In 1870, George Garvin Brown established Old Forester on Louisville, KY's renowned whiskey row. To commemorate this pivotal year in bourbon history, we present Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, the inaugural craft expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row Series.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch pays homage to George Garvin Brown's original batching method. In his time, Brown combined barrels from three distilleries to achieve a consistent flavor profile. To replicate this process today, we meticulously select barrels from three warehouses, each originating from a distinct day of production, with varying entry proofs and age profiles.

These three iterations of Old Forester are then blended to create Old Forester 1870 Original Batch. This 90-proof bourbon is minimally filtered to honour the techniques available to George Garvin Brown during that era.

Cinnamon bark and cedar aromas mingle with a hint of fresh spearmint. The bold palate opens with lemon peel astringency and an echo of mint, winding into oak, coconut and a modest amount of vanilla, finishing with a bracingly peppery exhale. Made with 100% Texas grains. Kara Newman

Bruichladdich's Scottish Barley is made entirely from Scottish-grown barley, trickle distilled and then matured in American oak. The distillery class it as their signature bottling.
Awards:
Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022.

Heaven’s Door Double Barrel Whiskey is comprised of a unique blend of three different whiskeys - two whiskeys from Tennessee with a traditional bourbon mash bill, and a straight rye whiskey. Each of these whiskeys is aged independently in both new oak and fresh dumped bourbon barrels for at least six years before being married together and aged an additional year in virgin, heavy charred, American oak barrels. Heaven’s Door Double Barrel Whiskey is maple charcoal mellowed after distillation, also known as the Lincoln County Process, resulting in a smooth finish.

AGE: At least 6 years

NOSE: Maple with milled grains and a light nuttiness. Dried berries, vanilla custard, and toasted oak.

PALATE: Toasted Caramel, fried dough, dark cherry, Meyer lemon. Dry oak, vanilla bean, dried apricot, crème caramel. Coconut backed by orange oils and cocoa. Warm butterscotch with woody overtones.

Producer notes: Bold and complex. Our whisky boasts luscious notes of Christmas pudding, citrus, and spice, with a dark-chocolate finish.

Paddy's Irish Whiskey: 91 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022: "A fresh and lively Irish whisky with aromas of warm cereal, chocolate-covered orange, honeysuckle, and white tea leaves. Effortlessly smooth with peaches in cream, honey, and raw cashew coming to mind on the palate, making for a delicious affair."
Nose: Malty, fresh, woody. Hints of spice, honey, vanilla. Taste: Light and crisp. Hints of nuts, malt, charred wood. Finish: A gently fading sweetness. A lingering of mild, woody malt.

Buckle up. Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 16 year old is truly one of the great whiskeys of the world. Aged for about 15 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, and then finished for about 9 months in port wine pipes (large barrels unique to making port wine.) This single malt shows its layers of flavor, juicy fruits, nuts and spice, as well as a hint of ruby redness. It’s best enjoyed neat. Okay, maybe one small cube of ice to open it up.

As with much of what passes for Japanese whisky, the spirit for this one was not produced in Japan, it was however matured there for at least some of its life. This "pure malt", a term no longer allowed in Scotland, means it is a blend of different single malts, or a Blended Malt. The sourced whiskies, almost certainly Scottish, where matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry before marrying and gfinishing in Mizunara, Japanese Oak. 43%.

Tasting Notes

Nose: salted caramel, raisins, dates and figs; firm new leather, fruity tobacco and candied nuts; chocolate covered espresso beans and Twizzlers black licorice.

Palate: round, fruity and spicy; more salted caramel, firm new leather, Twizzlers Black and salty Dutch licorice; a trace of juicy malt, dried dark fruits and more chocolate covered espresso; drying and spicy with more cinnamon sticks, ginger root and fennel.

Finish: medium long, coating, drying and spicy; elegant but subtle.

Comment: the Mizunara oak notes do not come through quite as prominently for me on the 15 as they did on the 10 year; this is a more mature, austere and understated malt.

Octomore 13.3 demonstrates the phenomenal force of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable harvests gathered from the island of Islay, raised by friend and farmer James Brown on one singular farm.

Cragganmore distillery is one of the most prolific in the Banffshire region of Speyside. Pours amber with honey, caramel, fruit, and peaty/floral aromas. Layered flavours of malt, herb, nut, citrus, heather, and cocoa on the elegant and sweet palate with hints of smoke and sandalwood on a lasting finish. Pair with scallops.

Jim Beam White, also known as Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is a classic American bourbon known for its approachable and versatile character. It's aged for four years in new, charred American white oak barrels, imparting a smooth and balanced flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice. It's a popular choice for both sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails.

Bottled uncut straight from the cask, this spirit features a bold nose of caramel, dried fruit, citrus, and berry. It offers full flavors of pepper, earth, herbs, and tropical fruit, with a smooth, creamy palate and rye spice and cocoa on a warm, lingering finish. Enjoy it neat or on ice.

The Dalmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an emblem of luxury and complexity, embodying the rich heritage of The Dalmore distillery located in the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for its distinctive style and exceptional quality, this single malt is aged for 12 years, with a unique maturation process that involves splitting the whisky between traditional American white oak bourbon barrels and exclusive aged sherry casks.

This U.S.-exclusive release was initially aged in first-fill American oak sherry casks before a period of finishing in cognac casks. Spicy red wine notes on the notably aromatic nose, with vanilla and light cinnamon. Good texture in the mouth, sweet, and very approachable, with tangerines, toffee, dates, sultanas, and milk chocolate. Liqueur chocolates in the smooth, lengthy finish. Not overly complex, but robust and extremely drinkable.

he flagship expression from Dublin's Teeling, the Small Batch Irish whiskey is made with a blend of malt and grain whiskeys, initially aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. Following that, the Teeling folks moved the whiskey over to casks that had previously held Central American rum! In these casks, the whiskey had an extra rest for up to 12 months, before being bottled at 46% ABV without any chill-filtration. Wonderfully full-flavoured, with plenty of fresh fruit, creamy vanilla and lively spice notes to enjoy!

The Oban Distillers Edition 2021 is a unique blend of flavors achieved by aging the whisky in ex-bodega Montilla Fino cask wood. This process enhances the fruity and maritime notes, creating a complex and rich expression of the classic Oban flavor. The nose is pungent and fruity, with hints of smoke and the taste is explosive, with waves of rich fruit balanced by a salty undertone. The finish is sweet with notes of Jamaican coffee and oak, leaving a pleasant malt-biscuit aftertaste.

Octomore 13.1 is as youthful and dynamic as its super-heavily peated predecessors. Distilled patiently from the 2015 harvest of 100% Scottish Mainland barley, this single malt is malted to a stratospheric 137.3 PPM and matured in the highest quality American oak casks.

If heavy peat is what dad likes, gift him the Octomore, from the Islay distillery of Bruichladdich. Aged for five years in Bourbon barrels, the hidden peat smoke gives way to the floral, malty spirit and sweet American oak with smoked apricot jam, burnt heather and Turkish delight. Try any of the Octomore's for the peaty style.

Michter's has reintroduced a once-popular whiskey into their lineup, showcasing the traditional sour mash method where a portion of the fermented mash from one batch initiates the fermentation of the next. This revival offers upfront flavors of burnt sugar, spice, tree fruit, and vanilla, leading to a finish characterized by notes of ginger and black pepper. It pairs excellently with barbecued ribs or pecan pie.

Vanilla and almond aromas mingle with a hint of ripe pear. Baked and fresh pear notes lead into coconut cream and almond midpalate, freshened by a delicate white floral hint. A wisp of smoke drifts into the exit. Finished in French Limousin oak.

Regauged into once-used bourbon barrels, this is not the WhistlePig of old. Four years’ finishing in Vermont has toned down the sweetness and high notes, emphasizing a complex, leather/dark chocolate/tobacco spectrum instead. Lavender, violets, and ripe red fruit rise over dusty-dry barn boards, blue clay, and dark rye bread. The spicy rye tones glow with white pepper, while hints of astringent barrel oak keep a slight slipperiness from clinging.

The Glenlivet 18-Year-Old is a rich, complex Speyside single malt known for its balance of fruit, spice, and oak, matured in both American oak and sherry casks for notes of candied orange, dried fruit, toffee, vanilla, and winter spice, with a long, warming finish. It's celebrated for its maturity, smoothness, and sophistication, offering layers of ripe citrus, almond, and oak with hints of cinnamon and raisin. 

Octomore 13.2 offers an alternative maturation to the structural brilliance delivered by its 13.1 counterpart. In an indulgent point of difference, the five-year-old spirit has spent its entire maturing life in Oloroso butts from Fernando de Castilla, Spain.

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognised as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label has an unmistakably smooth, deep character. An impressive whisky to share on any occasion, whether you're entertaining at home or on a night out with friends.

NOSE

Take in the luxurious scent of rich and tropical dark fruits with hints of sweet vanilla.

PALATE

Savour the depth of flavour developed from maturation in oak casks, combined with creamy toffee notes that come from grain whiskies.

FINISH

This iconic whisky delivers a smooth and warming smoke finish, characteristic of all Johnnie Walker whiskies.

Tasting Notes:
Vital Stats: 43% ABV. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2021. Double matured in American oak and ex-oloroso casks.
Appearance: This is a light straw color. It forms a thick rim on the glass that takes a long time to form into tears.
Nose: This has the smell of a honeysuckle tree, whole oranges, and a bit of lemon oil. There is just a hint of the grain on the nose as well.

Palate: This is like drinking honey water. It is light and delicate while being full of flavor. It is certainly on the sweet side with notes of honey and star fruit. There is a brief note of cherry on the mid palate. The front and mid palate are quite clean while the finish has a bit of that sulfur taste. The finish is complemented by a light earthy spice, reminiscent of white pepper and allspice. The addition of water sees the sweetness subdued and all the flavors other than the honey are present for longer. There is just a bit of malt that wasn't there straight out of the bottle as well.

Royal Salute, the prestigious blended whiskey brand under the stewardship of Pernod Ricard and operated by Chivas Brothers Holdings, was originally introduced in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Recently, on May 17, 2023, a collection of new Royal Salute whiskey labels emerged online, unveiling an exquisite addition to the lineup: the Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Miami Polo Edition.

Nose: Rich and smoky with notes of maritime influence, brine, and sea salt. Hints of red berries, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Taste: Intense and complex. Peat smoke and black pepper upfront, followed by sweet flavors of ripe plums, cherries, and caramel. Slight spiciness and a touch of oak.

Palate: Full-bodied and velvety. The smokiness lingers, accompanied by a delightful mix of red fruits, dark chocolate, and a subtle sweetness. The finish is long and warming, with a gentle spice and a hint of dryness.

The Macallan distillery of Speyside was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer. It was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Made from the finest barley and matured for 15 years in a combination of Sherry seasoned American and European oak; these casks without a doubt, are the single greatest contributor to the distinctive aromas and flavours, not to mention the outstanding quality of this Scotch. The apple takes centre stage in the 15, showing baked apples with butterscotch, marmalade and notes of toffee on the nose with a warm palate of warm apples with raisins with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. The finish lingers with oak and spice.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength 2023 offers a bolder, richer profile compared to the regular Maker's Mark, with notes of raisin bread, blueberry pie, and cinnamon buns on the nose. The palate is described as mouth-coating and waxy, with flavors like angel food cake, pink popcorn, and canned peaches. The finish is long and balanced, with touches of red Twizzlers and toasted oak.

Named after the river that meanders through the estate, this whisky offers a medium level of peatiness. Its antique gold hue invites exploration, while the nose entices with notes of wet stone, delicate peat smoke, refreshing mint, and dried florals. On the palate, experience a harmony of mineral essence, zesty citrus, and dark chocolate atop a medium-bodied foundation, culminating in a fleeting burst of hot pepper on the finish.

Blackened Whiskey’s Master Distiller & Blender, Rob Dietrich, teamed up with Rabbit Hole Distillery’s Founder & Hall of Fame whiskey maker, Kaveh Zamanian, to create BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole.

Introducing Sherry Cask 'The Bodega,' a captivating addition to our core whisky collection, ideal for aficionados seeking depth and complexity in their Single Malt. This cask-strength, sherry-matured Single Malt is a testament to luxury and refinement, boasting rich layers of sweet spice and oak. Crafted in collaboration with esteemed Sherry Bodegas in Jerez, Spain, our Master Distiller meticulously selects the finest casks to house our precious spirit, ensuring an unparalleled drinking experience. A tribute to Arran's earliest Single Malts, predominantly matured in Sherry Casks, this expression pairs exquisitely with our Quarter Cask 'The Bothy,' underscoring our Master Distiller's mastery in wood selection and cask expertise.

This blend of straight bourbon whiskies, finished in red wine and sherry casks, offers a delightful array of aromas and flavors. The nose entices with inviting grain notes, reminiscent of porridge, accompanied by a medley of spices including cinnamon, clove, and spearmint. Subtle hints of baked apple, citrus oil, honey-roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate add layers of complexity. On the palate, nutty grain flavors take the lead, intertwined with red fruit, caramel, and vibrant spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and candied ginger. Citrus oil, walnuts, and a touch of cigar tobacco emerge, leading to a nutty and somewhat light finish. Distilled by Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe and expertly blended by Suntory master blender Shinji Fukuyo, this bourbon offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a true delight to savor.

The nose tickles with caramel, spice, vanilla, and earthiness, with just a hint of balsamic vinegar. Warming. Coated with spices, ranging from cinnamon to allspice and from coffee to nutmeg. Eventually, patented caramel and vanilla, with a fun hint of cardamom. The long, enjoyable finish is earthy, but there’s an unwanted bitterness at the end that cannot be denied. If not for the bitter end, this would rate much higher.

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Strength (BP) at 62.5% ABV is an intense, high-proof Tennessee whiskey bottled straight from individual barrels, showcasing bold flavors of vanilla, toasted oak, sweet brown sugar, caramel, and dark spices, with notes of fruit and nuts, offering a rich, smooth, and powerful sipping experience unlike the standard JD, thanks to its high proof and selection from upper rickhouse barrels.

Angel's Envy Triple Oak is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in a blend of Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French oak barrels, creating a complex profile with notes of baking spices, caramel, vanilla, chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted nuts, balanced by a long, spicy finish with hints of pepper and molasses, offering rich sweetness and warmth.

Coca-Cola, rich spice, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, licorice root, maple syrup, Luxardo cherries, and varnish on the nose. Without water, the palate is chewy and full of puckering tannins; add a few drops to unleash dark chocolate, candied ginger, cooked berries, tea leaf, walnuts in maple syrup, black pepper, and a hint of orange oil. The lengthy finish offers chocolate-covered cherries, black tea leaves, and white pepper. Layered and engaging.

Pearse Lyons Distillery opened in 2017, becoming Dublin’s second working distillery this century. This single malt has a nose of honey, apple pie with cream, light pepper, dried grasses, and green herbal notes. The orchard fruits of apple and pear are silenced by a fury of pepper, root ginger, and clove, with only grapefruit peel proffered in response. The dry, banana chip finish fades in a melee of squabbling spices.