Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 5 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.

Eagle Rare 10 year old 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 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.

This release is the perfect companion to a creamy Gouda cheese. It is gentle enough to not overwhelm the buttery cheese while spicy enough to create interest.

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: 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 year old 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

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/05/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

To kick of Bourbon Heritage month, I try a Slate blended bourbon whiskey. This one is a budget bourbon again. And after my last two budget bourbon experiments, I attempt this one with some level of trepidation.

I tried both the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon and needless to say, they will be part of our collection for a long time to come. Finishing the bottles will be difficult unless I start making bourbon-based cocktails in bulk.

I found the Slate bourbon in one of the smaller bottle stores that I visit. The amount of information on this brand, distillery, age and origin is so limited that I needed to scroll to the 4^th page on Google before finding anything worthwhile; let’s just say, I have a few antacid ready next to my tasting glass, just for in case.

But before I get to the tasting, here is a bit of the info that I found on Slate blended bourbon. According to the marketing spiel:

“… Slate is known as one of the smoothest bourbons on the market. Silky, smoky and sweet it is great neat over ice or if you would rather, mixed with cola.”

My research indicated that Slate blended bourbon is a Diageo new style product launched in Australia (and South Africa) to test the market before launching globally.

Slate Blended bourbon is blended in Chicago from various bourbons to create a smoother mouthfeel. There is also a Slate ’20 version, which is a ‘ready to drink’ alcopop blend of Slate bourbon, lime and ginger. (Only available in the UK as far as I can see)

Slate ‘20 takes its name from the blended bourbon used in the recipe, which is sourced from the Four Roses distillery in the US. The ’20 refers to 1920 when bourbon was first distilled in Chicago.

In SA, the Slate blended bourbon retails for around R200 ($14). After all of that, let’s try this blended bourbon and see.

Also Read: Bourbon Coffee

Slate Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: A dark golden colour.

NOSE: Subtle with cereal and caramel, oak and vanilla notes.

PALATE: Smooth, spicy vanilla, honey sweetness and oak. Medium body bourbon that is not very complex. Easy drinking. Adding water enhances the sweetness and it becomes almost too sweet.

FINISH: Medium length finish which ends in sweet caramel notes.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It does not give me heartburn, and it is undoubtedly better than the Heaven Hill Old Style and the Evan Williams bourbon. Having said that, it will not win any major prizes.

It is supposed to taste like “real old Chicago bourbon”… I am not sure if there is anyone who still knows what “Real Old Chicago bourbon” tasted like, so I take their word for it.

Has anyone tried this bourbon before?

Also Read: Koval Bourbon Single Barrel

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/06/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

In today’s whiskey exploration, I’m delving into the fascinating realm of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on a journey through various whisky and bourbons.

My pilgrimage began with traditional Scottish single malts and blends. From there I started exploring world whiskies from India such as the Amrut Two Continents, Kavalan from Taiwan, Three Ships from South Africa, Europe, and Australia. Eventually, my journey led me to the sweet embrace of bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, as my palate tends to lean toward the sweeter notes.

Living in South Africa, I’ve encountered some limitations regarding the availability and affordability of bourbon, especially with the challenges brought on by currency fluctuations. However, my quest for new experiences led me to discover this budget-friendly gem, Evan Williams bourbon whiskey.

Also read: Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Upon first glance, the labelling of Evan Williams Kentuckybourbon bore a striking resemblance to that of Jim Beam Black bourbon, another budget-friendly option. It’s worth noting that Evan Williams is part of the Heaven Hill portfolio, a company with a rich history in whiskey.

Evan Williams bourbon debuted in 1957, courtesy of Heaven Hill, and it takes its name from the man credited as Kentucky’s first distiller. It’s reassuring to know that the Heaven Hill company remains independently owned, staying true to its heritage.

This particular bourbon release boasts an ageing period of around 4 to 5 years. The burning question on my mind: Can Evan Williams stand up to the likes of Jim Beam Black bourbon, or is it destined to be relegated to the bargain bin? Let’s dive into the tasting notes.

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Dark reddish gold

NOSE: While Evan Williams bourbon whiskey exhibits the traditional bourbon aromas of toasty oak and vanilla, there’s a subtle undercurrent of corn syrup. However, I must admit that the nose lacks the layering and complexity I often seek in a bourbon.

PALATE: On the palate, Evan Williams offers little complexity beyond the expected toasty oak, vanilla, and hints of spice. The rough edges of this bourbon are hard to ignore, and it has a light body and mouthfeel. Even with the addition of water, complexity remains somewhat elusive, revealing chilli and bitter orange peel notes, but not enough to fully elevate the experience.

FINISH: A bit rough and fortunately does not linger too long.

RATING: GOOD

This bottle will be part of my collection for quite a long time. Definitely not close to my favourite. It offers little depth and complexity. It has a raw alcohol note that makes it hard to drink and I will probably only use this in cocktails.

Curious to see how Evan Williams stacks up against other options from the Heaven Hill stable, I poured a glass of Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon for a side-by-side comparison.

While both hail from the same family, Evan Williams manages to outshine Heaven Hill Old Style, albeit marginally. These bourbons could easily be found in a classic spaghetti western movie scene.

If you seek a bourbon that invites you to unwind and savour its nuances, I’d suggest exploring other options. Personally, I found more satisfaction in the Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon.

Over the weekend, I compared Evan Williams and Jim Beam bourbon head-to-head to see how they measure up against each other. You can find my thoughts by following the link for the full rundown.

To round out my bourbon journey, I also pitted Evan Williams against the timeless Jack Daniel’s, providing a comprehensive perspective. You can read all about that adventure. Cheers to the continued exploration of the world of bourbon!

Also Read: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon 101 Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/26/2015

In Bourbon whiskey

In early May, I had the pleasure of savouring the Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon. This experience left me craving more of this exceptional bourbon. Determined to restock my collection, I embarked on a spirited quest, only to be met with a challenge. The bourbon landscape in South Africa had dwindled over the past year, resulting in a somewhat limited selection.

Fortunately, my search yielded the Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey . I eagerly seized the opportunity to add it to my collection. Wild Turkey is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey crafted and bottled by the renowned Wild Turkey Distilling Co., nestled on Wild Turkey Hill near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

The origins of this distillery trace back to the Ripy brothers, who established the original distillery. Their bourbon found its way into the hands of various wholesalers who, in turn, bottled it under their own labels. One of these wholesalers were Austin Nichols.

Related Article: Pikesville Rye whiskey

According to a old tale, the “Wild Turkey” brand was born during a wild turkey hunting expedition in 1940, when an Austin Nichols executive named Thomas McCarthy sampled warehouse treasures with friends.

The whiskey was so beloved that they couldn’t resist asking for “that wild turkey bourbon.” In 1942, Austin Nichols officially began bottling Wild Turkey.

In 1949, the Ripys sold their distillery to Robert and Alvin Gould. A significant turning point occurred in 1971 when Austin Nichols purchased the distillery, then called Boulevard Distillery, from the Goulds and bestowed the name Wild Turkey Distillery upon it.

In 1980, Pernod Richard acquired the distillery and Wild Turkey brand. As time went on, Wild Turkey became part of the Campari Group.

Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 Whiskey Review

The “101” denotes its robust 101 proof, equivalent to 50.5% alcohol by volume. This bourbon is a blend comprising 6, 7, and 8 yo bourbons that emerge from the barrel at a potent 109 proof. Only a slight dilution is applied before bottling, preserving its bold character.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 50.5%

COLOUR: Rich amber. It’s quite an oily bourbon.

NOSE: Rich and sweet, with layers of dark fruits. Hints of candied plums and ripe cherries, with maple syrup and caramel, form a delightful backdrop, offering a glimpse of the spiciness yet to unfold. Cinnamon whispers around, intermingling with the comforting embrace of vanilla. It’s an enticing beginning.

PALATE: The Wild Turkey 101 coats your palate with a chewy richness. Up to this point, John and I shared similar impressions. However, our tasting notes diverged from here. John perceived an outstanding balance of sweetness and spice, together with oak.

He described it as an intricate tapestry of spice layered over caramel toffee, with cherries adding depth. In contrast, I encountered a pepper spice bomb, overwhelming any lingering sweet notes. A touch of water does help, mellowing the pepper and taming some of the spice.

FINISH: John described the finish as a great body that builds to a smooth, spicy end. For me, it was a bold interplay of cinnamon and pepper vying for dominance.

RATING: VERY GOOD

Typically, our tasting notes and assessments align closely, but on this bourbon, our perspectives diverged significantly. John relished the Wild Turkey 101 bourbon whiskey, whereas I found it challenging to finish my glass. It’s a testament to the enigmatic nature of whiskey, capable of evoking diverse reactions.

This unpredictability is precisely what makes our whisky journey so thrilling; sometimes, we agree to disagree. This Kentucky bourbon secured an impressive 91 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. In our deliberations, we settled on a rating of “Very Good” for the Wild Turkey 101 bourbon whiskey.

It’s a bourbon that shines if you have an affinity for robust spices. While it may not be my preference, John managed to single-handedly make a dent in the bottle, attesting to its undeniable appeal for spicy, bold bourbon fans.

This is the perfect pairing with a blue cheese. The whiskey has enough bold spiciness to stand up to the pungent cheese.

Also Read: Jim Beam White Label Bourbon