Henry McKenna 10

Back at it again. I’m sure if you follow me via social, you’re by now waaaay over how much I love my Red Wing Iron Rangers - the boots in the photo - and are probably tired of hearing about the marvels of cobbler craftsmanship. Don’t fret, for this article’s focus is not on the beautiful patinas, brilliant threading and leather wear, or macro shots of laces and stress points. No, today we’re talking about the bottle in the middle, the absolutely infamous “Best Bourbon in the world” of 2019, we’re talking about McKenna 10.

Henry McKenna 10 BiB
Louisville, KY
$34.99
50% / 100 Proof

Nose - Sweet dreams are made of these, Granny Smith apples and perfectly ripe pears, following a strong granular white sugar note and citrus, peeling back into vanilla, then a field of toasted oak and caramel food in. The nosing experience is surprisingly vibrant for a 100 proof bourbon, particularly with the lack of sting.

Palette - Just a full-on caramel and vanilla flavor train that’s headed to bourbon town. The flavors, especially in the proof, are heavy and overbearing. If that sounds like a good thing to you, then you’re gonna love it. The McKenna 10 has an opportunity here (and probably a reason it won a prestigious award) to stand above the rest of the competition, proving even more stable than some of the big boys, like my personal darling bourbon, Turkey 101.

Finish - The finish is another highlight for the HMK10, moving down smoothly and subtly with little burn or variance. The flavors stay, they don’t change, they simply mellow down, like turning off the bedroom lights with a slider switch.

Thoughts - Let’s first approach some of the terminology and interesting tidbits of the Henry McKenna 10. First of all, it’s aged for 10 years. 10 Freakin’ years, for a single barrel bourbon; that means you’re not getting jerked around - like some other fancy local producers who give age statements of 2-10 years, putting a drop of 10 years to a barrel of 2 years and getting by legally - when you’re wanting a vintage bottle. Second, HMK prides itself on being Bottled in Bond, or BiB for short. This means that only one master distiller was present during the distilling, barreling, and bottling of the whiskey. There are a few other very nitpicky requirements to meet bottled in bond, all overseen by government regulators and observers, so you’ve got to have a pretty clean operation to put it on your bottle. Does Bottled in Bond change the flavor of the whiskey? Not at all, but it does add some character to what you’re buying. Now that we have those little pieces out of the way, my thoughts of the McKenna 10 are this: It is the single best bourbon you can buy for the price. There are better bourbons, to be sure, but this is a bottle that could easily compete with the $85 price range of top-shelf products and stand it’s ground. The HMK10 is a mainstay- in my cabinet for its classic flavor, bold delivery, decade aged charm, and the glamour that comes with the Best Whiskey in the World 2019.

7/10, but always on my shelf.

p.s.

Here’s some great shots of my Red Wing Iron Ranger 8085’s. Daily wear for 2 years running.

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Old Elk Bourbon

Welcome back, friends. It’s a lovely week here in Utah - besides the unyielding wind completely drowning my turkey hunts and fly fishing practice - and I have another lovely bottle to share with you. This was a find up in Bountiful, shipped over from Colorado. It really looks like the ol’ CO is propping itself up to be one of the next big states outside of KY and the rest of the traditional Whiskey Road stops, alongside big brother Texas and our home turf, UT, the west is trying it’s best to be the best, and Old Elk isn’t letting us down.

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Fort Collins, CO
$49.99
44% / 80 Proof

Nose - The Ol’ Ungulate’s musk was a surprise, a sharp shock of pine, citrus, and rye is immediate and upfront. Refreshing and cooling, the anticipation of a menthol-esque sensation is titillating for the taste buds and really got me excited. Maraschino cherries and brown sugar come in on the back end with hints of other classic bourbon flavors and cinammon, as well what I detect to be a deep, sweet banana aroma.

Palette - The pine comes through beautifully delivering a taste similar to fresh pine needle tea, leading quickly to a refreshing gin mint julep, cooling sensations a full rye flavors start to take hold on the second half of the taste, but the gin flavors are nearly omnipotent once they make their presence known.

Finish - Delightful and refreshing just as the nose promises, the cooling menthol sensation of the high-rye and malted barley recipe truly sits unique and on its own from beginning to end, introducing a warming-yet-cool numbness that transcends most typical bourbon finishes of either crisp heat or slow burns.

Thoughts - Old Elk must be a 6 point buck because the unique and intriguing tastes it offers is hard to find in the wild. This bourbon prides itself on its different nature, and they should; The distillers over in Fort Collins aren’t taking the easy road of basic bourbon ballast, using up-front sweet sugary/vanilla notes with an unoffensive nature. This bull is masterful in its bugle, and without a doubt runs the Whiskey Mountain with a strong and natural flavor of bold, eccentric piquancy. I’m really digging this bottle and it’s a fantastic break-away from other bourbons that are either easy go-to’s or easy to forget. My friends in Colorado have captured the zest of their Rocky Mountain heritage, mixed it with water, and let it sit in a beautifully charred barrel for the perfect amount of time. I highly recommend Old Elk if you’re into spicy ryes, a gin man looking to get into whiskey or a lover of bottles with character. I’m quite impressed with this whiskey, which in all honesty I thought was going to be a kind of kitschy knock-off like Gold Bar.

8/10

Highland Park 12: Viking Honour

Hello again, friends and family. It’s been a really long time - you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to actually write a cohesive review about whiskey during a pandemic. And while I have found my self in the midst of madness and ever-changing normality like everyone else, it occurs to me that I still have a responsibility to you, my dear reader, to write and review these wonderful flavors and fragrances for your consideration. This time around, I want to give a special shoutout to a rambunctious group of misfit heroes, the copious curators of all things coinable, captors of corrupt and correspondents of the courageous, Thank you, The Collectors, for the verifiably badass Norlan glasses (one in the picture). I love you most sincerely.

Highland Park 12: Viking Honour
Islands, Scotland
$54.99
43% / 96 Proof

Nose - The nose is a lovely nasal conflagration of musty, briney earth and grass, with delicate notes of honey and charcoal smoke, leading to squeaky beeswax tinged with citrus.

Pallete - Sweet honey syrup and honeysuckle liquid, fresh from the flower itself that melts into a medley of creamy malt and fluttering notes of tropical candy chews.

Finish - Enjoyable and smooth, the finish coats your soul in a warm but delicate embrace, like merino wool base layers on a crisp fall evening - not enough to keep the cold out entirely, but more than enough to feel warm, especially if you’ve got a warm drink by your side.

Thoughts - Viking Honour has been a favorite of mine for quite some time and is a truly classic scotch that is approachable by whiskey nerds and newbs alike. It comes to the forefront with an intriguing mixture of flavors and aromas; painting a gradient of bold, briney seas juxtaposed to light, buzzy dandelions and lilies along the coast. It’s a high-end profile and a mid-range price and absolutely worth the cash you pump out for it. The HP12 is going to impress everyone you know, from friends who are just looking to try something unique and persuasive to your whiskey-nosing buddy who will undoubtedly give you props for having a bottle of the shelf. You truly can’t go wrong with the HP12, and that’s part of the reason I keep it stocked with the likes of Ardbeg 10, Wild Turkey 101, Angel’s Envy, and High West’s ‘Campfire’.

10/10, would buy again.

Fun fact: The image at the top of this article is the first Whiskey Wednesday photo I did an actual Photoshop edit on - that is, altered some pixels outside of CameraRAW. Can you spot the change? It has nothing to do with the different image below, by the way. I just couldn’t make up my mind on where I liked the Norlan Glass more.

Rittenhouse Rye

Hello friends and family to yet another Whiskey of my Wednesday, where I tell you about Whiskey, and you just, uh… Read? I sure hope so. Today I’m coming out of the left field and giving you a little diddy from a grain I haven’t reviewed in quite some time, let’s get it going with the Rittenhouse Rye!

Rittenhouse Rye
Heaven’s Hill Distillery
Bottled in Bond in Louisville, KY
50% / 100 Proof
$24.99

Nose - BANG! Huge spice upfront if you put your nose “too close”, or, average nosing distance with a Glencairn. This is full nosing rye with tons of cinnamon and straight rye grain with hints of a dry, processed white sugar on the end, similar to Valentine’s heart candies.

Palette - Similarly strong and spicy on the tongue, nearly unforgiving and relentless in the spice and alcohol burst. Despite the high rye content of Turkey 101, this vesche makes the prior seem like a honey and oak paradise of candy and caramel. I’d dare say it is more “alcoholic” than even High West’s “Double Rye”.

Finish - Spice and rough heat that disappears as quickly as it came on, the finish is where the Rittenhouse Rye truly declares, “I am for mixing, punk.” This is wild rye that, in my opinion, would certainly tune-up any mixed rye drink, and could do with the taming of sugar and seltzer.

Thoughts - I might be a bit disagreeable with the Rittenhouse Rye, as I’m already pretty deep myself into several bourbons and even a Japanese whisky that I just killed (RIP, Nikka Coffey), so moving into a rye may have been a bit of a… hasty(?) decision, but, it is my duty as your trusted whiskey advisor to give my amateur tasting notes without pause nor cease. I’m not a big fan of the Rittenhouse, but I also really don’t want to drink much more tonight. But typically, when I go back to nose something, I am coerced by its seductive nature, and give in to the simp, then the dram, then the glass, and good lord, the bottle. But suprisingly so, not with Rittenhouse.; Have I reached my limit? Am I too far gone for my own good? It can’t be, I’m still typing, I’m still talking, and yet, despite my hefty day of hiking an 80lbs pack up and down Butterfield Canyon, I’m left thinking, “No thanks, I’ll be fine with bourbon or scotch.”

Tullamore Dew

Hey there everyone! It’s time for yet another Whiskey day. I was supposed to do this LAST Wednesday, in fact, I had taken photos that Tuesday for St. Patty’s, fresh, sealed bottles and all… But, I accidently deleted those photos before uploading them to the PC, and have also had a hell of a week after all the nonsense that is going on in Utah and around the world. I won’t get into all that, but I will get into the delightful (and affordable!) Irish whiskey.

Tullamore Dew
Tullamore, Ireland
$25.99 ($3 off MSRP)
40% / 90 Proof

Nose - Very warm and sweet, heavy notes of apple & pears, with black currant, and a slightly stingy astringency that feels more textured than some other whiskeys I’ve nosed before. Feels like it’s willing to fight, should it get out of the glass.

Palette - Vibrant waves of honey and light biscuits jump onto the tongue with excitement; A luscious flow of sweet honey suckle nectar is what I would compare this treat to. The buttery breaded flavor comes in on the end, then is entirely precipitated again by honey.

Finish - The finish is smooth and easy, with a light and easy fall into the chest that is forgiving in nature. An easy drinker for a cozy fireside toast in good company.

Thoughts - Tullamore Dew has been quite the surprise to me. Since my first sip - a shot for St. Patty’s, of course - I’ve been pleasantly overwhelmed by the simple majesty of the Irish whiskey. I have never tasted such a pure honey flavor in any whiskey that I have tasted yet, with the added benefit of a lovely finish makes this one of the best shooting whiskeys I’ve ever had; But it’s so much more than just an easy shooter. The profile of the Tullamore Dew is just complex enough to have a good ponder over a glass, in company or by yourself. It’s got quite a lot to give, but the true beauty isn’t in the flavor, but the availability; You can find a bottle of Tullamore for just under $30 in - what I would guess to be - damn near any liquor store in the Country. In my opinion, this bottle is slightly undervalued, but just goes to show what craftsmen the distillers of Tullamore Dew really are at their nearly 200 year old distillery.

Clynelish 14

Hi again. Let’s not dilly dally, and jump right in, shall we? Time is tight tonight, I may have spent a little too long tossing the kettlebells and stretching around…

Clynelish 14
Brora, Sutherland, Scotland
$73.99
46% / 92 Proof

Nose - Remarkably sweet and floral with notes of pears, brine, and light citrus. There’s a lot you can pull from this fragrance, and it’s particularly gentle nature makes it all the more pleasurable to enjoy before going straight to tasting.

Palette - Up front is a very herbal, citrus note that is flushed by brine and stinging salt and seafoam, as if in the bottle they’ve captured the essence of might Neptune himself.

Finish - The finish here is extremely unexpected, and pulls a 180 from the gentle nature of the nose, catching me quite off guard. It’s a biting, stingy bastard at first, that quickly peters down and smooths out to an enjoyable dram after a violent tantrum.

Thoughts - Being a bit tired and in a hurry, I think it’s fair to say I didn’t do this bottle quite the justice it deserves in the straight profiles of the whisky, so let me get more involved here in a bit of a gonzo-esque story mode. The Clynelish is a ravaging beast not dissimilar to the old-timers sentiment of woman; that is, she is beautiful and teasing on the outside, with a violent and cruel heart waiting within. I’m sure we’ve all been there, and the stereotype certainly shouldn’t be applied only to those of the more beautiful of sexes, but the thought it stands by to this day, in poetically romantic disdain.

I might be digging too deeply into negative emotion with those associations, and the bottle certainly doesn’t deliver any defeating blows; quite the opposite. It’s quite the lovely sipper for it’s approachable nature and vicious finishing touch. It can keep you going up and down on a sadistic roller coaster of sweet and sting, delivering full-heartedly in the versatile and complex nature you’d expect in a $70+ Scotch. It’s a concrete investment that’s to be treasured and approached with caution, but once associated, can take you on a wild ride if the night is right - full moons permitting.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Hello my dear viewers, readers, and critiquers!

It’s time for another Whiskey in the midweek, I know it’s been a while, and as detailed in previous posts, this is something that is likely to be more sporadic in delivery moving forward (it’s starting to become a bit expensive to keep up!) . Anyway, this week I have an absolute treat, something I have already shared with a few friends and quite frankly one of the best bourbons I’ve ever had…. Yes, I do say that about every new bourbon I drink. I just love a good bourbon.

Woodford Reserve ‘Double Oaked’
Versailles, Kentucky, USA
$54.99
45.2% / 90.4 Proof

Nose - Nosing this whiskey is one of the coolest bits about it. The Double Oaked really stands up to its bold name and reputation, as you can smell the charred Oak rising from the glass as if the bottle itself was a barrel freshly burned. Aside from the beautiful, fresh and crisp Oak wood notes, I also pull bits of vanilla and candied apples, with just a touch of orange zest.

Pallette - In stark contrast to the woody and charred notes from the nose, the palette delivers an extremely sweet and sensationally cool blast of honey, vanilla, brown sugar, and white chocolate. And that distinction is important, as the difference between a Hersheys bar, and a cookies n’ creme candy. Very smooth, sweet, and a burst of magic - this is what you think of when folks refer to whiskey as “Nectar of the Gods”.

Finish - The finish also comes on unexpectedly, heating things up on the way down and nearly turning the gauge to 10, but sticks around right at 9 and teases the final pull of the trigger. A sensationally intense and aggressive finish, you can taste the old barrel and new oak finish battle with each other to see which has greater stake in this glass.

Thoughts - Overall I think Woodford Reserve has outdone themselves with the Double Oaked. I haven’t had their large production bourbon in years, but it was one of the first bottles I bought of “higher” quality and distinction (anything above Turkey 101 in that time was a VERY expensive bottle for me) and really started me down the path of drinking for more than just getting tipsy. I’m glad to have developed that feeling to a more amicable and reasonable relationship and working to refine my palette instead of my party demeanor may have something to do with that little bottle of Woodford Reserve I bought some 5 years ago. I digress; The Double Oaked is an extremely refined bourbon that is not just readily available in most places, but also well worth the pick-up. If you’re getting into nicer bottles and want to have a great Bourbon lineup as opposed to a wild Scotch collection, this will be way up there with the likes of Angels Envy, Blanton’s, and Jefferson Reserve, among other great, classic bourbons.

Jameson Black Barrel

Welcome back to anadda whiskey day. Wow, 2 in a row! This surely won’t last long. I’ve been holding onto this bottle for a very long time, and it’s been eating away to watch it sit and taunt me. Finally, I have popped the top, poured a glass, and thought just a little bit on the flavors present in this iteration’s post.

Jameson Black Barrel
Dublin, Ireland
~$35.99
40% / 80 Proof

Nose - The nose on the Black Barrel is quite a treat. I get heavy notes of dark fruits and berries, honey and nutmeg, with a slight hint of barrel char on the end.

Palette - Not too dissimilar from the nose, but something that comes as a bit of a surprise compared to most reviews I’ve done - as the dark dried fruits, honey and buttery, soft notes pass by, you realize just how incredibly smooth this whiskey is. Without a doubt one of the finest Irish vesches I’ve slooshied.

Finish - As above, the astonishingly well rounded, smooth body of the palette falls down softly with only a subtle heat that warms momentarily but sends you back for more. The experience is delightful, and again, one of the smoothest finishes I’ve had in a very long time.

Thoughts - This bottle is well designed. I mean that even outside the tasting notes - the bottle shape itself is a refined, upscale, smooth and balanced rendition of the stark, bold, screw-cap bottle that Jameson’s flagship whiskey ships in; And that design principle is nearly the exact difference of Black Barrel and Jameson Whiskey. Black Barrel is absolutely one of the finer offering’s by the ancient distillery, and by god, they’ve done a fantastic job with it. The smoothness on the palette and ease of the finish are both staples of what can make a great sipping whiskey. It’s classy, it’s enjoyable, and it’s fun to drink and talk about. I would highly recommend this bottle to anybody interested in trying an Irish that holds it’s own against some of the big names out there - the Black Barrel is a smooth killer.

Here’s a few other shots of the bottle with varying color profiles that I just couldn’t decide on which I liked the most. All colors created with wall-mounted RGB panels and highlighted with a Luci Light original.

Bird Dog 'Small Batch' Kentucky Bourbon

Hey hey hey friends and viewers and everyone else in between. It’s been quite a while since my last upload - two months as a matter of fact! I had a few plans to upload for Christmas, but I really embraced the relaxed extended vacation lifestyle instead, going on hikes and getting some good family time instead. But all breaks must end, as there is work left to do - when it comes to whiskey thoughts, that work is never done. And so I present to you all, the first Whiskey Wednesday of the Decade!

Bird Dog Small Batch Kentucky Whiskey
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
~21.99
43% / 86 Proof

Nose - Banana bread and charred oak, with notes of mixed maple & cane sugar, vanilla and toffee, subtle hints of orange citrus.

Palette - Punchy and sharp up front that mellows quickly to a spiced blend of golden raisins, pears, brown sugar and cinnamon on the fade.

Finish - A sticky warmth that tickles and bites, lingers surprisingly long. Warm to the core and deeper still, with cinnamon and gingerbread.

Thoughts - The Bird Dog was something I’ve slapped with a “For Sale” sign for quite a long time at the liquor store, and I finally decided to pull the trigger on the bottle the month of its discontinuation in Utah. It seems to have been replaced by Angels Envy (something I’m quite happy with, to be honest) but I’d hate for that to come as something that’s required. For the very modest price I paid for the Bird Dog Small Batch, I think it’s quite fair, especially for a distillery that seems to be most well known for producing what I consider the trashiest of whiskeys: those of the “flavored” variety.

Now I know, I’m coming off a bit condescending with my whiskey snob nose high up in the air with a statement like that, but I just want you to know that if YOU like your flavored whiskeys, more power to ya. I probably would partake more often if they weren't strictly forbidden for my dietary requirements! But let’s get back to the bottle in the spotlight here. The Small Batch, affectionately called the Coonhound based on the ol’ pupper on the label, delivers a modest flavor profile for a very modest price. If I were to be honest, I could see the distribution charging around $35 for a bottle like this, which wouldn’t be quite worth it in my opinion, but where it is now, I think you get quite the bang for your buck. It’s not going to shatter any expectations or change your mind on anything, but it is a cheeky drink that’s enjoyable and sweet. I would say, if you can find a bottle for $20-30, go ahead and pick it up if you’re just looking to expand your whiskey collection, adding a unique bottle to your collection instead of yet another bottle of Turkey 101.
(That’s a joke on my cabinet, folks)

A bit about the backdrop choice - Obviously fitting for a hunting dog’s bourbon, this actually my first ever set of camouflage, as I prepare to make 2020 my first year of hunting. It’s something I have been learning and training for almost 5 years now, starting with becoming more physically active and working up to learning about my local species, finally finishing my Hunters Education program, and making the big save to invest in proper equipment. I put in for limited entry Turkey tags - of course, not picking one up as it’s my first year of points - and even though I didn’t draw for the limited entry, I’m excited to get started in the general season. In the meantime, I’ll be looking to collect sheds, learn more, and go out on small game hunts. This whole journey is quite truly the beginning of a new chapter of my life, and it’s been extremely challenging since I have nobody in my family to mentor me into the lifestyle; But I am determined to find success in the field, and create a closer bond not just to nature, but to myself, my food, and my humanity.

I hope to be quite a successful hunter and photographer in 10 years, both of those things I would have cringed to hear just 10 years ago. Who knows what will pan out in that time frame, but I hope you all join me along the way, and to those who are very close to me, my best of friends and family, I’m eager to share my bounty as I return off the mountain. Cheers to the new decade, and truly, to a “new” Me.

High West Valley Tan

A tremendously joyous Whiskey Wednesday to you all! This week I’ve got a bit of a celebratory bottle I’ve been waiting to open on a special occasion, and I think that occasion has finally arrived. There’s a lot that goes in to this bottle and a lot that I have to be excited about, so we’re going to start with the stats and tastings, then before giving my thoughts, I’ll cover a bit of history about our highlight: The High West Valley Tan.

Valley Tan

Utah Whiskey / American Wheat & Oat

Park City, UT, USA

$59.99

43.5% / 87 proof

Nose - Sweet enough to make you take back and go back in to make sure you’re smelling the right thing. My immediate note is a kind of birthday-cake and boston cream that reveals a heavily malted, wheaty texture, with sprinkles of brown sugar and buried apple crisp. 

Palette - Light and suprisingly  spicy, and all around spikey flavor that gives a sweet burst up front that quickly picks up heat and intensity from the oat mash. Honey, waffles, and cinnamon roll icing all come to mind.

Finish - long lasting and spiked, the heat that comes from this whiskey makes it an intriguing drinker that is quite the experience to taste. The rollercoaster of flavor profiles leads to a finish that leaves you satisfied, but curious and excited enough to run back in line for another ride.

History of The Valley Tan - Utah and alcohol have a history that is oft mudied and sneered at by those of us who have a passion for the nectar of the gods. Utah, of course, has long been marred by strict liquor laws that date back to the days of the early Mormon pioneers. Back then, ol’ Brigham wasn’t too keen on letting his congregation import the devils drink from out of the state, but some of his more “audacious” devotees would err on the side of the liquid rather than their own beliefs. In an effort to keep his settlement a self-sustaining entity, most of Utah’s products were created local, most of all their tanned leathers, distinctive enough to earn their own process, called “Valley Tanned”. Over time, the term Valley Tan came to mean anything produced locally, and as such, Young entertained the notion of allow his people the right to make their own whiskey to enjoy. 

Taking on the namesake Valley Tan, it was indeed purely unique and has only ever been made here in Utah. A note from one of history’s greatest whiskey conissiours, Mark Twain, is included in the product biography on High West’s website.

Mark Twain wrote: “The exclusive Mormon refresher...Valley Tan... is a kind

of whisky, or first cousin to it; is of Mormon invention and manufactured

only in Utah. Tradition says it is made of [imported] fire and brimstone. If I

remember rightly, no public drinking saloons were allowed in the kingdom

by Brigham Young, and no private drinking permitted among the faithful,

except they confined themselves to Valley Tan.”

I don’t know about you, but if Mark Twain has something to say about the vesche, it must be a fine product. Unfortunately, as the years went on and time passed traditions away, most Valley Tan whiskey recipes were lost, likely during Prohibition. Whatever the reason, High West was able to go to the stills and come up with their own take on this Utah-only classic, and with such a rich and interesting history it’s hard to argue against it. Bearing the visage of Porter Rockwell - a character who deserves a google after this if you’re interested in badass shady hitman-types - gives even more local charm to this delightfully deceiving bottle. And unlike any others, even if you’re a Mormon, you can take it with you to whatever astral plane you are destined to land on next, compliments of the Prophet himself.

Thoughts - I suppose I put a lot of my thoughts into the history section by accident, so I’ll try and take away my praise of the aesthetic or interesting concept, and focus more on the flavor profiles and whiskey itself. This was one of the very few whiskeys my girlfriend has taken a liking to, in that she was able to pick out a few flavor notes in it other than “ it’s just whiskey”; I was quite proud to hear her talking about how sweet and enjoyable the straight pour was, and I’d have to agree with the sentiment. It’s a very interesting bottle that has a very exciting dessert flavor, while still packing some desert in there too. I might be exaggerating the heat a bit, but every other whiskey I have tried that is this sweet is often drowned out on the finish without providing any intrigue beyond the light and sugary notes. If you live in Utah or passing through Park City, stop by the distillery or saloon and pick up a bottle - but only if you’ve already tried High West’s more name-sake and show-stopping bottles, like A Midwinter’s Night Dram. 

As for the photo and the special celebration I mentioned at the beginning of all this… After 6 full years of drawing on and off, I have finally finished what is likely the most transformative and emotionally charged sketchbooks I’ve ever had. Ranging from 2013 to 2019, there are drawings in this book that I still remember sketching out vividly, the summer days out with friends, cramped in stinky apartments, cooking in the desert, freezing in the winters. Hard breakups, deep depressions, falling in love again, and starting new chapters of life are all encompassed in the tome of scratched ink, and I am happily melancholy that it is finally finished, and excited to start a new book, hoping to move through it much faster than I did this last book. It’s been so long, and looking back at it has really made me realize how much I’ve missed out on because of my own wasted time in fruitless pursuits. It was quite inspiring to look back on the pages, and I have vowed to try and get myself back on track, artistically, to what I wanted when I first started this sketchbook. Changes will come, and I hope all my friends will be here to support me when they do. Cheers to everyone who had inspired me throughout these years, to all of you who gave such beautiful words when I’ve been so alone, and to everyone else who have been in past editions, and to those who will be in the next hundred books. I promise I will pick up the pace. Ich möchte zeichnen und die Welt erleben. Ich möchte euch alle lieben und das Ende der Sterne finden. Und wenn alles erledigt ist, springen.

Here’s a few of my favorite sketches from the book. Take a peek at my punk interior. The first image marks the first page, the last to match correspondingly. Click to zoom.

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Caol Ila 12

Ah, I’ve been waiting to write this one for quite a while. Nestled in the Scotch section of my cabinet, this bottle has laid in wait, and quite honestly it took a lot of self control to resist the temptation to pop the cork, from the locale it originates from alone. I’ve been writing about bourbons and American malts for quite some time now, and it’s been a damn nice treat to get 

back over to my favorite flavors from across the sea; Those of the Isle of Islay.

Caol Ila 12

Islay Single Malt Scotch

Port Askaig, Isle of Islay, Scotland 

$69.99

43% / 96 proof

Nose - Nose has some screaming pear and brine with a bit of pork on the end, with other more subtle notes of peat, tar, and fresh cut grass. The nose on this thing is a statement of what to expect; and Islay scotch that may be more expressive than even the great Lagavulin 16.

Palette - Full flavored and full bodied, the Caol Ila 12 brings a well rounded burst of that same pear from the nose with a burst of smoke and spice, with a very particular tannic quality that pops like pin needles on your tongue. Brine and toffee fills the flavor and everything quickly comes together in a blending symphony of intrigue and power. This is quite certainly the Beethoven of Islays.

Finish - The finish is extensive and well lit; What I mean by that is there is a fire alight in your chest and throat that lingers for quite some time, warming the face and leaving you with an astringent citrus and lemongrass flavor that warms the soul like a cider on a cold winter day.

Thoughts - I know I have a bit of a bias when it comes to Islay Scotch; Ever since my first sip of Ardbeg 12, I’ve been totally in love with the stuff and every time I can crack a bottle I feel great. In my opinion, Islays, and particularly Coal Ila 12, bring out a very specific and endearing feeling of warmth along the frontier, this feeling of growth and pride, very similar to what I felt when I built my dining table. There’s a lot of whiskey out there, and they all certainly have their stories and memories, but with Coal Ila I really can’t feel anything but happy and homely after every sip I take.A ~$70 price tag might scare most, but I think the Caol presents enough to not only be worth it, but what I am now going to call my most recommended expression of Islay whisky’s available. If you’re wanting to branch out into the bold with a bottle that will show you what’s to come, I think the Caol Ila 12 is the best place to start.

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

Hello again, it’s your humble reviewer here to bring a revered and very special edition of my not-so-weekly whiskey wednesday. It was very hard for me to find the right props, set, and expression to suit this whiskey, so I ended up taking another Dungeons and Dragons themed photo, since painting minis is what your old boy is up to tonight. This bottle is quite the doozy, coming in a relatively rare quantity; nearly impossible to find here in Utah.

Blanton’s Single Barrel

Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Frankfort, KY

$59.99 

46.2% / 93 Proof

Nose - Incredible. Truly classic bourbon with flourishes of cherry, honey, and brown sugar. More classic notes of vanilla and caramel available, but I think the cherry and dark fruit scents really make this bottle shine. 

Palette -  Explosive the second it hits the tastebuds, it’s like a warm jolly rancher mixed with werthers caramel candy. Absolutely lovely to drink, well balanced and extremely friendly, no hasty flavors whatsoever. 

Finish - the finish is soft and subtle, with slight warmth and a recurring dark fruit flavor that stays in the mouth for quite some time, like little fireworks that didn’t go off during the crescendo. 

Thoughts - Blanton’s Single Barrel is a bottle that is highly sought after. It’s not the most expensive I own, not by a long shot, but it is absolutely one of the rarest I own, when considering supply and demand. Similar to some of the big names like Pappy Van Winkle - but priced much more reasonably - the bottle shape itself is something of an artform. The jewel-like presentation matches the profile of the flavorful bourbon, and the hand-written barrel and bottle info is a lovely touch that really adds to both the aesthetic and perceived value of the whiskey. The small metal rider on the large cork plug adds a hefty, durable weight to the experience. The rider statuette itself is semi-unique per bottle, changing pose to the different stages of a rider on a horse with corresponding B - L - A - N - T - O -N - S markers on each. Some true collectors search far and wide to complete their collection of bottle toppers! 

I think this whiskey has a reputation that is well earned. Sure there may be some more intricate, deeper bourbons out there that are much more readily available, but the rarity and flavor of this particular barrel has made me a huge fan, if not a hoarder of every possible drop; this won’t be one for sharing - sorry droogs. 

It was quite an interesting story on how I found the bottle as well. I was lucky enough to go to the opening day of a new liquor store not 5 minutes away from my current residence, something I’d been looking forward to for a very long time. When I walked in, I checked the cabinets, the glass counters, every section I could find… Nothing that I couldn’t find anywhere else, in greater numbers even. I was quite disappointed that this store has such a poor selection, and I conveyed this disappointment (respectfully) to one of the managers of the establishment, asking if they would ever offer any more unique whiskeys. The answer I got was somewhat cryptic, maybe even a teaser of what’s to come: “Oh, we’re just opening up, come back and check in a few weeks and we might have something you’d like.”

Wow, were they right. On a quick party stocking visit with my girlfriend, I instinctively check behind the lock and glass. There was a particular row that was empty from my vantage point, so I had to kneel to get a better view of anything below; My jaw dropped at what I saw; The subject of this review was sitting, shoved back against the very edge of the wall. I told the attendant immediately that I’d like to have it set behind the counter, and the fella actually seemed a bit jealous, maybe that was one he was trying to save for himself? I’ll never know, but I was sure to let the manager I had spoken with earlier that I was very humbled and excited to see they up’ed the quality of their selection. Ever since then, there has been a steady flow of great bottles I’ve been eyeing, unfortunately not able to catch them all, but very happy with what I was able to get my hands on.

Corsair Triple Smoke

Hello again, friends and family. Welcome back to the little blog of burning liquid. This time we’ve got some firegold that may have burned a little too long for some, but just right for me; hailing from the land of country music fame, Corsair delivers big with their ever prominent feature: the Corsair Triple Smoke.

Triple Smoke

American Malt Whiskey

Nashville, TN / Bowling Green, KY

~$59.99

40% / 80 Proof

Nose - Smoke and cinnamon with rye, notes of charred oak and subtle citrus sweetness that takes some digging to find. And the very top of the glass, I found another hidden note of eucalyptus and tobacco.

Palette - Very strong, nearly omnipotent flavor when compared to damn near any other American malt you’ll ever taste. Jumps right out with big burn and a punch of ash and campfire. Heavily peated but entirely different than the usual suspects; The wet, briney notes of Scotland are missing, and instead an intense, burning smoke is present; All these flavors that seem extreme at first are then pushed up as vanilla and butterscotch attempt to shake your hand. This is flavor to make your lucious glory stand on end.

Finish - Smooth, unexpectedly so; a delightful surprise considering the strength of every other point you go to here. That said, it is long, and sensational, with a lasting sweet aftertaste of sugary smoke.

Thoughts - Corsair’s Triple Smoke was a vesche I’d been wanting to try for a very long time. Right up there with Texas’ Balcones Distillery, this is a bottle I never thought I’d be able to get my hands on, and then, in a very dramatic fashion, was able to find it while out in Wendover for a friend’s bachelor party. Taking care not to drink it too quickly, I am honestly surprised at how long the bottle has lasted; it’s been a great treat and a real kicker every time I offer a taste to friends during game nights. The intensity isn’t one that seems to dissuade many, despite the musings of the lads over at The Whiskey Vault (a FANTASTIC YouTube channel that you can find here) every one of my guests have enjoyed it to the last drop, and so have I. It’s fantastic as a casual drinker, and may I say, even more fantastic when coupled with another very heavy smokey flavor. I’m sure just about any great cigar would do, but in my opinion, there is no better pairing than that of the Muwat Kentucky Fire Cured. I smoked the Chunky, a corona size cigar coming in at 4”x46. This from the earth, heavy cigar compliments the sweet and smokey nature of the Triple Smoke perfectly, and if I could afford to offer one to every one of my drinker friends, I absolutely would. I’m happy to get this bottle in my collection, and I want to keep it here for as long as I can, with the occasional sip of course. Despite the nearly cringe level label, I think the notoriety of this nectar has earned itself a place on any and every experienced drinker’s shelves.

Arcola Whiskey

I know, I know. It’s a Thursday. “Why post Whiskey Wednesday on a Thursday?!” you may find yourself asking. Well, there’s a great reason for it, and that’s because I was - in fact - celebrating the lovely middle of the week with a downright phenomenal bottle out in the woods. Nestled cozily in my hammock in the foggy banks and bends of American Fork Canyon, I was able to enjoy a few drams to myself before resting in the fog and cold, with a flirtatious full moon fading in and out of the fall-leaved forest. (wew)

Before going too far into the review, I wanted to thank my good friend Nate for picking this bottle up for me while he was out of state. I don’t often get help or donations to the collection, and I really appreciate this! An incredibly thoughtful gift that I hope I can do justice for. It’s one of the best bottles I’ve been gifted!

Arcola Whiskey
”Bourbon mash” whiskey
Carpenter, WY, USA
~$49.99
40% / 80 Proof

Nose - Very welcoming… Warm, frosted sugar and peach, with vanilla and caramel notes that tickle every part of your being, like pulling the lid from a cast iron dutch oven that has been baking a peach cobbler over a fire for the past few hours.

Palette - A bit more modest and mild than the nose, coming off with a very subtle aloe / menthol rye sensation, moving then into some familiar vanilla and caramel, then blending together and flattening out without ever overwhelming the senses, with a few points of very slight, smokey flavors… Is that peat? It couldn’t be…

Finish - Cinnamon and spice that lingers for a moderate duration with becoming to fearsome. A very subtle, warming sensation.

Thoughts - I really, really enjoy this whiskey, especially the nose, which truly is the highlight through the entire profile. There’s something for everyone in this whiskey, except maybe Islay cultists, who could find the taste a bit underwhelming. I’m happy to see new craft distilleries starting up, and after reading the bottle, I was able to infer a bit more about why they don’t have a definitive classification on this “bourbon mash” whiskey; Arcola Distillery only started operations back in 2017, which would legally exclude them from any type of formal bourbon production. They likely have some barrels aging as we speak, with the intention of filling that very specific, legally binding bottle label: Bourbon. And until then, I’ll be following these guys closely, because that’s what I am really wanting to come out of the bottle and the only piece of negative critique I have: This whiskey is just too soft! It’s approachable, and the nose has a ton going for it, but the flavors come off a bit bland in the bottle, and I think a few years age in some moderately roasted white oak barrels would do the recipe a great deal of good.

*Edit and Update as of 10.18.2019
Wow! I was recently able to get in contact with the owner and head distiller of Arcola, an intriguing and kind-spirited man by the name of Mike Borg, who had some incredible details to share about the Arcola whiskey that isn’t readily available on the bottle. For a start, this distillery is very likely, if not assuredly, the smallest distillery in North America; which is both baffling and revealing in as to the whiskey’s well-mastered presentation. Mike was also able to tell me about something I had not noticed prior to our conversation; After a while, there will be a bit of a dark, dusty substance collect at the bottom of the bottle. This is actually remnants of the barrel char that made it through the filtration process. This process is different than the Chill Filtration system that most modern distilleries use, and makes for a more natural, full-bodied flavor, while also offering the that micron-level char impart further aged flavors in the whiskey, even after it has been bottled. It is rumored, Mike told me, that the whispy, near ethereal pattern that the char lies in, like a black swirl in the bottom, is why alcoholic beverages become known as spirits.

Another awesome tidbit of info about Arcola; It is a 100% natural and organic bottle. I was surprised and humbled to hear that Arcola sources it’s ingredients very close to home, with the bourbon coming from Mike’s cousin and the rest of the mash bill coming from less than 40 miles away in a given direction, all verified organic. The water that goes into the bottles is even sourced directly from his own homestead’s well, 80ft deep and as pure as crystal. Learning so much about this whiskey was an absolute treat, and he was able to tell me a few more secrets that you’ll all be able to learn about in the not-too-distant future. As stated above, this is a distillery to watch, and after this interaction, it is truly a product I can get behind. This is a really cool project backed with a lot of love and passion, and I think it shows in every aspect of Arcola’s offering.

About the photos - As I had mentioned early, I took this bottle out with me last night for a nice over-night hang out. It had been raining all day here and the temperatures had dropped substantially, giving us some snowy peaks not far from where I was to be posted. It was high time I went out to combine my passion for the outdoors with my admiration of good whiskey, and - for the most part - it was a great time. I picked up a brand spank'in new spinning reel for my pole that casts and retrieves like a dream (Pflueger President 30), and although I didn’t pull anything out of the water, I did snag one of the greatest fighters I’ve ever had on the other end of the line, on a 1/2oz golden Kastmaster.

After a few hours at the reservoir, the clouds started to roll in and transform into fog before my eyes. I was able to get about 2 miles further up a dirt road from there and set up camp, no neighbors in sight or scent. As the fog came in and out, rolling between the dying fall landscape, I couldn’t help but feel an absolutely magical sensation of child-like elation. The spirit of Halloween was certainly up there with me in those mountains, and a part of me had wished Jason Vorhees would show up to share a few pulls on the bottle with me. I’m very excited to see what the rest of fall brings and I hope I can get up in the mountains during this fairy-tale season. The only downside to taking a unique and delicate whiskey with you on a campout in the cold… The flavor profile almost entirely disappears as the bottle chills. I was only able to take a few drams worth myself before I deemed the process inappropriate for such a nice whiskey, and opted to take a few photos instead, before getting in bed for an early retirement. When I woke, the cool fog was apparently so dense that all of my gear was nearly soaking wet from condensation. I’ve ever had anything like that happen before, and had to dry my gear more intently than even some of the most fearsome thunderstorms I’ve been through. What an awesome night, and one I will cherish the memory of for quite some time.

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The Ardmore Legacy

Hey guys, it's me again, your strange neighborhood hammock guy. I'm here to remind you that it is indeed Wednesday, of the Whiskey.

Coming at you from the far North East of Scotland's Highland region, the Ardmore Distillery as seen fit to distribute out to my local Liquor joint, and it it's footprint, their calling card; The Ardmore Legacy.

The Ardmore Legacy
Highland Single Malt Scotch
The Ardmore Distillery
40% / 80 proof
$44.99

Nose - The nose is light and flowery, with peaty earthen undertones. Very light, sugary notes of honey and a soft vanilla drift through brine, sending you to a what I would imagine a bright sunny day on a daisy covered Atlantic beachside knoll would smell like.

Palette - Very light honey and peat that tastes smooth and feels like it to. Fresh peat and earth with a nearly grassy, flowery tea like note, that melts into obscurity rather dramatically. With a good amount of concentration, I was able to dig some very violent bursts of honey towards the end of the palette and at the cusp of the finish.

Finish - The milky mellowness and suprisingly friendly taste subsides quickly into a refreshing spice and burn on the finish that becomes someone sensational. A light peat smoke subsists with mellow barely stands for quite some time.

Thoughts - I've had this bottle for a LONG time. I mean, I think I got it this time last year. My first experience with The Ardmore Legacy was one that I was quite upset with, and to be honest, was not looking forward to reviewing. I think it's quite fortunate that I've had quite a bit more Scotch experience under my belt since then, because this review was actually quite a pleasant one. I was able to pick up many more complexities and flavor profiles that I had at first; What I thought was a mundane, underwhelming Scotch, was actually just my inexperience with anything outside of the Islay region, and my utter ignorance to the intricacies of what other regions have to offer. I'm still a fan of the deep, heavily smokey, peated brine that is Islay, but I'm happy to know that I am now able to pull flavors out of whiskies that may be more challenging and complex than some of those really strong, up front veshches.

Is The Ardmore Legacy for you? I can't really say. It's quite complex and I would say that, if you're interested in really challenging yourself to something that is light but mysterious, this is a great way to go. I'd also highly recommend them if you really enjoy awesome packaging design, because the designer at The Ardmore really nailed this one.

Dalmore 12

Happy Wednesday everyone. Did you miss me?

Funds have been tight around the Augustine Manor, and thus I have been forced to slow down the Whiskey Wednesday posts. I've certainly missed them, and this week we're going with something a little more on the sweet side of my normally peat heavy and brine filled Islay preference in Scotch.

Closer to the heartland, the Highland Single Malt that goes by the name of Dalmore (insiders get the reference, eh?) and is aged a lovely 9 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, then split half and half; One remains in the white oak, and the other half is transferred to 30 year old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry casks. After an additional 3 years, they are brought back together, fused into the delight known as Dalmore 12.

Dalmore 12
Highland Single Malt Scotch
Dalmore Distillery
40% / 80 proof
$59.99

Nose - right off the bat, sweet scents of vanilla and caramel hit, notes that are sweeter and more welcoming than even the mildest of bourbons. This sweetness ramps up and becomes slightly festive, with deep vesches of nutmeg and Christmas fruit cake.

Palette - The nutmeg shines through and comes smoothly, along with sweet berries and light, citrus and buttery flavors that are reminiscent again of a delicate holiday cake.

Finish - The heat fades subtly and leaves behind a warm plum and cinnamon sensation. The taste and effect both last, but not overwhelmingly so; This would be great on a cold winter evening, huddled close by a cozy hearth.

Thoughts - As I said throughout the tasting process, this is a whiskey that makes for an excellent desert, and certainly can find itself well in good company and holiday spirits. I, however, had a different take on it, and a very particular reason for choosing to adopt it as this "week's" whisky. Mostly because of the antlers, this past weekend marked the opening of early archery hunting season here in Utah, and the stag right on the front of the bottle was begging for me to group in up with some bows and arrows. I can imagine this as a welcome prize after a successful return home. The Dalmore 12 is perhaps, a little too sweet for my liking, and I am oft turned away by it's overly compassionate flavor, but as a desert or holiday toast, I can easily find a place for it.

I hope to post again soon. I've been holding on to this bottle for many months, and there are a few more I have that I haven't reviewed yet, and can easily think of fun and intricate set designs for them, so stay tuned and stay classy, Salt Lake.

Jefferson's Reserve

Happy Whiskey Wednesday, fellow patriots!

I got my hands on something pretty special today, and while it wasn't the Jefferson I had been particularly interested in, I felt that this was far more thematically justified, which, on the even of our Independence Day, I couldn't resist going with a vesche behind the glass at the ol' Liquor and Wine store. Today we're drinking with Thomas, the "very old" Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon.

Jefferson's Reserve
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Castle Brands
45.1%, 90.2 proof
$59.99

Nose - Sweet caramel and vanilla, with a heavy oak coat and an almost piney freshness, with bits of citrus. An extremely inviting nose that, admittedly, had my mouth watering.

Palette - Oak is predominant at first as the youngest of the blend spikes the tongue with a tease of rye, swiftly flying to light and sugary bits of vanilla, caramel, and toffee.

Finish - The process lays down and mellows over time, calming down and proceeding to burn for quite a while creating an intricate and enjoyable lasting effect.

Thoughts - The Jefferson's Reserve is the flagship blend from the family that owned the brand and recipe: McClain & Kyne. The history of the brand and likely many relative recipes stretches back generations to the time of prohibition, one of the many that was able to make it all the way through to present day. While the brand may now be in the hands of a larger corporation, the folks still do their best to put out a well made whiskey. A truly classic bourbon, this little bottle comes out as something I think would make as an excellent introduction to more complex whiskies without having to travel across the pond. The myriad of aged bourbons put into the bottle make for a intricate journey through the spectrum of nearly cliche'd Kentucky bourbons tastes, but it doesn't take it overboard - or mellow it out - like some of the lower end bottles available. It's a cheeky pickup that would earn a good spot over any American hearth, and worth the price for those inclined to offer a taste of the finer things to their guests of honor.

Unrelated thoughts - I hope everyone is able to enjoy their Independence Day celebrations tomorrow. I know I have a lot of friends who despise the current state of our country, and it's certainly understandable. I don't want to dive too deeply into politics with this little extra bit, rather I'd just say that I love my country and I love my fellow countrymen. This is meant to be a place of opportunity and growth, freedom and enlightenment, where all men (and women) are created equal. This country is mine as much as it is yours, and all of ours, and it is our duty to uphold her standards. This place is special, full of freaks, patriots, and heroes.

Unfortunately, I'm sure our founding fathers are rolling in their graves from the tax policy alone. God Bless America.

Rebel Yell Kentucky Bourbon

Hey hey friends. It's Wednesday. Let's drink some Whiskey. This time around I've got something that is quite the stark contrast to what I am usually sipping - that is, a bottle that costs over $50 typically - and instead picked up something from the very "bottom of the shelf" as they say, purely off of name alone.

Rebel Yell
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Lux Row Distillery
80 proof, 40%
~$18.99

Would you just LOOK at that price? Would you just look at it?!?! Wowza, this throws me back to the days spent with my good friends in living in Salt Lake City; Riding our bikes down to the ever-busy state liquor store and picking up a pint of Black Velvet or Cuervo with the $10 bill in the wallet; all one would have to his name at the time. Those quick pint downs were some of the most fun filled nights of my life, and while I miss them dearly, you're probably not giving a hot damn about my memories, and are thinking to yourself, "Get to the whiskey review, damn it!" And so we shall.

Nose - The nose here is extremely sweet, it starts out spikey with a hint of spice and that classic bourbon corn, but is quickly overtaken by heavy, nearly processed sugar, almost like a piece of oldschool Big League Chew was left to sit in the barrels for a bit.

Palette - Suprisingly (and thankfully) the bubblegum doesn't show up in the flavor, instead getting a very classic - albeit underwhelming - bourbon flavor. It's smooth, spicy, and really does bring me back to those younger days mentioned above, however much more tolerable than the ol' Velvet; review decision pending.

Finish - Quite a bit of spice picks up as the liquid runs away, that dies down quickly and leaves no particularly dominant aftertaste.

Thoughts: This is a classic; A pourly rounded bourbon with a cool name that won't break the bank. It's nothing outstanding, but when a pircetag under $20 - something becoming increasingly difficult to find these days - it's absolutely worth consideration, for those just getting into the culture of whiskey, or someone looking for a tolerable 750ml bottle to drink the night away with. I would give the overall whiskey a 2/5, but with that price, I'm setting it at a solid 3, as something affordable to everyone.

Side note: it's quite similar to Black Feather whiskey with the sweetness factor, albeit BF seems a bit more drinkable (and sugary) but twice the price. I think that it'd be more worth your money to pick this up, and if you like it, try out Black Feather, which if I may plug, I review some time last year. Go check it out on my blog / website, https://zeichnen.ink .

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Woah guys... I didn't do a Whiskey Wednesday at last last month. Why did it take so long? Well, I was waiting on a copy of a certain Billy Idol album to coincide with a particular whiskey, which I ultimately didn't end up reviewing... yet.

May I introduce, the Ultimate...
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Single Malt
Ardbeg - Islay, Scotland
109 Proof, 54.5%
$79.99

Ardbeg is, as a few of my loyal readers may know, my current (and thus all-time) favorite Scotch distillery, putting out the magnificent Ardbeg 10 that stole my heart on my first sip. Here we've got a sister expression from the distillery, Ardbeg Uigeadail, which means there are a few variations to the "recipe" that goes into making it that separates the flavor profile from their standard product.

Nose - Charred oak and salted pork with an bit of dried fruits hiding behind the incredible main course. It's almost like eating a hearty meal of potatoes and steak, while still being able to smell the pie cooling on the window sill.

Palette - A blast of sweetness immediately upfront that abruptly gets taken over by peat and smoke. And I'm not talking about the subtle Johnny Black Label smoke that many are used to; This is SMOKE turned up to TWELVE.

Finish - A stinging heat that fades into a very warm fireball that dwells in the chest and makes a few extra hairs grow.

Thoughts - The Uigeadail comes in as what seems to be a more refined version of what the A10 presents; all the flavors seem to be either more pronounced or further rounded. In a side to side comparison, the Uigie does come off a bit more astringent and spiced, the flavor seeming to spike more in specific areas than compared to the 10, which feels slightly more floral and briney. In layman's terms, if the 10 were to provide a punch in the face to a new scotch drinker, the Uigeadail comes up with a handshake and a knife in it's other hand. Is the Uigeadail worth it? Hell yeah, if you're an Islay fan, which I most certainly fall into. But if you don't know what you're doing or not really experienced with Scotch, I'd tell you to stay away from this one until you have a bit more of a diverse palette.

Nikka Coffey Grain

Happy Whiskey Wednesday everyone. It's been almost a month since last I made one of these, time has flown like wild lately. I'm a very busy boy nowadays, and having a particularly nasty cold last week certainly prevented me from getting a proper tasting in, and I wouldn't want anything less for what I've got this time.

Hailing all the way from Japan, the Nikka Coffey Grain is produced by the Nikka Whisky house, which is notably, Suntory's main competitor in the local industry there. Oddly, the companies were both founded by the same man. Well, sort of. Masataka Taketsuru was quite the cookie, travelling to Scotland back in the early 1900's to learn a bit more about Scotch, earning a degree in Organic Chemistry and picking up an apprenticeship at Longmorn Distillery. He was able to take what he learned back home with him to Japan, helping the start up Suntory distillery as head distiller, before leaving to pursue his own ambitions. That's an EXTREMELY simplified and abridged version of the story and I definitely encourage some homework on this guy, he's a hell of a muse to learn about and a legend in the Whisky community, especially in Japan.

Now, I'm sure the name may be bringing up some suspicious or even arousal: "A whiskey that tastes like coffee?!" Oh no my friends. The Coffey Grain has a bit more involved namesake than simply being blended with bean juice. A Coffey Still is what is used to distill the whisky, and a big part of what gives the whisky it's incredibly unique, sweet profile.

- Corn Grain whisky

- Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.

- 90 proof, 45%

- Bottled & Distilled in Tokyo, Japan

- $74.99

Nose - Extremely sweet with notes of citrus, sweet spices, and subtle cinnamon. Quite flowery, and a pleasure to smell, nearly perfumed.

Palette - Gentle sting with intense variety of sweet, full bodied richness. Citrus and caramel toffee with melted sugar - this one takes you on a trip, almost like listening to "Dark Side of the Moon" for your first time. It's an experience that seems to be consistent with the higher end Japanese whiskies, and I'm really digging it.

Finish - very clean, refreshing finish that cools with a eucalyptus vibe. Oak and a flowery, earthy finale that doesn't overstay it's welcome.

Thoughts - I found the Nikka Coffey in my local liquor store and was quite ecstatic to do so, this bottle doesn't pop up often and I've been looking to get my hands on it ever since I had my last Japanese whisky, the Suntory Hibiki Harmony. These are really fantastic veshches, popping all sorts of fun, flowery, happy tastes that are sweet, full, and incredible. I wanted to try and capture this unique, loving nature in the photo, trying to get some of the reflections, neon lights, and popping colors of downtown Tokyo's night scene. I'm sure I don't even come close, but I think it turned out well, regardless. The denim in the photo, making it's second cameo in my whiskey lineups, is actually straight from Japanese denim mills; Naked & Famous's 'Japan Heritage Returns'. If you have some money in your pocket and you see this bottle staring back at you in the liquor store, pick it up. Any of the high end Japanese whiskies are sure to put a smile on your face faster than a bottle of Sake.