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What's the Difference? - Yellowstone Toasted vs Yellowstone Rum Cask

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Yellowstone Toasted, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Oak Staves

The Yellowstone Toasted was the first release in the "Special Finishes Collection." This product starts as the 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 13 % rye, and 12 % malted barley used for the Yellowstone Select. Next, the bourbon is finished with toasted staves for an undisclosed period. The brand offers little transparency on this product, but they tell us they use at least five toast-style staves. The staves used for the second finishing are described as high toast, American oak double toast, high vanilla, rick house, and spice rack staves. The final product is bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV). Yellowstone Toasted won a double gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

I'll provide a general explanation for toasted-finished bourbons because they are so popular these days. Once the base bourbon has reached the target flavor profile, in this case, it's around four years, and additional wooden staves are added inside that barrel for a specific period. For Yellowstone Toasted, the company does not tell us how long they finish this product. The added staves have been toasted for particular lengths to generate an ideal flavor they might impart. For example, specific toasting methods might develop a strong vanilla or coffee flavor in the whiskey. Usually, a producer will add a combination of staves, imparting different types of oak flavor and hopefully creating greater complexity.

  • Nose - Toasted caramel, vanilla, hints of fall spices and cinnamon

  • Palate - Walnut, toffee, black tea and white pepper

  • Finish - Cocoa and tobacco with a crisp oak finish

Yellowstone Rum Cask, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks

The Yellowstone Rum Cask is the second release in the "Special Finishes Collection." At the time of writing, in October 2024, this is the newest release from the brand. This product starts as the 4-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 13 % rye, and 12 % malted barley used for the Yellowstone Select. Next, the bourbon is cask-finished for 9 weeks in rum barrels sourced from Havana, Cuba. The final product is bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV). 

  • Nose - Gingerbread, poached pear and fresh-cut hay

  • Palate - Toasted marshmallow, crème brûlée, toffee and toasted oak

  • Finish - Tobacco, clove and cocoa-seasoned oak with a long honey finish

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Glencairn & Riedel Glassware Recommendations

 

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What's the Difference? - Yellowstone Select Bourbon vs Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey

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Photo by Yellowstone

Yellowstone Select, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Yellowstone Select is the brand's flagship product. It combines 4-year-old and 7-year-old bourbon distilled from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 13 % rye, and 12 % malted barley and bottled at 93 proof (46.5 % ABV). Yellowstone Select won a gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

  • Note - Rye spice with soft, leathered cherries

  • Palate - Smoked caramel with hints of vanilla and honey

  • Finish - Smoky oak brown sugar

Photo by Yellowstone

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey

The Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey is not a bourbon but a 4-year-old whiskey distilled from malted barley at a single distillery. They do not disclose what style of malt(s) they use. This product is bottled at 108 proof (54 % ABV). 

  • Nose - Cereal malt and honey with a hint of peach blossom

  • Palate - Sweet medium body with notes of honey, pear, stone fruit and dates

  • Finish - Notes of oak with hints of cinnamon and English walnuts

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Glencairn & Riedel Glassware Recommendations

 

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What's the Difference? - Siempre Plata Tequila vs Siempre Supremo Tequila (Verified Additive-Free)

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Photo by Prestige Beverage Group

Siempre Plata

The Plata label is double distilled in copper pot stills at the Feliciano Vivanco y Asociados distillery (NOM 1414) in Arandas, Jalisco, from 100 % blue Weber agave sourced from the Los Altos region. The agave is cooked in stone and brick ovens, crushed using a roller mill, and open-air fermented using a rum and Champagne yeast strain. The brand also has a unique fermentation process called the Mozart Method, where they play classical music to the yeast during fermentation. I wonder if it is always exclusively Mozart or if they rotate composers. The water source used comes from a deep well. The final product is bottled unaged at 80 proof (40 % ABV) and verified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker. Co-founder Monica Sanita wanted the Plata to be carefully balanced, soft enough for newcomers, yet complex enough for enthusiasts. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Plata is $49.99, but I have found it in my home market between $37 and $39.

Recommended Glassware - Riedel Drink Specific Double Rocks

Photo by Prestige Beverage Group

Siempre Supremo

Siempre Supremo is a complex old-world, high-proof, wild-fermented blanco tequila made from 100% tahona-crushed Supremo agave, known for its high price and superior sugar content. It is double distilled in stainless steel with copper parts at La Cofradia distillery (NOM 1137) in Tequila, Jalisco, from 100 % "supremo" blue Weber agave sourced from the Los Altos region. More on Supremo Agave later. The agave is cooked in stone and brick ovens, 100 % Tahona-crushed, and open-air wild fermented with the agave fibers. The water source used comes from a volcanic spring. The final product is bottled unaged at still-proof between 90-110 (45-55 % ABV) and is verified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Supremo is $70, but I have found it in my home market between $78 and $81.

I wanted more clarification on what they meant by "supremo" agave, so I contacted an employee of the brand. They said, "Supremo means the agave was harvested at their peak maturity, anywhere from 6 to even sometimes 12 years. Hand-picked from every harvest, significantly larger and higher in brix content. Every time the agave is harvested, we receive a GUIA, which shows which location they were harvested from and the agave maturity. These factors determine whether or not we classify the agave as "Supremo."

Recommended Glassware - Riedel Tequila Tasting Glass

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What's the Difference? - Bushmills 10 Year-Old vs Bushmills 12 Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Bushmills Irish Whiskey - The Brand

Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. King James granted the original license to distill on April 20, 1608. The brand specializes in two styles of whiskey: unpeated Irish Single Malt and Blended Irish Whiskey, with a high proportion of single malt whiskey in the final blend, unique for the Irish whiskey category. The distillery is located in Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on the River Bush, where the mills initially processed the grain to make whiskey. The water from the River Bush is still used to distill and proof down the whiskey. This river is filtered through the volcanic bedrock and flows from the village of Bushmills to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Single Malt whiskey forms the backbone for all expressions of Bushmills. All their Single Malt whiskey is triple-distilled in traditional Irish copper pot, and the proprietary design has been the brand’s logo for three centuries. All barley is 100 % sourced from the Island of Ireland, and all Bourbon barrels are sourced from Kelvin Cooperage.

Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt

The Bushmills 10-Year-Old is the gateway expression to the brand’s Single Malt line-up. Unlike the blended expressions, which contain a proportion of lighter grain whiskey distilled from corn or wheat, their Single Malt whiskey is triple distilled in copper pot stills from 100 % Irish malted barley at a single distillery. This style of Irish whiskey changed when the British Crown imposed a tax on malted barley in the mid-1800s, causing most distilleries to switch to corn or to include unmalted barley. Bushmills continues the original process, and their Single Malts are “pure malts” with no peat or smoked malt. The 10-Year-Old expression is matured for a minimum of ten years separately in ex-Bourbon barrels, sourced from the Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky, and Oloroso Sherry casks, before being blended and bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV). This product is the favorite of Bushmills Master Blender Helen Mulholland, Ireland’s first female Master Blender.

Bushmills 12-Year-Old Single Malt

The Bushmills 12-Year-Old expression is the newest addition to the single malt lineup and was designed to offer customers a bridge product between the 10 Year-old and 16-Year-Old expressions. This expression is triple distilled from 100 % Irish malted barley and matured for a minimum of 11 years in former sherry casks and bourbon barrels before combing and finishing for 6-9 months in Marsala wine casks, which is a fortified wine from Sicily, a large island south of the Italian Peninsula. This product is bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV).

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What's the Difference? - Penelope Toasted Bourbon vs Penelope Toasted Rye

Penelope - The Brand

Michael Paladini founded Penelope Bourbon. He and his wife, Kerry, struggled to conceive a child, but Kerry finally became pregnant. The couple knew they would have a girl and wanted to name her Penelope. Mike wanted to create a bourbon brand to celebrate this moment every day. Partnering with his lifelong friend Danny Polise, he sourced the spirit from MGP (Midwest Grain Products), now called Ross & Squibb, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They chose a unique blend of three bourbon mash bills to set the brand apart from other MGP products. The brand began with the four-grain, white label, which is still the brand's flagship product. Penelope was later acquired by the Luxco & MGP parent company, which will give the brand access to older barrels and also elevate production. Items that may have been extremely limited in the past should have more volume across the board. Mike will still be very involved in innovations, and Danny will maintain his position as master blender.

Penelope Toasted Bourbon, Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Toasted Series is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 21 % rye, and 4 % malted barley. Unlike the Four Grain and Barrel Strength, this mash bill is not a blend. The bourbon is aged 5 years in a charred new American Oak barrel and finished in a second new American Oak toasted barrel. The char level of the first barrel can range from # 1 to # 5, and the toast level of the second barrel can be light, medium, or heavy, depending on the batch. This product is non-chill filtered and bottled in small batches at 100 proof (50 % ABV). Charring a barrel is similar to flame-throwing the wood while toasting is more similar to holding a lighter to the wood. The comparison that is often used is toasting bread in a toaster. The Toasted won a gold medal in 2022 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

  • Aroma - Rich caramel & vanilla

  • Body - Bold on the palate with notes of marshmallow &vanilla

  • Finish - Long savory finish that leaves a nice hug

Penelope Toasted Rye, Straight Rye Whiskey

The Toasted Rye is also distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, from a mash bill of 95 % rye and 5 % malted barley. Like the Toasted Bourbon label, this mash bill is not a blend. The rye whiskey is aged 6 years in charred new American Oak barrels and finished in new, freshly toasted barrels. My bottle (batch # 24-504) received a # 2 char and a heavy toast. This product is non-chill filtered and bottled in small batches at 100 proof (50 % ABV). The Toasted Rye won a double gold medal in 2024  at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

  • Aroma - Decadent on the nose with bold sweet caramel and hints of mint

  • Body - Vanilla, toasted marshmallow, hints of light tobacco and fruit

  • Finish - Long finish, sweet desert character, orange peel with a subtle spice note

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What's the Difference? - Penelope Toasted Bourbon vs Penelope Architect Bourbon

Penelope Toasted Series, Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Toasted Series is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 21 % rye, and 4 % malted barley. Unlike the Four Grain and Barrel Strength, this mash bill is not a blend. The bourbon is aged 5 years in a charred new American Oak barrel and finished in a second new American Oak toasted barrel. The char level of the first barrel can range from # 1 to # 5, and the toast level of the second barrel can be light, medium, or heavy, depending on the batch. This product is non-chill filtered and bottled in small batches at 100 proof (50 % ABV). Charring a barrel is similar to flame-throwing the wood while toasting is more similar to holding a lighter to the wood. The comparison that is often used is toasting bread in a toaster. The Toasted won a gold medal in 2022 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). 

Penelope Architect, Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with French Oak Staves

The Architect is distilled from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 21 % rye, and 4 % malted barley, aged 4 years in new American Oak barrels, then finished in stainless steel tanks for 6 weeks with French oak staves from the French oak barrel manufacturer Tonnellerie Radoux in Jonzac (located between Cognac and Bordeaux in Western France). Their staves are rated using the state-of-the-art OakScan® process to determine their tannin level. The brand wants to build a new and distinct flavor profile in the same way an Architect creates new innovative structures. Each "build" will have its blueprint on the back label to highlight the flavor profile wheel. This product is non-chill filtered and bottled in small batches at 104 proof (52 % ABV). Architect won a silver medal in 2023 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). 

Penelope - The Brand

Michael Paladini founded Penelope Bourbon. He and his wife, Kerry, struggled to conceive a child, but Kerry finally became pregnant. The couple knew they would have a girl and wanted to name her Penelope. Mike wanted to create a bourbon brand to celebrate this moment every day. Partnering with his lifelong friend Danny Polise, he sourced the spirit from MGP (Midwest Grain Products), now called Ross & Squibb, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They chose a unique blend of three bourbon mash bills to set the brand apart from other MGP products. The brand began with the four-grain, white label, which is still the brand's flagship product. Penelope was later acquired by the Luxco & MGP parent company, which will give the brand access to older barrels and also elevate production. Items that may have been extremely limited in the past should have more volume across the board. Mike will still be very involved in innovations, and Danny will maintain his position as master blender.

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What's the Difference? - Penelope Four Grain Bourbon vs Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon

Penelope - The Brand

Michael Paladini founded Penelope Bourbon. He and his wife, Kerry, struggled to conceive a child, but Kerry finally became pregnant. The couple knew they would have a girl and wanted to name her Penelope. Mike wanted to create a bourbon brand to celebrate this moment every day. Partnering with his lifelong friend Danny Polise, he sourced the spirit from MGP (Midwest Grain Products), now called Ross & Squibb, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They chose a unique blend of three bourbon mash bills to set the brand apart from other MGP products. The brand began with the four-grain, white label, which is still the brand's flagship product. Penelope was later acquired by the Luxco & MGP parent company, which will give the brand access to older barrels and also elevate production. Items that may have been extremely limited in the past should have more volume across the board. Mike will still be very involved in innovations, and Danny will maintain his position as master blender. 

Penelope Four Grain, Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Four Grain label is the Penelope brand's entry-level and flagship product. It offers an easy drinking lower-proofed option that is perfect for cocktails. This product is a blend of three bourbon mash bills containing all four grains that average 75 % Corn, 7 % Rye, 15 % Wheat, and 3 % Malted Barley. The bourbon is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, aged for a minimum of 36 months in new American Oak barrels with a # 4 char for the barrel staves and a # 2 char for the barrel head, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV). The Four Grain won a silver medal in 2020 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). 

Penelope Barrel Strength, Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Barrel Strength is a blend of three bourbon mash bills containing all four grains that average 80 % corn, 7 % rye, 7 % wheat, and 6 % malted barley. The bourbon is distilled in Indiana and Kentucky, aged for a minimum of 4 years new American Oak barrels, uncut with water, non-chill filtered, bottled in small batches at barrel strength, which typically ranges from 112 to 116 proof (56 - 58 % ABV). The Barrel Strength won a double gold medal in 2020 and a gold medal in 2022 & 2023 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). 

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What's the Difference? - Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey vs Powers Rye Irish Whiskey

Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey

Powers Gold is the brand's flagship product and carries on its legacy from 1791 to the present day, including the first Irish whiskey in Dublin to be individually bottled in 1886. This product is triple-distilled in copper pot stills at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork with a content of 70 % Pot Still whiskey (defined as using a mash bill containing a minimum of 30 % malted barley and a minimum of 30 % unmalted barley), aged on-site between 5 and 7 years in former or ex-American oak barrels, non-chill filtered, and bottled at the original export strength of 86.4 proof (43.2 % ABV). 

Powers Rye Irish Whiskey

Powers Rye is the brand's newest label. It is triple-distilled from 100 % Irish Rye at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, aged in former or ex-American oak barrels, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 86.4 proof (43.2 % ABV). Unlike American or Canadian Whisky, Irish whiskey is not typically distilled from rye but rather a combination of malted or unmalted barley or corn, sometimes called maize. 

Powers - The Brand

James Powers, a Dublin innkeeper and whiskey connoisseur founded the John’s Lane Distillery in 1791. His son John Powers took over his father’s operation in 1817. He expanded the family business even further by entering into a partnership with his son James and forming John Powers & Son in 1821. The Powers brand features many historical moments, including the first individually bottled whiskey in Dublin (Gold Label), one Ireland’s first trademarks in 1877 (Diamond P logo), and used in the original Irish coffee created in 1943. Unfortunately, due to two World Wars, American Prohibition, and tariffs imposed by the UK, the brand has to merge with two other distilleries to form the Irish Distillers to save the Irish Whiskey category. The brand moved distilling operations to the Midleton Distillery in 1975, but bottling continues in Dublin.

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What's the Difference? - Glendalough Double Barrel vs Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey

This expression is a Single Grain Whiskey, produced at one single distillery, distilled from a mash bill of organic corn and malted barley and double matured in first-fill Ex-Bourbon barrels for 3 years, then cask finished in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks for 9 months, non-chilled filtered, and bottled at 84 proof (42 % ABV).

Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey

This expression is triple distilled from a 2:1 mash bill of unmalted and malted Irish barley, double matured for 3 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, and then cask finished up to one year in virgin indigenous Irish oak casks (Dar Ghalda), non-chill filtered, and bottled at 86 proof (43 % ABV).

Glendalough - The Brand

Glendalough, pronounced "Glen-Da-Lock," translates to "Valley of Two Lakes." The Irish Saint, St. Kevin of Glendalough, is featured on the brand's label. St. Kevin built a monastery in the 6th century in the Glendalough Valley that stands intact to this date. Around this same period, Irish monks were credited with some of the first distillation of alcohol. The Glendalough Distillery was set up by five friends from Wicklow and Dublin to revive the heritage of craft distilling in Ireland. The distillery is located on the east coast of Ireland in Wicklow, about an hour drive south from Dublin.

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What's the Difference? - Empress Indigo Gin vs Empress Elderflower Rose Gin

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Empress 1908 is an eight-botanical modern-style gin that pairs subtle Juniper flavor with Butterfly Pea Blossom, which gives this product its distinct indigo color and changes shade depending on the mixing. Victoria Distillers make Empress Gin in Sidney on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The inspiration for this product comes from the afternoon tea service at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, located 30 minutes south of the distillery in Victoria. The Fairmont Empress signature tea is one of the eight botanicals used in this gin, and the blend is a selection of seasonal teas created exclusively by the Metropolitan Tea Company. The production process starts with macerating six botanicals overnight before the distillation. The Empress Blend Tea and Butterfly Pea Blossom are infused post-distillation to maintain delicate flavors and signature indigo color. Finally, no artificial colors or stabilizers are used, and this product is bottled at 85 proof (42.5 % ABV).

Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin

The Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose is a nine-botanical gin with all-natural color. It is Victoria Distillers first line extension from the original Indigo Gin. This product was inspired by and pays homage to Victoria, British Columbia, called "The City of Gardens" because the flowers bloom nearly year-round. Eight botanicals, including cinnamon bark, coriander, elderflower, juniper, lavender, orange peel, orris root, and red rose petals are macerated overnight before the distillation. The rose petals and black carrots are infused post-distillation to maintain their delicate flavors and striking ruby color, and then the final product is bottled at 85 proof (42.5 % ABV). In addition to color, the black carrot adds a layer of sweetness with an earthy complexity. No artificial colors or stabilizers are used, so while the flavor will last forever, the unique ruby color will fade over time. Fading accelerates by exposure to sunlight, so the brand recommends that you consume each bottle within a year of purchase and store it in a cool, dark place.

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What's the Difference? - Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Reposado vs Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo

Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

Except for some special limited releases, the Reserve de la Familia label is the highest tier in the Cuervo family of brands. The Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo was first released in 1995 to commemorate the Cuervo family's 200-year tequila legacy, drawing from the family's best private reserves. Much of the production details around Reserva de la Familia are not made publicly available. The brand utilizes a proprietary process called the Esencia de Agave method to bring the entire character, flavor, and essence of the agave to life, offering a perfect balance and smoothness compared to other clear tequilas. Considering the price difference between Reserva de la Familia and Tradicional, it is safe to assume the brand utilizes small batch sizes and sources agave from more desirable locations, which the French wine term terroir would describe as a unique sense of place. They probably use more or all oven-roasted piñas and use pot still instead of column still distillation.

Reserva De La Familia Reposado

The Reposado is distilled from 100 % fully mature agave using only the inner portion, or the heart, of the agave piña. This product is aged in three different types of wood and barrel toasting styles. The three distinct woods are:

  • Heavily charred American oak barrels

  • Lightly charred American oak barrels

  • Lightly charred French oak barrels

The heavily toasted American oak contributes baked spices, while lightly toasted American and French oaks bring mellow flavors of toffee and vanilla. Each tequila is aged separately before being blended by the Maestro Tequilero and bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV) for the United States.

Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo

The Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo distilled from 100 % fully mature agave using only the inner portion, or the heart, of the agave piña sourced from the family estate's richest volcanic soils. The agave piñas are cooked at La Rojeña distillery in Tequila in Jalisco for 48 hours: 36 hours by direct vapor and 12 hours with residual heat. The fermented agave juice is double-distilled in copper pot stills. The tequila is aged in a combination of small, new American, and French oak barrels charred at different levels and bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV) for the United States. It won a double gold (GG) medal at the 2019 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The bottle is handmade, individually numbered, and sealed with wax. Each year, the Cuervo family commissions a Mexican-based artist to design original artwork for the collector's box. The Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo is best enjoyed neat, preferably in a Glencairn or snifter glass.

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What's the Difference? - Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin vs Drumshanbo Gunpowder Sardinian Citrus Gin

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Drumshanbo Gunpowder is an Irish twelve-botanical modern-style gin distilled at The Shed Distillery in the rural village of Drumshanbo, near Lake Lough Allen in County Leitrim. ⁣⁣The brand draws its name from its production home and the unique main ingredient. Gunpowder Tea is a type of slowly-dried green tea sourced from China. The delicate leaves are carefully rolled into shiny pellets. ⁣⁣ Created by the ever-curious founder and master distiller PJ Rigney, the core eight core botanicals of Angelica Root, Caraway Seed, Cardamom, Coriander Seed, Juniper Berry, Meadowsweet, Orris Root, & Star Anise are slowly distilled in a copper pot still, then four additional botanicals of Chinese Lemon, Gunpowder Tea, Kaffir Lime⁣⁣, and Oriental Grapefruit are infused using a vapor basket. The final distillate rests for some time to allow the complex layers of flavors to marry together. The mythological Jackalope, which combines a jackrabbit and an antelope, appears on the label. This creature inspires mystery and wonder, which perfectly represents this gin. Some have even said that the Jackalope has been spotted in Drumshanbo.⁣ This product is bottled at 86 proof (43 % ABV).

Photo from Palm Bay

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus

During a visit to the Italian island of Sardinian, Master Distiller PJ Rigney was introduced to Sardinian Citrus (Citrus mostruosa) or Pompia by locals in the rustic country village of Siniscola. Sardinian Citrus is a unique fruit only found on the island of Sardinia, which inspired him to create a new line extension for Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. The eight core botanicals of Angelica Root, Caraway Seed, Cardamom, Coriander Seed, Juniper Berry, Meadowsweet, Orris Root, & Star Anise are slow-distilled⁣⁣ in their copper pot still, combined with the four vapor-infused botanicals of Kaffir Lime, Gunpowder Tea, Oriental Grapefruit, and Sardinian Citrus, the final product is bottled at 86 proof (43 % ABV).

Photo from Palm Bay

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What's the Difference? - Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon vs Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

Four Roses Small Batch, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

First released in 2006, this expression combines four recipes (mash bill + yeast strain) to achieve exceptional balance and the perfect trade-up option from the base Four Roses Bourbon. Easy to drink neat, on the rocks, or in whiskey-forward or classic cocktails. This product has aged a minimum of 6-7 years and is bottled at 90 proof (45 % ABV).

2. OBSK = Mash Bill B + Yeast K

3. OBSO = Mash Bill B + Yeast O

7. OESK = Mash Bill E + Yeast K

8. OESO = Mash Bill E + Yeast O

Four Roses Small Batch Select, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

First released in 2019, this expression comprises six different recipes with a uniquely complex, herbal-forward flavor profile. This product has aged a minimum of 6-7 years, is non-chill filtered, and bottled at 104 (52 % ABV).

1. OBSV = Mash Bill B + Yeast V

2. OBSK = Mash Bill B + Yeast K

5. OBSF = Mash Bill B + Yeast F

6. OESV = Mash Bill E + Yeast V

7. OESK = Mash Bill E + Yeast K

10. OESF = Mash Bill E + Yeast F

Four Roses Recipe Decoder (Mash Bill + Yeast Strain)

Two Mash Bills

  1. B = 60 % Corn, 35 % Rye, 5 % Malted Barley

  2. E = 75 % Corn, 20 % Rye, 5 % Malted Barley

Five Proprietary Yeast Strain

  1. V = Delicate Fruitiness

  2. K = Light Spice

  3. O = Rich Fruitiness

  4. Q = Floral Essence

  5. F = Herbal Notes

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What's the Difference? - Yellowstone Select Bourbon vs Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey

Yellowstone - The Brand

The current Yellowstone whiskey brand is produced at the Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky. Current Master Distillery Stephen Beam and his brother founded the distillery in 2010. Stephen is a seventh-generation distiller who can trace their bourbon lineage to Jacob Beam. Yellowstone Whiskey was first created in 1872 to honor the nation’s first national park in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extended into Montana and Idaho. The brand still pays tribute to Yellowstone National Park by donating some proceeds to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to help nurture the country’s national parks for future generations.

Yellowstone Select, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Yellowstone flagship bourbon was reinvigorated in 2015 by Master Distiller and distillery Founder Stephen Beam. This product combines a 4-year-old and 7-year-old Kentucky bourbon, distilled from a mash bill of 75 % corn, 13 % rye, and 12 % malted barley, and bottled at 93 proof (46.5 % ABV). Yellowstone Select won a gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey 

The Yellowstone American Single Malt is aged 4 years, distilled from 100 % malted barley and bottled at 108 proof (54 % ABV).

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What's the Difference? - Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon vs Jefferson's Ocean Rye

Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea, Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys

Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon begins its journey as the Jefferson's Reserve, an 8-year-old high-rye bourbon. Around 200-400 barrels are loaded into a shipping container and placed on a cargo ship. Each voyage departs the port of Savannah, Georgia, lasts between 6 and 12 months, and, on average, visits 25 ports and five continents and crosses the equator twice. The constant movement of the ocean and extreme temperature fluctuations as the ship travels the globe completely transform the whiskey. You can track the path of each voyage by visiting the link to the ship's log. This product is bottled 90 proof (45 % ABV).

Explore all the different Voyages

Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Rye, Double Barrel Rye Whiskey

Jefferson's Ocean Rye also starts as an 8-year-old rye whiskey, but unlike the Ocean Bourbon, this expression is transferred from its original new charred barrel into a second toasted barrel for the ocean voyage. This product is non-chill filtered and bottled at 96 proof (48 % ABV). 

Explore all the different Voyages

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What's the Difference? - WhistlePig Piggyback Rye vs WhistlePig Piggyback Bourbon

WhistlePig Piggyback Rye

WhistlePig Piggyback Rye is distilled in pot stills from Vermont and Alberta, Canada from a mash bill of 100 % rye, aged 6 years in charred American oak barrels, and bottled in small batches at 96.56 proof (48.28 % ABV). This product was the brain-child of deceased former master distiller Dave Pickerell and it pays homage to him in several clever ways. First, the pig logo, who is normally dressed like Winston Churchhill, is wearing a cowboy hat, since Dave could always be seen wearing his Stetson. Next, the proof  96.56, because Dave was born in 1956.

This product was created  for bartenders as the ultimate cocktail rye , since the bartending community played such an important role in growing the WhistlePig brand. The Piggyback Rye gives bartenders a more price competitive option, compared to the brand's other expressions without sacrificing quality. The 100 % rye mash bill provides more spice than other lower rye whiskeys, the 6 year age statement stands out with more complexity, since most other rye brands are non-age statement (NAS), and finally the high-proof means that this whiskey will stand out or hold up in cocktails. WhistlePig Piggyback Rye won a double gold (GG) at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

WhistlePig Piggyback Bourbon

WhistlePig Piggyback Bourbon is distilled in Vermont, Kentucky, and Indiana from a mash bill of 97 % corn, 2 % rye, 1 % malted barley, aged 6 years in # 3 charred new American oak barrels, and bottled in small batches at 100 proof (50 % ABV). This product is the sweeter counterpart to the Piggyback Rye and the next line extension in the brand's entry-level Piggyback series. In true WhistlePig fashion, the super high corn unconventional bourbon mash bill show cases the full flavor of the corn grain. Similar to the Piggyback Rye, the bourbon was designed for premium cocktails, because of the 6 year age statement and high-proof.

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What's the Difference? - Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Edition Bourbon vs Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon

What are these products?

The St. Patrick's Edition Bourbon is a collaboration between Kentucky Owl's Master Blender John Rhea and female Irish Whiskey Bonder Louise McGuane from J.J. Corry of Cooraclare, County Clare. This release celebrates the long-standing ties between Irish and Kentucky whiskey makers. 

The Takumi Edition is a collaboration between Kentucky Owl's Master Blender, John Rhea, and Japanese Master Blender, Yahisa Yusuke from the Nagahama Distillery. Takuma translates as "Master" in Japanese. This release celebrates the art and craft of whiskey blending, for which Japan has built an exceptional global reputation. 

How are they similar?

Despite the packaging, these products are 100 % Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. They are semi-limited releases showcasing the diversity of flavor profiles that bourbon can achieve depending on the blender's skill, knowledge, and palate. They are both bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV). 

How are they different?

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition blends 4, 5, 6, and 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons from a traditional mash bill of rye and some wheated bourbon. 

The St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon is a blend of high-rye and wheated bourbon, aged 4 to 8 years old, blended by Louise McGuane through an Irish whiskey lens and palate. 

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What's the Difference? - Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon vs Calumet Farm 10-Year-Old Bourbon

What are these products?

Calumet Farm is a Kentucky bourbon brand named for one of the world's most successful thoroughbred horse racing farms in Lexington, Kentucky. 

How are they similar?

The Calumet Small Batch and 10-year-old expressions are distilled at a partner distillery in Kentucky using a mash bill of 74 % corn, 18 % rye, and 8 % malted barley. They are non-chill filtered and bottled in small batches of 50 barrels. 

How are they different?

Calumet Small Batch is a blend of 8- and 15-year-old bourbon, bottled at 86 proof (43 % ABV), and typically retails for around $50.

Calumet 10-Year-Old is aged a minimum of 10 years and bottled at 100 proof (50 % ABV). This product typically retails for around $80 and features the Bull Lea story on the back label. Bull Lea sired eight stakes winners, including Citation. This horse was the leading sire in 1947, 1948, and 1952 and was the first sire in the history of American Thoroughbred horse racing to have offspring with earnings of more than $1 million in a single season.

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What's the Difference? - Bushmills The Original Irish Whiskey vs Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

What are these products?

Bushmills is an Irish whiskey brand from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. King James granted the original license to distill on April 20, 1608. The distillery is located in Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on the River Bush, where the mills initially processed the grain to make whiskey.

How are they similar?

Both expressions are blended Irish whiskeys, meaning there is single malt whiskey (distilled just from malted barley at one distillery) and grain whiskey (distilled from corn). Single Malt whiskey forms the backbone for all Bushmills products, and the brand uses a higher proportion of single malt whiskey in their blends than the Irish whiskey category. All their Single Malt whiskey is triple-distilled in traditional Irish copper pot, and the proprietary design has been the brand’s logo for three centuries.

How are they different?

Bushmills Original is a blend of 45 % Single Malt Whiskey, using only Irish malted barley, and 55 % Grain Whiskey made from corn (maize). Next, the whiskey is matured for a minimum of 3 years with an average age of 4 years in a combination of Kentucky bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV).

Bushmills Black Bush is a blend of 80 % Irish Single Malt Whiskey and 20 % Irish Grain Whiskey, matured for 8 years in a combination of 20 % Kentucky bourbon barrels and 80 % Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, and finally bottled at 80 proof (40 % ABV). This product is best remembered by the “Rule of 8s” (80 % single malt, 80 % sherry cask aging, and aged for 8 years).

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What's the Difference? - Rabbit Hole Heigold Bourbon vs Rabbit Hole Cavehill Bourbon

What are these products?

Rabbit Hole is a modern and innovative American whiskey brand distilling grain-to-glass in Louisville, Kentucky. The Heigold is a high-rye bourbon named for Christian Heigold, a German immigrant and stone mason who settled in Louisville around 1850. Cavehill is a four-grain bourbon named for the historic Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. 

How are they similar?

Heigold and Cavehill are aged in # 3, wood-fired, toasted & charred new American oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years. Both products are non-chill filtered and bottled in extremely small batches that never exceed 15 barrels at 95 proof (47.5 % ABV).

How are they different?

Heigold has a mash bill of 70 % corn, 25 % malted rye, and 5 % malted barley. Cavehill has a mash bill of 70 % corn, 10 % malted wheat, 10 % malted barley, and 10 % honey malted barley.

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