WHISKY AT BARNONE
To be a great cocktail bar, you have to use great products in your drinks. barnone has sourced the finest quality products from around the world, and is proud to present them to you in this menu.
From the thousand year old gin distilleries in holland, to the new boutique distilleries in tasmania, the world is full of history and surprises.
Rye whiskey from san francisco to premium kentucky bourbon, the barnone spirit list has been well constructed for you to enjoy. Drinking spirits has been part of civilised society for hundreds of years. up till the turn of the 19th century, people were drinking far more alcohol than we’d tolerate today. george washington enjoyed a drink or thirteen – one for each state. winston churchill was accused of being drunk on many occasions.
Without the spirit, we would not have cocktails. so drink up, have a tipple and ignore the conservatives who think we should all drink less.
Please note: our serve is 30ml of spirit/liquor. As we use only the best products, we always use a smaller amount of mixer so you can enjoy you the taste of your spirit. as a result, when you order a spirit, we will never overfill your glass to ensure both the presentation and taste of your drink is perfect!
BLENDED WHISKY
95 out of every 100 bottles of scotch sold are blended. Then why is it that people are too willing to dismiss blended scotches? By definition, blends should be the best that Scotland can offer, be- cause with a blend, you have the ability to create any degree of complexity. And surely complexity and balance are the cornerstone of any great whisky, irrespective of type. Just like melts, blends change in character from time to time as the availability of grains and malts dry up.
DEWARS 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 91
Recommended with fresh lime and dry ginger ale. The Dewars 12 year is one of the finest blend- ed malts on the market.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: John Dewar & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Blended Malts ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
CHIVAS REGAL 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 84
Recommended with fresh lime and dry ginger ale. A great Improvement on recent years, but still not as good as It was 30 years ago. The nose Is much repaired with some Speyside thread present through the grain. But after a muddles, slightly dull arrival on the palate the finish stars thanks to some good use of oak.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Chivas Brothers,
Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills
AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Blended Malts ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
DEWARS SIGNATURE
Rating: 95
Recommended neat or on Ice. Marketed as the holy grail of scotch whisky, im sure they meant to say blended scotch whisky. What ever way you look at It, the taste of this is quite stunning. This is a fantastic example of a blended malt.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: John Dewar & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 18 Years MADE FROM: Blended Malts ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
IRISH WHISKY
As is the way with empires, they grow and blossom, and finally they fall. And so it is now in Ireland. Until the advent of the Cooley distillery in the late 80’s, all Irelands whiskey was made under the umbrella of Irish Distillers. Until the Irish government ruled that in the interest of competition, there must be multiple owners of one of Irelands greatest exports, Whiskey. Now Pernod Ricard own 2 of Irelands 3 major whiskey distilleries. Be wary of future Bushmill whiskeys as Billy Leighton, the head of blending will soon be heading off to Jameson’s to take over as master blender.
JAMESON 8 YEAR OLD WHISKEY
Rating: 94
Recommended on Ice with a dash of water. Crisp pot still bounces off and dean grain. Melt in the mouth sherry is the prelude to brilliant pot- still sharpness. A real rich mouth feel that you can suck and chew at the same time with some real bite. Truly magnificent. This Is the current Irish Masterpiece.
ORIGIN: Cooley, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 8 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
JAMESON 12 YEAR OLD WHISKEY
Rating: 94
Recommended on Ice with a dash of water. Crisp pot still bounces off and dean grain. Melt in the mouth sherry is the prelude to brilliant pot- still sharpness. A real rich mouth feel that you can suck and chew at the same time with some real bite. Truly magnificent. This Is the current Irish Masterpiece.
ORIGIN: Cooley, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
BUSHMILLS BLACK BUSH WHISKEY
Rating: 91
Recommended on Ice with a dash of water. Black Bush has a distintive, full bodied aroma with spicy, malty and nutty sweet sherry notes. It is complex and well flavoured, slightly sweet with clear malt notes that are not masked by smoke. It is a whiskey to be enjoyed straight or on the rocks.
ORIGIN: Bushmills, NORTHERN IRELAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years
MADE FROM: Blended Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
BUSHMILLS 12 YEAR OLD ‘BARNONE BOTTLE’
Rating: 93
Toasty and sweet, ripe and juicy. Bread pudding, light treacle, dried fruit but there is still a grassy freshness along with oolong-like perfume. On the Palate it is soft, generous and with a slow, unfold- ing quality. Ripe fruits. Rich and mouthfilling with light grip. Big and chewy, but balanced.Gentle. Passion fruit juice.
ORIGIN: Bushmills, NORTHERN IRELAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years
MADE FROM: Blended Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY
Rating: 88
Recommended on Ice wish a dash of soda. A mellow, pure tasting Irish Whiskey with a pleasant maltiness. The taste issmooth with charred wood and golden barley undertones.
ORIGIN: Tullamore, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Tullamore Dew Company DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Blended Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH - SPEYSIDE
Speyside is divided into 5 smaller regions; Elgin, Genvlivet, The Upper Spey, Dufftown and Rothes. Within these 5 smaller regions, Speyside has some 46 operating distilleries, and almost 100 other re- cently dosed (last 20 years) distilleries still selling on the local market. Speysides are essentially sweet whiskies, with little peaty character. They can be highly perfumed with scents of carnation, roses, violets, apples and so on.
ABERFELDY 1989 CONNOISSEURS CHOICE
Rating: 95
Nose: Barley and fruit with hints of oil something orangey. A very green sweetness that opens up with time. Palate: Juicy, sweet spice with light oak and vanilla deep in the background. A bit of phenols and minerals in the mix as well. Finish: Long and juicy. Very elegant and soft. No won- der Jim Murray awarded this bottling a 96 in the 2008 Bible!”
ORIGIN: Aberfeldy, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 9 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
CRAGGANMORE 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 91
RECOMMENDED: Commonly regarded as the leading Speyside Malt. This malt best displays the true characters of the highest producing region In Scotland. Mature and well balanced, with an astonishingly fragrant aroma, the slight fruiti- ness on the palate is overlaid with sweet, smoky notes. A good representation of complexity and length combined with refinement.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Cragganmore Distillery DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
CRAGGANMORE 1996 DISTILLERS EDITION
Rating: 93
A very limited whiskey. Designed to be perfect. It is a stunning example of soft characters and good balance. This is continually rated as one of the best speyside malts.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Cragganmore Distillery DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 9 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 50%
GLENFIDDICH 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 91
Recommended neat. A hint of pear on the nose followed by distinctive flavours of rich fruit, sub- tle pine and peat. A lingering and well-rounded aftertaste.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: William Grant & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
GLENFIDDICH 18 YEAR OLD
Rating: 93
Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve has an elegant nose, intensely honeyed with a scent of apple. It is robust and full-bodied yet remarkably bal- anced by delicious notes of malt and wood
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: William Grant & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 18 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
GLENFIDDICH 21 YEAR OLD
Rating: 95
Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Glenfiddich Havana Reserve the light character of rum matched well with the elegant character and style of Glenfiddich. A decent cream-toffee finish with persistence and length.
and fruit flavor.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: William Grant & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 21 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 89
Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Pale golden colour. Perfectly balanced fruity aroma with delicate floral fragrance and va- nilla/honey sweetness. Medium weight palate. Sweet summer fruits balanced between malty dryness. A slightly nutty, woody character is also evident from the use of new bourbon and sherry wood casks.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: William Grant & Sons DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
MACALLAN 18 YEAR OLD Rating: 95
Antique Gold colour. The nose displays a won- derful cornucopla of fruits, floral and sweet malt- ed barley. Balanced with light ginger spices, nut- ty and vanilla toffee. The palate is smooth and unctuous, wIth malty sweetness and mixed spic- es of ginger and doves. Luxurious, sweet, malty finish with a medium long aftertaste.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Edrington DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 18 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
MACALLAN 1851 INSPIRATION
Rating: 95
Potpourri and spice on the nose. The palate shows a sweet perfumy Anis character with re- strained fruitiness. Candied orange peel. Deli- cious sherry character. Great depth of flavour. The finish has toasty dryness. Long, soothing. Quite an achievement. Like the previous ‘rep- lica’ edition, this is more delicate than the ro- bustly sherried Macallans of today.
ORIGIN: Speyside, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Edrington DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 21 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43.2%
OLD PULTENEY 17 YEAR OLD
Rating: 93
The thick, honey color of this rich Scotch holds a smoky fruit and oak fragrance that is intoxicating within itself. There is a complex blend of flavors in the palate, marked with velvety oak and cara- mel and notes of vanilla, smoky cinnamon inside this full bodied, silky Scotch. The finish is equally sweet and has a memorable oak
ORIGIN: Aberfeldy, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 9 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
NORTH HIGHLANDS SINGLE MALT
The North Highlands are some of the most wild and windy regions of the world. As a result of this, the area remains largely unsettled and scarce. Leaving land for production of single malt scotch. Glenmorangie and Highland Park are two of the most famous producers in the world. Glenmor- angie was originally a brewery back in 1738, but in 1843 the existing distillery was established and the brand began.
GLENMORANGIE 10 YEAR OLD
Rating: 94
RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Full bodied single malt whiskey. Loads of vanilla evident from the export bourbon barrels used for ageing. Key aromas of butter- scotch and dark chocolate. Complex balance of sweet and dry flavours wIth a lingering finish
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
GLENMORANGIE LA SANTA
Rating: 94
RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat or with a dash of water. The sun scorched plains of Je- rez de la Frontera in Andalucia, southern Spain, produce the sensually smooth, creamy sherry for which the area is famous. Sherry casks that re- tain the warmth and nutty flavours of this fortified wine are imported to the Scottish Highlands by Glenmorangie where they are filled with Original single malt whisky until it takes on the delicate nuances of taste and a rich golden russet clarity
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
GLENMORANGIE NECTAR D’OR
Rating: 94
RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat or with a dash of water. The Bordeaux vineyards of south western France lend their grand heritage to Nectar D’or through Glenmorangie’s use of Sauternes wine barriques to ‘finish’ The Original single malt whisky. Infused with the signature honey, citrus and spice aroma of the Sauternes dessert wine that lingers in the wooden casks, the result is a whisky of exquisite sophistication and complexity. The resultant elixir takes on the pale, lemony, gold transparency and honeyed taste that inspired it’s name.
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
GLENMORANGIE ASTAR
Rating: 92
RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Straw colour with water like hue. Superb nose of ripe pear, apple, vanilla, nutmeg, dnnamon and toffee. The richly textured palate Is dominated Initially by Intense ripe pear, which gives way to apple and cinnamon over vanilla. This whisky has very good grip and a creamy structure. Vanilla and toffee back palate, very long aftertaste reminiscent of apple crumble, subtle spearmint finale after 30 seconds. Excel- lent balance. A very flavoursome, appealing whisky that offers a level of intensity rarely seen at the price point.
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 18 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 57.1%
GLENMORANGIE SONNALTA PX
Rating: 97
RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat. The highest rated new whiskey and second highest rated whiskey in the new Jim Murray Whiskey Bi- ble. A litre-bottle of this new travel retail Glenmo- rangie. Sonnalta PX has been finished in casks formerly containing Pedro Ximinez, a deliciously rich, sweet sherry. A great success at a recent TWE tasting in Vinopolis.
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
GLENMORANGIE SIGNET
Rating: 95
RECOMMENDED: ...dnnk at cask strength, a frac- tion above room and not quite body temp... and after it has breathed in the glass for about 20 minutes. Then, believe me, you are in for one hell of a show!!’ Rating: 95 points - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2009 Recommended neat or with a dash of water. Deep orange brown colour with golden hue. Sweet and Inviting nose of Mixed Peel, Chocolate, Coffee beans and Almond bis- cuit. The palate Is thick, luscious and mouth fllllng, almost creamy. Pronounced flavours of choco- late, coconut, orange, vanilla and hazelnut. The palate shows no sign of spirit heat, even without the addition of water. Outstanding balance. Ex- ceptionally long, supple aftertaste of chocolate, vanilla, almond and hazelnut. Hints-of orange emerge then fade. Drink with chocolate or dried fruit desserts, coffee or a cigar. A phenomenal, If unusual whisky.
ORIGIN: Tain, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 16 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
HIGHLAND PARK 18 YEAR OLD
Rating: 95
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat. Amazing scotch. Smells of an empty honey Jar which once contained peaty embers. An enor- mous nose with excellent consistency. A beauti- fully refined and sweet palate, wIth some manu- ka honey accentuated against the drier oaky tones and rumbling peat. Beautifully chewy with a touch of oil. Some citrus notes on the finish, with outstanding cocao and peat. Overall a bril- liant scotch, as see by its Jim Murray rating of 95.
ORIGIN: Orkney Island, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Edrington DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 18 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
The County of Perth, between the Lowlands and the Highlands is famous for its hilly landscapes. There were originally about 100 distilleries here in the 1gth century, but only a few of them have survived until today. Dalwhinnie is seen as one of the best producers in the whole of Scotland, and are definitive of the Central Highland style. Interestingly, only 10% of malt produced here Is used in their single malt range. The remaining 90% go to blended scotches such as the Chivas Brothers and Johnny Walker.
DALWHINNIE 15 YEAR OLD
Rating: 95
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Recommended neat. Sublime stuff’ A curious mixture of coke-smoke and peet-reek wafts teasingly over the gently honied malts. On the palate Is where It really shines. The rarest of combinations: at once silky and malt intense, yet at the same time pep- pery and tin-hat tim for the tastebuds, but the silk wins out and a sheen of barley sugar coats everything. The finish has some coffee notes and sweetness with no bitterness. Simply, this malt is hard to difficult to decide wether to drink or bathe in!! I suggest you do both! This is one of the most complete Highland malts of them au. If you know anyone who says they don’t like whisky, give them a glass of this and they wiii be cured! Overall a brilliant scotch, as see by its Jim Murray rating of 95.
ORIGIN: Perthshire, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 15 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
LOWLANDS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
The lowland region lies in the most southern parts of Scotland. It is the dosest to England. Most of the distilleries belonging to this region are between Glasgow to Edinburgh. The lowland in the days of the old had a number of distilleries to boast of but today it can boast of Just three distilleries. It is often overlooked for the very same reason. Even thought there aren’t too many distilleries In the Lowland anymore, they produce some fine Scotch whisky. Malts made at the Lowlands usually have something of a dry finish but are great aperitifs. The dryness is due to the malt. The whiskies here do not add too much peat. The whisky produced here is slightly sweet and you can get a taste of the fruits. The Auchentoshan distillery was founded back in the 1800s. This is the only distillery that still used the third distillation method. It often uses apples in Its production. It is a very light whisky and the older it gets, the better it tastes. The distillery uses water from the Cochna Loch.
AUCHENTOSHAN THREE WOOD
Rating: 91
Originally named the Duntocher Distillery it was established on the Dumbartonshire estate of Auchentoshan in 1823 by John Bulioch. The nose is dearly marked by sherry and interesting hints of meat Juice and plum Jam. On the palate, sherry remains quite present and mixes very well with ripe fruit notes. Nicely balanced, fruity with some chocolate hints. Nice complexity, and sur- prisingly no wood taste at all, even if one could expect some due to the impression of old sherry matured whisky suggested by the nose. The finish is refined and smooth and both fruity and sherry- ish hints remain for a while.
ORIGIN: Perthshire, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Diageo DISTILLATION: Triple Still Distillation AGED FOR: 10 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43%
ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
The isle of Islay on the west coast of Scotland, is by far the most appreciated producing area amongst single malt lovers. Even if its surface is rather small, there are no less than 8 active distiller- ies. The distilleries along the southern coast, Ardbeg and l.aphroaig, have the strong peaty charac- ter which is ascribed to both the water from which the whisky is made as well as the peating levels of the barley. Bruichiaddich makes a much lighter style whisky, with much less peat.
ARDBEG 10 YEAR OLD
Rating: 94
Recommended neat or with a dash of water to soften. RECOMMENDED: Non chilled-filtered, Ar- dbeg 10 YO reveals an Initial dean sweetness, which Is rapidly followed by a mouthful of deep peat notes with a long smoky finish.
ORIGIN: Islay, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
LAPHROAIG 10 YEAR OLD
Rating: 92
Recommended neat or with a dash of water to soften. Very peaty and smoky on the nose with an almost floral scent. On the palate it is smoky, fully-peated and salty with slight undertones of sweetness. The finish is lingering and unique.
ORIGIN: Islay, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Fortune Brands DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
ARDBEG UIGEDIAL
Rating: 89
Recommended neat or with a dash of water to soften. RECOMMENDED: 20% Rested in Bourbon Barrels, 15% Sherry Barrels. Reveales an Initial complexity and sweetness, followed by a rich peat notes with a long smoky finish.
ORIGIN: Islay, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 54.1%
1990 ARDBEG AIRIGH NAM BEIST
Rating: 96
Recommended neat Pale watery colour with golden tinge, thanks to the exclusive use of ex Bourbon Oak and bowing without the use of Caramel colouring (E150). An extraordinarily complex nose which seems to change minute by minute, almost impossible to accurately and comprehensively describe. The extra six years in oak has tamed the once extreme peat, it’s now a soft blanket hovering above sweet, invIt- ing aromas of orange oil and green toffee ap- ple, with hints of saltiness emerging. The palate is full, generous and creamy. Initially dominated by smoke and salt which eventually gives way to the sweet vanilla notes of bourbon oak. Rich co- coa drives the long, defined dassy finish, which leaves the mouth awaiting the next Installment with eager antidpation. A rich, flavoursome whis- ky of the highest quality.
ORIGIN: Islay, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Glenmorangie Pty Ltd DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 16 Years MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%
PORT CHARLOTTE PC7
Rating: 97
This whiskey is so limited, there are only 15000 bottles hand numbered world wine. Given Aus- tralia makes up less than 1% of the world Scotch Whiskey market, that means there are only 150 bottles in this country. Even more amazing than its limited quantities, is the quality of the prod- uct. This is one of the best whiskey’s out of Islay in a while. It has such depth and richness of fla- vour and a real fruity sweetness on the nose. It amazes you with the length and the smoke. Just an incredible whiskey and a real rare opportunity.
ORIGIN: Sin An Doigh Ilech, Islay, SCOTLAND DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Bruichladdich Distillery DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 9 Years
MADE FROM: Single Grain ALCOHOL CONTENT: 61%
BOURBON WHISKEY
Bourbon is an American form of whiskey named for Bourbon County, Kentucky. By United States law, it consists of at least 51% corn — typically about 70% — with the remainder being wheat and/ or rye, and malted barley. It is distilled to no more than 160 (u.s.) proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. The two years maturation process is not a legal requirement for a whiskey to be called “bourbon,’ but it is a legal requirement for “straight bourbon.” However, in practice, most bourbon whiskeys are aged for at least four years.
BAKERS BOURBON
Rating: 88
Recommended neat or on ice. Named after retired master distiller. Baker’s Is a high strength premium bourbon. Creamy and smooth with notes of toffee and chocolate.
ORIGIN: Clermont, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Fortune Brands DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 7 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
BUFFALO TRACE
Rating: 79
One of the most rewarded bourbon distilleries In America. This beautifully crafted bourbon Is one of the finest small production bourbon’s avail- able.
ORIGIN: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: The Sazerac Company DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 6 Years MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 45%
ELIJAH CRAIG 12 YEAR OLD
Rating: 95
Recommended neat or on ice. RATED 3rd best Whiskey in the world!!!! This is amazing! Such a beautiful bourbon for such a cheap price, Will not be this cheap for ever, only because of a exdusive distribution are we able to supply this. Made with fresh limestone spring water and a special yeast recipe that has been in the fam- ily for over 100 years. Is considered one of the worlds best spirits.
ORIGIN: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Heaven Hill DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 10 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
ELIJAH CRAIG 18 YEARS SINGLE BARREL
Rating: 96
RECOMMENDED FOR A BOURBON CONNIOUSSI- ER: There are quite a few flavors running through this one, vanilla and wood and honey and smoke among them. The honey is the most as- sertive, matched only by the smoke. In fact, this is an interesting one - it’s very smoky, and where there’s smoke there’s fire. We liked the charred taste, and we also liked the throaty burn we could feel when the rye reared its head. It was viscous and oily, and you can expect the finish to hang around for a while even after you swallow it. This one’s complex and exciting, but it might be a bit much for people who don’t drink a lot of Bourbon. It’s definitely five-star stuff, but not one you’ll want to use to bring someone into the fold. If you’re an enthusiast and you haven’t tried it yet, however, give it a shot and let us know what you think. We were quite pleased, and it’s on our list for special occasions and gifts for bosses.
ORIGIN: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Heaven Hill DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 18 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 45%
FOUR ROSES SINGLE BARREL
Rating: 90
One of the best products Four Roses has re- leased. Great aroma of sweetened spice and honey yet delicate enough to see some light fruit. A big full rich palate with hints of chocolate and coffee and burnt fudge. A great finish and amazing length. A bourbon to be enjoyed.
ORIGIN: Lawrenceberg, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Four Roses Distilling DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation AGED FOR: 9 Years
MADE FROM: 2 grain recipes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 50%
JACK DANIELS SINGLE BARREL
Rating: 90
Handpicked by the head distiller and aged for six years, each barrel has an individual taste. A robust, full bodied whiskey with strong notes of toasted oak, vanilla and caramel.
ORIGIN: Lynchburg, Tennessee, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Brown Foreman DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 6 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 47%
JIM BEAM SMALL BATCH
Rating: 92
Recommended neat or on ice. Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon is a further extension of the four super premium Bourbons previously released by Jim Beam in the “Small Batch Bourbon collec- tion” Each Small Batch Bourbon is distinctively different. This unusual addition is hand bottled in limited quantities with some port added.
ORIGIN: Clermont, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Fortune Brands DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 8 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40.5%
JOHNNY DRUM PRIVATE STOCK
Rating: 94
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: A very rare and hard to find sour mash bourbon. This is a true gem and one of the best on the market. A terrific rich, mel- low old-school sour mash bourbon produced in very limited quantities to a method unchanged in five generations of quality distilling.
ORIGIN: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Johnny Drum Distilling
Company DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation
AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 50.5%
MAKERS MARK BOURBON
Rating: 89
A premium bourbon with a sweet scent of honey and raisins and a soft body of oak, butterscotch, and a hint of leather flavours.
ORIGIN: Loretto, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Makers Mark Distillery DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 7 Years MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 43.1%
RUSSELL’S RESERVE 10 YEAR OLD SMALL BATCH
Rating: 97
WOW. This is one of the worlds top 20 whiskeys! A perfect 10 year old bourbon. After 10 years bourbon can often reach a point of maturation where some are at peak. This bourbon was de- signed to be the perfect 10 year old.
ORIGIN: Lawrenceberg, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Wild Turkey,
Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Pot Still Distillation
AGED FOR: 10 Years MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 45%
WILD TURKEY BOURBON
Rating: 87
Recommended with dry ginger and lime. A das- sic bourbon with a soft bouquet of vanilla and white pepper. A full and deep palate with the flavours of nutmeg, cinnamon, dove and oak. The finish is dean and supple.
ORIGIN: Lawrenceberg, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 4 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
WILD TURKEY RARE BREED
Rating: 95
Recommended neat or on ice. Super Premium Wild Turkey, hand crafted to perfection this bour- bon is one of the finest around.
ORIGIN: Lawrenceberg, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 8 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 54.1%
WOODFORD RESERVE
Rating: 92
RECOMMENDED: Pronounced oak softened by fruity rye and gentle vanilla on the nose with a little toffee and honey. On the palate it has a big lift off with a powering oaky-rye surge and an immediate arrival of spice. Toasty towards the middle with the corn arriving late on. Long, cocoa and oak finale; burnt toast with a spread of honey. More oak and age than normal. Being small batch, it does vary but is always delicious.
ORIGIN: Woodford, Kentucky, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Brown Foreman DISTILLATION: Traditional – Pot Stills AGED FOR: 12 Years
MADE FROM: Corn, grain & malted barley ALCOHOL CONTENT: 45.2%
HUDSON NEW YORK CORN SPIRIT
Rating: 91
Distilled the old fashioned way, one batch at a time from 100% New York corn. No sugar is add- ed. This unaged sipping spirit is clear and soft to the tongue, with the faint aroma of corn fields at harvest. Corn spirit is known by a variety of nick- names: White Dog, White Light’ng and moon- shine. It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. It is also the foundation for Tuthilltown’s popular and unique Hudson Baby Bourbon distilled from 100% New York corn.
ORIGIN: New York City, USA DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Tuthilltown Gristmill DISTILLATION: Pot Still – Double Distilled AGED FOR: Not Aged MADE FROM: 100% New York Corn ALCOHOL CONTENT: 46%