Spirit Tastings

April 2024 George Dickel Tasting

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04/02/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I recently selected two Dickel offerings for a formal tasting. We had the opportunity to visit Cascade Hollow Distilling last August and that is where we acquired these particular bottles. You can read about our visit here.

Selected for this Tasting

George Dickel 15-Year Single Barrel Tennessee Whisky and George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Tennessee Whisky. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

George Dickel 15-Year Single Barrel Tennessee Whisky

Mashbill – 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Age – at least 15 years
Proof – 93.4
Other – Single Barrel
Price Paid – $80.00

Color – Dark copper

Aroma – Sweetness of caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and cherry, with a nice oak, nutmeg, and light smokiness.

Taste –  Very mellow yet a full body. Sweetness of vanilla, toffee, berry, and cocoa. Finishes with nutmeg, a woodiness, a hint of leather, and a light spice.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry brought forward more smokiness but less sweetness. No real finish.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan brought the sweetness back and the toffee and chocolate returned while the smokiness is lessened.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Now there are stronger baking spices and a Heath Bar effect with chocolate covered toffee.  

George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Tennessee Whisky

Mashbill – 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Age – 17 years
Proof – 92
Other – Cask Strength Reserve
Price Paid – $350.00

Color – Medium copper

Aroma – Caramel, vanilla, honey, fruit, leather, light smokiness.

Taste –  Toffee, vanilla, honey, sweet fruits, nutmeg, and dark chocolate, with smokiness and allspice on the finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cranberry took some the sweetness away and muted all the flavors. Now there is basically no finish.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan made it spicier but the toffee notes returned. A hint of white pepper on the finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – The chocolate is interesting as it didn’t do much on the taste but the creaminess is very nice.

Discussion and Final Notes

Interestingly, there are many similarities between the two and we enjoyed each of them.
***15-year-old: Loved the sweetness of vanilla, toffee, berry, and cocoa. Finishes with nutmeg, a woodiness, a hint of leather, and a light spice.
***17-year-old: Really enjoyed the toffee, vanilla, honey, sweet fruits, nutmeg, and dark chocolate, with smokiness and allspice on the finish.

About 15 minutes after we concluded our tasting, our empty glasses were still in front of us. As we often like to do, we revisited the aroma of each empty glass.
***15-year-old: The smokiness is more apparent and what you notice first; however, then there is a lovely sweetness that shines through.
***17-year-old: The first note is toffee and chocolate and those aromas are very pronounced. In addition, there is a cherry-toasted-marshmallow aroma that is divine.

Our recommendation: If you have an opportunity to try either of these, please do so. The 15-year-old is easier to find in stores. Considering the tasting experience, availability, AND the price difference ($80 vs $350), we recommend the 15-year-old. It provides an exceptional pour of Tennessee Whiskey at a good value.

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee Whiskey starts with the same requirements as Bourbon.  It must be made with a mashbill that contains at least 51% corn. It must be distilled at a maximum of 160 proof (80% ABV).  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a maximum of 125 proof (62.5% ABV). In addition, it must be free from added substances (except water) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV).

There are two additional requirements that make it unique. First, it must be made in the state of Tennessee.  Second, it must be filtered through maple charcoal prior to aging. The charcoal filtering is often accomplished using the Lincoln County Process.

For additional information, please read this post – Tennessee Whiskey.

NOTE: The whiskeys 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.

March 2024 Holladay Distillery Tasting

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03/26/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer 

Wayne and I became familiar with the Holladay Distillery and their bourbons while watching Mike Veach & Matt Kohorst tastings on the BourbonVeach YouTube channel. We first watched their tasting of the Soft Red Wheat and later the Rickhouse Proof. They each sounded amazing! We kept an eye out at our local liquor stores and have acquired three bottles over the last few months. We have also reviewed the Holladay Distillery website and now want to make time to visit there this summer! We hope you enjoy our tasting notes and want to give them a try as well.

Selected for this Tasting

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond, Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Rickhouse Proof Small Batch Reserve. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond

Mashbill – 73% Corn, 15% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Proof – 100
Other – Bottled in Bond
Price Paid – $69.99

Color – Medium amber

Aroma – Sweetness is the first thought, caramel, vanilla, fruity – perhaps a nice crisp apple.

Taste –  Very similar to the nose with one exception, it’s got baking spices on the finish. Sweet caramel, vanilla, and apple. Light cinnamon and a pleasant oak on the finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The baking spices became pronounced on the front and the oak is gone. Still very pleasant. It’s almost like being at Cracker Barrel when you order that little bowl of baked cinnamon apples as a side dish.

Tasted with a pecan – The oak is more pronounced and there is still a lite cinnamon on the back.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Beside the mouth feel being great, most of the sweet notes are gone and a strong hit of cinnamon.

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey


Mashbill – 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6
Proof – 100
Other – Bottled in Bond
Price Paid – $64.99

Color – Medium amber. 

Aroma – The sweetness of that soft red wheat is coming through as well as red fruits, vanilla, and a pleasant woodiness.

Taste – Great mouth feel to match the viscosity/legs as demonstrated on the glass. Much like the nose, the soft red wheat is present with sweet caramel and creamy vanilla, a juicy red apple, a hint of cinnamon with a light yet long finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Less sweet, the cinnamon is hitting the mid-palate while the apple seems to be the finish. Not bad – but interesting.

Tasted with a pecan – The caramel and vanilla have returned but the fruit is muted and the baking spices are stronger.

Tasted with dark chocolate – There’s no sweetness or fruit and limited woodiness, but baking spices on the finish. Different yet still pleasant.

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Rickhouse Proof Small Batch Reserve

Mashbill – 73% Corn, 15% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 6 years
Proof – 120.1
Other – Small Batch Reserve
Price Paid – $74.99

Color – Medium to dark amber .

Aroma – Brown sugar, cherry or perhaps another red fruit.

Taste – Caramel, French vanilla, butterscotch, cinnamon, and other baking spices. It is 120.1 proof but it doesn’t drink like we just did a 20-point jump.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Muted the sweetness and amplified the cinnamon. Perhaps a hint of cherry or apple.

Tasted with a pecan – Creamy, juicy apple, woodiness, and a lot more baking spices on the finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Again, very creamy with baking spices, apple, and chocolate. Almost like a chocolate cake with creamy vanilla icing and crumble of apples and cinnamon on top. It is very good with dark chocolate.

Discussion and Final Notes

One thing is for certain, when you taste each of these, you know they are family. While they are each quite distinct, they have some common aromas and tastes that remind you that they are related.

On the nose, each had a lovely sweetness – either caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, or red fruits. The Soft Red Wheat also included that particular grain and the Rickhouse Proof seemed to bring more of the barrel notes and brown sugar. All inviting!

On the palate, they were very true to their nose and that doesn’t always happen. All had terrific viscosity with a very soft and creamy mouth feel. The BIB leaned in with sweet caramel, vanilla, and apple. The Wheated BIB was a bit more pronounced with sweet caramel and creamy vanilla as well as a juicy red apple. The Rickhouse Proof had more pop with its proof and the sweetness leaned more toward french vanilla and butterscotch.

On the finish, all were soft and lingering. The BIB and Wheated BIB lingered with a hint of cinnamon an oak. The Rickhouse Proof had was stronger with the baking spices and woodiness.

Our recommendation: If you find these locally, certainly give at least one a try. Align your selection to what your palate most enjoys. If you can’t decide, get them all as they will be a great addition to your bourbon collection. For us, we now know that we want a back-up bottle of each one plus a visit to the distillery!

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Missouri Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond

Basic requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, free from additives (except water), and bottled at >= 80 proof.

Missouri Bourbon or Missouri Bourbon Whiskey must meet all federal requirements for bourbon AND the 2019 laws to include Missouri on the label: must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in the state of Missouri; aged in oak barrels manufactured in Missouri; and, as of January 1, 2020 – made with corn exclusively grown in Missouri.

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.

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 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.

March 2024 Glenns Creek Tasting

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03/19/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

David Meier with Wayne & Rebecca




Wayne and I visited Glenns Creek Distilling 02/23/24 and had a very informative and enjoyable visit with the owner and Master Distiller, David Meier. We selected three of their expressions to take home and they are the subject of our tasting notes for today.



Selected for this Tasting

Glenns Creek OCD #5, SWHEAT, and Cafe Ole. Each is a Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already. 

Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

What is Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey? Bourbon whiskey must be made in the USA from at least 51% corn. 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. In addition, it must be free from added substances (except water) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. To add “Kentucky” to the label, it must be aged for at least one year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information, read Bourbon Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.

Glenns Creek OCD #5 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Mashbill – Corn 85%, Rye 10%, Barley Malt 5%

Age – 44 months

Proof – 103.2

Price Paid – $70.00

Color – Medium Amber

Aroma – Cherry and corn are dominate with vanilla and baking spices as well.

Taste –  Corn, cherry, vanilla, with light baking spices. It has a lot of viscosity and that which is demonstrated about the legs on the glass as well. The finish is a pleasant warm hug.

Tasted with dried cranberry – A bit less corn but the cherry, vanilla, and baking spices remained.

Tasted with a pecan – Many of the earlier flavors seem to have been muted and replaced with a woodiness, light fruit, cinnamon and a white pepper finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Turned up the volume on the baking spices and it has a longer finish that lingers with chocolate.

Notes – Very nice, a lot of complexity. 

Glenns Creek SWEAT Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey


Mashbill – Corn 85%, Wheat 10%, Barley Malt 5%

Age – 42 months

Proof – 100

Price Paid – $68.00

Color – Light Amber

Aroma – Many sweet notes including corn, caramel, and cherry.

Taste –  Corn, the nuttiness of marzipan, and cinnamon on the finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Removed the corn and other flavor nuances and replaced it with stronger baking spices and light pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – Corn, woodiness, and caramel. Similar to a tub of buttered popcorn that has caramel and chocolate drizzled over it.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Baking spices, a hint of corn at the beginning.

Notes: Enjoyable. Corn forward so it somewhat loses the common wheat flavors. 

Glenns Creek Cafe Ole Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey


Mashbill – Corn 85%, Rye 10%, Roasted Barley Malt 5%

Age – 56 months

Proof – 105.8

Price Paid – $68.00

Color – Darker Amber

Aroma – Coffee, chocolate, rich caramel, butterscotch … like you walked into an amazing coffee shop.

Taste –  Coffee, chocolate, a fantastic mocha.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Not appealing as it removes the terrific mocha notes and brings out more of a cherry cough syrup.

Tasted with a pecan – Back to chocolate and coffee with a bit of woodiness.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Chocolate but lost the coffee. Instead, there is cherry, baking spices, and a white pepper finish.  

Notes: This would be an awesome after dinner drink. You could add it to a nice cup of coffee and top it off with whipped cream.

Final Notes and Discussion

While they are all very good and recommended, our personal preference order would be: Cafe Ole, OCD #5, and SWEAT. The first two are somewhat of a toss up but the Cafe Ole edged to the front due to its uniqueness.

The SWEAT is a very nice bourbon. Since it is so corn forward, the wheat takes a bit of a back seat. Love it as a bourbon but it wouldn’t rank high for us in the specific wheated bourbon category.

OCD #5 is terrific. Good level of complexity, excellent flavor profile, very enjoyable.

The Cafe Ole is phenomenal. It is complex with the coffee mocha nuances. It would make a great alternative for an after dinner drink if you didn’t want to have coffee, brandy, or even dessert after dinner. A neat pour of this would be fantastic.

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The bourbons in this review were 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.

March 2024 Old Fitzgerald 1976 Decanter Tasting

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March 17, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I were married March 17, 2020. Yesterday, Wayne surprised me with an early anniversary gift. It was an unopened bicentennial decanter of Old Fitzgerald. It had remained in a clear plastic carton and the bottle is pristine!

He shared that he spotted this bootle during our visit to Northern Kentucky and the Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in late January. He later contacted Brad Bonds and made the purchase.

About the Bottle: 1976 Old Fitzgerald American Sons of St. Patrick Bicentennial

The 1976 Old Fitzgerald American Sons of St. Patrick Bicentennial is a ceramic decanter that celebrates the 1976 American Sons of St. Patrick Bicentennial. The decanter is made of genuine porcelain by Fitzgerald Distillery, Inc. and is about 9 1/8 inches tall. The decanter is part of the Old Fitzgerald Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bicentennial bottling series and contains whiskey distilled at Stitzel-Weller.

Images on the decanter include: Com. John Barry, “Father of the Navy;” Maj. General John Sullivan; General Andrew Lewis, “Idol of the Army;” Andrew Jackson, First Irish President; Gustavus Conyngham, “The Dunkirk Pirate;” Col. John P. Fitzgerald, Finest Horseman in the Revolution; Tim Murphy, Hero of Bemis Heights 1777; Richard Montgomery, Hero at Quebec 1775; and Margaret Corbin at Ft. Washington, Nov 15, 1776.

Opening a Vintage Bottle

Opening a vintage bottle always requires care; however, even with the utmost care, corks can be brittle and break. This happened with this bottle on first touch of the ceramic lid.

Following what we had observed previously, I carefully placed toothpicks around the edge of the cork and carefully used a knife to loosen it. Unfortunately, I should have stuck the toothpicks in further as the cork broke off.

From this point, the main option was to allow the cork to fall into the bottle. We then strained it into a large glass a bit at a time to ensure removal of cork. An additional strain into a decanter was the final step.

The bourbon was clear, cork-free, and ready to drink!

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

Tasting Notes: Old Fitzgerald American Sons of St. Patrick Decanter

Mashbill – The researched mashbill for Old Fitzgerald Prime in the early 1970s was 70% Corn, 20% Wheat, and 10% Malted Barley.

Age – According to bourbon historian, Michael Veach, Old Fitz Prime was typically a blend of 4-8 year-old-whiskey with mostly 6-year-old.

Distilled – If this whiskey was bottled around 1976, and the dominate age was 6 years, it was likely distilled and barreled around 1970.

Proof – 86

Color – Deep golden to light amber.

Aroma – Caramel, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla.

Tasted Neat – Like a cinnamon candy apple that you get at the fair with a hint of leather and a very long and pleasant finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry –  Leather, tobacco, and a hint of apple.

Tasted with a pecan –  Apple, chocolate, baking spices, and tobacco.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Baking spices, apple, with light pepper on the finish.  

Additional note – About an hour after we finished the tasting, our empty glasses remained in front of us. The aroma from the glass carried a strong nose of tobacco and nothing else. It was fascinating.

Discussion and Final Notes

Tasting from a dusty bottle is always a unique experience. You quickly learn that what was made then may not taste like it does today. We have never owned a bottle of Old Fitzgerald but have had the opportunity to taste it. As wonderful as it is today, there is something about tasting history that brings it to a new level.

If you have the opportunity to taste Old Fitzgerald from this era, we highly recommend it. And if you do, let us know what you thought.

A huge thank you to our friend and bourbon historian, Michael Veach, who identified the bourbon as Old Fitzgerald Prime and the historical age of this bourbon at time of bottling.


If you are ever in the Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati area, please make plans to stop by and visit Revival Vintage Bottle Shop. It is an experience like none other.

When you first enter, you aren’t sure where to looks because you are surrounded by amazing dusty bottles that represent the history of spirits. They have great specials each day to taste these amazing dusty bottles.

If you decide you would like to take one home, Brad Bonds will guide you toward a great decision!

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Spirt Requirements

This bottle contains 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, read Bourbon Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.

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.

March 2024 Irish Whiskey Tasting

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03/14/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

Irish whiskey is made from a high grain mash of barley, wheat, and corn. The exact quantities of each grain depend on the type of whiskey. The most common primary grain is barley.  The barley and be malted, un-malted, or a combination of each.

The Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 defines the basic requirements for Irish whiskey. The act protects Irish whiskey by statute law and provides regulations and labeling for the spirit. The requirements include: produced and aged in Ireland; made from cereal grains that are fermented with yeast; distilled no higher than 94.8% ABV (proof of 189.6); aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years; free of added substances with the exception of water and caramel coloring; bottled at a minimum ABV of 40% (proof of 80). For more information, please read Irish Whiskey.

Irish Whiskey for this Tasting

For this tasting, we selected expressions from Bushmills, Tullamore DEW, Jameson, Ha’Penny, and Redbreast.

Bushmills


Type – Malt Irish Whiskey; Made in pot stills at one distillery with only water and malted barley.
Distillation – Triple Distilled
Proof – 80
Age – Minimum of 3 years in seasoned bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks
Price Paid – $24.98

Color – light gold
Aroma – light citrus, apples, cinnamon
Taste – a hint of tea, citrus, vanilla, melon, honey, Granny Smith apple, with cinnamon on the finish
Tasted with dried cranberry – added a pepper flavor as well as allspice.
Tasted with a pecan – chocolate really came forward and the spice is gone.
Tasted with dark chocolate – creamy, buttery, caramel.

Tullamore DEW


Type – Blended Irish Whiskey; made from three styles of Irish whiskey, including grain, malt, and pot still. 
Distillation – Triple Distilled
Proof – 80
Age – Non-age statement (NAS); aged in Oloroso Sherry and old bourbon oak casks
Price Paid – $24.98

Color – light gold
Aroma – grains, sweetness such as toffee and fruit
Taste – citrus, spice, vanilla, honey, earthy
Tasted with dried cranberry – slight fruitiness comes through and there is a berry and orange flavor as well.
Tasted with a pecan – citrus and a slight white pepper on the back
Tasted with dark chocolate – did not add anything to the flavor and seemed to mute it quite a bit.

Jameson

Type – Blended Irish Whiskey; the whiskey is a blend from both column and pot stills.
Distillation – Triple Distilled
Proof – 80
Age – Non-age statement (NAS)
Price Paid – $28.98
Color – light gold

Aroma – tea, floral, light spice, herbs
Taste – citrus – perhaps grapefruit, herbal, light spices, somewhat floral.
Tasted with dried cranberry – a pop of citrus came through with some pepper on the finish.
Tasted with a pecan – citrus again but the pepper is gone.
Tasted with dark chocolate – not much difference except there is white pepper on the finish.

Ha’Penny

Type – Unsure
Proof – 86
Age – Non-age statement (NAS) blend of 4–10-year-old whiskies from four types of barrels… Bourbon, Port, Sherry and Double Charred. 
Price Paid – $54.99

Color – light gold
Aroma – honey, chocolate, dates, vanilla
Taste – grain, dates, clove, berries, chocolate, cinnamon.
Tasted with dried cranberry – a lot of citrus with the cranberry.
Tasted with a pecan – chocolate, similar to a chocolate covered orange.
Tasted with dark chocolate – no change, did not enhance or detract.

Redbreast 12 Year

Type – Pot Still Irish Whiskey; Denotes it was made from malted and un-malted barley and distilled only in a pot still.
Distillation – Triple Distilled
Proof – 80
Age – 12 years
Price Paid – $73.99

Color – light gold
Aroma – brown sugar, herbal, light spice, fruit
Taste – tea, citrus, maybe lemon tea, fruit, spicy notes, some toasted flavors.
Tasted with dried cranberry – not a lot of change but somewhat of a bubbly mouth fee.
Tasted with a pecan – adds a note of chocolate.
Tasted with dark chocolate – almost added the zest of a lemon or orange.

Discussion and Final Notes

**Bushmills: Clean, crisp, citrus, easy to drink, readily available, only $25.
**Tulamore: Nice, citrus, spice, vanilla, honey, earthy, easy to drink, readily available, only $25.
**Jameson: Good, grapefruit, herbal, light spices, somewhat floral, easy to drink, readily available, under $30.
**Ha’Penny: Very good, grain, dates, clove, berries, chocolate, cinnamon, smooth to drink, haven’t seen it in bars or prevalent in liquor stores (we acquired it on our Town Branch Distillery visit), a bit higher price point at $55.
**Redbreast: Excellent, tea, citrus, maybe lemon tea, fruit, spicy notes, some toasted flavors, very pleasant drink, readily available, highest price point at $74 but it is a 12-year-old.

Recommendations
All of these are good pours of Irish Whiskey. If you just want to shoot a few on St. Patty’s Day, we recommend going with any of the lower priced items. If you want to drink it neat and seek to acquire more of a taste for Irish Whiskey, Red Breast 12-year-old was the standout for this particular lineup.

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The whiskeys 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.

March 2024 Hard Truth Sweet Mash Tasting

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03/05/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

With the long-awaited release of Hard Truth’s Sweet Mash Bourbons, Wayne and I were anxious to get the bottles locally and sit down to do a formal tasting.

Basic requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, free from additives (except water), and 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.

These selections are also labeled as 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.

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon

Mashbill – 73% Corn, 19% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Age – At least 4 years old
Proof – 90
Specifics – Sweet Mash, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered
Price Paid – $44.99

Color – medium copper

Aroma – sweetness of caramel and vanilla with a hint of nutmeg and perhaps a fruit such as apple or berry.

Taste –  less sweetness that on the nose but a very light hint of caramel; has a black pepper finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry – the berry and red apple from the nose is coming forward with the cranberry, the finish is greatly softened but still carries a note of pepper.

Tasted with a pecan – this brought the pepper forward, but it is more of a white pepper and a nice sweetness from caramel is present.

Tasted with dark chocolate – caramel and chocolate are strong as well as some baking spices and hints of oak.

Notes: A very good 90 proof bourbon for under $45.

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon – Bottled in Bond


Mashbill – 69% Corn, 19% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
Age – At least 4 years old
Proof – 100
Specifics – Sweet Mash, Wheated Bourbon, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered, Bottled in Bond
Price Paid – $54.99

Color – medium copper

Aroma – the sweetness of the wheat really comes through as well as honey and light baking spices, it is very inviting, much like a muffin right fresh from the oven and you can’t wait to taste it.

Taste – sweet wheat and honey, much like the nose, and a very nice finish of cinnamon and perhaps another baking spice.

Tasted with dried cranberry – brought forward a strong black pepper and the lovely wheat sweetness has faded.

Tasted with a pecan – a sweet caramel comes forward and the wheat is present, the finish is more of a light white pepper.

Tasted with dark chocolate – baking spices are really forward but not on the finish, the sweetness seems to have disappeared.

Notes: This is a fine wheated bourbon in the $50 price range. This is something that we will want to keep on our bourbon shelf.

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Four Grain Bourbon – Bottled in Bond

Mashbill – 78% Corn, 9% Rye, 9% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
Age – At least 4 years old
Proof – 100
Specifics – Sweet Mash, Four Grain Bourbon, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, Non-Chill Filtered, Bottled in Bond
Price Paid – $59.99

Color – medium copper

Aroma – quite different from the other two, notes of sweet cherries. Interesting that there is 78% corn yet it isn’t on the nose.

Taste – cherry, baking spices, and a minimal finish, perhaps like a cinnamon wheat cereal, not as much grain as anticipated in a four grain bourbon.

Tasted with dried cranberry – brings the wheat forward, really warm and inviting.

Tasted with a pecan – now it has the sweetness of caramel and a cinnamon baking spice with a light finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – very similar as with the pecan … light caramel and cinnamon.

Notes: It is a nice pour of a four grain although not what we were expecting. While equal percentages (9%) in the mashbill, the wheat is a bit more prevalent than the rye. It drinks much more like a “regular” bourbon than a four grain. Perhaps the 9% rye and 9% wheat are not enough of those grains to make a significant difference.

Comparison and Ranking

Aroma
  Wayne: Wheated, Four Grain, Bourbon
  Rebecca: Four Grain, Wheated, Bourbon
Taste
  Wayne: Wheated, Four Grain, Bourbon
  Rebecca: Wheated, Four Grain, Bourbon
Overall
  Wayne: Wheated, Four Grain, Bourbon
  Rebecca: Wheated, Four Grain, Bourbon

Discussion – Each of the new Sour Mash offerings from Hard Truth is very good and at a reasonable price point. The Sour Mash Bourbon is good and good value for the money. The Sour Mash Four Grain Bourbon offers a different taste profile even though the grains do not stand out like we have experienced in other four grains. That said, due to the price point and taste profile, we would certainly recommend it. If we could only buy one, it would be the Sour Mash Wheated.

We have loved Hard Truth Ryes for a few years and it is wonderful to see them release these new Sour Mash Bourbon varieties with a very approachable price point.

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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.

February 2024 Traveller Whiskey Tasting

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02/27/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the recent release from Buffalo Trace, Traveller Whiskey. From the Buffalo Trace site: For this first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller brings together the collective artistry of 8X Grammy Award-Winning Artist Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley.

What is a Blended Whiskey? A Blended Whiskey is a mixture of different types of whiskeys, sometimes with other ingredients. It’s typically made by mixing one or more higher-quality straight or single malt whiskeys with less expensive spirits, neutral spirits, colorings, and flavorings. For example, a blended Scotch might be a combination of a barrel-aged malt whisky and some other grain whisky. In the US, blended whiskey is a combination of straight whiskies and neutral spirits containing at least 20 percent straight whiskey and bottled at not less than 80 proof. For additional information, read Blended Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.

Buffalo Trace Welcome Center

Traveller Whiskey Blend No. 40

Mashbill – Unknown a blended whiskey

Age – Unknown a blended whiskey

Blend – From the Buffalo Trace site: In pursuit of the finest possible whiskey, over 50 blends were sampled before making Blend No. 40 the chosen combination. Blend No. 40 is the carefully curated result of countless hours of testing & tasting and is exactly what you’d expect – a premium whiskey that speaks for itself. 

Proof – 90

Price Paid – $39.99

Color – golden

Aroma – very light, sweet such as honey or fruit, not distinct, doesn’t draw you in but also doesn’t push you away.

Tasted Neat –  somewhat of a creamy mouthfeel, like the nose, it is sweet with hints of maple, caramel, or some sort of dessert.

Tasted with dried cranberry –  sweetness again with nothing distinct or specific.

Tasted with a pecan –  brought out some complexity of oak and white pepper.

Tasted with dark chocolate – the creamy mouthfeel returned, but it is rather one note.

Discussion and Final Notes

In general, it is a rather nondescript whiskey that lacks complexity. However, with the marketing, availability, and price point, it has gained a lot of attention by those who might not typically drink whiskey or bourbon.

If you are seeking a sweet, creamy, lower proof whiskey at a good price, you should give Traveller a try. For this reason, it is also a great bottle for bourbon enthusiasts to keep on their shelf for friends who might not appreciate a more robust or complex pour of bourbon.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The whiskey 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.

February 2024 Oak Eye Bourbon Tasting

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02/20/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon from Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow, KY. We have had this bottle for quite some times as we purchased it on our first visit to the distillery July 30, 2022.

What is Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey? Bourbon whiskey must be made in the USA from at least 51% corn. 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. In addition, it must be free from added substances (except water) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. To add “Kentucky” to the label, it must be aged for at least one year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information, read Bourbon Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.

Second Sight Spirits

Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon



Mashbill – 72% Corn, 16% Wheat, 5% Rye, and 7% Malted Barley
Age – 1.8 years
Proof – 92.1
Barrel – 15 gallon with Char Level 3 and 115 entry proof
Price Paid – $33 for 375ml





Color – copper

Aroma – honey, grains, barley, sweet cereal.

Tasted Neat – wheat, barley, honey with cinnamon and nutmeg on the lingering finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry –  added pops of citrus (perhaps orange zest) but no longer grain-forward.

Tasted with a pecan –  the grains return in a strong way but the fruit is gone and the original cinnamon finish is very light.

Tasted with dark chocolate – as with chocolate, it is creamy; however, it reduced a lot of the original character of this spirit. That said, it is very smooth and stands up as a solid bourbon.  

Discussion and Final Notes

Nice color, great nose, and the viscosity produces lingering legs. If you enjoy tasting multiple grains in your bourbon, you will certainly enjoy this pour. While it drinks terrifically as a neat pour, we can envision it being great in an Old Fashioned with walnut bitters.

If you have the opportunity to try a pour of Oak Eye, please do! Better yet, make a trip to Second Sight Spirits and enjoy the entire experience of what founders, Rick Couch and Carus Waggoner, have brought to Ludlow, KY.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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.

February 2024 Green River Rye Whiskey Tasting

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February 13, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the latest release from Green River Distilling – their Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. We purchased this bottle when we attended their Rye Launch Party on February 1, 2024. Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already. 

Green River – the whiskey without regrets!

Green River Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey



Mashbill – 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley
Age – A blend of 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old barrels
Proof – 95
Price Paid – $37.99
Other – One of the coolest bottles around with the horseshoe base as a throwback to their historical DSP-KY-10

Color – golden amber

Aroma – doesn’t have a typical rye note on the nose; a lot of sweetness comes through such as honey, brown sugar, and a sweet fruit.


Tasted Neat – citrus, like a sweet orange marmalade with honey and graham crackers, fresh rye grass but not as expected for a 95% rye, fruitiness but with a nice rye spice and oak finish.

Tasted with dried cranberry –  reduced the sweetness and mostly muted the rye spice.

Tasted with a pecan –  A new type of sweetness now, such as caramel and chocolate, but with pepper, cinnamon, and maybe some oak on the finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – creamy sweetness of caramel, but with a stronger presence of baking spices and then pepper for the finish.  

Discussion and Final Notes

This is rye provides a really nice ride. It is a 95% rye that drinks quite similarly to a bourbon. You know it is rye from the rye grass, slight mint, and rye spices; however, the sweet citrus fruit – such as orange marmalade plus the graham cracker tricks your mind to thinking about bourbon.

If we had friends over that said they absolutely do not like rye, I would pour them a taste of the Green River to see if we could change their mind.

This whiskey is also at a great price point of under $40 and should be readily available through regular distribution channels. I believe Green River is now in 25 states, so look for it on the shelves of your local liquor store.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Spirit Requirements

What is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey? 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. To add “Kentucky” to the label, it must be aged for at least one year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information, read Rye Whiskey, part of the Sunday Spirit Notes.

NOTE: The whiskey 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.

February 2024 Augusta Distillery Bourbon Tasting

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02/07/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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

For this tasting, Wayne and I decided to taste and compare three selections from one of the newest members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour: Augusta Distillery. We purchased these when we visited the distillery January 27, 2024. You can read about our visit here.

They are all Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys. 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.

Augusta River Proof Series 24

Mashbill – 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
Proof – 120.4
Aged – 24 months
Other – Single Barrel
Awards – Silver at 2023 World Spirits Competition
Price Paid – $49.99

Color – light copper
Aroma – honey, citrus, a hint of caramel, and fennel
Taste – fennel, caramel, light baking spice, cinnamon on the finish; it drinks more like 105-110 versus 120; Tasted with dried cranberry – more caramel, spices in the middle but then finishes smooth with light nutmeg; Tasted with a pecan – very spicy on the front and with less sweetness, a slight hint of chocolate and caramel with a pecan; Tasted with dark chocolate – the caramel is back, baking spice in the middle.

General Notes – A fairly complex drink for a two-year-old bourbon. Carmel, warm spices, and a gentle finish of fennel. Doesn’t drink like 120 proof and is a great price point.

Augusta Old Route 8


Mashbill – 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% malted barley
Proof – 121.1
Aged – 8 Years
Specifics – Bottle 176 of Barrel 60; Single Barrel, Unfiltered, Cask Strength
Awards – Gold at 2023 World Spirits Competition
Price Paid – $114.99

Color – dark amber
Aroma – caramel, baking spices, bit of smokiness
Taste – caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, oak, with a pleasant peppery finish; Tasted with dried cranberry – brought out the smokiness from the aroma as well as oak, sweetness is very limited; Tasted with a pecan – creaminess on the front and a very peppery finish; Tasted with dark chocolate – A bit of sweetness but many of the other flavors got lost.

General Notes – If you enjoy oak and smokiness with a hint of pepper, this would hit those marks. We would love to try this in a smoked Old Fashioned. This also might be extremely complimentary to pair with the right cigar.

Augusta Buckner’s 10-Year-Old

Mashbill – 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 10 Years
Proof – 125
Specifics – Bottle 129 of Barrel 47; Single Barrel, Unfiltered, Cask Strength
Price Paid – $149.99

Color – medium amber
Aroma – an inviting sweetness such as honey and vanilla with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar
Taste – very cinnamon forward, caramel, baking spices, oaky; Tasted with dried cranberry – smoky, but it now tastes more like it smelled regarding brown sugar and cinnamon; Tasted with a pecan – hot with cinnamon, everything else seems to be missing now; Tasted with dark chocolate – back to being an inviting sweetness of honey with some light brown sugar and cinnamon.

General Notes – We each enjoyed the nose and drinking it neat. However, the cranberry added some interesting notes.

Comparison and Ranking

Aroma
  Wayne: Augusta 8, River Proof Series 24, Buckner 10
  Rebecca: Buckner 10, Augusta 8, River Proof Series 24  
Taste
  Wayne: Augusta 8, Buckner 10, River Proof Series 24
  Rebecca: Buckner 10, River Proof Series 24, Augusta 8
Overall
  Wayne: River Proof Series 24, Augusta 8, Buckner 10
  Rebecca: River Proof Series 24, Augusta 8, Buckner 10 

Discussion – The River Proof Series 24 exceeded our expectations and it’s the one that has the most distinct individual flavor. If we could only buy one bottle at the distillery, we would go with this one based on value and complexity. However, if your friend has a bottle of Augusta 8 or Buckner’s 10 or if you see them on a bar menu, give them a try and let us know what you think.

Cheers,
Rebecca

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

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.