Michter's Barrel Strenght Rye Whiskey

In May 2015 Michter's released a single barrel, barrel strength rye whiskey. The rye distillate for these bottles was entered into the barrel at 103 proof, which is much lower than the industry standard. The end product is a whiskey with a rich, smooth, and full body post-aging. 

Details:

-109 proof

-Barrel #15C217 no age statement

-Price: $65

Nose: Aromas of maple syrup, white grape juice, and honey float out of the glass. This is followed by a fresh breeze of cut pine trees and hefty rye spice. 

Taste: Sweet and spicy with mellow herbal undertones. Notes of butterscotch, honey, cinnamon, evergreen, black pepper, and cedar chips.

Finish: Long and warm, with a dry toasted oak spice.

Conclusion: This is the definition of a honey barrel! If anyone sees barrel 15C217 pick it up and thank me later. This is so delicious I may just go buy another bottle from another barrel. The overall product is so complexed and balanced, I would guess it's about 6-7 years old with a barely legal rye somewhere in the 51-53% range.

My Rating: A (Great) 

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Bourbon Brothers Review: 

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

In late 2013, Heaven Hill surprised everyone with an uncut, unfiltered version of their 12 year flagship bourbon, Elijah Craig. Known as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (or more commonly "ECBP"), this bourbon packs a full body and flavor. Lucky for us, Heaven Hill releases ECPB several times a year at a unique proof.

Details:
-12 years old
-128 proof, release #7
-Price: $45

Nose: Boston cream donut. Creamy vanilla, ovaltine,  and toasted oak. Fruit notes of apple and plum. 

Taste: A mix of vanilla and coffee ice cream. Sweetness continues with deep notes of brown sugar along with spices of cinnamon, black pepper, and tobacco.  

Finish: Long with a playful heat. Sweet vanilla fades slowly with spice and tobacco.  

Conclusion: Believe it or not, this is the lowest proof release to date. That being said, it's full of flavor and has a deliciously thick mouthfeel. ECPB is proof that great bourbon doesn't have to come at a high price!

My Rating: A (Great) 

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Bourbon Brothers:

 

Elmer T. Lee Bourbon

Elmer T. Lee joined the George T. Stagg (Buffalo Trace) Distillery in 1949. Working as a maintenance engineer, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Plant Manager and Master Distiller. He is credited with introducing the world’s first single-barrel bourbon, Blanton's. After retiring in 1985, he was commemorated with his own single-barrel namesake. He took part in hand selected the barrels of Elmer T. Lee until 2013, when he passed away at the age of 93. While he is no longer with us, his contributions to the bourbon industry will live on forever. 

Details:
-No Age Statement, rumored 7-10 years old
-90 proof
-Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2
-Price: $35

Nose: Initial notes of citrus are followed by sweet aromas of maple, honey and vanilla. This balanced elegantly by a subtle spice and toasted oak.

Taste: Rich and deep. The mouthfeel is extremely chewy. Very sweet with vanilla, caramel, and toffee, but balanced with a gentle mix of rye spice, black pepper, and cinnamon.

Finish: Moderate in length. Smooth, with a sweet and spicy dryness.  

Conclusion: This is honestly a bourbon unlike any other. When compared to other bourbons from Buffalo Trace Mashbill #2- Blantons, Rock Hill Farms, Hancocks Reserve- this is by far my favorite. Elmer T Lee single barrel has a lot of character without the rough edges. It's a delicious bourbon that is also a great value.  

My Rating: A (Great)

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Bourbon Brothers: 

Van Winkle Special Reserve "Lot B"

Special Reserve " Lot B" is the 12 year old bourbon from the Van Winkle collection. These wheated bourbons boast a uniquely soft profile with rich, sweet flavors.

Details:
-90.4 proof 
-12 years old
-Price: $59

Nose: A giant bowl of fresh fruit, with spiced peaches and dried mango. There are delicate notes of sweet wheat, caramel and vanilla spice.

 Taste: Silky smooth with a robust, sweet wheat on the tip of the palate. Peach cobbler, burnt caramel, and black pepper spice mingle gracefully for a delightful flavor.  

Finish: A smooth, quick finish, with a sweet spice and subtle oak. 

Conclusion: An overall wonderful experience. It's a bottle that is frightfully easy to finish with a some friends and  good conversation. It's so smooth and the quick finish will keep you coming back for more. People have asked, "what is the most I would pay for such and such bottle"...and while it is an entirely subjective question, I would spend up to $100 on this one; it's that good!  

My Rating: A (Great)

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Bourbon Brothers:

 

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Sazerac Rye Whiskey is distilled and bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery. Often referred to as "Baby Saz",  it is another Buffalo Trace whiskey that is difficult to find. I have been wanting to review this for a while but have had trouble finding a bottle; it is an enjoyable pour but not something you should consider paying over MSRP for.

Details:
-No Age Statement (6 years old via Sazerac.com)  
-90 proof
-Price: $40

Nose: An abundance of vanilla and spearmint are the first notes that float out of the glass. A thin layer of green tea follows, with canned corn, clove, and pepper.

Taste: Candied spices and citrus fruit jump on the tip of the tongue.  Mint transitions smoothly from the nose to the palate, and is joined by light notes of buttered toast, anise, and oak.

Finish: Short and smooth with slight hints rye spice and a low lying licorice. 

Conclusion: The majority of this bottle was used in cocktails rather than drinking neat. It is an enjoyable pour however I was slightly disappointed with the overall complexity when I drank this neat for the first time. It doesn't deserve the hype that comes with being a Buffalo Trace product, but it's certainly worth a try if you can find it for under $40.   

My Rating: B (Good)

 
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