Woodford Reserve has released the latest installment of its Distillery Series, the Woodford Reserve Blended Malt. This new expression combines two different malt whiskies. One was a 100 percent malted barley whiskey aged in used barrels then finished in a Ruby Port Barrel. The other was a blend of five different styles of malted grains …
Woodford Reserve has released the latest installment of its Distillery Series, the Woodford Reserve Blended Malt.
This new expression combines two different malt whiskies. One was a 100 percent malted barley whiskey aged in used barrels then finished in a Ruby Port Barrel. The other was a blend of five different styles of malted grains aged in new oak barrels. Note that neither of these whiskeys is the same as the standard Woodford Reserve Malt, which is a “Kentucky style” American malt, made from a mash bill of 51% corn, 47% corn and 2% rye.
“This showcases our ability to take complex barrels of whiskies, blend them together and create a new flavorful product,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.
This limited edition whiskey has a recommended price of $64.99 for a 375ml bottle and is available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and at Woodford Reserve Distillery.
This week Benriach Distillery announced its oldest and most exclusive expression to date: Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years. Crafted from one exceptional cask by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and with just four precious bottles available in the U.S. market, Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is the finest portrayal of Benriach’s signature fruit-laden style. It …
Benriach 50 (Credit: Brown-Forman)
This week Benriach Distillery announced its oldest and most exclusive expression to date: Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years. Crafted from one exceptional cask by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and with just four precious bottles available in the U.S. market, Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is the finest portrayal of Benriach’s signature fruit-laden style. It has been bottled at 44.5% ABV.
“The Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is our ultimate treasure,” said Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach Distillery. “Sip 50 years of opulent refinement with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear and traces of grapefruit.”
“This is our art – a testament to the expertise in and commitment to extraordinary cask maturation at Benriach Distillery. Our ability to nurture flavor has been informed by our heritage in maturing an eclectic array of casks from across the world and we have a creative philosophy and exploratory approach towards whisky making. Over many decades, this has granted an expert understanding of what makes the exceptional cask.”
First filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on September 21, 1966, Bourbon cask 2383 was handpicked for its exquisite character, destined to become the oldest remaining vintage and rarest ever example of Benriach. Following decades of maturation in Benriach’s Speyside warehouses, it emerges as the first Benriach to be bottled at 50 years old.
Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is held within a bespoke crystal decanter, made in Scotland by Glasstorm. Each decanter is presented in a presentation box made by master craftsman John Galvin, its design inspired by the colorful array of eclectic casks which fill Benriach’s warehouses, where the expression has been nurtured for the last half a century.
This exceptionally rare single malt will hit very select outlets with a recommended price of $25,000.
Russell’s Reserve 15 fever is here! And if you’re like me, you’re still hunting for a bottle. I did, however, receive a two-ounce media sample earlier this month (sincerest thanks to the Russell’s Reserve team). I published my initial thoughts on Patre…
Russell’s Reserve 15 fever is here! And if you’re like me, you’re still hunting for a bottle. I did, however, receive a two-ounce media sample earlier this month (sincerest thanks to the Russell’s Reserve team). I published my initial thoughts on Patreon, though I’m reserving my official critique in hopes of a more thorough tasting. […]
By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ The latest limited edition to come out of the Redbreast line, the Irish Whiskey brand that helped revive single pot still whiskey, gives the whiskey a particularly regional spin on American oak. As a Redbreast, it’s a pot still whiskey, which means it is made from a mix of malted …
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B+
Redbreast (Credit: Irish Distillers)
The latest limited edition to come out of the Redbreast line, the Irish Whiskey brand that helped revive single pot still whiskey, gives the whiskey a particularly regional spin on American oak.
As a Redbreast, it’s a pot still whiskey, which means it is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley, and perhaps with a tiny amount of other grains as well. New Midleton, the distillery that makes Redbreast, Jameson, Powers and much else, actually has three different pot still whiskey distillates, dubbed light, medium and heavy. The respective mash bills and maturation preferences for this trio remain (purposefully) vague, but knowing there are three different starting squares for Midleton single pot still whiskeys make their end products much more complicated than is generally understood. For Redbreast, these would be matured primarily in either ex-bourbon barrels or ex-Sherry casks.
This Redbreast is from the American Oak Series, which takes a batch of Redbreast and gives it a spell of secondary maturation in casks made from new white oak chosen from a particular part of the United States. The first was Kentucky Oak. Now the series uses wood harvested from the Missouri part of the Ozark Mountains and made into barrels by Kelvin Cooperage. The finishing in new American oak would undoubtedly impart a degree of bourbon-esque character to the single pot still whiskey, moreso than even the ex-bourbon barrels used in primary maturation. That effect is due to bourbon (and other American whiskeys) drawing so much of their flavor from its new oak aging. In this instance, the finish lasted for one year.
That said, I think it is worth asking if Missouri oak is different enough from Kentucky oak to merit this kind of focus. In American craft circles, it’s understood that regional differences in white oak come from markedly differing climates, and thus different growing conditions. The Ozark region of Missouri is on the same latitude as the southern belt of Kentucky. Having not tried the Kentucky edition, I’m now very curious how far apart the two actually are.
The Whiskey Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), Redbreast Missouri Oak has a light amber appearance. The nose led with a strong current of floral fruitiness, very much like standing in a fruit orchard amid the springtime blossoms. Behind that is another sweet note in the form of some thick molasses, with the spicy notes finally arising behind this: cinnamon, ginger and that pumpernickel-like note that comes up so often with malted rye. I normally don’t see that brown rye bread note arise with pot still whiskey, so it’s an odd corner for the nose. I found the palate to be similar in almost all respects, with the notable exception of a rising note of butterscotch. Even the finish launches out of that floral and fruity character, but that fades rapidly and leaves the barest sliver of peppery, musty wood to linger on.
What makes Redbreast Missouri Oak so interesting is how it bucks my expectations of a Redbreast so thoroughly. The spiciness and Sherry influence one expects are wholly gone, although the robustness is definitely there. I can’t say whether this is what the one year of new American oak maturation put into the whiskey or if it is due to some clever blending of the single pot still stocks available or both, but the whiskey is definitely different. This Redbreast is a good pour, albeit not a great one, although fans of Redbreast should come away either intrigued or a little confused.
The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Distillery Series Selection #13, a Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey twice barreled in new, charred American white oak barrels, which is the latest in the distillery’s line of experimental and innovative whiskeys. Like all Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye Whiskeys, the latest Distillery Series expression has a unique grain bill of 70% …
The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Distillery Series Selection #13, a Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey twice barreled in new, charred American white oak barrels, which is the latest in the distillery’s line of experimental and innovative whiskeys.
Like all Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye Whiskeys, the latest Distillery Series expression has a unique grain bill of 70% rye, 12% malted barley and 18% corn. The rye whiskey is charcoal mellowed before being matured in a new, charred American white oak barrel. After maturation, the rye whiskey was entered into a second new, charred American white oak barrel for an additional two and half years.
“Our Tennessee Rye is a take on rye whiskey that is uniquely Jack Daniel’s. The 70% rye grain bill allows the whiskey to shine through with just the right amount of spiciness and boldness,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “We’re excited to add a limited-edition expression to our rye lineup with this release, which introduces the whiskey to a second barreling to create a profile with even more depth and character.”
Twice barreling the whiskey brings together flavors of charred oak and a hint of blackstrap molasses, building to a finish of fresh spearmint, anise and dry baking spices with aromas of sweet smoke and burnt sugar on the nose.
Selected by Whiskey Taster Jason Marski, Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Twice Barreled Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 107 proof (53.5% abv) in 375ml bottles. It will be available in select stores in Tennessee and at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tenn., beginning July 16, 2024, with a suggested retail price of $41.99.
Laphroaig, the malt distillery on the famed Scottish island of Islay, has unveiled Elements 2.0, the second in its exploratory series of bold whiskies that experiment with different distillation techniques. This new single malt showcases the flavor impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruitier whisky that still retains the peaty character that makes …
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 (Credit: Beam Suntory)
Laphroaig, the malt distillery on the famed Scottish island of Islay, has unveiled Elements 2.0, the second in its exploratory series of bold whiskies that experiment with different distillation techniques. This new single malt showcases the flavor impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruitier whisky that still retains the peaty character that makes Laphroaig so distinctive.
In creating Laphroaig Elements 2.0, the distillery team went beyond the traditional approach to distillation and maturation to uncover interesting and unusual ways to experiment with the making of Laphroaig.
Disrupting the usual 55-hour fermentation process, Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is created from a number of longer fermentations ranging up to almost five full days in the tun – a total of 115 hours. The tun was specially aerated to maintain mash conditions, much like practices of old; a process that helps emphasize the fruitier notes of Laphroaig Islay single malt while maintaining its signature peaty character. The resulting product, Elements 2.0, is a bold, pale gold, non-chill filtered whisky with a fruity nose and palate.
Barry MacAffer, Distillery Manager for Laphroaig, commented, “Our Laphroaig Elements Series is all about blending years of traditional whisky making with new, progressive techniques. There’s no whisky that encapsulates Islay quite like Laphroaig – but this hasn’t stopped us experimenting in a way that preserves our iconic character. Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is an unexpected fruitier whisky with the same peaty character you’ve come to know and love – made possible by over double the typical fermentation period. I’m keen to hear what our Friends think of this whisky which follows in the successful footsteps of Elements 1.0.”
Each expression in the innovative Elements Series features a series of subtle details on pack, cataloging the experiments that have gone into making each bottle and the hands behind them, allowing Friends and lovers of Laphroaig an unrivaled glimpse into the magic of the whisky-making process.
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is the second expression in the Series and is available in the US as of July at a suggested retail price of $165.00 (700ml). It follows the 2023 launch of Elements 1.0 – a spicy and peppery whisky that is a culmination of three experiments.
Glenmorangie has collaborated with acclaimed Japanese conceptual artist Azuma Makoto to create a limited edition single malt – Glenmorangie Dr Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old – inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘shinra bansho’, which represents all of nature – ‘the ground, the sky and everything in between’. The Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto […]
Glenmorangie has collaborated with acclaimed Japanese conceptual artist Azuma Makoto to create a limited edition single malt – Glenmorangie Dr Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old – inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘shinra bansho’, which represents all of nature – ‘the ground, the sky and everything in between’.
The Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 combined single malts aged in both bourbon and Chardonnay white wine casks [originating from Burgundy] and is said to offer notes of lemon balsam, poached pears and cocoa powder.
The Glenmorangie Azuma Makoto 23 is being made available in China, India, Japan, Taiwan, the UK and the USA for $1,330 per bottle.
Updated June 23, 2024 By Richard Thomas Rating: B Whenever I am asked about how to organize a trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, my first question is always “Where are you staying, Lexington or Louisville?” This is because these two cities, the largest in Kentucky, either embrace or sit on either side of most …
Updated June 23, 2024
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B
Town Branch Single Barrel Bourbon circa 2024 (Credit: Lexington Brewing & Distilling)
Whenever I am asked about how to organize a trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, my first question is always “Where are you staying, Lexington or Louisville?” This is because these two cities, the largest in Kentucky, either embrace or sit on either side of most of the distilleries in the state, including all of the “Kentucky Majors.” If you are working from the Lexington side of the trail, there is now something special waiting for you.
Back in 2015, Town Branch Distillery added a single barrel version of their bourbon to their line-up. Nine years ago, it was a distillery-only expression and sourced. Now it is made in-house and in general distribution. The expression is not just single barrel, but also cask strength, and has been from the beginning. It used to float in the 120 to 125 proof range, but the recent bottling that I tried in 2024 was at 108.5 proof. Another recent released clocked around 107 proof. The one I tried in 2024 was distilled in 2017. The mash bill is 72% corn, 15% malted barley, and 13% rye, with an entry proof of 110.
The Bourbon A key feature of Town Branch is its light, easy drinking character. The odd thing about Town Branch Single Barrel is how the substantially increase in strength has increased the intensity of the bourbon, but without sacrificing that easy drinking nature.
The old look of Town Branch Single Barrel (Credit: Alltech)
As a whiskey rises above 60% abv (120 proof), the more likely it is to require water in my book. The proof of the 2015 sample I tried at the distillery was 120.07 proof, and that likely explains how I could take it right up without a drop of water. Even so, I doubt another point or two of abv would change much in terms of straight drinkability. This is cask strength, but still very approachable.
The flavor profile is, naturally, very similar to that of Town Branch: corn sweet with notes of citrus zest, caramel and wood. Being more intense, but still carrying a light texture, the Single Barrel bursts with sweet caramel and orange zest, and the rye spices come more to the fore, hand in hand with the woody side. In keeping with its core virtues, the finish is light.
When I came back to the expression in 2024, that sample was much lower in proof, and had a nose like a caramel apple rolled in cinnamon graham cracker crumbs. The palate took that foundation and made it oakier. It was more like a baked apple, with an emphasis on ginger in the baking spice blend and a caramel drizzle. The oaky spices roll over into the finish.
I wouldn’t put Town Branch Single Barrel in the “big and bold” category, but it’s always had some personality. If you’ve read my comparison of two different barrels from nine years apart, the whiskey has certainly changed with time and origin, moreso than can usually be explained by mere barrel variance.
The Price The price on this item has fallen by ten bucks since 2015, down to $60.
By Richard Thomas Rating: B Continuing with the recent practice of using the Basil Hayden brand to produce many, many iterations of Beam-made whiskeys, the latest such twist has yielded Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. The journey that led the brand, which started out as a light, dry and 8 year old, 80 proof version of …
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B
Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Bourbon (Credit: Richard Thomas)
Continuing with the recent practice of using the Basil Hayden brand to produce many, many iterations of Beam-made whiskeys, the latest such twist has yielded Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. The journey that led the brand, which started out as a light, dry and 8 year old, 80 proof version of Old Granddad back in the early 1990s with the Small Batch Collection has certainly led us to an interesting place.
Like many Basil Hayden expressions, this one relies on secondary maturation, aka barrel finishing, and those finishing barrels were quite exotic. This is the process they used this time, as described by Jim Beam:
The steps to create this unique bourbon begin with toasting and lightly charring a secondary barrel. Afterwards, hickory-smoked chips are delicately ignited at a constant feed to produce smoke, which is then pumped into the barrel, resulting in soft, charred notes. This six-month secondary aging process provides a smoother, more subtle take on smoky spirits, and creates the perfectly sophisticated, yet approachable introduction to both bourbon and Basil Hayden.
The whiskey remains no age statement (NAS) and 80 proof.
The Bourbon The coloring of the pour is a clear middle amber. So, it looks like normal Old Granddad/Basil Hayden bourbon, and the rest of the experience stays in that lane as well. Naming this one “Subtle Smoke” is not an exercise in understatement. The nose is candy corn, caramel and a dab of spice and oak, with only the barest hint of creosote behind it. I haven’t had my chimney swept yet, and the smell pushed down it on a hot, humid day makes more of a presence than the hickory smoking does on this nose. The flavor follows in that vein: Basil Hayden, with its light character, candy corn and caramel sweetness, current of dry spiciness, and all that followed by the barest whiff of smoke. The barrel char note, when it is present, is usually more present than the smoke note in this whiskey, at least until the finish comes. There the smoke finally takes a step forward, sharing some real stage time with the dry, spicy current.
Fans of Basil Hayden and Old Granddad should find this an interesting twist on their favorite flavor profile, because that profile is very much there and unmolested. Smokeheads, on the other hand, will be left scratching their heads as to why anyone bothered with such an unorthodox and seemingly unproductive smoking technique as this.
The Price The recommended retail price for this item is $50.
This is the second installment of a two-part series. For the first installment please see Wild Turkey’s Triumph (Part 1). With the exception of 2016, Wild Turkey has introduced a new Master’s Keep expression each year for the last nine years. It …
This is the second installment of a two-part series. For the first installment please see Wild Turkey’s Triumph (Part 1). With the exception of 2016, Wild Turkey has introduced a new Master’s Keep expression each year for the last nine years. It has become a release that American whiskey fans are excited about, though it […]
