review

Wyoming Whiskey Single Barrel (2016) Review

Wyoming Whiskey is a craft whiskey brand that’s been picking up some steam lately.  I see the name come up more and more as I read through whiskey publications and social media.  Everything used to make this whiskey comes from Wyoming.  Based in Kirby, Wyoming, the distillery’s lineup includes a small batch bourbon, the occasional single barrel bourbon, and a just announced sherry cask finished bourbon.  

This single barrel bottling is their second, with 400 cases now available throughout Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin and Wyoming. This 2016 bottling is more than double in size than the original November 2015 release, which the company said sold out before it hit shelves.  Wyoming Whiskey Single Barrel retails for $59.99.

The nose here is really nice, with hints of honeyed grain, vanilla cream, ground cinnamon and an elegant floral note.  It almost smells more like a light bodied, well aged single malt than it does a bourbon.  The palate says differently:  sweet buttered corn, Mexican chocolate, fresh basil leaf and vanilla bean.  The finish is long, with a small burst of spice, followed by some mint.

I am really digging Wyoming Whiskey’s Single Barrel Bourbon.  It’s aroma is completely different than any other bourbon I’ve tried.  On the palate it’s rich and has a creamy mouthfeel.  Too bad distribution is limited to six states.  If you see this one and want to try something different (and delicious), pick up a bottle.  8.5/10

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

Santera Añejo Tequila Review


On the heels of last week’s Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia review, we’re following up with Santera, a semi-new brand of tequila here in the United States.  Santera was launched in fall 2015 and slowly rolling out to new markets.  This añejo tequila is aged up to 16 months in American oak barrels.  A small amount of 3-year-old tequila is added to the final blend for a touch of complexity.  A bottle runs a bit over $50.

Cooked agave is the major player on the soft nose, alongside hints of vanilla, light brown sugar and lavender.  Taste-wise, look for a nice balance of earthy and sweet.  I’m talking about hints of agave, barrel char, Mexican chocolate, ncandied orange peel, rose water and spice.  There is also a little grassiness.  The finish lingers for a while, leaving some charred agave and citrus.


I really like what’s in this bottle.  Though the barrel aging has brought about lots of vanilla and baking spice, there’s still enough character from the spirit coming through.  Nice.

8/10

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