The post Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye 2023 appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>
Just when we thought whiskey season couldn’t get any richer, Michter’s graces us with the return of its Toasted Barrel Rye. Initially setting the whiskey world ablaze in 2014, this iconic release now finds its way back to the top shelves in September, and I don’t think North Carolina is ready for the full-throttle flavor experience that awaits!
What’s the magic behind Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye, you ask? A big nod goes to Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, and Master Distiller, Dan McKee. Their formula starts with selecting fully matured barrels of the famed US*1 Rye. These barrels then undergo a special transformation: they’re transferred for finishing into a unique second barrel. These aren’t just any barrels, folks. They’re crafted from wood that’s been air-dried and seasoned outdoors for a full 24 months, toasted to perfection following Michter’s specific requirements. The charring? They skip that. The goal? To let the exquisite notes from the toasted-only finish dance on your palate, delivering an unmatched whiskey character.
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye 2023
For the number lovers out there, the 2023 batch is bottled at a respectable 108.9 proof (54.45% ABV). And if you’re wondering about the price tag, this beauty retails at $120 MSRP for a 750ml bottle in the U.S (and hopefully the same in NC). Dan McKee says of the release, “I enjoy rye in general, and this Toasted Rye in particular is a full-throttle flavor experience.” And if you know McKee, he doesn’t mince words when it comes to whiskey.
Now, for a bit of a history lesson. When Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco and his team first launched the Toasted Barrel Rye in 2014, they essentially were experimenting. They’d ventured into unknown territories, and boy, did it pay off! Today, Michter’s holds a prestigious spot in the whiskey realm, garnering accolades like “Most Admired American Whiskey” in 2022 and being crowned the “#1 Top Trending American Whiskey” in 2023.
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye in North Carolina
Wondering if you’ll get a chance to savor this in the Tar Heel State? With Michter’s growing popularity and their recent accolades, there’s a good chance some bottles will find their way to North Carolina. But remember, these are limited releases. So, keep an eye on our NC ABC Stock Status page, and perhaps swing by your local stores. They might just have the inside scoop.
As always, you may get lucky and find a bottle online (though it would likely be well over MSRP). Checkout NestorLiquor other online retailers.
Until then, happy hunting and remember to sign up for our Mailing List to stay in the loop on all things whiskey in North Carolina!
Shop Related Whiskey from Michter’s
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]]>The post Prime Day Whiskey Picks 2023 appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Amazon Prime Day Whiskey Deals
Whiskey Glassware on Amazon Prime Day
Here are a couple selections for whiskey glasses, depending on your style and needs. There’s a lot of novelty stuff on Amazon, but there are some old reliables I think you can’t go wrong with.
Amazon Prime Day Deal on Bar Tools
If home bartending is your thing (or you’d like it to be), there are endless options for individual tools and sets on Amazon. Here are some fun toys, like bartending sets and whiskey smoking kits, I think are a good deal for Amazon Prime Day 2023.
Ice Molds
Ice molds are great to have on hand if you like your whiskey chilled, or a big cube in a cocktail. Bigger ice melts more slowly, so it won’t dilute your drinks as quickly. Here are a couple options, depending on your needs.
I’m keeping this list short and stopping here, because a lot of Amazon Prime Deals feel a bit fake sometimes, and I don’t want to fill this list with fluff. If you’re in the hunt for some good gifts, though, try searches for Whiskey Flasks, Decanters, or other whiskey accessories. Good luck!
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]]>The post Review: Eagle Rare 10 Year appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Vitals
Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Bottler: Buffalo Trace
Proof: 90 Proof
ABV: 45%
Age: 10 Years
Price: $$
NC Availability: Moderately Rare
NC Price: $43.95
Eagle Rare 10 Year Review
Served neat in a Glencairn.
Nose
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon greets the senses with a rich and inviting aroma. The nose opens up to notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. These classic bourbon characteristics are accompanied by hints of ripe orchard fruits, such as apples and pears, adding a pleasant sweetness to the bouquet. Undertones of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of leather further enhance the complexity, making the aroma both enticing and well-balanced.
Palate
Upon the first sip, Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon delivers a luscious and smooth mouthfeel. The initial taste is dominated by flavors of caramel and toffee, offering a delightful sweetness that is wonderfully complemented by vanilla and honey. The bourbon’s extended aging period of 10 years imparts a deep and robust character, showcasing layers of oak and subtle spice. Rich dark chocolate notes emerge, mingling with hints of dried fruits and a gentle nuttiness, providing depth and complexity to the palate.
Finish
The finish of Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon is long-lasting and satisfying. As the flavors linger, the oak influence becomes more pronounced, revealing a delightful combination of toasted wood, charred barrel, and a touch of black pepper. The sweetness from the initial taste gradually evolves into a pleasantly dry finish, leaving a lasting impression of caramel and a gentle warmth. The balance between the sweet and savory notes is well-maintained throughout the entire tasting experience.
Overall Eagle Rare Review
Despite my aforementioned bias, Eagle Rare is often named among the best-bang-for-your-buck bourbons. It takes everything people love about the affordable Buffalo Trace Bourbon and slaps a 10 year age statement on it. The years in the barrel come through with a smooth, oaky character that makes it patable for even the most picky sippers. I might go so far as to say this is the most bourbon bourbon on the shelf, a great introduction or fallback when you just want good bourbon.
Eagle Rare Rating
8/10 – Excellent. Really quite exceptional.
I grade on the t8ke scale, 1-10.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
A Quick Eagle Rare FAQ:
How long is Eagle Rare aged for?
According to the Buffalo Trace Distillery website (and the bottle), Eagle Rare is aged “a minimum of 10 years”. I doubt we’re getting any barrels that are pushing 12, but somewhere in that 10-11 year mark is most likely.
Is Eagle Rare a Single Barrel Bourbon?
Yes and no. Eagle Rare used to be a true Single Barrel bourbon, but, legally, it no longer is. Eagle Rare is still bottled one barrel at a time, not batched together, but now it’s done on a line. This line method means that some bottles, occasionally, will have the last whiskey from one barrel and the first whiskey from the next. So, odds are high that your bottle is a single barrel, but because it isn’t 100% guaranteed, Buffalo Trace Distillery cannot market it as such.
Does Eagle Rare Offer Single Barrel Picks?
Yes, Buffalo Trace Distillery includes Eagle Rare in their single barrel select program. It’s not the most common bottle to get a single barrel select of, but it’s always great when you do.
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]]>The post Four Roses Ten Recipe Tasting Experience appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Four Roses Ten Recipe Tasting Experience
The Four Roses Ten Recipe Tasting Experience is a box-set release that contains ten 50mL bottles. Each bottle contains Four Roses whiskey that represent one of the ten unique combinations of ingredients often offered by brand. All 10 bourbons included in the experience are non-chill filtered and distilled at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Each one is bottled at 104 Proof (54% ABV).
The Experience also includes a video for a personal tasting guide hosted by Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Elliot guides drinkers through the entire tasting process.
This is a limited release, but you can pre-order it from Nestor Liquor and other online retailers.
Preorder From Nestor Liquor
Four Roses Recipes
Each Four Roses recipe is a combination of a specific mash bill and yeast strain, which in each create distinct tasting experiences. The 10 main recipes from Four Roses are all included in the tasting experience kit. The recipes included are:
- OBSV
- OBSK
- OBSO
- OBSQ
- OBSF
- OESV
- OESK
- OESO
- OESQ
- OESF
How Do You Read A Four Roses Recipe
The Four Roses recipe label is actually pretty straight forward. Each recipe title contains four letters. All ten recipes follow a simple pattern of O_S_. The O indicates that the whiskey was distilled by Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and the S tells you that it’s a Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The second letter in the recipe identifies the mash bills, and the fourth letter identifies the yeast strain that was used.
Four Roses Mash Bills
Four Roses Mash Bill “B”: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
Four Roses Mash Bill “E”: 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley
Obviously the big difference here is the ratio of corn to rye. Bourbon is, by definition, 51%+ corn. Mash bills with higher rye content might be a little “spicier”, while high corn percents are typically sweeter.
Four Roses Yeast Strains
K: baking spices
Q: floral character
O: richer fruit
F: herbal, minty
V: delicate fruit, think spiced pear
You can see how these combinations would create unique tastes in the Four Roses bourbons, and tasting them side-by-side will be a great experience for any level of bourbon drinker.
Is The Four Roses 10 Recipe Tasting Experience Available in North Carolina?
This tasting kit should start hitting shelves and retailers in early August, 2023. It’s a limited release, so you;ll want to purchase it if you see it (it may be your only chance). As for the kit’s availability in North Carolina, that remains to be seen. I’m keeping a keen eye on the NC ABC Warehouse Stock Status, and will update this page if I see anything. It will certainly be sold at select premium spirit retailers. Hopefully we’ll get an allocation to the state! If you don’t want to risk missing out, we’ve seen it available for preorder on Nestor Liquor, close to MSRP (plus shipping).
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]]>The post 2023 NC ABC Allocated Bourbon Lotteries appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Given the influx of traffic here, I know people are interested in the schedule of allocated bourbon lotteries for 2023. Unfortunately, no such “official” schedule exists. Each local county/ABC board handles the distribution of allocated products as they best see fit for their stores, community, and customers. While some of these boards elect to use a lottery system to distribute these products, others use preferred customer lists, and some offer them on the shelf for a first-come, first-serve basis. Sometimes a board will make a big announcement for a release, and there will be a…. party… in the parking lot.
Durham ABC Lottery Is Wrapping Up
Durham ABC has been running their lottery, and announced that they’d finish making calls to winners the week of January 9th.
Wake County ABC Lottery
Wake County has finally opened their entries for their lottery for 2023 releases (despite it being early 2024 already. Entry is open until Valentine’s day, and winners will be announced no later than February 19th. The Wake County ABC Bourbon Lottery is open to Wake County residents only. For more information and regular updates, visit the Wake County ABC website or follow their socials on Facebook.
Entrants will be able to select their priority order of available bourbons offered in the lottery. Here’s the full list:
| PAPPY VAN WINKLE 23Y | $399.95 |
| OLD FORESTER BIRTHDAY BOURBON | $169.95 |
| VAN WINKLE FAMILY RES RYE 13Y | $169.95 |
| PAPPY VAN WINKLE 15YR | $169.95 |
| MAKER’S MARK CELLAR AGED | $149.95 |
| BLANTON’S STRAIGHT FROM THE BARREL | $149.95 |
| WOODFORD RESERVE MASTER COLLECTION | $149.95 |
| OLD FITZGERALD BIB 10Y | $139.95 |
| THOMAS H. HANDY | $124.95 |
| WILLIAM LARUE WELLER | $124.95 |
| GEORGE T. STAGG | $124.95 |
| BLANTON’S GOLD | $119.95 |
| BLANTON’S GOLD BOURBON | $119.95 |
| VAN WINKLE SPL RESERVE 12YR | $109.95 |
| OLD RIP VAN WINKLE 10Y | $99.95 |
| E.H. TAYLOR JR. SINGLE BARREL BOURBON | $79.95 |
| E.H. TAYLOR JR. BARREL PROOF BOURBON | $77.95 |
| BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL | $69.95 |
| BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL SELECT (BTB) | $64.95 |
| WELLER FULL PROOF | $55.95 |
| WELLER CYPB | $55.95 |
| WELLER ANTIQUE 107 | $55.95 |
| STAGG JR (BTB) | $54.95 |
| STAGG BOURBON | $54.95 |
| WELLER SINGLE BARREL | $53.95 |
| E.H. TAYLOR JR. SMALL BATCH | $49.95 |
| 1792 FULL PROOF | $47.95 |
| WELLER 12Y | $47.95 |
| ELMER T. LEE SINGLE BARREL | $44.95 |
| WELLER SPECIAL RESERVE | $33.95 |
| BUFFALO TRACE SINGLE BARREL SELECT (BTB) | $32.95 |
| BUFFALO TRACE BOURBON WHISKEY | $32.95 |
Again, www.nc-whiskey.com is not affiliated with the North Carolina ABC or Wake County board.
Sign up for our mailing list for more updates.
NC ABC Bourbon Lottery FAQ
Who can enter North Carolina ABC whiskey lotteries?
As for the lotteries, some of these may be offered to county/local residents only (this is how Wake County has handled the process in recent years), while others are open to anyone and everyone. Of course, all entrants to lotteries must be over the age of 21. Most lotteries will be open for one entry per person, though some may limit to one per household. Again, this is all handled at the local level, not by the state.
How do I enter an ABC bourbon lottery?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, entry methods are also handled, of course, by the local ABC board or individual stores. In past years, many counties like Wake, Durham, and Mecklenburg offer an online entry form. Others, like Gibsonville, require an in-person entry. Other lotteries work on a same-day event, where you must come be present, get a number, and hope yours gets called. If you’re curious how to enter lotteries with your local ABC board, ask employees at a local shop.
When is the next allocated bourbon lottery?
Typically, the “big” lotteries happen closer to the holiday season. Many of the major allocated releases like the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Van Winkle releases come out in the mid to late fall, so ABC boards wait for their full allocation to come in before hosting their lottery.
Sometimes, however, boards may do more periodic lotteries. They may not be as chock-full of the ultra-rarities, but they might contain Stagg, Weller, Old Fitzgerald, or other similar-tier products. Again, check with your local ABC store to see how they handle the distribution of these products, and when they might be hosting a lottery. Some ABC boards will have email lists of their own.
If I get wind of new lotteries around the state, I’ll try to keep a running list of them here on this page. Bookmark this page, or sign up for my email list and I’ll keep you all updated when I hear something.
Usually we get information about the following ABC lotteries, but if you hear of something missing, please share!
- 2023 Wake County ABC Lottery
- 2023 Durham County ABC Lottery
- 2023 Orange County ABC Lottery
- 2023 Cumberland County ABC Lottery
- 2023 Greensboro ABC Lottery
- 2023 Pitt County ABC Lottery
- 2023 Mecklenburg ABC County
- 2023 Rowan/Kannapolis ABC Lottery
The post 2023 NC ABC Allocated Bourbon Lotteries appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>The post Daniel Weller Experimental Wheated Bourbon appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>The world of bourbon seems to be in its prime, and distilleries large and small are rewarding customers with new experiences and exciting bourbons. In kind, Buffalo Trace distillery has announced a new addition to the Weller Bourbon lineup: Daniel Weller. This new addition is an experimental wheated bourbon, so we can expect each release of Daniel Weller to be a little different as they attempt to isolate and highlight various unique strains of wheat.
This is a concept that has been done before in the beverage world. Mikkeller Brewery experimented with Single Hop IPAs to take note of the different effects they had on beer, so it’s interesting to see Buffalo Trace Distillery attempt something similar with one of their most notable brands. Each year promises to be exciting, and the 2023 release is looking to be no different.
2023 Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat Recipe
The inaugural release of Daniel Weller Experimental bourbon is the Emmer Wheat Recipe. This 2023 release is made with (you guessed it) Emmer Wheat, though it’s hard to know what percent of the recipe is Emmer vs other more common types. Emmer is a type of wheat native to the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East, including Iran, Syria, Israel, and into Egypt. Humans in that area of the world began domesticating it over 10,000 years ago.
Apart from the uniqueness of the Emmer Wheat strain, the 2023 Daniel Weller special release will be aged for 12 years and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Early tasting notes indicate oak, fruit, and honey and various points of a sip. Don’t get your hope up too quickly though, sounds like Daniel Weller carries an MSRP of $499.
Will Daniel Weller Be Available in North Carolina?
We have every reason to believe that each annual release of Daniel Weller will be made available in North Carolina, to some extent. A release like this may not make it to every county or ABC board in the state, but it remains to see how the allocation process will work. If you want to find the Emmer Wheat recipe in an NC ABC store, check with your local shops to stay up to date on what they know. Also keep an eye on the NC ABC Stock Status. If we get wind of these coming through the state warehouse, we’ll try to update the email list as well.
More Weller Bourbons
We keep tabs of a lot of different Weller bourbons. If you love these wheated bourbons, keep an eye out from some others:
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]]>The post Wake County ABC Introduces Product Search appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>The wait is over: Wake County ABC has finally announced a product search feature on their website. This feature operates similarly to the ABC product searches that are offered by both Durham County and Mecklenburg County.
A great augmentation tool to the NC ABC Stock Status, which only provides periodic details at the State-wide level, the Wake County ABC product search allows customers to search for specific brands of whiskey, bourbon, tequila, or any other product. Results will include which stores have the product in stock, and the quantity.
Is The Wake County Product Search Feature Up-To-Date?
According to their website, this new search function on WakeABC.com is update twice daily. We have been unable to confirm if this is updated at the same time for all stores, or day-to-day. They offer a caveat that items that appear in stock online may not actually be in stock when you get to the store. This could be due to delays in the inventory reporting or other complications.
It’s also worth knowing that most stores reserve the right to distribute rare whiskey and bourbon in various ways. Some will put things on the shelf immediately, others will keep them behind the counter. It also may be true that a store will ring in their inventory before putting the stock out. This doesn’t mean they’re “hiding” anything in back, they just have a process.
Remember to always be patient with employees at your local ABC stores. The best way to find good whiskey is to foster great relationships with the people who keep it!
How To Find Rare Whiskey and Bourbon in Wake County, NC
This new feature from the Wake County ABC Board is a great way to help you track down good whiskey, though it will likely mean a mad rush to stores when the ‘tater bottles come in stock. Most really rare whiskey will likely still be released in the annual holiday lottery (sign up for our newsletter and we’ll let you know when we hear something).
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]]>The post Best Whiskey Smoker Kit For Cocktails in 2023 appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Why Use A Whiskey Smoking Kit?
Why should you use a cocktail smoking kit on your drinks? Is it all just gimmick? Not entirely! Sure, it can come across as a bit hokey (especially as a heavy trend in recent years). As a bartender or cocktail bar owner, that might be okay sometimes. “I’ll have one of those” is always a nice thing to head (and you might be able to charge a premium for that smoke).
But smoking whiskey and cocktails can improve the entire imbibing experience, if done correctly. The immersive aromas of smoke can add an extra sensory layer to a cocktail, creating a very unique, memorable experience. Smoke can also enhance the flavor profile of a drink. Like rimming a glass with a lemon slice, garnishing with mint, or spritzing with saline or absinthe, smoke can add some character to a drink and help draw out nuances of flavor. Just think of smoke as an extra garnish or ingredient to a cocktail.
Modern smoking kits are easy to use, too, so you don’t have to worry about too much prep or hassle. Even new bartenders can break out a cool party trick to make a showy Manhattan or spicy Margarita.
Types of Cocktail Smokers
There are two main kinds of cocktail smokers to choose from when you’re shopping for the best whiskey smoker kit. The oldest, maybe most traditional method of smoking drinks is using a chamber or cloche. In this type of smoker, you fix your drink in the glass of your choice, and surround the entire glass in some kind of chamber. Also in that chamber with your glass are smoldering wood chips that create the smoke. Depending on the size of your smoking cloche, you might be able to do two or three drinks at a time. These can also have a fancy presentation and a more “professional” feel to them, but they are also bulky and take up precious space on your bar. You can be guaranteed, though, that they will work with almost any whiskey glass.
Alternatively, glass-top smoking kits allow you to cover your prepared beverage with a small topper. The wood chips sit on top, and the smoke infuses downward into your cocktail or whiskey glass. These are typically the most common these days, especially for home bartenders, as they are smaller and can be easier to work with. It also typically requires less smoke to get the desired effect on your drink.
There is also a newer concept called “Smoke Rinsing”, where you turn a carafe upside down on a smoking object (like a snuffed flame, woodchip, or pellet), and let the carafe fill with smoke. Then you add your cocktail ingredients to the carafe, cap it, and swirl the mixture around to soak up all that smoke.
The Best Cocktail Smoking Kits
As a trendy new bar tool, there are lots of cocktail smoking kits floating around the markets these days. Which one is right for you and your bar will depend on a few details, like the volume of drinks you’re making, frequency of use, level of professionalism, and budget. We’ve rated a few of them below. Note: we may get a kickback for these recommendations, but we promise they’re honest.
Best Overall Whiskey Smoking Kit
When considering all factors (weighted towards home bartenders), considering design, ease of use, and price, we like the Alchemi Single-Serve Smoked Cocktail Kit from Viski. This 5-piece, top-down smoker kit contains everything you need to make a great smoked cocktail, including the smoking topper itself, a butane hand-torch, fine mesh strainer, wood chips, and even a 14oz cocktail glass.
This kit won’t take up much space on your bar, but will reliably make a consistent smoked cocktail whenever you want one.
Upgrade Pick: Cocktail Smoker Kit
If you like the look of the Alchemi Single Serve Cocktail Kit above, but want to up your game a little, bit, consider going the “Smoke Rinse” method with this upgraded kit from Alchemi. The Alchemi Smoked Cocktail Kit for Smoke Rinsing uses pellets to fill a carafe with smoke. When you add your cocktail ingredients, you swirl them around in the smoke for a “rinsed” infusion. The carafe option also lets you smoke a small “batch” of cocktails at once (2-3 drinks).
This kit comes with a smoking stand, carafe, pellets, and a recipe book.
Best Budget Whiskey Smoker Kit
If you’re on a bit more of a budget, you can find cocktail smoker kits all over the internet that will get the job done. Amazon is full of them. You might find that a good introduction to cocktail smoking comes with one of these kits from Taigin that have several types of wood chips you can experiment with.
*at time of posting
Personalized Whiskey Smoking Kits
If you’re looking for something to give as a gift or provide an extra bit of class or sophistication (depending on your definition of that), you might be interested in a personalized kit. Home Wet Bar offers deluge of great personalized smoking kits. Some of their kits come with glassware or decanters. Or you can just get the wood from your whiskey smoker kit stamped. These kits all work really well, but not any better than our top pick. For these, you’ll pay a premium for the personalization.
Best Smoking Kit For Cocktails
Ultimately, any of these kits are going to get the job done, and you can’t go wrong no matter which you buy. There are a lot of “home-brewed” solutions out there as well, so if you’re into the DIY thing, you could always give that a go. Otherwise, consider picking up one of these smoking kits. They’ll make a great addition to your home bartending hobby, or a great gift for a whiskey enthusiast.
The post Best Whiskey Smoker Kit For Cocktails in 2023 appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>The post 2022 Holiday Whiskey Shopping Guide appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership and Tasting Kit
I recently reviewed my own experience with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and I stand by my opinion that it’s a great club and value. If you’re looking for something in the world of scotch whisky, a membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will give you or your giftee access to their world class concierge service and exclusive hand-picked, single cask, cask strength scotches in every region and flavor profile.
You can also bundle their membership with the super classy Tasting Kit which comes with beautiful glassware and three 100mL bottles of different scotches that they’ll love to taste and compare. If you’re looking for a whiskey sampler gift for anyone who loves scotch, or maybe just likes to try new whiskey, I can’t recommend a membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society enough. See for yourself.
Bourbon Sampler Gift Box
The first of two sampler gift boxes in this list, a bourbon sampler gift box can make a great gift for anyone who likes a strong drink. A good whiskey sampler gift will include all sorts of whiskeys, including bourbon, scotch, and Irish whiskey.
BroBasket offers a Bite of Bourbon Sampler Box that includes tasters of Woodford Reserve, Balcones, Larceny, Elijah Craig, Maker’s Mark, and Bulleit bourbons (and some snacks and glassware). Check out the entire box and see if it’s the right idea for your gift.
You can also fill a stocking with mini bottles/airplane bottles, usually found behind the counter of your local liquor or ABC store.
Cocktail Bundles and Whiskey Gift Boxes
Everyone loves a great whiskey cocktail. Bundles are a great way to help a home bartender stock their shelves with both liquor and mixers. You can go down to your local liquor store and do the shopping, or place an online order for a bundle that’s been curated for any number of easy, classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, and more. You can go with big bottles, several small bottles, or any number of combinations depending on who you’re shopping for and what your budget is.
Nestor Liquor offers a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail gift box (in a wooden crate or an old bourbon barrel. It comes with a fill 750mL bottle of Woodford, as well as cherries, Angostura bitters, and some other garnishes and treats. See the whole box.
While you’re at it, make sure to check out various cocktail bar kits (shakers, muddlers, jiggers, etc.) so your aspiring bartender can mix their new spirits accordingly.
Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail Gift Set
DrnxMyth
If cocktails are the right thought, but you don’t think active bartending is the answer, DRNXMYTH offers ready-to-drink cocktails with fresh ingredients and great spirits. The unique “Twist and Shake” design allows them to keep these cocktails fresh and vibrant by separating fresh ingredients from the hard spirits until it’s time to drink. There are lots of great cocktails and mix packs to choose from, so you can find cocktails for anyone you might be shopping for.
I’ve tried the the DRNXMTH cocktails several times (they sent me a few, but I liked them so much I ordered more). My top recommendations for holiday whiskey gifts would have to be the Whiskey Sour or the Bourbon Berry Smash. The pro-tip, though, might be to order mix box (like the Full Bar Bundle), and divvy them out among friends and white elephant parties as appropriate.
Mocktails, anyone?
Sticking with the cocktail theme for a bit, it’s worth mentioning that there are dozens of great options out there for people who like a nice drink but want something alcohol free. Spiritless, for instance, offers full bottles of award-winning non-alcohol spirit-alternatives, like their Kentucky 74. Their spirits are actually distilled, but still zero-proof, so they make a great substitute for any cocktail you’d usually use. Shop Spiritless Gifts.
Soul Spirits offers both cocktail kit boxes and subscriptions, so there’s always another booze-free option to look forward to. Their kits come with everything you need to make non-alcoholic versions of your favorite cocktails, so it’s the perfect gift for expectant mothers or those trying to cut back.
Just Whiskey
Of course, at the end of the day, the best gift for a whiskey enthusiast is just… Whiskey. If you’ll be local to the person, just swing by an ABC or liquor store and pick up something you think they like. Don’t know what their favorite is? That’s okay! A good bottle of whiskey is always a welcome gift. You can also order whiskey online and have it shipped to many locations in the US, including North Carolina, from retailers like Nestor Liquor.
Buffalo Trace 6 Pack (Half Case)
All Our Recommendations
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]]>The post Review: Old Forester 1910 appeared first on NC Whiskey.
]]>Vitals
Distiller: Brown-Forman
Bottler: Brown-Forman
Proof: 93 Proof
ABV: 46.5%
Age: NAS
Price: $$
NC Availability: Widely Available
NC Price: $55.95
Old Forester 1910 Review
Served neat in a Glencairn.
Nose
The toasted is oak is prominent, with some clear cherry and vanilla notes. Lingers with some caramel.
Palate
Toasted oak present again, giving it a lot of richness. Brown sugar and vanilla. Good complexity for a 93 proof bourbon.
Finish
Pretty short finish. The toasted barrel char comes through a little hot here, like cinnamon.
Overall Old Forester 1910 Review
This is a pretty polarizing bourbon, with ratings all up and down the scale. There are times I’ve tried Old Forester 1910 and really loved it, and other times I’ve poured a glass and it’s just fallen a little flat. Ultimately, I love the character of the toasted oak and double-barrel process. I’m more of a high-proof kind of guy though, so this lacks a bit of the punch I prefer. It’s a great bourbon, though, and if you’re a fan of whiskeys like Woodford Double-Oaked or Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, then you’ll be nice and cozy with the Old Forester 1910. Overall, I think this a great bourbon.
Old Forester 1910 Rating
7/10 – Great Bourbon. Well above average.
I grade on the t8ke scale, 1-10. Read more.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
What The Internet Thinks
Don’t take my word for it. Here’s what others are saying about Older Forester 1910:
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