May, 2023 - BourbonSphere

OHLQ Announces Whiskey Gold Rush Event at Select Stores

The Ohio Department of Liquor (OHLQ) has announced what they are calling the Whiskey Gold Rush event which is a lottery to win the chance to purchase a bottle of Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey. This event started at 9:00 A.M. on May 24, 2023 and all entries must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. on June 5, 2023 and is available at over 100 participating OHLQ locations. Additionally, there will be OHLQ Exclusives (list below).

The directions to enter are:

Visit a participating OHLQ location.
Get your ticket from the cashier. (One ticket per person present.)
Scan the QR code on the ticket.
Enter the requested information.

As mentioned, there are over 100 locations participating. You can enter at as many stores as you want, but you can only win the right to purchase one bottle. Winners will be announced on June 9th. The Blanton's Gold will be $119.99 + tax. The participating locations are:

Northeast

ACME, Akron
ACME, Canton
Aurora Spirits, Aurora
Buehler's, Ashland
Buehler's Fresh Foods, Massillon
Buehler's - North Court Beverage, Medina
Cap and Corks, North Olmsted
Chagrin Valley Beverage, Warrensville Heights
Gary's Drive Thru, Orrville
Giant Eagle on Center St, Chardon
Giant Eagle on W Geauga Plaza, Chesterland
Giant Eagle on Day Dr, Cleveland
Giant Eagle on W Main St, Louisville
Giant Eagle on N Ridge Rd, Madison
Giant Eagle on Andrews Rd, Mentor-on-the-Lake
Giant Eagle on Southland Dr, Middleburg Heights
Giant Eagle on Strip Ave NW, North Canton
Giant Eagle on OH-303, Streetsboro
Giant Eagle on Pearl Rd, Strongsville
Giant Eagle on E Market St, Warren
Giant Eagle on Mahoning Ave, Warren
Gino's Drive Thru, Youngstown
Grafton Crewsthru, Grafton
Grumpy Grandpa's Git & Go, Ashtabula
Lantern Beverage, Jefferson
Leprechaun Party House, Akron
One Stop Beverage, Avon
One Stop Shop, Youngstown
Pat O'Brien's Fine Wines, Pepper Pike
Red, Wine & Brew, Westlake
Rittman Beverage Center, Rittman
Ross Wine and Liquor, Berea
Royal Park Beverage, North Royalton
Silver Spirits Liquor Agency, Akron
The Vault Wine & Spirits, Willoughby Hills
Top Shelf, Canton
Wine Reserve, Chagrin Falls

East/Southeast

Bellaire Party Center, Bellaire
Buehler’s, Coshocton
Buehler's, New Philadelphia
Food Center Emporium, Caldwell
Gene's Drive Thru, Salem
Giant Eagle on Union Ave, Dover
Mr G's II, Cambridge
Riesbeck's, Bridgeport
Riesbeck's, Zanesville
Ritchies Village Liquor, Piketon

Central

1837 Wine and Spirits Emporium, Gahanna
Bodega Wine & Spirits, Marysville
Chateau Wine & Spirits, Columbus
Chateau Wine & Spirits, Dublin
Giant Eagle on E Broad St, Columbus
Giant Eagle at Grandview Yard, Columbus
Giant Eagle on N High St, Columbus
Giant Eagle on Sawmill Rd, Columbus
Giant Eagle on Perimeter Loop Rd, Dublin
Giant Eagle on N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna
Giant Eagle on Stringtown Rd, Grove City
Giant Eagle on S Hamilton Rd, Groveport
Giant Eagle on Hebron Rd, Heath
Giant Eagle on Britton Pkwy, Hilliard
Giant Eagle at Ety Shops, Lancaster
Giant Eagle on New Albany Rd W, New Albany
Giant Eagle on Refugee Rd, Pickerington
Giant Eagle on W Powell Rd, Powell
Giant Eagle at Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington
Kroger on Cemetery Rd, Hilliard
Kroger on Hilliard Rome Rd, Hilliard
Kroger on Hill Rd N, Pickerington
Kroger on Powell Rd, Powell
Kroger on Clinton Ave, Washington Court House
Northwest Wine and Spirits, Columbus
The Hills Market, Worthington
The Pit Stop, Lancaster
Weiland's Market, Columbus

West/Southwest

Arrow Wine & Spirits on Lyons Rd, Dayton
Centerville Liquor & Wine, Centerville
Community Markets, New Carlisle
Delhi Liquor, Cincinnati
Fine Wine & True Spirits, Dayton
Giant Liquor, West Chester
Jungle Jim's at Eastgate, Cincinnati
Kings Mills Wine & Spirits, Mason
Kroger on Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati
Lou's Pony Keg, Mason
McMaken's IGA, Brookville
Miami Valley Wine & Spirits, Tipp City
O'Bryan's Wine & Spirits, Loveland
Red Bank Wine and Spirits, Cincinnati
The Wine Connection, Milford
Tom's Drive Thru, Cincinnati

Northwest

Bellmann's Party Shop, Delphos
Community Markets, Wapakoneta
IGA Community Markets, Oak Harbor
Joseph's Beverage Center, Toledo
Kork & Kap, Crestline
Kroger on Orchard Centre Dr, Holland
Kroger on Navarre Ave, Oregon
Lakeview Carry Out, Celina
Party Pak, Upper Sandusky
Wagner's IGA Market, Minster

Additionally, there will be exclusive releases throughout the time period. Products will vary by location and will be available until they are sold out. Use the links on each product to check availability.

Bacardi Barrel Select Rum - $32.99 + tax

Barrel #146 - 80 proof (40% alcohol)
Taste: Dried plums and apricots
Finish: Nutmeg and warm vanilla

Boone County Small Batch Bourbon - $59.99 + tax

Barrel #57 - 112.8 proof (56.4% alcohol)
Nose: Maple aromas
Taste: Warm spice notes blended with seasoned oak and distinct maple flavor shining through
Finish: Smooth alcohol burn with lingering heat
Barrel #58 - 109.6 proof (54.8% alcohol)
Nose: Sweet butterscotch
Taste: Vanilla and caramel flavors
Barrel #59 - 111.6 proof (55.8% alcohol)
Nose: Dulce de leche aromas
Taste: Strong caramel flavor that showcases tobacco on the front
Finish: Lingering caramel
Barrel #60 - 115.4 proof (57.7% alcohol)
Nose: Toasted caramel
Taste: Dried tobacco and fresh mint flavors
Finish: Long finish with a full mouthfeel
Barrel #61 - 115.8 proof (57.9% alcohol)
Nose: Fruity perfume
Taste: Cherry and plum flavors
Finish: Light and quick
Barrel #62 - 116.8 proof (58.4% alcohol)
Nose: Rye spice
Taste: Caramel flavor up front leads to clove and black pepper and strikingly lingers on the mid-palate
Barrel #63 - 116.8 proof (58.4% alcohol)
Nose: Intense sweet candied orange
Taste: Very long up front with notes of apricot and peach alongside a black currant flavor that’s reminiscent of a full-bodied and very tannic hillside Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel #64 - 115.0 proof (57.5% alcohol)
Nose: Sweet chocolate and cherry
Taste: Cherry cordial ice cream flavor
Finish: Long with solid tannins

El Tesoro Single Barrel Tequila - $79.99 + tax

Barrel #08130 - 80.6 proof (40.3% alcohol)
Nose: Delicate with smoky oak and hints of vanilla
Taste: A robust blend of oak and agave
Finish: Soft with fruit and white pepper

Elijah Craig Private Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon - $84.99 + tax

13 barrels worth

High West Double Rye! Barrel Select Whiskey - $69.99 + tax

Barrel #24714 - 98.8 proof (49.4% alcohol)
Finish Barrel Type: Merlot
Finish Time: 8 months
Tasting Notes: Jammy, strawberry, vinous, spiced berry

Jefferson's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon - $59.99 + tax

Barrel #401 - 100 proof (50% alcohol)
Nose: Waffles, brown sugar
Taste: Snickerdoodle, maple syrup, cola
Finish: Sweet, front-palate finish

Jefferson's Ocean Voyage 27 Cask Strength - $99.99 + tax

Barrel #74 - 122.3 proof (61.15% alcohol)
Nose: Chocolate, mint, earthy
Taste: Cordial-like, toasted oak, leather
Finish: Medium, mid-palate
Barrel #76 - 126.8 proof (63.4% alcohol)
Nose: Dusty and complex
Taste: Fast-fading herbal and briny notes, turning into sweetness
Finish: Medium, mid-palate
Barrel #77 - 122.0 proof (61% alcohol)
Nose: Briny, butterscotch, leather, tobacco
Taste: Subtle sweetness, continued brininess
Finish: Medium, drying
Barrel #78 - 126.9 proof (63.45% alcohol)
Nose: Vanilla and caramel
Taste: Sweet with hints of salinity
Finish: Medium, mid-palate

Nashville Barrel Co. 7 Year Straight Rye Bottled-in-Bond - $99.99 + tax

4 barrels worth

NULU Double Oaked Small Batch Bourbon - $84.99 + tax

Ohio Batch #3 - Aged 4-7 Years - 115 proof (57.5% alcohol)
Nose: Rich dessert notes, dark chocolate, and loads of oak
Taste: Sugar cookies, brown sugar, and long, rich oak
Finish: Hints of dark fruit and persistent dark chocolate

NULU French Oak Small Batch Bourbon - $74.99 + tax

Ohio Batch #4 - Aged 4-6 Years - 113 proof (56.5% alcohol)
Nose: Mocha and buttered waffles
Taste: Vanilla, meaty oak, and elegant tannin
Finish: Long and velvety, bringing you back for more

Pinhook True Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - $58.00 + tax

OHLQ Blend - 116.4 proof (58.2% alcohol)
Nose: Warm notes of candied peaches, mango, and cinnamon
Taste: Expansive with deep notes of nectarine, papaya, and dark maple

Rittenhouse Rye Private Barrel - $34.99 + tax

Barrel #8027630 - 100 proof (50% alcohol)
Nose: Floral notes of white flower and honeysuckle, very light pepper note
Taste: Light, fruity, floral, and very approachable
Finish: Mid-to-back palate finish, with balanced sweetness and spice
Barrel #8028216 - 100 proof (50% alcohol)
Nose: Herbaceous with notes of dill
Taste: Dill carries through and combines with toasted wood and a lighter spice profile
Finish: Mid-palate medium light spice finish

Woodinville Single Barrel Rye - $74.99 + tax

Barrel #7919 - 117.06 proof (58.53% alcohol)
Nose: Brown sugar, vanilla, and rye spice
Taste: Caramel, black pepper, and mint
Finish: Charred oak

My Take

This is probably our only chance to ever buy Blanton's Gold at retail so it's worth entering. None of the exclusives have me overly excited so I'll pass on those. I do want to highlight how stupid some of the tasting notes are... for one of the Jefferson's Ocean... they have the nose listed as 'Dusty and Complex'. Absolutely stupid.

What do you think? Drop a note in the comments below.

Source: OHLQ

Book Review: Noir Bar

By Richard Thomas I’m often surprised when trends and fads don’t carry more people down what should be obvious path. For example, many say that the TV show Madmen helped drive the modern cocktail renaissance. Keeping that in mind, one wonders why this pairing didn’t spark more interest in film noir. True, the TV show …

By Richard Thomas

<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>I’m often surprised when trends and fads don’t carry more people down what should be obvious path. For example, many say that the TV show Madmen helped drive the modern cocktail renaissance. Keeping that in mind, one wonders why this pairing didn’t spark more interest in film noir. True, the TV show and film noir don’t quite overlap: Madmen opens in 1960, while the golden age of film noir ran from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s. But film noir is intimately wrapped around cocktail culture, retains all its glamor, and is just sitting there and waiting to become the inspiration of all manner of things (especially in the setting of a faux speakeasy serving up Prohibition-era classics!).

One fellow who gets this connection is Eddie Muller, host of TCM’s Noir Alley, and he shows it in his recent cocktail book, Noir Bar. In summary, Muller’s latest work opens with the elements needed to construct a proper cocktail bar at home, while the bulk of the book is spent pairing old school film noir with old school cocktails.

After thumbing through the book, I decided to set it a challenge of sorts. This is a whiskey website, so I needed to zero in on whiskey cocktails. So, I went looking for a movie I hadn’t seen that was paired with a whiskey cocktail, then follow the advice: whip up a beaker of that cocktail, settle in, and enjoy an evening with a classic movie. Meeting that challenge was pretty easy, as it turns out, which underlines the expanse and depth of the film and cocktail coverage. I got John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle paired with The Left Hand. I found the commentary on the film sharp, and the insight into the cocktail useful in putting my own home bar twist on it.

With that, I was sold. I know two guys who are both very into drinks and very into old movies, and I’ve found my Christmas present for both of them (assuming either reads this review).

Podcasters Release Second Batch Of Bourbon

Pursuit Spirits has announced the re-release of its Pursuit United Oak Collection Bourbon Finished with Toasted American and French Oak with Batch #4CD. The formula was developed by Master Blender Ryan Cecil, who perfectly balances the flavors of the oak finishes through a double blending process. The Oak Collection is an ongoing series of curated …

The Oak Collection is an ongoing series of curated whiskey blends and barrel finishes that provide an exploration of taste and constant innovation. Pursuit United Bourbon Finished with Toasted American and French Oak is a hit among consumers and critics alike, scoring a 95 and awarded Gold at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition.

For this release, the base blend was created using 10 barrels that were hand-selected from 3 different distilleries in Kentucky (Bardstown Bourbon Company), Tennessee (Undisclosed, but not in Tullahoma), and New York (Finger Lakes Distilling). The process involved dividing the blend into proprietary ratios and imparting the two oak flavor profiles individually in a finishing vessel. Once each component has the desired amount of toasted or French oak character, the two are blended together once again. This double blending process provides an innovative and custom flavor profile where sweetness and bitterness compliment each other.

“We are thrilled to re-introduce our Pursuit United Oak Collection Bourbon,” said Kenny Coleman, co-founder of Pursuit United. “Ryan has done an incredible job of creating a bourbon that plays well with both the toasted American and French oak finishes, and we can’t wait for our customers to get it once again.”

Like the original release, the nose is met with a flamed orange peel followed by dusted dark chocolate roasted nuts. The chocolate notes continue with a hazelnut spread along with cherry cola on the palate. Familiar notes of toasted oak, cloves, and black pepper are prominent on the finish. The use of French oak in addition to toasted American adds a subtle layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile.

“The Oak Collection is another facet to our commitment in delivering high-quality, small-batch whiskeys“ said Co-Founder and Master Blender, Ryan Cecil. “I want to create new and bold flavors that captivate a whiskey enthusiast who wants something fun and creative.” The brand has quickly gained a reputation for its attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Pursuit United Oak Collection Bourbon Finished with Toasted American and French Oak is bottled at 108 proof and is now available in select markets in CO, GA, KY, MO, NM, OH, TN, TX, and online at seelbachs.com for $74.99. Use the store locator on pursuitspirits.com to find a store near you.

Isle of Harris To Release Inaugural Malt This Autumn

Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd. is proud to announce the release date for its long-awaited Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The Hearach, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for a native of Harris. A private event to celebrate ‘the first dram’ at the distillery in Tarbert will be live-streamed at harrisdistillery.com/behere on Friday 22nd September 2023 at …

Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd. is proud to announce the release date for its long-awaited Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The Hearach, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for a native of Harris.

A private event to celebrate ‘the first dram’ at the distillery in Tarbert will be live-streamed at harrisdistillery.com/behere on Friday 22nd September 2023 at 13.00 BST. A village cèilidh with live music and dancing will take place in the local community center on the Friday evening and the whisky will be available at the event and in village bars from 19.00 that night.

The Hearach Single Malt will then go on sale from 10.00 BST on Saturday 23rd September 2023 at the distillery shop and from the online store at www.harrisdistillery.com before being made available in specialist stores across the UK and globally in October.

The whisky is the first legal dram from the island and every drop has been distilled, matured, married, and bottled in Harris by the local men and women of the distillery.

The Hearach has been strongly influenced by its Outer Hebridean island home and will be a spirit of complexity and character. The bottle, which has been designed by the world-leading agency Stranger & Stranger, will not be revealed until The Hearach is released in September.

Managing director Simon Erlanger says: “It’s been 15 years since Burr Bakewell formed the Isle of Harris Distillery Company. We’ve always said that the whisky would be ready when it’s ready, so it’s a big moment to finally announce a launch date, which will be the distillery’s 8th birthday. Back then, we hosted the biggest ceilidh the island had seen- at this one we’ll have a historic dram to toast the island with!”

Executive Chairman and CFO Ron MacEachran says: “The Hearach’s launch, 8 years after the distillery opened, is a wonderful tribute to the efforts and support of so many people – the designers and builders of the distillery, the countless people from the island community and beyond who have supported us in different ways over the years, our investors who supported a long term vision of regeneration predicated on the creation of a distinctive whisky and – above all – the wonderful team who have brought the distillery to life and, notwithstanding the many challenges, have remained passionately focused on achieving product and service quality – now embodied in The Hearach single malt.”

The first seven bottles were hand-filled at an informal gathering at the distillery on Wednesday 24th with the original seven founding staff having the honour. The distillery now employs more than 40 full-time employees.

Betty Buzz Flies To Wrexham

Tonic and mixer brand Betty Buzz has flown across the pond and “officially” been named as an official sponsor of the popular Welsh-based Wrexham Association Football Club (AFC) for the 2023-24 season. Wrexham was a team in the UK’s National League that gained worldwide notoriety after being purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney […]

Wrexham was a team in the UK’s National League that gained worldwide notoriety after being purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and being the focus of “Welcome to Wrexham”, a documentary on Hulu [Disney Plus in UK] that followed the team’s attempts to get promoted to the next level of the English football pyramid, League Two, which occurred last month.

The brand is owned by Reynolds’ wife Blake Lively [“Gossip Girl”] and will sponsor the official training kits for both Wrexham AFC’s men’s and women’s teams for the 2023-2024 season. Lively issued an “official” statement to announce the news.

“The owners of Wrexham AFC reached out to me through official channels. Our team had, of course, heard of Wrexham AFC but once we officially learned about their refreshing vision, we knew it was the right official fit for our refreshing sparkling beverage. Officially.”

Betty Buzz joins the Wrexham AFC spirits-associated brands as Lively’s husband Reynolds owns Aviation Gin and McElhenney owns Four Walls Whiskey. Reynolds and McElhenney also issued an official statement regarding the announcement.

“Betty Buzz pairs well with any beverage – whether it’s Ryan’s Aviation Gin or Rob’s Four Walls Whiskey. But if any of you pair it with Rob’s Four Walls Whiskey, Ryan will hunt you down and make you regret that choice. You can also just drink it alone. Anything but pairing it with Rob’s delicious whiskey.”

Additionally, Betty Buzz will also be the name on the hospitality suite used by the co-chairmen at Wrexham’s home, known as the StoK Racecourse Ground.

Tommyrotter Bourbon Review

Tommyrotter Bourbon, from Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, NY, is a blend of 3 MGP bourbons finished in cabernet barrels for 3 months. So what’s it like, and what about that name? Read on to find out!
The post Tommyrotter Bourbon Review appeared firs…

Tommyrotter Bourbon, from Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, NY, is a blend of 3 MGP bourbons finished in cabernet barrels for 3 months. So what's it like, and what about that name? Read on to find out!

The post Tommyrotter Bourbon Review appeared first on Bourbon Obsessed℠ .

Whiskey Quickie: Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey Review

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey. This 2 year old rye is […]

The post Whiskey Quickie: Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey Review appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey. This 2 year old rye is 99.6 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

The post Whiskey Quickie: Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey Review appeared first on BOURBON PURSUIT.

Bunnahabhain Feis Ile and others

Bunnahabhain ‘Toiteach A Dha’ (46.3%, OB, +/-2022)Bunnahabhain ‘Feis Ile 2023’ (51.2%, OB, Canasta Cask Matured, +/-2023)Bunnahabhain 10 yo 2012/2022 ‘Monuments’ (43%, Signatory Vintage, Kirsch Import, 1st fill sherry butt, cask #900778)Bunnahabhain 13…

Bunnahabhain 'Toiteach A Dha' (46.3%, OB, +/-2022)
Bunnahabhain 'Feis Ile 2023' (51.2%, OB, Canasta Cask Matured, +/-2023)
Bunnahabhain 10 yo 2012/2022 'Monuments' (43%, Signatory Vintage, Kirsch Import, 1st fill sherry butt, cask #900778)
Bunnahabhain 13 yo 2005/2019 (50%, Hunter Laing, Old Malt Cask, refill barrel, cask #HL16645, 271 bottles)
Bunnahabhain 12 yo 2009/2021 (53.7%, The Whisky Agency, butt, 268 bottles)
Bunnahabhain 12 yo 2009/2021 (50.3%, Klubb23 for Buds & Barrels, 80 bottles)
Bunnahabhain 25 yo 1997/2022 (57.1%, Adelphi for Hot Malt Taiwan, 10th Anniversary, oloroso gorda, cask #1670, 634 bottles)
Bunnahabhain 32 yo 1989/2022 (40.8%, Skene, hogshead, cask #5743)
Bunnahabhain 40 yo 1977/2022 (47.2%, La Maison du Whisky, Artist #12)

Another New Distillery for Campbeltown (Episode 1006: May 28, 2023)

At one time, Campbeltown was Scotland’s whisky capital with more than 35 distilleries. That number dwindled to just three over the years, but now, planning approval is being sought for up to three new distilleries. The latest project is the Witchburn Distillery to be built on the former RAF Macrihanish site, and we’ll talk with project manager and master distiller Andrew Nairn on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. We’ll also hear from Beam Suntory’s Daryl Haldane following the auction Friday of a one-of-a-kind Bowmore single malt to raise money for projects on Islay. In the news, Stirling Council has rejected plans Read More »

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Remus Gatsby Reserve Bourbon Review

By Andrew Graham Rating: B I have become quite a fan of most of what’s in the George Remus portfolio. We’ve talked about Remus here before, but in short, it is one of two in-house brands of MGP, the distillery on the Indiana-Kentucky border that’s more commonly associated with large-scale contract distilling. What’s easy to …

By Andrew Graham

Rating: B

I have become quite a fan of most of what’s in the George Remus portfolio. We’ve talked about Remus here before, but in short, it is one of two in-house brands of MGP, the distillery on the Indiana-Kentucky border that’s more commonly associated with large-scale contract distilling.

What’s easy to miss about MGP is that while, yes, it will gladly sell non-distilling producers barrels of juice for them to do with what they please, it also maintains stock of some truly miraculous, well-aged bourbons. The Remus Repeal Reserve VI is one such example, and the Gatsby Reserve is its latest foray into the premium, high-age-statement bourbon category.

To dive into the specs further: this is a 15 year old whiskey bottled at 97.8 proof, labeled as cask strength. This got me thinking about barrel entry proof.

MGP bourbons reportedly have a barrel entry proof of 120, and high humidity tends to lower the proof of whiskey as it ages. So going from 120 proof to a bit under 100 in 15 years makes sense under that logic. But Michter’s, which is said to have a lower entry proof of 103 (and which participates in the premium, high-age-statement bourbon category as well), sells a 20-year bourbon, ostensibly at barrel strength, that’s 114 proof.

So, we have two bourbons with high age statements coming to market now, which were aged in or near Kentucky. One went from 120 proof to around 98 proof, while the other went from 103 proof, assuming the reported entry proofing of Michter’s is accurate, to 114 proof. This might seem paradoxical, but it’s actually part of the complexity of maturing a barrel of whiskey.

The barrel is a breathable vessel, filled with both water and alcohol. Most enthusiasts know that whiskey evaporates from the barrel over time, but the conditions in which the barrel ages determines how much of which part evaporates. Hot, dry conditions will pull more water out of the barrel, leaving the alcohol to concentrate. A warm, damp environment will keep the water in the barrel, but allow the alcohol to depart. Finally, a cool, damp climate reduces evaporation in general. Thus, storing a barrel on the top floor of a tin-sided rickhouse will cook the contents every summer, probably resulting in a Hazmat whiskey; but storing the same barrel in the ground floor of a brick rickhouse should slowly reduce the alcohol content over the summers.

The Bourbon
The Gatsby Reserve hit me with a nose of new wood and creme brulee that was less robust when compared to the two iterations of the Repeal Reserve I’d previously had, IV and VI, which I remember were enormously fragrant.

The flavor profile, however, is quite remarkable and more than makes up for whatever the nose might be lacking, at least, to me. I got strong flavor notes of toffee, milk chocolate, cherry cola, and tobacco, with a touch of pistachio and a faint hint of smoke. I also got a tannic, bitter finish that dried my mouth. The nuttiness and char were unique.

The Price
The Gatsby Reserve has a suggested retail price of $200, but good luck finding it for that. More realistic is finding it on the secondary market, or at retailers that mark up scarce expressions, for twice that or more.