It’s a well-known secret at whiskey festivals—some brands stash away something special for those who are in the know. Maybe it’s a rare single barrel, a high-proof experimental batch, or even a unicorn bottle that never sees a retail shelf. But you won’t find it on display—you have to ask.
Crafted in Memphis, the limited-release is a blend of 10 casks from Kentucky and Tennessee – cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, madeira, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de Naranja – ranging in age from four to 19 years with varying mashbills.
Peerless Toasted Rye is aged in two separate oak barrels. The small batch rye is initially aged in the distillery’s standard, char level 3 barrel. This process develops the desired flavor profiles of caramel, brown sugar, and toffee.
Our twelfth Bourbon in the Blind (BITB) Live Tasting of the Year was held this past Monday. This month’s lineup included five samples that provided a fantastic range of expressions, including several from a single distillery.
Presented at barrel strength, ranging from 110 to 130 proof (55 – 65 percent alc. by vol.), and aged a minimum of five years, each Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel selections burst with ripe apricot and tangerine over luscious barrel notes of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla creme.
“Hoppy beers are a playground for brewers; there are many techniques used to capture different flavors. It inspired us to play around with this essential beer ingredient as well,” Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley
“Wheated bourbons are more popular than ever, and we think we hit the mark with this one, from flavor to proof to price,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “It’ll be a welcomed addition to our core line up.”
“We wanted to meld the intensely sweet flavors of PX Sherry with the spicy, peppery flavor notes of our ryed bourbon,” said Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe. “The outcome is a delicious combination of two opposing yet complementary flavors that results in a truly unique expression.”
“SUPER WHEATER is a whiskey made for those who honor tradition but live in the moment – pour a glass, slow down, and enjoy the rich character of this remarkable grain,” says Al Laws, founder and president of Laws Whiskey House.
The only Bourbon aged Snout-to-Tail, WhistlePig flips its barrels 180 degrees in the warehouse to capture each barrel head’s unique toasted flavors and bring out the big, bold character in this palate-pleasing Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
