August 31st, 2011

More whiskies (and whiskeys) heading our way

John Hansell

The new and seasonal releases are still picking up with autumn just around the bend. (This post is from a U.S. perspective.)

There’s yet another 10 year old, 100% rye whiskey from an undisclosed Canadian source coming out called Masterson’s. I have a bottle and tried it last night. It definitely displays the same flavor profile as WhistlePig and Jefferson’s Rye whiskeys. So, if you missed out on your chance to get those, you have another opportunity with Masterson’s. It’s 90 proof and will be priced at around $80.

I also have a review sample of the 2011 Limited Edition release from the Four Roses distillery. This one combines four different recipes, aged between 11 and 13 years. It’s being released in September.

Buffalo Trace announced the impending release of this year’s Antique Collection. No change in the whiskey line. Just tweaks. I’m looking forward to trying them.

Laphroaig Triple Wood is finally hitting the U.S. shores. Look out for that one.

Finally, Drambuie introduced “Drambuie 15″ in the U.S. It’s a more premium version of the liqueur, supposedly made with Speyside malts (pictured). It’s bottled at 43% and will be around $56.

I’ll try to get some formal reviews done on the American whiskeys and post them up here soon. (You can find my Laphroaig Triple Wood review here. )

Category: Bourbon,Liqueurs,New Releases,Rye whiskey,Scotch whisky Tags: , , , , , , 25 Comments

July 13th, 2010

Review: WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, 10 year old

John Hansell

WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, 10 year old, 50%, $70
Imported from Canada (which suggests that maybe this whiskey was originally intended to be the “flavoring” component of a Canadian whiskey?) and bottled in Vermont. This is 100% rye whiskey (much higher than other traditional straight rye whiskeys). Indeed, this whiskey bleeds spices (especially brisk mint, vibrant clove, and teasing nutmeg), but there’s a rich, sweet foundation to balance it all (honeyed vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, and nutty toffee), along with candied citrus and charcoal. Bold, spicy, nutty toffee, butterscotch finish. Very distinctive.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 89

Category: New Releases,Reviews,Rye whiskey Tags: 26 Comments

July 6th, 2010

Here’s what I drank on the 4th of July

John Hansell

This was an easy one. These three whiskeys showed up on Friday, just in time. How could I not try them over the weekend? (Click on the photo for an enlarged image.)

Yes, that’s the new Maker’s Mark “46″ Bourbon, the new Four Roses “Limited Edition” Small Batch Bourbon, and the new WhistlePig Straight Rye (100%rye) whiskey.

All are very good whiskeys, hovering around the 90 rating. I already reviewed the Maker’s here. You’ll see the new Four Roses and WhistlePig reviews here very soon.

Oh, in case you were wondering, I also enjoyed other fine libations, including Lost Abbey “Carnevale” and Port Brewing “Summer Pale Ale” (both on tap), along with a Palmer “Alter Ego” 2000 Bordeaux.

Category: American whiskey,Bourbon,Rye whiskey,Special events Tags: , , 19 Comments



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