructed. That allows several wood staves, based on the desired flavor profile, to be placed into the cavity of the empty barrel. The barrel is then re-assembled and refilled. Inside the cave, the temperature is a near-constant 54 degrees where the wood additions are allowed to "do their work" over the next several months without overpowering the bourbon. After viewing the cave rick house, we entered an exclusive bar area in the side of the hill. It is here that clubs, restaurants, and stores can taste whiskeys with various stave profiles to arrive at their unique blend. Be on the lookout, not only for Maker's 46 (which utilizes this process), but also the hundreds of ,Private Select bottlings.

After hanging out in the cave, it's time to step back outside on this Fall day and warm up. We head over to the bottling area. But before we do so, we pass through another new addition - a tribute to Margie Samuels that has been added to the front of the bottling building. Margie had a love for glass art and her collection adorns the interior entrance. Following a quick walk-through of the bottling line, it's time for our tasting and dipping. As we leave the tasting area, we walk through a final aging area and look up in awe at the Chihuly colored glass ceiling, and head into the gift shop for our dipping experience.

The Tasting

The Ambassador Tour provided a flight of five bourbons to sample: Maker’s Mark, ,Maker's Mark 101, Maker's 46, Maker's Cask Strength, and an undisclosed future Maker's Private Select release. All of these products share a single mash bill: 70% corn, 14% malted barley, and 16% soft red winter wheat. Along with Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller (both from Buffalo Trace) and Old Fitzgerald and Larceny (both from Heaven Hill), wheat replaces rye as the flavoring grain.

Maker's Mark: I ebb and flow on enjoying the traditional Maker's product. I often feel that for the smoothness offered by the wheat, I should enjoy it more. But this is traditional bourbon, with caramel, vanilla, oak and spice. Nicely balanced and very consistent. If I'm traveling and the selections are limited, this can be a staple where I always know what I'm getting.

Maker's Mark 101: This one hits solidly with caramel, vanilla, and light baking spices, leaving a medium-long finish that is warm and spicy. Overall, this is very good.

Maker's 46: Why do I always forget how much I like this one? My spouse agrees with me, as she found the 101 "hot" and this one exceptionally smooth. There are loads of caramel balanced nicely with dark fruit notes in a creamy sensation. A solid "thumbs up".

Maker's Mark Cask Strength: Ok, so truth be told, the last time I sampled this at a traveling Maker's event, it took two months for my nose hairs to grow back. All right, maybe not two months, but wow! Even my bourbon buddy who was with me had remarked at the heat that tasting packed. This bottle, though, was surprisingly drinkable. Balanced with sweet and savory notes, I would not have picked this one out of a lineup as cask strength. I actually gave spicier notes to the 101.

Undisclosed Private Select: At the front of our tasting area, a barrel stood with the five bottles, including this one, with a plain white label carrying a sample number. Our host shared that this was a sneak peek at an upcoming distillery select finished series. This was delicious. The notes were rich and layered, including chocolate, stone fruits, and marzipan. Incredible. I will be on the lookout for this upcoming release.

Hidden Barn Bourbon “Hometown Barrel” Review

The Hidden Barn Whiskey brand itself is a collaboration between Nate Winegar & Matt Dankner, co-founders of the 5280 Whiskey Society, Master Distiller Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery and Master Blender Jackie Zykan, formerly the Master Taster at Old Forester. The bourbons in their first series are from Neeley Family Distillery. Some single barrels were available, such as the Hometown Barrel that is the subject of this review.

The post Hidden Barn Bourbon “Hometown Barrel” Review appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Hidden Barn
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Single Barrel
Series #001
105 proof
“Hometown Barrel”
Selected by Jackie Zykan for the ABV Barrel Shop
MSRP: $74.99 (for Series #001 bourbon)
Review

Please enjoy our Hidden Barn Bourbon Review! (The Hometown Barrel)

What’s a Hidden Barn?

By now, I think most people have heard of Hidden Barn Whiskey. The name pays homage to a time when helpful and thirsty folks would paint their barns black so as their not-quite-so-legal neighbors would not be easily discovered. Why would painting their barns black help out their neighbors? Well, as anyone who has visited a distillery may have noticed, there is a black coating to many of the rickhouses, as well as any other surface in the vicinity. This is due to the fungus, Baudoinia compniacensis, which thrives on airborne alcohol. Therefore, much to the chagrin of people living near distilleries, everything in and around them gets coated with this black fungus to varying degrees. It also follows that if you are looking for a still or aging whiskey barrels, all you have to do is look for black coated buildings.

A Great Pedigree

The Hidden Barn Whiskey brand itself is a collaboration between Nate Winegar & Matt Dankner, co-founders of the 5280 Whiskey Society, Master Distiller Royce Neeley of Neeley Family Distillery and Master Blender Jackie Zykan, formerly the Master Taster at Old Forester. So with that pedigree, one would expect some great whiskey.

Each Series Is Different

The whiskeys blended for each Hidden Barn release will come from different distilleries, each designated by a Series number. Their initial release was Series #001. The bourbon for that series came from Neeley Family Distillery. Series #002 is making its debut now, with bourbon from M.B. Roland Distillery. The Home Town Barrel that I am reviewing here is from Series #001.

Tasting Notes – Hidden Barn Bourbon – Hometown Barrel

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Apricot, pear, raisin, sweet brown sugar, with a subtle Graham Cracker background
👉🏻Taste: Apricot, sweet brown sugar, raisin & dry oak
👉🏻Finish: Raisins and some sweetness continue picking up more dry oakiness, with spice growing into a long finish with a moderate burn

The fruit flavors dominate the nose, and carry through to the finish. However, in the finish, there is growing dry oak and spice. The flavors are full and rich as one would expect from a pot distilled whiskey. However, for those not used to pot still whiskey, you may be met by some flavors that are new to you. Hidden Barn Bourbon may not taste like the large heritage brand’s bourbons that you may be used to, and it is not meant to.

Hidden Barn Bourbon Review - Hometown Barrel
Summary

I usually don’t review single barrels, but since Hidden Barn’s Series #001 regular releases are small batches of 6-7 barrels, I figured the flavor profile shouldn’t be too far off the mark for other releases from from this series. None-the-less, your bottle will probably be a little different. However, the Series #002 releases will definitely have a different profile since the bourbon comes from from M.B. Roland Distillery rather than Neeley Family Distillery. Either way, if you enjoy a flavorful pot-distilled bourbon, then you’ll want to give Hidden Barn Bourbon a try! Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Hidden Barn Bourbon Review! (The Hometown Barrel) If you would like to read about some other whiskeys from Neeley Family Distillery, check out our Neeley Family Distillery Bourbon – 8 Year Seasoned Barrel Review and our Neeley Sweet Thumped Rye Review!

Buy Bourbon Obsessed Hats & Glencairns

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 Hidden Barn Bourbon “Hometown Barrel” Review appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Planning Your Trip to Keeneland

While horse farms and distilleries dot the hills across Kentucky and form the crown of the Commonwealth, the premier jewel in that crown…

While horse farms and distilleries dot the hills across Kentucky and form the crown of the Commonwealth, the premier jewel in that crown might just be Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky. Check out our tips to plan a visit to this historic racetrack in style where you can enjoy fast horses, southern hospitality, and great bourbon.

Steeped in History

If you're a Kentucky Derby fan, you may be more familiar with loud and raucous Churchill Downs and less familiar with this smaller track. Keeneland Race Track opened in October 1936 as somewhat of a novelty as a non-profit racetrack under ,The Keeneland Association (which is still in place today). The racetrack sits upon land that was settled in the late 1700s by John and Mary (also known as Polly) Keene. It has been visited by kings and queens (Queen Elizabeth II visited in October 1984) and served as a filming location for the 2010 movie Secretariat.

The Calendar Matters

Racing is not a year-round event at Keeneland. While tours of the track are available and you can watch horses work out in the early mornings, you'll only find horse racing there on a limited number of dates during the Spring Meet (in April) and during the Fall Meet (in October). Recently, the season was extended into November with the hosting of the ,Breeders' Cup - the true "Super Bowl" of horse racing. Keep an eye on opening dates for ticket sales a couple months ahead of racing dates, as popular days will sell out quickly.

Seats are Optional

A variety of seating options are available, depending on your likes. You're welcome to stand along the rail and cheer horses onto the finish line, or enjoy a comfortable seat in the covered stands, boxes, or one of the dining rooms. Either way, you'll save money, and won't be disappointed, by reserving them in advance, opposed to purchasing the day of the race. You can even bring a folding chair if you'd like to sit trackside, and there are a limited number of benches available for seating. Personally, I enjoy the covered seating area in the stands, with a guaranteed seat - and one I don't have to lug around.

Take it ALL In

Speaking of moving around, even with a reserved seat, be sure to move around. Take in a race or two from the stands, and then move down trackside to get a close view of the action as horses and jockeys start or finish. Be sure to check out the paddock area where you can see the magnificent equestrian athletes, as well as riders, owners, and trainers up close. Keep your eyes peeled, as you'll likely see some of the top jockeys and trainers at the various Keeneland races. While in the paddock, be sure to take in the tall, white-barked sycamore tree that provides shade in the area. It was planted when the track opened in 1936.

Dress Comfortably

You will see all kinds of attire for men, women, and children (yes, children are welcome) of all ages. You'll see some in shorts and a t-shirt when the weather is warmer, as well as those dressed-to-the-nines in dresses and hats for women, and a preppy collection of slacks, button-down shirts, bow ties, and a blazer for men. While you won't be doing any extensive hiking (see our next tip on parking), you may be standing or could walk a fair distance. Your momma was right in this instance - wear comfortable footwear. In addition, the racing season is April and October in Kentucky, so expect changing weather conditions. If your seat is in the stands, it could be cooler in the shade, vs. standing down at the rail in the sun. For ladies, while the cutest little dress is great for warm weather racing or a cocktail party, you'll fit in just as well (and be warmer) with a blazer and riding-style boots.

Parking and Traffic

Unless you're part of the Keeneland Club or have a friend with inside connections, plan on parking in the general parking area (there is no charge for parking). This could be a good distance from the gates, especially on busy weekends, though there are shuttle buses that pick up and drop off at the front gate as well as make several stops around the parking area.

Fridays and Saturdays are popular days for many of the locals to attend Keeneland. In fact, the month-long meets almost qualify as "official state holidays" in the Commonwealth. If you are planning to attend on a Friday or Saturday, plan on large crowds and very heavy traffic. In fact, many attendees never make it inside the racetrack, and instead, enjoy festivities on "The Hill" in a tailgate-like fashion. As the race lets out, traffic on Versailles Road (Route 60), the adjacent New Circle Road (Route 4), and Man of War Boulevard will be very heavy, as these are also main thoroughfares for the evening rush hour.

Crowded or Quiet

Your Keeneland experience will depend a lot on the dates you choose to attend. Attending a Wednesday or Thursday, expect a busy, but definitely not crazy packed venue. Fridays and Saturdays, though, especially if the weather is nice, expect the track and surrounding parking areas to be intensely busy. It really depends on what you like. If you like the thrill of thronging crowds in an almost Derby-like setting, attending a Friday or Saturday may be to your liking. If, on the other hand, you're wanting a somewhat quieter setting, catching something earlier in the week may be a better choice.

A Foodie and Drinker's Paradise

You'll find a wide variety of drink and dining options on the grounds. For food, there's everything from hot dogs, burgers and typical sports food (e.g. popcorn and pretzels) to Kentucky favorites, like bourbon bread pudding (made with signature Maker's Mark) and burgoo (a cross between a stew and chili).

You'll also find a myriad of non-alcohol options as well as a wide selection of popular and craft wines, beers, whiskeys, and signature cocktails. Each racing season is marked by seasonal beers that carry the Keeneland name from the local ,Kentucky Brewing & Distilling Company. If bourbon is on your mind, you'll find a solid range of choices from the major distilleries, as well as a stand or two that have exclusive and rare bourbons, including the Pappy VanWinkles. Remember this is a sports event, and food and beverages are priced accordingly. Luckily, nearly all take plastic as well as cash.

Race Time

If you want to know what's happening, be sure to grab a program when you enter the gates. This will provide a rundown of each race, when it starts, the horses and jockeys, the length, where they'll be starting and finishing (so you can get your best view), and what kind of race it is (will they be racing on the dirt track or on the turf). There's also a ton of information that you can use if you're placing a bet.

Safety and Security

Note that you will be passing through a metal detector prior to entering the admission gates. Checks may be made on purses and bags. While you may bring a chair with you, they are only allowed in limited areas. Strollers, diapers, and camera bags are allowed, along with purses; traditional backpacks and book bags are not.

BETology

This is, after all, horse racing, and while some go to watch the people and the horses, others go to watch and bet on the racing. You'll find terminals and ticket counters to place your bets, as well as information on phone apps you can use, as well. You'll also find a booth on the first floor under the grandstand manned by a BETologist who can help you make heads or tails of the program, types of bets, and so on.

Shopping

You'll find several options for purchasing a souvenir of your visit. There are pop-up shops in the Paddock and the first floor under the Grandstand. The impeccable Keeneland Shop is located right off the Paddock area. In addition to artwork and home accessories, you'll find a large collection of signature apparel from some of the top garment makers for men and women, including Barbour, Peter Millar, Vineyard Vines, and others that all bear the Keeneland logo. The gift shop is open most days, regardless of the racing season. There's also a Keeneland Mercantile available in downtown Lexington at City Center.

Post Racing Activities

It can be fun to spend the entire day at this historic racetrack. As mentioned earlier, traffic will likely be heavy when you go to leave, especially if it is late in the day and/or coincides with the evening commute. If you were thinking of going to dinner in the downtown Lexington area, reservations are highly recommended, especially during some of the more popular racing days. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown urban area, check out downtown Midway, a short drive from the racetrack, with several unique and delicious dining options.

What if I Can't Make it During a Meet?

The last couple years, we've made it a point to spend a day each Spring and Fall to enjoy the race day activities. If your schedule doesn't allow you to visit during April or October, there is still plenty to take in. Tours are available that showcase the facility and take you behind the scenes. Checking the website, there are a number of sales events you're welcome to attend and watch - just watch your hands as you don't want to end up purchasing a multi-million dollar yearling. You're also welcome to come view the early morning workouts of the horses and jockeys. And if you're up early watching the workouts, be sure to take in the Track Kitchen, where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by some of the top trainers in the country.

More Rums on Sunday

Rhum J.M ‘Terroir Volcanique’ (43%, OB, Martinique, agricole, +/-2022)HSE ‘X.O.’ (43%, OB, Martinique, agricole, +/-2022)Panama 16 yo 2006/2022 (55.9%, Berry Bros & Rudd, LMDW, bourbon, cask #3, 304 bottles)Labourdonnais 5 yo 2017/2022 (64.4%, OB, Navi…

Rhum J.M 'Terroir Volcanique' (43%, OB, Martinique, agricole, +/-2022)
HSE 'X.O.' (43%, OB, Martinique, agricole, +/-2022)
Panama 16 yo 2006/2022 (55.9%, Berry Bros & Rudd, LMDW, bourbon, cask #3, 304 bottles)
Labourdonnais 5 yo 2017/2022 (64.4%, OB, Navigate World Whisky exclusive, Mauritius, ruby Port cask, cask #AO/P12, 310 bottles)
Papa Rouyo 'Brut d'Alambic' (66.5%, OB, Guadeloupe, cuve #25, 1,110 bottles, 2022)
Papa Rouyo 'Blanc Mature' (64%, OB, Guadeloupe, cuve #13, 965 bottles, 2022)
Diamond 2004/2022 'Versailles Still' (55.8%, Rock & Rhum, Guyana, 243 bottles)
Uitvlugt 22 yo 1999/2021 (43.2%, Whisky Concerto, Guyana, refill American oak, cask #39)
Uitvlugt 24 yo 1997/2022 (53.4%, Wealth Solutions, The Colours of Rum, cognac cask, cask #5, 262 bottles)

BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review

A Collaboration between Wes Henderson, Co-Founder of Angel’s Envy, and BLACKENED Master Distiller and Blender Rob Dietrich. BLACKENED X Wes Henderson starts with a 6 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is then finished in White Port Wine Casks. Read our full review to find out more!

The post <em>BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review</em> appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

BLACKENED
X Wes Henderson
Masters of Whiskey Series
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in White Port Wine Casks
Cask Strength
116.2 Proof
MSRP:~$100
Review

Please enjoy our BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review!

A Collaboration between Wes Henderson, Co-Founder of Angel’s Envy, and BLACKENED American Whiskey Master Distiller and Blender Rob Dietrich

BLACKENED Is All About Collaboration

BLACKENED began as a collaboration between Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and the rock group Metallica. Since their inception they have been all about collaboration. BLACKENED X Wes Henderson is the second in their Masters of Whiskeys Series, the first being BLACKENED X Willett.

BLACK NOISE™ Sonic Enhancement Process

BLACKENED X Wes Henderson starts with a 6 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is then finished in White Port Wine Casks. BLACKENED utilizes sonic aging, where music is played at a very loud volume while the barrels are aging. There are a few distilleries that do this, but BLACKENED has a special name for their process: BLACK NOISE™ sonic enhancement process. Needless to say, the music played is by Metallica. These particular barrels listened to the same repeating 8 track set during their finishing process.

Tasting Notes – BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Sweet, sugar cookie, dark stone fruits like plums; raisin, and caramel, oak; cherry candy and pears; moderate alcohol
👉🏻Taste: Oak, caramel, brown sugar, black cherry soda
👉🏻Finish: Dark stone fruits continue, but there are some pears, too; spice builds rapidly and lingers; long finish with a noticeable burn

The nose is sweet; there’s lots of caramel and it’s fruit forward. A bit of richness is in there too, compliments of some sugar cookies in the background. In the taste, the flavors continue, but a surprising oakiness takes over the forefront. In the finish, the fruit and oak linger, with building spice and a moderate burn.

The Port Wine Finish Is Complementary

The white port wine finish is quite complementary to the bourbon, and not at all overpowering. That is a characteristic that I prefer in finished bourbons. Unfortunately, I find that many miss the mark. However, BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon, has hit the nail right on the head.

BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review - Bottle
Conclusion

If you enjoy a rich fruit forward complex bourbon, then BLACKENED X Wes Henderson is one your should try. It’s a bit pricey, so perhaps a pour in a bar is in order if you don’t want to just jump right in and splurge.

We hope you have enjoyed our BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review! Would you like to read about another finished bourbon? Check out our Bourbon Rabbi Honey Finished Bourbon review!

Buy Bourbon Obsessed Hats & Glencairns

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 <em>BLACKENED X Wes Henderson Bourbon Review</em> appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .