37 products

Single Malt

    • 95
    Balcones 1 Peated Cask Strength Texas Single Malt American Whisky (750ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 59%

    The Balcones “1” label is a part of the distillery’s annual offerings, made entirely from Golden Promise barley that’s been peated and imported from the Scottish Highlands. Bottled after approximately three years in new oak, the aroma sports an Oloroso-like character with burgeoning depths of dried fruits, orange zest, cured meats, roasted nuts, vanilla and smouldering beach wood. It's as beefy a Balcones as ever, yet somehow lands on its feet in an impossibly well-balanced arrangement of pulsing wood spices, oily peat-reek, pepper and weighty malt flavours that really takes off. The persistence is excellent, with those bittersweet, tongue tingling spices slowly fading into an ashy oblivion. Malt rebounds late with smokey cardamom and salted caramel dark chocolate. Bracing stuff. 59% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... [130.4 proof batch tasted] On the nose, the peat is indistinct and the whisky is elusive. Notes of black raisins, figs, ground coffee and leather are more evident than the smoke, though it’s there, just under the surface. Peat is far pushier on the palate, where the attack hits with notes of kippers and mesquite, reminding me immediately of the mesquite-grilled burgers of my youth. At more than 65% abv, it’s a blazer, and notes of licorice and bitter amaro are never far from the palate. Water is a great idea, tempering the heat of the whiskey as well as its bitterness, allowing the finish to run to notes of cloves, dark brown sugar, dark chocolate, more raisin notes, and a reprise of peaty smoke. With all that said, the peat is never overwhelming, and Balcones “1” Peated manages to find its own sense of balance in spite of all expectations to the contrary. Distinctly a product of Texas from start to finish, but nodding toward Scotland, it’s one of the most original Texas whiskeys (and arguably the best from the post-Chip Tate era) I’ve encountered to date. - drinkhacker.com

    Notes from the producers... Our peated malt whisky is made with our beloved Golden Promise malted barley dried over a highland peat moss fire. After mashing, fermentation, and distillation in Texas, the spirit is introduced into new toasted and charred American oak barrels where it is matured for 36 months. This marriage of peat and new oak is seldom undertaken in the world of whisky and creates a spirit that is both earthy and rustic as well as structured and robust. NOSE: rich, heavy aromas of earth, oak, caramel combine with spicier notes of incense and burnt cedar strips evoking summer grilling of cedar-planked salmon and charred teriyaki skewers. TASTE: round and creamy impression of brown sugar and cinnamon infused Lapsang Souchong tea. FINISH: the smoky tea flavors builds to dry, spicy notes of allspice, cardamom and hints of grilled chilies on the long, revealing finish.

    • 92
    • Reduced
    Balcones 1 Classic Edition Texas Single Malt American Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $140.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    Resembles bright polished copper in the glass. The nose is noticeably less sweet than the rest of the Balcones on offer and comes across quite Bourbon like with its strong vanillin oak, water biscuit opening whiff. There are hints of orange zest and confectionary (gobstopper) here too. The palate unfolds in similar fashion offering fine tuned, bitter sweet flavours of caramel, drying oak and a faintly oily texture, followed by a drier still, gently tannic aftertaste with hints of vanilla and confectionary persisting. 53% Alc./Vol. 2013 batch tasted.

    Other reviews... [Batch SM 20-1 tasted 2020] Dried leaves, toasted nuts, and plenty of fresh oak emerge from this big, broad-shouldered malt that ably handles all the new oak that's been thrown at it, with the solid wood structure propping up pretty orange pekoe tea, buttered toast, biscuity malt, caramel, and chocolate flavors. Finishes with dark toasted spices and anise. A distinctly oaky, American interpretation of single malt that is both bold and balanced. (5,000 bottles) 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    • 84
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Cedar Ridge Small Batch Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Iowa, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $120.00
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Other reviews... Hot tropical fruit, warm band-aids, and a mix of Dum-Dum lollipops in the nose. More sweet and creamy on the palate, with a hint of the band-aids, and dry grip of oak at the end. A fairly quick drink, but a clean and layered one. 84 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Lew Bryson 2015

    • 89
    McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $149. 99
    Bottle
    $1799.88 Dozen
    ABV: 42.5%

    Clear Creek Distillery was something of a pioneer of Single Malt American whisky in the 1990s. The distillery's focus began with traditional European brandy-making techniques sourcing the finest fruit from Oregon orchards to produce eaux de vie, grappas and brandies. With the same German pot stills, McCarthy's single malt transpired from a mash of peated Scottish barley - think Lagavulin in style, according to the distillers. Initial maturation takes place in old sherry casks followed by time in barrels made from air-dried Oregon oak. 42.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... This effusive and characterful whiskey is dominated by bright notes of apple skin, dried orange peel, and dried grass. The finish has some bitterness with marzipan and freshly cut oak taking over from the fruit and earth-dominated mid-palate. 92 points - Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

    Other reviews... A blast of peat bonfire starts on the nose, before moving into more subtle peat on the palate. Here it creates a delicate overlay to notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, peaches and cream, dried red fruits, and pepper. The finish offers length, more dried red fruits, peat, and peppery spice, with an earthy note of char at the end. Delicate, refined, and balanced, particularly in light of its relative youth. (6,192 bottles) 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2020

    ...Hook me up a mask so I can breathe this one in all day...An American masterpiece - and now an institution'. 94.5 points. - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2011

    • 90
    • 88
    • Packaging may vary
    High West High Country Single Malt American Whiskey (750ml)
    Park City, Utah, UNITED STATES
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 44%

    Considering the global growth in single malts, it’s no surprise Americans are now pushing their own version. A relatively new entrant into the category is this 'Scottish style' malt aged two to nine years in virgin American oak and refill casks. Both freshly charred and second-use oak barrels are used during the maturation, including used bourbon & rye and ex-port. We received a 30ml sample. Smelling like a young Bourbon only 'thicker' and maltier, it's a soft, medium-bodied whiskey blending flavours of ripe peach and cereals with fresh American oak and dustings of cocoa. The finish is crisp and slightly apply, spiced up by hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. According to the producers, this introduces a new style having being distilled “on-the-grain”, that is to say, High West leave grain in during fermentation and distillation instead of filtering it out. They claim it helps to create a whiskey "loaded with creamy roasted grain and nutty chocolate flavours with a smooth, creamy texture". 44% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Very malt-forward, with the grain aromas pleasant and sweet, accompanied by whiffs of pine nuts and pepper spice. The palate is malty and well-textured, though it seems young, and offers notes of candied watermelon, poached pears, and red apple slices. Lots of maltiness on the finish as well, with chocolate spice and vibrant fresh fruit notes of apple and peach. A pleasant whiskey that perhaps needs a bit more maturity. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Roasted macadamia nuts, dried cherry, bananas Foster, toasted coconut, chocolate chip ice cream, raisin bread, soft wood smoke in a sooty chimney, sea spray. Taste: Smoked pear, honey over baked apples, lemon rind, cherry Toblerone, dark chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream, toffee nuts, toasted puffed rice, sea salt & buttered skillet brioche rolls.

    Westward Rum Cask Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $179. 99
    Bottle
    $2159.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Other reviews... Building off a 100% malt base, sweet complementary rum flavors add depth to this American single malt. Westward Whiskey is located in Portland, Oregon and specializes in a category of whiskey that’s particularly notable right now, American single malt. Westward offers a variety of finished single malts, including Pinot Noir Casks, Stout Casks, and more. Rum Cask starts with Westward’s Single Malt Whiskey as a base, and then it’s finished in ex-Guatemalan rum casks. Guatemalan rum is distilled from fermented virgin cane syrup, as opposed to molasses, and has a rich history that dates back as far as 1591. The cane sugar sweetness shows through against the malt base, permeating through the entire whiskey. However, Westward’s base malt maintains the backbone of the flavor profile, and isn’t shy about its malt notes. The rum sweetness works in complement with the malt base - even though they’re two very different flavor realms but somehow it just works. Overall, Westward Rum Cask is a fun, unique combination of flavors that doesn’t taste like any of the growing number of rum finished whiskeys you may find on the shelf. - breakingbourbon.com

    • 90
    Westward Cask Strength Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $199. 99
    Bottle
    $2399.88 Dozen
    ABV: 62.5%

    Other reviews... On the nose, fragrant wood spice, green banana, baked kumquats, and kiwi. The palate leads with creamy vanilla and baking spice, jalapeño peppers, dark chocolate, black coffee, and chicory. The big flavors mean water is a must, bringing out chocolate-covered marshmallows, dark berries, a tropical note of sweet pineapple, toasted almonds, coffee cake, and a hint of barrel char. The finish is full bodied and spiced, with more pineapple and vanilla sweetness. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021

    Westward Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $159. 99
    Bottle
    $1919.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    This cask-finished American malt begins with Westward's original single malt, which is then finished for up to two years in French Oak wine casks sourced from a handful of award-winning Pinot producers in the region. Think if it as a tribute to Oregon’s legendary Willamette Valley wine country.

    Other reviews... The nose balances enticing aromas of tropical fruit—mango, jackfruit, papaya—with earthy clay and dark chocolate, a harbinger of the bright sweetness of the palate, which sings with grapefruit, lemon-lime zest, kiwi, and pineapple soda, plus roasted nuts and semi-dark chocolate. The texture is waxy, verging to oily with a few drops of water, but never heavy. Though the finish is short, it’s complete, rounded out with white pepper, jackfruit, and grapefruit oil.
    89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton (Spring 2021)

    Notes from the producers...  fruity and robust, with plum, apricot leather, and chocolate ganache notes. Flavors include apple, plantain, and nutmeg, with a rich, dried fruit and sweet malt finish.

     

    • 86
    • 90
    Westward Stout Cask Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $165. 00
    Bottle
    $1980.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Set to be part of the core range, this malt has been transferred into ex-stout casks for approximately one year. The casks are sourced from breweries around the state including Bent Shovel, Breakside, Culmination, Ex Novo, Fort George, Migration and Sky High.

    Other reviews... Tropical and floral on the nose, with kiwi, mango, hibiscus, coconut cream, and pistachio and almond halva; add water and a big burst of honeysuckle blooms. There are more tropical notes on the palate: melon, guava, pineapple, and Juicy Fruit, as well as almond, coffee ice cream, milk chocolate, and spice. The mouthfeel is robust, becoming mouthwatering on the finish, which is oak-led but balanced with floral hop character.
    90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton (Summer 2020)

    There is a fragmentary moment, just after delivery, when all is right in the world: the malt has blossomed like a rhododendron on steroids, the palate is thick with delightful gristy sugars and light maple syrup... then the darker clouds return. Again, it is in the form of bitterness from the distillate. Technically flawed, but those malty moments, plus some late dark chocoalte, which ensures some delicious moments. [45% Alc./Vol. batch reviewed]
    86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey (700ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45.2%

    Another addition to Chris Morris's experimental repertoire is this unusual American Malt. Made from a mashbill of 51% Malted Barley, 47% Corn and 2% Rye, it's Woodford’s fourth release in their 'Distiller’s Select' portfolio and is expected to be a permanent line. Woodford have actually released three malted whiskeys in the past using all-malt mashbills, but the point of difference here is that it just exceeds the minimum legal requirements. The addition of a significant proportion of corn and rye means it should appeal to Bourbon and Single Malt drinkers alike.

    Other reviews... A great bottle for bourbon and rye drinkers to dip their toes into the American Malt Whiskey category if they haven’t already. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey is an enjoyable whiskey not so much for any individual piece, but for what the product delivers as a whole. With the exception of the hotness of the palate, the rest of sip is well balanced. It’s priced right, will be readily available, and it stands out from Woodford’s other products. It probably won’t rank up there on anyone’s memorable whiskey of the year lists, but it will most likely please those who purchase it. The fact that the mashbill could easily be turned into a heavily malted bourbon and that it was aged in a new charred oak barrel, helps make this a great introduction into American malt whiskey. Hopefully Woodford Malt will open up people’s palates to a whole new category and encourage other large distilleries to try their hands in this space. 45.2% Alc./Vol. - breakingbourbon.com

    • 83
    Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Classic Malt Whiskey (700ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45.2%

    Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

    An unusual triple distilled 100% malt whiskey from Woodfords, a distiller better known for their Bourbon and Rye whiskies. This was aged in x-bourbon barrels as opposed to virgin oak.

    Tasting note: Bright straw gold. Relatively subdued aroma includes grain-store, haystack and dilute cocoa following through to a concentrated yet lean, grassy and acidic profile with breakfast cereal undertones; briefly sweet, the tingly spirit carries the flavours to a flaccid conclusion of stale cereal and dried grass. Kind of resembles Lowland Scotch but not in a particularly flattering way. Pass.45.2% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Two malts: same distillation run, same proof, but this one was aged in used bourbon barrels. The color is much lighter than the new barrel bottling (also reviewed this issue), a pale straw. Nose is delicate, notes of haymow planks, clover honey, fresh grain, and sweet orange peel. Somewhat pedestrian on the palate: sweet malt, dried hay, more citrus, and a touch of pepper, with a somewhat bitter finish. No real flaws, but no excitement either. Disappointing. 82 points
    - www.maltadvocate.com, (Spring 2014) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson

    Oyster shell/dusty yellow color; minor floating debris. Assertive fibrous, flaxen/textile, kernel-like opening aroma that highlights wax paper, grass seedhead; later sniffs detect desert dry scents that do not deviate from first impressions. Better in mouth than in nose, this oddball whiskey offers a biscuity entry, then features ungainly flax/textile notes that are harsh and unpleasant. A messed up experiment that shouldn’t have been released to the public. - http://www.spiritjournal.com/

    Balcones Mirador Cask Strength Texas Single Malt American Whisky (700ml) - 2022 Release
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $149. 99
    Bottle
    $1799.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    'Mirador' is a second fill barrel malt profile made up of whiskies ranging around 40 months in age. Because all of the aging took place in used casks, the oak is less prominent. It's also not as deeply coloured as most Balcones. Released to mark the 10th anniversary of the distillery, Mirador's instant success made it an annual release - which makes sense - this is a relatively relaxed Balcones style you could routinely dive into. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... DOUBLE GOLD at the most recent San Francisco Spirits Awards

    • 93
    • ABV may vary
    • Batch may vary
    Balcones Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Single Malt American Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 66.7%

    This is the cask strength / single cask version of Balcones single malt, not to be confused with their 'Classic' edition that typically arrives at what many might consider cask strength or near to. Apart from similar looking private bottlings, the labels on both the Cask Strength and Classic are very similar, so at a glance, it's easy to mistake the two. The ABVs will also vary from batch to batch, however the uncut strength for any Balcones is typically extreme (think 65%+), which is the tell tale signature to differentiate by. Balcones single barrel selections aim to showcase the contrasts from one barrel to the next and the way the wood and whisky respond to the Waco climate. Hungarian oak, x Bourbon wood and French oak are common, but they'll alternate between releases, depending on which barrel performs best. These beasts often rate highly amongst critics, and if you like your whisky incendiary and intense, this will fit the bill. Having said that, the batch we tasted handled the massive alcohol with aplomb while delivering an exuberant malt richness that easily matched the considerable oak. The result is a potent whisky, balanced yet bursting with personality and flavour. 66.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 93
    Balcones Rum Cask Finished Cask Strength Texas Single Malt American Whisky (750ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 61.8%

    Balcones started distilling rum back in 2013, so with their in-house cooperage program, it makes sense that they're re-using rum casks to finish whisky. The result is one of the most rum-infused malts on the market without compromising distillery character or being overly sweet. Past the initial whiff of alcohol you get aromas of raisin cake, banoffee pie, chico lollies and dry cola underpinned by bustling wood spices which complement the rum notes. As always from Balcones, this is a big, bittersweet experience that ramps up the intensity as it goes. Muted rum like sugars enter with suggestions of dates, fruit cake and rum-balls; spices climax at the finish. The rum lingers with gingerbread, cola and light molasses. It could be better integrated, but remember this is high strength and Waco matured, so consistent with the house style. In short, yet another wild ride for fans of Balcones. 61.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 93
    • Reduced
    Balcones Single Barrel European Oak Cask Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $150.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    At first inspection, not vastly dissimilar to the French oak expression, however extended breathing proves otherwise. Apart from being conspicuously darker, cask 17037 shows better balance and more malt sweetness. A spice pantry on the nose including clove, nutmeg, peppercorns and cinnamon over dried fruits and creamy vanillas, this is typically robust Balcones, with a slightly lean, bittersweet entry, building with bready / fruity flavours (fig paste, spiced apples, green banana?) A sprinkling of brown sugar, dates and dark chocolate creams up the malty finish, matched by a tongue tingling rush of oak and spice. Minimal water pulls everything together, accenting raisin cake and fruit 'n' nut dark chocolate. Expect this was a sherry cask. Biting stuff, but really grows on you and continues to improve after air contact. Distilled April 2017 and bottled in February 2020. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 91
    • Reduced
    Balcones Single Barrel French Oak Cask Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $150.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    [Cask 9647] Bristling oak spices on the nose have a subdued, drying effect, evoking pencil shavings, cocoa and white pepper. The drier of the lot, with more late astringency and fire too. In fact, almost like a young, uncut Armagnac. Prunes and dried apricots are taken out by assertive wood spices at the finish. The malt richens with bitter dark chocolate and ginger bread through the aftertaste. Straight up, this is quite an attack. Add water to find its sweet spot. Distilled May 2017 and bottled in early 2020. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 96
    Balcones Single Barrel #21826 Oloroso Sherry Finish Cask Strength Single Malt American Whisky (700ml) - Australian Exclusive
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 61.5%
    "Balcones are unquestionably the Masters of big whisky in the USA outside of Kentucky and Tennessee". - Jim Murray


    Note: These have anything from superficial label damage to torn labels.

    Besides Clear Creek Distillery in Oregon and Stranahan’s in Colorado, the brightest star in the Northern single malt firmament is Balcones. Deeply rooted in Texas climate and charisma, their single malts are bold, full of personality and rich in wood extracted spices. The very best become candidates for Balcone's 'Single Barrel Private Selection Program'. These offer the most complexity, intense palate weight and precocious balance (ABV and barrel type will vary depending on what edition you get). Usually cherry-picked for private sale, we have received cask #21826, an Oloroso finished whisky. The yield was miniscule, even by Texas standards - less than 100 bottles. Despite the cask having being used several times, the sherry influence is significant. It should appeal both to Scotch and Bourbon drinkers alike and is guaranteed to be one of the more short lived releases for 2021.

    Keep in mind, this was matured in the very hot and dry Waco weather, so what you get both looks and tastes remarkably mature and complex for its age. The initial nosing finds lots of alcohol, wood and cocoa. It continues to richen and develop over five minutes in the glass adding liquorice bullets, roasted nuts, vanilla malt, dark chocolate and dried apricots to the olfactory range. Others will find still more. Swamped with an intense, dry, nutty Oloroso character and bottled at a formidable proof, this is surprisingly easily approached once passed the initial attack. And to balance the sherry and mid palate astringency, there's a perfect amount of honeyed malt and mocha sweetness at the finish. It just goes on and on, sprinkling the tongue with cinnamon and pepper along the way. While we use the term 'Sherry bomb' sparingly, what we have here is something more again. One of the most incendiary whisky sensations of the year.61.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    • 94
    • Reduced
    Balcones Mirador Cask Strength Texas Single Malt American Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $159.99
    $129. 99
    Bottle
    $1559.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53.5%
    'Mirador' is a second fill barrel malt profile made up of whiskies ranging from around two years to almost five years in age. Because all of the aging took place in used casks, the oak is less prominent. It's also not as deeply coloured as most Balcones. Not surprisingly, the nose gives more of the malt instead of the wood that's easily overdone in Bourbon whiskies. But, after all, this is single malt. There's suggestions of orchard fruits, in particular pears and apples; Spices add depth while something fresher lurks beneath. Pure, supple and rounded, dried fruits are complemented by delicate astringency, before dovetailing oak shavings with fruit muesli and toasted cereal sweetness. Released to mark the 10th anniversary of the distillery, Mirador's instant success made it an annual release - which makes sense - this is a relatively relaxed Balcones style you could routinely dive into. 53.5 % Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... Balcones Mirador is an annual release that uses a blend of malt whiskeys aged in used barrels. This imparts less dominant oak flavors than you’d see with new charred oak barrel aging, instead allowing the whiskey to develop more nuanced flavors. This is Texas in a glass, instantly transporting me to a field on a hot summer Texas day. It’s easy drinking for the proof, and each sip allows you to pull out more flavours. - breakingbourbon.com

    Notes from the producers... NOSE: under-ripe and green notes of pear, green apple skins and flower stems open up to honeysuckle and fallen leaves before revealing rich notes of honey, brown sugar and soft suede leather. TASTE: green fruit and light herbal aromas suggest green tea and honey with hints of fennel and lemongrass. As it breathes, the light fruit syrup impression concentrates and mingles with the soft spice notes to evoke apple pie with lemon curd, fruit salad with marshmallows and pecans and even a Rusty Nail with an accidental cucumber garnish. FINISH: the finish begins where the rich sweetness gets lifted by the citrus twang, drying to notes of sandalwood and marmalade before finally offering Earl Grey tea.

    Balcones High Plains Cask Strength Single Malt American Whisky (750ml)
    Texas, UNITED STATES
    $159. 99
    Bottle
    $1919.88 Dozen
    ABV: 57%

    Originally available at the distillery door only, small volumes are now making their way into overseas markets.

    In 2013, Blacklands Malt partnered with Texas A&M University to work out what it might take to brew and distill grains grown in Texas. Given the hot and arid climate, this project had always presented challenges. In 2016, Blacklands harvested the first-ever Texas-grown grains suitable for malting barley. Balcones was one of the first to purchase the malt. This certified 100% Texas whisky is the result. The whisky is matured for around thirty months in a variety of barrels including new & used American, French and Hungarian oak. With strong reviews from the blogosphere, expect a creamy bodied malt with stone fruit, honey/beeswax, fresh sourdough, rich caramelized sugars and subtle oak notes. Non chill filtered. 57% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

    • 93
    • Reduced
    Balcones Single Barrel American Oak Cask Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $150.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    Balcones single barrel selections showcase the nuances of their flagship whisky, the Single Malt. Contrasts from one barrel to the next highlight the way the wood and whisky respond to the Waco climate. Cask #18022 spent roughly three years in American oak. The aroma is initially laced with white pepper, pickled ginger and hints of resin before a sweeter, maltier aspect emerges including cloves, vanilla and a latent fruitiness (baked apples / guava?). No softy on flavour, delivering plenty of depth and kick: Rock candy, bittersweet chocolate and coffee bean notes enter before weighty spices cap off a vanilla-thick finish. There's a brief hint of green wood too, but it's smothered by rebounding sugars. A belter uncut, add water to fluff up the mouthfeel and 'sand off' any bitter edges. 53% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Distilled August 2017 and bottled in February 2020.

    Other reviews... [Barrel #16582 tasted] Persimmon pudding, guava juice, baked apple, blueberry, and pineapple on the nose, as well as fresh clay, pencil shavings, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salty ham. The palate is big and chewy, with Popsicle stick, dried chile, roasted nuts, black pepper, and juicy guava and pineapple. More tropical fruit rounds out the palate, mingling with pepper, nuts, and plenty of dry oak. 92 points
    - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton (Winter 2019)

    • 94
    Balcones 5th Anniversary Brimstone Resurrection Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky (750ml) - Barrel #2696
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58.3%
    "Balcones are unquestionably the masters of big whisky in the USA outside of Kentucky and Tennessee". - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013

     

    Each release in the 5th Anniversary series from Balcones has been met with outstanding acclaim and recognition. At the 2013 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, Balcones' Texas Straight Bourbon was named "Best in Show" for all brown spirits entered while Brimstone Resurrection was also honored with a Double Gold Medal.
    Balcones' Straight Single Malts mark the end of the revered 5th Anniversary series of single barrel whiskies from this celebrated Texas distillery. With most barrels yielding less than 200 bottles, these rare releases will disappear quickly.  

    Balcones Brimstone Reserection release was crowned "World's Best American Whisky" at the World Whiskies Awards 2014

     Tasting note: Deep copper appearance. A thick, malty bouquet combines heavy vanilla with rum-like sugars and dense fruit cake notes. Creamy entry leads into a gently bittersweet, concentrated, chewy profile with mouth coating waves of sugars; Sweet spice, oatmeal biscuit and honey tones reverberate into a brilliantly balanced finish; gentle spirit continues to carry rich vanilla and malt flavours at length. Wait for the late caramel burst. Very impressive.

    Stocks are limited.

    Balcones Single Barrel Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Waco, Texas, UNITED STATES
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    Balcones 'Single Barrel Private Selection Program' showcases the nuances of their flagship whisky, the Single Malt. Contrasts from one barrel to the next highlight the way the wood and whisky respond to the Waco climate. Barrel selections will vary in this series. In the past they've included a variety of new & used American, French and Hungarian oak. 53% Alc./Vol.

     

    Balcones Montilla Sherry Texas Single Malt American Whisky (700ml)
    Texas, UNITED STATES
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 53%

    Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

    A Balcones with a rare triple Sherry finish made using Golden Promise barley - the very same barley Macallan used in its iconic sherried whiskies of the 70s and early 1990s. Three cask types are employed: Oloroso casks more than 80 years old, and Amontillado Dulce and Moscatel Dorado casks more than 40 years old. The latter are extremely rare, while Amontillado Dulce no longer exists as a category in sherry, so to find these barrels is a once-off. Bottled exclusively for a local whisky club, this now hard-to-find gem will be a must-try for Balcones enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys heavily sherried styles. 53% Alc./Vol.

    • 94
    Colkegan Single Malt American Whiskey (750ml)
    UNITED STATES
    $145. 00
    Bottle
    $1740.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Santa Fe Spirits is owned by an English expat, Colin Kegan, from whom the brand's name is derived. Just like Scotch Single Malt, this whisky is produced from 100% malted barley and aged (largely) in used bourbon barrels. Being subject to New Mexico's arid climate, the elevated warehouses experience significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which tends to accelerate the aging process. Up to 40% is lost to evaporation during the maturation period. The major point of difference for this whisky lies in the kilning process: 30% of the barley used is dried using a mesquite fire. Mesquite refers to wood sourced from small desert shrubs. It's actually one of the more expensive lumbers in the U.S and a mature tree can fetch thousands of dollars. It was a popular ship building material for the early Spaniards, but it's now most commonly used for high end rustic furniture. The smokey flavour mesquite imparts is nothing like peat, but like its Scottish counterparts, it can add amazing complexity to the finished spirit.

    Tasting note: [Batch 5 tasted] Bright gold with some minor sediment evident. Fascinating aromatics shift from white chocolate to smokey vanilla to sweet pipe tobacco. Later inhalations reveal drier notes of flourless orange cake and even mezcal. Silky, light-cream mouthfeel evolves flavours of minted white chocolate, lavender and a restrained, smokey vanilla-slice finish that's countered by buzzing spice and drying oak; closes feather-light, lingering and delicate with a subtle white chocolate, sponge cake and salty mezcal fade. A one of a kind that will have you guessing from start to finish. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... [March 26th, 2015] The Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) judges gave the whiskey a coveted “Excellent, Highly Recommend” along with the 94 (of 100) point rating. The rating makes Colkegan the second ranked American whiskey. “The smoke is obvious, but it’s a sweeter and meatier smoke than one gets from peated whiskies. The spirit shines through a bit more in the mouth, then the smoke comes back and finally the… finish cleans the palate for the next sip.”

    ...Sweet malt, old fruit pastilles (less intense), and subtle mesquite smoke. Unlike some craft smoked whiskeys, this doesn’t grab you by the throat; it’s enticing. Bigger on the tongue, but still not overwhelming, and there’s some dark, spicy chocolate and pepper coming out. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Winter 2014) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson

    • 93
    Colkegan Cask Strength Single Malt American Whiskey (750ml)
    UNITED STATES
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 59%
    ​Santa Fe Spirits was founded by Englishman and whiskey aficionado Colin Keegan in 2010 with the dream of using local, organic ingredients to bring high-quality Scotch-style whiskies and Calvados-style apple brandies to the Southwest. The whiskeys have a smokey quality as the barley is Mesquite-smoked. This cask strength edition is bottled from Keegan's top performing single barrels.

    Tasting note: White chocolate is a recurring note in the Colkegan range. This one combines it alongside hints of pine buds, balsa wood, peppermint and incense smoke becoming more mezcal-like after time in the glass. At cask strength, it’s intense and a little prickly; by mid palate, it’s more settled and integrated; white chocolate, vanilla malt, a touch of menthol rub and delicate smoke emerge through the finish. A style unlike any other. 59% Alc./vol.

    Other reviews... Rich and beefy on the nose: charred brisket, salted meat, tangerines, dark wood, brine, and white smoke. The palate is powerful, oak-forward without being astringent, and very spicy. Walnut, cayenne pepper, and grilled citrus balance out the meaty, oaky flavors. Saddle leather, cherries, and even more smoke on the finish. Tangy, salty, spicy, and malty. A truly compelling American single malt with great structure.
    90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Adam Polonski (Fall 2018)

    Extremely high loss due to the distillery location 7,000 feet above sea level means Colin Keegan has had to get smart when it comes to storing his aging stocks. In the desert of Santa Fe, it’s hot and dry, which increases the rate of evaporation. To deal with the atmosphere at high altitude, he's built a custom rickhouse (barrel aging warehouse) which uses powerful humidifiers to help keep barrels moist. This slows angel's share as the barrels no-longer dry out as quickly. They also now use a barrel aging program to monitor the amount of liquid in each barrel. The master distiller periodically weighs each barrel. Any getting low are “topped up” with another barrel of the same age. Once again, this helps reduce the angel's share as barrels with a higher content of liquid don’t dry out as fast or evaporate as quickly.
    • 92
    Colkegan Apple Brandy Cask Finish Single Malt American Whiskey (750ml)
    UNITED STATES
    $165. 00
    Bottle
    $1980.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Colkegan's latest expression has been aged for over six years, initially 52-months in 200-litre barrels, then, as the master distiller was monitoring the stock, one barrel was selected for an extra 12-months of finishing in apple brandy casks, added to still wet barrels of apple brandy that Santa Fe Spirits also distill themselves.

    Tasting note: Pale straw gold. Initially shy, but builds with hints of apple tart, cinnamon and bitter almond-like aromas as well as light balsa wood and milk chocolate. Light on entry ; Some baked apple / cider fruitiness at mid palate then white chocolate gives way to creeping wood smoke, especially towards the finish. The aftertaste sees the cidery / cocoa / chocolatey notes return with the sooty, camp fire smokiness in the background. An eclectic, sometimes beguiling arrangement that makes for a one-of-a-kind whiskey. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Soft and juicy aromas of ginger juice, apple tart, strawberry shortcake, and light, sweet smoke. Very aromatic, with lots of citrus, clove and cinnamon. Orange Creamsicle on the palate, with a good deal of apple, poached pear, marmalade and light smoke. Salted butter, gentle oak and wispy smoke keep. A good harmony of flavours.
    92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Adam Polonski (Fall 2018)

    Santa Fe Spirits is owned by an English expat, Colin Kegan, from whom the brand's name is derived. Just like Scotch Single Malt, this whisky is produced from 100% malted barley and aged (largely) in used bourbon barrels. Being subject to New Mexico's arid climate, the elevated warehouses experience significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which tends to accelerate the aging process. Up to 40% is lost to evaporation during the maturation period.

    The major point of difference for this whisky lies in the kilning process: 30% of the barley used is dried using a mesquite fire. Mesquite refers to wood sourced from small desert shrubs. It's actually one of the more expensive lumbers in the U.S and a mature tree can fetch thousands of dollars. It was a popular ship building material for the early Spaniards, but it's now most commonly used for high end rustic furniture. The smokey flavour mesquite imparts is nothing like peat, but like its Scottish counterparts, it can add amazing complexity to the finished spirit.
    • 94
    2014 Dumangin Balcones Batch 003 Single Cask 5 Year Old Texas Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Texas, UNITED STATES
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    As intense as the climate that helped create it. One of the best American single malts tasted to date.

    Tasting note: Discovered by Gilles Dumangin during one of his sales trips, Balcones is a Single Malt pioneer in the US whiskey scene. Based in Waco, Texas, the region is subject to an extreme climate. During Gilles’ August visit, the outside temperature was near 50 degrees celsius. As a result, maturation is dramatically sped up (five years here is like twelve or fifteen in Scotland). After four years in an x Bourbon barrel, twelve months finishing in a Ratafia Champenois cask has added another layer of texture to what is already a hugely flavoursome malt. This deep mahogany coloured whiskey conjures aromas of coffee cake, vanilla bean, cinnamon raisin bread and marmalade. It's superbly poised with the palate adding flavours of coffee bean, dark chocolate and roasted nuts. Oaky astringency balances the middle stages before the finish injects a final, lingering caramel sweetness. Draws comparison with some of Australia's finest. 151 bottles produced. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
    • 92
    Few Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
    Evanston, Illinois, UNITED STATES
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46.5%
    Since first tasting Paul Hletko's delicious White Whiskey late last year, we've been eagerly anticipating his first barrel aged efforts. His Single Malt has just hit the Australian market. Made from 100% malted barley, it was aged in x rye and bourbon barrels for one year.

    Tasting note: Deep gold / polished brass appearance. A sweet botanical edge to the opening sniff (think thyme / tumeric) recedes into attractive scents of dark chocolate, hessian sack and empty Bourbon barrel. Several minutes aeration lends an added Bourbonesque slant with charry vanillan oak and dilute maple syrup to the fore. Quite dry and woody, even herbal on entry (thyme again?) followed by some attractive vanilla and cocoa moments that balance the initial stages with late sweetness. Odd, engaging and difficult to pin down - and all the better for it! 46.5% Alc./Vol.
    • 94
    • 95
    Westland American Oak Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Washington State, UNITED STATES
    $119. 99
    Bottle
    $1439.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    This is the flagship expression of Westland's American Single Malt Whiskey, aimed at expressing a "house style". Made from a mash bill of five different roasted and kilned barley malts, with the base being a pale malt grown in the state of Washington, a Belgian brewer's yeast introduces fruity esters during fermentation. Finally, maturing predominantly in the finest new American oak casks complements Master Distiller, Matt Hofmann's other choices contributing vanilla, caramel and coconut notes.

    Tasting note: Bright deep brassy gold. Shy at first but builds with aromas of new-sawn American oak, biscuity malt, sweet spices (cinnamon / clove / vanilla) and in later passes an understated fresh-fruity edge. Beautifully rounded in the mouth, and with attractive sweet / dry balance. Mid-palate features fresh oak and hints of apple tart. Finish peaks with American oak input dovetailing with the brittle malt; there's vanilla, caramel and cocoa but the sugars are kept in check. Tremendous staying power. It's the ease with which this unfolds that sets it apart. Very polished. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Amber color. Rich, fruity, inviting aromas of granola, peach and pineapple cobbler, and baking spice with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, long dried fruit, pepper, vanilla cola, and minerals finish. A vivacious single malt that delivers a lot of flavor and balance. 93 points - www.tastings.com

    ...just so salivating you don't know whether to swallow or kiss it.
    95 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2016

    A non-age stated single malt from Washington State. Light amber in color, there’s more oak on the nose than you’d expect, along with baked apple, chocolate, cinnamon, and clove. Chocolate leads the entry, followed by clove, cinnamon, baked apple, and salt. A spicy mid-palate picks up some ginger and a dash of heat. The finish is fairly short and dry. This feels a bit young and lacks depth. An interesting start; let's see where it goes from here. 83 points
    - www.maltadvocate.com (Spring 2015) Reviewed by: Geoffrey Kleinman
    Westland Core Range Collection Single Malt American Whiskey Gift Pack (3x200ml)
    Washington State, UNITED STATES
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    This attractive gift pack is a terrific opportunity to sample one of America's most talked about, up-and-coming whisky producers. It contains Westland's "core portfolio" of malts —the flagship American Single Malt, a Peated Malt and a Sherry Wood expression. Their aim is to offer uniquely American styles to rival the finest whiskies in the world.

    Set in the heart of downtown Seattle, Westland's is one of the largest (if not the largest) single malt distilleries in the country. The facility itself is home to a 5,000-liter mash house that operates full-time, seven days a week, to fill 10,000-liter fermenters. The stills perform a traditional double distillation before the spirit is filled into a variety of full-size oak casks including two types of new American oak, ex-bourbon casks and also ex-sherry casks imported fresh and whole from Montilla, Spain. Once filled, all of the distillery's whiskeys are brought to the coast of Washington State, where the temperate and humid climate of the rainforest offers an ideal environment for maturation.
    • 90
    • 81
    • Reduced
    Westland Sherry Wood Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Washington State, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $130.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Westland matures this whiskey in casks that began their lives in the deep forests of the American South before making a long journey across the ocean and back again. It was in Spain where the oak was first bent into staves for casks that would hold Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry for nearly a century. Once emptied, they were given new life and purpose in the skilled hands of Rafael Cabello and his team at Tonelería del Sur in Montilla, Spain.

    Tasting note: Bright gold. Unusual aromas of fresh prune, fruit mince pie and a trace of sulphur. Svelte textured with flavours of cream tea biscuits, fruit cake and a touch of dried apricot to finish. Ends mildly spicy, fresh, with ginger biscuit and sweet spices returning late in the aftertaste. Medium long. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... ...Bright amber color. Bright, creamy, toasty, fruity aromas of peach custard pie, butter roasted nuts, leather, and chocolate toffee with a silky, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, very long dried fruits, baking spices, minerals, and pepper finish. A robust and flavor packed single malt.
    90 points - www.tastings.com

    A jammy, inviting nose features blackberry jam, raisin, apricot, and ginger. On the palate it’s a cacophonic mess: chocolate and peated malt clash and do battle to grab focus. Add some heavy char and sherry to the mix and it's a bloodbath.
    76 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Fall 2015) Reviewed by: Geoffrey Kleinman
    • 93
    • 91
    • Reduced
    Westland Peated Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Washington State, UNITED STATES
    Reduced from $130.00
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Westland's peated expression accounts for just 20% of the distillery's annual production. It's a vatting of two separate new-make spirits. The first is a mash of peated malt, among the smokiest produced in the new world (55ppm phenol content derived from U.S. peat bogs). The second comes from a mash of 100% Washington select pale malt. The result is a whiskey "...sturdy enough to satisfy the cravings of those looking for a solid dose of smoke", while the pale malt component contributes grainy and fruity notes. The whisky is matured in a variety of oak, including first-fill ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

    Tasting note: Brilliant gold. Really soft, pillowy peat - smells like gently smoked oatmeal biscuit or choc-chip cookie, with the peat more salient following five minutes air contact; hints of lanolin, moss and finally latent fruitiness comes to the fore. Pear drops? Rhubarb tart? Delicious, oily delivery with the sooty, cocoa-laced peat dripping from the barley. Fresh, lively and exceptionally soft. Ends as purring spices, sweet barley and hints of iodine are rounded off with a satisfying spirit warmth. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews.... Amber color. Lively, creamy aromas of honey roasted nuts, creme brulee, dried fruits, and band aid with a soft, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a peppery, complex, long toasted grain, peat moss, pepper, and charcoal and iodine finish. A remarkably Scottish tasting US single malt.
    94 points - www.tastings.com

    ...This young peated malt, aged at least 24 months, has a nice, dry peat smoke nose, backed by honey and oak. On the palate it’s disjointed: the young peat malt argues with the heavy char barrel, a struggle that needs more time to be worked out. Honeyed malt tries to lend support but everything topples in the mid-palate, where things turn dry, spicy, and slightly acidic. A medium finish wraps up a whiskey that simply needs more time.
    87 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Fall 2015) Reviewed by: Geoffrey Kleinman

    ...lightly peated, polite and safe. The gristy sugars refuse to be thwarted.
    91.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2016
    Westward Rum Cask Cask Strength Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 62.5%

    Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
    A novel release from Westward Whiskey in Portland, Oregon, made in the distillery's classic style with Pacific Northwest grown barley, malted just a few miles from the facility and fermented with ale yeast. They take this expression one step further by partnering with the Leal family of Casa Magdalena Rum in Guatemala.

    First aged in Virgin American oak, then finished for twelve months in x-rum casks, Head Distiller, Miles Munroe says, this one’s going to “jump out of the glass and command your attention”.

    Notes from the importers... Bright notes of tangy tangerine and the tropics lead to crunchy sugar cane and vanilla bean custard on the palate before a massive finish of Banoffee pie and richly toasted spiced oak rolls in and lingers on the tongue forever. And it’s at a whopping 62.5%!

    • 90
    Westward Oregon Straight Single Barrel American Malt Whiskey (375ml)
    Oregon, UNITED STATES
    $125. 00
    Bottle
    $1500.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45%
    This is young whisky (reportedly two years old), double pot distilled and made from 100% Pacific Northwest malted barley and fermented with ale yeasts. Unlike many micro upstarts who are keen to mature new-make at a pace to ensure a quick turnaround on their initial investment, Westward chose two-char American oak full size barrels instead of smaller alternatives. While the latter would accelerate maturation (especially during Oregon's hot summers), smaller barrels can also leave a "forced" impression on a whisky.

    Tasting note: The deep polished copper penny colour is impressive in the glass. Shows some minor sediment. Wood and sweet spice notes are emphasised on the nose including fresh-sawn American oak, vanilla and delicate cinnamon with the barley taking back seat. Light on entry but gains weight and body at the mid palate stage which is nicely rounded featuring muesli-bar like flavours and creamy vanillin oak. A juicy burst before the oak input returns finishing with subtle notes of vanilla wafer, cream biscuits and a trace of peppermint tea to balance the earlier sugars. Wood dominant but a lovely mouth feel to this. A distillery to watch. 45% Alc./Vol.
    Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Five-Malt Stouted Mash Kentucky Malt Whiskey (700ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $240. 00
    Bottle
    $2880.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45.2%

    Released in late 2021 in the USA as the Winter 2021 Master’s Collection edition, Woodford Reserve Five-Malt Stouted Mash is made using distillers malt, wheat malt, pale chocolate malt, Carafa 1 malt and kiln coffee malt. For Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, the whiskey is a take on crafting a spirit that references the traditional heavy-style dark beer (although it's not 100% clear what makes it 'stouted'). “It's an expression unlike any other we’ve released before,” Morris said. “The rich, roasted malty stout flavors mingle with bright touches of baked fruit, crisp spices, and orange zest for a unique Woodford Reserve experience.” This year’s Master's Collection expression marks the 17th release in the series and is available in limited volumes across select global markets. 45.2% Alc./Vol

    Other reviews... "This whiskey is true to its intention on the nose, with spicy, roasty notes of Mexican hot chocolate, and cocoa-dusted truffles. The palate is zingy, with orange zest, lemon, and menthol cutting through the richness of gooey fudge and maple syrup-drenched pancakes. The finish turns drier, with coffee grounds, leather, musty cellar, tart berries, and malted milk balls." 85 points - distiller.com

    Notes from the producers... Color: Antique Orange. Aroma: Dusky notes of roasted malt, toasted nuts all sweetened with hints of milk chocolate and brightened with a touch of orange zest, spearmint, and warm baking spices. Oak, cherry cobbler, and shortbread round out the malt and barrel influence. Taste: Malty with toasted hazelnut and cocoa highlights atop a layer of baked fruit, crisp spice, and zest bounce about the depths. Finish: Malt and cocoa notes linger on.

    • Nick's Import
    Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey (1000ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45.2%
    Another addition to Chris Morris's experimental repertoire is this unusual American Malt. Made from a mashbill of 51% Malted Barley, 47% Corn and 2% Rye, it's Woodford’s fourth release in their 'Distiller’s Select' portfolio and is expected to be a permanent line. Woodford have actually released three malted whiskeys in the past using all-malt mashbills, but the point of difference here is that it just exceeds the minimum legal requirements. The addition of a significant proportion of corn and rye means it should appeal to Bourbon and Single Malt drinkers alike. Not scheduled for release in Australia, however we've secured a small quantity for serious American whiskey enthusiasts.

    Other reviews... A great bottle for bourbon and rye drinkers to dip their toes into the American Malt Whiskey category if they haven’t already. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey is an enjoyable whiskey not so much for any individual piece, but for what the product delivers as a whole. With the exception of the hotness of the palate, the rest of sip is well balanced. It’s priced right, will be readily available, and it stands out from Woodford’s other products. It probably won’t rank up there on anyone’s memorable whiskey of the year lists, but it will most likely please those who purchase it. The fact that the mashbill could easily be turned into a heavily malted bourbon and that it was aged in a new charred oak barrel, helps make this a great introduction into American malt whiskey. Hopefully Woodford Malt will open up people’s palates to a whole new category and encourage other large distilleries to try their hands in this space. 45.2% Alc./Vol. - breakingbourbon.com
    • 84
    Zeppelin Bend Reserve Single Malt American Whisky (750ml)
    UNITED STATES
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    From the New Holland Brewing Company out of Grand Rapids, Michigan; their Zeppelin Bend American malt has been around since 2007. The whiskey was originally limited to sale in New Holland’s tasting room & bars in Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. This one's a NAS sherry cask finish. They've since released a 10YO with the same credentials which received very positive reviews. Quite likely, a one of a kind here... One bottle only. 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Much more effervescent than before, though that curious hop note that I remember not only persists but has been upped slightly. 84.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022