July 2024 The Morning Glory Tasting

July 11, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

July 9, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

July 7, 2024July 12, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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

July 4, 2024July 4, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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.

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

July 2, 2024July 4, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

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.

June 2024 Industry Highlights

July 1, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

07/01/24

Bourbon & Whiskey News Highlights from June 2024.

This monthly post contains a collection of article links from June that have been grouped by topic. Some highlights include market updates, distillery news, awards, festival ticket sales, and new bottle releases. Highlights encompassed stock fluctuations, new distillery additions, and various festival and product launches. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was a key focus, with expanded features and anniversary celebrations. Multiple distilleries also unveiled new bourbon releases.

Industry Market News & Related Announcements

Brown-Forman Stock Falls as Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Sales Slump and Revenue Drops

The Council of Whiskey Masters Reveals New Members

Is MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGPI) the Best Whiskey Stock?

2023’s Biggest-Selling World Whisky Brands

Distillery News

Western Kentucky Distilling Adding Warehouses

The James B. Beam Distilling Co. Announces New Visitor Experiences And Events Calendar

Here’s How Many Bourbon Distilleries Are In Kentucky

This Kentucky Distillery Is The Only Company In The World That Ages Spirits On The River

New Riff Distilling Marks Decade Milestone with Limited Release, 10 Days of Celebrations

Distillery Trail

7 Tips For Visiting Bourbon Distilleries And Traveling The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

25th Anniversary Of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Celebrated At The Frazier Museum

Expanded Kentucky Bourbon Trail To Feature Both Age-Old Distilleries And Relative Newcomers

Awards Announced

Ingram River Aged Takes Home Top Honors at Multiple Spirits Competitions

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company Adds to an Impressive Awards Portfolio

Bourbon Festival News

Kentucky Bourbon Festival Tickets on Sale Now

Bourbon & Beyond Tickets on Sale Now

Bourbon on the Banks Festival Tickets on Sale Now

St. Louis Bourbon Festival Tickets on Sale Soon

Bottle Releases

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Green River Releases Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Knob Creek® Expands Portfolio With Knob Creek® 10 Year Old Rye

Heaven Hill Introduces Old Fitzgerald BiB Spring ’24 Edition

Angel’s Envy Debuts Its First Unfinished Whiskey

Jim Beam Announces The Re-Launch Of Jim Beam Black®

Old Forester® Releases President’s Choice for Father’s Day

Penelope Bourbon releases Rosé Cask Finish

Russell’s Reserve Introduces 15-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This new Maker’s Mark bourbon comes from the heart and is ‘a pure delight.’ Where to find it

Chattanooga Whiskey Founder’s 12th Anniversary Blend

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches Heaven Hill Grain to Glass

One of Texas’s Best Distilleries Just Released a Bourbon Made From Red Corn

Michter’s Distillery to Release 2024 Legacy Series

June 2024 Cap & Cork Hard Truth Dinner Pairing

June 27, 2024August 5, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

June 27, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Wayne and I became aware of this event through a few friends posting and sharing it on Facebook and even through private messages. We have enjoyed Hard Truth spirits for several years but we were not familiar with the Cap & Cork in Henderson, KY. We decided to acquire tickets and attend; after all, it was all about great food and great bourbon – what’s not to like?

Imagine our surprise when we arrive and see many familiar faces. We had no idea that folks we have gotten to know via the Beverage Barn in Henderson had started this new adventure.

In an April article by Chuck Stinnett, I was able to learn that Cap & Cork involves three couples: Brian and Justina McDaniel, owners of the Beverage Barn chain of liquor stores; Michael and Danielle Ervin; and Aaron and Heather Nelson. Michael Ervin, who gained cooking experience at a farm-to-table restaurant and a steakhouse, will serve as executive chef as well as managing partner. Aaron Nelson will focus on the bar, while Heather Nelson will work with Michael Ervin in the kitchen and Justina McDaniel and Danielle Ervin will serve as hostesses.

We got a look at the bar and the selection is truly amazing with many impossible-to-find bourbons. And, if the meal we enjoyed is anything like what their gastropub will produce, the Cap & Cork will quickly become a huge success on Henderson’s beautiful waterfront!

Gathering

When we arrived we saw familiar faces and joined Justin Strumpfer, Master of Bourbon, at his table. By the buzz in the room, you could tell that the guests were in high anticipation of a great meal paired with Hard Truth spirits.

**Cap & Cork Executive Chef/Partner, Michael Ervin**

Once the introductions were made, we heard from the Cap & Cork’s Executive Chef/Partner, Michael Ervin, as he described the menu for the evening. Next, Hard Truth’s Master Distiller/Partner, Bryan Smith, discussed the opening cocktail and what we could expect for the evening.

Cocktail: Bourbon Ginger Highball with Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon.

Sharable: Whipped Pork Butter (smoked pork whipped into salted butter with salsa verde) and Focaccia Bread with garlic oil and black lava salt.

2nd Course

The 2nd course was presented and it was lovely. Seared Scallops with serrano cream corn, maitake mushrooms, and Hard Truth Rye cream sauce. We were also served a neat pour of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye.

Although I do no eat seafood, Wayne was happy to receive my scallops. He said they were perfectly cooked with a nice sear and very tender. He even said that Chef Gordon Ramsey would be pleased. I really enjoyed the serrano cream corn!

3rd Course

Wow! When the 3rd/main course was served, it made quite an impression. The plating was gorgeous and we could not wait to cut into that veal and taste the sauce. It was described as a veal lollypop crusted in coffee and cocoa nibs with bacon tomato jam and broccolini. While the veal was great on its own, including some of that bacon tomato jam with each bite truly took it to another level. We were also served a neat pour of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Chocolate Malt, which happens to be a favorite of ours.

4th Course – Dessert

Dessert was a Brûléed Piña Colada Panna Cotta with a Boozy Antler Single Origin Cold Brew and Hard Truth Coconut Rum. Both Wayne and Justin were raving about each of these and said the dessert was like having a bite of a Piña Colada. Unfortunately, I am unable to eat/drink coconut. However, I was provided an a amazing chocolate cake option that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wrapping Up a Great Event

Things were starting to wind down and we heard from the leadership team of the Cap & Cork and then Bryan Smith shared a parting toast that included a neat pour of Hard Truth’s Sweet Mash Rye Finished in French Oak Cognac Barrels. It was the perfect ending to an amazing evening!

The event helped us to appreciate Hard Truth and the work of Bryan Smith even more than we had before. Plus, we are so excited about the opening of the Cap & Cork. We believe it will be a tremendous success and encourage everyone to make a visit very soon!

Cheers until next time!
Rebecca & Wayne

Please check out our tasting notes for Hard Truth Sweet Mash March releases HERE.

June 2024 Casey Jones Barrel Cut Tasting

June 25, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

June 25, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Last weekend, Wayne and I were headed to our annual family reunion at Lynnhurst Family Resort in Murray, KY, and the route took us through Hopkinsville, KY. If you know the Bourbon Trail, that means that Casey Jones Distillery was on the way. We couldn’t resist stopping by for a quick visit.

We didn’t even get to the front door, and we were warmly welcomed and thanked for visiting. We chatted about what might be new, what they were working on, and sought suggestions. We decided that we would do their next scheduled tasting. While waiting for the tasting to begin, we each enjoyed a cocktail in their bar area.

At Casey Jones, the tasting includes 10 small samples for $10. The challenge is that there are usually about 15 items available. The tasting leader describes what is being poured, and you decide if that will be one of your 10 samples. We enjoyed our choices, and the next challenge was determining what to purchase. We settled on a few new options as well as some favorites to replenish.

Selected for this Tasting

We selected the Casey Jones Barrel Cuts. Casey Jones Single Barrel Cut (white label) at 102.6 Proof and Casey Jones Double Barrel Cut (blue label) at 103.9 proof. Each was made using the Casey Jones’ Prohibition-era moonshine recipe of 50% Yellow Corn and 50% Cane Sugar. In addition, they were produced on the Authentic Square Pot Still. They were then finished in new, toasted #4 char wood-fired barrels. The double barrel (blue label) was then finished in their used bourbon barrels.

*Casey Jones’ Authentic Square Pot Still*

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

Casey Jones Single Barrel Cut

Mashbill – 50% Yellow Corn and 50% Cane Sugar
Age – NAS, Up to 4 years.
Proof – 103.9
Price Paid – $58.29

Appearance – Copper with great legs.

Aroma – Butter, almost butterscotch, brown sugar, a hint of spice, and a bit of that #4 char coming forward. Sweet and inviting.

Tasted Neat – Surprisingly, not as sweet on the palate as it was on the nose. It has a great mouthfeel, very soft and smooth. It starts out as butterscotch then there is a long and warm finish of cinnamon.

Tasted with dried cranberry – The cran emphasized the butter and lightened the finish. The cinnamon is now a much lighter baking spice, perhaps more of a nutmeg.

Tasted with a pecan – The pecan truly took over and added a very woody note. The finish really lingers with a soft and warm baking spice.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Fascinating! There is usually a creaminess with the dark chocolate but not with this. In fact, the sweetness is gone and it is much spicier with a strong cinnamon finish.

Casey Jones Double Barrel Cut

Mashbill – 50% Yellow Corn and 50% Cane Sugar
Age – NAS, Up to 4 years.
Proof – 103.9
Price Paid – $58.29

Appearance –
Copper with great legs

Aroma – Cocoa and honey with a light nuttiness. Very nice.

Tasted Neat – Very chocolate forward with a hint of cherry. The finish is light and tingling such as a pepper. Quite surprising and wonderful.

Tasted with dried cranberry – This brought the cherry forward but in a spicy way. The nuttiness is gone and so is the chocolate on the front. Instead, it finishes like a chocolate cherry cordial. Very interesting that the cranberry moved the spice more to the front.

Tasted with a pecan – Very pecan forward and with added notes of the barrel. The chocolate and cherry seems to have vanished and it seems like a totally different sip.

Tasted with dark chocolate – This helped bring the chocolate and cherry forward and the finish is very gentle now, it’s warm and lingering not truly spicy.

Discussion and Final Notes

The first one (white label) is so amazing on the nose. That buttery sweetness is so warm and inviting. The second one (blue label) has the fantastic chocolate and cherry nose. They are each terrific but if we could only smell one, we might have to go with the white label.

Similarly, each has a wonderful taste! Again, the white label is like buttered toffee but the blue label has chocolate, cherry and cinnamon. If we had to chose, we would go with the blue label on taste due to its added complexity.

Overall, we would have to make it a truly split decision. Each is terrific and a great addition to a collection. We highly recommend Casey Jones Distillery, which is just outside of Hopkinsville, KY. The Master Distiller is normally there and happy to answer questions, sign bottles, and visit. They often have food trucks on the weekend and cocktails are available in their bar. We have always had great experiences with all of their staff.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

NOTE: The spirits 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.

June 2024 Angel’s Envy Bottled-in-Bond Tasting

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

June 19, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

For this tasting, Wayne and I tasted the latest release from Angel’s Envy – their Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. We purchased this bottle when at the distillery on National Bourbon Day. Our first thoughts were – what? wait? cask strength? bottled in bond? – how the heck??? After researching and locating the press release, their process for achieving this were revealed.

From Angel’s Envy Press Release: Master Distiller Owen Martin explained how they achieved a cask strength bottled at 100 proof. In the spring of 2018, before he was with the distillery, the team placed barrels filled with lower entry proof whiskey (103 proof) in a cooler warehouse. “Instead of withdrawing them at 100 proof, we let them mature further to prioritize flavor,” he said. “We drew the barrels at 98 to 99 proof and blended 27 low-proof barrels with two high-proof barrels from the same season to reach exactly 100 proof, creating Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond.”

Not only is this their first Bottled-in-Bond, it is also their first unfinished spirit!

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

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Mashbill – 72% Corn, 18% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley
Barrel Entry Proof – 103
Age – NAS but reported at nearly 6 years (barreled in 2018)
Proof – 100
Price Paid – $54.99 (375 ml bottle)
Other – Cask Strength blending of 29 barrels

Appearance – Honey copper with great legs.

Aroma – Light and inviting. Warm brown sugar, vanilla cream pie, honey, candied pecans, and a hint of a fruit.

Tasted Neat – Toasted brown sugar with hints of fruit, honey, and marshmallow. A light finish with nutmeg and caramelized brown sugar that makes you want another sip.

Tasted with dried cranberry – Very different taste profile. The brown sugar is absent and a tartness came forward with a fruitiness, such as a ripe green apple. This also added cinnamon to the finish.

Tasted with a pecan – The oak from the barrel came forward and the pecan also brings a dark cocoa taste with some caramel … like a dark chocolate turtle. There is a lot of cinnamon and oak on the finish.

Tasted with dark chocolate – Creamy chocolate caramel with a hint of cocoa and warm barrel notes. The finish is warm and pleasant with a nutmeg finish.

Discussion and Final Notes

This is a terrific bourbon and an outstanding bottled-in-bond. It is light, sweet, rich and complex. It takes you on a journey for your senses and memories as so many playful notes appear. Congrats to Angel’s Envy and Master Distiller, Owen Martin for this unique expression. To create your first non-finished bourbon as a bottled-in-bond AND cask strength is truly innovative. This has raised the bar for us when it comes to a bottled-in-bond experience.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Wayne

Photos by Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 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.

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.

Celebrating Bourbon in Louisville

June 18, 2024August 8, 2024 / bourbonjourney / Leave a comment

June 18, 2024
By Rebecca McBrayer

To wrap up National Bourbon Week, Wayne and I enjoyed a quick trip to Louisville, KY. We had two planned activities for the weekend: a dinner at Evan Williams on Friday and a tour at Starlight Distillery on Saturday. Beyond that, we decided to go with flow and enjoy whatever caught our eyes. If you haven’t been to Louisville and explored Whiskey Row, you should likely place that on your travel calendar!

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled-Bond Release

When we arrived in Louisville, we drove directly to Angel’s Envy. They were releasing their Cask Strength Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, their first non-finished offering. We were excited to stop in and acquire a bottle. We learned that they were 375ml bottles and got two as well as a distillery only single barrel. This is an historic moment for Angel’s Envy and we were thrilled to stop in for their celebration!

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Louisville Tasting Room

We have been huge fans of Bardstown Bourbon Company since our first weekend on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and love that they now have a tasting room in Louisville. Thus, that was our next stop.

We had hoped that we would be able to acquire a bottle of their Amrut Collaboration and were thrilled that it was available. When planning our tasting flights, we also wanted to try the two distillery only offerings. The first was a Small Batch Stave Finish and the other was a Single Barrel Four Grain. When we saw that their Bardstown Collection for 2024 was available, that was an easy choice!

As we sat down for our tasting, I was more than surprised to see my friend and AOII sorority sister, Cindy Visot, who I have not seen in 9 years! She and her husband were in town for a wedding and just happened to stop in to sample some bourbon. What a fun coincidence!

**Flight: Small Batch Stave Finish, Single Barrel Four Grain, Bardstown Collection 2024, Amrut Collaboration**

We bought all that we sampled as each expression was amazing. To say we were surprised and THRILLED to have the opportunity to purchase the 2024 Bardstown Collection is an understatement!

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience

We then walked a couple blocks to the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience. We really enjoy their products and made a point to stop in as we knew they are having a special event to celebrate the grand opening of their hidden speakeasy. The event included a sample spirit upon arrival, light bites, and a special cocktail menu at their cash bar.

**Buzzard’s Roost on Main St in Louisville**

Everyone was dressed in Roaring 20’s attire and the place was buzzing! The small bites were welcomed as we had been quite busy already. We were happy to get a seat at the bar and order from the special menu for the event. We each enjoyed our drink selections … Manhattan for me and a Paper Plane for Wayne!

Evan Williams – A Toast to Bourbon Dinner

Following our visit at Buzzard’s Roost, it was time to head to Evan Williams for our “A Toast to Bourbon Dinner” that was scheduled to begin at 7PM. Please read all about that event HERE.

Breakfast at Doc Crow’s

We were up early on Saturday morning and looked forward to breakfast at one of our favorite places – Doc Crow’s! The location and atmosphere is fantastic. We always have amazing service and the food is outstanding.

Wayne enjoyed the “build your own” omelet with hashbrowns, a side of biscuit & gravy and a spicy Bloody Mary made with bourbon. I loved the spinach and feta omelet with hashbrowns … and we shared a side of cheddar grits!

Whiskey Row Car Show

As we walked to Doc Crow’s, we noticed that cars were filing in for a show. By the time we finished breakfast, we were able to stroll along Whiskey Row and enjoy some amazing cars! You just never know what you will find in downtown Louisville.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery

After checking out of our hotel, we decided to see what Michter’s was offering for the day. We arrived just as the doors were opening and learned that they had a Barrel Strength Rye (109.6 proof) available. It came as a set with their Straight Rye Whiskey. There was also an opportunity to bottle-your-own Barrel Strength Bourbon but the next available time was later than we desired to stay.

James B. Beam Distilling Co.

After leaving Michter’s, we decided to head to Jim Beam, which is less than a 30-minute drive from Louisville. We always love being on their campus and we were hopeful that they would have some bottles on the shelf that we wanted to buy.

We were in luck as they had exactly what we were hoping for: Booker’s 2024-02, “The Beam House Batch” and Little Book Chapter 8, “Path not Taken.” Of course, it would have been incredible to acquire a bottle of their 2024 Bardstown Collection; alas, there were none available. But that is ok, we got what we thought we would have an opportuity to buy!