review

Review: Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon (2018)

Three years can seemingly fly by, especially as we get older. Other times, that same amount of time can seem like an eternity. That second description is certainly the case with Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish bourbon, which hasn’t been released since 2015.

Why the long wait? The answer is simple: Michter’s is experiencing whiskey shortages. That’s according to Michter’s President Joe Magliocco, who also said the distillery doesn’t make enough whiskey to meet demand. Though they aren’t by any means a small craft distillery, Michter’s is a much smaller operation than a giant like Jim Beam. Their limited releases aren’t too easy to find on shelves.

When Toasted Barrel Finish bourbon was last released in 2015, I didn’t get around to tasting it. Locally, the only place that had any bottles left charged an arm and a leg. I don’t buy into price gouging. Fast forward three years, a package containing a bottle of the 2018 release showed up at my door. Joy!

For this expression, Michter’s aged its fully-matured bourbon in a second barrel that was toasted but not charred. The whisky is bottled at 91.4 proof, or 45.7% abv. Suggested retail price for a bottle is $60.

I absolutely love the nose here. It has hints of smores, ground cinnamon & nutmeg, roasted hazelnuts and vanilla. The palate is equally inviting. On entry, rich caramel is the initial note, followed quickly by an explosion of baking spices and espresso. Waves of creamy vanilla and some mint keep the whiskey from getting too spicy. Oak spice and dark chocolate develop on the back palate. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cola and nutmeg.

This release was well worth the long wait. That toasted barrel finish accentuates those spice notes, imparts slightly darker and more complex notes to their standard bourbon. My only gripe? I would have liked to have seen a barrel proof version of this. Michter’s did it with their Toasted Barrel Finish rye whiskey. Why not here? But focusing on what we have in the bottle, I have to say it’s a beautiful, rich bourbon. This one’s an easy recommendation! 8.5/10

michters.com

Thanks to Michter’s for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen

Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare Port Ellen.jpg

Last year, Johnnie Walker launched what turned out to be one of my favorite whiskies of 2017 – the Blue Label Ghost and Rare series. The introductory blend was built around Brora, a distillery that closed in the early 1980s. I loved the whisky so much that, upon tasting and writing my review, immediately bought a bottle. I probably should have bought two…

For the second edition of Ghost and Rare, Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge started this blend with malt from another classic distillery – Port Ellen. Beveridge also used grain whiskies from the closed distilleries Caledonian and Carsebridge. The three whiskies comprise the “ghost” portion here. Additionally, rare malts from Mortlach, Dailuanie, Cragganmore, Blair Athol, and Oban are included.

Though there’s no age statement on the label, press materials state all whiskies used in this blend are at least 20 years old. The whole thing’s bottled at 43% abv and available for a suggested retail price of $349.99, which is less expensive than the first release.

The nose is rich and full of stewed orchard fruit, tropical fruit, and brine alongside some salted caramel and fresh herbs. This whiskey is velvety and a bit oily on the tongue. More salted caramel on entry, with sweet smoke and spice building. Fresh and candied fruit give way to a sprinkling of herbs, minerals, and tobacco leaf. The long finish sees grilled pineapples and seaweed.Talk about an enjoyable pour! Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare Port Ellen sort of reminds me of a fruitier version of John Walker King George V. It starts off sweet and becomes less so as the whisky swirls around the palate. Great development of flavors and complexity. The Port Ellen in the blend stands, adding its signature smoke and maritime notes. The old grain whiskies add a sturdy background, allowing the malt whiskies to shine. Again, a delicious and intriguing blend from the House of Walker. Highly recommended! 9/10

Johnniewalker.com

Thanks to Diageo for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Review: 2018 Parker’s Heritage Collection

Photo courtesy of Heaven Hill

I came into the Parker’s Heritage Collection a little late with 2014’s 10-year-old single barrel bourbon. That release was chosen from a particular warehouse favored by then Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who is sadly no longer with us. I picked up the bottle of what I described as a “flawless bourbon” on my honeymoon. It holds a special place on my shelf… what’s left of it anyway.

Heaven Hill Distillery uses this collection to release one-off experiments. Past bottlings included a blend of mash bills, a malt whiskey, and a cognac-finished bourbon.

The 2018 release, or 12th edition for those counting, is a 7- to 8-year-old bourbon finished in curaçao barrels for four months. The French orange liqueur barrels were provided by Alain Royer, who also provided the cognac barrels for the aforementioned release. This barrel finished whiskey is bottled at 55% ABV, or 110 proof. The suggested retail price is $89.99.

Barrel finishes can complement notes found in a whiskey, but sometimes they overpower the base spirit. The key is to not approach it like a standard whiskey. Barrel finishes are the whiskey equivalent of fusion in cuisine. They take two things that may not normally go together with a “sum is greater than the parts” mindset. Though not always successful, sometimes a release can soar.

This falls in the latter group.

The aromatic nose features heavy notes of orange and vanilla – orange dreamsicle, anyone? A little airtime reveals a bit of oak and a touch of spice. The high ABV offers a full mouthfeel. The flavors, surprisingly, aren’t too sweet. The somewhat strong orange notes take the form of freshly squeezed fruit juice AND slightly charred orange peel. Layers of classic bourbon flavors – light caramel, creamy vanilla, and fresh oak – provide an undercurrent that helps counterbalance the orange quality here. Like on the nose, some cloves and allspice add a little seasoning. The finish is long, with a lingering orange and basil note.

Take this release for what it is – a fun, tasty experiment from a trusted American distillery. I love what this bourbon brings to the table, but I’ll admit it’s not for everyone. There are some bourbon fans who always want to stick to traditional releases, and 2018 Parker’s Heritage is nowhere near traditional. To you I say expand your whiskey horizons. To everyone else, I think you’ll like what’s in the bottle. 8.5/10

Thanks to Heaven Hill for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Be sure to follow Adventures In Whiskey on social media for more content.

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