Review #14 - Wild Turkey Sherry Signature 10 Year

Whenever I travel to a new city in Europe I always go out of my way to track down a local liquor shop or two. These shops are typically located off the beaten path and far away from the tourist zones. Finding the shops are half the fun, the other is that you never know what you may happen upon. 

In January of 2014 I travelled to Athens, Greece and like many other places that I visit one of the objectives was to locate a whiskey shop and see what they may have hiding on the shelves or in the backroom. After about an hour of travelling around the city I eventually stumbled upon the shop I was seeking out and upon entering was I struck as to how tiny the place was. The shop is split into two levels with a glass spiraling staircase that leads up to where most of the Scotch and other whiskey was kept. 

Like many shops in Europe there is not much of an American whiskey selection and most of the selection of spirits are Scotch whisky. I looked over the Scotch selection like I always do and then proceeded to see what they may have for bourbon or rye. Sitting in the very corner on the top shelf of this shop was a bottle of bourbon that I had never seen before in my life so I immediately knew I had to pick it up: Wild Turkey Sherry Signature.

I have not had much luck in my research on this particular whiskey. It seems that about 10 years ago in 2004-2005 that it was available in Europe and primarily in duty free shops. Overall the discussion of the quality of the whiskey itself tended to be on the negative and as it was stated in one bourbon forum that it was the "brainchild of some VP in marketing". From my perspective I think this is a great bourbon. The best I can figure is that the bourbon market was a completely different animal 10 years ago and possibly this was an attempt by Wild Turkey to make some end roads in the European market that is heavily dominated by Scotch drinkers. Blending a bourbon with oloroso sherry and adding an age statement of 10 years may have been their attempt at luring Scotch drinkers to cross the bridge into the bourbon arena. But that is just speculation on my part.

The back label states:
"Wild Turkey Sherry Signature is born from a process that begins with a select batch of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It's initially matured for 10 years in heavily charred, white oak barrels stored in the Kentucky hills. It then undergoes a second maturation in Spanish sherry casks where a sweet, mellow flavor is extracted from the wood. In the final stage, Oloroso Sherry is added to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor resulting in a rich, full taste that can only come from Wild Turkey".


PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon - Finished in Sherry Casks, Enhanced with Oloroso Sherry

Age - 10 years

Mashbill - Unknown

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 43.0% (86 proof)

NOSE
Dark raisin, red grapes and plums
Cedar wood
Black Cherries
Light maple syrup
Citrus mango

PALATE
Cinnamon spice
Blackberry jam
Dried fruit
Toasted oak
Candied nuts (walnut)
Subtle wood smoke

FINISH
Sherry Signature has a thin viscous mouthfeel that is short to medium in length. The finish is very dessert like with a dry, fruity and nutty oak like flavor.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
I've been sitting with this bottle for almost 10 months now periodically sipping it from time to time. This whiskey has really grown on me and I very much enjoy it the more and more I revisit the bottle. 

Truly unique in its delivery I think that this bourbon may have been a little ahead of its time and the current market is just now starting to catch up with it in terms of the prevalence of "finished" bourbons. That would be my only explanation as to the poor reviews from 10 years ago. 

I happen to love port and sherry finished Scotch so I appreciate the layering between the spiciness of good aged Wild Turkey and the fruity sweetness that the Oloroso sherry brings the overall flavor. 

My only complaint with this bourbon is that it is bottled at 43% ABV which is what I believe contributes to the relative thinness on the mouthfeel. With the bourbon boom in full swing it would be nice if Wild Turkey would give this another shot for the American market but maybe this time release it at a higher proof. That being said I think this is a great unique bourbon and worth a pick up if you happen to stumble upon it randomly.

PRODUCT RATING 
4.0 out of 5

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #12 - Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select

It's been quite a few years since I've tackled some Jack Daniels but I saw a bottle of the Single Barrel at the store not too long ago and decided to give it a go. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 was my go to whiskey throughout the college years and it typically was consumed blended with Coca-Cola or consumed as a shot. I figured that it was time to give Tennessee Whiskey some respect and see what it had to offer.

According to their website approximately 1 out of every 100 barrels is set aside to age in the highest and hottest sections of their barrelhouses. The whiskey will get the maximum amount of maturation with the time spent in the upper sections also known at Jack Daniel's as the Angel's Roost. In turn the Single Barrel will gain a deep rich color and flavor. In total the barrel will lose 30% volume over the life of it's maturation period or more than twice the amount lost  by the Old No. 7. The distillery debuted their 94 proof Single Barrel in February of 1997.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Tennessee Whiskey

Age - Approx. 6 years

Mashbill - 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 47.0% (94 proof)

Bottling Date - 06-24-2013

Rick Number - L-19

Barrel Number - 13-3603

NOSE
Vanilla
Orange
Maple Syrup
Caramel

PALATE
Tea
Black Pepper
Smoked Oak
Light red fruit
Powdered sugar 

FINISH
The finish is medium in length with a thin to medium mouthfeel. Not much burn however the finish leaves quickly and is fairly one dimensional in complexity. The higher alcohol content probably allows the finish to hang around a little while longer but there isn't a whole lot going on past the palate.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
To say I am surprised with the quality of this whiskey is a huge understatement. There were little to no expectations other than I figured that there wouldn't probably be all that much going on in a bottle of Jack Daniels. I was very wrong in my assumptions. After sitting with this bottle for a couple of weeks I can say that the Jack Daniel's Single Barrel is just a great sipper. Maybe I'll chalk it up to nostalgia but I'd like to think that there is something a little more than that going on in this bottle. The nose has a great balance of sweet and smokey notes which really differentiates Jack Daniels from the bourbon world. Sometimes it's nice to get a whiff of burnt maple sugar wood in the nose or a little char on the tastebuds. I love the fact that it is also bottled at 47% ABV because it really gives the whiskey a much deeper flavor as compared to the Old No. 7. Definitely recommended for those people who want to take a step out of the bourbon world for a moment but don't want to compromise on either price or quality.

PRODUCT RATING 
3.5 out of 5

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #8 - Jefferson's 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey

Today there are a few distilleries that are making rye whiskey although that number is increasing every year. To qualify as rye in the United States the recipe (mashbill) has to be at least 51% rye. Conversely, bourbon has to be at least 51% corn. There are even fewer distilleries that are delivering a 100% rye based whiskey.

Jeffersons is a rye that has 100% rye in its mashbill however the "distillery" does not actually distill the spirit in the bottle. They are known as an Independent Bottler or another term often used is Non Producer Distiller (NPD). The fact that they simply bottle the whiskey makes it somewhat difficult to identify who distilled the liquor as many NPDs are not forthcoming to the public as to where they have purchased the whiskey. It also makes it hard to guarantee that Jeffersons won't switch the supplier of the whiskey and thus change the flavor profile.

Because the rye whiskey is 100% rye and aged at 10 years all guesses point to Alberta distillery in Canada. Nonetheless this rye is one of a handful that are aged 10 years or more and at 100% rye mashbill meeting the American requirements and therefore makes the spirit somewhat unique compared to the other rye whiskies hitting the market today.  

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Rye

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 47%

Mashbill - 100% rye

Batch Number - 15

Bottle Number - 0171

Age - 10 Years.

NOSE
Tropical fruit
Ginger
Golden raisin

PALATE
Clove
Black pepper
Fennel anise 
Honey

FINISH
Toasted oak
Mint
Dark fudge

The finish is medium to long in length with medium legs that provide a creamy texture.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Jefferson's 10 Year Rye Whiskey is a great whiskey. It has a nice complexity and balance that makes it just a joy to sip and share with friends. I think it represents rye whiskey very well by not having many sweet notes that try to masquerade the spirit as a bourbon. The fact that it has a nice herbal and spicy palate makes it a great for whiskey based cocktails such as Manhattans. 

PRODUCT RATING 
3.5 out of 5. You can typically find this rye in the $40 range. I've heard some rumors that it may be losing its age statement in the future. Pick some up and try it neat or in a cocktail before it is too late. A really great rye whiskey.

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #7 - Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

Four Roses releases three regular bourbons in the U.S.: yellow label, small batch and single barrel. The blended whiskey of the Seagrams years is ancient history. Four Roses also does a yearly limited edition release of their small batch and the single barrel bourbons. Both versions are highly coveted by collectors for their exceptional quality and rarity. This review will cover the regular Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon that can be found pretty easily throughout the United States.

In 2012 and 2013 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch won the prestigious Whiskey Advocate's American Whiskey of the Year award. What they are doing at Four Roses is nothing short of a miracle and under Master Distiller Jim Rutledge's watchful eyes the brand will keep getting better and better. The sky is truly the limit in Lawrenceburg Kentucky.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 45%

Mashbill - 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley

Age - approximately 8 Years.

NOSE
Lemon Peel
Red Grapes
Sweet cake frosting
Candy Corn

PALATE
Vanilla
Honey
Confectioners sugar
Cedar Wood

FINISH
The finish is medium in length and ends with mint, cinnamon and light cherry cola notes. 

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Four Roses Small Batch is a terrifically sweet and drinkable bourbon. Although it lacks the aggressiveness and complexity of other bourbons it makes for a great weekend sipper and it is really enjoyable. If you are feeling like satisfying your sweet tooth with an excellent crafted spirit than I highly recommend Four Roses Small Batch.

PRODUCT RATING 
3 out of 5. This is a very well rounded sweet bourbon. You can generally find it on sale in the upper $20 to mid $30 range making this an exceptional value purchase. 

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #6 - Elijah Craig 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The Elijah Craig 12 Year is simply the best price for a quality bourbon whiskey that you'll find in the market, bar none. It is an absolute hidden gem. Distilled at Heaven Hill in Bardstown Kentucky yields us a great all around Bourbon. I visited Heaven Hill in October 2013 and I was floored by the enormous stock of aging Bourbon in their vast rickhouses. What I took away from that trip, aside from the amazing smell of the angel's share, was that we'll have this whiskey on the market for a very long time. And that makes me extremely happy.

The question that I keep asking myself when it comes to EC12 is how in the world does it stay on the market at such an inexpensive price point? It makes no sense in the context of the global whiskey boom where prices are being driven higher and higher. I've been able to purchase this whiskey for as low as $24 when it has been on sale. A 94 proof whiskey at under thirty dollars is a killer deal.

Heaven Hill also releases various age statements of Elijah Craig in their ultra premium category such as an 18, 20 and 21 as well as a barrel proof version of the 12. However it is the standard 12 Year old that is so easily accessible and also so easily drinkable.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 47%

Mashbill - 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley

Age - 12 Years.

NOSE
Lemon
Green apple
Light vanilla
Graham Cracker
Floral notes
Caramel

PALATE
Dark chocolate
Light mint
Dark roast coffee
Tobacco leaf
Toasted oak

FINISH
The finish is a nice long slow burn. At 47% it has medium legs and is relatively viscous. The most surprising thing on the palate and finish for EC12 has an exceptional earthy flavor. It has a wonderful blend of oak and tannins that is very rich but not overly sweet like other Bourbons.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
I really like Elijah Craig 12. It is one that I purchase regularly and the value that you get for the money is outrageous. This Bourbon is big and bold and will challenge you with its nose and palate so it is not for the feint of heart. That being said it is an overall great Bourbon.

PRODUCT RATING 
3 out of 5. You'll be able to find this Bourbon in most cases for under $30 for a 750ml bottle. If it is on sale then pick it up. You will not be disappointed.

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #3 - Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon

I love the old-timey look of the bottles coming out of the Colonel E.H. Taylor line. Currently distilled at Buffalo Trace there are 6 different types in the Taylor Collection ranging from rye to small batch to the single barrel bourbon and a few others. Today I'll be reviewing the Single Barrel Bourbon.

Most of the products within the Taylor Collection are done under something called Bottled In Bond(BIB). There are many American whiskeys that are BIB because of the perseverance of Colonel E.H. Taylor. It could be said that the American whiskey establishment owes a huge debt of gratitude to Taylor. 

Long story short, Taylor uses his power and reputation in the industry to help back the Bottle in Bond Act of 1897 which essentially makes a partnership between a given distillery and the US Government to ensure that the US Government certifies the whiskey being released has undergone government supervision and has met all agreed upon standards. The term Bottled In Bond would then be printed on the bottle to give the customer comfort in knowing that the whiskey was authentic and not likely to harm them. This practice is still performed today.

The requirements are essentially that the product is distilled by one distillery for one distillation season (calendar year) and then stored in a federal warehouse under government supervision for a minimum of 4 years. Once the whiskey is identified to be ready for bottling, it is then bottled at 50% alcohol by volume. On each bottle the label must indicate where the whiskey was made and the location in which it was bottled. If you look at the photo above you'll read the words "Bottled In Bond" at the bottom of the label.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon - Single Barrel

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 50%

Mashbill - Unknown

Age - No age statement on bottle. Most likely 11-12 years.

NOSE
Tropical fruit - coconut and oranges
Vanilla
Fudge
White Chocolate
Honey
Brown Sugar
Cedar wood

PALATE
Black pepper
Toasted Oak
Tobacco
Walnut

With water
Spearmint
Dark Roast Coffee
Tiny hint of red berries

FINISH
Medium with heavy oak, black tea and leather.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
This is a very drinkable daily sipper of a Bourbon. The nose is incredible and very complex with sugar sweetness however the palate and finish left something to be desired. I personally don't like a huge amount of oak wood in my palate and I felt like this bourbon isn't quite balanced in its flavor profile. There is a bitter and harshness that is sustained from the delivery through the finish. I added water to settle down the heat coming off the glass. 

Colonel E.H. Taylor has been well received by friends and I enjoy sitting down and enjoying a bottle with them for something different. One of the biggest turnoffs is the price which typically falls in the $65 to $75 range. Quite frankly there are Bourbons that are just as good and if not better at half that price range.

PRODUCT RATING 
3.5 out of 5. Again, its tough to justify the cost for this Bourbon however if you get the chance to purchase a bottle on sale and you want to experience a more bolder oaky Bourbon then I would recommend giving it a shot.

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #2 - Old Weller Antique Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Quick Blog Note

I went ahead an adjusted my rating scale from a 1-5 to a 0-5 in order to give a little more flexibility in rating. After thinking about the ratings I felt that if a whiskey really is terrible then it shouldn't get any points at all. This system may change yet again over time but I'll always go back and adjust the prior ratings to reflect within a new system.

Most people that are not familiar with anything outside Jack Daniels and Jim Beam have probably never heard of Weller. I first caught wind of it when researching the greater Bourbon universe and I had read many reviews regarding the products with the Weller name on them. I'm not going to go into the history of the name or anything like that but to say that it is another product owned by Sazerac and produced at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky. Over time you will see a common theme here with regards to American whiskey products in that many are distilled at only a handful of distilleries that are mainly in Kentucky.

It took me quite awhile to come across any Weller products at all in North Carolina or Virginia but at last I stumbled upon the Old Weller Antique (OWA 107) at an ABC store in Virginia. I've since noticed that OWA 107 can now be found pretty readily so it is possible that it is becoming more available in those areas. 

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) - 53.5%

Mashbill - I was unable to find any source. This is a Wheated Bourbon meaning that at least 51% of the mashbill must be corn and a high amount of the remaining ingredients will be made up of wheat as opposed to rye or barley.

Age - No age statement on bottle. Most likely 7 years.

NOSE
Tropical with hints of cedar wood.
Cherry syrup
Citrus lemon
Red hot cinnamon candy
Raspberry bubblegum
Light Spearmint in background

With water
Vanilla powder
Light banana pudding

PALATE
Dried tropical fruit
Cinnamon + Clove
Cereal oats
Black Pepper
Walnut

FINISH
Short very quick burst of sugar followed by a medium and heavy woody oak bitter and black tea finish.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
I am not a huge wheated Bourbon fan and so my review may be somewhat biased. I prefer the spiciness and punch-in-the-face of rye over the buttery rounded subtle smoothness of wheat in the mashbill. With this spirit I added about 4 or 5 drops of distilled water to settle down the alcohol heat coming off the glass and I also let the Bourbon settle down in the glass for a good half an hour. It has a lot of heat on it and overall I was not a huge fan of this particular Bourbon. 

I thought the nose was very pleasant but it lacked a layer dimension and you could almost smell the harshness of the high proof in the alcohol. With the addition of water the nose settled down and some of the more classic vanilla, cola and honey notes could be detected.

The delivery is in your face and bitter. Black pepper and oak dominate both the palate and the finish. Again it was a medium length finish that did not disappear nor hang around for awhile but it fell somewhere in the middle.

Overall its not a particularly bad whiskey but it is not something I would drink every day. I think I had picked it up for somewhere in the $23 range give or take a buck.

PRODUCT RATING 
2.5 out of 5. This is an entry level wheated Bourbon at a good price point. It is certainly not my cup of tea however I am not a real big wheated Bourbon fan.


RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind

Review #1 - Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

For my first review I decided to go with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I have to say I absolutely love the products coming out of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort Kentucky. I'm not sure what it is about their products but they match what my taste buds are looking for when it comes to Bourbon. It's also a huge bonus when you go from one product to the next and you get that consistent flavor profile that lays the foundation in the whiskey.This product was one of the first whiskies that I sat down with for awhile to sip and enjoy.

Not so long ago when I made the move towards drinking Bourbon I watched a review of this product by Ralfy Mitchell. I went searching around for it and found it fairly easily for about $25 at my local Virginia ABC Store. Coming from somewhat of a Scotch perspective I didn't think $25 was going to get me much in terms of a decent anything however Ralfy has never steered me wrong.

PRODUCT SPECS

Whiskey Type - Bourbon

ABV - 45%

Mashbill - (Mashbill #1) which is considered the "wheat mashbill" - also used in George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare

Age - No age statement on bottle. Speculation is between 7 and 9 years.

NOSE
Brown sugar
Caramel
Creamy vanilla
Citrus (fresh lemon peel and light orange)
Light notes of cinnamon spice
Hints of honey and cola

PALATE
Toasted oak - slightly bitter
Black tea
Black pepper
Mint notes
Tobacco

FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Coming in at 45% Alcohol By Volume is respectable as there is a general rule of thumb which says that the higher the ABV the fuller the flavor that can be expected. I let the whiskey sit in the glass for a good 20 minutes to let it settle down a bit.

The nose is a perfect balance between being undetectable and hugely overwhelming and it has the undeniable characteristic of Buffalo Trace products. Once you've nosed a few you can pick up that foundation and it's beautiful.

The palate falls flat to me. For such a great nose I was expecting much more complexity in the flavor but it seems thin and the finish disappears rather quickly. I get a lot of wood and deeper spice characteristics but that's about it.

PRODUCT RATING 
2 out of 5. This is a great entry level Bourbon for the money. It doesn't have much in terms of complexity but its still a good Bourbon to enjoy around the campfire.

RATING SYSTEM
0 - hot dog water - nothing redeeming
1 - one dimensional - not complex and can be flat in areas
2 - entry level whiskey -  a few highlights for a good value
3 - daily sipper - solid, well made product that is always enjoyed.
4 - big whiskey - complex layered flavors - amazing balance
5 - huge, exceptional, unique, one of a kind