Showing posts with label Single-barrel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Single-barrel. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Tales from the Bottom Shelf - Review of Old Grand Dad 114









The title of this post, “Tales from the Bottom Shelf” may be perceived as a negative connotation.  Trust me when I say that this is only referring to the spot that the liquor stores choose to place this hidden gem of the bourbon world.  In an age where some enthusiasts are only seeking the latest limited edition offering from one of the big boys, there are missed opportunities for great tasting from these same distilleries.

One such offering is the classic 114 proof sipper from Jim Beam – Old Grand Dad.  Since this bottle spends its life on the bottom shelf of almost every liquor store, it doesn’t get too much attention.  My first introduction to this beauty was in a cocktail paired with a cinnamon syrup, ginger and soda.  A fine cocktail but once I realized how great this was on its own, I quickly changed my ways.

There is a ton of flavor packed into to OGD 114.  Much like its brethren, the more mature Basil Hayden, the lower proof 100 edition and the 86 (or 80 depending on how old the bottle is) it presents in a deep amber color with nose of orange among the classic caramel notes.   My favorite way to drink bourbon is to find the sweet spot around 108 proof.  At 57% ABV, This can be a bit spicy.  I suggest letting your dram breath for a few minutes, take a sip and add a small piece of ice to further soften.  

The palate brings more orange with hints of fresh pepper, cinnamon, herbal notes of sage and mint with a classic vanilla tone.  Though it does not offer an age stamp, OGD 114 drinks like 4-year-old bourbon.  The hints of oak and deep color validate this assumption.  

My favorite part of this $24 bourbon is the finish.  Long, rich, delicious without a hint of bitterness.  Even at this proof, it is dangerously smooth and easy to drink.  One warning - don’t enjoy it too much – it will make you swear off those 80 proof “watered down” bourbons! 

Where to find OGD - Any liquor store....

Price - $19 - $30.00

Friday, June 17, 2016

Review of the Barreled Aged Pure Maple Syrup aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels







The word “pappy” has almost become a common household name these days.  At least around here in Kentucky anyways.  And even though many know it as bourbon, many of them don’t realize that there are other products that have received a golden kiss from the empty barrels that once aged the most sought after bourbon in the world.  One of those products is the barrel-aged pure maple syrup aged in Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels sold by the Pappy & Company. 
The Pappy & Company partnered with a great family owned company found in the state of Ohio called Bissel Maple Farm to form this barreled finish sweetness.  I love bourbon and I love maple syrup and this is a perfect match simply made in a barrel. The strong smell of bourbon is very distinct when the cap is removed and The color of the maple syrup has a dark amber, enhanced from the finishing process of bourbon barrels.  The Pappy syrup is thinner than one would find in a store bought maple syrup, a good characteristic of a well-balanced syrup.  This property helps using it in cocktails, cooking, and a high stack of flapjacks.  

Many believe that maple syrup has natural antioxidants that can prevent diseases caused by free radicals, such as cancer or diabetes.  So both with whiskey having a history of medicinal proposes along with the natural benefits of maple syrup, this is a combination that cannot be missed. 
It’s set at a good price point considering it’s an artisan style syrup and the fact that it’s finished in pappy barrels.  

So, if you want to further in light your friends in your bourbon knowledge, make them some fluffy pancakes or french toast and finish it off with some real pappy syrup.   

Per Pappy & Co.
 
This current batch of pure maple syrup was made with sap harvested from the Bissell's maple Farm in Ohio in the Spring of 2015 and aged 6 months in Van Winkle 10 and 12 year old barrels.

http://bissellmaplefarm.com/ 

Retail Price - $38.00

Where to buy?

Pappyco.com 



Friday, December 18, 2015

Bardstown Bourbon Company - Collaborative Kentucky Whiskey Craft Distilling Program -


 “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leadership is about blazing a new trail and the Bardstown Bourbon Company has just made a new path on the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Coming in 2016, the Bardstown Bourbon Company will be opening their state-of-the-art, all in one, wholesale Distilling Program and visitors center.  This facility will be a landmark for the bourbon industry and allow everyone from new bourbon enthusiasts to connoisseurs to come together to celebrate this great spirit. 


This program was created thoughtfully through the ever-growing demand of whiskey and Kentucky bourbon throughout the world.  Today, many craft and micro-distilleries have obtained their juice from the larger industrial distilleries, but with the high demand, those smaller distilleries have been pushed aside Prices being hiked up so that the larger producers can meet the demand has also impacted these labels.  With this collaborative, smaller producers, private labels, and potential buyers now can come to one place and receive all the training, help, and financing to add to the booming industry.  

 
This is a major move in the bourbon & whiskey industry.   The facility will meet all the customer needs to craft a great bourbon.  I believe that by raising the bar, it only creates a better standard for the industry as a whole.  The campus will feature a unique and transparent educational experience, high-end tours and tastings, integrated visitors center, event space, and eventually a restaurant and boutique hotel.    


When we work together, we help keep the traditions pure and collectively care for the future of what we hold sacred.  

For immediate release:
BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY ANNOUNCES FIRST OF ITS KIND
COLLABORATIVE KENTUCKY WHISKEY CRAFT DISTILLING PROGRAM
Comprehensive Program Fosters Continued Innovation, Offers “Game Changing” Barrel Financing Option, Custom Mash Bill Development, Onsite Storage and More
Bardstown, KY (December 14, 2015) – The Bardstown Bourbon Company is pleased to announce an innovative Collaborative Whiskey, Bourbon, and Rye Wholesale Distilling Program. Slated to open in Summer 2016, the new distillery will offer wholesale customers the opportunity to create custom, authentic, Kentucky whiskey products and will also provide comprehensive barrel financing. The Program promises to expand the explosive growth of the craft distilling industry by providing craft distillers and brand owners high quality whiskey to strengthen their supply.
Currently, many craft distillers and brand owners obtain their whiskey from large industrial distilleries, are limited in their ability to produce custom products, have no financing options, and are reluctant to promote the location and source of their whiskey. With a production team led by Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller, Steve Nally – a 40-year veteran of the spirits industry and formerly the Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark – the Bardstown Bourbon Company will provide craft distillers and brand owners the opportunity to: 
  • Work with a team of whiskey experts to create their own authentic and innovative Kentucky whiskey products;
  • Benefit from highly competitive wholesale prices;
  • Ensure consistent, high quality production that can rapidly scale;
  • Control the future source for their product;
  • Finance new fill barrel production and aging, and
  • Provide a production location and environment that they can celebrate and promote.
“We are very excited to offer a suite of much needed services that we believe will help foster continued innovation and growth in the whiskey industry,” said David Mandell, President & CEO of The Bardstown Bourbon Company.
The Company, in collaboration with Live Oak Bank, the second largest SBA lender in the country, is offering customers comprehensive financing of the purchase price of newly filled barrels with terms of up to 10 years. This is an enormous benefit in an industry that is capital intensive and often without many good banking options.
“This program is a game changer,” said Daniel Linde, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. “As the first company to offer a comprehensive barrel financing program for whiskey, we are helping our customers continue to develop and grow their brands, without tying up all of their capital in production.”
As the domestic and international whiskey and bourbon market continues to expand, The Bardstown Bourbon Company will help its customers meet growing demand. The distillery has an initial 1.5 million proof-gallon capacity with barrel storage on its property for up to 185K barrels. The distillery is also designed to easily expand as production grows.
In addition, The Bardstown Bourbon Company offers a unique environment to showcase customer products. Set on 100 acres of active farmland and adjacent to the Bluegrass Parkway, The Bardstown Bourbon Company and its 37,000 square foot distillery form the gateway to Bardstown, Kentucky, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” 
“This is such an exciting time for bourbon,” explained Steve Nally, Master Distiller of The Bardstown Bourbon Company. “I look forward to working with other distillers and brand owners to make great products. We also look forward to integrating some of these brands into the Bardstown Bourbon Company’s visitor experience, and we will use our facility to highlight and promote their brands.”
To learn more about and apply for the Collaborative Kentucky Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye Distilling Program, contact David Mandell, President & CEO, at david@bardstownbourbon.com
About The Bardstown Bourbon Company
Under construction since October 2014, The Bardstown Bourbon Company is “the Modern Distiller of the American Spirit.” The company is developing a $25 million destination experience with a first-of-its-kind Napa Valley style campus featuring a unique and transparent educational experience, high-end tours and tastings, integrated visitors center, event space, and eventually a restaurant and boutique hotel. The distillery is set to begin production in Summer 2016.
To learn more about The Bardstown Bourbon Company visit: