The Big Red Dram

This is one of my favorites.  An offering by Talker that embodies the sea.  You can taste the influence of location in each sip of this delectable dram.  The Isle of Skye is a must on my travel list, and one day I hope to sample this 18 year at the distillery.  

Holy Moly is this one smooth Rye Ladies and Gentlemen.  Having put the word out that I was looking for a bottle on a whim, a fellow Whiskey enthusiast let me know they had one and an exchange was born.  Thank you Anthony!  This is one of my favorite rye's and it is just as good as I remember after having it at 302 Wheaton over the Summer.  These are traditionally hard to find and only come out every so often.  So if you should stumble on one, and are a fan of E.H. Taylor and haven't tried it yet, do so.  It is worth it (at retail of course). 

Cheers!

Well a second season has begun and I am not sure how but I wasn't quite prepared for it. LOL.  After discussing additions to the podcast I get into the delectable bottle of Laphroaig 16.  Now I am not sure as to exactly why, but I had three sips during this recording and had 3 different initial impressions.  Interesting.  This has quietly become one of my favorite Laphoraig's, that I own, and I am SO glad I have a back up.  The bottle has seen a surge in pricing locally, up to $100 now I believe, yet this is still a good price for a bottle that will only get better after you open it.  

Welcome to season 2 Ladies and Gentlemen.  Let's go!

For the final episode of the first season of the Big Red Dram, I deal with disappointment with a major audio brand, stumble through the Barrel Proof offerings, because I am tired, then finally get to the ECBP A120.  WOW what a bottle.  Then I discuss my Bourbon of the year and my Scotch of the year. 

Happy New Year and thank you all for listening!  I am looking forward to Season TWO!!!

May your 2021 be better in life, and better in Whisk(e)y, of course one dram at a time. 

This is a single barrel offering from the James E. Pepper Distillery and was selected by the Chicagoland Whiskey Hunters.  Aptly named Warm Apple pie, this pick is definitely that.  I will be honest, Rye's are fickle spirits.  They can hit wonderfully, and miss bitterly.  This one is somewhere in the OK realm for me, but it is too early to tell.  This one is a bit young I think, it got better the more it sat, but it is heavy on the rye spice and lacked some subtle sweetness its nose hinted at.  Never one to give into the first taste trap or neck pour.   I will revisit this bottling later putting it up against some regular rye's I have.  

This majestic offering from Ardbeg was named after the mythical horses from Scottish lore.  A 2017 committee release, then limited edition release is one of my absolute favorite bottles.  This expression will challenge your nose, palate and mind to discover all there is imbedded within this delicious dram.  Aged in Black Sea oak, I had to look it up, and ex bourbon barrels, the great Dr. Lumsden created something truly special. At 46% this dram will delight Ardbeg fans as well as Islay fans.  Stunning in every detail. 

Well, if you like cherries, this is your jam.   These bottles have a following for a reason.  There are 10 different combinations.  2 mash bills and FIVE yeast strains.  I capitalize FIVE because I said 4 in the episode for some stupid reason.  Remember, these episodes are NOT rehearsed. LOL.  Anyway, they have a big following because they are all very sought after and quite possibly the best the distillery has to offer in their range.  OBSV is typically a fruity and spicy combination and it is indeed that.  A cherry bomb with the right amount of spice.  Delicious.  Then I get the bright idea of mixing this and OF 1910 and create the best old fashioned I have had yet.  Wow.  

Brought to the mainstream for 2020 this offering used to be a distillery only find and usually in a 375ml bottle.  But Jim Beam decided they wanted to give it a go and said lets not filter this one much and send it out.  And out it went!  One of the most sought after bottles for under $25 this summer, it was a huge hit!!  I was happy I found one and truly enjoyed the whiskey inside.  Delicious. 

This one is solid.  That is all I really need to say.  It is an easy sip and very smooth, full of spice and sea salt and just the right amount of smoke.  A true Talisker.  I also talk a little about a tasting from Friday and some of the delightful bottles enjoyed.  Cheers!