Chris | Page 27 | NYC Whiskey Review

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Catskill Provisions “Honey” Rye Whiskey

August 12, 2021 NYC

Name: Catskill Provisions “Honey” Rye Whiskey

Color: Light brown

Nose: Sweet, honey, rye spice

Taste: Honey, spice, orange, toasted rye

Review:

Catskill Honey Rye Whiskey is a whiskey from Catskill Provisions which is an artesian food company in Rochester, NY. Catskill Provisions was founded in 2010 by Claire M. Marin and produces syrups, honeys, vinegars, mixes, and now whiskey.

Catskill Provisions decided to source rye (80%) and barley (20%) and make use of their bees and honey to make their own whiskey. I am unsure of the source of their whiskey but from what I can taste, it is decent stuff.

I tried a sample at a local liquor store and found it rye-spicy sweet, but not too sweet. I thought it would make a good Old Fashion cocktail in the hot weather. The drink was good, but it ended up being a bit too sweet for my taste. Any time you start putting honey, sugar, syrups in whiskey or a cocktail runs the risk of becoming a “sugar drink”. This is why I usually steer clear of mixologist cocktails at bars. I have found them be sugar drinks. In an Old Fashion cocktail, I would make a point not to add sugar unless whiskey is cheap. Having said all that, what is the point if you just drink the same whiskey all the time? I will still end up drinking it one way or another and Catskill Provisions suggests the following cocktails;

I also marinated some chicken in the whiskey with some light spices and grilled it. It came out nice, but I like whiskey for drinking not for cooking.

Priced around $35 and good if you like a sweeter whiskey need it for a cocktail mixer.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon

August 5, 2021 America

Name: James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon

Color: Copper

Nose: Caramel, corn, vanilla, honey

Taste: Spices, rye, clove spice

Review:

James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon is named after Colonel James E. Pepper who was a Bourbon Industrialist (not sure what that means) who died in 1906 and was a third generation distiller. The name dates back to his grandfather’s Revolutionary War era recipes.The bourbon is 100 proof and very strong. It is a non chilled filter and is 38% rye, also known as a “high rye”. The balance of flavors is a bit off and hard to detect. The corn ethanol is harsh and the high rye of the whiskey makes it a bit tough to drink.

This bourbon is not a straight or on the rocks drinker. It is more a mixer in a cocktail. When it comes to a mixer it is very subjective and personal with respect to the flavor, proof, and cost. I find if you are spending around $50 for a whiskey to make cocktails you better know what you like. I prefer FEW and Sagamore Rye Cask for my Old Fashions. For my Manhattans I like Maker’s 46.

Priced around $40 and not worth the money on flavor, only on high proof.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Rebellion Bourbon

July 22, 2021 America

Name: Rebellion Bourbon

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Corn, oak, dark fruit, ethanol

Taste: Corn, vanilla, rough finish

Review:

Rebellion Bourbon is a “in house” type bourbon created to commemorate Opici Wines history of business. Opici Wines is an importer and producer of wines and spirits founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Glen Rock, New Jersey.

The whiskey is aged 6 years and the mash is 70% corn, 30% rye, and malted barley. It is distilled in copper pot stills and charred in American oak casks. It is bottled at 47% abv but is non-aged stated. The nose is strange, and the taste is awful. This stuff must be for those creative cocktail menus you see at regular bars.

You will probably not find this bourbon it in stores. Their sales force will be pushing it to buyers to make more money for the owner instead of selling another distilleries products.

Priced around $40 and tastes like shit.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength

July 8, 2021 America

Name: Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength

Color: Brown

Nose: Orange, spice, light vanilla

Taste: Maple, oak, spices, booze

Review:

Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength is a recent expression from Bulleit that adds a little “kick”to their Bourbon. Barrel Strength Bourbon is an uncut (no water added), single batch, non-chilled filtered bourbon that is bottle between 120-125 proof. The bourbon is aged at their base of operations which is Stitzel Weller in Louisville, KY. I have been there for a tour and a tasting. It is a good tour and tasting but Woodford’s setup is a bit nicer.

The Bulleit 10-Year-Old is comparable in flavor and cost and probably is the same bourbon with some aging and water added. The Barrel Strength has almost the same flavor profile as the regular Bulleit Bourbon but more powerful due the higher proof. It can be hard to detect the flavors due the higher proof but I do not think flavor is what they are going for with this expression. Although it is not stated clearly, it appears Bulleit has created this bourbon for more powerful cocktails per requests of bartenders as the whisky and cocktail craze continues. Cocktails get water down during the mixologist (what a stupid fucking name btw) process to make them so strong booze will allow the flavors to stand out.

Price around $65 and good for Bulleit expressions but needs water to cut/soften it. Great for a stronger cocktail.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

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!

Chivas Regal 12

June 3, 2021 Scotland

Name: Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old

Color: Light Yellow

Nose: Malt, wood, heather, orange

Taste: Wood, orange, light pepper, light vanilla

Review:

Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch that comes from the Strathisla Distillery which was founded in 1786. It is located at Keith Moray in Speyside, Scotland and the Chivas Regal expression was created in 1801. I wonder how whiskey really tasted back in 1801. I bet it is was a rough and harsh as was life back then, plus there was no ice cubes unless it was winter. Due to the age of Chivas there is a lot of history but it is too long to summarize. If you like whiskey history I suggest you read up on it.

Chivas Regal is a very popular scotch and is on almost every bar in America, if not the world. Its popularity is up there with Johnnie Walker Black or Jack Daniels and it ranked in the top 5 blended scotches in the world.

It is bottled at 40% abv and is a blend so it is ok on the strength and decent on the taste. The 12 is a baseline scotch, but Chivas does have better expressions at higher prices.

Other expressions: Extra, 18, 25 Brother’s Blend, Regal Ultis, Regal Mizunara, Regal the Icon, Royal Salute, and Regal XV. I have a bottle of the Royal Salute 21 and I am waiting to for a special occasion to crack it open. With respect to the Chivas Regal 12 you are getting a basic blend at a basic cost.

Priced around $35 and good to bring to a party as a gift or for slugging down with friends.

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!

Black Zebra Scotch

May 6, 2021 Scotland

Name: Black Zebra Scotch

Color: Light Yellow

Nose: Marine, malt, citrus

Taste: Marine, malt, citrus, salty

Review:

Black Zebra Scotch is a type of scotch that I can not review, but I can give you a “heads up” when it comes to drinking it. Do not drink it.

I went to Sandals for a few days of rest and relaxation in Antigua just after I got married back in December 2019. Black Zebra Scotch is the only scotch in the room along with some other cheap vodka, gins, and rum. It should be noted that at Sandals the highest quality whiskey is Crown Royal, Glenlivet 12, and Johnnie Walker Black.The cruise I took to Bermuda a few years ago had better scotch but I just can’t sit around in the sun and drink scotch. I am also not a fan of all inclusive resorts or cruises, I prefer walking around in other countries and really experiencing the country and culture.

Black Zebra Scotch is rough, awful and tastes like someone pissed leftover cheap scotch into a green bottle.

Priced around “who gives a shit”. If you are going to Sandals, bring your own scotch and cigars as needed.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

1986 Glenturret Glasgow 2014 Edition

April 29, 2021 Scotland

Name: 1986 Glenturret Glasgow 2014 Edition

Color: Amber

Nose: Malt, grass, flowers, dry wood

Taste: Light wood, floral, lemon, spices

Review:

The 1986 Glenturret Glasgow 2014 Edition is a special edition scotch released to honor the Commonwealth Games that were held in Glasgow in 2014. It originates from the Glenturret Distillery in Perthshire, Scotland and is the key ingredient in the Famous Grouse scotch that is contained in the bottle. The various blends in the bottle are aged for 28 years (I doubt all of them are 28 years old) and the age coincides with the last time the Commonwealth Games were in Edinburgh in 1986.

The scotch was bottled in 2014 at 46.4% abv and only 1800 bottles at 700ml have been produced and released. If you are interested in trying instead of buy, maybe, Copper & Oak or the Brandy Library might have a bottle. If they do, you are going to pay full fare for a dram due to the limit run and allocation. I do not think you will find this easily in the NYC area.

On my last visit to Glasgow my uncle told his friend, Mr. Murphy (owner of The Potstill) that I am a scotch drinker. Mr. Murphy and I chatted over a few pints at The Smiddy and he told me had a very good scotch for me to try. The next day my cousin’s husband I am I went over The Potstill to give it a try and it was excellent. I was graciously allowed to purchase a bottle and I lugged it home to NYC and saved it for a special occasion.

Priced around $225+ online and I paid less, but I paid less in British Pounds. It was a great scotch and worth a try and taste!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Catskill Provisions “Honey” Rye Whiskey

James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon

Rebellion Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength

Tin Cup 10 Year American Whiskey

Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey

Chivas Regal 12

Journeyman – Silver Cross Whiskey

Black Zebra Scotch

1986 Glenturret Glasgow 2014 Edition

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