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Gifted Horse Bourbon — Review Overview: There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the latest release from The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. (Diageo), The Gifted Horse American Whiskey. Was it really a mistake as the distillers claim? How many bottles were actually released in this “limited run”? Is it rip off at its $50 price point? And, of course, is it any good? Company Specs: Some time ago at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Ky., a batch of beautiful 17-year-old Kentucky bourbon was accidentally mixed with barrels of much younger whiskey. This error turned out better than anyone could have expected as the older bourbon wasn’t marred, but was transformed into something surprisingly special. Realizing this unique liquid deserved a home, The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. today announced the seventh addition to its portfolio, The Gifted Horse American Whiskey. The Gifted Horse (115 proof/57.5% ABV) is comprised of 38.5% 17-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, distilled at the Bernheim Distillery historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, Ky., while operated by United Distillers. It also contains 51% four-year-old bourbon and 10.5% four-year-old corn whiskey, both produced at a high-quality distillery in Indiana. Initially, these individual whiskeys were stored at their original distilleries before being moved to Stitzel-Weller, where the mingling error occurred. Nose: Hinting at apple skin, almond, toffee, raisins and slight milk chocolate. This unusual blend’s fruity notes become more apparent with a splash of water. Tasting: Creamy caramel, Bosc pear and fruit cake. Tasting Grade: B- Don’t panic if you don’t get a bottle of this very limited production run. You’re not missing out on a whole lot. It’s good, but not great. It’s definitely got that untamed heat characteristic of a younger bourbon. It turns into an almost cinnamon, hot tamale finish. It’s a bit off balanced. It’s spicy, and it lacks that “creamy caramel” that they mentioned in their tasting notes. Value Grade: C At the $50 MSRP, it’s actually not a horrible buy. But the problem is, I think, no one is charging just $50 for it because of the lack of supply.  I picked up my bottle for $70, after taxes.  Yikes!  That’s a lot of money for a bourbon of this unremarkable caliber. Overall Grade: B- Putting the price aside, it’s an interesting bourbon.  I’d suggest you try before you buy. How does it stack up against the other Orphan barrels?  Well, I’ve only had Forged Oak and Barterhouse, and I’d say that taste-wise I prefer those two over this expression.  On a side note, I’d like to see Orphan Barrel Co. release another higher-proof bourbon.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed — Review Overview: Wild Turkey Rare Breed makes a really strong case for being the best sub-$40 bourbon on the market.  It’s barrel strength, so it’s robust, it’s a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons, so it’s well-rounded, and it’s delicious, so it can be consumed in any number of ways: net, rocks, mixed, shots! Company Specs: Rare Breed is what’s called a ‘barrel-proof bourbon’, meaning it’s bottled straight out of the barrel at the proof it has reached. There is no water added to lower the proof and this means its full flavour is maintained. This bourbon is unique a blend of Wild Turkey 6-, 8- and 12 year old stocks. This special marriage gives the product a rich, exceptional flavour that’s remarkably smooth, considering its high alcohol content. It’s assertive with hints of light oranges and mint, with tones of sweet tobacco that will remind you of your grandfather’s pipe. Its finish is long, warm and nutty and lingers in the mouth with notes of hot peppers and well-toasted whole wheat bread. Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey Master Distiller, keeps his Rare Breed in the freezer so he doesn’t have to add ice, which would melt and dilute the flavour. Tasting Grade: B++ Wild Turkey Rare Breed is awesome stuff!  It’s a bourbon drinker’s bourbon in that it covers all the classic flavors: corn, caramel, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, cocoa, oak.  It’s a bold, beautiful bourbon. Value Grade: A For $40, it’s a kickass deal.  Think about it, it’s about $15-20 cheaper than Booker’s, another readily available (and delicious) barrel-strength bourbon.  And it tastes just as good.  So, yeah, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a bottle of Rare Breed.  In fact, I implore you to buy one if you don’t have one already.  You’ll thank me later. Overall Grade: B++ I can’t think of a better buy that’s out there right now (sure the Weller 12, Weller Antique — but good luck finding them, and I may have said Elijah Craig 12, but that’s losing its age statement, go figure). Rare Breed is as legit as it gets.  It’s real good bourbon.

Overview: Angel’s Envy Rye is rye whiskey that’s been distilled in Caribbean rum casks for up to 18 months.  The result is a wonderful whiskey that combines the classic spiciness of a rye with the mellow sweetness of a rum, making it a complex spirit that is a true joy to drink. I dismissed it at first, thinking it was an overpriced gimmick.  But after hearing some rave reviews and endorsements from friends, I figured I’d give it a go.  Boy am I glad I did.  Real glad. Company Specs: Tasting Grade: A- Angel’s Envy Rye first hits you with a mouth-watering sweetness which is then suddenly crushed by a wave of heat and spice. Not in terms of flavor but in terms of experience, it would be like biting into a milk-chocolate covered Altoid. It’s a 100 proof, but it doesn’t feel like it at all.  The heat and spice come from the flavor of the rye and are not a result of the alcohol.  It’s super easy to drink.  And it’s the type of whiskey that the second you put down, you’re already pining for your next sip. Value Grade: B It goes for around $75-$85 a bottle, if you can find it.  By old world prices, that’s high.  But in the midst of this whiskey renaissance, I guess it’s not too bad. Overall Rating: A- Definitely worth buying.  I highly recommend it.  I would say it’s in my top 10 go-to whiskeys because of its uniqueness and flavor.  It’s hard to think of another whiskey that so wonderfully blends intense sweetness with booming spiciness. Get some!