Chris | Page 17 | NYC Whiskey Review

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Kentucky Owl Rye

July 13, 2023 America

Name: Kentucky Owl Rye (Batch #3)

Color: Copper

Nose: Corn mash, barley/rye, vanilla, white oak

Taste: Corn, vanilla, orange finish

Kentucky Owl Rye Batch #3 whiskey is one of those with an odd history and a very high price tag. I stopped by the Bardstown Distillery with the hope to sample some of their more exotic expressions, but I was only able to get a flight of basic expressions and this rye for some reason. The bartender was really selling how great this rye was and that the gift store has bottles for sale. My Spidey-sense started tingling which is never a good sign.

When I tasted this rye, (away from the bartender at a table) it had a nice balance, soft profile, and was a little hot at 57% abv. A little water opened it up, and I liked it. But then I learned the cost and I started hating it.

I had to do some research about why this rye cost so much. I learned the Stoli Corporation purchased Kentucky Owl from a private owner who is the great-great-great grandson of someone who made bourbon a long time ago. They appear to be in the process of creating a premium luxury brand and added this stuff to their portfolio. The whiskey is sourced from multiple distilleries. It is not clear which ones but it is thought to be Jim Beam, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, and Barton/Sazerac. This does not justify the cost.

Priced around $250 and not worth the money. What dumb ass pays $250 for a 10-year-old rye?

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

PS: I read Batch No. 4 is not being released. No shit? I wonder why…

Boone Country Small Batch Bourbon

June 29, 2023 America

Name: Boone Country Small Batch Bourbon

Color: Copper

Nose: Corn (harsh), oak, vanilla, dark cherries, spice

Taste: Corn (harsh), oak, vanilla, dark fruit, rye spices

Boone County Small Batch Bourbon comes from someone with a distillery, somewhere, that was inspired by someone who lived 182 years ago, that did something.

That is pretty much how I am going to start summing up these fairly tale history sales pitches. I have learned when I read a things like “we are inspired by….following the same tradition……we take our direction from the brave ones before us….” there is an extremely high chance it will taste like shit.

This bourbon is a straight bourbon bottled at 45.45% abv with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. On my first taste it is harsh, but a little water opens up the flavors slightly but does not impress or improve the taste. Boone has an a Old Forster type of taste and would probably be ok in a cocktail or with a mixer, but not for the price. I hate being right before I sample a whiskey.

Priced around $50 and not that impressive and I do not recommend it.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Opinions Vary – Which Cigar Cutter is the best?

June 28, 2023 Opinions Vary

There is sometimes a raging debate on what is the best method to cut your cigar among cigar smokers with no clear winner. Personally, I have learned it depends on the type of cigar and your preference on the type of draw you like.

Traditionally there are three types of cutters that are used which are, Straight Cut, V-Cut, or Punch. I like to use them as follows:

“Straight Cut” is for larger gauge, longer and tightly pack cigars that take 45+ minutes to smoke.

“V-Cut” when I want to mix it up. If I don’t like the draw then I straight cut it over it.

“Punch” for smaller cigars like Nub. Also, it is easy carry with you on a key chain.

What is affect the most by the cutter is the draw you feel in the mouth of the smoke. A Straight Cut will give you full smoke. A V-Cut will give a slower arriving full mouth feeling. A Punch will give you a half the amount feeling. Some work better than others depending on how tightly packed your cigar is and how it burns so state one version is the best is not realistic.

If you are looking to get a cutter as a gift there are many types and price ranges. Spend what you think the person is worth but I would not go crazy. Cutters have a habit of falling out of you pockets and getting left in golf carts. As long as it is sharp, it will get the job done.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Whistle Pig 10 Small Batch Rye

June 8, 2023 America

Name: Whistle Pig 10 Small Batch Rye

Color: Brown

Nose: Rye malt, spices, caramel, light oak

Taste: Rye malt, spices, orange, vanilla oak notes

Whistle Pig Whiskey was founded in 2007 in Vermont and produce high end rye whiskey that is expensive. Their history is a mixed bag of startup distillery, reality show owner, board management drama, and sourced product from Canada. It is a bit of a mess so go look it up if you are interested.

The Whistle Pig 10 is 100% rye, aged 10 years, and is bottled at 50% abv. For a rye whiskey it is very smooth, well balanced, and easy to drink. It has a little spice on the finish, and it bit hot due to the proof. A few drops of water open it up nicely. At the price this should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. I would not put this in a cocktail as it would probably not hold its flavor profile after mixing or shaking with ice.

Like my recent comments on Stranahan’s Origional in last week’s review, I can understand the relationship between the age of the distillery vs. the expressions but I struggle to understand the cost per bottle of Whistle Pig. For the price I will spend my money on scotch or Sagamore Rye Cask Strength for cocktails.

Other expression: Piggyback Rye, Farmstock Rye, 10 Year Small Batch, 12-Year-Old World Cask Finish, 15 Year Estate Oak Rye, 18 Year Double Malt Rye, and The Boss Hog (editions releases vary in name).

Priced around $75 and overall good but too expensive for a sourced rye.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature

June 1, 2023 Scotland

Name: Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Malt, light wood, flowers, citrus, white pepper

Taste: Malt, lemon, vanilla, honey, light oak

Chivas Regal was created by James & John Chivas in the early 1800’s in Scotland. The Strathisla Distillery in Speyside region is now the source of all production and the distillery has changed ownership over the years. Chivas is a popular and leading blended whiskey in European and Asia markets. It is somewhat popular in the US market but Johnnie Walker and Kentucky Bourbons are the front runner for blends. Chivas has a very long history so if you are interested in learning more I recommend you look it up. I can only write so much in one review.

Chivas 18 is a blended scotch whiskey, bottled at 40% abv. It has a medium body and has a nice balance. It is an easy drinker and smooth tasting. It is good for a summer scotch and can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat.

I have had Chivas a few times over the years in peoples home mainly in Europe but when visiting the “A Hero to you and me Both” Sam Dean and he had this bottle to knock back around his fire pit in the back yard.

Other expressions: 12, Extra, Extra 13, 18, Royal Salute 21, 25, Brothers’ Blend, Ultis, Mizunara, The Icon, and XV.

Priced around $65 and a good summer drinker.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Opinions Vary: Manners & Deportment in a Cigar Lounge

April 26, 2023 Accessories

Opinions Vary: Manners & Deportment in a Cigar Lounge

There are unwritten rules in this world that some people know by nature and common sense. There are others rule that need to be stated and taught. Many years ago, I was living in South Florida and I was a member of a cigar lounge and I learned the rules over time so I wanted to share them with you. One of the rules I learned in the bathroom where a sign stated: “Don’t talk about yourself. We will do that when you leave.”

That a good life rule for anyone in a social situation.

If you have not been in a cigar lounge, or you go occasionally, these are the rules you should follow:

Be nice.
Don’t talk about yourself unless asked. You are a stranger or a new guy and the regulars don’t give a shit about you.
Ask if the seat is available before you sit. Don’t just plop your ass down like you are owed a seat because you bought a cigar.
Take note of the pecking order. Don’t sit with regulars until invited or offered.
If you want to start a conversation, ask the person what they are smoking and what they think of it. Don’t ask “what do you do”, it’s not a date.
Don’t ask for the tv to be changed unless you are a regular. It’s a dick move. Watch what everyone is watching.
Don’t name drop or brag. It is fucking pathetic, and it immediately lets people know you are full of shit.
Don’t break balls unless you know the person well.
Dress somewhat nicely. It’s not a construction site or your home.
Bring your own booze if allowed. Offer it to the regulars to speed up the process of becoming a regular.
Don’t talk about politics, religion or sex. Of course, you always end of up talking about it, so keep it light.
If you are allowed to carry a weapon, unload it BEFORE putting it on the coffee table.
If it is Members Only Lounge, ask if there is a purchase price to go in. Most lounges will let you in for a cigar if you spend $25 or more on cigars.
Have somewhere else to go afterwards. Don’t make the lounge your second home. Get in, relax, get out.

Everyone and every lounge is different. But good manners and deportment cost nothing!

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it!) – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Davidoff of Geneva – Downtown NYC

April 20, 2023 Accessories

UPDATE: Lounge is now private. You need to be a member to enter. Hudson River has a nice view and benches, smoke there!

Davidoff of Geneva (Downtown) is a cigar store and lounge located at 225 Liberty Street (Brookfield Place) which is considered the “Downtown” area New York City. Davidoff is a Swiss premium brand of cigars, cigarettes and smoker’s accessories. It was founded in 1936 by Zino Davidoff who ran a tobacco specialist shop in Geneva, Switzerland.

The the store is small and the humidor is a walk in type and has nice selection of quality cigars and a large selection of Davidoff cigars. I am not certain if they carry the entire line of Davidoff’s, but at the prices that are listed, it appears they carry the good ones. The store sells high end accessories such as lighters, cutters, and humidors and the staff is very professional and knowledgable.

Store & Humidor

The lounge is small and caters mainly to the financial people that work downtown. Each time I have visited the lounge after work the televisions have the financial news running and most visitors keep to themselves or their phones and tablets. The smoke eaters are good and I have not suffered any red eyes or headaches when enjoying a stick. The bathroom is in the hallway directly across from the store front in Brookfield Place so it a very short walk if nature calls. I do not know the rules on drinking in the lounge, however, I have seen people having a water of coffee on occasions. The lounge is not a loud, backslapping, shit talking, leaving drinking type of spot. It has a more subdued vibe, however, I only go afterwork from 4pm-6pm. I am not sure how it is on the weekend or during football season.

Davidoff NYC has three locations in New York. They are on Madison Avenue, 6^th Avenue, and Downtown. I have only been to the downtown location as it is near my office. Downtown had an advantage over the others being located in Brookfield Place on Hudson River you can opt to smoke outside on a bench by the river if the weather is nice.

Prices range from $8 to $40+ per single cigar and higher for boxes/accessories. It’s my regular spot to buy and smoke cigars in NYC.

If you like it, drink it (or smoke it)! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Speyburn 10

April 13, 2023 Scotland

Name: Speyburn 10

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Malt, honey, flowers, light wood

Taste: Sherry, malt, honey, cedar wood

Speyburn 10 Year Old is produced by Granty Glen Valley which is located in the Speyside region of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1897 and is currently owned by Inver House Distillers Limited, which is owned by Thaibev from Thailand. The Inver House Distillers also have Old Pultney, Knockdhu, Balnair, and Balmenach under their control.

This medium bodied whisky is aged 10 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks and bottled at 40% abv. On my first taste it was very sweet on the palate. On the second taste the sweetness is still there, but a smoother quality malt flavor comes out on the finish.

This whisky is very nice to enjoy neat or on the rocks in warmer weather. I was not familiar with this whisky, so I took a chance on the bottle price vs. age, and it was worth it. It reminds me of Tomatin 12 for price and taste, but higher quality.

Priced around $40 and nice summer scotch for the price. I look forward to trying more expressions.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Suntory Whisky – Toki

April 6, 2023 Japan

Name: Suntory Whisky – Toki

Color: Gold

Nose: Light malt, flowers, fresh oak, white fruits

Taste: Honey, malt, oak wood, white pepper

In the Japanese world of whisky Suntory is considered “first authentic Japanese whisky” as it was specifically created for lighter taste of the Japanese. Prior to the creation of there whisky they were dependent solely on imports from the UK and USA. The distillery was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 and it’s first released was Shirofuda in 1929 and was not well received. In 1937 they released their Kakubin and it was very well received.

The name Toki translates to “time” in Japanese, and it is a blend of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita which are all under Suntory’s control. The taste is clean but does not have a lot of complexity or exotic flavors. It is smooth with a little creamy finish. It is a good baseline whisky but it appears to be marketed a cocktail mixer for the price vs. taste. I get the feeling this is the left over stuff from the three distilleries put into one bottle to squeeze out a bit more production.

Suntory is a massive company. As of 2022, they currently have following whisky distilleries under their control:

Jim Beam Bourbon & Rye, Maker’s Mark, Old Grand-Dad, Old Crow, Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Knob Creek Bourbon & Rye, Old Overholt, Rī1, Kessler, Beam’s Eight Star, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Teacher’s Highland Cream, Irish Whiskey,The Tyrconnell, Connemara, Greenore, Kilbeggan, 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey, Alberta Premium, Canadian Club, Tangle Ridge, Windsor Canadian, DYC Whisky, Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Oaksmith Gold Whisky, Chita, and Toki. Plus 29 other various types of liquor distilleries and companies under their management. Impressed yet? I was when I read this list.

Priced around $45 and is an affordable Japanese baseline whisky to try or as a summer mixer.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

“Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini

April 5, 2023 Scotland

Name: “Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini

Color: Clear and green

Nose: Vodka, olives, smokey peat

Taste: Vodka, olives, smokey peat

As we all know the statement above is correct, but this vodka martini receipt caught my eye and was worth a try at home.

You take quality olives (regular or stuffed blue cheese) and marinate them in a mason jar with Ardbeg Whisky for a few days in the refrigerator. I was told it creates a nice flavor profile and I was pleasantly surprised at the with the results. I am not a vodka guy, but the touch of smokiness and whisky flavor in the olives translates nicely to the vodka.

It is worth a try if you like vodka martinis or want to mix it up a little for home cocktails. I do not think a lot of bars are going to have them at the ready for your drink. In a pinch, you could ask the bartender to place a couple of drops of Ardbeg in you finished martini.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Kentucky Owl Rye

Boone Country Small Batch Bourbon

Opinions Vary – Which Cigar Cutter is the best?

Whistle Pig 10 Small Batch Rye

Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature

Opinions Vary: Manners & Deportment in a Cigar Lounge

Davidoff of Geneva – Downtown NYC

Speyburn 10

Suntory Whisky – Toki

“Ardbeg Olive” Vodka Martini

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