America | Page 9 | NYC Whiskey Review

Tin Cup 10 Year American Whiskey

June 17, 2021 America

Name: Tin Cup 10 Year American Whiskey

Color: Copper

Nose: Corn, orange, vanilla, green grass

Taste: Corn, citrus, vanilla, white pepper

Review:

Tin Cup 10-Year-Old American Whiskey is made in Colorado by Jess Graber. Mr. Graber is also the founder of Stranahan’s whiskey, which is nice stuff but I think it is way overpriced here in NYC. Tin Cup is a blend of 1/3 rye, 2/3 corn, and some malted barley. It is aged in American oak char #3 and is bottled at 42% abv.

Tin Cup is considered an “American Whiskey”, not a bourbon. There is an ongoing debate in the United States on the actual and legal definition of “American Whiskey” as it is currently up for debate and does not have as many requirements as bourbon.

As expected, Tin Cup 10 is smoother than the regular Tin Cup due to the aging process. It has a nice balance and is much richer and thicker than the regular Tin Cup. It is good, but does not have a deep complexity when you really nose and taste the whiskey. I would have expected a bit more with the 10 years, but the whiskey overall is not a deep rich type of flavor. Probably a blend of decent 10-year American whiskey. It is basic and decent stuff.

Tin Cup is a whiskey for outdoor drinking in the woods, at the lake, or in your backyard at a BBQ or at a fire pit. I like the little shot cups that come on the top of the bottle. This one is black with black and red logo and the regular has silver with blue. Stranahan’s whiskey has the same cups but the bottle is taller and the cups are longer.

Priced around $60 and worth the money if you like the flavor profile. It’s a good summer outdoor whiskey.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey

June 10, 2021 America

Name: Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Rye spice, light wood, pepper

Taste: Strong alcohol, rye, white pepper, wood

Review:

Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey is made by the Back Bone Bourbon company which was founded in 2014. The head quarters are in California, the whisky comes from Kentucky, and the water is sourced from Indiana. The company also produces a bourbon and a gin. I could not find much about the company and the “about page” on their site did not tell me much either so that actually needed up telling me a lot. Rich kids making whiskey.

I sampled Batch #4 which is 54% abv, aged 24 months in America Oak barrels, but has not age statement. From my research the mash is 95% rye, 5% malt and comes from Bardstown, KY. The water is limestone filtered water from Southern Indiana. I am going to guess that the whiskey is made in Kentucky and then shipped from there to other locations. It would not make a lot of sense to ship everything to California, put the product together and then re-ship it. The whiskey is very strong and rye spicy. Even cutting it with water is was very harsh. Basically, it’s a high proof rye for cocktails. I would not drink it neat or on the rocks.

I would have written more if I could have found out more about the company or product.

Priced around $40 and good for a high proof mixer in cocktails but that is about it.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Journeyman – Silver Cross Whiskey

May 26, 2021 America

Name: Journeyman – Silver Cross Whiskey

Color: Copper

Nose: Corn-barley mash, spices, white fruit

Taste: Corn, tart apples, white pepper

Review:

Journeyman Spirits originates from Three Oaks, Michigan and is stated to be a hand-crafted artisan spirit. The distillery notes that all the ingredients are locally sourced organic grains, and a local aquifer supplies the water. The factory that distillery operates out of has some interesting history of producing various old timey items for adults. You can look it up.

The distillery, like many new distilleries produces other spirits to support the whiskey production. Journeyman Spirits also produces vodka, gin, rum, brandy, and liqueurs.

Silver Cross is bottled at 45% abv and I sampled Batch 71, Bottle 513 from the sample pack. This bourbon has potential if it can age and soften out a more like the Journeyman Bourbon. I do not think that will happen as the product needs to make its way to market. It is young, tight, and rough. There is not really anything interesting in the taste of the finish. It is just a whiskey for drinking.

From my research this whiskey is inspired by golf, a golfer, or someone that golfed in Scotland. Also, on the label it states “1% 4 Golf”. This represents that 1% of the sales go to a various children’s golf charities. Yes, you read that right, golf charity for children. Last time I checked Michigan’s got a few problems that could use money. One is the water and the health of the people in Flint, MI which is 200 miles away.

Priced around $50 and this was the last of the 3 pack I bought on whim. I did not enjoy any of Journeyman’s whiskeys and I cannot recommend them. I will probably give the leftovers of the pack away.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Journeyman – Bourbon

April 28, 2021 America

Name: Journeyman – Bourbon

Color: Brown

Nose: Corn/wheat mix, dark fruit, honey vanilla,

Taste: Corn, wheat, spices, white pepper, honey, vanilla

Review:

Journeyman Spirits originates from Three Oaks, Michigan and is stated to be a hand-crafted artisan spirit. The distillery notes that all the ingredients are locally sourced organic grains and a local aquifer supplies the water. The factory that distillery operates out of has some interesting history of producing various old timey items for adults. You can look it up.

The distillery, like many new distilleries produces other spirits to support the whiskey production. Journeyman Spirits also produces vodka, gin, rum, brandy, and liqueurs.

Featherbone Bourbon is a mash bill of 70% corn, 25% wheat, and 5% rye. It is bottled at 45% abv and I sampled Batch 92, Bottle 386 from the sample pack. This bourbon has potential if it is allowed to age and soften out a more. I do not think that will happen as the product needs to make its way to market. It is young, rough, little spicy on the front and sweet in the finish. It feels rushed.

Priced around $50 and would be ok for a slugging whiskey or a boiler maker combo. I am not that impressed with this stuff.

PS. Wife tried. She said, “That’s harsh. I think hair on my chest.”

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Jim Beam Bourbon

April 15, 2021 America

Name: Jim Beam Bourbon

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Corn, vanilla, wood/pencil shavings, citrus

Taste: Sweet corn, vanilla, pepper finish

Review:

Jim Beam is produced by Beam Suntory and comes from Clermont, Kentucky. Jim Beam is one of the biggest names in bourbon and has been around for a very long time. The original creator was the Bohm family in the late 18th century who immigrated to Kentucky from Germany and eventually changed their name to Beam. Jim Beam Bourbon is a medium bodied, non-complex profile basic bourbon. It has a light fresh taste, with a peppery not sweet finish. It is easy to drink and good to have on the bar as a basic Kentucky Bourbon.

Jim Beam has other expressions such has;

Straight Bourbon: Original, Black, Devil’s Cut, Bonded, Double Oak, and Single Barrel.
Premium Whiskey: Craft, Craft Quarter Cask, Harvest Collection, Distiller’s Masterpiece, and Rye.
Small Batch: Bookers, Baker’s, Basil Hayden, and Knob Creek.
Liqueurs*: Apple, Honey, Kentucky Fire, Maple, Red Stag, Vanilla, and Peach.

*Liqueurs and not equal to liquor because they are sweetened with various flavors, oils, extracts, and other additives. I have been reviewing some of these liqueurs, and I have to tell you, they are fucking awful to drink neat. I am suffering for my reviews and your reading when I drink these things.

Jim Bean is as Kentucky as it can get when it comes to bourbon. If you have not tried Jim Beam, give it a go and check out some of their Small Batch expressions.

Priced around $30 and a good baseline bourbon from Kentucky for drinking or mixing.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Fire Ball Whiskey

April 1, 2021 America

Name: Fire Ball Whiskey

Color: Brown

Nose: Cinnamon, nutmeg, oil

Taste: Cinnamon, red hots, whiskey

Review:

Well, I have had some great whiskies since starting this blog three years ago, but, NEVER such an incredible whiskey like Fire Ball Whiskey. The smell, the tastes, and the mouth feel of this wondering cinnamon spirit takes my breathe away! Nothing can compare to this whiskey. Ok, maybe Jack Daniels Fire, which is clear copy, might compare. But you know what the say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

This incredible crafted whiskey is better than Red Bull. Red Bull may gives you wings, but Fire Ball lets people know the quality of our soul as a human. When you order this whiskey in the bar or bring it to a party it says a lot. It states that you are classy, sophisticated, your beer pong in on point, and you can body slam into a folding table like Thor landing in a Marvel movie.

Fire Ball will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling that all humans get between 2:00-3:00AM. You know, when the world is spinning around you as you search best Italian food you can locate. Also, let us not forget the confidence it will give you. Your ego will take over as your body begins to shut down. Your communication with the opposite sex (or same) to say what is on your mind at the same time your reproduction system begins close for business will be amazing. Not to forget, your intestines begin the reverse consumption removal process through your mouth and nose.

Fire Ball will also help you practice yoga. Your downward dog pose on the cold tile floor in the smallest room in your house with your head rested where your head is not supposed to go would impress the most seasoned Yogi.

You too can feel all of this with this stunning whiskey and only for the price of $25-$30 per bottle!

Happy April Fools Day! I am not a big fan of this whiskey, but, opinions vary!.

If you like it, drink it!

Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Tahwahkaro Bourbon Whiskey

February 18, 2021 America

Name: Tahwahkaro Bourbon Whiskey

Color: Copper

Nose: Vanilla, oak, corn, almonds

Taste: Strong mash, vanilla, oak

Review:

Tahwahkaro Bourbon Whiskey is a first product from the Tahwahkaro Distillery located in Grapevine, Texas. The name means “bend in the river in Native American. It is bottled at 96 proof and is listed as Batch #2. The mash bill is a combo of Texas raw corn, wheat, rye and malted barley and is aged in charred American Oak for approximately 1 year. The age is not stated or released.

First sample: I thought the following, rough, hard, young, harsh mixer, not great but ok to mix.

Second sample: I thought the following, tastes a little better but, it is what is it is. The nose is very sharp with alcohol and the taste is rough and young.

I see on TAH website that they have won some awards. It is good for a mixer not a straight drinker. I think the tasting issue for me was I had tried some better whiskey before this one and it threw me off when I tasted it.

Priced around $45 in Texas and I have not seen it on the shelves in NYC.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Willet Straight Rye Whiskey

February 11, 2021 America

Name: Willet Straight Rye Whiskey

Color: Copper

Nose: Rye spice, wood, oak

Taste: Spice, oranges, vanilla

Review:

Willet Straight Rye Whiskey is a cask strength, hand bottled, small batch 109.8 proof rye whiskey from The Willet Distillery in Kentucky. The Willet brand is a smaller group but is well respected in world of bourbon. The distillery was founded in 1936 by Thomas Willet and has grown and expanded its operations and method of productions over the years.

Willet has their own expressions, but they also have a small batch boutique Bourbon Collection that consists of the following;

· Rowan’s Creek

· Noah’s Mill

· Kentucky Vintage

· Pure Kentucky

The rye is not too spicy and for a cask strength whiskey is has a nice profile and balance. I found it you cut it with a little water you can enjoy it even more. At the price point I would not want to put it in a cocktail, but I am not a fan of drinking rye’s straight or on the rocks. You will have to decide for yourself.

Priced around $75 and very good for a rye whiskey. Willet delivers every time!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Knob Creek Straight Rye

January 28, 2021 America

Name: Knob Creek Straight Rye

Color: Copper

Nose: Corn, vanilla, white pepper/spice, citrus

Taste: Pepper spice, vanilla, oak, strong alcohol

Review:

Knob Creek Straight Rye is 100 proof Kentucky Bourbon that comes from Clermont, Kentucky. It is non aged stated but used to be labeled as 9 years of aging as a standard. The removal of the age on the bottle is due to high volume demand and production. I find all Knob Creeks worth the money per bottle with respect to alcohol content. You get the most “bang for the buck” with Knob Creek. As for taste, that is another matter and one of personal opinion.

The term “straight” is used in many whiskeys produced in American. The term “Straight” is defined as, “distilled from a fermented cereal grain mash to concentrations not exceeding 80% abv and aged in new charred oak barrels for two years at a concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.”

Knob Creek is produced by the Jim Beam Distillery and is part of their higher end expressions. Other expressions in the line are Booker’s, Bakers, and Basil Hayden which are all good. One thing I like for shelf appeal is the square bottle design with the green label and wax top. It gives the whiskey a bit of old school classy feeling and stands out on a bar.

Knob Creek Rye tastes good in cocktail due to the high proof and does not get watered down when drinking. Drinking it straight is a bit rough.

Price around $45 and worth the money for a cocktail mixer or a gift.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Kozuba Starkus Rye (Vodka)

January 21, 2021 America

Name: Kozuba & Son’s Starkus

Color: Lemon citrus, flowers, almond

Nose: Rye, spice, light lemon

Taste: Rye, spice, light lemon

Review:

Kozuba is a not a whisky, it is a vodka made from 100% rye, aged in oak barrels for six months, and is bottled at 40% abv. It is made by a scientist from St. Petersburg, Florida and was established in 2005. The name “Starkus” means “stork” in Lithuanian.

You might be wondering why I am reviewing vodka. There is simple answer: I made a mistake. I thought I was drinking a rye whiskey. I am not a fan of vodka or clear spirits. I agree with Ron below.

I grabbed it off a friend’s shelf who suggest I try it. Before I realized what I was drinking I had a glass in hand and vodka in mouth. I figured it would write up a review just on how different this stuff is and how much it confused me for a few minutes.

The taste is strange and almost not even present.
There is no real taste or complexity.
It tastes like moonshine with a little flavoring.
In short, this stuff is weird.

Price around $60 and worth trying it to experience the flavor but not a great drink. I have not seen it on the shelf in the NYC area.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Tin Cup 10 Year American Whiskey

Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey

Journeyman – Silver Cross Whiskey

Journeyman – Bourbon

Jim Beam Bourbon

Fire Ball Whiskey

Tahwahkaro Bourbon Whiskey

Willet Straight Rye Whiskey

Knob Creek Straight Rye

Kozuba Starkus Rye (Vodka)

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