In Defense of Unconventional Whiskey Choices
As a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, I’ve always had a penchant for the unconventional. While the mainstream may flock to the tried-and-true classics, I find myself drawn to the outliers, the underdogs of the whiskey world. This March, as the whiskey industry buzzed with excitement over the usual suspects, I delved into a realm of unique flavors and bold choices that set my taste buds on a thrilling journey.
Keeper’s Heart 10 Year: A Transatlantic Love Affair
While many may raise an eyebrow at an American brand producing Irish whiskey, I see it as a beautiful fusion of two whiskey worlds. Keeper’s Heart 10 Year, a collaborative project between Brian Nation and David Perkins, showcases the best of both American and Irish whiskey traditions. The creamy notes of blackberries and raisin bread paired with a finish that lingers with icing and fresh pastry make this release a standout in a sea of conformity.
Natterjack Cask Strength: Embracing Bourbon Influence
Natterjack’s unique approach of infusing Irish whiskey with an American accent through a bourbon-esque mashbill is a bold move that pays off. The dessert-driven flavors of honey, peaches, and pears in Natterjack Cask Strength provide a delightful post-dinner experience that challenges the status quo of traditional Irish whiskey profiles.
New York Distilling Company Writer’s Rye Chapter 2.1 Goldfarb: A Literary Journey
Aaron Goldfarb’s selection of this rye whiskey from New York Distilling Company adds a touch of storytelling to the whiskey world. With aromas of sesame seeds, toffee, and butterscotch, this distinctive rye whiskey offers a unique narrative that deviates from the expected herbaceous notes.
Shortbarrel Barrel Proof ReserveBar Single Barrel Bourbon Selection: A Bourbon Tale Like No Other
Shortbarrel’s origin story, born from a serendipitous encounter in Louisville, sets the stage for a bourbon that defies convention. With a rich palate of tobacco, sweet cola, and a decadent finish, this Atlanta brand’s offering challenges the notion of what a bourbon should be.
Blackened X Rabbit Hole: A Rock ’n’ Roll Collaboration
The collaboration between Metallica’s Blackened brand and Kaveh Zamanian’s Rabbit Hole Distillery is a testament to the creativity and innovation present in the whiskey world. The blend of Tennessee bourbon and Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Calvados apple brandy casks offers a sensory experience that pushes boundaries and breaks molds.
Bruichladdich Re/Define Thirty 30 Year Old: Redefining Luxury
Bruichladdich’s 30-year-old single malt from the Luxury Redefined series challenges the notion of what a premium scotch should entail. With a rich nose of honey, tobacco, and char, this opulent release sets a new standard for extended age statement scotches.
Teeling 33 Year Very Rare Cask Pineau des Charentes Finish: The Epitome of Rarity
Teeling’s 33-year-old whiskey, finished in Pineau des Charentes casks, exemplifies the art of rarity in the whiskey world. With a complex flavor profile of almonds, peach rings, and nougat, this release stands as a testament to the beauty of experimentation and innovation.
Stagg Jr. Batch 16: A Barrel-Proof Powerhouse
Buffalo Trace’s Stagg Jr. Batch 16, with its rich complexity and bold flavors of honey, caramel, and root beer, showcases the raw power of barrel-proof whiskey. This offering proves that sometimes, straying from the norm leads to extraordinary discoveries.
Bernheim Barrel Proof Wheat Whiskey A224: A Wheat Whiskey Revelation
Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Barrel Proof wheat whiskey challenges preconceived notions with its dessert-like profile of brown sugar, maple syrup, and waffle cone. This cask-strength release is a testament to the versatility and depth of wheat whiskey.
Redbreast 27 Year Batch No. 4: The Elegance of Age
Redbreast’s 27-year-old Irish whiskey, aged in a mixture of bourbon, sherry, and ruby Port casks, embodies the essence of sophistication and refinement. With a rich palate of fruit, oak, and toffee, this release is a celebration of the beauty that comes with time.
In a world where conformity reigns supreme, I urge fellow whiskey enthusiasts to embrace the unconventional, to seek out the outliers and the risk-takers. It is in these bold choices that we find true innovation and the potential for extraordinary experiences.
