Bourbon — Malthound

Sampling Three Bourbons And A Whiskey – Made In A Way Only A Rebel Can!

September 12, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Three Bourbons & A Whiskey!

Rebel Bourbon (and Whiskey!) was our sampling delights for last Wednesday nights @TweetTastings – once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire.

And it was a cracker!

On the sampling menu was:-

Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Rebel Straight Rye Whiskey

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish

Rebel 100 Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #RebelBourbon on X (Twitter)

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon 100 Kentucky Straight (50%)

This member of the Rebel family is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, compared to its standard Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is bottled at 40% ABV.

Rebel 100, which is a wheated bourbon comprised of a mashbill of wheat, corn and malted barley, was matured for at least 4 years in new charred American white oak barrels.

Nose: Lots and lots of orange and syrupy sweetness. Toffee and apple and a little woodiness also getting cherry and furniture polish.

Palate: Love the spicy blood orange! Syrupy sweet with cola and toffee mixed in – perfect for adding ice to!

Finish: Dry peppery finish.

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

ABV: 45%
Age: NAS
Casks: American white oak barrels

Rebel Straight Rye Whiskey, has been produced using a mashbill of 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% malt.

Nose: Very vanillary – cream soda like! Fainter orange flavours than the Kentucky Straight with toffee, some lemon and faint polish.

Palate: Subtler than the previous whiskey but there’s stronger creamy vanilla, sweet liquorice and faint blackcurrant.

Finish: A fruity spicy hit at the end with some more forest fruit flavours and a dry finish.

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish (45%)

ABV: 45%
Age: NAS
Casks: Initially matured in American white oak barrels before being finished in Tawny Port casks

Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish, which was the brands third limited-edition cask finish release, launched in 2021, and is exclusive to the UK and select European markets.

Nose: Not giving up it’s secrets easily this one …. a faint, porty colour to this whiskey and after a while there’s some woody toffee, maybe a little cherry. There’s the usual orange and some creamy chocolate.

Palate: Very sweet, creamy chocolate with orange, bags of smooth spice and some menthol – a happy surprise after the ‘shy’ nose!

Finish: Sweet spicy finish with some porty additions.

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon 100 Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish (50%)

ABV: 50%
Age: NAS
Casks: Initially matured in American white oak barrels before being finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks

Launching in the UK this autumn. RRP: £40.00

Only 6,000 bottles are being produced!

Nose: ‘Tis a woody one for sure … apple and some cherry pie with a vanilla pastry!

Palate: Sweet pastry with fruit filling including vanilla, orange and hints of lemon and cherry – a sweet woodiness with gentle spice and kinda morish!

Finish: A healthy spice finish tops off a cracking bourbon!

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

My Favourite On The Night

1. Rebel 100 Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
2. Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The Sauvignon Finish took me by surprise actually – I wasn’t expecting this to be my favourite but I found the menu of flavours intoxicating!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and @ChapmanPoolePR for sending the samples.

And of course, Rebel Bourbon (@ChapmanPoolePR), without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @1_womans_whisky @LeaskPatrick @redessa @PadWhisky @whiskyrover @GascoyneNick @Whisky_And1 @neatdrams @whiskeychap @KingsofYearron @whiskyRubhach @drinkersite @ocdwhisky @MaltWhitson @dramofwar @WhiskyWings @sprungatom @Whisky_Rich @FiShoop @mynameisgone @whiskytip @exploringwhisky

Celebrate National Bourbon Day With “Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight” & 10% OFF From Whisky Me!

June 14, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon!

It’s National Bourbon Day!

And to celebrate Whisky-Me have kindly sent me a sample of Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon to try!
Cheers @whisky_me_! and @yellowstonebourbon

The original family recipe was resurrected in 2010

Named after the Yellowstone National Park, award-winning Yellowstone Select Bourbon is a small batch of four and seven-year aged straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey made with locally grown white corn, rye, malt and limestone water.

First produced by Master Distiller, Steve Beam’s ancestors in 1872, Yellowstone was Kentucky’s biggest selling bourbon in the 1960s. The original family recipe was resurrected in 2010 by Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam with the first barrel filled in 2015.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a delicate fusion of flavours from seventh-generation distillers, this straight bourbon features a handpicked blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons, for an exclusive small-batch whiskey that honours its deep family origins.

Yellowstone Bourbon is crafted at Limestone Branch distillery, Kentucky which has been around since the start of the Kentucky bourbon business.

Yellowstone Select: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Limestone Branch
ABV: 46.5%

A great Bourbon with a little bit of everything!

Nose: Gorgeous, sweet, stewed fruits with toffee. Then a real blast of tropical fruitiness shows itself plus a little chocolate.

Palate: Lovely sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel. Superb tropical fruits with mango coming out on top!

Finish: Prominent orange with some chocolate and coffee. Warming, spicy and slightly medicinal with a dry tannin finish. Interestingly, adding some water adds some Ginger flavours …

Overall: A great Bourbon with a little bit of everything. Fruity, sweet and with a powerful spice and dry finish!

Enjoy 10% off your Whisky Me purchase!

To enjoy 10% off your Whisky Me purchase – valid on all subscriptions, and all Yellowstone products – use this link and your discount will be applied automatically at the checkout!

Sampling Kentucky Owl’s “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey – Where Smooth Comes As Standard – And Don’t Forget Loads Of Satisfying Flavour!

April 5, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey

Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey has been released in the UK. The Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon!

Amber Beverage UK, part of the Amber Beverage Group, is the UK distributor of Kentucky Owl and will be introducing the Takumi Edition to premium on-trade and off-trade accounts.

Never seen before – Origami wrapped Bourbon!

Takumi is a collaboration between Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa, this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation.

The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through this latest project. “Takumi” means “master” in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending. (I blogged all the details here … )

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of The Takumi Edition in London last week and had the great pleasure of being introduced to the team behind the launch including Tom Jones (from Wales – I kid you not!), Stoli Groups Global Brand Ambassador.

As much as his famous, singing namesake entertains, so did our Mr. Jones – talking us through this new Bourbon, bringing the whole ethos and process to life and then inviting us to taste some samples!

We first tasted their their previous editions: St. Patrick’s Edition (toffee with rum n’ raisin ice cream notes) and Confiscated (a fruitier delight) – before trying the Takumi.

Kentucky Owl also kindly gifted me a Origami wrapped bottle to take home for further tasting study. Thanks kentuckyowlbourbon.com / @kentuckyowl!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey (50%)

The Takumi Edition Bourbon is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.

Nose: A heady mix of toffee, sweet orange and crisp apple – all backed up with cereal notes.

Palate: Lovely, creamy, sweet orange, caramel and there’s also some apple and slight hints of chocolate.

Finish: A very warming finish with some smooth spiciness and some lasting fruity sweetness. It’s a very controlled finish that treats the taster very gently. Not too harsh – not too peppery – in fact, just right!

Overall: Too me, (adopting Yoda voice), “The orange is strong in this one!” And I think that’s a great thing. You can forget fieriness as well – there’s not a hint – smooth is the keyword for this premium whiskey and smooth comes as standard – and don’t forget loads of satisfying flavour as well!

Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa & Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea. Rhea and Yahisa worked together to create the resulting Takumi Edition blend, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated those samples, which represented different ages and mash bills available from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created different blends with those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style.

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%

Kentucky Owl is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Once again, many thanks to @mprcomms for the invite and for looking after me, and of course, kentuckyowlbourbon.com / @kentuckyowl, for producing such a phenomenal premium bourbon whiskey!

About Kentucky Owl:

Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, Kentucky Owl offers an artfully blended line of craft Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, each bottled at a proof selected by the Master Blender to bring out the exceptional flavour profile of each product. Kentucky Owl products are for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, artisanship, and authentic heritage. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com

About Stoli Group:

Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, elit™Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™, Gator Bite™ Rum Liquers, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, Se Busca™ Mezcal and Stoli Group’s wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com

About Amber Beverage UK:

Established in 1999, Amber Beverage Group UK (previously known as Cellar Trends) has an enviable record in building brands of wines, spirits and associated products in the UK. The company serves all sectors of the UK drinks trade in both on- and off-trade categories with a portfolio of 60 international brands. Since 2018, the company has been a part of Amber Beverage Group. For more information, visit amberbev.com

Stoli Group Launches Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey In The UK!

March 29, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey!

Stoli Group has announced the release of its latest collaboration, the Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey in the UK. The Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon!

Amber Beverage UK, part of the Amber Beverage Group, is the UK distributor of Kentucky Owl and will be introducing the Takumi Edition to premium on-trade and off-trade accounts.

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%

A collaboration between Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa, this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation. The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through this latest project. “Takumi” means “master” in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending.

Rhea and Yahisa worked together to create the resulting Takumi Edition blend, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated those samples, which represented different ages and mash bills available from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created different blends with those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style.

This collaboration encompasses not just the art of blending, but the flavours and taste profiles that both countries are famous for in their whiskeys.

The Takumi Edition provides bourbon lovers insight into the flavour profiles sought after by a Japanese whisky blender. As someone who has worked in the industry for several decades now, it was exciting for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a unique perspective
– John Rhea: Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender

I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with John Rhea on this unique project. Bourbon is a whiskey that I admire and it was an honour to be able to partner with John and create a new and unique blend of Kentucky Owl together.
– Yusuke Yahisa: Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender

Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa

The Takumi Edition Bourbon is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.

The nose features a savoury mix of light rye bread with sweet caramel richness and a hint of tangy fruit salad. On tasting, there is an initial wave of buttery rye bread with a full-bodied feel. The savoury mix of rye and caramel combine into a cinnamon and caramel sauce that clings to the taste buds and brings out a bit of fruitiness — mostly apple and pear — that provide a flavourful and lasting finish.

Bringing together Rhea and Yahisa, bourbon and whisky, Kentucky and Japan has proved to be another great whiskey collaboration.

Through this second limited edition international collaboration release of Kentucky Owl Whiskey, Stoli is pleased to present another rare new blend that marries the craft and skills of two Master Blenders from two great whiskey making nations.
– Damian McKinney: Global CEO of Stoli Group

Yahisa is an up-and-coming master blender — through his blending skills, Nagahama Distillery is one of only 10 Japanese distilleries to have earned awards in the world’s three largest whisky competitions (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Spirits Competition and the World Whisky Awards), despite being Japan’s smallest distillery. Started in 2016, Nagahama Distillery is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and produces single malt whisky with its own distinct flavour characteristics imparted by the unique climate.

This is the fourth Kentucky Owl release under Rhea, who previously served as Four Roses Distillery’s chief operating officer, where his responsibilities included quality control, maturation, evaluation and product blending. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016 and served as chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association board of directors.

Stoli Group, the leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until a descendant revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%

Sampling Offerings From Limestone Branch Distillery On Twitter … And Why I Changed My Mind On Which I Like The Best!

November 29, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Limestone Branch Distillery Lineup!

Last Wednesday nights @TweetTastings, which was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, gave us the opportunity to sample three offerings from Limestone Branch Distillery.

The distillery was first opened in 2011 and was founded by seventh-generation distillers and brothers Stephen and Paul Beam.

The drinks sampled were:-

Bowling & Burch Gin

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #LimestoneBranchDistillery on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Bowling & Burch Gin (48%)

Bowling & Burch Gin
48% ABV
A small batch gin crafted using 19 botanicals
Currently only available in the US
RRP $39.99

Bowling & Burch Gin which takes its name and inspiration from the Beam brothers ancestors, was created by Stephen Beam, and is the result of his green fingers and passion for experimentation.

8 of the 19 botanicals used to produce Bowling & Burch Gin were grown at the distillery; bitter orange, black cherry, honeysuckle, rosemary, lemon grass, lemon verbena, blackberry and coriander.

Nose: Pungent juniper, strong lemon with hints of orange and thyme. In addition, fresh cut cucumber with additional grapefruit gives way to slight waxiness and there’s also some pepper.

Palate: Sweet and very herbal with tasty lemon and orange. Growing pepper and chocolate.

Finish: The juniper and grapefruit storm through later. With tonic it becomes more savoury.

Overall: This is a gin that’s quite something in its neat state!

Tasting Notes – Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey
2 Years Old
45% ABV
Finished in Sherry casks
Available from houseofmalt.co.uk for £44.95

Minor Case Straight Rye, was created by Stephen and Paul Beam, whose grandfather (Minor Case) was making whiskey long before prohibition started 100 years ago, and the brothers still use the same recipes and distilling notes today.

Nose: Deep citrus, lovely toffee, spiced fruit cake and mint! Creamy chocolate with some sweet wood.

Palate: Thinnish, fruity mouthfeel with bubble gum, sweet toffee, spicy cake, cinnamon, chocolate and raspberry.

Finish: There’s just enough peppery spice to offset the sweetness and it all goes down rather glowingly!

Overall: Quite a dram for only two years old – seriously fruity!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon (50%)

Yellowstone Family Recipe
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
6 Years Old
50% ABV
Currently only available in the US
RRP $69.99

Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is truly a family heirloom, passed down for generations. Stephen Beam, Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery, unearthed the original Yellowstone recipe scribed in a notebook from his grandfather, Guy Beam.

That very same recipe, coupled with the original yeast cloned from Minor Case’s jug, was used to distil Yellowstone Family Recipe Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Nose: Toasted peanuts, nut brittle, fresh wet wood and apple.

Palate: Ooh! Sweet nuts! Dusky nuts, all things nuts! Plus some caramel, citrus and pineapple to even the score.

Finish: There’s some fiery spice to finish this – watch out!

Overall: Gotta’ love them nuts!

My Favourite On The Night

I originally voted for Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon on the night whereas most tasters chose the Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey. On a subsequent tasting I had to change my mind and agree with them – Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey is quite exceptional considering it’s young age – full of fruit and class!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and Limestone Branch Distillery (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending the samples and without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @SpiritAndWood @whiskyrover @ForTheDram @whiskyodyssey @sprungatom @WhiskyWings @FiShoop @WhiskyAlly @MaltMusings @ocdwhisky @jwbassman_ @Wadz73 @AndyatDram @TheWhiskyphiles @whiskygraeme @WhiskyWithMolly @Jotterface @rodbodtoo @WhiskyLee232 @TallmanFM @CEVokins @LeedsWine @TipsySassenach

Celebrate Old Fashioned Week With A Chai New Fashioned!

October 18, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Wiseman WISE CHAI NEW FASHIONED!

Celebrate Old Fashioned Week (or any other time!) with The Wiseman Bourbon, a luxury Kentucky Owl expression created for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, craftsmanship, and authentic whiskey-making heritage!

The Wiseman is the perfect blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons, it leads with a beautiful caramel flavour and aroma followed by notes of allspice, citrus fruit and a nudge of oak, making it the perfect base for an Old Fashioned.

The Wiseman is a blend of Kentucky Owl 4-year-old wheat and high-rye bourbons, along with 5 1⁄2-year and 8 1⁄2-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons. This is the first Kentucky Owl release under Master Blender John Rhea, a 40-year Bourbon industry veteran who joined Kentucky Owl in June 2021.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is an artful balance of soft wheat and spicy high-rye that provides a smooth but complex bourbon designed to drink neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.

It leads with a beautiful caramel flavour and aroma followed by notes of allspice, citrus fruit and a nudge of oak.
– John Rhea: Kentucky Owl Master Blender

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman WISE CHAI NEW FASHIONED:-

30ml The Wiseman Bourbon | 1 Tbsp Chai Syrup* | 2 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters | Garnish – Orange Peel, Star Anise and a Cinnamon Stick

*Brew one bag of chai tea per cup of water, combine with equal parts sugar and heat until dissolved.

Stir in a mixing glass with ice and strain into an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with orange peel, star anise, and a smoking cinnamon stick.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon won a Double Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the world’s largest and one of the world’s most prestigious spirits awards. This is the first Kentucky Owl release under Master Blender John Rhea, a 40-year Bourbon industry veteran who joined Kentucky Owl in June 2021.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Kentucky Owl

Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, Kentucky Owl™ offers an artfully blended line of craft bourbons and ryes. Kentucky Owl is for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, craftsmanship and authentic heritage. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com.

About Amber Beverage UK

Established in 1999, Amber Beverage Group UK (previously known as Cellar Trends) has an enviable record in building brands of wines, spirits and associated products in the UK. The company serves all sectors of the UK drinks trade in both on- and off-trade categories with a portfolio of 60 international brands. Since 2018, the company has been a part of Amber Beverage Group. amberbev.co.uk

About Stoli Group

Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli® Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli® Vodka, elit™Vodka, Bayou® Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™, Gator Bite™ Rum Liquers, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, Se Busca™ Mezcal and Stoli Group’s wine division, Tenute del Mondo®. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com.

Whiskey Flash Blog: Sampling Kentucky 10 Year Old Bourbon 100 Proof – “Rebel Rebel, I Love You So!”

October 12, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey!

Welcome to the #RebelBourbon #Whiskey #FlashBlog!

Organised by Steve from The Whisky Wire numerous contributors will be posting articles today sharing their sampling thoughts on the recently released Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey.

If you would like to see what everyone thought search for the hash tag #RebelBourbon on Twitter!

A bourbon that is one-of-a-kind, just like the rebels who drink it!

So, here goes …

Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers have released this special bourbon which has been distilled and aged in Bardstown, Kentucky, USA.

A Multi-award winning Whiskey, distillery notes say it “initially has hints of caramel and citrus but continue sipping and it morphs into a velvety oak flavour with unabashed spice.”

Aged in charred oak barrels for 10 years, this bourbon boasts a unique flavour profile specific to each batch. It’s one-of-a-kind, just like the rebels who drink it!

Did I say awards? Well, it has won one or two …

Double Platinum Medal
ASCOT, 2022

Gold Medal
San Francisco World Spirit Competition, 2022

Worlds Best Single Barrel Bourbon
Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards, 2020

Best Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon
Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards, 2020

Platinum Medal
SIP Awards, 2018

Double Gold Medal
San Francisco World Spirit Competition, 2017

Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey is avaliable from thebottleclub.com for £94.99.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey (50%)

Nose: An orchard extravaganza! Lots of crisp fresh apples, sweet toffee and banana.

Palate: Oaky with a little dryness. Toffee, lemon citrus, seville oranges and a little chocolate.

Finish: Deep and warming spice that grows with each sip topped with sharp pepper.

Overall: A very tasty dram indeed with plenty going on – I’m not surprised it has been a multi-award winner!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for the invite!

And many thanks to chapmanpoole (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me the sample!

And, of course, many thanks to rebelbourbon.com (@rebelbourbonglobal), without whom!

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail –brings the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.

Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Daviess County and Ezra Brooks.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

Kentucky Owl – The Wiseman Bourbon Launches In The UK!

May 6, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman

Renowned Bourbon whiskey maker Kentucky Owl has launched its latest expression, Kentucky Owl The Wiseman in the UK!

This luxury, ultra-premium award-winning Bourbon is a blend of Kentucky Owl 4-year-old wheat and high-rye bourbons, along with 5 ½-year and 8 ½-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons. Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is the latest addition to the Kentucky Owl portfolio, with its last blended bourbon, Confiscated, released in 2019.

The Wiseman and Soda

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is an artful balance of soft wheat and spicy high-rye that provides a smooth but complex bourbon designed to drink neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.

It leads with a beautiful caramel flavour and aroma followed by notes of allspice, citrus fruit and a nudge of oak.
– John Rhea: Kentucky Owl Master Blender

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon has recently been awarded a Double Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the world’s largest and one of the world’s most prestigious spirits awards. This is the first Kentucky Owl release under Master Blender John Rhea, a 40-year Bourbon industry veteran who joined Kentucky Owl in June 2021.

Stoli Group, the leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl distillery in Salisa went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until a family descendant revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon Signature Recipes:-

Boulevardier

50ml The Wiseman™ Bourbon | 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth | 25ml Italian Bitter Liqueur

Garnish – Cherries

Rocks Glass

Manhattan

50ml The Wiseman™ Bourbon | 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth | 2 Dashes of Bitters (to taste)

Garnish – Cherries

Coupe Glass

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

A luxury, ultra-premium award-winning Bourbon!

Kentucky Owl has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks kentuckyowlbourbon / @kentuckyowl!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl The Wiseman (45.4%)

Colour: Lovely rose pink sherried tinge.

Nose:Heavy toffee, vanilla, cane sugar with stewed fruits including figs but what comes along later are fantastic oranges!

Palate: Fruity and sweet with syrupy fruits, chocolate and the most amazing sevile orangeswhich reminded me of Cointreau!

Finish: A spicy, dry finish but not forgetting that morish orange that goes on and on!

Overall: A fine sipping whiskey and I haven’t even tried it in any cocktails yet!

About Kentucky Owl

Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting – Designed To Get Chrimbo Off To A Tasty Start!

December 3, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting

I was Ho! Ho! Honoured to be invited to a #LuxcoXmasWhiskey TweetTastings earlier this week which was hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire – all designed to get Chrimbo off to a tasty start!

The samples came from the Lux Row Distillers stable of drinks whose drive to innovate has quickly allowed them to become one of the top USA-based independent producers of alcohol beverage products across all categories.

The three whiskies sampled were:-

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #LuxcoXmasWhiskey on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Yellowstone Bourbon is crafted at Limestone Branch distillery, Kentucky which has been around since the start of the Kentucky bourbon business.

Nose: Gorgeous, sweet, stewed fruits with toffee. Then a real blast of tropical fruitiness shows itself plus a little chocolate.

Palate: Lovely sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel. Superb tropical fruits with mango coming out on top!

Finish: Some orange and chocolate, warming and spicy and slightly medicinal with a dry tannin finish. Interestingly, adding some water adds some Ginger flavours …

Overall: A great Bourbon with a little bit of everything. Fruity, sweet and with a powerful spice and dry finish!

Yellowstone Select:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Limestone Branch
ABV: 46.5%
Available from Ocado for £45 – Save £7, was £52.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)

Ezra Brooks is distilled using only the finest ingredients (corn, rye, barley) and charcoal filtered for an unmistakable, mellow flavor.

Aged in charred white oak barrels it delivers a beautifully smooth flavor and finish and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV)

Nose: Citrusy with lemons ‘afore! Reminds me of boiled sweets (spangles) plus some healthy apples thrown in. After a while I’m getting some sweet tropicalness and creamy vanilla.

Palate: Cane sweetness, buttery, with lots of juicy tropical fruits – Very Yummy!

Finish: A thinner mouthfeel, but very light with sweet vanilla and fruity flavours dancing on the tongue! Oaky and light honeyed at the end with a mild spiciness.

Overall: A cracking Bourbon and at a very tasty price!

Ezra Brooks Bourbon 80 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 40%
Available from Ocado for £26 – Save £3, was £29.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

A genuine straight rye whiskey made from the finest ingredients available and bottled at an honest 90 proof.

INGREDIENTS
Rye and barley

AWARDS
Gold Medal – 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gold Medal – 2017 Global Masters Spirits Competition

Nose: Slow burner this one – maybe hiding it’s light under a Kentucky bushel! Eventually there is mint, treacle and licorice – who would have thought?! A little toffee, a little oak, a little spice …

Palate: Some creamy chocolate and licorice, treacle and shades of mint!

Finish: Toffee on rye coupled with some great spice that’s not too heavy.

Overall: Some interesting flavours here for sure – but all in a good way!

Ezra Brooks Rye 90 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Rye
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 45%

Available from MasterOfMalt for £30.70

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 3, I think it’s got to be the Ezra Brooks Bourbon with Yellowstone Select & Ezra Brooks Rye tying for second as I can’t decide between them! I chose ‘Ezra Brooks Bourbon’ as it’s seriously good for the price – buy two …….. and keep them both for yourself!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending the samples.

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com, without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @Jotterface @WhiskyWithMolly @ManyMilesWhisky @AWhetForWhisky @ocdwhisky @WhiskyWings @ChapmanPoolePR @sprungatom @speakofwhisky @SpiritAndWood @PhilScott101 @MrEdwardMilner @ingo74 @WhiskyGeekPete @GaryMills01 @CEVokins @drinkersite @iheartwhisky @FreshPrinceRob @DramofWar @FiShoop @WhiskyManc @Whiskyviewer

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products.

Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands.

This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries:
– Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County;
– Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin;
– Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos;
– MGP’s historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced;
– and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins.

The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Whiskey Flash Blog: Sampling Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port’ Finish – Hurry Though – It Will Be Gone In A Flash!

November 3, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Rebel Bourbon Embraces Tawny Port Finish For Third Special Release!

Welcome to the Rebel Bourbon #WhiskyFlashBlog!

Organised by Steve from The Whisky Wire numerous contributors will be posting articles today sharing their sampling thoughts on the recently released Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port Finish’.

If you would like to see what everyone thought search for the hash tag #RebelBourbon on Twitter!

So, here goes …

Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers recently released its 2021 limited edition of Rebel Bourbon which this year was finished in tawny port barrels.

This year’s run is 6,000 bottles

Following in the footsteps of the previous two annual releases, this year’s run of 6,000 bottles continues to celebrate Lux Row Distillers’ hallmark of secondary finishing to give the wheated Rebel Bourbon a unique, one-time-only finish.

Each year, the Special Finish Series sees four-year aged Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished for six months in a different cask. 2019 welcomed the Serie’s first release – a French Oak Finish, whilst last year brought a Cognac Cask Finish. Both the limited edition runs experienced high demand, with stocks quickly selling out.

The Tawny Port flavours pair really well with Rebel Bourbon’s vanilla, oak and caramel profile. It’s a winning combination that creates a distinct, depth of rich flavours that’s unlike anything else in the Rebel family, whilst still retaining the Kentucky Straight Bourbon’s remarkably smooth finish.

The secondary finishing elevates the original four-year ageing of Rebel in new charred white oak barrels, taking it to a different level that more years in the rackhouse wouldn’t achieve.
– John Rempe: master distiller and blender at Lux Row Distillers

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port Finish’ (45%)

Nose: Sugary, stewed, plump raisins with vanilla, crisp apples and a hint of orange. The orange increases considerably with time – very nice – and different!

Palate: Cane sweetness and those plump raisins really treat the taste buds! Add in toffee, vanilla and chocolate with orange. This orange gets stronger and stronger with time (a la Mandarine Napoleon) and is very tasty indeed!

Finish: Some warming spice to go with the sweetness, very welcome and balances the dram nicely.

Overall: A morish, heartwarming whiskey that is very Christmasy in flavour and atmosphere.

Now I just need the Xmas tree and a roaring fire to complete the magic!

The Rebel Range is available to buy from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange but it’s VERY popular – so don’t delay!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for the invite!

And many thanks to Andy (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me the sample!

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com (@RebelYell_UK), without whom!

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon 100 Kentucky Straight (50%)

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon Tawny Port Finish (45%)

Tasting Notes – Rebel Bourbon 100 Bourbon Cabernet Sauvignon Finish (50%)

My Favourite On The Night

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

It’s National Bourbon Day!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey (50%)

Tasting Notes – Bowling & Burch Gin (48%)

Tasting Notes – Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Family Recipe Bourbon (50%)

My Favourite On The Night

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

Tasting Notes – Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey (50%)

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl The Wiseman (45.4%)

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

My Favourite On The Night

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

About Luxco

Tasting Notes – Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port Finish’ (45%)

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

About Luxco

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