March 8, 2011
Woodford Reserve has released the Maple Wood Finish, the latest entry in its exclusive Masters Collection put together by Master Distiller Chris Morris. The new expression is one of the most unique Master's Collection offerings to date as it is the industry's first bourbon to be finish aged in barrels made from sugar maple wood.
Though it was thought that whiskey barrels could not be crafted from sugar maple wood, the Brown-Forman Cooperage accomplished the feat, creating a toasted instead of charred barrel. The result is a smooth, elegant whiskey enhanced with hints of maple, honey and cinnamon.
Maple Wood Finish is the fifth in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection series following the Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish, Sweet Mash and Seasoned Oak offerings. Released periodically at the master distiller's discretion, the Master's Collection whiskeys are extremely limited in quantity and bottled only once in a proprietary package inspired by the copper pot stills of The Woodford Reserve Distillery.
"Sugar maple trees have a complex natural chemistry, rich in calcium, potassium and other minerals, but they are best known for their flavorful sap which contains as much as 3% sugar," said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. "Though it was thought that whiskey barrels could not be crafted from sugar maple wood, our Brown-Forman Cooperage has done just that. Of all the distillers in our industry, we are the only bourbon company that crafts its own barrels, giving us unique knowledge and control of the process. The Master's Collection Maple Wood Finish uniquely finish-ages Woodford Reserve in a toasted, not charred, maple wood barrel, resulting in a whiskey enhanced with hints of maple, honey and cinnamon."
Ever year, one of the five sources of flavor is changed for the Master's Collection expressions. These five sources – grain, water, fermentation, distillation and wood-aging – are unique to bourbon whiskey, and altering just one of them creates a totally new flavor profile.
"Bourbon must be matured in new, charred oak barrels, and in our quest to fully understand the contribution oak wood makes to bourbon, we have studied other Kentucky hardwoods as well," said Wayne Rose, brand director for Woodford Reserve. "This has led to some exciting discoveries and innovative barrel finish concepts. One of these – Maple Wood Finish – is a first for the spirits industry and has resulted in an amazing, elegant whiskey.".
You can grab a bottle over at the Shoppers Vineyard site for $90 HERE.
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March 2, 2011
It looks like they have these for all the NFL teams, and you can get it engraved. The few I've seen all look pretty good, and the flask looks decent. It only holds six ounces though, which might be enough for a couple of drinks, or several shots, but that's about it.
Here's the details from the site:
You can store a premium beverage for kickoff in this Great American NFL® team Stainless Steel Custom Flask. The 6-oz stainless steel hip flask is designed with a premium NFL® team emblem. You can add a personalized pigskin touch with up to 17 characters.
The flask will cost you $40, with about $7 in shipping. You can check out the Bears version, and then hunt around for the other teams, at the site HERE.
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February 22, 2011
This is like a wine club, just with Tequila. It's a little on the light side, since you only get six bottles for a one year subscription. However, if they're good enough, I wouldn't mind that so much. The three bottle, six month plan costs $225, and the six bottle, one year plan is $395. Here's the details:
The mission of our Los Agaveros club is to introduce members to a variety of great tequila's from Mexico's various tequila producing regions and produced by a variety of distillation methods. The tequilas are hand selected by world renowned master mixologist Junior Merino – The Liquid Chef for their uniqueness of flavor profile created by the terroir, agave cooking method, distillation and aging process and mix-ability.
Our Jimador membership provides the opportunity to experience three (3) amazing tequila's (an outstanding blanco, reposado and anejo) over roughly a six month period. In addition, the blanco shipment will include a bottle of Dainzu Gourmet premium cocktail mixer/syrup and/or an exquisite Dainzu Gourmet rimming salt as the primary ingredient(s) in a cocktail created by Junior for that blanco's specific flavor profile. A recipe card for the cocktail, with easy to follow directions using readily available ingredients, will also be included with the blanco. The reposado and anejo shipments will also include a suggested cocktail recipe created by Junior for each tequila based on that tequila's flavor profile, terroir, process, distillation, agave cooking method, aging and mix-ability.
Our Conquistador membership is similar in format to our Jimador membership, with members experiencing six (6) incredible tequilas (two different blancos, reposados and anejos), over roughly a twelve-month period. As with our Jimador membership, Conquistadors will also receive the Dainzu Gourmet premium cocktail mixer/syrup and/or an exquisite Dainzu Gourmet rimming salt for cocktails created specifically for the blancos included in the shipments, and suggested cocktail recipes for the reposados and anejos they receive.
No matter which of the Los Agaveros memberships you choose, we're confident you'll taste some of Mexico's finest tequila's, receive discounts on tickets to whisky events around the country, and have the opportunity to connect with other TequilaLovers, and make some new friends along the way.
You can purchase your membership HERE.
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February 21, 2011
Yet another spirit to add to the long list of things I need to track down. Here's the details of it, from the Dalmore site:
This limited edition bottling celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie.
Castle Leod has been home to the Caberfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, since 1606 and is located just 14 miles from the The Dalmore Distillery.
This classic Vintage 1995 expression was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau.
Taste Notes
The joyful effervescence of fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are followed by the silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelised pear and sweet mango. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft liquorice brings this cornucopia of delights to a perfect conclusion.
There were only 5,000 bottles of Castle Leod, which means it's going to cost a little bit more than your average bottle. Prices I've seen are around $160. You can read more about at the Dalmore site HERE.
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February 18, 2011
I guess it's just an alcohol kind of day. Or maybe I just need a drink. Regardless, I've been lucky to hear about another interesting spirit. This time a premium Tequila. Here's a little bit about it:
The Story
WHY TEQUILA?
Over two years ago, two friends from different worlds set out to find the best Tequila. One was from a suit and tie Real Estate business and the other was a sunglass company owner where edgy jeans and t-shirts were the norm. They both shared a love for Mexico, surfing and tequila.
They both had gone on dozens of trips throughout Mexico for various surfing adventures where beers and various tequilas were always present. There was a mix of danger and beauty in those Mexico trips. Uneasy and apprehensive feelings were felt prior to leaving; knowing the sketchy border crossing, armed 16 year old Federales with M-16 machine guns, corrupt police officers, filthy jails and bad roads.
But there was also knowledge of the beautiful side to Mexico full of calm people, picturesque beaches, perfect waves, cold beers, and great Tequila. Like Mexico, Tequila is dangerous. It's not like other alcohol such as beer, wine and Vodka because when you drink Tequila you know it's going to be fun, wild and perhaps dangerous/Peligroso! Those two friends experienced the beauty and dangers of Mexico time and time again.
It was the experience of great surf, rowdy bars, meeting crazy Mexican people, being chased by cops, having all of our gear stolen, hangovers and too many stories to tell, but for every crazy, wild and scary story there was also one of isolated untouched beaches, perfect waves, nice generous people, the insane meal of fish or lobster at a bargain price, the fun bar where the beers were ever flowing and the Tequila set the mood for a fiesta never to be forgotten.
PELIGROSO TEQUILA IS BORN
All of these encounters were a full education on what PELIGROSO TEQUILA would ultimately be. It would be the best and it would never have any form of artificial color or fragrance. Our Tequila would be 100% Weber Blue agave, the agave would be grown and harvested in the highlands of Jalisco, it would be steamed in real brick ovens and we would never use autoclaves, we would distill in copper and stainless pots and we would age in real oak whiskey barrels from Tennessee. Our alcohol content is higher than the norm of 40%. Peligroso is 42% which makes our tequila that much more Peligroso and better.
PELIGROSO TEQUILA TEAM
We have great partnership and chemistry with our Team. We have a love and passion for Mexico, surfing, tequila, and cold Mexican beer. We have committed to setting a rock solid foundation for Peligroso that will enable us to build a very successful Tequila brand that is second to none.
ROCK & ROLL
There are many that have joined the Peligroso Team because they love the product and the people. The team has all of the necessary experience, passion, and commitment to make Peligroso the best new Tequila Brand in the world. We invite you to become part of the Peligroso Family and look forward to a great ride!
You can read more about it at the main site HERE, or check out a video HERE.
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February 18, 2011
I don't know a lot about this Gin, but it caught my eye. Here's a little bit about it from a recent press release:
Born of “Love, Obsession and some degree of Madness,” Martin Miller’s Gin is made of juniper from Tuscany and India, Cassia bark from China, angelica from France and florentine from Florence, which is delicately blended with pure Icelandic spring water, to create a marriage of rare softness, clarity of taste and appearance.
As the trailblazer of the Gin Renaissance, Martin Miller set out to save premium gins. In a time when premium vodkas were dominating the market and gins were only made for Gin & Tonics, Martin set out to restore the seduction and romance of premium gins. The eccentric, quixotic gypsy began jotting down ideas on a napkin and decided to make a gin that was made with not only the best ingredients but distilled by using only the most traditional methods.
Among many awards, Martin Miller’s Gin has taken home two out of three possible gold medals in the blind-tasting 10th Anniversary Strength gins by the International Spirits Challenge, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular premium gins of our time.
You can read more about it HERE.
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February 15, 2011
This sounds awesome. Whisky, cigars, and Vegas. I'm not sure how it gets much better than that. Here's the details:
Imagine
Sampling a dram of whisky from the world’s most unique, finest premium whiskies from the top-tier brands.
Conversing with and learning from whisky aficionados, high-end connoisseurs, and collectors.
Dining, shopping, and playing at one of the top resorts in the world’s entertainment playground, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Welcome to the world’s first, super-premium, elite whisky tasting experience, the ‘Nth 2011 Show’.
Special Events
Attendees of the ‘Nth 2011 Show’ will have the opportunity to attend special events:
Whisky and cigar pairing. Brand ambassadors and cigar aficionados will tutor this event, during which participants will pair top-tier brands with premium cigars.
Whisky and chocolate pairing. Sample a flight of the world’s rarest whiskies, desserts and premium chocolates at this truly delectable, sensory pairing event.
Whisky Mixology. Enjoy the tantalizing world of whisky through the eyes of Patricia Richards, award-winning Master Mixologist of Wynn Resorts, as she takes you on a planetary journey of innovative culinary cocktails, you can learn to make at home.
C-STEM – Carmer Spirits Tasting Enhancement Method.
INTRODUCING THE FIRST NEW SPIRITS TASTING METHOD ON RECORD.
Invented perfected by the Founder and CEO of The Whisky Attic in Las Vegas, Professor Adam Carmer.This new method will improve your ability to recognize flavors, aromas, bouquets, phenolics, fusel oils, barrel influence and much more.Professor Carmer has shared and taught this method to industry experts, Masters of Whisky, Master Tasters, Distillers, Celebrities, advocates, politicians, other professors and enthusiasts.For the first time he will hold a forum, exclusively for attendees of ‘The Nth 2011’ Show.
Gordon & Macphail - One of the oldest and most prestigious independent whisky bottlers, will launch a very old and very rare Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the Nth 2011 show. A few lucky attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample the remarkable whisky.
Women and whisky seminar – Prepare to be romanced by these fine whiskies as we tantalize your tastebuds with a series of samplings of classy and sexy brown spirits. What has often been viewed as the traditional male drink of choice is now gaining interest among fashionistas everywhere. The event will explore several categories of whisk(e)y, empower your palate to appreciate this chic category, and tempt you with classic cocktails made just for the trend-setting woman who embodies stealth wealth. Leave the bling behind for this one ladies as the perfect accessory will glimmer in your glass!
The Nth 2011 Show i son Friday March 18th and Saturday the 19th, 2011. The main ticket cost is $525, and the the Master Classes are $55. You can check it all out at the site HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Cigars,Spirits,Vegas | Comments (0)
January 27, 2011
This is only available in the companies Caribbean and South American markets, which is a shame, because I'd like to give it a try.
I'm not sure, even if it was good, that I would want to drink it out of the can though. There's just something about it that would bother me. Yes, it's just an old fashioned thing, but it would still bug me.
Though it does have an office in Glasgow, it states on its website that "Scottish Spirits' Whisky in a can is not produced in Scotland, therefore it is not Scotch Whisky , it is whisky and will be only marketted as such". I guess the Scotch Whisky Association was talking about trying to ban the cans, because they were afraid that people might think its Scotch.
The idea about putting it in a can was a good one: "The can is the perfect size to be shared between three people who can mix it with other things like cola.‘It’s lightweight and portable and entirely recyclable, which is good news. It will be one of the hot picks for any outdoor activities". Sounds good to me, I must admit.
There's really not much about it on the website, but you can check it out HERE.
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January 26, 2011
Chopin is famous for it's more traditional potato Vodka. This rye version has been on the market in Poland for years, but is only now coming to the United States, and will be launched at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the end of this month. After that, hopefully it will make its way all over, rather than just a few select cities.
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January 24, 2011
I have no idea how much a bottle will cost, but I'm going to have to track one down. I put a lot of things on that list, but this one I'm really going to have to work at. I find it hilarious, and hope that it's actually a good rum.
The site says that the rum is from Panama, and has been aged seven years. It's hand picked by Master Distiller Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez, and has a balanced blend of oak, fruit, and spices.
The site is still under construction, so I'll have to keep it in mind, and hit it again when it's fully up and running. You can hit the site HERE to check it out.
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