Elijah Craig, 12 Year

Wow. It has been too long since my last published tasting review. It's not that I haven't been savoring new bourbons in the company of friends, I just haven't had the time to sit, taste, and compile my thoughts about bourbons lately---so I am forcing myself to write a review, because I know you want more tasting notes.

I've sampled the majority of bourbons in the $20-$40 range, so I'm always looking at the edges of the shelf space for my store to add new bourbons. This last trip to the store they finally had Elijah Craig 12 Year small batch bourbon (produced by Heaven Hill Distillery). Pastor Elijah Craig has a very interesting history, one which you can read briefly here or more extensively here, but what is important to realize is that preachers making liquor was the dawn of bourbon distilling in this country.

So how does it taste?

First, the mouth feel is very smooth and oaky, to be expected from 12-years of aging. It's not a sharp tasting bourbon, with a quick bite. I would describe this bourbon as rich, with a vanilla smoothness, followed by pecans, and scent notes of cherries. The finish is clean, and doesn't linger unnecessarily long, i'd say it's the perfect finish.

I would recommend a bottle of Elijah Craig 12 for dreary almost-spring days, or for any occasion where a sub $30 bourbon fits the bill, i.e. an everyday sipper.

enjoy.






Sources Used in tandem with my own taste experience:
Master of Malt
Bourbon Enthusiast
L.A. Whiskey Society

Bulleit Bourbon

A special thanks to Cameron Braun [ http://www.braun-photography.com ] for gifting me this bottle:


Bulleit Bourbon from will haas on Vimeo.

contextual and flavor research was provided with the following sources:

bulleitbourbon.com/

Paul Pacult via Bourbon Enthusiast, bourbonenthusiast.com/forum/DBvd.php?id=159&task=displaybottling

liquorsnob.com/archives/2007/06/bulleit_bourbon_review.php

uncrate.com/stuff/bulleit-bourbon/ '

and Wikipedia, of course.

10-Year Glenmorangie Original

A Scotch tasting on WillHaas[blog]?!? If you're mind hasn't exploded onto the walls around you, you'll want to keep reading. Not only is this the first Scotch (a.k.a. irish whisky) but this is also the first time that I have relinquished authorship of a post to a guest writer. 


The guest author is long-time friend (and now international linguist) Sam Ronicker. I have known Sam since 1997, and although we haven't seen each other for a few years, our conversation was revived with a quality, aged tonic. 


Please take some time to check out Sam's Blog: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness


Now...on to the Scotch

10-Year Glenmorangie Original: 

[photo credit sam ronicker]

Sam writes:
I taste-tested this single malt scotch whisky Glenmorangie Original at Taguchi beach park this evening.  While I like the taste and may add it to my regular scotch collection, it doesn't have enough bite for my preference.  I like biting scotch and this particular single malt it a bit too smooth and sweet for me.  A bit of a floral taste sweeter than other single malts I've tasted.  


It does, however, have a beautiful look, especially in the warm glow of the setting sun over the East China Sea.  It has a bit of a woody taste to it---which isn't unusual for single malts and it is quite smooth.  Glenmorangie is not the smoothest taste I've had but pretty good.  I definitely will look forward to having more.  Don't worry the bottle and glass, they survived the trip to the beach and I am actually sitting at my desk enjoying another glass as I write this. 


Whatever the case, if you're looking for a clean single malt to go with a premium cigar (which I don't have, because I haven't found a good cigar shop here on island yet) just to sit back and enjoy the original Glenmorangie.  You will not be disappointed.

Jack Daniels [Whiskey Taste #18]

Regardless of the growing amount of traffic to my blog, this blog is intended for myself first---you get the enjoyment of peering into my head with vicarious amazement. I was never much of a journal-er, so this is my way to export thoughts from my head and re-live them from time-to-time.

For instance, at first glance all of my whiskey reviews are visually repetitive, but there is a reason to my patterns. The point of these reviews are to taste the whiskey, not stare at the bottle. Yet every time I photograph a bottle I am careful to surround it with organic elements that mimic the very drink itself. Corn, wood, autumn colors---these are the essence of whiskey flavors converted into a visual palette. Okay, I have sidetracked long enough, its time to taste a classic. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7.

  

There are only a handful of drinks that are iconic enough to represent an era, a region, or a way of life---Coca Cola, Budweiser, and Jack Daniel's. In fact, Jack Daniel's is the number one most sold whiskey in the world. 

Jack Daniel's has been distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee since 1875 and survived two dry spells (prohibition and a brief period during WWII). There are three major factors that distinguish Jack Daniel's flavor: a Corn-based dram (and sour mash), charcoal filtration, and American Oak Casks. 

Jack Daniel's is an exciting (and accessible) taste that starts with a smoky aroma followed by sweet caramel and spicy pepper---which are perfectly balanced. Jack Daniel's flavors may not be as complex as other fine bourbons or whiskies, but you could go to any restaraunt or bar in the world and they could serve you Jack Daniel's. For any occasion, you should try a bottle of this iconic whiskey.  

George Dickel

>>A special thanks to Connosr.com, whose tasting notes most-closely matched my experience with George Dickel<< 

George Dickel holds a special place in my whiskey-repertoire. Why? Because the first bottle of whiskey I ever purchased was a bottle of George Dickel---its probably hard to believe that I still love whiskeys and bourbons. Don't get me wrong, its not that GD is bad, but this was before I had conditioned my palate to a whiskey of this strength. Needless to say, that first bottle was drank almost solely as Dickel-and-Dews.
 
 An interestin fact, Jack Daniels and George Dickel are the only two legal distillers of Tennessee Whiskey*. Anyway, how does it taste? The first sip of GD starts with maple sugar, citrus, and spice. Even though the name insinuates 12-year aging, George Dickel is only aged for 4-years. Due to this aging, the taste is prominent with maple sugar with wood hints.  There are vanilla hints and a little caramel. The spice flavors increase as it mellows on the palette. Overall, George Dickel is very lively in the mouth. The finish is not brief, building the the wood and spice flavors.

The best part about George Dickel is the price, affordable for everyday sipping--in moderation of course.





*Info provided by http://www.connosr.com

Makers Mark [whiskey taste #17]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Maker's Mark is not just any bourbon. From its red-wax seal to its unique bottle shape and taste, Maker's Mark is iconic. In fact, in my experience, Maker's Mark completes a type of triad of important whiskeys to keep in my tasting repertoire---the other two being the ultra popular Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam.

Normally before I post any tasting notes I will cross-reference my personal taste impression with tasting notes from various other websites and blogs. However researching Maker's Mark quickly turned from tasting opinions into a history lesson. If you're really interested you can read Maker's Mark entire history here or even more in-depth here or similarly you can learn about the Whiskey Rebellion. The brief story of Maker's Mark is the story of reinventing bourbon in the post-prohibition era, building from a failed brand in the 1950's.

But what makes Maker's so special? For one, the distillery where it is produced dates back to 1805 and most of the original Cyprus (not stainless steel) distillation tanks are in use---Cyprus does not add color or flavor to the final product in the same way a metal tank would. Maker's Mark is produced using iron-free limestone spring water, not city, well, or river. Then Maker's is aged in selected American White Oak barrels. Maker's Mark is one of the few to propagate its own yeast for fermentation with cultures that they can trace back to the pre-prohibition era. Amazing.

OK, OK, so how is the flavor? The first thing you will notice when you pour Maker's into a wide-mouthed glass is the distinct aroma--not strong, but pleasant and enticing. Bryan Carey described its taste better than I ever could, "There is a certain woody character to this whiskey along with caramel and toffee. There is even a touch of vanilla in the background, and it becomes more noticeable in the aftertaste." He adds, "Maker's Mark is certainly alcoholic in taste, but it is smoother than many other whiskey products and less bitter." The best attribute about Maker's is it has plenty of smooth, complex flavors to stand alone for sipping OR it has a unique enough zest to blend well in mixed drink.

A sip of Maker's is a sip of vintage distillation and American tradition.

Bernheim [Whiskey Taste #16]

Yes, I do know it's Mother's Day Eve...and Yes, I do realize that I've posted about whiskey kind of frequently lately--but I promise you, there are big things (besides bourbon/whiskey) on the horizon for [willhaas]blog that will be worth returning frequently.

With that clarification aside, I would like to introduce you to the first Wheat Whiskey ever reviewed on [willhaas]blog, Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (yes, that is its full name). In fact, Bernheim is the only whiskey that uses wheat as the main grain since before prohibition. Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is distilled and produced by the esteemed Heaven Hill Distilleries company.

Central to Bernheim's flavor is the use of soft, winter wheat. The aroma is mildly sweet with hints of vanilla and honey. Some suggest its color is closer to scotch than other whiskeys with its bright amber blush. There is something very warm and syrupy about the taste which hints of toffee, berries and spice. The finish is "uncluttered" and clean, resolving into toasted oak and warm syrup.

My favorite feature of Bernheim is the Olympic-sized brass medallion on each bottle. I know this post is being written in May, but with its sweet and warming notes, this would be the perfect bourbon for Christmas break. Enjoy  

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select [Whiskey Taste #15]

Click Play, the rest is self-explanitory:



Music: Steve Thorpe
A special thanks to N.C. Howard, who's original review was the closest to my experience with Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select.

Jefferson's [Whiskey Taste #14]

January is my birthday month, and needless to say I had a few dollars to spend from gifts--so of course I spent it on bourbon. But not just any bourbon, no, this is premium small-batch bottled gold. I chose this bourbon with the special guidance of the staff at Manor Wine, they've always been a big help in selecting great-tasting, and unique bourbons/whiskeys. 

The first thing I noticed about this bourbon, aside from the Founding Father peering at you from inside the bottle, is that this bourbon is lighter and much more golden in color than many of the other reviewed bourbons. My only reasonable explanation for this lighter color (yet with such robust flavor) is based on the aging process. Jefferson small-batch bourbon is aged in metal-clad warehouses that amplifies the extremes of Kentucky temperatures. This forces the bourbon farther into the cask, clarifying it and giving such intense flavors. 

So how is the taste? Jefferson's is a blend of intense, yet ultra-clean flavors of vanilla and caramel (with a subtle hint of toast or dark roasted coffee beans), all of these yield an incredibly smooth taste and finish. This is an incredible special-occasion bourbon.

Four Roses [whiskey taste #13]

Before Whiskey Taste #13, lets have a brief chat. I've received feedback from [WILLHAAS]BLOG regulars concerning my taste notes and flavor descriptions. Most of the concern regarded a mismatch of flavor at tasting compared to my notes.

First, let me preface my blog by stating that my tasting notes are my impression of flavors compared to other tasting experts or whiskey connoisseurs, but they are ultimately just suggestions. Secondly, when we discuss flavors in whiskey, we are speaking in terms of quiet, subtle flavors that must be learned--some flavors in whiskey only come to the palette because you have tasted other whiskies and have a strong comparison. The gamut of flavors available to us through whiskies are too broad to understand in one sitting. Finally, we will take some time in an upcoming post to discuss tasting methods that may yield better results in your tastings. Now, on to the tasting #13:

Four Roses (bourbon) has been around since 1888 but has been through a decline and renaissance in the past decade, and has only recently been carried by my liquor purveyor. You can tell from the crafted leather bottle choke and hand writing on the batch tag that this is a high quality bourbon, and it really is a high quality whiskey--for a reasonable price.

At 100 proof, this single barrel has a strong nose, full of spice and maple syrup flavors. Four Roses feels very rich on the palette, thick, but not like syrup. You'll really like the complex, mellow blend of spices, vanilla, and cherry. Four Roses finish is not hurried and mellows even more resolving to vanilla and cocoa. Of course, I prefer bourbon straight, but a splash of water will provide a heightened fruit taste that you may enjoy. This really is a quality, mellow bourbon. enjoy.  

Ho, Ho, Ho [whiskey taste #12]

There are a few whiskeys that I have waited a long time to review. Why? Because some of those drinks are so legendary, and so familiar to me that I may not do them justice. Well, Jim Beam [white label, aged 4 years] is one of those whiskeys---and perhaps my all-time favorite bourbon; for so many reasons.

Jim Beam [white label] is a very affordable and readily available bourbon. You only need to head to any spirits store or restaurant with a few crumbled up bills and you'll be enjoying this easy-going bourbon. Another bonus to this whiskey is that it pairs well with or without food. It finishes clean enough to let you enjoy your entree, while being just the right blend for laid-back conversations.

Many bourbon enthusiasts consider this the perfect mixing bourbon (for mixing with sprite, coke, etc), but as a purist I must argue that this is perhaps one of the best sipping bourbons. In fact my favorite description of Jim Beam [white label] is "a mellow baritone of a spirit"--which is so, so true. It is a very sweet bourbon with a smell of fresh cut apples and caramel. The initial taste is calm vanilla and sugar, which quickly gives way to oak and brown sugar flavors. The finish is long, but clean and always invites another sip of Jim Beam [i'm just being poetic here, drink responsibly].

This holiday season, open a bottle of Jim Beam [white label] with friends or family--it is the perfect conversation starter and palatable by everyone.

Merry Christmas!

Russell's Reserve (Whiskey Taste #11)

 

This is one bourbon you'll want to have nearby for Thanksgiving and other holiday parties. Russell's Reserve comes from the Wild Turkey pedigree of bourbons, through Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. I would classify Russell's Reserve as an everyday sipping bourbon. In fact Jimmy Russell, when interviewed by BourbonBlog.com, explained that Russell's Reserve is a "pleasurable bourbon and the one I drink most often." So why is it perfect for holiday parties? Because its rich flavor and price make it the perfect special occasion whiskey.

This 10-year aged bourbon has a deep amber color that begins with complex cinnamon and vanilla flavors, maturing into full-bodied sugar and nut with a warming spice and oak. The finish is long and slow, developing into pecans and mellowed warmth. This bourbon is flexible enough to mix with your favorite cocktails, but you know me--a purest--just put it in a cup and enjoy this holiday season. 

Jim Beam Black (Whiskey Taste #8)

Sure the temperature is falling, the days are waning short, and soon the leaves will start changing colors---but it just isn't autumn until you break the seal on a bottle of Jim Beam Black. The bottle pictured is sporting the new Black-label, with the distinction of "double aged", that's because it is aged twice as long as Jim Beam's classic White-label---my all-time favorite bourbon.

Bourbon or Whiskey connoisseurs have their own preferred methods of drinking bourbon (i.e. with ice, a splash of water, etc.), but for me there is only one way to drink Jim Beam Black: straight from the bottle, while seated around a bonfire. I suppose you could drink it straight from a wide-mouthed glass, but if you neglect to drink it around smoke you will be missing out on a perfect pairing. Since Jim Beam Black has been double-aged, it has a complex wood flavor that is heightened by cool nights around the fire, trust me.

The smell of Jim Beam Black is tinted with wood, spice, and orange tones. The first sip reveals honeyed-caramel and dark-orange flavors, resolving to a smooth honey-finish. Lingering spice flavors of cinnamon and ginger will mellow out perfectly between sips. Enjoy!

Maker's Mark 46 (whiskey Taste #7)

Master Distiller Kevin Smith surprised me during my last trip to the liquor counter. I'm used to perusing for new whiskeys and bourbons, but I never thought I'd see a new Maker's Mark. First of all, for all of you Maker's fans out there you'll want to try this. Its a few dollars more than the standard Marker's Mark, but the taste is refreshing and more than compensate for the price difference. The key difference with Maker's 46 is the unique recipe of bourbon and barrel.  

Vanilla, Toffee, and Caramel have long been the base flavors for the deep amber Maker's Mark. Maker's 46 adds a wonderful spicy edge that is surprisingly smooth and has subtle overtones of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The nose is gentle and the flavor relaxes away on your palette for several minutes--the ideal sipping bourbon. To be honest, Maker's 46 may take the place of Jim Beam Black in my fall bourbon rotation. Excellent.

Woodford Reserve (whiskey taste #6)

Woodford Reserve and I go way back, it was probably the second premium whiskey I had ever tasted (second after Maker's Mark). For awhile I really enjoyed Woodford in Whiskey Sours until I realized how great it is by itself--as it was intended. The warm toffee colors of this drink also gave me a chance to play around with lighting an object on a black background, which much more difficult than I thought. Anyway, I arrived at this image with 2 Canon Speedlites, Canon 5D, and a 50mm @ f/3.2. Make sure you click on the image above to view it larger, it looks much better filling your screen.

Tasting Notes: Named for Woodford County KY, this is a quintessential small-batch bourbon. It gives off strong scents of warm vanilla and fruit. A sip of this whiskey and you'll taste hints of brown sugar, cream, and oak. The finish is long, but sweet and refreshing. This is a definite must-have for spring.

Wild Turkey 101 (whiskey taste #5)

Am I bold enough to post bourbon taste notes on my photo blog? Am I bold enough to pose a Wild Turkey bottle with my shotgun and appropriate shot shells? I think the picture above is the answer to both questions. This was a super fast / make-shift photo set-up since Jenny doesn't approve of mixing guns and whiskey, or posting those photos on my blog--oh well. The photo was done in about 5 minutes with a quick 2-light set-up, a Canon 5D/50mm combo, and hastily thrown props...

Tasting Notes: I've had much stronger (by alcohol content) whiskeys before, but one sip of Wild Turkey 101 and your ears heat up, yet the flavor is not overpowering, nor does it have a lingering burn in your mouth. Its flavors are on the darker, robust side; molasses, caramel, and spicy oak. It finishes very clean on the palette so this is a must with food, although it does make a fine sipping whiskey for those days you feel bold and unstoppable.

Evan's Single Barrel (whiskey taste #4)

I saved this aged bourbon for a special occasion, a snow day. To clarify, a single barrel whiskey is not a blend of whiskeys from multiple distiller's barrels, but rather from a single, choice barrel yielding very distinct flavors. In fact the master distiller has actually written on the back of this bottle--that's not print, that's pure Sharpie!

Tasting Notes: First of all, this is an 86 proof uncut whiskey so drink with caution. The taste of this whiskey begins with strong woody and slight metallic flavors but mellows to tones of toffee, caramel, and vanilla. This is a fairly dark bourbon yielding complex characters on the palette. Enjoy before or with dessert.

The photo was taken on my desk (I had to clear off my computer and papers), using a few lights from around the house, theatrical gel, and an on-camera flash. In hind-sight the bottle needed some back light to enhance its silhouette.

1792 (whiskey taste #3)

I'm not sure why I began taking pictures of every bottle of whiskey/bourbon I buy, but I can't quit now--its tradition. Notice the books and platter circa 1790's (?), I borrowed them from Jenny, in fact the books might look familiar. Anyway, this was a Canon 5D 35mm @ f/2.8, the backdrop is the curtains in our living room...

Tasting Notes: this is a barrel-proof whiskey, but you won't know it from the first sip--man is it flavorful and smooth. This bourbon is comparable to Booker's for its alcoholic-stealth, meaning that you won't notice it's 93 proof until it is too late. 1792 is extremely fruity, but finishes nicely with tones of honey. Its worth reaching up to the top shelf for this bourbon. 

Red Stag (whiskey taste #2)

Maybe I should focus primarily on advert photos. This was the good ole' 5D + 50mm around f/2.0, and I can't forget to mention the craft-paper background. The real secret to this photo was the lighting--which I really don't want to share...this photo might have looked more appealing with an unopened, full bottle.

Tasting Notes: if you drink this straight-up (my preferred method of appreciating bourbons) you'll swear you were drinking cough syrup. However, mix some of this Stag into a Coca-Cola and you're set for the best tasting Beam/Coke taste combo.

Knob Creek (whiskey taste #1)

I had almost finished the bottle when I thought it would make a neat picture. What do you think? (I used a Canon 5D w/ a 50mm lens, a towel, a flash and a CFL @6500k--not bad, huh?)

Tasting Notes: Knob Creek has a very strong bite to it, extremely tasty and reminiscent of the prohibition era (or so says they're website). Strong notes of vanilla and coco with a long spicy finish.