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

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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

Powers Irish Whiskey Launches Brand-New Permanent Expression – “Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength!”

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Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength!

Proudly honouring the history of Powers Irish Whiskey, Irish Distillers is excited to announce a new, permanent expression to the Powers family, Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength!

Launching 12 years after the introduction of Powers John’s Lane whiskey, this twelve-year-old cask strength edition will be batch-released each year.

A celebration of the 18th and 19th century heritage of John’s Lane Distillery when Powers whiskey was sold straight from the barrel at cask strength, the higher abv, 57.8% in the initial 2023 release, amplifies the much loved full bodied character of the original, reaching new flavour heights.

Born from the same meticulous attention to detail that created Powers John’s Lane whiskey, the distillers at Midleton Distillery in Cork have crafted Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength, a highly anticipated release.

Characterised by soft pot still spices that are integral to the flavour profile of the Powers brand, the intensity in the cask strength edition is magnified to create a wonderfully complex liquid. An initial medley of rich aromatic woodland notes intertwines with worn leather and tobacco, before cocoa, treacle toffee, crushed black peppercorn, and dried herbs assail the senses.

Bold pot still spices mingle with creamy vanilla, manuka honey and warming notes of nutmeg on the palate, before a wonderful spice-laden finish of toasted oak coated in a gentle honey sweetness.

Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength will be available on general release from 2 October!

A brand of firsts, Powers whiskey continually challenged the old way of doing things and advocated careful experimentation throughout the years.

With a rich heritage that goes back to its establishment in 1791, John’s Lane Distillery’s well-earned reputation is brought back to centre stage with the launch of this new permanent cask strength Powers expression.
– Eric Ryan: Powers Distiller


Powers John’s Lane Cask Strength will be available exclusively at the Palace Bar in Dublin until its general release on 2 October, when it will be available in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Dublin Airport and online at MidletonDistilleryCollection.com at RRP €90.

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-


Tasting notes:

Aroma: An intense medley of woodland aromas intertwined with worn leather and tobacco. Layers of charred wood and cocoa meet with concentrated treacle toffee while the pot still spices continue to build towards additional notes of black peppercorn and dried herbs.

Taste: Rich pot still spice facets trailed by creamy vanilla, manuka honey and dried apricot. Additional nutty notes of freshly grated nutmeg work in harmony with the sweet wood-derived elements and bold spice intensity.

Finish: Toasted oak wrapped with honey sweetness that gently recedes, leaving the distillate-led nature of the spirit to endure until the end.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, achieving +10% net sales growth globally in FY23. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.

In 2022, we announced a multi-million euro investment in a carbon neutral roadmap for Midleton Distillery in addition to our plans to invest in a new distillery on a site adjacent to our existing operations in Midleton.

We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

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

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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!

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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!

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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%

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

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

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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!

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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!”

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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.

Irish Distillers Releases Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

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Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

Irish Distillers, together with the Mitchell family are marking 135 years of whiskey bonding among the Mitchell family, one of Ireland’s last remaining wine merchants, by crafting a celebratory vibrant Spot release, Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

This limited-edition expression pays tribute to the colourful history of the Mitchell’s whiskey bonding business which commenced in 1887 when the bonders sent empty wine and fortified wine casks to the local Jameson Distillery, in Bow Street, to be filled with new single pot still spirit for maturation in its underground cellars. Once filled, the fortified wine casks would be marked with a daub or ‘spot’ of coloured paint, to determine the age potential with Blue Spot, Green Spot, Yellow Spot and Red Spot, respectively indicating the 7, 10, 12 and 15 years of the celebrated expression within the Spot range.

Matured for a minimum of nine years, the expression builds on the foundation of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks

The colour gold symbolises quality, prestige, specialness and celebration and so the Mitchells chose this colour to signify their enduring relationship with whiskey bonding over seven generations and 135 years. This special release commemorates the past and nods to the future of whiskey innovation by embodying the unmistakable qualities of single pot still Irish whiskey.

Matured for a minimum of nine years, the expression builds on the foundation of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, typical of the Spot whiskey style, and is married together with a unique proportion of hand selected Bordeaux wine casks and port pipes. The inclusion of port casks – sourced from Irish Distillers’ long-established partners in Portugal’s Douro Valley– is a first for a modern iteration of Spot whiskey.

Working in collaboration with the Mitchells, the team at Midleton Distillery was inspired by archive documents dating back to the late 1800s showing significant quantities of port casks imported into Ireland which, once emptied, would have been used to mature whiskey. The combination of the four different cask types imparts exceptional flavours of vibrant fruits enhanced by delicate oak tannins and wood spices, with the port wine-driven cask inclusion adding an additional layer of complexity and character, alongside a taste of history.

Available from Tuesday 14th June at the RRP of €120!

It has been a privilege and a joy to work with the renowned Mitchell family as they took us on a journey through the rich history of their business, handed down through seven generations.

Gold Spot truly is a liquid time capsule with the wine-driven casks treading a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation and marking their 135-year history of whiskey bonding in Ireland.
We cherish these opportunities to collaborate with the Mitchell family and look forward to welcoming even more whiskey fans to taste a piece of whiskey history within the Spot family.
– Katherine Condon: Distiller at Irish Distillers

As the oldest family run wine and spirits merchants in Ireland, we’re delighted to continue the legacy of the Spot family, and our family’s historic role in Dublin’s whiskey bonding era.

It has been fascinating to once again collaborate with Katherine Condon and the talented team at Midleton to celebrate the colourful story of our family business, utilising casks that would have been originally introduced to Irish whiskey in the late 1800s. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this wonderful family of whiskeys.
– Jonathan Mitchell: Managing Director at Mitchell & Son

Unveiled at Whiskey Live Dublin, the non-chill filtered release is bottled at 51.4% ABV or 102.8 Proof – a reference to historical methods of measuring alcohol content as noted in the Mitchell’s archive. The whiskey will be available online from www.spotwhiskey.com from 12pm Irish Time and at Whiskey Live Dublin on the 10th of June and from Mitchell & Son stores and all established retailers from Tuesday, 14th of June at the RRP of €120. It will be available to buy in Ireland, France, the UK and Global Travel Retail, and the USA from mid-July.

Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition Released To Celebrate World Whisky Day!

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Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, is launching the fifth edition in its celebrated Dream Cask series to mark World Whisky Day 2022!

Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition is a 30 year old single pot still Irish whiskey which captures the quintessential Redbreast style while celebrating innovation and craftmanship. The fifth edition represents a truly unique addition to the series, marrying two dream casks, hand selected by Master Blender, Billy Leighton and Blender, Dave McCabe, to create one exceptional whiskey.

To create this extraordinary whiskey, Leighton and McCabe each hand selected their favourite cask from Midleton’s inventory before combining them to create one heavenly whiskey. The first cask, chosen by Leighton, was originally laid down in a first fill oloroso sherry butt in May 1990, while the second – chosen by McCabe – was laid down in a first fill bourbon barrel in November 1991.

Each cask, reflective of the two distinct components of the Redbreast DNA, was chosen at its optimum maturity, then combined to showcase the unique traits imparted by each of the following three decades of ageing.

A 30 year old single pot still Irish whiskey which captures the quintessential Redbreast style!

Bottling these outstanding casks together at precisely the right moment has resulted in an incredibly complex Irish whiskey that harmoniously balances the vanilla sweetness and caramel creaminess from the bourbon barrel and the deep, dark fruitiness from the sherry butt.

With an ABV of 56.9%, the resulting liquid is rich in robust spice with wood-driven characteristics and notes of dark-roasted coffee, sweet liquorice, orange peel and smoked almonds amplified by the wine cask’s influence.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Launching for World Whisky Day, 714 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s online members’ club The Birdhouse at an RRP of €550. Each of the 500ml bottles will be presented in a keepsake book, made from recyclable cardboard*, detailing the latest instalment in the Dream Cask journey.

The ballot will be open for entries from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, England, Scotland and Wales from 23rd May. When the ballot closes on 30th May, successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a limited-edition bottle of Dream Cask Double Cask Edition.

The Dream Cask collection has always been about sharing our most rare and special casks with Redbreast fans around the world and we are thrilled to showcase two distinct casks within this release.

For this 2022 expression, we set out to create a perfectly aged single pot still whiskey that captured the qualities and virtues of its Dream Cask predecessors, but with a new and distinctive twist of marrying these two casks just at the point of bottling. We are delighted with the results and are excited to share this next chapter in the unfolding story of Redbreast.
– Billy Leighton

714 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition will be available

The traditional Redbreast style is so often associated with the influence of sherry casks that we sometimes overlook the role bourbon casks play in its composition. I am honoured to have been able to select my perfectly aged dream bourbon cask for this year’s Dream Cask and to pay homage to that unbeatable harmony that makes Redbreast so special.

We are incredibly fortunate that we have the variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery to explore and make our dreams a reality. Sharing our discovery with whiskey drinkers across the world is one of the most exciting and joyful aspects of my role to date.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and complex balance of aromas. A suggestion of dried herbs and earthy tones combine with hints of antique furniture, anise, hazelnut and tobacco. Autumnal fruits, black cherry and cassis build in perfect harmony with oak and sherry wine influences.

Taste: Lucious and full with warming spices and soft tannins at first. Notes of dark roasted coffee, honey-menthol and sweet liquorice follow, complementing the pot still spices. Orange peel and smoked almonds add their own unique and subtle touch.

Finish: Long and satisfyingly rich with the precise balance of fruits, spices and oak lingering until the very end.

Redbreast Whiskey is also available to buy from these online Merchants:-

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