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The Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Rusty Nail Cocktail

November 27, 2024

The Rusty Nail cocktail is said to have originated in the 1960’s at the 21 Club in NYC and was rumored to be heavily enjoyed by the Rat Pack. The first and last time I had a Rusty Nail was in 2008 in Los Angeles at The Dresden Bar made famous from the movie Swingers. I figured since I was in an “old school place” I should have an “old school cocktail”. I remember it being good, but a little too sweet for me. At the time I had just stared drinking whisky on the regular.

Now in 2024 (16 fucking years later….sigh) I re-introduced myself to this old school cocktail and my opinion has not really changed. I used Monkey Shoulder Scotch which is a little on the lighter side so I am wondering how Johnnie Walker Double Black or a peaty whisky would pair with the Drambuie.

The Rusty Nail

  • 2 oz Scotch
  • 1 oz Drambuie
  • Serve on ice
  • Orange peel optional

I will try this one again with a stronger whisky. It is not my preference for a cocktail, but I can see this making a nice sweet after dinner drink. However, I would prefer a brandy, cognac, or a very good single malt.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisThe Rusty Nail Cocktail
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Taconic Straight Wheated Bourbon

Taconic Straight Wheated Bourbon

November 21, 2024

Name: Taconic Straight Wheated Bourbon

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Malt/wheat, wood, orange, vanilla

Taste: Wheat, dry cedar wood , dark fruits (black cherries)

Taconic Distillery Straight Wheated Bourbon is from the Hudson Valley area of New York and was sent to me a surprise gift to review. This is the second whiskey bottle sent to me as a gift to review so many thanks to Taconic!

Taconic Distillery is formally the “Millbrook Distillery” and was established in 2013. This expression is “Straight Bourbon Whiskey – New York’s Wheated Bourbon” and is bottled at 45% abv. This expression is non-aged stated, but is aged 3 years in American Oak barrels char #3 and the mash bill is 70% corn / 25% wheat / 5% barley.

Taconic states that their whiskey is good for sipping and/or cocktails. This expression is more on the dry side due to the percentage of wheat in the mash. The taste is may be dry, but the finish is a little hot on the tongue at the lower proof. When ice is added it opens up nicely and the flavor profile comes out more. This expression works well on ice if you like the dryness and would do well in a cocktail but the taste would dissipate quickly due to the low proof.

I wanted to thank Taconic again for sending this bottle to me. I don’t go hunting for free stuff as I try to be self-funded so this was a very nice surprise. I enjoy their whiskey very much and I really need to get off my ass and get up to their distillery this Spring and meet the team!

Priced around $50 and worth it if you like wheated whiskey and supporting a local American business.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Straight Wheated Bourbon
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Davidoff Escurio

Davidoff Escurio

November 20, 2024

Name: Davidoff Escurio

Size/Gauge: 3-1/8” / 50

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

Binder: Brazil

Filler: Brazil / Dominican Republic

The Davidoff Escurio has a noticeably sweeter nose even before I put a torch to it. This cigar started a little dry and bitter, but the bitterness dissipates after about five minutes of smoking. Escurio has a very nice flavor while being surprisingly strong in taste. It has notes of wood, dark tobacco, and dark chocolate. I did not detect any nuts and no earth and it had a perfect draw with a straight cut.  At the time of smoking, I was not sure what the binder and filler were, so I guessed Brazil, and I was right. I have noticed Brazilian tobacco has a distinct flavor profile.

Prices: Box of 14 = $150.00, Pack of 4 = $42.00, One cigar (assume) = $14-16

This one is the second best of the box set and worth the money if it fits your budget.

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

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisDavidoff Escurio
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Taconic Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled in Bond 

Taconic Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled in Bond 

November 14, 2024

Name: Taconic Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled in Bond 

Color: Brown

Nose: Corn, vanilla, dark fruits, orange, oak

Taste: Corn, caramel, vanilla, apricot/orange, cream, dry oak

Taconic Distillery’s “Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled in Bond” is from the Hudson Valley area of New York and was sent to me to review. Straight Bourbon is non-aged stated, but is aged 4.25 years in Independent Stave cooper select Char #3, and bottled at 50% abv. The mash bill is 70% corn / 25% rye / 5% barley. The barrels are rested in shipping containers which increase the temperature swings during the aging process. The higher temperatures created more intense flavors and at 100 proof it is well balanced and easy to drink. The expression is “bottled in bond” is a legal term that requires three conditions to be met:

  • Produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery.
  • Matured in a US Bonded warehouse for a minimum 4 years.
  • Bottled at 50% abv.

The reason for this method originates from the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act which was created to protect the authenticity and integrity of American spirits. Boot leggers were getting creative back in the day and producing gut rot dog shit whiskey and the government wanted to protect actual hard working distillers’ products. Ironically, 23 years later, alcohol sales would be banned under Prohibition for 13 long years. This led to more boot legging and a massive rise in criminal organizations. The road to hell has always been paved with good intentions.

I was in Kentucky a couple of weeks ago doing my yearly visit and tasting and I can state for certain that Bottled in Bond can give any Kentucky Bourbon a serious run for their money. Taconic states that their whiskey is good for sipping and/or cocktails. This expression definably works as a sipping whisky. The profile is well balanced, the finish is smooth, and it has a nice Kentucky chew. A little ice opens the whiskey up nicely and the 100 proof holds the flavor. This expression will work well in a cocktail due to the proof, but it is just as good to drink neat or on the rocks.

I want to thank the owner of Taconic Distillery Paul Coughlin for sending this bottle and bag of coffee to me. We had a nice chat on the phone last week and I expressed my appreciation for his consideration and the support as an independent whiskey reviewer. I am going to make a point to visit in the next few months.

Priced around $60 and a very good tasting New York Whiskey. Not sure if it will be easy to find on the shelves so you might have to take a ride up the Hudson River to Taconic Distillery.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bottled in Bond 
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Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye

November 13, 2024

Name: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye

Color:  Copper

Nose: Rye, spices, wood, vanilla, orange

Taste: Rye, caramel, vanilla, oak, light spice

Jack Daniel’s has departed from their usual mash bill and classic Tennessee Whiskey flavor with their first rye whiskey and they went heavy on the rye. The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye mash bill is 70% Rye, 18% Corn, and 12% Barley. It is aged in new charred oak, is non-aged stated, and bottled at 47% abv.

On my first taste of this whiskey, I enjoyed the flavor. On my second taste I got the class Jack on the backend, but the rye spice masked it well. I found this rye hard to nose and this is probably due to the high amount of rye in the mash. As anyone who reads my reviews or knows me I really dislike Jack Daniels. However, I must be fair and try them as they come my way. Overall, this expression was pretty good. Next time I try this one I will have it in an Old Fashioned to see how it tastes.

Priced around $50+ and not bad for a rye whiskey from Jack Daniel’s. I believe Frank Sinatra would have enjoyed this one!

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisJack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye
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Taconic Distillery

Taconic Distillery

November 7, 2024

Taconic Distillery is situated in the Hudson Valley region, but its official location is at 179 Bowden Rd. Standfordville, NY. The distillery is a former farm and is now owned by Paul Couglin, who used to be a Wall Street guy. He made the switch to the whiskey world in 2013 and has been making is mark ever since. Taconic is approximately 100 miles North of NYC so plan your travel time and transport method on the country roads.  I recommend staying in Rhinebeck, NY at one of the many Bed & Breakfasts and having dinner in the downtown area.

After receiving a few bottles over the last couple of years Paul and I spoke and he invited me up for a behind the scenes tour. I visited on a Saturday in late October 2023. He showed me the distillery, rickhouses, bottling, and packing area. I was impressed to see the amount of volume produced in what would be considered a “small location”. It was very refreshing to go on a tour, even behind the scenes, where the owner shows you everything and is so full of passion. I have been on a few distillery tours before and they can get very dull very quickly. In the rickhouse I got to sign a barrel and in my excitement I spelled whiskey incorrectly on the barrel. I feel like a dumbass, I think I should probably buy that barrel. Paul, give me a call please.

Taconic has a nice outdoor patio with a view of the hillside and a smaller indoor space to order or enjoy drinks. Depending on the weather there will be food trucks and live music. The indoor bar has all the Taconic expressions to enjoy as a drink or purchase to take home. There are also other whiskeys, merchandise, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase.  Since it was late October I thought it would be best to sample a Maple Old Fashion. They two were mixed by Carol Ann and they were very good. I really enjoyed them listening the music as the sunset over the farm lands hills.

Taconic expressions: Dutchess Private Reserve, Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey, Founder’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, Double Barrel Maple Bourbon Whiskey, New York Wheated Bourbon, Bottled in Bond Bourbon, New York Single Malt Whiskey, Horse & Jockey Bourbon, Fox & Hare Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Cream, Rolling Hills Rum, Stubbornly Different Gin, Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, and a few other specialized expressions.

I am glad I finally got up there and I look forward to going back soon. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Upstate area of New York or you should do an overnight trip!

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Distillery
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Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Christmas Edition

Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Christmas Edition

November 6, 2024

Name: Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Christmas Edition

Color: Brown

Nose: Corn, malt, vanilla, oak, caramel

Taste: Corn, malt, vanilla, oak, caramel, orange notes

Taconic Distillery’s “Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve” is from the Hudson Valley area of New York and was sent to me last year to review. I could not get it into the schedule for 2023, but I am making a point to get it into the 2024’s as the Holiday Season and shopping approaches!

This expression is titled, “Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Dutchess Private Reserve” and is bottled at 50% abv. It is non-chill filtered and is non-aged stated, but aged 5 years in charred American Oak barrels. The mash bill is 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% barley. When tasted side by side with Taconic Bottle & Bonded, you can notice the aging has smoothed out whiskey more even though they are the same abv.  Taconic states that their whiskey is good for sipping and/or cocktails. This expression is very good for sipping neat. It is well balanced, smooth, and has no burn on the finish.

A main point I would like to make is that Taconic makes several whiskies, spirits and merchandise and with Christmas past approaching any of their products would make a great gift! You can check out what can be ordered online or take a ride up to the distillery to enjoy a drink and their bar/store. Many thanks to Paul at Taconic for sending this bottle to me.

Priced around $60 and worth money. Merry Christmas!

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Christmas Edition
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Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Headless Horseman Edition

Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Headless Horseman Edition

October 31, 2024

Name: Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Headless Horseman Edition

Color: Brown

Nose: Corn, malt, vanilla, oak, caramel

Taste: Corn, malt, vanilla, oak, caramel, orange notes

Taconic Distillery’s “Taconic Dutchess Private Reserve” is from the Hudson Valley area of New York and was sent to me in October 2023 to review. This the third bottle sent as a gift for me to review. Again, many thanks to Taconic!

Taconic Distillery is formally the “Millbrook Distillery” and was established in 2013. This expression is titled, “Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Dutchess Private Reserve” and is bottled at 50% abv. It is non-chill filtered and is non-aged stated, but aged 5 years in charred American Oak barrels. The mash bill is 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% barley. When tasted side by side with Taconic Bottle & Bonded, you can notice the aging has smoothed out whiskey more even though they are the same abv. The extra aging helps.

Taconic states that their whiskey is good for sipping and/or cocktails. This expression is very good for sipping neat. It is well balanced, smooth, and has no burn on the finish. The “Kentucky chew” is very nice and I am very impressed. Dutchess Private Reserve reminds me that you do not need to be hundred-year-old distillery to produce a good product. I can count on one hand how many distilleries fall under this statement and I have fingers left over.

Dutchess works well on ice as it is 100 proof so the flavor holds. I will have to try it in a cocktail too!!!!

Again, I wanted to thank Taconic for sending this bottle to me. My review next week will be on the distillery as went upstate for a visit last weekend.

Priced around $50+ and worth money. Happy Halloween!

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Dutchess Private Reserve – Headless Horseman Edition
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Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

October 30, 2024

Toki is produced by Suntory and is a blend of their Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita whiskey’s. It is a clean tasting whiskey but does not have any real complexity or interesting flavor profile. I find it a little boring and too rough to drink neat or on the rocks. In my opinion, Suntory created this as a cocktail mixer so I thought I would put it to the test with a series of Toki Cocktails.

Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

  • 2.0 oz Toki Whiskey
  • ¼ part Honey Syrup
  • Grapefruit Bitters
  • Slice of Grapefruit

Well, this tasted like absolute fucking dog shit. I will admit, I did not have grapefruit bitters. But I was not going to spend $20 for a bottle of bitters to go with a $35 bottle of whiskey. I substituted half orange and half regular bitters, but that was not the main problem. The grapefruit did not help either due to the bitterness of grapefruit. Toki’s flavor profile does not work for me when I am used to high proof rye or bourbon Old Fashioneds. 

I am tapping out on this series of Toki cocktails. I don’t like the taste of Toki and I am not trying another cocktail. In 2025 I will revisit better cocktails.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisToki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball
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Taconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

Taconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

October 24, 2024

Name: Taconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

Color: Brown

Nose: Maple, wood, caramel

Taste: Maple sugar, oak, light bourbon, caramel

Taconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup is the second item that came in the gift box that I received from Taconic Distillery. The syrup came with their Dutchess Private Reserve Bourbon which I reviewed last month and I am almost out off.

The maple syrup is sourced in New York (support local business!) and is matured in bourbon barrels. The syrup is medium bodied and not too thick or overly sweet. The bourbon flavor is hard to detect when cold but is there when the syrup gets to room temperature. I tasted it neat and then determined it would be better on my waffles. I think that it might be hard to taste any bourbon if there was fruit on my waffles or on pancakes. Note for the parents; the syrup does not taste like bourbon so your children can enjoy it too. 

The bottle size is 375ml and you need to refrigerate it after opening. I recommend you take the syrup out of the refrigerator before you use it on your breakfast or in your Taconic Whiskey Sour. 

Price around $40 for two bottles (online store price) and worth the money if you like maple syrup.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

 

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisTaconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
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