Category: bar

Remus Gatsby Reserve Review

Remus Gatsby Reserve leads with aromas of caramel, candied dark fruit and saddle leather, with slight brown sugar and very sweet candied notes.

Remus Gatsby Reserve Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: MGP fans, friends who dig the bottle as much as the bourbon inside, and your cask strength-loving pals who swear haz-mat proof is the only way to drink.

WORTH THE PRICE: $200 is usually my limit on a special bottle, so this is at least priced accordingly. That said, a bottle this expensive needs to be better than good, and it helps if it also has a redemptive novelty to it, not some ridiculous backstory or cockamamy finish, but a distinguishing quality that makes me want to revisit it and savor it. Clocking in below 100 proof as a cask strength expression certainly adds a bunch of points in its favor.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. I was on the fence here. The inaugural 2022 release tips the scale to BOTTLE, but this year's release just lacks some of the depth that made that bottle such a unique experience. It's still a damn fine bourbon, full of those quintessential qualities that have come to define MGP and now Ross & Squibb. It's definitely worth splurging on a pour or three at your favorite well-stocked watering hole.

OVERALL: Barrel strength bourbon has been having a moment for a while now, and the whiskey world took notice last year when Ross & Squibb released their first cask strength Remus Gatsby Reserve. That bottle was an even lower proof than this latest release with an impressive approachability that still allowed for a unique concentration and intensity of flavor. It turned a lot of heads for good reason.

The sequel this year offers up plenty of that same quality and uniqueness, starting with a dark, caramelized aroma of praline, berry cobbler, spice cabinet, and barrel char notes that alternate between coffee and baking chocolate. The palate is a touch spicier and more herbal than last year's release with an immediately warm entry that simmers across the sip. Notes of chocolate mint and tart, dark cherry give way to peppermint bark and brûléed sugar before a slightly drying finish of old leather, seasoned oak, and chocolate-covered cherries.

BRAND NOTES

Crafted with the finest 15-year-old reserves, this ultra-limited, cask strength straight bourbon celebrates F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, “The Great Gatsby”, a century ago – from its events in 1922 to its publication in 1925.

Legend has it, Fitzgerald’s titular character ‘Jay Gatsby’ was inspired by Remus. Some say Fitzgerald and Remus’ fortuitous 1918 meeting began the ‘drums of destiny’. Others believe Fitzgerald gathered plenty of influence from Remus’ many newspaper exposés.

Remus Gatsby Reserve leads with aromas of caramel, candied dark fruit and saddle leather, with slight brown sugar and very sweet candied notes. The taste profile is characterized by flavors of caramel, oak, dark fruit syrup, candied raisins, char and brown sugar, while the finish lingers with notes of saddle leather, cherry and oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series 11 Review

Loads of tropical fruit and lilac lead on the nose followed by orange lemon zests and a hint of dried grain. The deeply toasted oak reminds you that a 13-year-old bourbon makes up the bulk of this blend.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series 11 Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Co. and two unidentified distilleries.
  • MASH BILL: Distillery 1: 73% of the total blend at 13 years old: 75% Corn | 13% Rye | 12% Malted Barley. Distillery 2: 21% of the total blend at 10 years old: 78% Corn | 13% Rye | 9% Malted Barley. Distillery 3: Bardstown Bourbon Co., 6% of the total blend at 6 years old: 68% Corn | 20% Wheat | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 6 years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 118.1
  • SRP: $139.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Currently out of stock online

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan.

WORTH THE PRICE: Not quite. It's a bit high, but still a really good and unique bourbon. Read on.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar

OVERALL: Often, when I cook dinner, I pour something in the review queue to get acquainted with it while I work, listen to a book and sear the devil out of whatever protein is on that night's menu. I've really enjoyed doing that with Discovery 11 because it's not only good, it generally goes well with whatever I'm nibbling while I work.

Loads of tropical fruit and lilac lead on the nose followed by orange lemon zests and a hint of dried grain. The deeply toasted oak reminds you that a 13-year-old bourbon makes up the bulk of this blend. At 118 proof, it invigorates the palate, opening it up to taste old standards such as light caramel, browned butter and dark honey in subsequent sips. There's not much complexity here, but it's got a lot of easygoing charm all the same. I usually appreciate a super-approachable whiskey like this one, but at $139.99, I expect more. It's nicely spicy from front to back and leaves a warm trail of baking spices on the finish. It is an all-around good pour that deserves some charcoal-grilled fish and a great chocolate brownie to accompany it.

BRAND NOTES

Our Discovery series highlights the art of blending, creating exciting expressions that together are greater than the sum of its parts. Through artfully combining rare and exemplary whiskies we discover from all over the world, this series pushes the boundaries of innovation by creating completely unique flavor profiles and styles. Each release gives you something new to discover.

Discovery #11 offers rainier cherry, butterscotch, brown sugar and roasted peanut on the nose, then a spirited palate of toffee and cinnamon spice, followed by a finish of ripe red fruit and oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Old Elk Wheat N’ Rye Review

It’s a lovely blend that I’m continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I’m enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

Old Elk Wheat N' Rye Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Old Elk Distillery
  • MASH BILL: A blend of wheat and rye whiskeys resulting in an overall mash bill of 57.6 % Wheat | 38% Rye | 4.4 Barley.
  • AGE: A blend of 7 and 6-year-old whiskeys.
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 108.4 (54.2% ABV)
  • SRP: $109.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Shop Old Elk

POPS' NOTES

SHARE WITH: Folks who love wheat and rye whiskey, and those that believe that sometimes 1+1 is more than 2.

WORTH THE PRICE: I so wanted to tell you. you that this one is worth the hefty price tag but despite being a lovely whiskey, this one falls short of being worth a $100+ investment.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Remove the price from the equation and I would easily give this a Bottle rating. But at $109.99 it's too pricey compared to other whiskeys that are just as good and more affordable. At this $$$ I recommend you give it a try at a bar before you commit to a full bottle.

OVERALL: A fresh pour yields a bright and enticing aroma of freshly baked bread drizzled with caramel, chocolate malt, and a fruity burst of rye spice and green apples. On the palate, it yields the expected sweetness up front with chocolate, caramel, and cherries. The upfront sweetness crashes into a complex mix of spices with rye leading the charge. It builds and just before the rye goes menthol it's interrupted with a nice hit of oak tannins to mix things up.

There's a lot going on with this pour and I found myself going back more additional sips for quite a while trying to figure it all out. My only critique is that the tannins that come out to play near the finish were a bit much. With a little less bitterness, the front of the palate sweetness would have rounded things out better on the finish.

Overall, it's a lovely blend that I'm continuing to enjoy well after writing this review. In fact, I think I'm enjoying this blend more than when I drank its respective components alone. Proof once again that sometimes, 1+1 does equal more than just 2.

BRAND NOTES

Old Elk Wheat N' Rye Review


The Old Elk Master’s Blend series creates new whiskey experiences by harnessing the genius of master distiller, Greg Metze to our deep inventory of bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys. In this expression, Greg calls upon his 40+ years of experience distilling millions of bottles of world-class rye whiskey throughout his career.

Wheat N’ Rye is a curated blend of our award-winning 7-Year Straight Wheat Whiskey and 6-Year Straight Rye Whiskey to create a masterful blend of the highly sought after flavor profiles of both.

TASTING NOTES
The contrasting profiles of these two whiskies create a harmonious, sweet, and spicy final taste profile.

ACCOLADES
Chairman’s Trophy, 95 Points | 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
Gold | 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards

SPECS
750ml bottle, limited national release

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F Review

Despite an MSRP jump of $50 from last year’s already wallet-wounding price point, it’s still a helluva bourbon. It’s also priced to claim a piece of the secondary market pie.

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson F Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • MASH BILL: 75% Corn | 13% Rye | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 10 Years+ (drawn from floors 4 and 5 of Camp Nelson F)
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 117.6
  • MSRP: $300
  • BUY ONLINE: ReserveBar.com

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Wild Turkey fans, obviously, and your barrel pick-loving friends who can't stop talking about that one spot in that one rickhouse. At this price, share wisely and on special occasions like weddings or promotions. Or a Friday.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes and no (don't hate me for that answer). Despite an MSRP jump of $50 from last year's already wallet-wounding price point, it's still a helluva bourbon. It's also priced to claim a piece of the secondary market pie. Russell's Reserve has needed a line to inherit the heavy mantel of the 1998 and 2002, and it appears they've found it with these releases.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. It's no secret that bourbon continues to premiumize, and the Single Rickhouse line is clearly intended for Wild Turkey's most deep-pocketed devotees (and dentists). That said, an ounce or two is certainly worth what you might spend on an entire bottle of 101. Just make sure to savor the experience.

OVERALL: The Single Rickhouse Collection goes a step beyond single barrel to focus on the "terroir" of a solitary rickhouse and the impact of a barrel's aging location on the whiskey. Wild Turkey forums, David Jening's Rarebird101 foremost among them, have spent years discussing the nuances and merits of different rickhouses (to the appreciation of many a barrel picker), so it was probably only a matter of time before Wild Turkey capitalized on the concept.

While it may seem a bit of a gimmick, the proof is in the pudding, err bourbon. And comparing this whiskey to the inaugural 2022 release taken from Camp Nelson C, a different rickhouse in the same general location, the results speak for themselves. Eddie Russell said Camp Nelson F was the opposite of the sweet, toffee-filled Camp Nelson C with more spice and oak. And, unsurprisingly, he wasn't wrong.

This bourbon kicks off with a dusty nose of seasoned oak and cream soda, adds cinnamon stick and grated nutmeg, and then mellows considerably as it opens, transforming to a rich, dark fruit and candy bar profile. The palate is silky and well-spiced with an initial chili pepper warmth that simmers across the sip. Early, warm notes of Clove chewing gum and pecan praline give way to a fruit salad of orange slices, cocktail cherry, and caramel apple that build on the midpalate with a lacing of cracked peppercorn. The finish is long and warm with vibrant oak tones, cherry cola, and lingering baking spice. Perhaps not quite as balanced as the inaugural release but a worthy sequel all the same.

BRAND NOTES

  • Aroma: Notes of oak, vanilla and cinnamon transition to aromas of cherry, raisins and dates.
  • Taste: Robust flavors of clove and white pepper give way to sweet notes of caramel, orange peel and dark fruits.
  • Finish: A lasting finish with honey and baking spice that gives way to tobacco and mature oak.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Hardin’s Creek Boston Review

I have to say that of the three expressions, Boston tastes and smells the oldest. The aroma is dense and wood-driven, with notes of rick house, baking chocolate, and damp tobacco.

Hardin's Creek Boston Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Jim Beam Distillery
  • MASH BILL: 77% Corn | 13% Rye | 10% Malted Barley (unconfirmed)
  • AGE: 17 Years
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 110
  • MSRP: $170

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Beam fans who gravitate to the older Knob Creek releases and fans of well-aged bourbons in general.

WORTH THE PRICE: At a retail price of just $10 per year in the barrel, it's hard to argue with the cost of admission. Retailers still seem to be figuring out how much of a premium to add, so until the reviewers (guilty as charged) light a fire under this lineup like they did the initial Jacob's Well release, this should remain a reasonable value for a bourbon over 15-years-old.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. While it's a solid value for a very good bourbon, it's probably best to test-drive this one at your nearest, well-stocked watering hole before pulling the trigger.

OVERALL: While attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September, I stopped by Jim Beam for a long overdue visit to tour their new-ish Fred B. Noe Distillery, helmed by Freddie Noe, Fred's son and an 8th-generation Beam distiller. The bespoke production space is responsible for smaller, innovative releases like Freddie's Little Book and, most recently, Hardin's Creek.

I had the opportunity to taste the entire Hardin's Creek lineup, including Clermont (released in June) and Frankfort (released in August). The theme behind this bourbon trifecta is what Beam calls "Kentucky Terroir." But this is terroir in a very limited, geographical sense. Each Hardin's Creek bourbon is made from the same mash bill, aged 17 years, and bottled at the same proof. The only difference is the aging location (hence the name of each release).

Beam's Boston campus, known as The Booker Noe Campus, is unique from Clermont and Frankfort in that its rack houses are more spread out. Beam suggests that this results in "fast, richer" aging, and I have to say that of the three expressions, Boston tastes and smells the oldest. The aroma is dense and wood-driven, with notes of rick house, baking chocolate, and damp tobacco. It is indeed rich on the palate, which is oily and round with dark, dry baking spice, overcooked caramel, and loads of old, funky oak notes. The tannins are a bit much initially, but they even out across the sip as notes of dark cherry and licorice add a welcome, sweeter contrast. The finish is burly with black pepper and dusty pie spice laced with a lingering, cinnamon sugar sweetness. It's certainly worth a pour or three if you can find it.

BRAND NOTES

Color: Rich amber with darker tones

Nose: Toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, and slight coconut

Palate: Soft caramel and vanilla with oak tones, faded hazelnut

Finish: Sweet baking spices

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Explore our reviews of other Hardin's Creek releases.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Very Olde St. Nick ‘Immaculata’ Bourbon Review

Immaculata (named after the Bible story about the immaculate conception of the Christ child within Mary, a virgin) is a big, bold whiskey that coats the whole palate with cocoa, hints of maple syrup and pleasant grain character.

Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Bourbon Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Friends who like old whiskeys that are lush, lubricious and not overly oaked. Though the age statement is not on the bottle, Preservation owner Marci Palatella balances her blends with teenaged sourced whiskeys and younger pot-distilled bourbon made onsite.

WORTH THE PRICE: Depends on the buyer. Any Olde St. Nick Bottle is pricey, so there's no getting away from that, but $270 is too rich for my blood. Doubtless there will be brand fans and well-heeled collectors/buyers who won't blink at that cost.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar unless you're experienced with these releases, know they're unique and well made and are eager to plunge deep into wallets and purses to own one.

OVERALL: My job is already fun, but getting to drink whiskeys like these for a living truly makes it special. On a recent visit to Preservation Distillery + Farm, I got to spend time with Palatella just talking ... about whiskey, her brand's history, her coming to Kentucky to source barrels for these brands in the 1990s, pre-bourbon-boom Bardstown (were Preservation is located) ... great food and restaurants. Always fun to meet a foodie who knows that whiskey pairs well with grub.

So, does sitting with the maker make the whiskey better? To an extent, yes. Spending time with the maker of the product you're consuming makes it more enjoyable. At its best, whiskey isn't just a drink, it's an experience.

Immaculata (named after the Bible story about the immaculate conception of the Christ child within Mary, a virgin) is a big, bold whiskey that coats the whole palate with cocoa, hints of maple syrup and pleasant grain character. Once the sweeter notes pass, spice moves in evenly and warmly before traveling on to jam cake, horse tack, mincemeat pie and charred oak. The balance from front to back, beginning to end is superb. Cabernet sauvignon fans would call it "orotund."

Though such whiskey is out of my price range, I can't imagine anyone buying it and regretting it. Spoil yourself if you can find it.

BRAND NOTES

Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon that has been carefully crafted using traditional methods and aged in ancient casks for an extended period. The Immaculata expression is the pinnacle of the Very Olde St. Nick line, with only the finest and oldest barrels selected for this bottling.

This bourbon has a deep amber color with a rich, complex aroma of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied, velvety mouthfeel with notes of butterscotch, honey, and dark fruit. The finish is long and smooth, with hints of leather and tobacco.

The Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash bill of high-quality corn, rye, and barley that have been carefully selected to provide a unique flavor profile. It has been aged for an extended period in hand-selected casks, allowing the whiskey to develop its complex flavors and smooth texture.

This bourbon is bottled at cask strength, which means it has not been diluted with water, allowing the full flavor of the whiskey to be enjoyed. Each bottle is individually numbered, making it a true collector's item.

Overall, Very Olde St. Nick 'Immaculata' Ancient Cask Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or over ice. It is a rare and exquisite whiskey that is sure to impress even the most discerning bourbon connoisseur.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from Preservation Distillery + Farm without for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.


Rare Hare Lucky Bastard Whiskey Review

As soon as I smelled the aromas of my first pour, I got giddy with excitement basking in a combination of smells that reminded me of legendary dusty bourbon bottles like National Distributor Old Grand Dad or Old Charter Proprietor’s Reserve.

Rare Hare Lucky Bastard Whiskey Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Undisclosed but bottled and released by RareHareSpirits.com
  • MASH BILL: Undisclosed
  • AGE: 30 Years Old
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 89 Proof (44.5% ABV)
  • MSRP: $599.00
  • BUY ONLINE: RareHareSpirits.com

POPS' NOTES

SHARE WITH: The marketing, presentation, limited availability and price point were all created to make this a bottle you share with those you're trying hard to impress. Fortunately, it's also a bottle that will impress your whiskey friends who appreciate an elegant and refined whiskey.

WORTH THE PRICE: With an SRP of $599, I can tell you without pause that this whisky is not worth the price if you drink it. But if you're looking to add this to your collection as an investment, I'm fairly confident that the value will continue to go up due to the whiskey's age and limited bottle produced - only 2,500.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I would recommend trying this at a bar, but I doubt you'll see this available in any bar open to the public. This is a bottle for a members club. Instead, I think one needs to work their network of whiskey friends to see who splurged for a bottle and then beg them for a sample.

OVERALL: Going into this review, I knew this bottle's $599 price point would mean that any positive experience with this release would be bittersweet. And sure enough, as soon as I smelled the aromas of my first pour, I got giddy with excitement basking in a combination of smells that reminded me of legendary dusty bourbon bottles like National Distributor Old Grand Dad or Old Charter Proprietor's Reserve. But my joy was short-lived as I recalled the price point and acknowledged that I would soon run out of my small sample. I seriously pondered just saving the whiskey to smell on future occasions, but instead, I moved forward, trying to make the most of this short-lived whiskey affair.

The first sip pulled me out of my dusty bourbon haze and back to reality. My first impression was that the whiskey was too thin (despite some amazing legs on the side of my Glencairn) and overly sweet. But as I continued tasting the whiskey, a wonderful world of flavors emerged. Caramel, butterscotch, coconut, raisins, and figs were all present and in proper balance. I would have easily believed this was a rum barrel-finished whiskey. And since I had never tried Pineua des Charentes, before, I didn't quite know what to expect.

While I loved the complex combination of flavors, the flavor was ultimately too light and fleeting. I prefer flavors that stick around longer and give you time to dig in and unpack everything going on. That's clearly the high-proof bourbon drinker in me. This one, though, is lighter and more refined, requiring you to drink and think differently to enjoy it fully.

With my sample long gone, I can admit that I miss it.

Luck Bastard could have easily been an over-price and over-aged 30-year whiskey finished in used barrels to hide unsavory whiskey. Fortunately, that's not the case. Luck Bastard is an elegant whiskey that shows that barrel-finishing can elevate a whiskey to another level when done well.

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WANT TO WIN A SAMPLE OF LUCKY BASTARD?

Enter for a chance to win a sample of Lucky Bastard by letting us know what you think about this new release in the comments below. We'll pick a winner from those commenting and send them a sample of Lucky Bastard and a few other surprises. Must be 21+ to enter.

BRAND NOTES

An exceptional Canadian Whiskey imported and aged for 30 years creating a complex, dynamic whisky with worldly characteristics.

Finished in Pineau Des Charentes casks, a delicate regional aperitif of western France, which has recently exploded on the high-end cocktail scene. The complex whiskey with layers of flavors and history is perfectly rounded with the delicate finish of fresh grapes and eau-de-vie from Maritime France.

NOSE
Delicate and sweet, vanilla bean, golden raisin, dandelion, honeycomb, and bee pollen.

PALATE
Browned butter and sugar, serrano chile, beachwood, young coconut, anise, Colombian walnut, and gentian root.

FINISH
A gorgeous transformation with notes of banana peel, mellow Martinique rhum, and plantains.

Read more about this limited edition release.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey Review

This is a limited release of contract-distilled whiskey with a higher-than-average age. As such, it is priced at somewhat of a premium.

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Bottled by Old Hickory Spirits, distilled at Joseph E. Seagram’s, Lawrenceburg, Indiana (MGP)
  • MASH BILL:
    • 99% Corn
    • 1% Malted Barley
  • AGE: 10 years (majority of the blend is 13 years old) in ex-bourbon barrels.
  • YEAR: 2023
  • PROOF: 117 Proof (58.5% ABV)
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com

JIM’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Curious drinkers with an interest in non-traditional whiskey. Drinkers like me who have not had a lot of experience with corn whiskeys.

WORTH THE PRICE: This is a limited release of contract distilled whiskey with a higher-than-average age. As such, it is priced at somewhat of a premium. I had trouble tracking the MSRP, with the ~$60 being a guess based on online prices. A good pour and not a bad choice if you are fond of the corn whiskey category.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: I would rate this a BAR, particularly at the prevailing prices. I would lean toward a bottle if I didn’t find that, for me, there are better whiskeys at this price point. The category of corn whiskeys are is not typically at this level. This would be it if there were such a thing as premium corn whiskey.

OVERALL: As I have said, I have not had much experience with corn whiskey. Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve definitely exceeded my expectations. I found the nose to be predictably corn-forward with notes of vanilla and apple. Corn also showed up strongly in the taste with a significant burn, some surprising grassy notes for a ten whiskey, and the sweetness from the bourbon barrels. A medium finish with the lingering effects of the bourbon barrel aging. With a few drops of water, it further sweetens the nose and smooths out the burn. Still very corn-forward and a little more sweetness on the finish.

In my estimation, this expression does not benefit from the high proof. It doesn’t have enough depth to overcome the burn. Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve is very good compared to other corn whiskeys I have tried.

All that being said, really well made and at a great age in ex-bourbon casks, it does really show up in-depth and flavor. I am a big MGP fan and the expression does not disappoint. It is just taking a very limited starting point and pushing it as far as anyone could reasonably expect. I recommend it at a lower price point, or if you find it on-sale.

BRAND NOTES

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve Barrel Proof Whiskey

Intriguing aromas of vanilla bean, banana brioche, marmalade, and sweet corn brulee with an essence of sandalwood. Graceful on the palate featuring flavors of caramel corn, toffee, and orange zest with a hint of cocoa, all gently wrapped in warm, subtle notes of oak. The extended aging lengthens the taste profile and results in an incredibly smooth, approachable barrel-proof whiskey, matured in 18-year-old ex-bourbon barrels.

Our Barrel Proof has been awarded the Best in Class and Double Gold from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Awards Competition.

OLD HICKORY BOURBON - OUR STORY

Old Hickory was founded in 1868 in Fayette County, Kentucky. The distillery was called Old Hickory Distillery and is where our brand began. This distillery was built by John Robb, who produced "Old Hickory Sour-Mash Kentucky Copper" whiskey.

​Old Hickory moved states in 1896 to Chattanooga, Tennessee by E.R. Betterton & Co., producing Old Hickory as a nod to the former president, Andrew Jackson, and the strength and resilience of the American people. Andrew Jackson had a history of distilling whiskey and began distilling in Tennessee years before Old Hickory. Old Hickory spread outside of the south, for whiskey lovers everywhere to enjoy.

​Shortly after the creation and spread of Old Hickory, fine spirit lovers were very disappointed when the prohibition began in 1910 in Tennessee. Whiskey was banned from being produced for 10 years before the Federal ban of alcohol in 1920.

​After years of being banned, the prohibition was repealed and spirit lovers everywhere rejoiced! Publicker Distilling Co. began to apply their technologies to distilling and producing beverage alcohol spirits. In 1933, they formed a subsidiary company, Continental Distilling Corporation, producing Old Hickory bourbons.

​In 2011, the R.S. Lipman Company brought Old Hickory back home to Tennessee when Robert Lipman resurrected the brand. Recognizing the long history of Old Hickory, Lipman selected Seagram's master blender, Pam Soule, to produce mash bills in Lawrenceberg, IN in a previously used Seagram facility to ensure the authenticity of the brand.

​Old Hickory is a tried and true legend, being around for over 100 years, we've seen it all.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

Untitled Super Club (Chicago)

While sitting at the bar at the Berkshire Room, I had a nice conversation with a few locals who told told me I had to go to the Untitled Super Club before I left town – a self-described “Contemporary revival of a Prohibition-era Chicago Supper Club” combining fine dining with a classic social club-feel complete … Continue reading Untitled Super Club (Chicago)

While sitting at the bar at the Berkshire Room, I had a nice conversation with a few locals who told told me I had to go to the Untitled Super Club before I left town – a self-described “Contemporary revival of a Prohibition-era Chicago Supper Club” combining fine dining with a classic social club-feel complete with live music and Cabaret-style entertainment.

UT1

The club has a very nondescript entrance, as you might guess. Once inside the door are stairs down to the basement. Behind the stairs is a big glass case filled with whiskey bottles.

UT13

Once downstairs I was bombarded with the ambiance of the surroundings –  comfortable lounging areas and fun art. On each side of the stairway are two large bars with a spectacular display of whiskies. They claim to have one of the largest collections available. I cannot dispute that fact.

UT2

What made the experience even greater was the hospitality of the bartenders. Mick, who asked what I would like, greeted me. I judge a bar by their cocktails and I usually start with an Old Fashioned. Mick was a terrific bartender. He was attentive, knowledgeable and knew his whiskey.

UT4

We started talking about what kind of bourbons I liked and I had tried. He suggested I try the Garrison Brothers Single Barrel. It was quite good. I still have not figured out the nose but I said burlap, Mick said top of the rick house.

UT6

We then we moved on to a discussion of Japanese Whiskey. I said the ones I had tried did not impress but I knew they were not the best. He suggested the Yamazaki 12 year-old Single Malt. Once again, he hit it right on. I would try this again and I am not a single malt person.

UT8

The last one I tried was Widow Jane from New York. Another great selection and bourbon. I will add a bottle to my bar.

UT5

We ended the night when Mick brought out the Cynar for those left at the bar. Cynar is an artichoke based bittersweet liqueur known for its distinctive flavor. Its taste is enriched by an infusion of 13 herbs and plants. The name of the drink derives from Cynar scolymus, the botanical name for artichoke. Try it sometime; it’s very appealing.

The Untitled Supper Club is definitely worth a stop when visiting Chicago. I’m looking forward to visiting again when I’m in town next.