Tastes

I. W. Harper 15 Year Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 86 (43%) Age: 15 Years Mashbill: 86% Corn, 6% Rye, 8% Malted Barley Distillery: New Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, KY Aged: Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Louisville, KY Bottled: I. W. Harper Distilling, Tullahoma, TN Price: $75 - $95 Color: Dark Amber Nose: Vanilla, Alcohol, Cherry, Apple, Pear, Hint if Tobacco Palate: Smooth, Slightly Spicy, Light Caramel Cream, Fruity Sweetness, Apple, Pear, Slight Hint of Chocolate Finish: Medium, Initially Spicy, Fruitiness, Oak Personal Rating: 7/10 Notes: Absolutely beautiful bottle of whiskey, and being James Bond’s preferred drink is pretty cool too (in the books). Aesthetics aside, this is a very refreshing pour. The flavor is very fruit heavy for it makes this a great choice for a warm evening. I’ve seen a lot of people compare this to other Diageo offerings such as Forged Oak (another 15 year) and Barterhouse (20 year), but the I. W. Harper doesn’t have the oak presence of the others. It is there, but I only really live it up in the finish. I will say, out of the I. W. Harper offerings, I prefer the flavor of the standard for regular everyday sipping, but I think the 15 year is a great choice too. I definitely recommend using the 15 year for your classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, it would be perfect!

Willett Pot Still Reserve Batch No. 17C16 Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 94 (47%) Age: NAS Mashbill: Undisclosed Distillery: Willett Distillery, Bardstown, KY Price: $50 - $65 Color: Dark Gold/Light Amber Nose: Sweet, Cereal Grains, Citrus, Light Vanilla, Hints of Oak Palate: Honey Sweetness, Light, Slightly Spicy, Malty Cereal, Rye Bread, Floral Finish: Long, Pleasantly Warm, Floral, Black Pepper, Light Apple Personal Rating: 6.25/10 Notes: When I read the flavor notes of this bottle, it sounds terrific! When drinking it, it is enjoyable, but not mind blowing. The flavors are however very interesting to me. I suppose I would call this a “Breakfast Bourbon” as the malty cereal and rye bread notes blend with the light fruitiness to create a flavor profile that remind me of breakfast cereal. Unlike breakfast, this pour is light and easy to drink, so really no need for anything other than a single ice cube if you want it chilled. I definitely recommend you try a glass of this solid whiskey and decide if it is up your alley before buying a bottle, even though the price point is very reasonable

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky Classification: Japanese Single Grain Whisky Proof: 90 (45%) Age: NAS Mashbill: 95% corn, 5% Malted Barley Distillery: Nikka Whisky Distilling Company, Miyagikyo Distillery, Honshu, Japan Price: $55 - $65 Color: Medium-Dark Gold Nose: Sweet, caramel, vanilla, hint of fruit Palate: Crisp, Quite Sweet, Small bit of heat, cherry-like fruitiness, thin mouthfeel, slight smokiness, very smallest hint of malt - barely noticeable Finish: Medium finish, still fairly sweet, slightly dry, caramel, toasted cereal grains, slight smokiness, floral perfume hints in the sinuses Personal Rating: 6.75/10 Notes: With the weather being so warm lately, I’ve been exploring a few Japanese bottles here and there. Being a bourbon guy, Nikka Coffey Grain gets recommended quite a bit. And for good reason. Some say it is basically a Japanese Bourbon, some say it isn’t at all. What I know with certainty is that it is a great choice for a summertime pour. The crisp sweetness makes this a great drink that doesn’t “warm you up.” It is quite refreshing actually. I wouldn’t say it is a complex pour, but there are some interesting flavors in there that make it enjoyable...if nothing else but for an aperitif or dessert drink. I really don’t think you need to add anything to the Whisky to fully enjoy it, maybe a single ice cube or some whiskey stones to lower the actual temperature, but overall it is good as it is. Should you buy a bottle? Sure, why not if you are interested, but if you don’t you aren’t missing out on anything ground breaking, maybe just grab a glass at your local watering hole during happy hour

Stagg Jr. Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 126.4 (63.2%) Age: NAS (BT has said about 8 years) Mashbill: Undisclosed Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Price: $50 - $60 Color: Dark Amber/Medium Copper Nose: Alcohol, caramel, chocolate, hint of raisins Palate: Very hot, sweet, mild spice, light vanilla, dark chocolate bitterness, oak, small hints of dark grapes Finish: Long and lingering, lots of persistent heat in mouth all the way through the chest, bitter oak, apple, char, smoke, medicinal notes similar to the aftertaste if cough syrup Personal Rating: 6.5/10 Notes: I REALLY wanted to love this pour. While it isn’t especially rare from my understanding, it usually sells pretty quickly. There are some qualities in this bourbon that I do really enjoy. The fruitiness is prevalent as much as it can be which makes for a crisp sip for such an oily whiskey. I also enjoyed the char and smoke notes in the finish, definitely leads to a “masculine” flavor profile. However, it can be difficult to pick out the delicate fruit notes because of the extreme heat. There isn’t any spiciness I can pick up, but the alcohol is very hot and overpowers pretty much everything else. That being said, I don’t usually mind heat, what brought this down below the 7/10 for me is a strange medicinal bitterness in the finish. It isn’t like dark chocolate or oak, but reminds me of the aftertaste you get when taking cough syrup. This is one that I don’t really recommend drinking neat, definitely throw some cubes in the glass to tame the heat and then you may find some enjoyment in the pour. I don’t hate it by any means, but will is definitely one of those “put some hair on you chest” type deals

Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection Barrel Strength Binny’s Beverage Depot Private Selection (OBSV) Warehouse No MW, Barrel No 51-6V Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 126.4 (63.2%) Age: 9 Years 3 Months (Barreled: January 8, 2009, Bottled: April 19, 2018) Mashbill: 60% corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley Distillery: Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, KY Price: $40 - $55 Color: Dark Amber Nose: Vanilla, brown sugar, slight hint of cinnamon and baking spices, touch of corn Palate: Pleasantly sweet, oak in front, rye spice, smooth, light fruitiness like apple and peach Finish: Long finish, spicy but not much heat, leather, oak, mild peach Personal Rating: 7.25/10 Notes: Four Roses has always been a bottle that is readily available, so every time I would go to the liquor store, I would typically grab for something a little more “rare.” I have learned that I have been missing out. Binny’s pick a great Barrel with this one. It is such a smooth refreshing pour of whiskey. The delicate fruitiness advertised in the OBSV recipe isn’t as prevalent as I would have thought, but the blend of oak and rye spice from the 9 years in the barrel and 35% rye mashbill make this a home run for me. Also, if I didn’t ready this was over 120 Proof, I wouldn’t believe it, every flavor in this bottle is balanced well enough to where the heat from the alcohol isn’t even something you will notice so drinking neat is the way to go for me! Lastly, the price is extremely reasonable so if you see OBSV on the shelf, please get it

Old Grand-Dad 114 Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 114 (57%) Age: NAS Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, KY & Old Grand-Dad Distillery Company, Frankfort, KY Price: $30 Color: Dark Amber-Caramel Nose: Cinnamon, rye spice, molasses, hint of leather Palate: Warm, plenty of rye spiciness, candy corn sweetness, oily, fruity tartness like sour cherry Finish: Long finish, lingering heat, cinnamon, toast, oak, leather Personal Rating: 7.75/10 Notes: This pour is right up my alley. I love a bold bourbon. With the the rye content being so high, you definitely get the spiciness from start to finish. Beyond the heat there are some interesting notes in this bottle. The sweetness is far from overpowering, in fact it really balances the heat of the higher proof. That sweetness comes along with what I taste as candy corn and some hints of sour cherries, all balanced together quite well. Some may opt to enjoy this with the usually splash of water or on the rocks, and I totally get that, it would really open this bad boy up. Lastly, at $30 or less a bottle, you can’t beat it. Grab a bottle and try it for yourself

Suntory Whisky Toki Classification: Japanese Blended Whisky Proof: 86 (43%) Age: NAS Mashbill: Undisclosed (Blended) Distillery: Suntory’s Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita Distillieries Price: $30 - $40 Color: Light Gold Nose: Herbal, light, fresh, crisp apple, grain Palate: Honey sweet, bright & clean, strong green apple, pear, mild herbal notes, tiniest hint of smoke Finish: Medium-quick finish, green apple persists, hints of vanilla towards the end, fairly mild heat, pleasant sweetness from start to finish Personal Rating: 6.75/10 Notes: When it comes to Japanese Whisky, I have basically zero experience, I’m a bourbon guy and I know what I like. However, after recommendations from the guys at NWB and a friend, I decided to give it a try and was told that Toki was a great introduction to the world of Japanese Whisky. Overall, I really enjoyed Toki. There is a very prevalent green apple flavor that is very enjoyable, mind you don’t get the tartness, just the essential flavor. The sweetness is really dialed in as well, perfectly sweet. The only thing that I didn’t care for in this pour is the somewhat malty grainy-ish aroma in the nose, it isn’t bad, but strangely it reminded me of an almost tequila quality, and I’m not a fan of tequila at all. That being said, it didn’t Rhône the experience for me at all. I have read that adding some water can open up even more floral notes, but truthfully I think Toki is great as is, neat. Perfect for a hot day outside in the sun, the crisp fruit flavors make it a very refreshing pour. If Toki is an introduction to Japanese Whisky, then I will definitely look forward to sample more

Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 100 (50%) Age: 10 Years Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY Price: $30 - $35 Color: Dark Amber Nose: Traditional bourbon aroma, vanilla, caramel, alcohol is present but not overpowering, mild oak, faint hint of corn Palate: Warm, rich, spicy, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, hints of charred oak Finish: Medium-Long finish, quite a bit of heat especially in exhale, balanced oak throughout finish, vanilla, banana bread, hints of mild leather towards the end of the finish Personal Rating: 8/10 Notes: McKenna BiB is one of the best values for your dollar out there. A traditional bourbon all around done right. The big seller for me is the finish. The perfect amount of oak and the vanilla go together perfectly...I even get a note of warm banana bread. One thing to note however, there is a considerable amount of heat in this pour so an ice cube or splash of water may do you well if you’re into that sort of thing. Does it live up to the current hype? For the most part, I think so, I know I’ll always have a bottle on my shelf

Wild Turkey Longbranch Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 86 Age: NAS (8 Years) Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, KY Price: $35 - $40 Color: Dark Gold Nose: Mild aroma, light oak, cool vanilla, caramel, smallest hint of banana Palate: Sweet, creamy, exceptionally smooth, oak, cinnamon, mild rye spice Finish: Medium finish, dry, cinnamon and spice trails to the end, initial heat that dissipates quickly, oak Personal Rating: 6.5/10 Notes: Alright, alright, alright folks, Longbranch is here. Surprisingly enough, I’ve seen more hate on #Longbranch in the Bourbon Community than love. However, it seems to all be geared toward the marketing and involvement with McConaughey rather than overall flavor. That being said, I don’t see a point in arguing about it, I just want to focus on the pour. Essentially what we have here is Wild Turkey’s flavor profile toned down to be more approachable for those who don’t normally drink whiskey. If that was In fact Wild Turkey’s goal, I think Loangbranch is a great success. It has many of the individual notes that the experienced drinker enjoys, but less heat and spiciness that can make some apprehensive to enjoy a whiskey. One thing that I really enjoy about this bourbon is it is more oak forward that Wild Turkey’s usual offering...I do love me some woodsy flavors. The price range is exactly what it should be as well, $35 - $40 makes this easily accessible for pretty much anyone. I think that drinking this neat is the way to go. There isn’t much in the way of heat that it needs a splash of water to open anything up and there is enough balance and complexity to make this enjoyable for seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Grab a bottle, especially if you or someone you know is new to bourbon drinking

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Community Roundtable Single Barrel Select Warehouse: K, Floor: 5, Rick: 51 Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Proof: 90 (45%) Age: 8 Years 4 Months Mashbill: Undisclosed, Buffalo Trace Mashbill No 1 Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY Price: $30 - $35 Color: Medium Amber Nose: Vanilla, caramel, citrus, slight marshmallow aroma Palate: Mellow, medium bodied, brown sugar, caramel, oak with a slight woody bitterness, mild rye spice, smallest hint of mint, well balanced Finish: Medium finish, steady mellow oak, pleasant warmth throughout throat and sinuses, mild vanilla and toffee notes Personal Rating: 6.75/10 Notes: I was very excited to be able to get a bottle from the Bourbon Community Roundtable Single Barrel Select barrel. Needless to say I am not disappointed. Given that Buffalo Trace is inexpensive, the value for what you pay is hard to beat. While I don’t think the pour is extraordinary and super memorable, it is extremely drinkable, well balanced, and a great example of a reliable essential bourbon flavor. For many, Buffalo Trace Bourbon IS what bourbon should taste like. That being said, I personally find one thing about BT that is a bit unique: the underlying mint note. Since the Bourbon is so balanced, it allows more subtle flavors to be present without the aid of a splash of water to open up the profile. It certainly isn’t like drinking mouthwash by any means, but it does give a sense of freshness. How to enjoy BT? Any way you like. This bourbon is a true workhouse, there is no wrong way to enjoy Buffalo Trace bourbon