Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout

This product was received for review.

In an age of too much imperial everything in craft beers, I think it best to say what this beer is not.

It is not too bitter.
It is not too smoky.
It is not too high in alcohol.  (a relatively modest 6.9% abv)
It doesn't taste like bourbon.

For me, the first three are a good thing.  The fourth is an issue.  This stout has been aged in Wild Turkey barrels for 3 months and if it didn't say so on the label, you would never know.  Disappointing.

That doesn't mean that it tastes bad.  I enjoyed it, it just wasn't special. 

Knappoghue Castle 12 and 14 Irish Whiskey

Knappogue is well known among the so called whiskey intelligentsia.  Which is a euphemism for wino.  The 14 "twin wood" just showed up at my local shop.  The 12 retails in the $40 range, the 14 is around $60.

Knappogue 12:  Viscous, and everyone on the internets states that it has vanilla and toasted marshmallow. I don't disagree.  Thank you bourbon barrels.

Grade: B+

Knappogue 14:  This blends whiskey aged in bourbon barrels with whiskey aged in sherry casks.  It is also 92 proof as opposed to the 12, which is 80 proof.  Tasting it neat, it is good, but the wood dominates.  A little water opens it up revealing apple, pear and citrus notes.  Grade: B++

My cousin David (wife's dad's mom's sister's son) introduced me to Knappogue.  Needless to say, I had to buy two bottles of the 14.

Received for Review: Ketel One

Et tu Brutus?

There are not many things that I blog about more infrequently than vodka.  This is my third and by far my favorite vodka review because I didn't pay for it.  I did have to drive out to the Fed Ex facility by the airport Saturday morning to pick it up.  It was fun making the GPS re-calibrate.  Head east on Weber, no.  Head east on Hudson, hell no.

Good news Columbus Business Travelers, I drove past a place named Centerfold's and they have a free shuttle service.  So we have that going for us.

Here's the review.  It is vodka, so it tastes like alcohol, which I assume is the goal.  I actually think that it tastes a little sweet.  The great thing that it has going for it is the finish.  There isn't one.  I'm doing a side by side with another vodka, rhyme's with Tito's handmade vodka.  Definitely cleaner.  The internet tells me that it retails in the $20-25 range, which is a good thing.  Only a dumb ass would drop big money on vodka.

Received for Review: Bulleit 10 Bourbon

This is an older version of the standard Bulleit, which the internet tells me is aged for 4-6 years and is actually made by Four Roses.  The standard Bulleit is one of my favorite $20ish bourbons.  It has a high rye mash bill, which gives it some bite.  Side by side, the standard is quite tame.  The 10 year has it's bite in the fore, with a really pleasant finish.  The standard is sort of the opposite.  Nice sweet flavor at first with a kick in the teeth finish.  The 10 year retails for around $45.

So...

• Is it better?  Yes.  I like it a lot.
• It costs twice as much, is it twice as good?  No, but it is in the ballpark.
• Is it worth $45?  The times they are a changing.  I've paid more for much worse, and the craft distillery revolution has certainly muddled things when it comes to determining what something should cost.  I am officially waffling on this question.  I didn't pay for it.

Wry Slamma Jamma Encore: Bo Ryan is Scorpius

Gewd Damn Aliens

Bastille 1789 Whisky

Web site hype:  I hope you enjoy my very special whisky,
which took me many years to perfect.
BASTILLE is hand-crafted in the South-West of France, 
the region where I was born and live.
I use a combination of traditional and cutting edge techniques
to bring out the natural characteristics of the different varieties
of wood cask, water and "terroir".
Here are a few highlights of my unique method
for hand-crafting whisky
(leaving out some of the secrets)
After the initial maturation, BASTILLE is finished 
in different styles of wooden cask which provide my whisky 
its delicate, harmonious and unique flavors.
BASTILLE uses pure Gensac spring water, filtered naturally
for centuries through Grande Champagne limestone.

Wow, that's a lot of hype: I do have to say that at first taste, I came away very impressed.  It has a lot of dried fruit and I know that cherry and Limousin oak are two of the woods used for aging.  They both come across in the finish.

Sadly, familiarity breeds contempt.  After a few sips, it becomes sickeningly sweet; the wood finish just becomes an aftertaste that won't go away.  For $30, I still recommend it.  It is different, which you don't see much of these days.

Ray Lewis and Bane, shopping Bros

Brett Keisel is a Bumble

Not all monsters are bad.
Merry Christmas!

James E Pepper 1776 Rye: That's the old Pepper?

I couldn't find an image of Bugs playing catcher.

It is pretty good, but a tad too sweet.  It is sourced from LDI for those who care.  I liked it when I first tasted it and my opinion has gone downhill since and I won't be buying it again.  It costs around $30 and I'm too tired to say much else about it.  

The Power Wry Week 13: Order is Restored

I present to you, the 2012 Heisman winner.

1. Ohio State (12-0) Defeated Michigan Our Bitch'again (26-21)  I'll tell you everything that you need to know about the Big 10(12(14)) Title Game.  OSU Over Nebraska 63-38.  OSU Over Wisconsin 21-14.
2. Our Lady de Gonna be Rusty in January (12-0) defeated USC 22-13.  The ratings are in, and everybody watched it, except me.
3. Alabama (11-1)  Defeated Auburn 49-0.  After the close call with Cam Newton, Auburn has been shopping at the bargain bin.
4. Georgia (11-1) Defeated Georgia Tech 41-10.  The Dusty Rhodes vs. Harley Race of football.
5. Oregon (11-1) Defeated Oregon 48-14.  For those who didn't know, the Oregon civil war was started when someone puffed puffed, and didn't pass.
6. Kansas State (10-1) Did not play.  They prefer to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Oz.
7. Florida (11-1) defeated Florida State 27-26.  Once again Del Boca Vista Phase II beats Del Boca Vista Phase I.
8. Texas A&M (10-2) Did not play.  By did not play, I mean that they defeated Missouri 59-29. Not only does Johnny Fever have the Heisman trophy locked up, he has earned his PhD in his freshman year.
9. LSU (10-2) Defeated Arkansas 20-13.  And Les Miles gets a raise again.  For somebody that everyone thinks is an idiot, he sure does rake in the cash.
10. Kent State (10-1) Defeated Ohio 28-6.  Enjoy your head coach, because he'll be packing his bags for greener pastures come January.

Power Rye Week 12 2012. Suck it Bielema

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

I'm not sure how you lost poop boy.

1. Ohio State (11-0) Defeated Wisconsin 21-14.  The Buckeyes delivered another clinic on how to win when you get totally outplayed.
2. Our Lady de Don't Choke and You Are In (11-0) defeated Wake Forest 38-0.  An exciting preview of future Notre Dame vs ACC action.  Chip Kelly will have them ready to play against USC.
3. Alabama (10-1)  Defeated Western Carolina 49-0.  Hey dumb-asses  There is a North Carolina, and there is a South Carolina.
4. Georgia (10-1) Defeated Georgia Southern 45-14.  I have to do more research, but I think that the Republic of Georgia Southern used to be part of the Soviet Union.  We may have an Air Force base there.
5. Oregon (10-1) Lost To Stanford 17-14.  Way to prepare for a rainy night Brian Kelly, because it never rains in the Pacific Northwest.  I also think that Andrew Luck kid is going to be good.
6. Kansas State (10-1) Lost to Baylor 52-24.  That RG III kid is going to go places.
7. Florida (10-1) Jacksonville State 23-0.  And people wonder why the Jaguars can't sell out on Sundays.
8. Florida State (10-1) Defeated Maryland 41-14.  The Big 10's (14!?) reputation takes another hit.
9. Texas A&M (9-2) Defeated Sam Houston State 47-28.  You want to leave the Big 12(10) for the SEC, then fine.  But to attack a great man like Sam Houston because he wouldn't let Texas join the Confederacy; that's just wrong. 
10. Kent State (9-1) Defeated Bowling Green 31-24.  The Golden Flashes converted a 7-10 split for the victory.

Power Rye Week 11 2012. Stumble Trip, Stumble Trip.

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

1. Oregon (10-0) Defeated Cal 59-17.  The Pac-12 needs to consider a mercy rule.
2. Kansas State (10-0) Defeated TCU 23-10.  While it was not his greatest game, we need to stop pretending that anyone other than Calvin Klein is going to win the Heismen this year.
3. Ohio State (10-0) Did not play and moved up.  How Tressellian of you Urban.
4. Our Lady de Ho-Hum (10-0) defeated Boston College 21-6.  Ho-Hum.
5. Alabama (9-1)  Lost to Texas A&M.  The SEC is still tops, but the gap is closing rapidly.
6. Georgia (9-1) Defeated Auburn 38-0.  That's it?  Poor showing by Georgia.
7. Florida (9-1) Defeated La Lafayette 27-20.  Really?
8. Florida State (9-1) Defeated Va Tech 28-22.  The weekly prize for further exposing the Va Tech sham goes to the Seminoles.
9. Texas A&M Defeated Alabama 29-27.  Johnny Football is a hell of a player.  Throws the most accurate wounded duck in the nation.
10. Kent State (9-1) Defeated Miami 48-32.  Why not?

Having said all that.  Don't be shocked if Alabama sneaks back into the title game.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye

Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to produce so many good whiskeys, their motto should be "we always remember to cup the balls."  For the ladies that didn't get that reference, it's like "dialing the radio", except we actually like it.

I've been a big fan of the Colonel Taylor Series and the Rye does not disappoint.
It has been a while since I played the official press release tasting notes game.  Let's dust it off tonight.

The latest offering from Buffalo Trace Distillery pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a small batch, Bottled-In-Bond, 100 proof, straight rye whiskey from days long past.
An altogether different recipe and profile than Sazerac Rye, this recipe contains just rye and malted barley, no corn.  Well I'll be damned.  The result is an aroma full of dried fruit agreed, black pepper if by pepper, you mean oak, then sure, and touch of fresh dill nope. A small sip brings an array of flavors both sweet and savory It's like I'm watching Mexico, One Plate at a Time.  Thank you Rick Bayless, I've learned so much from your show.  It's a shame that your brother Skip is the world's biggest ass-hat.  Guessing that only the fans of Mexican cooking shows will get that reference.  Fortunately PBS will survive and those of you who are curious should check it out. With a terrific balance of dark spices and subtle caramel overtones.  I guess I can give you that one.  The finish is especially pleasing with an oaky dryness that lingers just long enough.

I've refilled my glass and "proof-read" this post.  It's quite the train wreck, like Chuggington ... and Publish.

The Power Rye Week 10. The polls are in, we have a champion?

The first team to 10 is the champ right.  Congratulations Ohio State!  Wait, that's not how it works.  Shit.

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

We're the best yeah, better than all the rest!

1. Alabama (9-0)  Defeated LSU 21-17.  Why do the best teams in the country constantly turn out snoozer games.
2. Oregon (9-0) Defeated USC 62-51.  Has Lane Kiffen actually won anything besides biggest douche in the universe?
3. Kansas State (9-0) Defeated Oklahoma State 44-30.  And once again, nobody watched it.
4. Ohio State (10-0) Defeated Illinois 52-22.  Hire Ron Zook!
5. Our Lady de You Lucky Bastards (9-0) defeated Pitt 29-26.  I'm glad that Big Ben saved is B game for the Giants.
6. Louisville (9-0) Defeated Temple 45-17. I can't believe that a big time program or an NFL team as not hired Bobby Petrino.
7. Georgia (8-1) Defeated Mississippi 37-10.  Peachy
8. Oregon State (7-1) Defeated Arizona State 36-26.
9. Florida (8-1) Defeated Missouri 14-7.  Really?
10. Kent State (8-1) Defeated Akron 35-24.  The hot MACtion continues.

The Power Wry 2012 Week 9

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

1. Kansas State (8-0) Defeated Texas Tech  55-24.  Your mission, beat the rest of the cupcakes on your schedule and hope that Oregon, and Our Lady of I'm Back Baby lose, and Alabama's team catches that steroid meningitis.
2. Oregon (8-0) Defeated Colorado 70-14.  Looks like bringing in Peyton Manning didn't pay off.
3. Alabama (8-0)  Defeated Mississippi State 38-7.  I can never remember which one of the Mississippi schools payed Sandra Bullock to have Michael Oher go to their school.
4. Our Lady de Just Suck it Haters (8-0) defeated Oklahoma 30-13.  I hope that they have a big screen in heaven.  Beano Cook has been predicting this resurgence for 15 years.
5. Ohio State (9-0) Defeated Penn State 35-23.  It's amazing how deafening 105,000 people can be while they turn a blind eye.
6. Louisville (8-0) Defeated Cincinnati 34-31. The Bear Cats would have pulled it off, but since the Bengals were off this weekend, they let them take their place.  Plan go poof.
7. Georgia (7-1) Defeated Florida 17-9.  I guess that if you beat my #1 from last week, I'll let you back in the top 10.
8. Oregon State (6-1) Lost to Washington 20-17.  Clean the kitchen Cinderella.
9. Florida (7-1) Lost to Georgia.  Do the dishes Cinderella.
10. Kent State (7-1) Defeated Rutgers 35-23.  If only a storm would come through to wash the stain of this loss from New Jersey.  Oh shit.

Stay safe everybody.
I'm thinking about building an ark.

Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey

I really enjoy doing the Jefferson's reviews.  They taste good and thanks to my Jefferson's grading scale, I can put even less effort into the review than normal, which is saying something.

Thanks, but I feel like
you misrepresented  your services.

I have found out something disturbing.  I have known for quite some time that Jefferson's whiskey is sourced from other distilleries.  Doesn't matter to me, as long as it tastes good.  I am disturbed to find out that this rye tries to slip one past you by claiming that it 100% North American Rye, it's made in Canada.  For Shame.

I was wavering between a Tom Willis and a Weezie, now I have to demote it to a new rating.  A Ralph the Doorman.  Go ahead and give them your $30, it's worth it, but you may feel a little dirty afterwards.

Good info provided by :

• http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2011/08/05/review-jeffersons-straight-rye-whiskey/
• http://cocktailenthusiast.com/2012/01/25/jeffersons-rye-whiskey-review/
• http://recenteats.blogspot.com/2012/10/jeffersons-rye.html

Tuthilltown Hudson Manhattan Rye

It's the second part of our 5 New Rye Whiskey series.  By new, I mean new to me.  I have to admit that I am quite happy that the Tuthilltown whiskey's have made their way to Ohio.  I have been wanting to try them for several years.

It's pretty good.  It has a leathery flavor to it that reminds me of something from Woodford Master Distiller's collection.  There is also some nice spiciness.  It works quite well in a Manhattan.  Shame that I just killed the bottle, but it is tiny.

That's the problem. $45 for a half bottle is too much.  I still try on planning their four grain bourbon in the near future because I'm a glutton for financial punishment.  Whiskey is still cheaper than a coke habit.  (or so I assume)  I recommend it for those who have to try everything, like me.  If you are looking for bang for the buck.  Pass.

A month or so ago, a fellow blogger, @skurecenteats heard back from a disgruntled distiller who didn't like his review because he called the product too young, which is frankly a common problem with craft spirits.  In the understandable need to get to market, they release it young, and often use small barrels to speed up the aging process.  The hipsters don't know better and gobble it up.

If you are going to make a GREAT whiskey, in addition to a great mash and quality control, you need evaporation to concentrate the spirit.  Finishing in used barrels is also a great and proven technique for coming up with something new.

Anyway, to paraphrase the argument.

Distiller: What if I told people that your writing sucks?
SKU:  That's ok, because I didn't charge you $50 to read it.

There's the rub folks.  And burn.

Does anyone know if it is pronounced tut-hill-town? or tuth-ill-town?  or tuttle-town?

The Power Wry NCAA 2012 Week 8 Rankings

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

3 Magic references in a row?

 
1. Florida (7-0) Defeated South Carolina 44-11.  Florida has the most impressive resume, but beating South Carolina is starting to get less impressive.
2. Oregon (7-0) Defeated Arizona State 43-21.  Halftime score 43-0.  They took a self-imposed second half ban in order to score points with the committee for infractions.
3. Alabama (4-0)  Defeated Tennessee 44-13.  
4. Kansas State (6-0) Defeated WVU 55-14.  And for a change, somebody watched it.  Just not for long, because it was a grade A ass-kicking.
5. Ohio State (7-0) Defeated Purdue 29-22.  Urban pulls another victory out of his magic murder bag.  (Currently watching an old Venture brothers rerun.)
6. Oregon State (5-0) Defeated Utah 21-7.  Whooped BYU last week.  I'm thinking that those magic underwear are overrated..
7. Our Lady de Just About Right defeated BYU 17-14.  Yep, magic undies, overrated.
8. Oklahoma (5-1) Defeated Kansas 52-7.  A nation prays that they end the Our Lady of Please Go Away nightmare this week.
9. Mississippi State (7-0) Defeated Middle Tennessee St 45-3.  Congratulations.  Next week, you get crushed by Alabama.
10. Clemson (6-1) Defeated Virginia Tech 38-17.  I'm thinking about saving the 10 spot for whoever beats Va Tech each week.  5-2 NC State, you're on deck.

No Desmond Howard's were harmed in the creation of these rankings.  It was not for a lack of trying.  He's still really fast.  Free the Torg.  I also hear that Kent Graham's backup pussed out on his radio show this week.  That is hear-say because no one in Columbus listens to the Kirk Herbstreit show.

5 Parts New Ryes: Pritchard's Tennessee Rye

It has been a while since I posted a whiskey review.  My cold/bronchitis is starting to wane, and I have 5 new Rye's sitting on the bar dying for a review.

Pritchard's Rye has been available in Ohio for a few months.  I managed to get a sneak peek taste of it and hated it.  For some reason, I bought it last month because I wanted something new (little did I know, the mother load was coming in September/October).  I have been tasting and tasting this Rye at home and have hated it every time.  Until today when I sit down to do a review.  Odd.

For the record.  Pritchard's Double Barreled bourbon is really good and I'm shocked to see that I have not reviewed it.  My cousin David pretty much lives on it.  The only thing that I don't like is the price at $60+.  For the whiskey nerds/snobs out there, I don't care if it is sourced.  Their website states that this Rye is distilled it in their copper still, so maybe they made it, maybe they didn't.

I have been hating it because it doesn't taste like a Rye whiskey.  There is nothing rough about it and I find it to be sweet, but not Canadian Rye sweet.  It's dominated by fruit flavors, orange peel and quince, with a light oak finish.  It kind of reminds me of a cognac.  It makes a horrific Manhattan.

If you want something different and are willing to shill out $50, then go for it.  I can't say that I'll be buying another bottle.

The Power Rye NCAA Week 7 Rankings

I spent a long weekend in Nashville watching the Steelers not win and drinking until I lost my voice again.  Still searching for it.  Let's get to raaankins.


The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

1. Oregon (5-0) Did not play.  It was probably raining.
2. Alabama (4-0)  Defeated Missouri 42-10.  Did Alabama join the Big 12(10)?
3. Florida (6-0) Defeated Vanderbilt 31-17.  I know that I left Florida off last week.  I was just waiting for them to beat a quality opponent.
4. Ohio State (7-0) Defeated Indiana 52-49.  Braxton Miller was money from the 3-point line.
5. Kansas State (6-0) Defeated Iowa State 27-21 and nobody watched it.  
6. Oregon State (5-0) Defeated BYU 42-24 in an electoral college landslide.
7. Our Lady de Just About Right defeated Stanford 20-20  20-13.
8. Oklahoma (4-1) Defeated Texas 63-21.  Texas would be doing better, but Urban Meyer left Will Muschamp an empty cupboard.
9. Rutgers (6-0) Defeated Syracuse 23-15.  Nice to see the MAC still representing.
10. Louisville (6-0) Defeated Pittsburgh 45-35.  Conference USA y'all.

I went and cursed my College Pick'em last week.  That's what I get for betting big on Sparty, South Carolina; the Sparty of the South, and WVU; the West Virginia of the Big 12(10).