The Big Red Dram

Peat, check. Smoke, see Peat, but check. Iodine and brine, yeah. Seaweedy saltiness with a dark chocolate undertone.  Sure!  Ardbeg Scorch is from some heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels and delivers on an intense smoke that doesn't overpower, but lets you know its there.  I enjoy Ardbeg a LOT.  This is no exception, but I wonder what the committee release offers at the higher proof.  Either way, this is a delicious dram that noses for days!

At Last!  

With a little help from my friend a frustrating week turned out to be one of those patience pays off types.  I was surprised with an EH Taylor Barrel Proof today and it has been worth the wait.  My relationship with EH Taylor has always been one of patience.  It started with small batch and each bottle since had that initial, well I'm not sure, to yes this is a gem, progression.  I have a feeling the BP will as well.  First pass was; why are people paying 500 plus for these, to, I still don't get it. LOL!  Seriously, these are good.  Stagg is good, if not great.  Some EHBP are great but not at the 500+ price. But here we are.  I am thrilled to have one, thank you Steve Malloy, at retail and I will cherish this bottle and enjoy the hell out of it.  EH Taylor is a collection worth pursuing, don't get me wrong, they are all splendid whiskies.  I love the "Core 4": Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof and Straight Rye.  The Rye especially is one of my favorites, but to find and try them all would be, for me, nearly impossible.  But these are great at retail, worthy of the hunt and meant to be enjoyed with friends and family.  

Sips not flips!  

This was my first foray into Compass Box and let me tell you, being someone that loves a peated whisky, this one is legit!  A delightful balance of fruits and smoke that tantalizes the senses and dances on your tastebuds.  I don't drink many blends, but I am a believer in what these fine folks are doing.  Bravo!

A recap of my latest trip to Bardstown and some of the iconic distillers in and around the area.  Such a fun trip with great friends. 

I discuss my bottle of the aged 11 years bottle of George Dickel and I have to tell you, I dig it.  I don't get the common notes I hear, "flinstone vitamins and minerals" I get something that is a nice easy segue into Tennessee whiskey if you are a die hard bourbon drinker.  It has it's fair share of similarities while still being uniquely Tennessee.  While I do like the 13 better, this 11 year old is quite delicious. I wrap up the night talking a bit about Charleston Distilling Co., Penelope Rose Finish and finally a straight Rye from Union Horse.  Woah!  

Sometimes when searching for a bottle, you have to be in the right place at the right time.  Now walking into Heaven Hill is always the right place, but when the gift shop happens to have some 18 left, it is the right time.  Being a huge fan of Elijah Craig anything at this point, the 18 was the final piece of the puzzle for me, and it did not disappoint.  Truly one of the great bourbon bottles I now possess.  There is a reason it is already half empty after 3 weeks. 

While I am sitting on the struggle bus trying to get back into my Podcast groove, this Old Fitzgerald 8yo BiB is arguably one of my favorite bottles.  It is deceptively smooth and delicious.  I have enjoyed every sip from this bottle and will be sad when she is gone.  Old Fitzgerald will only come out 1 more time this year, I wonder what age that one will be?  

So I try to catch up on some lost time with this one, discussing the Weller and then catching up on upcoming events.  The Weller Full proof is a delicious bottle, a solid pick by Nirav and A1, as usual, and a bottle I am very grateful to have gotten my hands on.  Cheers!