Wrestling Day

Hey you hosers, we have a special 16th whiskey for Boxing Day (or Wrestling Day, as Bob and Doug refer to it). 

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

Drink the bottle labeled "15." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

This Heaven Hill Distillery original is named for the famed Bernheim Distillery here in Louisville. 7-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey, Bernheim Original is the first new style of American Whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition. Aged for 7 years in our traditional open rickhouses, Bernheim’s mellow taste is refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails.

Age: 7 Years Old

Proof: 90 Proof

Origin: Bardstown, KY

Four Roses Single Barrel

Drink the bottle labeled "14." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

I hope this isn't one of the barrel proof whiskeys since some of you will be up late doing Santa's work.

You’ll want to savor the taste of this premium Single Barrel again and again. It’s complex, full-bodied and surprisingly smooth with a delicate, long finish that’s unbelievably mellow. Drink straight up or on the rocks. 100 proof. 50% alcohol/volume.

If you want to nerd out, you should read about the Four Roses process - two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 distinct Bourbon recipes (https://fourrosesbourbon.com/our-recipes/)

Age: NAS (but aged a minimum of 7-9 years)

Proof: 100

Origin: Lawrenceburg, KY

Basil Hayden Toast

Drink the bottle labeled "13." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

The latest permanent release from Basil Hayden® consists of an entirely new brown rice mashbill and a secondary finish in toasted barrels. The result is a bourbon with less spice, and deepened notes of sweet caramel with a bright, light mouthfeel.

Age: NAS

Proof: 80

Origin: Clermont, KY

Lagavulin 11 - Offerman

Drink the bottle labeled "12." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Nick Offerman loves Lagavulin. In fact, he loves it so much he created his own edition. Nick also loves Guinness. This 11-year-old Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch was finished in barrels from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, MD.

Age: 11

Proof: 92

Origin: Islay, Scotland

Weller Special Reserve

Drink the bottle labeled "11." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails.

Age: NAS (Aged around 7 years)

Proof: 90

Origin: Frankfort, KY

Michter's American Whiskey

Drink the bottle labeled "10." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Unlike Bourbon or Rye, this whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. This allows mellow flavor with less intense smoky, charred influence found in bourbons. Instead, it has a sweetness, oak, mint & spice flavor.

Age: NAS

Proof: 83.4

Origin: Louisville, KY

Elijah Craig Barrel Strength - Cured/18th Pick

Drink the bottle labeled "9." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

To sip Barrel Proof is to experience Bourbon in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle is hand labeled with its unique proof and batch number; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.

Age: 8

Proof: 129.1

Origin: Bardstown, KY 

Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond

Drink the bottle labeled "8." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons. Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.

Age: 10

Proof: 100

Origin: Bardstown, KY

Edradour 10

Drink the bottle labeled "7." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

The ten year old Edradour is handmade and one of the last Single Malt Whiskies from a traditional farm distillery still in production today. The methods of production remain virtually unchanged in the last 150 years and are only just capable of commercial quantities. Indeed Edradour Distillery makes as much whisky in a year as most distilleries produce in a week. A rare pleasure for a fortunate few.

Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. Chillfiltered at 40% ABV.

Age: 10

Proof: 86

Origin: Highlands

Michter's Straight Rye

Drink the bottle labeled "6." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Rye is made from select American rye grain that is sheared to maximize the extraction of flavor from the grain. Ideal neat or in cocktails, every bottle comes from a single barrel – a unique attribute reflecting their extraordinary commitment to offering Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey of the absolute highest quality at every level of the Michter’s range.

Age: NAS

Proof: 84.8

Origin: Louisville, KY

Bowman Port Barrel Finish

Drink the bottle labeled "5." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Our Isaac Bowman Bourbon is aged in charred white oak barrels, then finished in port barrels, many of which come from Virginia wineries. This combination of finishing barrels produces flavors of jam with caramel and spice notes. Isaac Bowman is produced in a similar fashion to our Abraham Bowman port-finished bourbon, which won World’s Best Bourbon in 2016.

Age: NAS (said to be four to six years old)

Proof: 92 Proof

Origin: Fredericksburg, VA

Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel

Drink the bottle labeled "4." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Nikka From The Barrel is a blended whisky which was released in 1985. The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste. The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV 51.4% and "marriage" process.

The complex formula is created by blending more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies. After blending, the whisky is filled into used barrels around at 58.5% ABV and matured for another few months. This "marriage" process harmonizes all components in the formula, resulting in a mellow taste. Bottling is controlled at 51.4% ABV, almost equivalent to 90 British proof, that Nikka blenders determined through repeated experiments to achieve the ideal taste profile.

The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside. Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity.

Age: NAS

Proof: 102.8

Origin: Probably Japan, but it could contain whiskies from elsewhere.

Knob Creek 12 Year

Drink the bottle labeled "3." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Full proof for full flavor. An honest Pre-Prohibition style bourbon.

Age: 12

Proof: 100

Origin:Clermont, KY

Sazerac Rye Six Year

Drink the bottle labeled "2." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

The One and Only New Orleans Original. Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800’s, around the time when saloons, veiled as Coffee Houses, began lining the streets of New Orleans. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This is the whiskey that started it all.

Age: NAS (Aged 4-6 years)

Proof: 90

Origin: Frankfort, KY

Wilderness Trail Single Barrel - Cured/18th Pick

Drink the bottle labeled "1." Leave your tasting notes in the comments. 

Our high in small grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are offered as a Single Barrel – Bottled in Bond. Two special releases in one bottle! The Single Barrel selection offers nuances only premium cooper select barrels can create from their toasting and using 18-month-old air-dried staves. After all, the barrels impart a large part of the flavor.

Age: NAS

Proof: 116

Origin: Danville, KY

12 Days of Whiskey 2021

Welcome to the 12 (or 15, or 16) Days of Whiskey. All of the whisk(e)ys have been divided into numerically labeled 2 oz. bottles. Don't worry, we have a legend to tell us which whiskey corresponds to which numbered bottle. 

We'll blind taste one whiskey per day and leave our tasting notes in the comments. Feel free to guess which whiskey you're drinking or just note what you like (or don't like) about that particular whiskey.

The post for each day is scheduled to publish at 5:00 AM EST. So if you want to get an early start on your drinking/tasting, we won't judge you. 

And if you miss a day, just go back and add your comments when you can. 

On or around the 26th, I'll get the legend from elves and go back and edit each post to include the name of the whiskey we were drinking. 

I think it's just that easy?

Here's a rundown of what we'll be tasting:  

Basil Hayden Toasted

The latest permanent release from Basil Hayden® consists of an entirely new brown rice mashbill and a secondary finish in toasted barrels. The result is a bourbon with less spice, and deepened notes of sweet caramel with a bright, light mouthfeel.

Age: NAS
Proof: 80
Origin: Clermont, KY

Berheim Wheat Whiskey

This Heaven Hill Distillery original is named for the famed Bernheim Distillery here in Louisville. 7-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey, Bernheim Original is the first new style of American Whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition. Aged for 7 years in our traditional open rickhouses, Bernheim’s mellow taste is refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails.

Age: 7 Years Old
Proof: 90 Proof
Origin: Bardstown, KY

Isaac Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Port Barrel Finished

Our Isaac Bowman Bourbon is aged in charred white oak barrels, then finished in port barrels, many of which come from Virginia wineries. This combination of finishing barrels produces flavors of jam with caramel and spice notes. Isaac Bowman is produced in a similar fashion to our Abraham Bowman port-finished bourbon, which won World’s Best Bourbon in 2016.

Age: NAS (said to be four to six years old)
Proof: 92 Proof
Origin: Fredericksburg, VA

Edradour 10 Year Old Distillery Edition

The ten year old Edradour is handmade and one of the last Single Malt Whiskies from a traditional farm distillery still in production today. The methods of production remain virtually unchanged in the last 150 years and are only just capable of commercial quantities. Indeed Edradour Distillery makes as much whisky in a year as most distilleries produce in a week. A rare pleasure for a fortunate few.

Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. Chillfiltered at 40% ABV.

Age: 10
Proof: 86
Origin: Highlands

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Cured/18th & 21st Barrel Select)

To sip Barrel Proof is to experience Bourbon in its purest form: uncut, straight from the barrel, and without chill filtering. Each bottle is hand labeled with its unique proof and batch number; but the nose, taste, and finish are pure Elijah Craig.

Age: 8
Proof: 129.1
Origin: Bardstown, KY 

Four Roses Single Barrel

You’ll want to savor the taste of this premium Single Barrel again and again. It’s complex, full-bodied and surprisingly smooth with a delicate, long finish that’s unbelievably mellow. Drink straight up or on the rocks. 100 proof. 50% alcohol/volume.

If you want to nerd out, you should read about the Four Roses process - two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 distinct Bourbon recipes (https://fourrosesbourbon.com/our-recipes/)

Age: NAS (but aged a minimum of 7-9 years)
Proof: 100
Origin: Lawrenceburg, KY

Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond

This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons. Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.

Age: 10
Proof: 100
Origin: Bardstown, KY

Knob Creek 12-Year

Full proof for full flavor. An honest Pre-Prohibition style bourbon.

Age: 12
Proof: 100
Origin:Clermont, KY

Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Edition Finished In Guinness Casks

Nick Offerman loves Lagavulin. In fact, he loves it so much he created his own edition. Nick also loves Guinness. This 11-year-old Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch was finished in barrels from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, MD.

Age: 11
Proof: 92
Origin: Islay, Scotland

Michter's American Whiskey (https://michters.com/us1-american-whiskey/)

Unlike Bourbon or Rye, this whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. This allows mellow flavor with less intense smoky, charred influence found in bourbons. Instead, it has a sweetness, oak, mint & spice flavor.

Age: NAS
Proof: 83.4
Origin: Louisville, KY

Michter's Straight Rye (https://michters.com/us1-kentucky-straight-rye/)

Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Rye is made from select American rye grain that is sheared to maximize the extraction of flavor from the grain. Ideal neat or in cocktails, every bottle comes from a single barrel – a unique attribute reflecting their extraordinary commitment to offering Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey of the absolute highest quality at every level of the Michter’s range.

Age: NAS
Proof: 84.8
Origin: Louisville, KY

Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel

Nikka From The Barrel is a blended whisky which was released in 1985. The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste. The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV 51.4% and "marriage" process.

The complex formula is created by blending more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies. After blending, the whisky is filled into used barrels around at 58.5% ABV and matured for another few months. This "marriage" process harmonizes all components in the formula, resulting in a mellow taste. Bottling is controlled at 51.4% ABV, almost equivalent to 90 British proof, that Nikka blenders determined through repeated experiments to achieve the ideal taste profile.

The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside. Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity.

Age: NAS
Proof: 102.8
Origin: Probably Japan, but it could contain whiskies from elsewhere.

Sazerac Rye

The One and Only New Orleans Original. Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolizes the tradition and history of New Orleans. Rye Whiskey dates back to the 1800’s, around the time when saloons, veiled as Coffee Houses, began lining the streets of New Orleans. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where local patrons were served toddies made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters. The libation became known as the “Sazerac” and America’s first branded cocktail was born. This is the whiskey that started it all.

Age: NAS (Aged 4-6 years)
Proof: 90
Origin: Frankfort, KY

Weller Special Reserve

The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails.

Age: NAS (Aged around 7 years)
Proof: 90
Origin: Frankfort, KY

Wilderness Trail Single Barrel - Cured/18th Pick

Our high in small grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are offered as a Single Barrel – Bottled in Bond. Two special releases in one bottle! The Single Barrel selection offers nuances only premium cooper select barrels can create from their toasting and using 18-month-old air-dried staves. After all, the barrels impart a large part of the flavor.

Age: NAS
Proof: 116
Origin: Danville, KY