January, 2023 - BourbonSphere

392 – What Does Sazerac Leaving RNDC Mean For Everyone? and 2023 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #76

It’s Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 and this is one I’m excited to talk about because as you’re well aware, building a brand […]

The post 392 – What Does Sazerac Leaving RNDC Mean For Everyone? and 2023 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

It’s Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 and this is one I’m excited to talk about because as you’re well aware, building a brand requires choosing the right distribution partners. The big shake up of the past few weeks is that Sazerac is pulling out of Republic National Distributing Company in favor of smaller, more mid-tier, and beer focused distributors in around 30 different states. So, we want to ask the roundtable a few questions. First, what would motivate Sazerac to break up this long-standing relationship? If you are a distributor that got selected, what problems are you going to experience. And lastly, as a consumer are we going to see any change like finding Pappy on the shelf at MSRP. Spoiler alert… the answer is no. Since it’s the first roundtable of 2023, we all put in our predictions and see what the future holds for bourbon this year.

Show Notes:

Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dry January.
Sazerac is leaving RNDC. What does this mean for Sazerac?
Sazerac goes with mid-tier distributors. How do distirbutors adapt and what happens to other brands?
Does Sazerac leaving RNDC mean anything for the end consumer?
What are your 2023 predictions?
@breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn
Support this podcast on Patreon

The post 392 – What Does Sazerac Leaving RNDC Mean For Everyone? and 2023 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

A trio of middle-aged Old Rhosdhu

Old Rhosdhu 28 yo 1993/2021 ‘The 26 #3’ (49.9%, Maltbarn, bourbon, 39 bottles)Old Rhosdhu 29 yo 1993/2022 (57.1%, WhiskySponge, refill hogshead, 328 bottles)Old Rhosdhu 28 yo 1994/2022 (48.6%, Cask Noir Production, Brave New Spirit, bourbon hogshead, c…

Old Rhosdhu 28 yo 1993/2021 'The 26 #3' (49.9%, Maltbarn, bourbon, 39 bottles)
Old Rhosdhu 29 yo 1993/2022 (57.1%, WhiskySponge, refill hogshead, 328 bottles)
Old Rhosdhu 28 yo 1994/2022 (48.6%, Cask Noir Production, Brave New Spirit, bourbon hogshead, cask #6, 307 bottles)

The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 10 Scotch Review

By Randall H. Borkus Rating: A The GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826, and is one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. This is slowly and steadily taking a place among the upper tier Sherry cask matured whiskies, using barrels that have previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry. GlenDronach is located near Forgue, by Huntly, …

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: A

The GlenDronach Cask Strength Single Malt, Batch 10
(Credit: Randal H. Borkus)

The GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826, and is one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. This is slowly and steadily taking a place among the upper tier Sherry cask matured whiskies, using barrels that have previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry.

GlenDronach is located near Forgue, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the Highland whisky district. The distillery was founded in 1826 by James Allardes (referred to often as Allardice) as the second distillery to apply for a license to legally produce whisky in Scotland. In 1996 the distillery was shut down and reopened again in 2002. They draw water from the Dronac burn within the distillery grounds, and it has its own floor maltings. Brown-Forman Corporation purchased the Glendronach Distillery in April 2016, and continues to build on its tradition of creating magnificent scotch whisky.

In mid-2022, GlenDronach Distillery released Batch 10 of its Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This expression is created from the marriage of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Bottled at a barrel strength of 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV).

Master Blender Rachel Barrie said, “The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 10 is incredibly rich and full-bodied with the full depth of sherry cask maturation at its heart. Presented at natural cask strength, it offers a cornucopia of flavor, from richly spiced fruitcake to dark cherry and ginger jam.”

The Scotch
In my glass, the whisky has a deep dark bronzed pecan color. The nose is full of fragrant Sherried prunes, oven-roasted raisin sauce, and a hint dry oak. The front palate is syrupy and sticky in my mouth with hints of baked dates, black cherry puree, honeysuckle essence and citrus; while the mid-palate is warm, complex, and rich with hints of sweet baked pears sprinkled with a mocha dust and roasted nuts nested on an oak bed. The finish is rich and thick holding remnants of toasted oak, fresh cracked nutty dryness blended with baked black cherries and honey-infused medjool dates.

I found this whisky simply amazing, and I so enjoy sharing it with friends. That is so much so that I named it as 2022’s Best To Pass My Lips. The dram consistently surprises my Scotch-drinking friends, who are often new to the GlenDronach. It is simply delightful on the palate neat or with a few drops of water to further open the complex flavor profile releasing the sherry notes and it always holds up well with a fine cigar.

The Price
This is available at the suggested retail price of $99.99 and well worth it.

Hosting the Perfect Whisky Party: 9 Fun Ideas

Whiskey has been around for centuries, and it has become a timeless classic that is enjoyed by many. It is a drink of sophistication, and its smooth and rich flavor can bring people together to share stories. From the warm, smoky flavors of bourbon to the lighter, fruity notes of Scotch whisky, whiskey is truly …

(Credit: Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons — CC by-SA 4.0)

Whether you are a whiskey aficionado or just learning about the spirit, these 9 tips will help you create a memorable experience for everyone.

1. Food Pairings

Food pairings are one of the best ways to get the most out of your whiskey-tasting experience. Different whiskeys have distinct flavor profiles, and pairing them with specific foods can enhance those flavors and create a truly unforgettable experience.

When pairing food with your whiskey, consider the type of whiskey and the flavors you want to highlight. For example, pair smoky single malt scotch whiskies with dark chocolate or smoked cheeses. Or try peaty Islay whiskies with dishes made from seafood, like oysters, mussels, and salmon.

You can also provide accompanying snacks like nuts, cheese platters, crackers, and dips alongside your chosen whiskies so that everyone can enjoy them together while sipping on their favorite drink.

2. Host a Tasting

Consider hosting a formal tasting at your whisky party. Fill small glasses with different types of whiskey and have guests identify the characteristics of each based on smell, taste, and finish. You can also assign each guest a particular type of whiskey to bring to the party so that guests can sample several varieties without spending too much money.

To make it even more fun, consider having a blind-tasting where guests have to guess the type or brand of whiskey they are drinking. Better yet, have a prize for the person who guesses correctly!

3. Have Fun With Cocktails

You can never go wrong with a classic whiskey cocktail. But don’t be afraid to get creative. There are so many recipes for making delicious whiskey cocktails that will help you elevate your whisky party to the next level. Try experimenting with different combinations and flavors to come up with something unique and delicious. You can even ask guests to bring their favorite cocktail ingredients, so everyone has something new to try during the party.

For example, make an Old Fashioned with Angostura bitters, club soda, and muddled orange slices, or try something a bit sweeter like a Whiskey Sour with freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.

4. Serve It The Right Way

Knowing the proper way to serve whiskey at your whisky party is crucial. Pour it over ice in short glasses and ensure it has been chilled beforehand. If you are serving several varieties of whiskey, use small glasses with individual spouts so that each guest can sample different types. This will also help prevent any spills or confusion over which type of whiskey is being served.

Also, many people don’t realize that using different types of glasses can actually enhance their experience when drinking whiskey. Experiment by serving different drinks in various glassware such as snifters or tumblers, and see what works best for you and your friends’ palates when tasting whiskey neat or on ice cubes/rocks/etc.

5. Play Games

Create some fun themed games for your guests to play during the party, such as “Whiskey Trivia” or “Name That Whiskey” (where guests guess which type of whiskey is being served). Doing this will heighten the anticipation and make your whisky party even more entertaining.

Additionally, you can also play games like Poker and Blackjack in an online casino. This way, your guests can enjoy the party without having to leave their seats.

6. Make It Personal

No matter what type of whiskey you are serving, make sure to add a personal touch. Whether it’s adding a special label to the bottles or creating place cards with tasting notes, adding some of your own flair will help make your whisky party more memorable.

7. Keep Track of Your Tastings

If you are hosting a formal whiskey tasting, keeping track of your tastings is helpful. Make notes about each whisky you sample and what you liked or disliked about it. This will help you remember which types of whiskey you enjoyed the most and come in handy when looking for new whiskies to try in the future.

At the end of the party, you can even create a voting system where guests can vote for their favorite whisky.

8. Play Music

Music is always an important part of any drinking experience. Select music that fits the mood and theme of the evening’s gathering. Whether a classic rock for a more laid-back feel or jazz for a more sophisticated atmosphere – so that everyone will enjoy it while sipping their favorite drinks.

9. Offer Variety

Don’t forget to offer variety when selecting whiskies for your party. This means offering both complex and simple expressions so that all tastes are accounted for among your friends. Doing this ensures everyone gets something they will enjoy from start to finish and will leave them wanting more each time they come back over again.

Conclusion

Hosting a whisky party doesn’t have to be complicated- all it takes is some creativity and planning ahead of time. With these 9 fun ideas, you will be sure to have an unforgettable evening filled with great conversations around amazing whiskies.

Fercullen Makes The Trip Across The Pond

Powerscourt Distillery [based in County Wicklow, just outside of Dublin] is bringing their Irish whiskey brand Fercullen across the pond to the USA. Fercullen is produced at the Powerscourt Distillery and will be bringing Fercullen Fall, Fercullen Single Malt, 15-year-old Fercullen whiskey and limited edition Fercullen 21 Year Old to availability in the USA. Powerscourt […]

Powerscourt Distillery [based in County Wicklow, just outside of Dublin] is bringing their Irish whiskey brand Fercullen across the pond to the USA.

Fercullen is produced at the Powerscourt Distillery and will be bringing Fercullen Fall, Fercullen Single Malt, 15-year-old Fercullen whiskey and limited edition Fercullen 21 Year Old to availability in the USA.

Powerscourt Distillery’s core product is Fercullen Falls – named after Ireland’s largest waterfall [which just so happens to be located on distillery property] – is a 50/50 blend of malt and grain whiskies, the malt was matured in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, with the grain matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new heavy char oak casks and was bottled at 43% alcohol by volume [86 proof].

A wee heterogeneous yet humorous duo

Glentauchers 13 yo 2009/2022 (53.7%, Buds & Barrels, refill sherry butt, 146 bottles)Tamdhu 14 yo 2008/2022 (60.8%, Cut Your Wolf Loose, hogshead, cask #2331, 190 bottles)

Glentauchers 13 yo 2009/2022 (53.7%, Buds & Barrels, refill sherry butt, 146 bottles)
Tamdhu 14 yo 2008/2022 (60.8%, Cut Your Wolf Loose, hogshead, cask #2331, 190 bottles)

Mike And Matt Taste Kentucky Peerless Double Oaked Rye

We like the Kentucky Peerless whiskeys. Recently, Matt picked up a Kentucky Peerless Double Oaked Rye. We were excited to taste this whiskey. Caleb Kilburn makes good whiskey and a double oaked expression of their rye held promise of another… Continu…

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Scotch Review

By Richard Thomas Rating: A- It’s been several years since I was fortunate enough to visit The Glenlivet Distillery, but I remember it well. It was May, but it being Scotland, it had snowed the night before. The great Alan Winchester, who stepped down as Master Distiller at The Glenlivet last year after nearly five …

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old
(Credit: Pernod-Ricard)

It’s been several years since I was fortunate enough to visit The Glenlivet Distillery, but I remember it well. It was May, but it being Scotland, it had snowed the night before. The great Alan Winchester, who stepped down as Master Distiller at The Glenlivet last year after nearly five decades in the Scotch business, was on hand to guide us through tasting several iterations of his single malt. So, I was already familiar with The Glenlivet 21 Year Old when Pernod-Ricard announced they were relaunching both it and the 25 Year Old malts.

This new take saw its primary maturation in American and Sherry oak casks, before a round of finishing in first-fill Oloroso sherry, Troncais oak Cognac and Vintage Colheita port casks (this latter is a personal favorite when it comes to Port). This is bottled at 43% ABV.

The Scotch
A pour of the 21 Year Old takes on a copper cast in the glass. The nose had a cake-like, fruity character, with a current of musty air washing over it. The flavor develops those qualities substantially, coming out as baked pears smothered in honey, touched up with vanilla, ginger and golden raisins. This fades fast on the finish, winding down first to hay before finally settling on a faint trace of oak. It’s a smooth, balanced, cultured dram, and well worth it at the price point offered (see below).

The Price
Please take note of the labeling and look of the relaunched 21 Year Old, because it makes a difference to the price tag. This new version of Glenlivet 21YO is available with online retailers for a reasonable $110. If you see a bottle of the 21 Year Old that doesn’t look like this and doesn’t bear the label “The Sample Room,” then you are looking at the previous version of the expression. That one is fetching between $250 and $300.

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye

Well, i…

Well, it’s official, for me at least, the Holiday season is now over. I had my last family gathering this past weekend, I’ve spent all the Christmas tips that clients have given me (my vinyl record collection has just about doubled), and we are now in that time when things return to normal.

Thanks, I hate it.

I love the holidays. I love the Bowl Games, I love the gatherings, I love the lights, and the festive spirit. I love the gifts and tv specials. I even don’t mind the snow as much during December (though Mother Nature did certainly test that this year). Now starts the long slog to spring. When the sky is a uniform gray and the cold gets oppressive. The good news is that the days are getting longer, little by little. The light will be returning to our lives. And then…we get to complain about the heat.

Woo!

Anyway, one holdover from the Holidays is tonight’s whiskey. It arrived in between snowstorms along with other holiday packages. It is the last release in Uncle Nearest’s explosion of new products that they’ve had over the last few months. This rye, like the others before it started life in Canada, British Columbia according to their website. It then spent a bunch of time in New York state and then moved to its final resting spot in Tennessee before being bottled for us to enjoy. This release is a distillery-only release and is priced at $89. So, let’s see how it tastes.

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye

Purchase Info: This sample was provided free of charge for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $89 for a 750 mL bottle.

Price per Drink (50 mL): $5.93

Details: Barrel number 001. 60.5% ABV.

Nose: Caramel toffee, cedar, allspice, and a touch of spearmint.

Mouth: Hot and spicy with notes of cola, toffee, cedar, allspice, and cinnamon.

Finish: Warm and of medium length. Notes of caramel, cinnamon, and cherry.

Thoughts: This has all the strong caramel and toffee notes that you find in really good Canadian whisky. It's hot as you would expect from 121° proof but it takes ice well. I really like this one. And even my wife who doesn't really like rye whiskies likes this one. The caveat is that she does really enjoy Canadian so that can kind of help you gauge the direction of the flavor profile. This is going on the special shelf as I want it to last.

Comparison to Uncle Nearest Rye: Nose very similar. The mouthfeel on the single barrel is much oilier and thicker than its lower-proof brother but that is to be expected with a twenty-one proof difference. The flavor notes are pretty similar though.

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Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Finished In High Toasted Maple Barrel Rye Whiskey Review

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ This one is a solid example of why the proliferation of one-off xperiments and single shot limited editions in today’s whiskey trade demand some real skill in naming. “Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Finished In High Toasted Maple Barrel Rye Whiskey” — what a mouthful! Paring that down by just a …

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series batches 8 and 9
(Credit: Brown-Forman)

This one is a solid example of why the proliferation of one-off xperiments and single shot limited editions in today’s whiskey trade demand some real skill in naming. “Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Finished In High Toasted Maple Barrel Rye Whiskey” — what a mouthful! Paring that down by just a couple of words would be a big help. People doing what I do appreciate concise titles!

But all kidding aside, this is the 8th installment of Lynchburg’s series of experimental releases; I reviewed it’s sister release and the 9th batch last month. Keeping in mind that Jack Daniel’s did the 10th batch last month, I figured I’d best put my back into catching up with these things while they were still current.

This is a four year old JD rye, finished in high toast, no char maple-wood barrels. For those of you not familiar with Jack Daniel’s Rye, they followed in a vein similar to their Tennessee Whiskey in basing it on a high rye (in this case, 70% rye) mash bill and using their own spin on the Lincoln County Process. This experiment was bottled at 101 proof.

The Whiskey
This light amber pour took the spices in its scent to clove and cinnamon. That spicy layer say atop some lighter notes of brown sugar and maple syrup, plus just a hint of musty wood. The palate’s spice box jinked towards cinnamon, ginger and allspice, combined with sweet, damp tobacco leaf and a light dose of non-descript woodiness. The finish saw the spicy current that ran throughout fade down to that continuing sliver of wood.

I didn’t favor this one as much as some of my colleagues did, but writing that isn’t to knock it. It’s a mighty fine whiskey, and it continues to be worth checking in with what Lynchburg does with their rye.

The Price
Officially, this fetches $42 for a 375 ml bottle, and is available only at the distillery and select Tennessee retailers.