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.
Chattanooga, TN (August 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey announces the newest release in their award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 039: Harvest Bourbon. This 7-grain high malt bourbon – released to welcome in the harvest season – explores the vast array of flavors imparted by non-traditional whiskey grains, including raw and malted rice, malted oats, and malted triticale.
“Classically speaking, bourbon whiskey is a spirit made from four major grains: corn, rye, wheat, and barley. While these grains provide the familiar bourbon-y flavors that we all know and love, our distillers wanted to explore a completely different side of bourbon – made from a completely new ‘palette’ of flavor grains.” – Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller.
Made from a batch of only 6 barrels, Harvest Bourbon was aged for over five years in three different types of oak barrels. Each of these barrel types was seasoned, charred, and toasted to various lengths and levels, which were specifically selected to complement the characteristics of the underlying alt-grain mash bill.
“Our distilling team’s approach to making whiskey has always been grain-to-glass. This simply means that every step of the process builds off of the one that came before it. Thus, when it came to aging this experimental whiskey, we chose a variety of casks that would complement the floral and toasty flavors of raw and malted rice, the creamy notes of malted oats, and the sweet and spicy impact of malted triticale. The result is a one-of-a-kind alt-bourbon, built from the ground up.” – Grant McCracken, Founding Distiller.
Batch 039: Harvest Bourbon will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery at $69.99 for a 750ml bottle, and available online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com. Bottled at 115 proof, expect notes of snickerdoodle cookie, fruit cake, oatmeal creme pie, horchata, and rice pudding.
About Chattanooga Whiskey: Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery – the only standalone experimental distillery in the country – hosts over 50,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey.
Since opening in 2015, the distillery has trialed hundreds of grains, barrels, techniques, and ingredients, releasing 39 Experimental Batches and 56 Experimental Single Barrels in that period – all within their grain-to-glass Tennessee High Malt style.
Independently owned and operated, Chattanooga Whiskey is committed to making whiskey that emphasizes quality, complexity, and authenticity through its one-of-a-kind Tennessee High Malt style. Most recently, Chattanooga Whiskey was named Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year (both America & Global) at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
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.
Chattanooga, TN (January 2024) – Chattanooga Whiskey today announced the newest release in their award-winning Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 036: Herbal Infused. Inspired by the traditional kräuterlikörs of Germany, this experimental bourbon liqueur combines a German-malt-laden mash bill with an infusion of über-traditional botanicals, including star anise, ginseng, bilberry, and sarsaparilla.
“Since it began in 2017, our Experimental Series has been a playground for our distilling team – allowing them to explore traditional and lesser-known spirit styles from around the world. Batch 036: Herbal Infused explores a very underappreciated German liqueur style and reimagines it through our Tennessee High Malt lens. The result beautifully balances both tradition and experimentation, taking a world-class style to another level.” – Grant McCracken, Chief Product Officer.
As with their previous liqueurs, Batch 036 was crafted from a base of the company’s trademarked Tennessee High Malt Whiskey – which in this case contained a variety of German specialty malts, including pale wheat malt and chocolate malt – infused with 100% natural botanical ingredients. After aging in single-use bourbon barrels for an entire year, dark candi syrup was blended into the spirit before being bottled in a green bottle, symbolic of the German herbal liqueur style.
“Every one of our liqueurs uses 100% real whiskey and real ingredients, but Herbal Infused takes this approach to another level – infusing 14 different botanicals in multiple “waves,” each one for different periods of time. This approach pulls the best characteristics from every ingredient – carefully layering each botanical flavor on top of the next.” – Grant McCracken, Chief Product Officer.
Batch 036: Herbal Infused will be available at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery at $49.99 for a 750ml bottle and online for shipping to select states on Seelbachs.com. Bottled at 81 proof, expect notes of root beer float, black licorice, blueberry preserves, and chocolate mint, with a woody ginseng finish. Enjoy chilled alongside a traditional German beer or as a digestif.
About Chattanooga Whiskey: In 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery now hosts over 40,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey.
The Riverfront Distillery is the production home to Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature expressions, Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, and 99 Rye, as well as their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series and Barrel Finishing Series. More recently, Chattanooga Whiskey won the Icons of Whisky – Craft Producer of the Year award (American & Global) at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
Chocolates are great, but I’ll take a fine bourbon instead. Are you over the heart-shaped box of chocolates? Do you want to impress your one and only on Valentine’s Day? Follow along as we look at 6 excellent spirits to wrap up for Valentine’s Day and how to use them in delicious cocktails that look as good as they taste…just like your sweetheart.
Minke Irish Gin hails from the Clonakilty Distillery in beautiful Ireland. I recently enjoyed a taste of it and was impressed. Some gins are too herbal for me; however, Minke is one of the smoothest gins on the market, with a juniper-forward palate balanced beautifully with citrus. I would dare say this gin is “creamy,” which, in my opinion, isn’t a word I have ever used to express my feelings about a gin. Try this yummy recipe to impress him or her on Valentine’s Day:
Minke Raspberry Martini
Stirred, not shaken. Sweet and refreshing raspberries complement the smooth, velvety texture and citrusy aromas of Minke Gin.
Stir the gin, dry vermouth, raspberry syrup, and ice together in a shaker or mixing glass. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with raspberries. Purchase Minke Gin here.
Let’s be clear that this is Angel’s Envy Rye, not the bourbon. Both are fantastic, but I prefer the rye, especially for an old fashioned. On a side note for the men, Angel’s Envy was the first whiskey I ever tried neat. I think both the bourbon and the rye are great go-to’s if your love has never tried whiskey and assumes she won’t like it. The smoothness of Angel’s surprised me, and I have been obsessed with whiskey ever since. Fair warning, though, when Angel’s Envy is your first time, nothing else ever compares.
With the added sugar and bitters in an old-fashioned, the bite of the rye allows the whiskey not to get lost in the other flavors.
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces Angel’s Envy Rye .5 ounces simple sugar 6 to 7 drops of Angostura bitters 2 Luxardo cherries (yes, they must be Luxardo)
Add the rye, sugar, and bitters to a mixing tin and set aside. Peel a piece of orange rind about an inch wide and rub the rim of the glass with it. Add the peel to the bottom of the glass. Add an ice ball to the glass (or 2 to 3 regular ice cubes).
Add a few ice cubes to the mixing tin and stir. Pour into a glass and garnish with the cherries. Purchase Angel’s Envy Rum here.
Bayou White Rum imparts a fresh, vibrant taste and aroma and has a multi-layered flavor experience. When distilled, it rests for up to 40 days, allowing the crisp, clean flavors to mellow and combine. Thirsty yet? The best part is that Bayou Rum works in many cocktails, and the Bayou Cosmopolitan is one of my faves.
Bayou Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
2 ounces of Bayou White Rum 1 ounce cranberry juice 1/2 ounce quality orange liqueur 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Method:
In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients. Top with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a lime wheel or lime wedge for a tart addition or an orange for a slightly sweeter take. Purchase Bayou Rum here.
This is at our home bar. The photo doesn’t do the gorgeous bottle justice.
Nothing screams Valentine’s Day like the color pink! Inspired by Edinburgh Gin’s original Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur, Rhubarb & Ginger Gin is a fuller-bodied version of this pioneering flavor combination. Not only that, Rhubarb & Ginger Gin has one of the best lineups of pink cocktails, the perfect companion for Valentine’s Day.
I recently sampled this for the first time, and it will now be a staple in our home bar. The taste is unique, smooth, and refreshing. And guys, listen up…the bottle is lovely, and the shade of pink is so unusual for a spirit, making this a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for her. Plus, you’ll be set to make some yummy cocktails for the evening. It’s a win-win. Purchase Rhubarb and Ginger Edinburgh Gin, here.
Rhubarb Bramble
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces R&G Gin Full Strength .75 ounces fresh lemon .75 ounces sugar Gomme syrup .25 ounces crème de cassis
Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake until ice cold. Strain into a rock or tumbler glass filled with crushed ice. Drizzle the crème de cassis over the top. Garnish with an orange twist and a blackberry.
Castle & Key Restoration Rye, Dedicated to “Sweetness”
Ladies — it’s your turn. If you have an avid football fan in your life this Valentine’s Day who happens to enjoy whiskey, this is the gift to give…if you can find it. Castle & Key’s Single Barrel Restoration Rye is fantastic, and a small number of bottles were dedicated to The Chicago Bear’s Walter Payton (Sweetness).
It was only released in Illinois. We found it at our favorite BBQ joint in Hinckley, Illinois, where they also sell great bottles of bourbon. Our lunches of BBQ ribs and fried potato salad always result in a new bottle of bourbon.
If you can’t find or purchase the “Sweetness” bottle, Castle & Key makes plenty of other bottles of the rye to go around. You can find the “Sweetness” bottle here and more Restoration Rye here.
Manhattan
You’ve likely enjoyed a Manhattan with bourbon; however, just like the old-fashioned, I think excellent rye works better with the sweet additions that go into the drink. Bourbon has a touch of sweetness and will make a sweeter Manhattan. If that’s what you prefer, then by all means, use bourbon.
Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled —strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey
If she’s expecting chocolates, surprise your Valentine with this chocolate instead.
Truthfully, when we first heard the words “chocolate whiskey,” my husband and I thought, what have they done to whiskey?? Then we tasted it. Other flavored whiskeys have come before, but no one did it right. Saloon Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, however, does. You can read my review of this dessert-like bourbon here.
We enjoy drinking it neat as a dessert. We discovered this gem of a whiskey while binging Downton Abbey a year ago. I won’t tell you how many bottles we went through during that time, but let’s just say that the Granthams and their scandals led us to drink.
Busker Irish Whiskey is a premium whiskey brand quickly gaining popularity among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. The brand is known for its distinctive taste and unique approach to whiskey-making, which incorporates traditional Irish distilling techniques with innovative new methods.
One of the key aspects that set The Busker Irish Whiskey apart is its commitment to using only the finest ingredients in its distilling process. The brand uses 100% malted barley in its single malt expression, which gives it a rich, complex flavor profile that is characteristic of the best Irish whiskeys. Additionally, Busker Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled in copper pot stills, which helps to enhance its flavor further and gives it a smooth, refined finish.
They also use different types of casks in the aging process. The whiskey is initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels, which gives it a sweet, vanilla-like flavor. It is then finished in sherry or Marsala casks, which add a spicy, woody note to the final product. This combination of casks helps to create a whiskey that is both complex and well-balanced.
The Busker Irish Whiskey Single Malt
One of the standout products in the Busker Irish Whiskey lineup is the Single Malt expression. This whiskey is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The result is a rich, full-bodied whiskey that is bursting with flavor. I had the privilege of enjoying this whiskey and here’s what I found: The nose is dominated by notes of vanilla, honey, and dried fruit, while the palate is full of apple, citrus, banana, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and warming, with a subtle smokiness that lingers on the tongue.
The Busker Irish Whiskey Single Grain
Next, I tasted the single grain. This whiskey is aged in hand-selected Bourbon casks from the USA and rare Marsala casks from one of the oldest Sicilian wineries – Cantine Florio 1833. If you think casks don’t make a difference, think again. The color of this Irish whiskey is a beautiful light straw. On the nose as well as on the palate, you’ll find notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The finish is sweet and lasts for quite a while, which is a lovely bonus.
The Busker Irish Whiskey Single Pot Still
Last, I sipped the single pot still expression, which is made traditionally with barley and then finished in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks. This one is my favorite because I like a good kick of spice. In the single pot still, you’ll smell and taste cinnamon, pepper, cloves, toffee, honey, oak, and fudge. It’s quite complex and may surprise you as an Irish whiskey.
Irish whiskey is making a name for itself lately, after hiding in the shadows during the bourbon boom. Whiskey fans want something new, and I’d say The Busker Irish Whiskey is a great place to start.
If you like to feel the heat, along with a little spice, you’ll enjoy this new 100 proof bourbon from WhistlePig distillery
PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon is a relatively new addition to the world of bourbons. Produced by WhistlePig, a Vermont-based distillery known for its premium rye whiskeys, PiggyBack is their first bourbon release. The bourbon is aged for six years and bottled at 100 proof, which makes it stand out from other bourbons on the market. Most bourbon whiskey is bottled at about 80 proof.
The Farm
It’s tough not to be creative at WhistlePig Farm. The setting is stunning, where a 150-year-old barn sitting on acreage, was renovated to create a dreamy, unique whiskey distillery. WhistlePig is all about breaking tradition while maintaining everything a whiskey should be and more. Creativity and pushing the envelope are a priority. As one team member says, “Our young, rebellious team is committed to breaking the rules, defying tradition, and blazing new trails with determination, laughter, and grit.” Thanks to that spirit and innovation, we bourbon fans get to enjoy an excellent new whiskey.
The name “PiggyBack,” which is slang for a rider on a locomotive, is inspired by the distillery’s founder, Raj Bhakta, who had a passion for trains and railroads. The name also reflects the idea of building upon the legacy of previous whiskey makers.
The notes in PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon
One of the most striking things about PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon is its aroma. The nose is complex and layered, with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. Hints of baking spices and a subtle smokiness complement these aromas.
On the palate, PiggyBack delivers a rich and full-bodied experience. The bourbon has a deep, warm flavor profile dominated by caramel and vanilla notes. A pleasant spiciness comes through, along with a subtle smokiness that lingers on the finish.
At a mid-priced level (about $50) this is an excellent bourbon to add to any collection. You can order PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon here.
How to enjoy PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon
As mentioned, one of the things that set PiggyBack apart from other bourbons is its high proof. At 100 proof, it has a bit more kick than your average bourbon, which makes it a great choice for mixing in cocktails. Personally, I prefer rye in my old-fashioned, but thanks to PiggyBack’s “kick” and spicy notes, it’s perfect in this type of cocktail. It also holds up well when paired with food, particularly rich, hearty dishes like steak or barbecue.
Overall, PiggyBack 100 proof bourbon is a fantastic addition to the world of bourbons. Its complex aroma and full-bodied flavor make it a standout choice, and its high proof makes it a versatile option for cocktails or food pairings. If you’re a bourbon fan, PiggyBack is worth checking out. I know we will continue to enjoy the bottle we have and replace it as it runs out.
Buchanan’s Pineapple is tropical sunshine in a bottle.
Buchanan’s Whisky is well known for its blended Scotch whisky, but are you aware of one of the most popular ways to mix it? In the Hispanic American community, Buchanan’s whisky is often mixed with pineapple juice as a refreshing cocktail (The Buchanita). So, Buchanan’s made it even easier by combining pineapple and whisky in one bottle. Buchanan’s Pineapple is the first of its kind in the Buchanan portfolio, and you’ll be glad they finally did it. The company was generous enough to send me a sample, and here’s what I found…
The Nose:
The aroma is pineapple-forward with other citrus.
The Palate:
I have to repeat pineapple-forward, but it’s not overkill. This is a sweet-flavored whisky; when they say pineapple, they mean pineapple. On the palate, there is a light note of caramel and vanilla.
The Finish:
At the finish, you’ll remember you’re drinking a blended Scotch whisky. The slightest taste of iodine lingers on the tongue along with tropical fruit.
I know there are skeptics out there regarding flavored whisky; however, perhaps that’s because they had to cut their teeth on the hard stuff back in the day. Today, with a whisky like Buchanan’s Pineapple, a newbie can try whisky without getting “burned.” At only 70 proof, it goes down easy and reveals the slightest taste of Scotch. For old pros, Buchanan’s shakes things up a bit and makes drinking Scotch fun. The pineapple is surprisingly refreshing, and well, to tell you the truth, it was a welcome change for someone currently living through a northern winter. It took me to a tropical paradise, which is what Buchanan wants to do.
Buchanan’s Pineapple is running a campaign on social media for those 21 and older called “It’s Piña,” and it’s all about encouraging a tropical state of mind, whether at home or out on the town. James Buchanan, the founder of Buchanan’s whisky, believed in community and sharing, which led to the 200% concept: 100% American identity + 100% Hispanic identity = 200% life. How beautiful is that?
I don’t see Buchanan’s Pineapple as a Scotch to sip neat but rather on the rocks. Even better, it’s perfect for cocktails. Check out the recipes for Piña Fizz and Bucha Colada.
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 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.
