Bourbon Tasting: May 5, 2018

John F. Fitzgerald ‘Larceny’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon 92 proof

Regular price: $26.99 Sale Price: $23.99

Larceny is gold and copper in color, with an aroma of tobacco, cinnamon, fresh bread and vanilla. It’s spicy in the front, mellowing into a dry finish with a resurgence of the spice and tobacco notes as you hold it your mouth. With water it takes on an entirely different profile. The spice notes mellow to a sweeter, more floral flavor and accentuate the wheat in this mix.

Willett Reserve ‘Pot Still’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon 94 proof

Regular price: $39.99 Sale Price: $36.99

The Pot Still Reserve stands out at the store due to its bottling. It features an exceedingly long and thin neck, which widens into a flattened circular bubble of a base, with a cork topper. What does it look like? A pot still, of course, and more specifically, the distillery’s very own 750-gallon pot still.

On the nose, you’ll notice a honey sweetness, with a touch of spice and molasses, and an overall intense aroma. The intensity continues on the palate with a quick burn interlaced with a range of flavors, including a honey and molasses sweetness, and a light citrus. Willett Pot Still Reserve coats your throat as you take a sip, offering a pleasant, un-stinging warmness which remains for some time, leaving you with the spicy remains of what had been a sweet sip.

Rieger Kansas City Whiskey 92 proof

Regular price: $39.99 Sale Price: $36.99

This whiskey is balanced, smooth, powerful and slightly sweet that is beautiful when served neat or on the rocks, but also great in classic cocktails such as the Horsefeather and Old Fashioned. It pays tribute to the original brand by using a blend of corn, malt and straight rye whiskies, as well as a small amount of fifteen year old Oloroso Sherry. The offering is comprised of spirits that are at least seven years old, and bottled at 92 proof.

Angel’s Envy Port Barrel Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon 86.8 proof

Regular price: $48.99 Sale Price: $44.99

After 4 to 6 years aging in new American oak, this Louisville, Kentucky-produced Bourbon is rested 3 to 6 months in Ruby Port wine casks, which lend notes of raisins, nuts and ripe fruit, and a lingering silky sweetness that makes the Bourbon unbelievably easy to sip.

High West ‘American Prairie’ Bourbon 92 proof

Regular price: $34.99 Sale Price: $31.99

High West American Prairie is a blend of straight bourbons that are at least 2 years old. The ratio of the blend is top secret, as is the exact source of the 6 year old and 13 year old Kentucky bourbon. However, we do know the 2 year old bourbon is from MGP in Indiana, made with a 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% barley malt ratio. This is a rugged, unpolished, somewhat coarse bourbon. It’s not for the faint of heart

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 110 proof

Regular price: $59.99 Sale Price: $54.99

Bottled at 110 proof, Russell’s Reserve Small Batch Single Barrel Bourbon has a surprisingly subtle aroma. Notes of cinnamon, oak and spicy wood are nicely balanced with undertones of vanilla, crème brûlée and honey, and ultimately lead to a deep and rich finish.