A Muddled Thought

Glenlivet, normally known for their subtle but elegant whiskys, decided to create an unfiltered series of bottlings known as the Nadurra Collection.

The Nadurra collection is available in both a 16 year offering as well as a bottling from 1991. We decided to take a look at the 16 year Nadurra.

Glenlivet chose to age the Nadurra line in American Oak barrels as they do with the rest of their offerings, though with the Nadurra line they bottle at natural cask strength.

Nadurra, when translated in Gaelic means “natural”. This process of bottling the Nadurra unfiltered definitely shows itself in the spirit. Nadurra is not your typical example of Glenlivet, with most of my experiences with Glenlivet having been of the softer varieties such as their twelve year bottling, the Nadurra took me by surprise.

As I took my first taste of the Nadurra I was blindsided unexpectedly with minor notes of peat. This was followed up by hints of cocoa, and a slightly sweet orange cream, that played along side the palate with hints of ginger.
Upon adding water, notes of caramel seem to begin to jump out leading to a perfectly balanced finish of light peat and baked apples.

For anyone whose a whisky fan or who holds Glenlivet in a special place in their heart or on their shelf, take a look at the Nadurra offering. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Final Score: 9.0/10

How can you go wrong with giving that whisky-loving friend or family member a four-bottle selection of some of the most unique whisky bottlings currently available?

This holiday packaging of Glenmorangie includes the Glenmorangie Original, aged at ten years, the Nectar D’Or aged in casks previously used to age Bordeaux wine, the Lasanta aged in Sherry Casks, and the Quinta Ruban, aged in barrels previously used to age Ruby Port in Portugal. Instead of packaging four 750ml bottles to create a offering that would be priced at around two hundred dollars, Glenmorangie decided to create a four pack of 100ml samplers that is priced at around $59.95. A full bottle of each spirit ranges between $49.95-$59.95.

Glenmorangie Original:

To age its original line, Glenmorangie uses American white oak casks that were previously used by American bourbon distilleries for up to four years before it begins to rest its whiskey in the casks.

This creates a spirit that starts off with light hints of smoke. The spirit then makes the journey across your taste buds from something that started with characters of smoke to introducing notes of fig, the heavy presence of orange zest, subtle hints of vanilla coupled with dried raisins, and nutmeg. As you finish that sip, those notes of orange zest come back for a second visit.

Final Score- 8.5/10

Glenmorangie Nectar D’or:

By aging its Nectar D’or in barrels once used to age Bourdeaux barrels, Glenmorangie creates a bottling that starts with a nose of sweet sherry. Following up this impressive sweetness filled nose are flavors of vanilla bean, that are joined by characters of nutmeg, hints of spice, nuances of orange cream, and lemon zest.
The lemon zest plays with the rest of these flavors in an almost whimsical way. All these flavors combine to create a spirit that ends with a sweet, yet light sugary finish. Whereas some whiskies are known for harshness, the Glenmorangie Nectar D’or falls on the other side of the spectrum.

Final Score: 9/10.

Glenmorangie Lasanta:

As the Glenmorangie offering that’s aged in casks used to age Spanish sherry, Lasanta starts with a nose of mild cocoa, that’s just a mere tease of the flavors that are hidden within each sip.
Once you began to taste this spirit your palate is welcomed with hints of cinnamon, an almost black and white combination of cocoa and vanilla joined by nuances of espresso, with a creamy hazelnut finish.

Final Score: 9/10

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban:
Surprise is the first thing that comes to mind when you first taste Quinta Ruban. As a spirit that starts off with aromas of sweet mint chocolate, it throws your taste buds for a spin. Quinta Ruban is a spirit that’s very straightforward in characters of chocolate mint that are joined by hints of ginger, pecans, and a sweet finish.
Quinta Ruban, is a spirit of sheer Brilliance… Ultimately a different breed of whiskey than I’ve come across before.

Final Score: 9/10

With such an impressive selection of different whiskies in the Glenmorangie four pack, it would make a great gift for any whiskey lover that you’re looking to surprise this holiday.

In a bit of a twist I’m starting this review backwards. Instead of leading with the usual background on how the spirit in question is made, I’m starting with the tasting notes. That’s just how impressive Glenrothes 1985 is.

Glenrothes 1985 starts with a nose that bombards you with aromas of sherry-like sweetness, coupled with just the right amount of smoke.

Once you put this magnificent spirit to your lips and it begins to hit your taste buds you realize that previous aroma was just a tease of what truly hides within your glass.

With a taste that starts out with characters of caramel, each second that the spirit sits in your mouth the more flavors reveal themselves. Once you get past those first notes of caramel your palate is hit with perfectly balanced notes of espresso, orange marmalade and dried figs and vanilla. As you finish that last sip your experience ends with a sweet sherry like finish that shares the spotlight with hints of orange zest, allspice and black pepper.

So what’s the secret to the imbibing experience that Glenrothes 1985 offers?
Is it the combination of using water that’s harvested from the Ardcanny and Brauchhill Natural Springs only a few miles from the Glenrothes distillery?
Is it the process by which Glenrothes ferments its spirits? Using 25,000 liter fermentation vessels, they allow fermentation to run up to fifty-five hours, a substantially longer than normal time in the whisky industry.

Or maybe it’s that Glenrothes houses their own cooperage facility so they have full control over each barrel used in the aging process.

Whatever it is that Glenrothes does to make their offerings such an intense and lively tasting experience, I hope they continue these traditions for the next hundred years.

Final Score: 9/10

HIghland Park 18 is one of those rare spirits that reaches near perfection in its execution. Having been declared the world’s best spirit by Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal the past three years in a row, it’s a remarkable scotch filled with magnitudes of flavors.

Aged in Spanish Sherry Casks, Highland Park 18 starts off with a luscious nose of caramel paired with hints of minor peat. Never to disappoint it follows this up with flavors of sweet cinnamon, married with nuances of sea salt and finishes with additional sherry birthed sweetness.

Highland Park 18 is a precise, and elegant spirit that’s executed as exact as a artist’s brush.

Final Score: 9.5/10

With the characteristics that the Highland 18 inherits during the aging process, it lends itself to working well in cocktails. Here’s a few new recipes that play off of this.

Pairing the Highland 18 with both the Balvenie 12 and Glenfiddich 15 which are also aged in sherry casks, playing off notes of fig that both feature, with the addition of fig juice here’s a re-visioning of the Zombie replacing the rums with three different types of scotches.

Old MacGregor’s Trading Company

½ oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Fig Juice
1 oz Highland Park 18(Sherry Cask)
1oz Glen Fiddich 15 (Also aged in Sherry Casks)
1 oz Balvenie 12 Year
½ oz Solerno Blood Orange Liquor
½ oz Yellow Chartreuse
1 Dash Whiskey Barrel Bitters
1 Dash Fee Brothers West Indy Orange Bitters
Flamed Orange Peel
Spray of Sailor Jerry Rum around Rim of Glass

Serve in highball glass.

Old MacGregor's Trading Company. A combination of Highland Park 18, Glen Fiddich 15, Balvenie 12, Solerno, Yellow Chartreuse and Fig Juice.

Following up Old MacGregor’s Trading Company are a few more cocktails featuring Highland Park 18.

A Day spent on Park and Averna
Highland Park 18-1 ½ oz
Averna-¼ oz
Bols Genever-¾
Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum -¾ oz
Simple Syrup- ¾ oz
Garnish with Burnt Orange Zest

Serve up in Coupe Glass

A Day spent on Park and Averna. A Combination of Highland Park 18, Averna, Bols Genever, Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum

Cyn Cyn Slainte
Highland Park 18-1 ¼ oz
Rittenhouse 100- ¾ oz
Cynar-1/4 oz
Demerara Syrup- ¾ oz
3 Dashes Bittermens Mole Bitters
Garnish with Burnt Orange Zest
Serve up in Coupe Glass.

Between Scotch, A Rock, and A Hard Place

Highland Park 18- 1 ¾ oz
Batavia Arrack-3/4 oz
Ginger Syrup-1 oz*
Shake with Eggwhite
Top with Zipang Sparkling Sake
Top with 5 Dashes Rhubarb Bitters

Garnish with Brandied Blackberry(If available)
If Ginger Syrup is not available sub ¼ barspoon fresh ginger combined with 1oz simple syrup

The clear bottle of Deaths Door UnAged Whisky.

The story behind the un-aged whisky that originates from Death’s Door is one of those occurrences in life that while it was an accident, I for one am glad it occurred the way it did. For the whole story I spoke to Brian Elllison, the founder of Death’s Door.

Earlier this year, while a friend and distributor were visiting the Brian at Death’s Door distillery, they began tasting what at that time was the first step in creating an aged whisky, the white dog(pre-aging). Once the visiting friend sampled the un-aged whisky, he decided he wanted 50 cases. This request took Brian by surprise. That night he submitted a label to the TTB as a light whisky rather than as moonshine. And thus was born Death’s Door un-aged whisky, a combination of 20% malted barley and 80% organic hard red winter wheat that’s locally grown in Washington Island, Wisconsin.
Brian has the whisky sit in stainless steel barrels for three weeks and then oak barrels for 3 days, at which point it’s bottled.

For a product that isn’t aged, it has a very unique nose combining melon with hints of barley.

When sipping it, the initial hit is soft and mellow, which then stays and sits on your tongue and dances with nuances of honey, green apple with cinnamon occasionally showing itself. It ends with a warming sensation that fills your entire body, as a whisky should.

As this review was written in July, I’m looking forward to trying this whisky again during the winter months, when that warming sensation can best be taken advantage of.

Rating: 8.5/10

A bottle of Deaths Door UnAged Whisky, clear as can be.

The Macallan 1824 Collection

THE MACALLAN® LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE SINGLE MALT COLLECTION FOR GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Four Distinct Macallan Experiences Distilled Into Singular Collection Crafted Exclusively for World Travellers

Perth, Scotland July 21, 2009 – Today The Macallan® announces the launch of The 1824 Collection, a new family of single malts developed exclusively for the Global Travel Retail market. The Macallan 1824 Collection includes four distinct expressions; each one, created by the Master Whisky Makers, illustrates a story central to the distillery’s long and distinguished history and showcases the spectrum of flavours and aromas associated with The Macallan—the world’s most precious whisky.

The four expressions of the The Macallan 1824 Collection – Select Oak, Whisky Maker’s Edition, Estate Reserve and 1824 Limited Release were created by John Ramsay, Master Blender Emeritus for parent company The Edrington Group, and Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Whisky Maker; who between them have over 50 years of experience of making whisky. In order to achieve the fullest and most complex whisky for each expression, The Whisky Makers select the best casks at the peak of their maturity for inclusion into the collection. Named for the year in which the distillery was founded, The Macallan 1824 Collection offers global travellers a new way to experience The Macallan.

Already, Whisky experts have given a warm reception to the collection awarding each of the four expressions high marks and praise. Whisky Expert and author of “The Whisky Bible,” Jim Murray scored Select Oak 94.5% and the 1824 Limited Release Decanter 97.5%, describing it as “a lifetime great whisky.” Whisky expert F. Paul Pacult similarly praised the 1824 Limited Release Decanter, describing it as a, “A perfect malt whisky and a benign force of nature.” John Hansell, Publisher & Editor of Malt Advocate Magazine, also rated the whiskies highly, awarding the 1824 Limited Release Decanter a 94 and the Estate Reserve a 95, calling it “My pick of the lot.”

About the The Macallan 1824 Collection

The Macallan Select Oak – Testament to The Macallan’s knowledge and mastery of wood, Select Oak uses 3 cask types – American Oak seasoned with either sherry or bourbon and first-fill European oak casks seasoned with sherry. Investing more per cask than any other Single Malt, each Macallan cask has been handcrafted and selected under the supervision of The Macallan’s Master of Wood, George Espie. This very special whisky has a high proportion of first fill Sherry Oak casks. (40% ABV. RRP Price $53 / 1 litre)

The Macallan Whisky Maker’s Edition – Containing rare whisky distilled from barley grown on The Macallan’s Estate which brings a velvety mouthfeel, Whisky Maker’s Edition recognises the skill and dedication of The Macallan’s Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno. Bottled at Bob’s preferred strength of 42.8%, this has an intensity and robustness of flavour. (40% ABV. RRP Price – $99 / 1 litre)

The Macallan Estate Reserve – Drawing on casks which deliver a maximum intensity and depth of flavour, this Single malt includes some traditional sherry seasoned hogshead casks specially reserved for this expression. Non-chill filtered and bottled at the old-style 80o proof, more commonly known as ’20 under’, this is a dram with real character. (45.7 ABV. RRP Price $165 / 700ml)

*The Macallan 1824 Limited Release — As they draw on some of the oldest and rarest casks at The Macallan Estate, each year’s bottling will be different. The 2009 release is bottled at 48% and drawn exclusively from sherry seasoned Spanish oak casks which have been solely grown, cared for and crafted by the Tevasa cooperage. This is a truly unique expression from The Macallan. (48% ABV. RRP Price – $2,000 / 700 ml)

William Ovens, The Edrington Group’s Area Director, Global Travel Retail, comments: “The Macallan has enjoyed the most dynamic growth of any Single Malt in the Global Travel Retail market over the past few years. In this period GTR has become the third largest market for the brand, in large part due to the success of innovative new products. The 1824 Collection opens a new chapter in the illustrious history of The Macallan and we are confident that consumers will react positively to this exclusive and eye catching new range.”

The Collection is now available in many key Travel Retail outlets in the Americas and Europe and has just been launched in Asia at Singapore airport. The Select Oak expression has secured duty-free listings onboard a number of airlines including Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines and Continental.

*Note: The 1824 Limited Release Decanter on sale from October 2009.

For further information, samples and photography contact:
Tom Schuyler / Josh Rosenberg
M Booth & Associates
(212) 481 – 7000
Toms@mbooth.com or Joshr@mbooth.com

About The Macallan – Masters of Spirit and Wood
The Macallan is the world’s most precious whisky and Wine Enthusiast’s 2008 “Distiller of the Year.” Distilled on the Easter Elchies estate above the banks of the Spey River in the Scottish Highlands since 1824, The Macallan Single Highland Malt is produced without compromise to achieve the highest standard of quality and taste. The hallmarks of The Macallan are its natural colour (caramel is never used); flavors of citrus, dried fruits, cloves, wood and toffee; subtle sweetness and profound richness carry into the finish. For more information, please visit www.themacallan.com. Please drink responsibly.

Laphroaig 10 Year and 10 Year Cask Strength

We recently decided to take a look at two of Laphroaig’s offerings. Their original 10 year old bottling and their cask strength 10 year old bottling. As Laphroaig is made in the Islay region of Scotland, its a highland scotch and this definitely shows itself in the flavors exhibited in both products.

The original 10 year has notes of heavy sea salt married with cherry that wake up your palate with each sip. It starts off with a peaty and smoke body and finishes with a touch of sweetness.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old- Rating 8/10

The 10 year cask strength is where Laphroaig can throw out bragging rights. The cask strength offering is simple and to the point. . It makes no excuses about what kind of spirit it is. From that first sip, you know your drinking a cask strength bottling, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It starts off bold and ends with a long slightly sweet finish. Adding a splash of water brings out additional sweet notes of honey and sea salt.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength-9/10

While both of Laphroaig’s ten year offerings are impressive, the Cask Strength truly establishes itself as a leader among ten year old scotches and is a must try when given the opportunity.

After sampling both product offerings, we decided to see how the Laphroaig 10 Year Old would work in cocktails. Here’s what we were able to come up with.

A cocktail inspired Smokers Delight* but playing off the Cocoa and Caramel Undertones of the Milagro Anejo with the Smokey Flavor of the Laphroiag.

The Mexican Smoking Break
1 ¼ Oz Laphroiag Ten year
2 Oz Milagro Anejo Tequila
Chocolate Extract(3 Dashes) or Chocolate Bitters
2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
3 Dashes Grapefruit Bitters

The Smokers Delight(The inspiration for the above drink)-
1 ½ oz Laphroaig Single Malt
¾ oz Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
2 Dashes The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitter Truth
(Courtesy of Gonçalo de Souza Monteiro)

Sunday at the Loch

1 oz Laphroaig Ten Year
1 ½ oz Remy Martin 1738
3 Dash Regan Orange Bitters
1 dash chocolate extract
1 dash whiskey barrel bitters
¼ Maraska

A few weeks ago we wrote about Dalmore King Alexander 1263 which is a scotch that’s comprised of several different barrelings ranging from Mediterranean Madeira drums,and Matusalem Sherry butts from Spain, to Port pipes from the Douro and sweet Bourbon barrels from Kentucky.

During the original process of reviewing this product, the question came up would a scotch of this caliber and in this price range(that of $200) work in cocktails or would it be considering wasting a beautifully produced spirit.

After tasting the Dalmore King Alexander 1263 and figuring out how all the flavor notes intertwined with each other, we came up with the following recipes.

A drink fit for a King named Alex
1 ½ oz Dalmore King Alexander 1263
½ oz Grand Marnier
½ Remy 1738
Absinthe Rinse-Use Lucid
Orange Zest

The 3 Second Kick
1 ½ Oz Dalmore King Alexander 1263
½ Oz of Milagro Anejo Tequila
½ Oz of Black Strap Rum
3 Dashes of Averna
2 Dash of Orange Bitters
Muddled Jalepeno
Note:The name of the drink comes from the reaction that occurs about 3 seconds after you have a sip. The jalepeno sets in with a bit of a kick.

Following up working with the Dalmore King Alexander 1263, we decided to see how the results would turn out working with the Dalmore Gran Reserva.

While the King Alexander 1263 is created using a combination of six different barrelings, the Gran Reserva is created using a combination of only two, giving it a differently flavor profile than that of the King Alexander. Using a combination of 60% scotch that was aged in sherry wood, and 40% scotch that was aged American White Oak creates a spirit with a unique flavor profile that includes notes of toffee, and sherry with a smooth finish.

After tasting the Dalmore Gran Reserva, again we decided to see what cocktails would work with this spirit as a main component.

A Few Heated Words
(This was a play on the the infamous “Last Word”, and Phil Ward’s “Last Ward”)
1 ½ oz Dalmore Gran Reserva
½ Maraska
½ oz Velvet Falernum
3 Dash of Whiskey Barrel Bitters
1 Dash West Indian Bitters
¼ Oz Green Chartreuse
Muddled Ginger
Place in metal mug or shaker
Light Drink on Fire once it’s been placed in mug.
Pour back and forth several times as you would with a Blue Blazer.
Pour results into mug.
Top with 5 dashes of chocolate bitters.

Note: For presentation purposes I’d prefer a coupe glass, however after about ten minutes the drink began to get cold and lose something.

Angry Connery
1 ½ oz Dalmore Gran Reserva
¼ Canton Ginger Liquor
¼ Campari
2 Dashes Peychaud Bitters
Muddled Blueberries
Shake with Ice
Serve in old-fashioned glass with one large ice cube.

Kanpai is the Japanese equivalent of the english word cheers. Which is exactly what you’ll say after that first sip of whiskey from the Suntory family.

The Suntory Distillery was established in 1923. Suntory founder Shinjior Torii had the vision to create a whisky that embodied the spirit of Japan and was suited to fit the environmental conditions of Japan. Using a pot still based system* in which the flame is applied directly to the distillation system, this allows Suntory to develop scotches with a wide range of flavors from a light whisky to a heavy whiskey. While Suntory does use traditional pot still distillation methods, it does have some unique characteristics that its competition, that of Scotland and Ireland lack such as utilizing the pure waters of Kyoto which allow for the notes of honey that are a segment of the flavor profile. In addition, Suntory uses a combination of American, Spanish and Japanese oak to create it’s unique flavor.

So you’re probably wondering okay sounds like the process behind Suntory Yamazaki Scotch is similar to how distilleries produce their products, but does it taste any good?

Well actually yes. We took a look at both the 12-year and 18-year varieties of single malt Suntory Yamazki scotch.

12-Year Old Yamazaki

The 12-year exhibits notes of sweetness and heavy barley on the nose. When moving on to tasting it neat, flavors of oak, malt, barley banana and even the occasionally notes of toffee and nuts show themselves. Once a splash of water is applied, the sweetness that appeared while nosing the scotch comes out even more followed by mellow tones of butter, and mild notes of honey. Oddly adding water also gave this scotch a bit more heat, which is something we’ve not come across before, though while it did have an additional kick once a splash was applied it didn’t lose any of the original flavor. This scotch seems suited more for the experienced scotch drinker, rather than serving as an introduction to scotch for someone.

Rating- 8 out of 10

18-Year Old Suntory Yamazaki

In total opposition of the 12-year Suntory Yamazaki is the 18-year which between the two bottlings is the preferred option. While this might come off predictable in choosing the more aged of the two options, the reasoning behind this is due to the more balanced profile that the 18-year exhibits. Starting off with the nose that displays hints of honey, cherry that occasionally shows itself and a pleasant sweetness that just calls you to taste it. When taken neat the 18-year has a body that holds flavors of sweetness, mild vanilla and notes of oak. Upon adding water, some notes of berry begin to blossom. Additional mild notes of coffee then join alongside these notes of berry. Unlike some other whisky’s that are of similar age, the 18-year Suntory Yamazaki finishes very smoothly, and not harsh. These flavors and smooth finish make this a great introductory whisky to introduce any beginner to the world of single malts.

Rating 8.5 out of 10

A Glass of Suntory Yamazaki with a proper Japanese Ice Cube.

If enjoying a Japanese scotch on ice, the best style of ice to use according to the Japanese are ice spheres.

Don’t worry unlike some other Japanese innovations, you can purchase these within the US.

As pictured above, these can be purchased via the Museum of Modern Art’s store.

Follow this link for more information:

Moma Store Ice Spheres

*Pot Still –In a pot still distillation system, heat is applied directly to the pot that contains the mash. By utilizing this distillation method it allows for the vapor to condense with the alcohol and create a richer spirit. This process is usually repeated twice. Once this is complete, the spirit (in this scotch) is placed in barrels to develop age, which then results in a change from a clear to a darker brown spirit.

With Fathers day coming up, A Muddled Thought decided to put together a list of suggestions for those looking to get Dad something other than a tie or a shirt he’ll never wear. Something that he can enjoy after a long day at work or share with friends or if you’re lucky you, who after giving him one of these spirits will be his favorite kid.

We’re going to start from the top price point and work our way through to around the $30 mark.

First up, something that’s a bit on the rare side, A bottle of Partida Elegante Extra Añejo Tequila.

Partida Elegante Extra Añejo-Aged for 36-40 months in oak barrels.

With one of the most unique and complex flavor profiles of any tequila we’ve tasted or reviewed, this makes great gift for that dad that appreciates aged bourbons and scotches but is looking for something different, while retaining that same aged complex taste.

Partida Elegante features a flavor profile that never stops surprising you, with tastes ranging from a deep chocolate, notes of banana, ripe fruit, touches of cinnamon and even a bit of orange zest.

Partida Elegante retails for $350 and is limited to a release of 1200 bottles.

Next up we have a bottle of Dalmore King Alexander 1263 Scotch. Just as the Partida Elegante holds a unique place within the tequila market, the Dalmore holds a unique place among scotches.

Using a combination of scotch aged in French cabernet sauvignon barrels, Mediterranean Madeira drums, Matusalem Sherry butts from Spain, Marsala barrels from Sicily, Port pipes from the Douro and sweet Bourbon barrels hailing from Kentucky, the process behind Dalmore 1263 takes scotch from each of these batches and melds them together to create a one of kind taste.

As you sip King Alexander 1263, you begin to notice the flavors that each differently aged scotch brings to the table. Featuring flavor tones of caramel, an occasional light coffee taste, hints of sherry,

As the final product is a combination of several differently prepared batches that’s intertwined into the final product of, Dalmore King Alexander 1263 is a barrage of flavors, each subtle yet managing to stand out and make for a one of a kind experience.

King Alexander 1263 retails around $200.

Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1995 -A unique champagne among champagnes, with a bottle to match.

If your father happens to appreciate and enjoy fine champagnes rather than dark spirits, the next item on our list would make a great choice.

The name Charles Heidsieck is synonymous with fine champagne. As the founder of one of the five grand champagne houses (Marques), Heidsieck has been creating champagne since 1851. Allowing his products to mature in 2,000 year old roman chalk cellars, he was able to turn out some of the finest champagnes available during his time.

Fast forward to more modern times, and these same chalk cellars are being used to create Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1995. The name “Blanc des Millénaires” originates from these same cellars. The name when translated means “white of the thousands year old” . Each bottle is aged in these chalk cellars for a minimum of ten years, making the latest available vintage that of only 1995.

With a clean finish, and notes including spices and fruit, this will make any father’s day even more memorable for the dad that likes champagne.

A bottle of Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe

As our first three products were standouts in each of their categories, we continue that trend with Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe. While Absinthe has only been available in the United States for the past two years, it’s popularity has continued to grow, as has the amount of choices. One standout has been Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe. Created by Viridian Spirits, the company also behind Lucid Absinthe, the first absinthe to hit the US after the ban was removed, Nouvelle is based on a recipe that originated in New Orleans back in the mid 19th century.

When nosing this absinthe, you pick up a balance of anise as well as mild vanilla. Due to its higher than normal 136 proof it’s best to add water via the traditional way, until it louches(becomes a milky white liquid). Once water has been added, the end result is a slightly sweeter than most absinthe, with defined tastes of anise, mint and still a touch of vanilla.

The first bottle of absinthe we’ve come across that’s actually corked, it seems to stand alone among absinthes.

Nouvelle Orleans retails between $95-$110. It’s uniqueness among absinthes, makes it the perfect gift for the dad whose into all sort of spirits and is looking to try something new.

Mount Gay Rum 1703 Cask Selection

Also along the same price range as the Nouvelle Orleans, is Mount Gay Rum’s 1703 release. A limited release, Mount Gay 1703 is a complex creation consisting of a blend of Mount Gay’s finest rums varying in age from ten years to thirty years allowed Mount Gay to create a very unique flavor profile. As you begin to sip the 1703 you feel the tinge of sugar cane hit your tongue, a cornucopia of tastes including toffee, ripe bananas and mild spice follow this initial sensation. Put down the muddler, this is not a rum to be used in mojitos but rather to be enjoyed on it’s own, either with an ice cube or two or neat.

A Bottle of Oban, aged 14 years. A flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, honey and corn.

And what a Father’s Day review be without a single malt scotch?

Aged 14 years, in a distillery that dates back over two hundred years, Oban gets it’s singular character from a process that uses a light peat smoke to dry the barley. This results in a taste that incorporates notes of vanilla, caramel and after adding a splash of water some and corn, all the while also featuring a mild smokiness.

Oban is priced at $54.99 and is available at most spirit resellers.

A sample set of Sippin on the Rocks. In addition to the rocks, the gift set also includes a name plate and two whiskey glasses.

While the next product, isn’t exactly a spirit, it does go great with some of our other suggestions. So picture this, your trying to enjoy a nice single malt scotch or small batched bourbon, and you prefer it to be chilled but rather not dilute the taste with 2-3 ice cubes. What’s the solution?

Well the inventor of “Sippin on the Rocks” , Dan Boyd ran into this very same problem, which gave him the idea for this amazing product. Sippin on the Rocks consists of two polished granite rocks that after being placed in the freezer for four hours, chill the spirit of your choice without diluting it. As shown below they come in storage box, along with sipping glasses, and the option for a personalized nameplate.

Sippin on the rocks is available at http://www.sippinontherocks.com

A shot of the rocks in action in a glass of Oban Scotch.

Just to keep this list as comprehensive as possible, we’ve included one more tequila that might be worth introducing to Dad this year. Corzo Añejo, Tequila. Originating from the highlands of Los Altos, the agave plants are often sweeter in this area of Jalisco, Mexico. Following up the plant selection process, Corzo incorporates classical music throughout the course of fermentation. These unique touches, result in an añejo, that’s incredible smooth as you sip it, with flavor tones of pineapple, agave, a spicy vanilla and honey.

Corzo Añejo Tequila featuring flavor tones of of pineapple, agave, a spicy vanilla and honey.

And just in time for father’s day Corzo is offering an engraving option for each bottle. So with each sip, dad can be reminded on how you feel about him.

A sample corzo engraved label. Just picture this with a message to dad.

More information about the free labeling process from Corzo is available at http://www.corzo.com/labels/

A bottle of Corzo Anejo retails for $56.99

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

For the Dad who enjoys cognac, we have something that might fit the bill, a bottle of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. Comprised of a blend of 65 % grande champagne grapes with the other 35% made up of petite champagne grapes and aged between 4-20 years, it’s different from your usual cognac, as it’s reminded us of a bourbon in it’s flavor profile which consisted of notes of cinnamon, chocolate, orange zest and berries with a very smooth finish.

When we initially tried this it caught us by surprise as we weren’t prepared for all these flavors showing themselves in a cognac. It was a very pleasant surprise that any cognac aficionado and even some bourbon fans will appreciate.

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal retails for $50

Citadelle Reserve Gin. Aged in cognac barrels for a spicy and unique taste.

What spirits gift list wouldn’t be complete without at least one gin?

Citadelle, who happens to be part of the Cognac Ferrand , makers of cognacs, such as Pierre Ferrand, Landy, and Claude Chatelier among other products such as plantation rums produces a limited and numbered variety of it’s gin dubbed Citadelle Reserve. Taking Citadelle gin and then aging it in cognac barrels for a period of six months, allows the gin to develop new flavor nuances such as notes of cinnamon, and chocolate. The aging process also adds a bit of spice, and a tinge when hits the tongue. As the process is complex to create each bottle of Citadelle Reserve, only a small batch of about 5600 bottles is produced each year. Each bottle is numbered and only available at limited locations.

Citadelle Reserve retails for $36.99 and is available for purchase from Astor Wines and Spirits of NY.

And to go along with Sippin on the Rocks we have, two more brown spirits that would work with the rocks, if you like your scotch and bourbon chilled.

A Bottle of 12 year old Singleton Glendullan Single Malt Whiskey.

And for something else a bit different, how about a bottle of single malt scotch that retails for under $40 and still manages to have interesting and enjoyable flavor notes? Originating from Dufftown, Scotland which also happens to be the whisky capital of the world, it’s positioned as an introductory scotch, though it’s anything but that. With hints of vanilla, honey and occasional orange it balances the flavors to create just the right amount of sweet when opened up with a splash of water. Aged at 12 years and priced at $35.99, it makes a great gift for any dad, whether there an old or new scotch lover.

Four Roses Small Batch

First, there’s Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon. A bourbon that incorporates a mashbill comprised of 60 % corn, 35% rye, and 5% barley malt and is combined with another recipe that contains 75% corn, 20% rye, and another 5% barley malt. Using these two mashbills in conjunction with two secret yeast formulas create a bourbon that’s both full of fruit notes as well as spice notes. These provide Four Roses with an end product that has both spicy texture and allows it to feature a flavor profile that includes mild notes of coffee, cocoa and hints of vanilla. With a splash of water the flavors expand to incorporate notes of caramel, nuttiness and some mild spice as it hits your tongue.

Four Roses Small Batch retails for $27.99.

While creating this list, our goal was to include as many unique spirits and categories as possible that any father would enjoy and appreciate, and with each sip think of that child that gave this gift.

This article is dedicated my Dad, Howie Wolin who passed away in 2007.