Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 2 of 7

Bourbon whiskey

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for bourbon whiskey. A collection of all the interesting American releases I have tried.

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/22/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey header
I got this bottle of Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee whiskey as a gift about a year ago, and it is certainly time that I open and try it. I had tasted the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 before and gave it a Very Good rating. Certainly not my favourite dram, but it will do in a pinch (perhaps a very tight pinch, but it will do).

Will this premium version of Tennessee whiskey impress me more? I wrote about the history of the Jack Daniel’s company in my Jack Daniels post. Introduced during 1988 as an upscale offering to appeal to consumers who wanted to move to a more premium brand, Gentleman Jack is called a Rare Tennessee whiskey.

Gentleman Jack is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal. First, it is charcoal mellowed before going into the barrel. Then it is sugar maple charcoal mellowed again after reaching maturity, before being bottled. The regular Old No 7 is only charcoal filtered once.

Also read: Evan Williams Bourbon 2006 Vintage

According to some sources, Gentleman Jack is aged longer than the standard Jack Daniels. But as Jack Daniel’s is aged until the distillers are happy with it, it is difficult to define the age.

In South Africa, Gentleman Jack whiskey is about R60 more expensive than the regular Old No 7. In the UK it retail for around £32 on Amazon.

It is one of those polarizing brands. Some people love it, some people not so much.

On to the important part – the taste. Is all the extra mellowing and drama going to make a Gentleman from this ordinary Jack?

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Review

Review and tasting notes Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack with glass
ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Very similar to the regular Jack Daniel’s. It is a rich golden dark copper liquid.

NOSE: Gentleman Jack has spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of smoke. It has that traditional Jack Daniel’s nose, but with a more sophisticated edge to it.

PALATE: Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. It reminded me of the smell that moment just before you light a BBQ. Herbal notes are coming through mixed with chocolate, rich dark roast coffee, hints of pepper and cinnamon intertwined with cherry sweetness and vanilla. The palate is bold and quite a big mouthful. Water smooths out the notes and adds sweetness.

FINISH: Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is a whiskey that has a distinctive personality. It’s smooth, complex, but it is easy drinking and more upmarket than the regular Jack Daniel’s whiskey. To me, this Jack is a gentleman from the rougher side of town that made the big time through hard work and perseverance. He is confident, well dressed and sure of who he is but comfortable about where he has come from.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Old No 7 and the Gentleman Jack to see how big the differences between the two are. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Gentleman Jack and the Woodford Reserve. Putting them next to each other in a tasting shows the differences and strengths very well.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/15/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

I was captivated when I saw the bottle with its elegant floral adornments. There’s something enchanting about a distinctive bottle shape, especially when you can envision repurposing it once the contents are gone. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey takes bottle aesthetics to a new level.

Its unique, eye-catching design features a distinct shape and exquisite raised roses embedded in the glass.

The origin of the Four Roses brand has a touch of mystery surrounding it. Some sources suggest that Rufus Mathewson Rose was the brand’s founder and that it was likely named as a tribute to the Rose Family.

However, the version I find more enchanting is the romantic tale of Paul L Jones Jr falling head over heels for a charming Southern belle. Instead of proposing in person, he opted for a heartfelt letter.

Her response was equally poetic – she promised to wear a red rose to the local ball to signal her favourable response. To his delight, she wore not one but four red roses.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Sadly, the fact that Paul L Jones Jr never tied the knot hints at an untold twist in this love story. But let’s shift our focus to the liquid gold inside the bottle.

Four Roses employs a unique approach by using two different mash bills and five distinct yeast strains to craft ten distinctive bourbon recipes. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey boasts a mash bill consisting of 60% corn, 35% malted rye, and 5% malted barley, complemented by yeast blends that impart fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes.

Today, the Four Roses brand is owned by the Kirin Brewery Company. In addition to the Single Barrel, their portfolio features the classic Four Roses Bourbon and the Four Roses Small Batch bourbon.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Dark reddish copper

NOSE: Fruity sweetness with some cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, hints of dark chocolate.Prepare to be greeted by a symphony of fruity sweetness intertwined with hints of cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, and subtle undertones of dark chocolate.

PALATE: Buckle up for a bold and spicy journey. While the fruity sweetness from the nose takes a step back, you’ll be hit with a robust burst of rye spices – think nutmeg, allspice, and cloves – with intriguing hints of dried fruit. Amidst it all, notes of bitter chocolate dance around toasted oak.

There’s no need to dilute this bourbon, as there’s no harsh alcohol burn, even at its high ABV. However, a drop of water works magic, coaxing forth more sweetness. The spices mellow, and the fruity sweetness takes centre stage, transforming the dark chocolate into luscious, chocolate-covered cherries.

FINISH: The finish is spicy with lingering oaky nuances.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Single Barrel bourbon whiskey is delicious. Creamy and indulgent, it boasts a substantial body that leaves a lasting impression. There may be more budget-friendly options, retailing at around R700 at Whisky Brother.

Furthermore, its availability might be limited in South Africa. However, the experience it offers is well worth the investment. If you chance upon it, seize the opportunity to savour this gem.

Pairing this bold and spicy Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey with a perfectly aged steak is a culinary match made in heaven. Have you had the pleasure of enjoying this exquisite bourbon? Share your thoughts; we’d love your take on the Four Roses Single Barrel.

Also Read: Eagle Rare 10 yo Bourbon

Heaven Hill Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/23/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

With the fall of the South African Rand against most currencies, my little hobby is becoming expensive. So image my surprise when I walked past a liquor shop that had some “bargain bourbon”. It was the Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

At about R150 and in a glass bottle, this looked interesting. I was, however, sceptical about the quality. I first went to visit Google; just to see if I am buying a real bargain or a cheap knock off.

Some reviewers think that this no age statement, screw-top Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey is not too bad. According to my research, it will not win international prizes for complexity, but it is, according to some people, drinkable and affordable.

So, I bought it, and we are going to give it a try. Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky shortly after Prohibition ended in the US. The Shapira family wanted to produce and market bourbon and premium American whiskeys. During the 1990s the Heaven Hill company diversified their portfolio.

They acquired more brands and obtaining import rights for gin, malt whiskey vodka and various other liqueurs and spirits brands. Today, Heaven Hill is the seventh-largest distributor of bourbon in the US. Other brands in their portfolio include Evan Williams and Elijah Craig bourbon whiskey and Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey.

In 2014, the name changed to Heaven Hill Brands. The Heaven Hill company remain independently owned. The Heaven Hill bourbon whiskey is aged for about 4 years.

Related Article: Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon

Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Not as dark as some of my other bourbons. It has a pale golden mahogany colour.

NOSE: Not quite as rich as its peers. There are notes of condensed milk, caramel and fruit mixed with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. There is a bit of alcohol bite on the nose. Not a very complex nose.

PALATE: Slightly more complex, but still not equal to some of our other bourbons. There are notes of spice, caramel sweetness. A bit of bitter orange in the background. Water softens the alcohol bite and makes it marginally smoother. The Heaven Hill bourbon is medium-bodied.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of inoffensive spice.

RATING: GOOD

I suspect that this Heaven Hill bourbon whiskey might work great in marinades for meat. For some or other reason, this bourbon reminds me of the old spaghetti westerns.

The scene: A bar in a small town in the middle of a God forgotten, desert area. The good guy (Clint Eastwood) riding into town on his horse, to track down the bad guy. The bad guy is sitting in the bar, drinking a bourbon neat, the bottle next to him: this bottle of Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon.

And when Clint Eastwood enters the bar, the Heaven Hill is the first thing he shoots at. The glass bottle next to the bad guy explodes as Clint’s bullet eliminates it. And then the fighting starts. Can you picture it?

Also Read: Evan Williams Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/15/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

During March this year, I got to meet Cam Dawson at a Jack Daniel’s function and taste a few exciting Jack Daniel’s releases. It was a great function that introduces a few whisky friends to more of how Jack Daniel’s is made.

We got to taste a variety of releases, however, the Jack Daniel’s release that impressed me most was the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Tennessee whiskey. I liked it so much, I went out and bought a bottle. At R600 a bottle, it is not too expensive and quite readily available.

Jack Daniel’s whiskey is not bourbon, but it is classified as a Tennessee whiskey. Despite bearing most of the same characteristics as bourbon in production methods, Jack Daniel’s whiskey enjoys filtration through a 10-foot stack of sugar maple charcoal before maturation.

This extra step, known as the Lincoln County Process, removes impurities and the taste of corn. It is what makes a Tennessee whisky different from a bourbon. Jack Daniel’s refers to this filtering step as “mellowing”.

The mash bill for Jack Daniel’s is made from corn, rye and malted barley, and is distilled in copper stills. Jack Daniel’s is labelled as a sour mash” whiskey, which means that when the mash is prepared, some of the wet solids from a previously used batch are mixed in to help make the fermentation process operate more consistently.

Jack Daniel’s is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee, by the Jack Daniel Distillery, which has been owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation since 1956. Other releases include the Gentleman Jack whisky and Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select whiskey.

Also Read: Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Whiskey Review

All Jack Daniel’s whiskey start out as Old No. 7. To become Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, the whiskey is matured in toasted and charred new white American oak barrels and stored in the uppermost part of the warehouse. Here the dramatic changes in temperature cause its colour and taste to deepen further. It is bottled at 94 proof.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Dark copper with hints of mahogany

NOSE: Ripe red berries, vanilla, a hint of mint, caramel sweetness, a bit of toasted oak.

PALATE: The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel whiskey is creamy with notes of cherries layered with caramel, vanilla, hints of coffee and cereal balanced with cinnamon and pepper spice. It is rich and complex and the layers open up slowly when you take a second sip. Water releases some more of the sweetness and softens the pepper. I just love it.

FINISH: Long and lingering and ends in notes of pepper and citrus.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Tennessee whiskey is big and bold and has a yummy’ness to it. It is one of those drams that just begs you for a second glass. Easily my favourite of the bunch that I have tasted so far. Rich, rewarding, sophisticated and just simply delicious. I also love the bottle shape.

Playing around, I found that the fruity nature of this whiskey pairs well with a sweeter Monterey Jack cheese.

I have started a series where I compare two whiskies with each other. A side by side comparison to look at the strong point of each whisky. The first comparison is between Woodford Reserve vs Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. Go and look what how they differ and my suggestion for when to drink each release.

Talking about Jack Daniel’s, I have also done a side by side comparison between the Old No 7 and the Gentleman Jack whiskey.

Also Read: Jameson Caskmates Whiskey

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/14/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

In the ever-evolving world of whiskey, a gem deserves the spotlight – Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey. As I reminisce about the good old days before Covid, when whisky shows were still a part of our lives, I recall the moment I had the privilege of trying this relatively new whiskey release in South Africa.

The Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey was a revelation with a unique and exciting taste that I rushed to buy a bottle. Fast forward to today, and whisky shows are still a distant dream, but it’s time we shed some light on this exceptional bottling.

The Uncle Nearest whiskey brand introduced its 1856 expression to the world in 2017, and it comes with a remarkable history that’s as rich as its flavour. This story begins with Nathan “Nearest” Green, an individual who was formerly enslaved but played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey and the iconic Lincoln County process, which involves charcoal filtration.

Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, served as the first master distiller at Jack Daniel’s distillery. His influence was so profound that his sons also found their place at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. Remarkably, today, Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, is the master blender for the whiskey that pays homage to his enduring legacy.

Currently, this Tennessee whiskey is sourced from two (unnamed) Tennessee distilleries. It is distilled based on a recipe credited to Uncle Nearest that dates back to the late 1800s.

The mash bill is not stated but contains at least 51% corn and a high rye percentage. It was aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of whiskey aged between 8 and 14 years.

The new Nearest Green distillery is currently in Phase 1. It is on a sprawling 270-acre horse farm in Shelbyville, on the route to Lynchburg. Founded by Fawn Weaver and owned by Grant Sidney Inc., this distillery ensures that Uncle Nearest’s legacy lives on.

Also Read: Crown Royal Deluxe Whisky

Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

COLOUR: Dark amber

ABV: 50%

NOSE: On the nose, there are scents of dried grass, vanilla, and peaches, all drizzled with a touch of maple syrup. There’s a subtle green note in the background, with hints of distant charcoal smoke and a medley of spices.

PALATE: The palate is bold and robust. Oats mingle with vanilla sugar and maple syrup, followed by the warmth of toasted wood, nutty undertones, and the freshness of green grass. As the journey continues, whispers of caramel appear before the spices steal the show.

Expect a gentle pepper heat infused with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and faint traces of dark chocolate. While there’s a hint of alcohol heat, a drop of water opens up the spices, making the nutmeg and cinnamon more pronounced, all while soothing the alcohol heat.

This whiskey is an exquisite balance of smoothness and sweetness, making it an absolute pleasure to savour.

FINISH: The finish is medium-length, leaving you with lingering notes of vanilla, oak spices, and a delightful caramel sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. Big and bold, but still smooth and unique. I loved the toasted oak notes in this whiskey. Together with the maple sweetness and the vanilla, this created bits of magic on my palate. It reminded me of a little of my grandfather’s woodwork bench and the smell of him creating furniture. This is a great whiskey to use for a whiskey sour cocktail.

The Uncle Nearest works well with a Monterey Jack cheese. The fruitier whiskey pairs well with the gentle character of this cheese.

Even more compelling is that Uncle Nearest is a black-owned whiskey brand that pays tribute to the recipe created by the USA’s first black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. This delightful whiskey is, in every sense, a win-win, offering a piece of history in every sip.

Uncle Nearest doesn’t stop at the 1856 expression; it boasts a lineup of other brand variants. This includes Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium whiskey, Nathan Green 1870 Single Barrel, and Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch whiskey. Each one promises its own unique journey through flavour and history.

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