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 

Review of the Highspire Whiskey - Made with Pure Rye

If you are like me, you love a good rye and recent additions to the market have not failed to impress.  From the 110 proof Pikesville from Heaven Hill to the various offerings from Smooth Ambler, there are numerous products on the market to satisfy your taste and price point.  In order to fulfill demand for rye, we are now seeing a multitude of “young” whiskeys on the market.  Initially, I was scared to drop good money on the Willet 2 year product but I am sure glad I did.  I have to say the mellowness and flavor coming out of that bottle is truly impressive.  The Willet 3 year rye has not disappointed either.  In the spirit of appreciation for these under-aged products, we submit this review of Highspire 6 month Rye.  

Coming out of Kentucky Artisan Distilleries in Crestwood, KY, Highspire comes in at 80 proof after being finished in wine barrels from Austin Hope Winery in California for 4 months.  The attractive bottle comes sealed with blue wax.  I must say that once I poured myself a shot, I certainly did not expect as must color to have been extracted from the barrel in the brief time it spent while at-rest.  It had a nice brown hue.  Not nearly as red hued as your typical sipper but still appealing.  Similar to its more-aged brethren, this 100% rye whiskey was extremely floral but with a sharper nose often refined by 4+ years of aging.    

The flavor was immediate.  Reminiscent of a flavor-forward reposado tequila, this whiskey covered the palate with floral and red berry notes.  Due to its youth, the sharp flavor did not evolve or develop throughout the tasting.  It is not overly complex but it definitely suggests that this juice will soon develop into something more refined and flavorful down the line. 

I rarely mix my whiskey but I wanted to see how this rye would interact in a cocktail.  I muddled my first peach of the season, some mint, lime and a bit of sorghum in a mug, poured some Highspire and let it mingle for a few minutes.  I shook the mix with ice and strained into a new iced highball and topped with a splash of soda.  It turned out to be a pretty good cocktail.  The complexity of the sorghum countered the youth of the rye.  The juicy peach complemented the fruit forward notes and the herbal flavor of the mint softened the sharpness of the spirit.

At this level of aging, Highspire is better served within a cocktail to complement its flavor profile.  There certainly are some things to be excited about if this label continues to provide ryes with a bit more age.  Coming in at a price point of approximately $45, they are churning out a decent product now but should soon develop into something special. 

Check out their website - http://www.highspirewhiskey.com/ 

Other sites to visit for additional info -  http://whiskeyrow.com/

Jefferson Reserve Groth Reserve Cask Finish Review

Jefferson's newest submission to the world of bourbon comes from a wine barrel.  This bottling is presented in the traditional Jefferson's Reserve mold with a distinguishing red label sporting all the critical specs.  Groth, a 4-6 year old chill filtered bourbon is mellowed in former cabernet wine casks sourced form California's Groth Family Winery.  The roughly 9 month finishing process in these French oak barrels lends a number of unique characteristics to the spirit.  The color of this sipper has just a hint of the red hued cousin that formerly occupied the barrel. 

The nose is reminiscent of a classic 6 year whiskey with prominent vanilla notes and a nutty aroma. 

On the palate, Groth presents familiar notes of caramel and vanilla.  Coming in at 90.2 proof, the best way to enjoy this tasty beverage is over a few ice cubes which releases a sweet nose and red wine notes.   I have tried Groth a number of different times.  Each round, I find different notes to call out.  Almonds, nectarine, honey, peaches, berries and even toffee. 

Towards the end of the tasting, you really discover the flavors of the wine barrel aging.  There is a dry finish similar to that of a quality cabernet. 

I really enjoyed this unique entry into the bourbon world.  It comes with a price tag around $80 so it is a special occasion drink.   Try it today with a few other bourbon enthusiasts - you will be glad you did.  

http://jeffersonsbourbon.com/ 

Review of Town Branch Single Barrel, Barrel Proof - Hitting the Bung Square on the Head

Located right in my backyard is the Lexington based bourbon and brewing company called Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling.  In the whisk(e)y industry, they are known for such products as Town Branch Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, a bourbon-infused coffee liqueur, and Pearse Lyons Reserve malt whiskey. 


With the latest trend in the bourbon market, many distilleries are putting out cask strength or barrel proof bourbon whiskey.  And so if the people ask for it, then you should supply them with it.  The inaugural Town Branch Single Barrel collection was bottled as non-chill filtered and at cask strength. Six, six-year-old barrels were selected for bottling for the first batch and are only for retail at the Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co., located in the heart of downtown Lexington, KY.

The new single barrel expression came out early last year and it has made it's mark locally.  Alltech never distributed the juice so one would have to visit their distillery to sample and buy a bottle.  About 150 bottles came from each of the first two barrels and late last year, I was told they were putting out 6. 


See link below for barrel tasting from from local help.

https://videopress.com/v/Hr8YJNNk

Tasting notes:

 Strong vanilla and floral notes, and almost candy-like toffee notes.  Very smooth and rich in flavor. 

With their regular line-up only being being bottled at 80 proof, there is definitely going to be a difference in taste and feel once someone ties the barrel proof.

If your on the Bourbon Trail, it's worth stopping by and visiting the Town Branch Distillery and hopefully they will have a bottle or two left.  I bought four for my self. 





Retail Price - $80.00 -Very limited supply