Tag: bourbon

Duke & Dame whiskey

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey

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When asked at a dinner party what flavor whiskey he would create if given a chance, Chima Burey, co-founder of Duke & Dame, responded with a whiskey that tastes like Sugar Daddy candy or Werther’s Original caramels.

Whiskey mixed with a hint of salted caramel—what could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. Caramel is a familiar note in many whiskeys, so the mix is a match made in heaven, or in this case, barrels.

The founders of Duke & Dame, Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey, have created a smooth spirit that blends whiskeys (including bourbon and corn whiskies) with 100% natural salted caramel flavor. You won’t find a chemical-type caramel flavoring in Duke & Dame. Imagine biting into a salted caramel and then taking a sip of whiskey. The combo is perfection, and Duke & Dame nailed it.

Here are the notes you’ll enjoy in Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey:

Nose: Butterscotch, vanilla, caramel

Palate: Caramel, oak, toffee

Finish: buttery, sweet, a long, satisfying finish

Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey is an excellent choice if you are looking for a sipping whiskey. It’s lovely served neat or over ice. It’s also a great sipper if you’re new to whiskey or do not enjoy the heat of peppery ryes and other high-proof whiskeys. At only 70 proof, Duke & Dame packs in plenty of flavor without the burn.

After enjoying some slow sipping of our Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey, we decided to put it to the “Old-Fashioned” test. The distillery offers its own Old Fashioned recipe; however, we used our classic recipe with the Duke & Dame whiskey. The result: we have a winner. I LOVED it. I do recommend leaving out the simple syrup in the recipe. The whiskey is sweet enough.

As mentioned, caramel and whiskey pair fabulously together, each complementing the other. Unsurprisingly, salted caramel whiskey makes a beautiful Old Fashioned (I do recommend leaving out the simple syrup in the recipe. The whiskey is sweet enough). Duke & Dame has some other magical cocktail recipes you can try at home. How about a little Caramel Pumpkin Pie, or Caramel Apple Sangria? I know…it’s distracting.

As bourbon collectors, I can’t help but wonder if we will ever get tired of it or if, eventually, nothing new and unique will come along. Labels like Duke & Dame remind us that there will always be a new whiskey adventure to look forward to. As long as creative and passionate people like Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey are willing to turn dreams into reality, whiskey will never get boring, and we will never have too many bottles. Check out Duke & Dame, where you can purchase a bottle and stock up on holiday gifts.

Laws Whiskey House

Laws Whiskey House

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Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lawswhiskey

If you’re itching to travel this spring, consider visiting Laws Whiskey House in Denver, Colorado. The tasting room debuts this April and is sure to impress with its lineup of straight rye, small-batch whiskey, limited releases, and more.

Not only can you enjoy tasting the various whiskeys from Laws Whiskey House while there, but the ambiance of what’s known as the “Whiskey Church” with floor-to-ceiling arched windows is enough to make the visit worthwhile.

Follow along as we discover why Laws Whiskey is quickly becoming a well-known name in the industry and why you should get your hands on a bottle (or two) for your whiskey collection.

Rocky Mountain High

The grains for whiskey need rugged growing conditions to yield robust and bold flavors. It’s similar to grapes needing to fight through less-than-desirable soil to produce a wine-worthy grape. What better terrain to find rugged growing conditions than the Rocky Mountains?

Another variable critical to whiskey is temperature swings as the whiskey ages, which Denver has plenty of. Mix that with mountain fresh water, heirloom varietal grains, and a host of free thinkers and Master Distillers, whom Laws Whiskey House refers to as “The Village,” and you’ve got a whiskey that is leaving its mark.

The Notes

I recently enjoyed sampling Laws Whiskey House, which included rye, straight wheat whiskey, straight malt whiskey, and their four-grain straight bourbon whiskey. Here’s what I found:

Henry Road Straight Malt Whiskey

Henry Road in Alamosa, Colorado, bisects miles of farm fields, including the farm fields of Cody Family Farm, which grows some of the best barley in the world. Henry Road Straight Malt Whiskey pays honor to this vital farm and grain.

Aromas:

Toasted oats, apple cider, smoke, earthy

Palate:

Iodine, pepper, pipe tobacco

The finish is dry and lingers on the palate. This whiskey is very much for Scotch fans.

Centennial Straight Wheat

This wheat whiskey made from an heirloom soft white spring wheat (Centennial wheat) is the first Colorado-made wheat whiskey to meet the Bottled in Bond Act of 189 standards.

Aromas:

Orange marmalade, butterscotch, floral, honey

Palate:

Spruce, jasmine, sage, pepper

The finish is long, and the layers are complex. Centennial is best enjoyed with an ice cube and no mixers.

San Luis Valley Straight Rye

Another first to be Bottled in Bond in Colorado whiskey from Laws Whiskey House. San Luis Valley, Straight Rye Whiskey comes from single-season rye grains in San Luis Valley and is aged for four years.

Aromas:

Tobacco, honey, black current

Palate:

Oak, mint, serrano pepper, hazelnut

Finishes with sage and coats the palate. The rye is my favorite—layers of flavor and a nice kick. I like rye in an old-fashioned and will be trying that.

Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Before entering the charred oak barrels for three years, Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey is derived from heirloom wheat, rye, barley, and heritage corn from two local Colorado family farms.

Aromas:

Orange blossom, honey, black tea

Palate:

Cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla, and tobacco

The finish is rich and dry. It’s a great bourbon.

Once in a while, a “young” distillery comes along that makes you take notice. Laws Whiskey House is one of them. Each of the whiskeys is impressive, with complex layers and beautiful aromas. I look forward to trying more and getting that rye old-fashioned made soon.

Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey

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Hear me out. I am fairly new to the bourbon whiskey scene but came in fast as a writer who does research on topics I know little about. My love for bourbon is born not only out of taste but also out of respect for its history and stories. I’m full of random facts and constantly learning more. One thing I learned early on when studying bourbon is that you don’t mess with the way things are done. It makes those of us who believe in the rich traditions of Kentucky bourbon, nervous. After tasting a bourbon with the added flavor of chocolate, I see that tradition can remain as whiskey evolves.

Ballotin is created by Saloon Spirits, LLC, in Louisville, Kentucky, and was founded by Paul Tuell. Paul is a Kentucky boy himself and didn’t go into this half-hazard. He understands bourbon and has created a drink that brings out the beautiful bourbon notes we love rather than covering them up. It’s like pairing the right chocolate with the perfect bourbon, all in one bottle.

My husband and I sat down to finally taste our bottle of Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey the other night. It had been torture opening the bottle each day just to get a sniff and maybe steal a tiny sip here and there. I felt it was best we do not drink it on a weeknight in case we couldn’t resist overindulging. I have to say, this drink is tough to put down.

The notes in Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey

I recommend you allow the Ballotin to open up before beginning your taste. You can do this by allowing it to sit in the glass for a while or adding a couple of drops of water.

Here are the notes we found:

The color

The gorgeous color changes depending on the lighting. At first, I saw a deep, golden amber and then near a different light, the whiskey was a garnet red.

On the nose

*Very vanilla forward with sweet dark cherry.

*A slight hint of oak

*Pipe tobacco

*After it opened up we noted a nuttiness as well

The Palate

*On the tongue, dark chocolate as well as vanilla and mocha

*Spicey notes (slightly cinnamon) mingling with tobacco

The Finish

*caramel finish that lingers on the tongue for quite some time

What surprised us is the layers of this chocolate whiskey. I wasn’t expecting it. We were giddy with excitement (you understand I’m sure) as it continued to open up and we continued to taste new notes, including butterscotch and a subtle hint of orange.

Add Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey to your collection

Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey feels and tastes like a luxurious dessert. There’s a sweetness that is far from overbearing and it lessens the burn often felt by whiskey. I think those new to bourbon might like to give it a try for that reason alone; however, the taste is the best reason.

Seasoned bourbon whiskey drinkers will enjoy something new and different and be amazed at how this does taste like bourbon — like a rare and unique one. Ballotin Chocolate whiskey isn’t a bottle of whiskey with some chocolate thrown in. It’s well thought out, just as if one were pairing the right chocolate with the right bourbon.

Mr. Tuell has no intentions of turning out as many flavors as possible. He tells Kentucky Living, “I never want to see a day when there is Cotton-Candy whiskey, believe me,” he says. “However, people have become more accustomed to drinks and foods that infuse flavors that they never would have thought of before. Plus, what we are infusing into our mix are all off the bourbon flavor wheel.”

I say it is perfection and a welcome surprise.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon

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I was quickly spoiled in the bourbon world since Angel’s was one that I tasted pretty soon after I became interested in whiskey. Angel’s Envy is absolutely one of the smoothest out there. And when I say smooth, I mean not just taste but how it feels. The first time I sipped it, I said it felt like velvet on my tongue, though I think silk is a better word. I have yet to find anything that compares.

A Little History

Lincoln Henderson developed well-known brands such as Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve. He was a master distiller, and after he retired, his son Wes approached him about starting a family business. Dad agreed, and the business became Angel’s Envy.

The distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky is the youngest and opened its doors in 2016. Don’t let that fool you though. The distillery is young, but Angel’s Envy is steeped in Kentucky Bourbon history.

Have you ever wondered how Angel’s Envy gets its name? The alcohol that evaporates as the bourbon sits in barrels for years is traditionally called the “angels’ share.” What’s left is then the envy of the angels.

How It’s Distilled

They say Angel’s Envy is Scotch-inspired and American-made (with a dash of rebellion). I say it’s the perfect combination.

Like Scotch, Angel’s Envy uses a secondary barrel finish, but not just any barrel — ruby port wine barrels. That’s where the rebellion comes in. Angel’s Envy was among the first to use such a cask to finish a bourbon. Bourbon and port wine are introduced to each other, and the reaction is the sweetest, velvety perfection you’ve ever met.

Oh by the way, the distillers of Angels’ Envy are pure perfectionists and take their craft seriously, tasting every barrel before we consume it. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

The Notes

After aging for 6 years, the bourbon spends 6 months in the port casks. What’s left are some of the world’s most beautiful notes:

  • The color — golden amber
  • The aroma — caramel, maple syrup, nuts, and vanilla
  • The palate — creamy vanilla, tangerine, slightly smokey
  • The finish — hints of Madeira (Portuguese wine), smooth, silky, it lingers on the tongue

How To Enjoy Angel’s Envy

With its list of smooth, almost sensual notes, certainly, Angel’s Envy needs no additions to make it enjoyable. If you haven’t found a bourbon you enjoy or are new to bourbon, I think it’s the perfect one to try. Angel’s has considerably less “burn” than some bourbons. But be warned, you’ll compare everything else to it and it’ll be tough to beat.

Women and Bourbon Whiskey

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As a woman who loves bourbon, I’m often left feeling like I’m forcing myself into a men’s club when I order two fingers or want to join in on the bourbon conversation. Don’t get me wrong. I am not man-bashing. My husband can attest, I’m a big fan of men. It’s just that most men probably don’t realize there are women out there who enjoy the layers of notes in a fine bourbon and the fun discussions that come from it (if they can find someone to talk to).

Times are changing for sure, but the world of bourbon is still aimed at men. Yet, I know women, including myself, who are fascinated by the stuff and enjoy drinking it. It’s no mystery as to why this attitude exists. Bourbon is as old as America itself, and with that comes old customs and habits that are tough to break. Back in the day, it wasn’t ladylike to go into a bar, let alone enter a smoke-filled room with gents and ask for a whiskey. Men today certainly aren’t against a lady drinking bourbon — they just aren’t used to it. And hey, it goes both ways. If a guy wants a pink comso, let him enjoy his cosmo.

If you are new to bourbon, as a woman it is intimidating for sure. Here’s the thing: you were born for tasting layers of flavor. It sounds dramatic but hear me out. According to Health, women’s senses behave differently than men’s and it may make them better at catching flavors and aromas. When tested, women often pick up smells that men can’t, and there are actually scientific reasons for it. For females, the area of the brain that controls our ability to smell shows 43% more brain cells and nearly 50% more neurons than a man’s. And when it comes to taste, women have more tastebuds on their tongues than men do. Interesting stuff. It’s not a competition; however, it’s an encouragement for the gal who wonders if she can taste bourbon as well as the guys.

If you need more encouragement, check out the awesome ladies from BourbonWomen.org. The founder of the organization, Peggy Noe Stevens, recognized a need for women to find like-minded women who enjoy bourbon whiskey. She is a Master Bourbon Taster and, in the past, she felt odd having so much knowledge, understanding, and love for bourbon in a world where she almost didn’t feel welcome. You can search for local branches of Bourbon Women in your area, here.

If you’re considering trying bourbon or learning more about it; jump in. If you’ve loved bourbon for a while now, keep sipping away. Bourbon whiskey was meant to be shared and everyone is welcome.