Texas is booming as a whiskey region, with distilleries all over the Lone Star State. That history only goes back about 15 years, when pioneers… Read More
Texas is booming as a whiskey region, with distilleries all over the Lone Star State. That history only goes back about 15 years, when pioneers like Balcones Distilling and Garrison Brothers started out. During the recent 15th anniversary celebrations at Balcones, Texas Whiskey Festival co-founder Jake Clements moderated a panel (and tasting) on the first 15 years of Texas whiskey. We’re bringing you that discussion this week on WhiskyCast In-Depth, with panelists Jared Himstedt of Balcones, Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers, Ironroot Republic’s Robert Likarish, and Ty Phelps of Andalusia Whiskey. In the news, The Lakes Distillery in England is being sold, while Edrington is selling off its Noble Oak American Whiskey brand.
The fact that they’ve brought this to market at just under $70 should be a warning shot to others in the industry who have insisted that a quality sourced and blended product has to command a price point over $100.
BOTTLE DETAILS
DISTILLER: Blended and bottled by Whiskey JYPS using bourbon sourced from KY and IN.
MASH BILL: A combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley (a low rye bourbon from KY and a high-rye bourbon from Indiana)
AGE: 6 Years – A blend of two six-year-old bourbons.
SHARE WITH: This bottle is best shared with those willing to spend some time with the bourbon and appreciate the results of the blending effort. Avoid sharing with bourbon drinkers who prefer to stick with high-proof, super-rich flavor profiles. Those who appreciate subtlety will enjoy this one the most.
WORTH THE PRICE: At $70, there are plenty of other daily drinking bourbons I stocked up on for far less money. That said, $70 for a blend that adds up to more than the sum of its parts makes it worth buying a bottle to spend some time with it and appreciate the effort of everyone behind the bottle.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: BOTTLE—Grab a bottle to learn that celebrity whiskeys don't have to be dull or just a simple repackage of another distillery's product. It may not become a daily drinker but it's a bottle that will make you appreciate the "art of the possible" when it comes to blending American whiskey.
OVERALL: If you remember my review of the brand's initial release, Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 001, you'll recall how surprised I was upon tasting it. Based on that positive experience, my expectations for the Explorer Series were much higher than when I first tried Legacy Batch 001. However, I still felt a bit apprehensive about the "celebrity whiskey" status of the Explorer Series and its price point, which was more than half that of Legacy Batch 001.
How good could it be if they are charging $130 less per bottle, right?
Up front, it's immediately clear that the Explorer Series release is a different whiskey than Legacy Batch 001. Both share a big floral nose, but the Explorer Series has a brighter nose filled with top notes of fruity notes of crisp apples, pears, and oranges. Below the top notes, you'll find creamy notes of vanilla, caramel and baking spices. All of this is wrapped up in a base layer of leather and oak. A lovely nose filled with things to discover, but it's a softer nose compared to Legacy Batch 001, requiring a bit more effort to suss out all the aromas it has to offer.
On the palate, it has a silky mouthfeel that is a pure pleasure sip after sip. Based on the wood finishing of this bourbon, it will come as no surprise that the palate is very oak-forward. I normally find this a bit too much for my preference, but in this case, the oak notes are balanced out by floral notes with an undercurrent of vanilla and maple. The end result is you get to taste the wood influence without it being overly tannic and bitter. In fact, the vanilla and maple provide a sweetness that helps transition the wood notes into more fruit (apples and pears) on the palate along with a bit of baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar.) There's a lot going on, but as with the nose, it's a bit muted, requiring more effort to appreciate the whiskey. It's time well spent in my opinion.
If you're sensing a theme in my tasting notes at this point it's best described as "subtle". There's a lot going on in this bourbon but it requires some time and effort to appreciate it. So when it came time to comment on the finish I was a bit shocked. I expected a short to medium finish on this one but to my surprise, the finish kept going, and going, and going. Even better is the fact that the sweeter flavor notes of vanilla and maple take the lead on the finish with baking spices and oak providing backup vocals. Eventually, there's a bit of dryness from the finish, but nothing that pushes the bourbon out of balance.
With this Explorer Series Release #1, the Whiskey JYPSI team has once again shown that when it comes to blending American whiskey, 1+1 can indeed be greater than the sum of its parts.
With this Explorer Series Release #1, the Whiskey JYPSI team has once again shown that when it comes to blending American whiskey, 1+1 can indeed be greater than the sum of its parts. The fact that they've brought this to market at just under $70 should be a warning shot to others in the industry who insist that a quality sourced and blended product be priced at $100+.
Keep up the good work, fellas, and let me know when you're ready to get together in person to enjoy some bourbon and banter.
BRAND NOTES
The Explorer Series is based on the harmony of unparalleled six-year aged whiskeys and unique finishing woods from around the globe. Perfectly paired to showcase the impact of the woods on the whiskey — from premium versions of common woods to the exotic — and beautifully marries our passion for whiskey with our spirit of exploration.
The inaugural Explorer release starts with a blend of two six-year-old bourbons — a low rye distilled in Kentucky and selected for its sweetness and an Indiana high rye chosen for its spice. The combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley is then slowly reduced to 103 proof and finished using two oak varietals — French Oak from France’s famed Forest of Tronçais and American Oak from the Appalachian Mountains. Each of these woods was chosen for its ability to accentuate the sweetness and spice of the blend.
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.
Explorer’s inaugural release is a blend of two six-year-old bourbons – a low rye distilled in Kentucky and selected for its sweetness, and an Indiana high rye chosen for its spice. The combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley is then slowly reduced to 103 proof…
Explorer Series to follow critically acclaimed Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 001
From the makers of award-winning Legacy Batch 001, Outsiders Spirits has announced the release of its all-new Whiskey JYPSI Explorer Series. The Explorer Series continues the brand’s focus on sourcing the highest quality whiskeys and ingredients while finishing these spirits with combinations of distinctive and exceptional woods from around the globe. The series features well-aged, mature whiskeys never younger than six years old and ranging between 100-107 proof.
“When we started the company, we had a long-term goal of creating the highest quality whiskeys in the world while having a diversity of products to satisfy the palate of a variety of whiskey drinkers,” said Outsiders co-founder Raj Alva. “Our first launch was an ultra-premium product. This next one is going to be more accessible. It’s unique because it’s going to be finished using woods from across the globe. That’s why we called it Explorer.”
Explorer’s inaugural release is a blend of two six-year-old bourbons – a low rye distilled in Kentucky and selected for its sweetness, and an Indiana high rye chosen for its spice. The combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye and 4% malted barley is then slowly reduced to 103 proof and finished using two oak varietals – French Oak (Quercus robur) from France’s famed Forest of Tronçais and American Oak (Quercus alba) from the Appalachian Mountains. Each of these woods was specifically chosen to work in concert with the sweetness and spice of the blend – and both are steeped in rich backstories that connect their origins to the roots of country music.
“This is why I wanted to get into the whiskey business,” said Church, a ten-time GRAMMY nominee. “It’s a creative process, an adventure, and a story–like music. And you never know where you’re going ‘til you get the song written or the whiskey is made.”
Whiskey JYPSI’s Explorer is priced at $69.99 and will be available April 2nd in select liquor stores across Tennessee with more markets to follow and online at www.whiskeyjypsi.com.
It’s been a long time since I was surprised by a whiskey. And a celebrity whiskey has never impressed me. But damn, as much as I was ready to tell you how underwhelmed I was with this bottle, that’s not the case.
BOTTLE DETAILS
DISTILLER: Finished, bottled and blended by Whiskey JYPSI in Tennesse. Whiskeys used in the finished product are sourced from Indiana (presumably MGP) and Canada.
BEST SHARED WITH: Folks that believe all celebrity whiskeys are a waste of time and those that appreciate the artistry of whiskey blending.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Now the plot thickens. Based on what's in the bottle, I would rate this as "Bottle." But once you factor in the extremely high price point, it becomes a "Bar" recommendation.
OVERALL: I haven't been genuinely surprised by a whiskey in ages. And let's be honest; celebrity whiskeys rarely impress me. But damn, I was all set to come here and tell you how underwhelming Whiskey JYPSI is, but hold on a minute. That's not the case at all. I'm here to set the record straight and admit that Whiskey JYPSI is one hell of a pour. It stands out from the sea of sourced bourbons flooding the market, where differentiation is often as superficial as the label on the bottle. (By the way, have you seen the bottle design? It's a stunner; thankfully, its allure extends far beyond its looks.)
So picture this: I pour myself a glass of Whiskey JYPSI and let it sit in my fancy Glencairn glass for a good 15 minutes. As I bring it close to my nose, I'm hit with a delicate yet surprisingly rich aroma. It's like a bouquet of fresh flowers dancing with the scent of caramel-drizzled pastry dough, a hint of leather, and a medley of baking spices. I catch whiffs of tangy fruits like cherries and raspberries, all perfectly balanced with that distinct herbal and slightly minty kick you get from rye whiskey. This whiskey will keep revealing new aromas to you with each sniff. Take your time, my friend. The investment is worth it, I promise.
Now comes the moment of truth. I take my first sip, expecting a rush of vanilla caramel goodness, but guess what? Life throws me a curveball. Instead, I get smacked in the taste buds with an unexpected explosion of tangy red fruits–cherry and raspberry, to be more specific. And let me tell you; it catches me off guard—in the best way possible. I can still feel that tangy aftertaste lingering on my tongue.
But wait, there's more to this story. Baking spices, honey, tannins, and even a hint of tobacco come together in a supporting role that deserves its own Oscar. As I savor the finish, everything harmonizes beautifully. Even those wood tannins, which I'm not usually crazy about in older whiskeys, step back and let the vibrant tart fruit flavors shine. It's like a perfect balancing act, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship that went into blending this whiskey. Hats off to the folks behind it.
Whiskey JYPSI takes you on an unexpected flavor journey, surpassing anything else you'll find in the blended American whiskey category. It's proof that when blending is done right, you can get more than the sum of its parts. And this whiskey right here reaffirms my belief that blending is the next frontier in American whiskey.
Those reading my Bourbon Bullshit rant about Whiskey JYPSI a few weeks ago are probably surprised by my flowing feedback. But I stand by what I've written above and what I said then:
Is it any good? No clue. We hope it is, as we're big fans of good whiskey. But we're still calling bullshit because they're releasing this at a staggering SRP of $199.99.
This is a great whiskey but not even close to being worth $199.99. And the over-the-top and misleading marketing language only adds to my frustration about how this is presented to consumers. True, brands need to do something to break through the crowded landscape, but Eric Church's existing fan base should be more than large enough to ensure this sells out. From there, the quality of the whiskey should do the rest unless his fanbase can't afford to fork over $200 for a bottle of whiskey.
It's a real shame, folks. This release has left me feeling a little down in the dumps. Just when we thought we had a whiskey that could prove how incredible American blends can be, it goes and prices itself out of reach for most hard-working Americans. Whiskey JYPSI had the potential to be the celebrity whiskey that broke the mold, but in the end, it's always money that wins the day.
So, my friends, let's raise a glass to what could have been, but remember that there are plenty of other fantastic whiskies out there that won't drain your bank account. Let's keep the spirit of whiskey alive and accessible to all because, after all, that's what it's all about.
BRAND NOTES
Introducing Legacy Batch 001, named “The Journey.” Because literally and figuratively, it has been one. And the result is a whiskey unlike any other. Smooth, complex and unconventional. A remarkably crafted blend of three fine-aged whiskeys.
70% Indiana bourbon made from 99% corn and 1% malted barley. Distilled in Indiana, and aged 7 and 8 years for a smooth corn character, this bourbon component retains its rich and sweet corn character, with structure and depth from the cask.
21% Canadian rye made from 91% rye and 9% malted barley. Distilled in Alberta, Canada, and aged 20 years, this is a highly esterified and perfumed rye whiskey with pronounced butterscotch, spice and finesse that comes from spending the last two decades in barrels.
The last 9% of this remarkable blend is 100% malted barley from Indiana. Aged four years, this malt-forward American Single Malt has a beautiful balance of rich, nutty malt character – and strong vanilla, smoke and caramel notes borrowed from its new American oak casks.
And we called it Whiskey JYPSI to celebrate those who think differently, reinvent the rules, and seek greater adventure and purpose in life. Those who live life with a “JYPSI Spirit.” Like the remarkable team who’ve given birth to this remarkable liquid.
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 without strings attached. Thank you.
Blended American Whisky has been ignored by connoisseurs for many years, largely because the category has been dominated by cheap blends using grain neutral spirits. Now, there’s a new era for Blended American Whisky as blenders explore the flexibility the category offers, from being able to blend Bourbons and Ryes with other styles of whisky to being able to use whisky matured in used barrels. We’ll talk with master blender Ari Sussman about the trend in this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Australian distillers are in a dispute over what should be called a “single malt,” Russian officials raid Read More »
Blended American Whisky has been ignored by connoisseurs for many years, largely because the category has been dominated by cheap blends using grain neutral spirits. Now, there’s a new era for Blended American Whisky as blenders explore the flexibility the category offers, from being able to blend Bourbons and Ryes with other styles of whisky to being able to use whisky matured in used barrels. We’ll talk with master blender Ari Sussman about the trend in this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Australian distillers are in a dispute over what should be called a “single malt,” Russian officials raid a factory producing counterfeit Scotch Whisky and other spirits, and we’ll learn what not to do when your golf bag catches on fire. In our Behind the Label segment, we’ll look at what researchers say is the proper amount of water to add to your whisky, and our latest Community poll asks whether you’d prefer to try a 50-year-old whisky or a 10-year-old bottled in 1920.
Bourbon’s construction boom in Central Kentucky is raising concerns in Nelson County, home to Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” County officials have reached a compromise with whiskey makers for a 90-day moratorium on planning approval for new warehouses in agricultural zones. Nelson County Judge Executive Tim Hutchins wants a review of current ordinances allowing virtually unfettered development of warehouses without public input, while allowing projects in areas zoned for industrial use to move forward. We’ll talk with Judge Hutchins on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth about the moratorium and the impact of losing millions of dollars in barrel tax Read More »
Bourbon’s construction boom in Central Kentucky is raising concerns in Nelson County, home to Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” County officials have reached a compromise with whiskey makers for a 90-day moratorium on planning approval for new warehouses in agricultural zones. Nelson County Judge Executive Tim Hutchins wants a review of current ordinances allowing virtually unfettered development of warehouses without public input, while allowing projects in areas zoned for industrial use to move forward. We’ll talk with Judge Hutchins on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth about the moratorium and the impact of losing millions of dollars in barrel tax revenue in the coming years. In the news, Sazerac CEO Mark Brown is stepping aside in a long-planned succession, while Scotland’s Parliament has approved new rules to make it easier for whisky makers to borrow against their stockpiles of maturing whisky. We’ll also have details on a host of commemorative whiskies celebrating the coronation of King Charles III, along with the rest of the week’s whisky releases.
