Last Week's Tasting Notes

YANKEE DISTILLERS BOURBON WHISKEY (750ml: $59.99/375ml: $34.99)
From the producer:
"Made from corn, rye, malted barley and smoked malt. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Sweet, simple corn and rich oak on the nose. On the palate, sweet corn gives way to peppery, spicy rye. Soft vanilla and faint smoke in the finish."

From me:
I love Bourbon, but I haven't found too many from New York that are worth the money. This one is. Yankee works "grain-to-glass," with a lot of care to make a high-quality product. Their Bourbon is smooth, but it possesses a nice bite of rye, making it versatile for sipping or crafting delicious cocktails.


YANKEE DISTILLERS RYE WHISKEY (750ml: $59.99/375ml: $34.99)
From the producer:
"Made from rye, wheat, and malted wheat. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Pepper on the nose, with faint honey underneath.  On the palate, spicy, peppery rye dances down through spicy cinnamon. Long, syrupy, sweet honey in the finish."

From me:
I also love Rye, and this is one of my favorites from New York. Round and elegant, it is a delight to drink neat. If you are going to mix it, though, it is outstanding as the base for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.

ELEVEN LAKES VODKA (750ml: $34.99/375ml: $19.99)
From the producer:
"Made from Finger Lakes wheat and malted wheat. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Soft grain on the nose. Flavorless.  Sweet, creamy mouthfeel.  Faint pepper in the finish."

From me:
This vodka is smooth and creamy! If I'm going to sip a vodka neat, this is the one I choose. It also makes a fantastic dry Martini. 

YANKEE DISTILLERS COLONIAL WHITE RUM (750ml: $26.99/375ml $15.99)
From the producer:
"Made from a blend of Caribbean and domestic molasses. Vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. Bright tropical notes shine through the rich, earthy flavor of the sugar cane. Long, creamy, butterscotch finish."

From me:
I don't drink rum very often, but what struck me about this one was how sippable it is. I wasn't expecting that from white rum, and I think it points to the quality of ingredients and distilling. It's a delicious spirit.

YANKEE DISTILLERS COLONIAL AMBER RUM (750ml: $34.99/375ml: $19.99)
From the producer:
"Made from a blend of Caribbean and domestic molasses. Aged in used Yankee Whiskey Barrels. Vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. Vanilla, caramel, and peppery spice dance on the palate. Creamy vanilla and spicy oak in the finish."

From me:
I do expect to be able to sip an amber rum, and I was not disappointed in this one. The age gives it some elegance and deepens the flavors. This rum is versatile: sip neat, blend with summer cocktails, add to hot cider or mulled wine!