Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 3 of 7

Koval Bourbon

On 04/10/2017

I have been testing and writing about an American whiskey or bourbon every month for the last two and a half years. Slowly I am running out of affordable bourbons available in SA to taste and write about. I still have one or 2 bourbon’s to write about and this week I am opening my first Koval, the Koval single barrel bourbon whiskey.

Established in 2008, Koval is a craft distillery situated within the Chicago City limits and is one of the first new distilleries that opened there since the end of Prohibition. Koval produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and spirits.

The founders Robert and Sonat Birnecker is living their whiskey dream. They left their respective careers in favour of distilling organic spirits from scratch.

Koval has on a grain-to-bottle philosophy. It beginning with grain from local farmers, to on-site milling and mashing, to finally distilling, bottling, and packaging.

Koval means “blacksmith,” in numerous Eastern European languages, but the word in Yiddish also refers to a “black sheep”.

All the Koval whiskies are “single barrel” expressions and aged in 30-gallon charred barrels. They have released a few unusual expressions such as the 100% oats, 100% millet and four grain (oats, malted barley, rye and wheat) expressions.

The small-batch Koval single barrel bourbon that I am tasting this week has a mash bill of at least 51% corn, but instead of the rye or wheat, Koval bourbon included millet. Millet is a gluten-free ancient grain that grows extensively in Africa and India and Asia.

Also Read: Evan Williams Bourbon

Koval Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

I have a bottle from Barrel #1206.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Dark gold with hints of copper-red.

NOSE: Bready, vanilla, lightly toasted oak with hints of alcohol. Not very complex and quite subtle. If you let it breathe a bit, more vanilla and oak notes appear with hints of sugary sweetness.

PALATE: Pepper, vanilla, sun ripe oranges and hints of warming wood spice. When you add a few drops of water, more sweet fruit and caramel notes appear. The water also softens the raw alcohol edges and makes it more drinkable. However, the addition of water also tones down the complexity of the Koval bourbon.

FINISH: Long with pepper and orange

RATING: VERY GOOD

Perhaps I was expecting too much. I was intrigued by the innovative mash bill and the unusual grains Koval used. I like the farm to bottle philosophy and that two people are following their dream. But sadly, this bottle feels unfinished.

The Koval single barrel has lots of raw edges, and it tastes like the elements don’t quite go together. Perhaps it is the barrel it is from, maybe my taste buds just like a sweeter dram. Should I try to get my hands on some of their other releases?

Also Read: Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey & Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/29/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

The invite said Bar Ber Black Sheep… My first thought … spelling error? The song is BaBa black sheep. But Google quickly corrected me and directed me to Rosebanks’ new hip and happening spot. Park Corner, a new development on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road in Johannesburg.

A barber and a bar combined. A place to meet up with some friends and get a haircut. All in 1 afternoon. Quirky, but quite cool. The function was the American whiskey tasting and food pairing experience with Brown Forman’s American Whiskey ambassador Cam Dawson together with Jack Daniel’s whiskey and Woodford Reserve.

Cam is a Scottish bartender who won the Jack Daniel’s Birthday Cocktail Competition in 2009 with his serve Jasper’s Jam. Today he is the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Ambassador. Cam was not there to make us cocktails, he flew in to chat to a few selected whisky friends about the Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve brands.

He also brought with him 2 new and unique bottles for us to taste. More on that later. Walking in, I was thrilled to see my beautiful friend Emily from Whizzky and also a few of the guys from Wild about Whisky. They drove down from Dullstroom for the function.

First up Cam chatted about the process at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. All Jack Daniel’s whiskey is filtered through 3 meters (10 feet) sugar maple charcoal. This process, known as the Lincoln County (LC) process removes impurities.

Cam had a spirit sample before and after filtering and it is incredible how big the impact of the LC process is. You could clearly smell the difference. After chatting about the distillery and the founder Jasper “Jack” Daniel, we got to taste some whiskey.

The Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Range

First up was the standard Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey. Known worldwide and the mainstay of the brand. If you have not tried it, read my tasting notes here.

Next up was Gentleman Jack. Double mellowed and very smooth. This delicious whiskey pairs well with Snickers as well. You can read my tasting notes on this release here.

Then came Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey. Charcoal mellowed through the sugar maple, then matured in toasted and charred new white American oak barrels and stored in the uppermost part of the warehouse.

What a delicious experience! Robust and complex with caramel, toasted oak, hints of coffee, pepper and vanilla notes and fruit. O my word! It is the first time that I taste the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel and I LOVE it. It was warm and rich and just lovely!

Last of the Jack Daniel’s range was the Sinatra Select. Named after old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra was a long time fan of Jack Daniel’s and was often seen sipping a glass on stage. This premier release is sugar maple charcoal mellowed and then matured in new white oak barrels that have been toasted and charred.

The Sinatra barrels have deep grooves on the inside of the staves to expose the whiskey to extra layers of oak. Creamy oak, with hints of smoke, sweet honey, apples and butterscotch with spicy vanilla and smooth, soft oak. Really delicious.

Woodford Reserve Range

The Woodford Reserve is one of my favourite bourbons. It has a high percentage of rye and is triple distilled. It is crafted in small batches. Rich in dried fruits, apricots and oranges, bits of condensed milk and vanilla spice. I have paired this great bourbon with a fruity Hawaiian pizza.

Next up was the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. This expression begins life being aged in the same way as the classic Woodford Reserve, but following this, it is further matured in barrels which have been heavily toasted and lightly charred.

It has notes of malva pudding with fresh cream custard and dark cherries bursting with juice. Caramel, honey and chocolate with hints of toasted oak.

New to South Africa, this full-bodied bourbon is the perfect after-dinner drink. This will be marvellous in winter, sipping it next to a campfire. I fell in love. This is the next bottle I am buying!

Also Read: My Top 5 Whisky Food pairings

Other Jack Daniel’s Surprises

Cam surprised us with 2 special bottlings that he brought along for us to taste. First up was the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye. This historic creation marries the smoothness of Jack Daniel’s with a unique 70% rye grain bill.

Complex flavours of ripe fruit combine with lightly toasted oak to create a taste rich with spice and a pleasant lingering finish. This is a big, bold rye that does not overpower. What a delicious whiskey. Sadly, not available outside of the USA.

Last but not least was the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof. Bottled at 130.9 proof, this is whiskey as nature intended it. Bottled straight from the barrel at its full strength. Intense, smooth, and remarkably varied, Barrel Proof is bottled at anywhere from 125 to 140-proof, taking Jack’s trademark vanilla and toasted oak flavours to bold new levels.

I have done a more in-depth comparison between the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs the Woodford Reserve to look at which are their key strengths.

This will put hair on your chest if you are not careful. Even though it has a very high ABV and a bit of an alcohol bite, it does not overwhelm your taste buds and it is surprisingly smooth.

This afternoon was a fantastic experience. It was interesting to hear about some of the small things that go into making this golden liquid. Also to hear about the philosophies that started this great company.

Now I need to get to the shop to get the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

Photos courtesy of Jack Daniel’s. Please enjoy responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.

Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/06/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

Today, we’re delving into Jim Beam Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey’s rich history and flavours. This brand has left an indelible mark on whiskey. While 1795 saw a whirlwind of historical events like wars, treaties, and remarkable achievements, it also marked the birth of something truly iconic: Jim Beam.

In this pivotal year, a group of German farming immigrants led by Jacob Beam recognized the bountiful potential of Kentucky’s fertile soil for cereal farming. Jacob began cultivating corn and grains, which would later become essential ingredients in his whiskey.

The initial incarnation of this liquid gold was known as “Old Jake Beam.” In 1820, his son David took the reins of the distillery at a tender 18 years old, setting the stage for an incredible legacy.

From these humble beginnings, the Beam family transitioned from immigrant farmers to key players in a global company. In 2014, Suntory Holdings acquired Jim Beam, resulting in the creation of Beam Suntory.

This conglomerate includes renowned brands such as Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbon. The Jim Beam portfolio offers releases like Jim Beam Devil’s Cut and the much-celebrated Jim Beam Black.

Beyond bourbon, Beam Suntory boasts a diverse whisky portfolio featuring brands like Yamazaki, DYC, Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Auchentoshan whisky.

Jim Beam, a name synonymous with bourbon, has garnered a worldwide following. Among its most recognizable expressions is the Jim Beam White Label bourbon whiskey. Crafted through distillation at lower temperatures and aged for four years in oak barrels, this bourbon stands out with its relatively high percentage of rye in the mash bill.

It’s a wallet-friendly choice that offers accessibility without compromising on quality. While Jim Beam White Label may not aim to rival its older sibling, Jim Beam Black Label, it is a budget-friendly bourbon, typically retailing around $20. Let’s dive into its tasting profile:

Also Read: Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon

Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden mahogany

NOSE: Aromas of subtle vanilla, spice, pine forests, toasted oak, and hints of lemon zest greet your senses, complemented by underlying notes of toffee, sweet sticky pudding, and caramelized fruit. It’s a toasty and inviting bouquet.

PALATE: On the palate, you’ll experience an interplay of spiciness and toasted oak and a minty freshness. Hints of dry paper and pepper make their presence felt, with a faint background note of vanilla. Adding water reveals more citrus and pepper, removing the last vestiges of sweetness. It maintains a light body and an uncomplicated profile.

FINISH: Long and dry with citrus and pepper

RATING: VERY GOOD

While it may not steal the spotlight with complexity, it surpasses many budget bourbons, such as Evan Williams and Heaven Hill. It serves its purpose well, especially in cocktails, making it a practical choice for many occasions.

If you’re curious about how Jim Beam Straight bourbon whiskey compares to other iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, I’ve conducted a side-by-side comparison in a separate blog post. Additionally, I’ve explored the Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon and pitted Evan Williams against Jim Beam bourbon whiskey in another intriguing face-off.

For more insights, check out the respective links. So, whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your whiskey journey, Jim Beam remains a name worth exploring.

Also Read: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/30/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

In 2017, as I ventured into the world of bourbons, I was eager to kick off the year with a bang, following the delicious memories of Makers Mark from the previous year. The Makers Mark release quickly became one of my all-time favourites. Could I find some bourbon this year to beat my expectations? Enter Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

2016 was a year of bourbon exploration, but I was somewhat underwhelmed. Few of the bourbons I sampled managed to truly impress my palate. I have a sweet tooth, and I’m drawn to those delectable toasted oak and vanilla notes that bourbon offers.

The variety of bourbons available in South Africa is relatively small, and it often feels like the selection is shrinking. Sure, you can hunt down some high-priced bottles online, but they aren’t always accessible to the everyday bourbon enthusiast.

Then I found the Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. This release hails from the respected Buffalo Trace distillery. While it used to proudly bear the “10-year-old Single Barrel” label, the newer bottles have omitted this detail due to a transition from hand filling to machine filling.

This transition introduced the possibility of some bottles containing whiskey from more than one barrel, prompting the removal of the “Single Barrel” designation.

So, what’s the deal with Eagle Rare 10 year old? It’s aged for a decade in charred new oak barrels and bottled at a respectable 45% ABV.

This bourbon has garnered many accolades at renowned spirits competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whiskies Awards. My bottle still features the 10 year old and Single Barrel labels, evoking a sense of tradition.

Notably, the Scotch Noob points out in his review that the mash bill of Eagle Rare 10 is quite similar to Buffalo Trace. It’s like an older, more discerning sibling of Buffalo Trace, thanks to meticulous barrel selection.

Also Read: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV:45%

COLOUR: Polished amber

NOSE: The nose enchants with vanilla, toffee sweetness, hints of brandy pudding, freshly cut flowers, and subtle notes of toasted oak and pepper.

PALATE: While the nose promises vanilla and oaky sweetness, the palate surprises with a malty spiciness. Think chilli peppers, nuttiness, creamy cocoa, and traces of toasted oak and mint leaves. A few drops of water work wonders, mellowing the pepper and revealing more cinnamon. This isn’t an overly sweet bourbon. However, it has a good balance and is complex enough to be thoroughly enjoyable.

FINISH: The finish is medium length, culminating in peppery and oaky notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Eagle Rare is indeed an intriguing bourbon whiskey; not as sweet as I anticipated, but it compensates with a satisfying hint of chili heat. The rest of the bourbon experience remains intact—vanilla and toasted oak enveloped in a rich, creamy body.

As a curious experiment, I paired this bourbon with some KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) to see how it would complement the flavours. You can follow the link if you’re interested in discovering which bourbon works best with your fried chicken fix.

Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2006 Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/21/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

Today I look at the Evan Williams single barrel vintage 2006 straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey. This blog post marks the final chapter of my bourbon-tasting journey for 2016, and what a year it’s been – a whirlwind of flavours and experiences. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of sampling six bourbons and two rye whiskies.

But only two left an indelible mark on me. While my trusty Maker’s Mark and Bulleit bourbon bottles are nearly finished.

The bourbon releases I tried during the year from Heaven Hill left me wanting more. I used some Evan Williams Black Label in bourbon coffee, which used up some of the bourbon. The Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon is a delightful nectarine bourbon smash.

Fortunately, my cousin’s Texan husband is visiting soon, so I might have the perfect excuse to share these cocktails with him. However, I suspect these bottles might be in my collection for quite a long time before I can finish them.

After my recent experiences with bourbon releases, I’m somewhat hesitant to open another bottle. Nevertheless, sourcing affordable bourbon in South Africa has become increasingly challenging. Thus, I had no choice but to try Evan Williams Single Barrel, as it’s one of the few remaining options I’ve yet to explore.

Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jim Beam Bourbon

Founded by Evan Williams in 1783, it stands as Kentucky’s second-largest-selling bourbon whiskey in the United States. Evan Williams Single Barrel sets itself apart with its vintage designation. Each bottle proudly displays the year it was put into oak – in my case; it’s 2006 – as well as the bottling date (16 April 15) and the unique serial number of the single barrel it was drawn from (Barrel No 108).

Opening it can be a bit of a challenge due to the thick black wax seal. This bourbon ages approximately nine years before the Master Distiller selects and bottles it as a single barrel release.

Being a single-barrel bourbon means each bottle originates from an individual ageing barrel, resulting in a limited supply. It also means there’s no uniformity in colour and taste; each vintage offers a unique experience. Evan Williams single barrel vintage bourbon is available in South Africa and retails for around R450.

Now, the question arises: should I hunt down more cocktail recipes to savour this bourbon, or does it deserve a special place alongside my beloved Maker’s Mark? Let’s dive into the tasting.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2006 Bourbon Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43.3%

COLOUR: Dark Amber with hints of red and copper.

NOSE: Evan Williams Single Barrel greets you with a quintessential bourbon nose. There’s an enticing sweetness reminiscent of buttery Christmas pudding, accompanied by notes of vanilla, oak, cherries, and candied fruits. In the background, subtle hints of condensed milk and caramel lurk.

PALATE: However, the palate delivers a twist. The sweetness and buttery richness the nose hinted at has taken a backseat. Instead, you’ll find a spicy interplay of vanilla and cinnamon mixed with oak and hints of fruit, all with a mild alcohol burn.

The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and not as sweet as the nose may suggest. Evan Williams Single Barrel isn’t overly complex. Still, when water is added, it coaxes out the sweetness, making it more approachable and tempering the alcohol burn.

FINISH: The finish is relatively long, with the journey culminating in notes of spicy pepper and a subtle hint of lemon peel.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Evan Williams Single Barrel’s nose had me brimming with excitement, promising a rich, creamy experience one would expect from a 9 yo bourbon. Unfortunately, the taste didn’t quite match the grandeur of the nose, leaving me slightly disappointed. It’s a classic case of over-promise and under-deliver.

With the addition of water, some sweetness emerges, and the overall profile becomes gentler. However, I wonder if it might end up in a cocktail. My quest for something new, fresh, exciting, and affordable continues.

As part of my exploration, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between this Single Barrel release and the Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon, and it’s remarkable how distinct they are despite both hailing from the same company.

Also Read: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon