Starting September 1, 2009, at 4 PM EST, the folks at Knob Creek (well, at Jim Beam) will present their first webcast. If you point your browser to knobcreek.com/webcast, you will be able to listen to the "whiskey professors" begin their foray into webcasting. Listeners can also participate, sort of, by submitting questions to be answer during a scheduled Q&A session. Submit your questions here.
Knob Creek gives us a vague idea of what to expect:
"After all, it's going to be a live broadcast. With Whiskey Professors. So anything could, and probably will, happen. All we can really tell you is that they plan on showing the world why Knob Creek is so special to so many of us, while also discussing when it will be back in full supply for all to enjoy. After that, anything is fair game. Questions from the viewers. A distillery tour. A special interview with a very special guest. And who knows what else. You'll just have to tune in and see for yourself. "
Call it a marketing ploy, but I think this webcast idea is a good one. For those interested, it will provide some valuable bourbon information. Efforts to get people interested in American whiskey is always beneficial.
August 27, 2009
August 21, 2009
Wild Turkey 101 Review
Wild Turkey 101 is made in Lawrenceburg, KY, at the Wild Turkey Distillery. The production process is overseen by the well-known and respected master distiller Jimmy Russell. 101 is also Wild Turkey's flagship bourbon expression.
At at high-but-not-too-high proof of 101, some drinkers may prefer to add a little water or icecubes to their glass. Personally, I almost always prefer to drink bourbons neat, with no additional water, and this review will follow suit. And, at 101 proof, it can be used along with the few available bottled-in-bonds for a tasting if you're so inclined.
WT 101 is deep orange/amber in color. Its nose is very pleasingly balanced, with a marked spice that rides on the back of warming, mellow sweetness. It doesn't give off an sharp ethanol aroma, which is nice considering the proof. Mouthfeel is soft; not viscous or oily. WT 101 has a strong rye spice note, under which sweet vanilla smokiness lies. The finish reminds you of the proof, rewarding you with a rolling burn from the back of your throat over your tongue. The finish also offers charcoal and citrus. It has a very strong character, but remains softly delicate. Overall, Wild Turkey 101 is complex and, given its price and availability, a remarkable bourbon.
Finally, for some reason (and maybe it's just me) WT has a reputation of being a "hard-drinking" bourbon - one that should be relegated to shot glasses at fraternity parties instead of enjoyed as a great bourbon. In an effort to dispel this reputation, I would go so far to say that WT 101 can holds its own against some of the ultra-premium bourbons around. Jimmy Russell certainly has done something wonderful.
At at high-but-not-too-high proof of 101, some drinkers may prefer to add a little water or icecubes to their glass. Personally, I almost always prefer to drink bourbons neat, with no additional water, and this review will follow suit. And, at 101 proof, it can be used along with the few available bottled-in-bonds for a tasting if you're so inclined.
WT 101 is deep orange/amber in color. Its nose is very pleasingly balanced, with a marked spice that rides on the back of warming, mellow sweetness. It doesn't give off an sharp ethanol aroma, which is nice considering the proof. Mouthfeel is soft; not viscous or oily. WT 101 has a strong rye spice note, under which sweet vanilla smokiness lies. The finish reminds you of the proof, rewarding you with a rolling burn from the back of your throat over your tongue. The finish also offers charcoal and citrus. It has a very strong character, but remains softly delicate. Overall, Wild Turkey 101 is complex and, given its price and availability, a remarkable bourbon.
Finally, for some reason (and maybe it's just me) WT has a reputation of being a "hard-drinking" bourbon - one that should be relegated to shot glasses at fraternity parties instead of enjoyed as a great bourbon. In an effort to dispel this reputation, I would go so far to say that WT 101 can holds its own against some of the ultra-premium bourbons around. Jimmy Russell certainly has done something wonderful.
August 11, 2009
WhiskyFest Announces Participants
Malt Advocate Magazine recently released the pours for both the San Francisco and New York WhiskyFests. You can get info about these events, including ticket pricing and dates, here.
Here's the participating whiskies for San Francisco:
http://maltadvocate.com/docs/whiskyfest/san_francisco/whisky_list.aspx
And here's the New York group:
http://maltadvocate.com/docs/whiskyfest/new_york/whisky_list.aspx
For those that haven't heard about WhiskyFest, here's a quick rundown from the Malt Advocate website,
"WhiskyFest . . . will feature more than 200 of the world's finest, rarest, and most expensive, single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian and other whiskies from around the world to sample in one Grand Ballroom. High-end rums, tequilas beer and other spirits will be represented as well.
The focus is on education, and many distillery representatives will be on hand at the pouring booths to explain how the whiskies are made. Seminars by top whisky experts run throughout the evening. Meet distinguished members of the whisky community, and learn first-hand how their brands are made.
Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening, plus coffee, tea, water and soda. Each attendee receives a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass for tastings."
Any whiskey fan should do his or her best to make it to one of these events, if only once.
Here's the participating whiskies for San Francisco:
http://maltadvocate.com/docs/whiskyfest/san_francisco/whisky_list.aspx
And here's the New York group:
http://maltadvocate.com/docs/whiskyfest/new_york/whisky_list.aspx
For those that haven't heard about WhiskyFest, here's a quick rundown from the Malt Advocate website,
"WhiskyFest . . . will feature more than 200 of the world's finest, rarest, and most expensive, single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian and other whiskies from around the world to sample in one Grand Ballroom. High-end rums, tequilas beer and other spirits will be represented as well.
The focus is on education, and many distillery representatives will be on hand at the pouring booths to explain how the whiskies are made. Seminars by top whisky experts run throughout the evening. Meet distinguished members of the whisky community, and learn first-hand how their brands are made.
Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening, plus coffee, tea, water and soda. Each attendee receives a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass for tastings."
Any whiskey fan should do his or her best to make it to one of these events, if only once.
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