whisky

George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey (2014) Review

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Every fall Buffalo Trace releases their Antique Collection comprised of three bourbons (George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, and Eagle Rare 17 Year Old) and two rye whiskies (Sazerac 18 Year Old and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac).  They range in age from 6 or so years to 18, and three of them are barrel proof.  These five whiskies are coveted among American whiskey fans.  George Stagg and Sazerac 18 are almost always at the top of “best of” whiskey lists each year.  Lately, hype surrounds certain bourbons (Pappy, anyone?), and these five whiskies are no exception.

This year’s George T. Stagg was distilled in 1998, making it 16 years old.  It comes to us “uncut & unfiltered” at a hearty 138.1 proof.  If you’re used to only drinking 80 or 90 proof bourbon, this number looks astronomical.  The strongest Stagg release was back in 1997, which saw a 144.8 proof bourbon.  Yikes!  I like sipping neat first, then adding a little water if I need it.  Most times I don’t.  This time I kept it close-by. Buffalo Trace Distillery provided a review sample.

This stuff smells nice.  I got alcohol fumes, caramel, toasted oak, and a little citrus.  Tasting it (slowly), I find it’s one of the thicker whiskies I’ve had.  Could be due to the high proof.  I got lots of toffee, butterscotch, cinnamon, a little oak and some vanilla.  There was also a little bitterness.  Buffalo Trace’s included tasting notes mentioned dark chocolate.  That may be the best way to describe the bitterness.  Now, don’t go expecting a Hershey bar here.  The finish was long and bittersweet.  The heat fades after a few sometimes intense spicy moments.  I tasted about half the glass neat, then added a minuscule amount of water.  The water slightly calmed down the heat and spaced the flavored out a bit.

The suggested retail price for the whiskies in the Antique Collection is $80.  Anything higher than that and your store is gouging your wallet.  I spoke about whiskey hype earlier in the post.  This one lives up to whatever hype it receives.  Drinking George T. Stagg is a truly sensory experience.  Don’t pass up a chance to purchase a bottle (at a reasonable price).  Your taste buds will thank you.

9.5/10

Few Rye Whiskey Review

This is the last in a series of posts  devoted to craft distillery Few Spirits.  I posted a short interview with their founder & master distiller Paul Hletko, and posted about their bourbon.  In addition to distilling and aging bourbon, Few Spirits also makes a rye whiskey.  They were kind enough to send me a small sample.

Photo courtesy of Few Spirits

Photo courtesy of Few Spirits

Just like their other spirits, Few rye whiskey’s label contains the same kind of 1892 Chicago World’s Expo art.  The company’s love for Chicago can’t be made clearer.  It’s easily one of my favorite label designs.

In the glass, it smells a little grainy and a little like sweet corn.   Much like their bourbon, Few’s rye whiskey tastes of like sweet corn and caramel… just not in the same amount as the bourbon.  This is also much more rye forward given it’s a rye whiskey.  It’s not super spicy, however.   The spice is held in check.  There’s also a little oak.  The finish is quick and dry.

This 93 proof rye whiskey runs about $50.  This is the first rye whiskey I’ve sampled that’s not from a large distillery.  It’s different than mass produced rye whiskies.  Not better or worse, just different.   I’m probably not stating this correctly, but it feels like I get more of the “raw grain” flavor than the depth of flavors I get from more aged whiskies.   Personally, I prefer the latter.  However, I suggest you try this one if you ever come across it.  You won’t be disappointed.

6/10

Few Bourbon Whiskey Review

With some anticipation, I’m ecstatic to finally sample Few bourbon whiskey.   In addition to providing access to their founder and master distiller Paul Hletko for an interview, Few Spirits provided me a sample of their bourbon and rye whiskies.

Photo courtesy of Few Spirits

Let’s start off with packaging.  While it’s bottle is similar in shape to Diageo’s rectangular Orphan Barrel  bottles, Few has a label that beckons the 1893 Chicago World’s Exposition.  My fiancee Carly is a Chicago World’s Expo maniac.  You can imagine her excitement when I told her about this post.  Great labeling that tells us the brand is based around Chicago AND stands out on a store shelf.

This bourbon comes in at 93 proof with no age statement.  Paul Hletko says he doesn’t believe in age statements because age is just one factor when it comes to making whiskey.   Not having an age statement doesn’t bother me, as long as the whiskey is good. So… how is it?

I get lots of sweet corn on the nose.  There’s also some earthiness and some wood.  Oak?  Probably, but it seems different than the oak I get in other bourbons.  Taste-wise, sweet corn is the key player here.  Some rye spice and a little caramel support it.   It’s nice, but not too complex.   The finish is quick and a little dry,  and leaves a semi-sweet aftertaste.  Makes you want to take another sip.

Overall this is an interesting whiskey.  It seems young to me, but it’s not as fiery and untamed like a young whiskey would taste.  The folks at Few Spirits have put together a nice bourbon.  A bottle of this craft whiskey will run you about $50, if you can find it – it’s only available in about a dozen states as of the writing of this post.

7/10