Whiskey for the Ages Review Archives – Page 12 of 15

George Remus Straight Bourbon Review

Posted on 20-March-202209-May-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s George Remus Straight Bourbon Review

Original review written March 15, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Light yet complex, viscous yet rich. This was well worth the purchase, and I will be looking to keep this one in the bunker full-time. 91/100

George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is labeled for its namesake George Remus. Also known as the “King of the Bootleggers”, German-born Remus was a lawyer, bootlegger and criminal during the Prohibition era. In November 2016, MGP acquired rights to the George Remus brand from Queen City Whiskey Co. and is now selling several versions of George Remus Bourbon under the label. There are some in the media who have called for MPG to rebrand this product line due to Mr. Remus’ sordid past.

VITALS:

– Made In: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA
– Distillery: Remus Distilling Co.; MGPI
– Classification: Straight Indiana Bourbon
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: unpublished, but believed to be a high-rye blend of several mash bills
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 47% (94 proof)
– Price: $39.95 USD in Idaho

Visit georgeremus.com/the-bourbons for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine sipping this one at the top of a Ferris Wheel at night, with a whole carnival or a town lit up in bright lights and playful noises. The air is calm at the top, if not mixed with a bit of fried food aroma. George Remus Straight is warm, sharp, and exciting enough to keep you entertained, even on a ride as simple as the faithful Wheel.

Photo by William Krause on Unsplash

NOSE:

This has a distinct bourbon nose – corn forward, kick of spice at the back of the inhale, and immediately rich. There’re caramel squares here as well, practically ready to get stuck in between your teeth. But it is not sickeningly sweet, as there is barrel char, fresh herbs, wheat grain and nutmeg to balance it out. Natural sweetness also exists in fruit, like apricots, candied citrus (even marmalade?), and fruit leather. There is little to no alcohol burn on this nose either, leaving just a nose full of pleasant aromas. Overall, this quite a complex nose, and it certainly smells inviting.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: Viscous, oily, yum.
– Balance: So solid. There’s a strong base to this bourbon with enough complexity and different flavors to play off of it, that it’s just enjoyable, full stop.
– Visual: Tawny in color, this falls in curtains with thick legs, leaving behind a lingering, uneven crown.

– Taste: I can definitely let this sit on the palate for some time without feeling any pressure at all to get rid of the sip. The alcohol is incredibly mild and offers only the slightest of tickles as it sits. Caramel apples are the first thing to come to mind for flavors, particularly a granny smith apple, as there is a hint of tartness to mix with the sweet caramel. I can even find cherry, tickled by a hint of allspice to lift it and add complexity. At the very back of the palate is a small amount of nutty bitterness, but it actually works to add what I can only call “closure” to the sip.

Wood can be found in abundance with each of these sips also, in a soaked, wood-chip quality, as if I could chew this bourbon. It adds a foundation to the spirit – one that would be sorely missed if it wasn’t here. (And I don’t even require my bourbons to be particularly woody.) This is easy sipping, simply put. The alcohol and wood create the mouth feel, and they make the bourbon even rich.

A Kentucky chew coaxes out both chocolate and grain – all to make the mouth water and want the next sip.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. There isn’t much for aftertaste, but the warmth does settle in the throat and lingers for some time.
– Between Sips: I find the wheat grain to be most prominent between sips, with apple core bitterness and buttery walnuts. It’s a decent enough pause, but certainly the palate is superior.

– No More: This continues to only grow in pleasantness the longer I sip this. I’m enjoying this thoroughly, and the sweetness and richness only develops more with each taste.

The empty Glencairn is a rich, spicy sawdust and absolutely delicious. A great finish to a really solid bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE?

Exceptionally so. It has a complexity to it, matched with lighter-than-normal flavors that make it both unique, and attractive. It’s easy sipping, and I could see it becoming part of the daily sipper group quite quickly. Will look to replace this bottle once it’s gone. This skyrockets without hesitation to one of the better value bourbons I think you can find (at least in Idaho).

GEORGE REMUS STRAIGHT BOURBON REVIEW RATING: 91/100

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Basil Hayden Toast Review

Posted on 13-March-202227-June-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Basil Hayden Toast Review

Original review written March 8, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Simple, but not a bad addition to the bunker. Nutty, buttery, and definitely unaggressive in terms of alcohol. I do like it, though I don’t think I’ll be pressured to repurchase. 81/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Special Finish
– Age: nas; it is believed an undisclosed portion of the bourbon receives approximately two months of additional aging in the toasted barrels, then is reintroduced to the untoasted distillate.
– Mash Bill: Corn=63%; Brown Rice=27%; Malted Barley=10%
– Casks: Char #4. Finishing barrels are slightly toasted.
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 40% (80 proof)
– Price: $49.95 USD in Idaho 2022

Visit basilhaydenbourbon.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the bourbon neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine enjoying Basil Hayden Toast while anxiously waiting for cookies to cool. The whole house smells warm and rich with flavors, and your mouth is certainly watering. Maybe instead of the customary milk, I’ll pour some of this bourbon to sip with the yummy treat. Dealer’s choice on cookie type, of course ;).

Photo by Lisa Hanly on Unsplash

NOSE:

Almost burnt caramel, molasses, and ginger come across the nose first, the ginger at the end lifting the inhale in freshness. I can find anise as well as some form of baked good that is sweet, if not a little heavy. There isn’t much for fruit, aside perhaps from prunes, and other dried, spiced fruits. Earthy tones do exist in this bourbon, like wheat and almonds, and naturally, toasted wood/barrel.

There is no alcohol burn to be found, and I find myself impressed overall with the nose of this bourbon.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: Buttery and perhaps a little watery. I suspect this is from the lower ABV, and it certainly matches the nutty flavor character of the taste.
– Balance: It’s in balance, but I think this is largely between the mouth feel and the taste, as opposed to specific flavors on the palate directly.
– Visual: Russet in color, this has long and lasting legs that cling long after I’ve set the glass down.

– Taste: This bourbon definitely strikes as a Jim Beam product on the initial sip. Nuts abound, from pecans, to the almonds from the nose, to even raw peanuts. There is a distinct lack of alcohol burn to be found, and without it, this bourbon almost seems watery to me. (Please note that most bourbons I pour are frequently above 100 proof, if not closer to 120.) I can hold it on the palate practically indefinitely, and I’m not sure that many more flavors peak out the longer I play with it. The nuts stay strong, if not melting into a buttery consistency. A Kentucky chew coaxes out brown sugar and apples, but does little to aggravate the alcohol.

There is wood here, and again, the best description would be buttery – not exactly what I was expecting from something finished in a toasted barrel. Beyond this simplicity, I am struggling to identify many other flavors, including the heavy sweetness from the nose. There is some vanilla, and maybe a hint of the baked good (cookies?), but it’s subtle. The fruit component has all but disappeared, and the spice is akin to cinnamon that’s gone slightly stale. It tastes fine, but I don’t know if I’m wowed by this.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Short. This disappears immediately after the sip is gone. There is a hint of aftertaste; however, it also fades very quickly.
– Between Sips: It doesn’t come as a surprise, but more nuts linger between sips, particularly the buttery ones like walnuts. The walnuts’ bitterness is also present in this aftertaste, along with bitter apple cores. I actually am fond of apples and apple cores even, so this does not bother me.

– No More: This tastes consistent throughout the glass, but I do find myself enjoying it more and more as the glass goes on. The empty Glencairn is strong oak with a hint of spice. It’s actually more aggressive than the taste itself, and I wish the palate itself had more of this harshness.

WORTH THE PRICE?

If you don’t favor heavier proof whiskeys, and don’t mind a little simplicity, I think this one would be well-worth the price. I don’t think I’d be willing to pay $60 for it, but I do believe that Basil Hayden Toast could be a nice addition to anyone’s bunker. If you have friends you’re trying to introduce to bourbon, then consider this one approachable and budget-friendly. I don’t think I’ll be buying again necessary; however, I certainly am not upset to have this. Also note that this is definitely superior to the standard Basil Hayden 8YR (in my opinion).

BASIL HAYDEN TOAST REVIEW RATING: 81/100

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Old Fitzgerald 11YR Review

Posted on 07-March-202209-May-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Old Fitzgerald 11YR Review

Original review written March 1, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

It’s good, light, and easy to sip. Is it worth $100+ though? Doubtful. I’m enjoying it, but I won’t feel incredibly pressured to repurchase once it’s gone. 86/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Bernheim Distillery/DSP-KY-1
– Classification: Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
– Age: 11 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=68%; Wheat=20%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #3
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 50% (100 proof)
– Price: $109.95 USD in Idaho 2022

Visit heavenhilldistillery.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

This would be a good bourbon to have on the shores of a small pond. Petals have fallen and sweetened the water, and their color shines out bright and obvious in some warm sunlight. They are soft to hold, and the water is warm enough to have your feet settled in. It’s healing in its own way, and certainly quite relaxing with gentle smells playing on a breeze.

Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

NOSE:

This isn’t as aromatic as I was expecting it to be. I find peppery notes, along with a fresh, herbally quality. I can’t identify much for fruit aside from maybe some green apples. However, there is a simple syrup, yellow cake, and a floral element and maybe a sprinkle of some cinnamon if I squint. I wish there were more aromas to note, but this really is just very simple and gentle. It smells good, certainly, but I can’t help but feel… slightly let down by this nose? Not much for wood or even an alcohol burn.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: This starts raspy across the palate, but at the back of the sip, it surprisingly turns almost watery. It’s a confusing aspect of this bourbon.
– Balance: Solid balance. While simple, everything is still quite well-blended and I have no complaints.
– Visual: Auburn in color, this leaves behind an irregular crown and many long, lingering legs down the side of the glass.

– Taste: The taste is a definite improvement from the nose, with the mouth feel kicking in with a raspy quality and coaxing out more fruit and even more floral essences. It’s rosy, and stone fruit comes into play a lot more here as well, particularly light stone fruit. The end of the sip offers up some cherries, grapes, and light oak, which adds some necessary complexity to this bourbon. There’s some light caramel, and more light spices like cinnamon.

All in all, this is very easy to sip, and the alcohol is remarkably gentle. I could see getting in trouble with this bourbon. It’s entertaining, and a Kentucky chew makes the sugary flavors stand out that much more.

I will say, that if I was looking to pour something light and fresh, I might sooner go to a rye for a cheaper price than a bourbon that is valued at over $100 USD.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. There is some residual warmth that builds up throughout the course of the glass, and some minor aftertaste.
– Between Sips: Rose and grape linger between sips, but they don’t stick around for long. Nevertheless, it’s still quite enjoyable.

– No More: This stays consistent throughout the glass, and I think it does grow on you considerably – especially if you’re a fan of dark, charred oak, rich bourbons. It does grow on you.

The empty Glencairn is a warmer, richer oak with fruit buried within. It’s different from other empty glasses, and it’s something I could picture being a candle quite easily.

WORTH THE PRICE?

Simply put, no. $100+ is a big ask, and this just is not worth that price. I’d pay $40 comfortably, or even $50, but $100 is just not an appropriate amount to me for this bourbon. I already know it’s a bourbon I’ll have to be in the mood for, in order to pour, and I don’t know if I’ll be in the mood often. It won’t be a bourbon I’ll hate finishing, but it does sting to know we paid this much for it, to be entirely honest.

OLD FITZGERALD 11YR REVIEW RATING: 86/100

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