Month: July 2024

July 2024 Evan Williams 23 Year Old Tasting

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July 30, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Last weekend, Wayne and I each selected a bottle not-yet-opened that we wanted to taste. Wayne selected the Evan Williams 23 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I was very pleased with his choice! We originally tasted this offering on National Bourbon Day, June 14th, and had the opportunity to purchase it at the Evan Williams “A Toast to Bourbon” dinner.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Evan Williams 23 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age – 23 Years
Proof – 107
Price Paid – $399.99 (plus tax)

Color – Dark copper with very nice legs on the glass.

Aroma – Deep and dark come to mind first, including dark chocolate. Spice and honey blend in an inviting way. It is evident this is an older bourbon based on the aged oak notes. But then the sweetness surprises you with vanilla, marshmallow, and crème brûlée. Allspice, nutmeg, and leather add another dimension. What a nose!

Tasted Neat –  Similar to the nose, the tannins from the wood come forward to start, but the sweetness will not be denied. There is vanilla cream, sweet corn, rich cherry, and a lovely honey. Next, rich notes of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and marshmallow are present. Finally, warm leather, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon let you know this bourbon has some great barrel influence.

Finish – There is a medium length finish. The finish includes sweet notes such as toffee, the richness of dark chocolate, some dryness from the tannins including oak, licorice, tobacco, and orange peels, plus a bit of black pepper.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The sweetness of the dried cranberry created a strong oak presence with leather and the finish was greatly reduced.

Tasted with a pecan – This brought the dark chocolate front and center with a hint of cinnamon and tobacco. Again, the finish is very short.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate actually removed the dark chocolate notes and replaced it with mostly a light cinnamon without a lot of taste and virtually no finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

We definitely preferred drinking this neat. The pecan wasn’t bad and this might be good with a steak or perhaps a nice cigar. But when having a bourbon of this maturity, we will savor and enjoy it neat and on its own.

Obviously, this is an expensive bottle of bourbon. There are not a lot of bourbons offered at 23 years and even fewer that have such an inviting nose, amazing journey on the palate, and a great finish. Given the price of some 20+ year bourbons, we find this to be of good value. While this would not be an “every-day-drinker,” we are thrilled to have it and will enjoy it whenever we feel the desire to dive into some extra age and complexity. With the warm notes from the barrel, we plan to enjoy this once the weather gets cooler. It could be that perfect pour to sink into on a cold night.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky.

For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

July 2024 Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Tasting

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July 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I have seen a few people mention Middle West Spirits out of Columbus, Ohio and have heard very good things about what they are producing. The notion of a rye whiskey made with dark pumpernickel rye was very intriguing and when we had an opportunity to get a bottle online, we did.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel – Straight Rye Whiskey

Mashbill – Dark pumpernickel rye, Ohio soft red winter wheat, Yellow Corn, 2-row barley (specifics unknown)
Age – Minimum of 4 Years (per website)
Proof – 96
Price Paid – $54.99 (including tax)

Appearance – Amber with nice legs.

Aroma – Rye grass, honeysuckle, cinnamon, slight vanilla, and black licorice.

Tasted Neat –  Good mouthfeel. Rye grass, cardamom, light cinnamon, honey, white pepper, black licorice, ginger, a hint of dark fruit maybe fig. 

Finish – Medium finish with white pepper, cinnamon, rye spices, a hints of mint, oak, and black licorice.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Very fruity/fig with a lot of rye but less pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – Smokey and a lot of oak, a hint of leather and vanilla, and rye toast.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Dark chocolate with a hint of mint tea, and rye spices on the finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

This dark pumpernickel makes a very nice rye. However, we really had hoped to find more of the pumpernickel and its darkness to create a more distinct flavor profile. From that standpoint, it was somewhat disappointing, but a nice rye whiskey, nevertheless.

The Ohio soft red winter wheat component could be what is lightening the rye aspects of the pour. Hard to know for sure and this is just supposition. Also, we believe that additional time in the barrel could really enhance some of the “hint” notes we identified or perhaps a higher proof point, such as of 105 versus 96, might for the overall flavor profile. We would love to try this at cask strength! I noted on their website that both their cask strength and single barrel options have garnered awards.

This is a good bottle of rye, and we enjoyed our first experience with it. If it had been a blind tasting and we had no idea about the type of rye, that may have influenced our palates in a different way. We are happy that we have it. If we see future bottles that are somewhat older or cask strength, we will certainly want to see if it creates a different experience.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Straight Rye Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less.  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.

NOTE: The whiskey in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

July 2024 Wild Turkey Triumph Tasting

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July 25, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I have been wanting to open this bottle and finally found a moment to relax and enjoy a pour. “Crafted with Conviction” by Eddie Russell, this year’s limited release of Master’s Keep – Triumph – is a passion project at Wild Turkey. This release is a nod to Eddie’s son, Bruce, Associate Blender at Wild Turkey and someone with a passion for rye. At 10-years old, this is the oldest age-stated rye ever released by Wild Turkey.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Triumph – Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Mashbill – 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 10 Years
Proof – 104
Price Paid – $275 (plus tax and shipping)

Appearance – Copper. Legs are somewhat slow to form but very substantive when appear.

Aroma – Initially, it is light and not very distinct. As it opens and the nose acclimates, a lot begins to happen. There is a sweetness often reminiscent of bourbon with vanilla and crème brûlée. Then the rye components of mint, allspice, and cloves drift into the aroma. Finally, there is a hint of light fruits such as apples and pears with a touch of nutmeg. It is quite a journey just on the nose!

Tasted Neat –  Much like the nose, tasting requires several approaches to allow the flavor profile to touch each part of the mouth. It shifts and turns with each sip. The viscosity, as indicated by its legs, really provides a wonderful mouthfeel and the texture coats the palate very pleasantly. There is a lovely sweetness of honey, vanilla, and baked apples or pears. The flavors transition to deeper notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, dates or possibly figs. The barrel notes come forward with oak and baking spices.

Finish – The finish is very long and lingering. Wood notes are dominate with oak and black pepper. However, there is also a light mint sensation to lighten up the otherwise darkness of the finish. It is certainly a journey!

Tasted with dried cranberry – At first sip, it became a spice bomb of red hot cinnamon. However, it calmed down to release a hint of citrus on the front and a brighter, but still a spicy finish.

Tasted with a pecan – This is interesting as it brought the wood notes very forward with dark chocolate and mint. Still a spicy finish but more along the line of ginger.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Wow, this became a chocolate desert drink, almost like Mexican Hot Chocolate with cinnamon.

Discussion and Final Notes

Perhaps it is the length of time in the barrel, the 37% corn, or the specific barrel selections, but this rye tends to waiver between a bourbon and a rye experience. As such, it would be a great pour for someone who hasn’t regularly enjoyed a rye whiskey.

That aside, this is an outstanding rye whiskey. With a 51% rye mashbill, the rye spices and rye grass notes don’t hit you upside they head; instead, they dance around and play with your nose and palate. As noted above, the journey it takes you on is an incredibly pleasant one and one that has a surprise around every turn.

Overall, I’m glad that we were able to get a bottle at MSRP directly from Wild Turkey. This is a wonderful addition to our Wild Turkey collection as well as our rye options.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less.  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Whiskey, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.

NOTE: The whiskey in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

Old Louisville Whiskey Co Visit & Tasting

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July 16, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I visited Old Louisville Whiskey Co as our last stop of a fantastic three-day bourbon experience in the Frankfort, KY area and what a terrific capstone that visit was for our weekend. It was Wayne’s birthday weekend (Feb 22-24) and we had kicked things off with a Bourbon Session at the Ripy Mansion featuring Revival Vintage Spirits. The next day we visited Wild Turkey, where we were able to meet Jimmy Russell. We also made rather quick stops at Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co, Four Roses, Woodford, and Castle & Key. We also enjoyed a private experience with David Meier at Glenns Creek Distilling and a bourbon thieving/blending experience at J. Mattingly 1845. Yes, we were a bit tired but excited about our visit because it had come so highly recommended.

As the name indicates, it is located in Old Louisville. As summarized from their Our Story page, the Old Louisville Whiskey Co. was founded by a husband-and-wife duo, Amine and Beth Karaoud, who are passionate about whiskey and their historic Louisville neighborhood. They sold properties including Red Castle Liquors to invest in their own Kentucky whiskey company. The brand is a labor of love, honoring the neighborhood’s rich history and Kentucky bourbon making tradition. Aged for a minimum of 7 years, their small-batch bourbon is a testament to their commitment to quality over quantity. Each bottle pays tribute to the historic neighborhood, celebrating tradition, history, and family. Supporting this local family-owned business means enjoying a drink that honors tradition and history.

Our Private Tour Experience

They currently offer one tour option – a private tour – described as: Come join us for a one of a kind bourbon tour experience.  We will evaluate how bourbons are made and aged and how some are finished to create a one of a kind product.  We will experience five different bourbons or whiskeys that we thief straight from the barrel.  We will lastly offer the opportunity to bottle your own single barrel bourbon and each bottle will be hand labeled, giving your bourbon our personal touch.

As we followed the GPS, we weren’t sure where it was taking us. As we parked, we knew we were in the correct place based on the door design. We were the only car in the parking lot just before noon on a Saturday morning. We entered and it was quiet and we didn’t see anyone. A moment later, a very nice gentleman came out front to introduce himself. It was Amine, the owner. He apologized for keeping us waiting (it was less than a minute) and said they had quite a private event there the night before. We laughed and shared that we knew something about it from the Facebook posts of one of the Scotchy Bourbon Boys. That seemed to truly break the ice and Amine guided us to the back room. We were chatting and I did not take any pictures to start, but bellow are pictures from their website.

Photo by Old Louisville Whiskey Co
Photo by Old Louisville Whiskey Co

Amine explained the process. They source their whiskey and then focus on time and wood. How long does it need to marry with the wood to have the ideal maturation? Which wood will provide the most unique flavor profile? Should it be aged in one barrel and then finished in another? The options and combinations are endless.

Next, Amine shared the story behind each barrel. One by one we learned about the journey of the whiskey and the barrel(s), and then he thieved a sample for us to experience. This was repeated several times and we enjoyed each one. He even pulled samples from barrels “not quite ready” so we could see the difference. We had a great conversation throughout and could easily see his heart for this process and what was being created.

Ultimately, we selected whiskey from four barrels to be bottled. Amine thieved each one into their bottle and hand-wrote the label and/or details on the bottle. He also signed each bottle for us. It was a wonderful way to wrap up a fabulous three days and we are so grateful that we made the decision to experience Old Louisville Whiskey Co and get to know Amine.

Great experience and now friends – Rebecca, Amine, and Wayne

Comparison Tasting of Four Cask Strength Bottles

Bottle 1Bottle 2Bottle 3Bottle 4
Mashbill: Unknown
Mashbill: 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% BarleyMashbill: 51% Corn, 49% BarleyMashbill: 75% Corn,
21% Rye, 4% Barley
Proof: 119Proof: 116.6Proof: 114.2Proof: 101
Age: NAS (typically at least 7 years)
Age: Barreled 04/2017, Bottled 02/2024
Age: NAS (typically at least 7 years)
Age: NAS (typically at least 7 years)
Columbian Oak
Nose:
Wayne > vanilla, caramel, smokey
Rebecca > caramel, vanilla, pie cruse, baking spice		Nose:
Wayne > wheat, bread like
Rebecca > caramel, nuts, cherry, baking spices		Nose:
Wayne > nutty, honey
Rebecca > vanilla, oats, brown sugar

Nose:
Wayne > vanilla cream, butterscotch, ginger
Rebecca > caramel, cherry, marshmallow, cinnamon
Nose Rank:
Wayne > 3
Rebecca > 4		Nose Rank: *Preferred*
Wayne > 2
Rebecca > 2		Nose Rank:
Wayne > 1
Rebecca > 3		Nose Rank:
Wayne > 4
Rebecca > 1
Tasted Neat:
Wayne > brown sugar, cinnamon; finish cinnamon and leather
Rebecca > caramel, vanilla, pie cruse, baking spice, and oak; finish medium with cinnamon and black pepper		Tasted Neat:
Wayne > wheat, cherry, baking spices; finish baking spices and pepper
Rebecca > vanilla cream, hazelnut, cherry; finish medium with cinnamon
Tasted Neat:
Wayne > nutty, honey, cinnamon; finish black pepper
Rebecca > oatmeal with brown sugar, heavy cream, and a touch of cinnamon; finish medium cinnamon and pecan		Tasted Neat:
Wayne > smokey, wood, cinnamon; finish light black pepper
Rebecca > butterscotch, toasted marshmallow, plum; finish short with oak and nutmeg
Taste Rank:
Wayne > 2
Rebecca > 3		Taste Rank:
Wayne > 3
Rebecca > 2		Taste Rank: *Preferred*
Wayne > 1
Rebecca > 1		Taste Rank:
Wayne > 4
Rebecca > 4
Other Notes:
Great bottle much like many bourbons that we enjoy.


Other Notes:
Being wheated, a bit more time might really enhance it.


Other Notes:
Very unique taste profile due to the 49% barley.


Other Notes:
Perhaps it is the “lower” proof that kept this one from ranking higher. Still a great pour.

Discussion and Final Notes

As with any tasting, it is strictly opinion on a particular day. We each struggled with determining a ranking because there was something in each batch that we really enjoyed. Ultimately, it came down to what we enjoyed “most” at that moment in time. We could do this again next week or next month and have somewhat different results. This is one of the things that we truly appreciate about bourbon.

After the tasting, we headed to the patio for a cigar. Wayne selected Bottle 3 (51% Corn, 49% Barley) and a La Palina cigar. I selected Bottle 4 (75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Barley in Columbian Oak) and an Isla del Sol cigar. We each enjoyed our selections and felt they paired nicely.

Rebecca: Bottle 4 with an Isla del Sol
Wayne: Bottle 3 with a La Palina

We really enjoyed spending the original time with Old Louisville Whiskey Co in February and revisiting “virtually” this past weekend through reminiscing and tasting the Straight Bourbon Whiskey that we purchased. We cannot say enough great things about Amine and what he and his wife are doing in this historic Louisville neighborhood. When you have an opportunity, taste what they are doing – better yet – plan a visit!

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer (unless otherwise indicated)

Make the trip to Old Louisville Whiskey Co. 7.5 miles, less than 15 mins, from downtown Louisville, and a few miles from the Louisville International Airport.

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Bourbon Whiskey – Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

July 2024 Booker’s 2024-01 & -02 Tasting

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July 14, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

We picked up a bottle of the Booker’s 2024-01 Springfield Batch in April and enjoyed it so much that we needed to snag another one. Last month we were able to get a bottle of the Booker’s 2024-02 The Beam House Batch during a quick stop at the James B. Beam American Outpost. We have been wanting to try the latest one and decided that we might as well do a formal tasting of each.

The cards of the Batch Story and Master Distiller Notes are always fascinating for us; thus, sharing them below.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Booker’s 2024-01, Springfield Batch

Mashbill – 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – 7 years, 7 Months, 8 days
Other – Barrel-strength bourbon, bottled uncut and unfiltered
Proof – 124.5
Price Paid – $111.29 (with tax)

Appearance – Deep amber and with a lot of legs.

Aroma – Bold and spicy, brown sugar and vanilla, oak with a light smokiness.

Tasted Neat – The bold baking spices are noted immediately. It has the sweetness of brown sugar with hints of vanilla and a bit of nuttiness. A very nice and long finish of cinnamon spice, oak, and a hint of leather.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Interestingly, Wayne felt that the cranberry intensified the spiciness while I thought it made it smoother. There is definitely a dominate taste of cinnamon with the cranberry and the sweeter notes of brown sugar and vanilla disappeared.

Tasted with a pecan – The brown sugar returned with the addition of dark chocolate. The finish is medium with dark chocolate, cinnamon, oak, and leather.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This seems to have muted many of the flavors. Instead, there is a symphony of spices alternating and coming to life such as white, black, and red pepper as well a cinnamon. Very long finish of all things pepper.

Booker’s 2024-02, The Beam House Batch

Mashbill – 77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age – 7 years, 2 Months, 22 days
Other – Barrel-strength bourbon, bottled uncut and unfiltered
Proof – 126.4
Price Paid – $121.90 (with tax)

Appearance – Deep amber and with a lot of legs.

Aroma – Caramel, vanilla, peanuts, and apple.

Tasted Neat – The first thought is sweet. It tastes much like its nose with vanilla, caramel, peanuts, and apple. It is reminiscent of being at the fair and each a caramel apple rolled in crushed peanuts. The finish is long with cinnamon, apple, a hint of citrus, and lingering oak.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The caramel is gone but the apple is more present and the cinnamon is gentle on the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – This really enhance the oak flavors and brought some baking spices toward the front of the palate. The caramel apple is there but it seems to be sprinkled with cinnamon. The finish is very woody.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The sweetness is now muted and black pepper and a stronger cinnamon have taken the place of the caramel apple. The finish continues to be oaky but with enhanced spices.

Discussion and Final Notes

Springfield Batch and Beam House Batch couldn’t be more different on the nose and palate when you consider they are the same mashbill, by the same distiller, similar age, similar proof, etc. Again, this is one of the many things that we love about bourbon!

We love the brown sugar, cinnamon and leather notes in the Springfield Batch. However, we also find the caramel apple and crushed peanuts of the Beam House Batch to be quite tasty.

Springfield provides a rather “traditional” Booker’s experience of a bold flavor profile yet with the sweet notes that we have come to expect in a great bourbon. While Beam House Batch is certainly from the same family, it has a sweeter profile than typically expected and with the addition of apple.

For us, we are big fans of Booker’s and appreciate what Fred Noe does to curate the best barrels for each batch to tell a special story. These are no different. As is common for us, we try to buy and have a back-up bottle of each batch. That is our recommendation for Springfield and Beam House. Find them while they are available as they will be great additions for your collection.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirit Requirements

Bourbon Whiskey: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky.

For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

NOTE: The bourbons in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

July 2024 The Morning Glory Tasting

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July 11, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

As noted in an earlier post, Wayne and I toured the Spirits of French Lick distillery last month, making it our 61st new distillery! Following the tour, we enjoyed a tasting of four selections from their spirit offerings. Ultimately, we determined that The Morning Glory would be the bottle to take home from that visit.

As with all the naming at Spirits of French Lick, there is a specific meaning and origin. From the back label on this bottle: In the early days of Indiana history, inns and taverns were common stops for early travelers on the Vincennes trail and similar pathways. Offering rest, respite, and entertainment, they could be rough places that catered to the desires of men with little to lose who were looking to make a name for themselves. One such establishment, The Morning Glory, operated for decades in Campbellsburg, Indiana, and served up whiskey make by several local distilleries from the nearby Clifty valley. The decadence for which this tavern was known lives on in this unique bottling.

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

The Morning Glory Kasha Bourbon Bottled in Bond

Mashbill – 66% Corn, 12% Rye, 16% Kasha (toasted buckwheat), 2% Buckwheat, 4% Malt
Age – At least 4 years
Proof – 100
Other – Double pot distilled; 105 barrel entry proof; aged in #2 char barrels; non-chill filtered; Bottled In Bond
Price Paid – $59.11 (with tax)

Color – Light Amber 

Aroma – A rather unique nose as the grains are really dominate, in a good way. There is an earthiness with a light scent of honey, warm buttered toast, and oak.

Tasted Neat – Rustic, roasted grain, buckwheat, nutty, earthy, savory, with a light sweetness of honey. Similar to buttered buckwheat pancakes or cream of wheat. Terrific mouthfeel. The finish is medium with buckwheat, a light oak, and a savory spiciness such as nutmeg and allspice.  


Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry brightens and lightens it while bringing even more grain to the surface and it is very nutty. In addition, it made it much spicer with strong notes of cinnamon, especially on the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – Very interesting. The grains have now taken a back seat and taking the driver’s position is pecan, caramel, and dark chocolate. The finish is dry, spicy, and oaky.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate muted many of the grains and sweet flavors, leaving almost a sour note and added a black pepper finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

If you love bourbon, you really need to give this a try. It is not common to find Kasha as a bourbon grain, and one that is done this well is not to be missed. That said, this is not a standard bourbon flavor profile so it is important that you are ready for that when first taste it. Take time with it and enjoy it for its savoriness.

A bit after our tasting concluded, we decided to enjoy another pour while having cigars. We each selected a Drew Estate Acid – Kuba Kuba for Wayne and Blondie Belicoso for me. We found them each to be a fine pairing as they did not overwhelm one another but brought out some great flavors in each.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Spirit Requirements

Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Bottled-in-Bond – Must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery; must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years; and the aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof). For additional information on Bottled-in-Bond requirements, please read this post – Bottled in Bond.

NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

July 2024 Little Book Chapter 8 Tasting

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July 9, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I had been very curious about Freddie Noe’s Little Book Chapter 8: Path Not Taken. During our mid-June trip to Louisville, we had some extra time and decided to drive to Clermont to see if the James B Beam American Outpost had it. They did and we purchased one bottle. We have been traveling a bit since then and finally had an opportunity to take some time with a formal tasting of this expression.

From their website: Knowing that rye has roots extending to the beginning of American Whiskey and holds more than two centuries of heritage, you could say, “it’s been done.” But with this chapter, “Path Not Taken,” we explore the future of American Rye by blending a unique range of rye whiskies together and show you that rye still has plenty of stories left to tell.

Undisclosed blend of the following:
18yrs Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (High Rye)
11yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
7yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Malt Whiskey
5yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (KY Family-Style, Char 4)
5yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (PA Family-Style, Char 1)
5yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (PA Family-Style, Char 4)
4yrs Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Little Book Chapter 8: Path Not Taken

Mashbill – Blend of 7 (see above)
Age – NAS (blend of 4-18 years)
Proof – 118.1
Price Paid – $169.60 (with tax)

Appearance – Deep copper. Great legs.  

Aroma – Sweet rye bread, butterscotch, dill, honey. It is truly inviting.

Tasted Neat – Wow! There is so much going on! Like the nose, there is rye bread, butterscotch, honey and dill. There is the addition of floral notes, apricot and a hearty/yeasty dough. It has a lot of viscosity for a terrific mouthfeel.

Finish: Incredibly long and lingering in a most pleasant manner. There is white pepper, a lot of rye spice, apricot, and oak.  

Tasted with dried cranberry – This truly brings out the ryegrass. The other flavors have been somewhat muted but there is still a bit of sweetness from apricot on the back and toasted rye bread lingers on the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – That is much spicer than it was and not in a pleasant way. A lot of barrel char seems present and in a more bitter manner.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The tastiness of the rye bread returned but the apricot is still missing but a hint of butterscotch returned. The finish is greatly diminished from when it was tasted neat.

Discussion and Final Notes

While not technically a Rye Whiskey (due to the bourbon inclusion), everything about this American Blended Straight Whiskey says, “Hey – look at me. Just taste me. You think I’m a Rye, don’t you?” From the aroma, to the taste, and with the finish … you would swear it is a Rye!

The Path Not Taken is incredibly complex at each stage. The blending of this by Freddie Noe was truly masterful. Wayne and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That said, it isn’t a multiple pour drink – perhaps due to the complexity, spice, or proof. The positive of that is that we plan to enjoy this bottle again and again, one pour at a time. We are thrilled to have it in our portfolio!

Based on how it tasted with the dried cranberry, pecan, and dark chocolate, it could be a challenge to pair successfully with a meal unless you have some particular expertise. For us, the cranberry was the best pairing and that might indicate that it would be terrific with appetizers such as a charcuterie plate or even with a light salad. For us, we will likely enjoy it most often as a pre-dinner drink.

Again, we enjoyed this very much. If you love Rye, please consider picking up a bottle when you see one as we do not believe you will be disappointed. Regardless of your preference for Rye, we highly recommend at least taking advantage of a pour, when available, at your favorite pub.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Spirit Requirements

Straight Whiskey – Distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4).

Rye Whiskey Basic Requirements – Rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye. It must be distilled at 160 proof or less.  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a proof of 125 or below. Straight rye whiskey is a subcategory of rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels and doesn’t contain any additives. If aged less than four years, the label must include an age statement. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Rye Whiskey.

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

First Tour of Spirits of French Lick Distillery

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July 7, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

The last weekend of June, Wayne and I decided to explore and enjoy more of Southern Indiana. Our first stop was West Baden, IN. We have been there before and it has much to offer, including historical sites, hotels, a casino, and French Lick Winery that now includes Spirits of French Lick Distillery.

The last time we visited the winery/distillery, they were just beginning to offer vodka, gin, and rum spirits. Now they have a variety of bourbon, rye, brandy, botanical spirits, and American Whiskey. Per their website, Spirits of French Lick is the largest pot-still distillery in Indiana. This traditional method, combined with their double pot still distillation process, allows for greater control over the spirit’s flavor and character. They also utilize lower entry proofs into the barrel, further influencing the final taste.

Throughout the distillery and on their bottles, you see the statement: “Respect the Grain.” This is their guiding principle and reflects their commitment to sourcing the highest quality grains, many of which are locally grown and heirloom varieties, and treating them with the utmost care throughout the distilling process.

We were excited about our tour and the opportunity to learn more about their processes. Our guide, Cindy, was perhaps not as excited as we were because it was her very FIRST tour. We assured her that she would be great and since it was just us, we could keep it very conversational and easy going.

Tour of the Spirits of French Lick Distillery

We entered the back room where you immediately knew you were in a distillery based on the terrific aromas. Cindy guided us upstairs where we were able to get a look at their fermenting tanks and pot still.

Cindy explained each step along the way. We entered another room with additional distilling equipment, including a column still where they process vodka and gin.

A favorite part of any tour is the area in which the barrels are stored. It is wonderful to see so many barrels of future spirits while taking in the amazing aromas of the angels’ share.

Cindy did a great job and was also open to learning and added some new questions to her note cards. We are incredibly confident that she will continue to learn and appreciate all aspects of the distilling process. She invited us to come back in a few months just to see how much she has progressed. We plan to do that and cheer her on every step of the way!

Rebecca, Cindy, and Wayne after our great tour!

Tasting Flight

At the conclusion of the tour, we enjoyed a guided tasting of four spirits. For the tasting, we each selected:
*Lee W. Sinclair – Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon
*William Dalton – Bottled in Bond Wheated Wheated Bourbon
*The Morning Glory – Bottled in Bond Kasha Bourbon

In addition:
*Wayne selected The Mattie Gladden – Bottled in Bond High Rye Bourbon
*Rebecca selected Hindostan Falls – Bottled in Bond Heirloom Bourbon

We loved that each was a Bottled in Bond and that interesting grain combinations were used to create unique spirits. For this visit, we selected The Morning Glory to purchase as it was the most different from anything that we have on our bourbon shelves. You can read our tasting notes HERE.

In addition, Wayne had a glass of their Cabernet Franc and thoroughly loved it and had to have a bottle. That is high praise since that is his very favorite wine varietal.

Gift Shop

Our tour included a Kenzie glass for each of us. Interestingly, they do not sell those and the only way to acquire one is to take the tour.

In addition to the wine and bourbon, two yummy pieces of fudge were purchased – one was chocolate peanut butter and the other was cappuccino. That cappuccino fudge became an instant favorite!

Distillery Trail Statistics

Spirits of French Lick Distillery in West Baden, IN was our 61st distillery, the 6th Indiana distillery, and our 132nd distillery experience. We had a great time and highly recommend that you add them to your bourbon journey.

Pro Tip: Plan to visit other nearby distilleries. From Spirits of French Lick, you can can head a mere 17 miles South to Patoka Lake Winery (which will include the soon-to-open Old Homestead Distilling Co.) with very nice lodging options. Another option is to drive less than 50 miles Southeast to Starlight Distillery, which is then only 30 minutes to Louisville. Of course, you could start in Louisville, head to Starlight, Spirits of French Lick, and Patoka Lake Winery/Old Homestead Distilling.

Happy Trails!
Rebecca & Wayne

All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.

First Visit to Starlight Distillery

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July 4, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

June 15, 2024, Wayne and I visited Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN for the very first time. In addition, June 29th we made a return visit. Yes, we enjoyed it that much! Getting to the distillery was reminiscent of a Beatles song, “The Long and Winding Road.” But seriously, there was lovely landscape along the way.

Upon arrival, we were amazed at just how large the Huber Family Farm, including the Huber Winery and Starlight Distillery, is! During our tour, we learned it is over 800 acres. Our minds were somewhat blown as we drove in the entrance … people, cars, directional signs, and more as far as our eyes could see. We expected to see a small family establishment like so many others that we have experienced; however, we learned rather quickly that this would be like no other.

Tractors pulling U-pick wagons filled with people were heading to the various U-pick areas. Berries and peaches seemed to be very popular. The Farm Market was filled with vibrant colors from so many amazing fruits and vegetables – we knew we would make that our final stop so we could take home some goodies. The fresh ice cream shopped looked amazing but even after two visits, we have yet to indulge in that sweet frozen cream, perhaps next time!

We could see the distillery in the distance but it was a few hours until our tour so we looked around the bottle and gift shop and then grabbed some beverages and headed toward the expansive patio to listen to live music. We met some terrific people and visited with them. We learned that they come often for the fresh fruits & veggies as well as the great atmosphere for family.

While we didn’t try the food on our first visit, we did get the “burger” on the second trip. Wow! It was huge and delightful. We may have opted to split one had we known it was so enormous since it was a double cheeseburger. We each got the Peach Tea with Bourbon as our beverage – also quite good. They have a good selection on their menu and cafe bar and we will make time for lunch on subsequent trips.

This note on their website really sums it up: “Since 1843, our family has cultivated an oasis for you to connect with your loved ones surrounded by the natural beauty of Southern Indiana. Make new memories every time you come—whether you’re with your kids, your friends, or your parents. When you visit Huber’s, you become family, too.”

We couldn’t agree more with their description. We have fallen in love with the Huber Family Farm and all it has to offer. This will become a regular stop on our journey. We hope you will visit too!

Tour of the Starlight Distillery

Rikki Urquhart, Starlight’s Tour Guide Manager, was our guide and she was incredibly knowledgable and engaging throughout. We had booked the “Straight From the Barrel Tour” that included all aspects of production and concluded in the rickhouse for a tasting flight that Rikki thieved straight from the barrels for us.

Rikki Urquhart, Starlight’s Tour Guide Manager

The tour began in the cellar (which was nice and cool on a rather hot day) and included a history of the Huber Family, the farm, the winery, and distillery. We were surrounded by some amazing wine barrels and overhead you see see remnants of some very old vines.

We moved room to room to view and learn about the various aspects of production, starting with wines and then the distilled spirits.

We made our way out to the rickhouse where we would partake in a tasting that Rikki thieved from various barrels. Each expression was unique and included a double oaked, finished bourbons, and a rye. The selections that Rikki made were outstanding.

This is a terrific tour! We highly recommend it as you get to learn so much and then experience the rickhouse thieving tasting. Thank you, Rikki, for an amazing afternoon!

Starlight Gift & Bottle Shop

We didn’t purchase souvenirs on either trip, but I’m thinking that a T-shirt might be in our future. We were fortunate that our barrel thieving tour included Glencairn glasses and 10-year anniversary pins. That said, there were bottle purchases. In addition to what is pictured below, we also got a bottle of their Cabernet Franc (Wayne’s favorite wine) and their Peach Brandy.

One of these has already been placed on my hat!

Bourbon finish in honey barrels, Cigar Batch, Double Oaked, and Bourbon finished in Champagne Wine Casks.

We enjoyed the Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Casks so much that it was the reason for a rather quick subsequent trip – to get a couple more. You can read our tasting notes HERE.

Distillery Trail Statistics

The Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN was our 60th distillery, the 5th Indiana distillery, and our 129th distillery experience.

Pro Tip: Plan to visit other nearby distilleries. Starlight Distillery is only 30 minutes from Louisville, KY with over 10 distilleries and/or experiences. Also nearby, the Spirits of French Lick.

Happy Trails!
Rebecca & Wayne

All photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer unless otherwise noted.

July 2024 Tasting of Starlight Bourbon Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels

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July 2, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I recently visited the Starlight Distillery in Borden, IN for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please see our visit story HERE. Thus, for this tasting, we decided to taste a recent Single Barrel release that we purchased during our visit: Starlight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels. We were intrigued by this one at the distillery and requested a small sample taste. That was enough for us to make the purchase. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already. 

Starlight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels, Single Barrel

Mashbill – Carl T. Single Barrel Bourbons begins with their 3-grain and 4-grain mash bills. Undisclosed blend of:
1) 60% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley
2) 51% Corn, 20% Rye, 20% Malted Barley, 9% Wheat

Age – 4 years
Proof – 117.8
Price Paid – $80.24 (with tax)
Finished – Finished in Champagne Wine Barrels
Other – Sweet Mash Fermentation, Distilled in Copper Pot Stills; uncut, and straight from the barrel without any filtration.

Appearance – Golden amber. They are somewhat slow to form but this spirit has terrific legs on the glass.

Aroma – Very inviting nose with the light brightness of summer fruits and maybe a hint of citrus. There is also the sweetness of vanilla cream. In addition, there is a warm baking spice aroma coming through.

Tasted Neat – The bourbon comes forward clearly with notes of vanilla cream, light caramel, hints of grape, and nice baking spices. The finish is fascinating with somewhat of an effervescence that is almost popping with the flavor of grapes. It is like the perfect marriage of bourbon and champagne in a most unique way.

Tasted with dried cranberry –  The cranberry makes it pop more and brings the grape forward. The front and middle of the palate is champagne-like while the finish has a warm bourbon hug with spices.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan comes through like a candied pecan and the grape-like fruitiness is gone as is the effervescence. It is also much woodier an with a nice spice note. Different but still good.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Interestingly, the chocolate brought a lot of spice, such as white pepper, baking spices, and cinnamon. The effervescence returned as well and each pop seems a bit like a spice explosion.

Discussion and Final Notes

This is a story of bourbon meeting champagne and becoming great friends. In our minds, this shouldn’t be the case; however, in our mouths, this unique finishing creates a one-of-a-kind taste sensation. The feeling of effervescence and the taste of a traditional bourbon with hints of a light champagne taste is so interesting.

We love that the bourbon holds its own and in a really strong way. However, this does not detour the champagne from letting you know it has arrived at the party as well! This is a bottle that we will want to share with friends to see what they think and watch their reactions. It is truly different, in a great way, and a terrific addition to a bourbon collection.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Straight Bourbon Whiskey Requirements & Sweet Mash

Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.

Sweet Mash: Sweet mash is a process in distillation that does not use the sour mash as a starter for fermentation. Instead, only fresh yeast is used. Using sweet mash has the benefit of more control over specific ingredients and the ability to use lower temperatures for fermentation. However, it does require more maintenance and extreme cleanliness to avoid contamination. For more information, please read this post – Four Stages of Making Spirits.

NOTE: The bourbon in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.