Review: Four Roses 2011 Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon
Another unique winner of a vintage single barrel bourbon from Four Roses, this rendition of its annual release a 12-year old bourbon from barrel code OBSQ (click here to see what this means), the distillery’s rye-heavy whiskey recipe. The preview sample of the 2011 Single Barrel is hot — 118 proof, though this will change…
Review: Laird’s Rare Apple Brandy 12 Years Old
Aged apple brandy, or applejack, is a rarity, and Laird’s is one of the few U.S. brands that makes the stuff. This 12 year old is a classic example of the product. Intensely woody on the nose, you might think you’re dealing with a whiskey. Apple character comes along quickly when you sip it, though…
Mystery Review: Taiwanese Golden Pure Malt Whisky
Malt whisky isn’t just made in Scotland. It hails now from locales around the world, with Asia turning in some especially credible single malts (see Yamazaki, et al.). And then there are bottles like this, a gift to my parents from travelers returning from Taiwan. I am not sure what to call it since the…
Review: Woodford Reserve Bourbon (2011)
Woodford Reserve is a near-ubiquitous brand on the back bar of virtually any drinking establishment, and if you’re in a bind it’s a solid go-to bourbon when you’re unsure about the rest of the booze on offer. This Kentucky Bourbon is a hot 90.4 proof and benefits greatly from a healthy splash of water, which…
Review: Heaven Hill Trybox Series New Make White Whiskeys
Like it or not (and most of you appear to be firmly in the “not” camp) white whiskey is here for the consuming. The good news: Heaven Hill is doing something useful with white whiskey beyond attempting to make a quick buck. (Since white whiskey is unaged and need not spend years in expensive barrels,…
Identify This Drinking Vessel!
This antique was unearthed on a visit to Texas and dates back to at least the late 1800s. But what is it? What was it used for? About 4 inches tall, it looks like an egg cup for a quail egg or a tiny wine decanter… but neither of these seems to fit. Photo below,…
Tasting Report: Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco 2011
The San Francisco Belle was packed but the crowds were manageable at this year’s San Francisco Whiskies of the World event. With much more room to move around than last year’s cramped fest, lots more seating, and plenty of whiskey, guests seemed to be having a great time, myself included. Who knows what venue will…
Review: Senor Rio Tequila, Complete Lineup
This tequila brand got its start only two years ago. Distribution is now crawling its way across the U.S. (now including California, Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee). We got our hands on samples of each of the distillery’s three expressions. All are, of course, 100% blue agave and 80 proof. Senor Rio Blanco Tequila – Unaged…
