Last Week's Tasting Notes (3.29.19)

Barr Hill Tom Cat Barrel Aged Gin ($45.99)
Vermont
"Tom Cat Gin is an expedition into uncharted territories. Once distilled, we age the gin in new American oak barrels in search of a bolder expression. The robust character of the new oak barrel mingles with the coniferous quality of the juniper, yielding an enticing aroma. A touch of raw honey leaves this revolutionary spirit remarkably approachable, whether drinking neat or in a cocktail. When the world called for whiskey, we answered resolutely with gin."

Middle West OYO 100% Red Wheat Whiskey ($45.99)
Ohio
​"Middle West’s flagship wheat whiskey is a unique addition to the crowded field of corn-, rye-, and barley-based (blended) dark spirits. Made from 100% Ohio soft red winter wheat, OYO Whiskey is produced and aged in small batches and offers a one-of-a-kind flavor profile distinctive to its Ohio origins. The distillery uses single-source Ohio grains to emphasize regional 'terroir,' and barrel-ages the whiskey in white American oak cooperage sealed with beeswax."

Copper & Kings Craftwerk Brandy Limited Edition ($40.99)
Louisville, Kentucky
"Pure Pot-Distilled American Brandy Finished In American Craft Beer Barrels
[Brooklyn Hand & Seal Brandywine-style Ale]

53% Alc. By Vol. | 106 Proof

We are inspired by the imagination & fearlessness of America’s Craft Brewers.
We share their passion for their craft. We are proud to share our American Brandy barrels & share the barrels previously used to finish craft beers to refine & polish the maturation of our craft distilled American Brandy.

Our ambition is to directly infuse the character and personality of the individual beers within the American Brandy with honest authenticity. The brandy is aged for a full 12 months in beer barrels. The spirit proof entering the barrel is a full bodied +/- 130 Proof to maximize flavor extraction. Bottle proof at 111 Proof is chosen to maximize the craft beer flavor profiles by minimizing dilution with just a touch of water to enable the flavors to authentically bloom & soften the heat just a touch.

The brandy is unadulterated by any additives that may impact on the authentic & direct flavor from the barrels - Non-Chill Filtered - which would extract flavor, no addition of boisé - which would muddy flavors with a fake oaky profile, no caramel color - the spirit is the natural color from the barrel."

Copper & Kings Butchertown Brandy ($62.99)
Louisville, Kentucky
"Copper Pot-Distilled American Brandy
62% Alc. By Vol. | 124 Proof

The Independent Republic Of Butchertown. Bounded by the waters of the mighty Ohio and beautiful Beargrass Creek.

Since 1796 home to butchers, brawlers, bakers and brewers. Artists and artisans, distillers, tanners, orphans and families, and everything else in between.

Home to Copper & Kings’ Butchertown Brandy.

Boom, Boom. Imagine bottling the spirit of john lee hooker – supple, sexy, full-bodied and rhythmic. Imagine bottling the spirit of the modern jazz quartet – elevated, elegant, sophisticated  – bluesy with a hint of improvisation.

This is drop dead gorgeous brandy. This is bad-ass brandy. This is not ordinary, everyday brandy. A blend of distiller selected reserve casks. Superb, exclusively copper pot-distilled small batch brandy. 75% aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels and 25% in new American oak.

Non-chill filtered without adulteration by boisé (oak flavor or infusion), sugar or caramel color for an uncorrupted natural flavor and natural color. Some natural cloudiness, faint suspension or sediment may occur, especially at colder temperatures.

We recommend serving over good ice in an elegant rocks glass or with a touch of chilled water to enable the bloom.

Appearance: dark brown, golden mahogany. Slightly viscous.

Aroma: strongly reminiscent of superior whiskey and Kentucky bourbon. Blackberry fruit, with hints of cherry.

Taste: fabulous brandy start,  bold, robust, strong whiskey notes with brandy fruit coming forth towards the back end. Rollicking, rock ’n roll almost rye whiskey like on the mid-palate, joyous.  Superb structure and backbone.

High proof chewy. Hints of Irish pot-still fruity whiskey. Stone-fruit – peaches, dark cherry in the surround sound.

Finish: slight tannic, oaky dryness, lingers on the tongue. Velvety smooth (and approachable), especially for high proof spirit."

Wild Moon Liqueurs--Chai or Lime ($21.99)
Hartford, Connecticut
"Uniquely flavored, all-natural liqueurs designed for the professional mixologist and home enthusiast alike. Hartford Flavor has revolutionized the traditional liqueur. Wild Moon Liqueurs are flavor forward, have reduced sugars, and no chemicals; there is nothing else like it on the market.

All natural-Gluten Free-GMO Free"

Bloomery SweetShine Black Walnut Liqueur ($24.99)
West Virginia
"Bravely Bold with a Double Gold! 
2015 San Francisco World Spirit Winner

Like our Limoncello this is a traditional Italian digestivo, a straight from the bottle sipper after dinner finishing very smoothly. Unlike limoncello this is not as sweet and offers many spice flavors in the finish. The dark color is from all natural unripe or green black walnuts and a mix of spices creating a unique flavor for you to savor!

Black Manhattan
The Manhattan has been a perennial favorite but we found a way to truly update this to something very special. Over ice start with 3 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, add 1/2 oz of sweet vermouth, 1/2 oz of Black Walnut SweetShine and a dash of bitters. Garnish with a cherry. Big City in the name, big flavor in the glass, big smile on your face!"

Copper & Kings Old Fashioned Barrel Aged Bitters ($12.99)
Louisville, Kentucky
"A luxurious blend of natural herbs, spices, oils & botanical extracts prepared in an alembic brandy base with honey, vapor distilled orange peels and then aged in American oak.

Balanced & harmonious, enhances the flavor and aroma of world class cocktails.

Preservative free, no Artificial Ingredients, Glycerine, Caramel Color. Non-chill filtered."