The first Legacy Series release stood out as a rare example of a celebrity brand that was more than marketing and a shiny bottle. This latest Jypsi Legacy Series release is equally impressive and will likely find lots of fans. It’s an entirely different animal, however, from Batch 001.
Cognac finishing like this is somewhat unique for an American whiskey, but it really sings with this well-aged malt, delivering a bright, silky aroma of ripe apricot, flamed orange peel, and soft wood smoke alongside the expected roasted and dark tones of the toasted oak.
No one is going to be disappointed with this one. It’s not quite the flavor bomb from earlier this year, but what it lacks in potency it more than makes up for in approachability.
Since I prefer rye bourbon to wheat bourbon, I was excited to taste a high dose of rye in a single pour. On the nose, it’s all classic KB bourbon: deep caramel, cooked stone fruits, citrus, oak and spice.
The texture is velvety soft and slightly drying, an elegant blend that would go well with any course of a meal or just on its own and served neat. The finish is light, lingering and warm. The whole left me reaching for another splash before heading off to bed.
You’ll find Cigar Cut Island so easy to sip that its 111 proof will have you in its grasp before you know it, so watch your portions!
When Heaven Hill added Bernheim Wheat Whiskey to its barrel-proof portfolio early last year, it filled a big market hole. Wheat whiskeys at any proof are rare, but this barrel-proof offering is the only one from a major brand like it.
The nose on this latest release is expressive and elegant, burly initially with damp oak and cigar box notes that quickly sweeten to cream soda, buttery cinnamon apples, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Pies.
The blend of high rye and single malt whiskey yields a mild burnt sugar sweetness complemented by the toastiness of the malt. The finish leaves a delightful tingle, both from the proof and the high rye mashbill.
This is a bold, distinctive and beautiful whiskey. But for some, it’s 100 proof may be a bit too much for their palate. The good news is this whiskey holds up well to a dash of water to tame the heat while bringing out even lighter and sweeter flavors to keep you coming back for another sip.
