14 products

The Manhattan

The history of the Manhattan is as hazy as a Saturday night tall tale wearing a Sunday morning hangover. The 'Manhattan Club' claims its origins to this day - mixed up to honour Lady Churchill’s attendance at a function in the early 1870s. She happened to be heavily pregnant and in Europe at the time. (But don’t let facts get in the way of your chat. After all, it is cocktail history and we were all too drunk to remember anyway). Perhaps the most trustworthy version is the one free of hyperbole: A guy named Black came up with it in the 1860s. It was a cocktail. He made it in Manhattan.

Along with its esteemed, whiskey-based bedfellow, the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan featured as one of the six basics in David A. Embury’s bible for the boozy side of the bar, "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks". A Manhattan is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters - a simple statement that belies the extraordinary complexity and harmony of this classic that ticks all the boxes for the square one definition of “Cocktail” – a boozy tipple balanced and enhanced by the addition of sugar, bitters, water and/or citrus.

But here’s the rub - which whiskey? Which vermouth? Which bitters? Much like the Negroni, the Manhattan is a difficult drink to stuff up - three ingredients right? But when you choose the right pairing… tweak the ratios a little… Voila! The Vermouth does the dance of the seven veils for the Whiskey and you understand why this drink is a point of pride for many professional bartenders.

So which pairings are going to work? This question raises a point of contention – Bourbon or Rye? You see, the Manhattan (like the Aviation) became victim to a disappearing ingredient. In this case, not a subtle accent to the drink, but the Rye Whiskey used as the base became unobtainable and the recipe evolved to Bourbon or Canadian Whisky.

Things have changed. Rye is back and we would like to draw a line here – USE RYE. Bourbon (please use a high Rye content label) and Canadian Whisky will make a serviceable drink, but it just won’t sparkle like Rye. Most of the good Vermouths tend to swarm over the drink and you end up with a too soft, too sweet dish. So USE RYE and choose something that will stand up in the mix – higher proof and spicier styles can be better.

The Vermouth should complement the Rye, share its toys, and use its “inside voice”. For heavier, dryer styles of Rye choose weightier Vermouth. Lighter Rye, Bourbon or Canadian Whiskies require more delicate modifiers. Bitters are a personal preference. Never feel bound to the ratios and tweak what you need to get the precision you desire. A heavy hand on the bitters bottle can help balance the sweetness of Bourbon based drinks for example. It is this very flexibility that makes the Manhattan one of the most riffed on drinks in the list. Dry, Half Dry, Perfect, Cuban and Tijuana Manhattans along with the Bobby Burns are just a few of the dozens of variations.

Below is a tried and tested recipe for a classic Manhattan: ingredients and ratios attributed to Jeremy Oertel - Death & Co, New York (Yes - this is a BIG drink. It will fill a Cocktail/ Martini glass and make 2 serves if using a Coupe)

  • 75ml Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (Try Rittenhouse or see suggestions below).
  • 30ml Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth
  • Two dashes of Angostura bitter
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish

  • Method: Stir over ice, strained into a chilled glass, garnish and serve.

OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR A BETTER MANHATTAN...

    Angostura Bitters (200ml)
    Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean,
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    ABV: 44.7%

    Created in 1824 by J.Siegert , a German surgeon posted at the Military Hospital in the town of Angostura, Venezuela. Its genesis lay in the requirement for an elixir to combat the repetitive stomach disorders that soldiers were suffering from. After four years of trial and error, researching and analysing the qualities of tropical herbs and plants, Siegert finally arrived at a unique blend of materials which he called 'Amargo Aromatico' or aromatic bitters. Its first public release in Venezuela in 1830 was an instant commercial success. By 1850, he had resigned his commission in the Venezuelan army, to concentrate on the manufacture of his bitters, since by then demand had leapt ahead of supply.

    Rum based, this skilfully blended aromatic preparation of gentian in combination with a variety of vegetable colouring matter, must be on every bar shelf. It has a particularly pungent aroma with a concentrated flavour and high alcohol content (44.7%). That means you require only a dash or two at a time. Angostura is never drunk on its own, but is indispensable in the creation of many classic cocktails and is applauded with gin, the monotony of which has been forever altered thanks to Angostura.

    • 95
    Carpano Antica Formula 1786 Red Vermouth (1000ml)
    Torino, ITALY
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 16.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Drinks writer, David A.Embury stresses that a cocktail will never be any better than the quality of the cheapest ingredient in it, and hence he proselytizes constantly for the highest quality spirits, liqueurs, cordials, and modifiers (fresh squeezed lemons, etc.) It's a philosophy we completely agree with. At Nicks Wine Merchants, we take great pride in our amazing collection of the best spirits and liqueurs from all corners of the world. However, good quality Sweet Vermouth has remained elusive, that is until we discovered Antica Formula. Bearing the name of the Italian distiller, Antonio Carpano the man most famous for inventing Vermouth, this is arguably the finest example of the style available today - an artisan product, produced in tiny quantities from the very finest ingredients.

    To use a frank analogy - to go to the effort of making a great cocktail that requires sweet vermouth, without using Antica Formula is like wearing thongs with a tuxedo. Classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Negroni, Bronx or Corpse Reviver will be taken to new heights, while its bitter-sweet balance and generous, silky mouthfeel, means it can also be consumed neat as an aperitif or with desserts. A large measure with soda and ice gives a sarsparilla like experience. The only limit is your imagination.
    The Vermouth comes beautifully packaged in a one litre, mouth blown, individually numbered glass bottle.  

    Tasting note: Burnt sienna brown colour with gold ochre hue. Inviting nose of liquorice, dried citrus peel, cinnamon, and clove. A sophisticated Sarsaparilla! The palate is a joy. A rich velvety texture delivers initially sweet flavours; aniseed, portello, cinnamon sugar and spicy fruit cake, before the palate turns and takes on a slightly bitter character driven by orange marmalade and warm spice which persists into the very long aftertaste. Retains its freshness throughout and achieves the bitter/sweet balancing act with impeccable poise. A classic. 16.5% Alc./Vol.

    • 90
    Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Vermouth (750ml)
    Cocconato d'Asti, ITALY
    $59. 99
    Bottle
    $719.88 Dozen
    ABV: 16%
    Closure: Cork

    The house of Cocchi (pronounced co-key) is a Torino winery known for an array of still, sparkling and fortified wines. In 2011 as part of Cocchi's 120th birthday celebrations, they revived their house vermouth (originally produced in 1891), resulting in the first genuine Vermouth di Torino (protected designation of origin).

    Tasting notes: Copper / sienna brown colour with a bright copper hue. Moderate scents of cocoa, followed by ripe citrus (blood orange?) making for a nuanced jaffa-like profile. Mildly bitter herbal notes, including sarsaparilla keep the sweetness muted. Light to medium bodied and bitter-sweet, the palate offers flavours of citrus peel, spiced raisins and sarsaparilla. Concludes gently bitter with an aftertaste of quinine, citrus peel and cocoa. A more delicate expression than the likes of Antica Formula, which some find too easily overpowers cocktails. 16% Alc./Vol.

    Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters (150ml)
    Rochester, New York, UNITED STATES
    $24. 99
    Bottle
    $299.88 Dozen
    ABV: 9%
    Closure: Cork
    Since its establishment in 1864, Fee Brothers continue to expand with a portfolio boasting over 80 drink mix products. The company presently has six different bitters. Up until now, some of these ingredients have been difficult to find despite being essential for many classic cocktail recipes which are returning to popularity. In general, we've found the Fee Bros. range of bitters to be more pungent than other bitters on the market, so they offer fantastic value for money by being used sparingly.

    Like adding vinegar to temper the sweetness and round out the flavour of certain dishes, adding bitters to cocktails provides balance and complexity. But unlike Peychaud’s and Angostura brands, Orange Bitters has been almost impossible to obtain for decades. Now a renewed interest in classic cocktails has brought it out of retirement. The primary ingredient in Fee Bros. Orange Bitter is obtained from the skins of oranges grown in the West Indies. There are many recipes that call for Orange Bitters, however, we suggest you try a dash in your next Martini. You'll never want one without it again! 9.0% Alc./Vol.




     Click here for Classic Cocktails.

    Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries (400g)
    ITALY
    $19. 99
    Bottle
    $239.88 Dozen

    A straw covered bottle of Luxardo's Maraschino Liqueur is an icon in bars and it's also the company's benchmark. The base ingredients are obtained from the marasca cherry, a sour variety cultivated by Luxardo.

    A jar of these candied delights offer dense and chewy cherries with a sweet-tart flavour. They’ll take your Manhattan or Shirley Temple to new heights and are also delicious over ice cream or cheesecake. Note - may contain cherry pits.

    • 89
    Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (750ml)
    Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $47. 99
    Bottle
    $575.88 Dozen
    ABV: 16%
    Closure: Cork

    Maidenii Vermouth is a collaboration between French wine maker Gilles Lapalus and Australian bartender Shaun Byrne. In the creation of Maidenii they have sourced leaves, flowers, fruits, herbs, seeds, spices and roots from the gardens of both the old world and the new. The vital components, wormwood and wine, are plucked fresh from Victoria. Other key ingredients include strawberry gum, river mint, sea parsley and wattle seed.

    Shaun has been tinkering behind the bar of Melbourne martini haven Gin Palace for over 5 years. This has helped him nurture his interest in capturing and enhancing natural flavours, arising in house-made concoctions and a sophisticated understanding of palates.

    Born of a French wine family, Gilles has wine flowing through his veins. He crossed the globe to take over the position of Winemaker at the dynamic Sutton Grange Winery.

    The two were bought together by their love of Vermouth; Gilles bringing with him the traditional alchemy of pastoral Europe to complement Shaun’s knowledge of the vibrant food and drink culture of Australia’s young cities.

    Tasting note: Bright crimson / cherry appearance. Moderate aroma issues an attractive combination of citrus peel and black fruits with subtle herbaceous undertones. A soft, silky entry is followed by a light to medium bodied mid palate with semi sweet flavours of blood orange and sweet spices. Finish is gently acidic and cleansing - certainly not overly sweet by any measure. Nicely balanced. Concludes with refreshing grape fruit and dried berry notes followed by a gently bitter fade. A welcome entry into a category that of late has become excessively sweet. 16% Alc./Vol.

    Peureux Griottines in Kirsch (sour cherries) Jar (350ml)
    FRANCE
    $36. 99
    Bottle
    $443.88 Dozen
    ABV: 15%

    Grandes Distilleries Peureux was founded by Auguste Peureux in 1864 in Fougerolles at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Known as the leader in fruit brandies and Eaux de Vie in France, one of their stand out products is their famous Griottines. These wild sour cherries are macerated in liquor and Kirsch, and retain a lovely bite while being packed full of flavour. If you're looking to elevate your Manahattan or Aviation there's no grander option than with these Griottines. As served in the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, Paris.

    Note - may contain cherry pits.

    • 86
    Rittenhouse 100 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Produced at the Heaven Hill distillery. The 50% Alc./Vol. Rittenhouse Rye is one of the best kept secrets in rye whiskey. Produced in the tradition of the classic Pennsylvania or Monongahela rye whiskies, Rittenhouse is now enjoying a renaissance and is a tribute to the classic ryes that were once the preeminent American whiskey style.

    Other reviews...
    ...Not quite as refined as the Sazerac Rye 6 year old, but it makes up for it in its sheer brute force. It is darker, deeper, and more rustic (but in a good way). Chewy toffee and dark molasses balance the spicy rye notes and soothe the alcohol heat. 50% Alc./Vol Rating: 87 points - maltadvocate.com (4th Quarter 2006 Issue-Vol. 15#4)

    'A weighty guy.' 86 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2008

    Nose: Rich dried fruits. Chocolate. Sweet peppers. Palate: Clean, rich. Cocoa. Candied orange peels. Cinnamon. Nutmeg. Very spicy. Soothing. Finish: Lingering dry spiciness. Comment: A hundred American proof makes for a powerful whisky, but this is big and bold in flavour, too. I don’t remember it being such a sensuous whiskey. A reborn giant? I’ll look for it on Rittenhouse Square next time I’m in Philadelphia. - Michael Jackson, whiskymag.com
    • 94
    • 95
    Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $144. 99
    Bottle
    $1739.88 Dozen
    ABV: 47%
    "Another fabulous whiskey from Willett." - Jim Murray

    Established in 1935 and still a private family owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have built a reputation as a bottler for a wide portfolio of brands including Johnny Drum, Rohan's Creek, Noah's Mill and Kentucky Vintage amongst others. In short, they're rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchase barrels of young whiskey and age them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown.

    Unmistakable in its bottle shaped after a copper pot still, Willett Pot Still Reserve was first released in 2008. This latest expression is a restrained, drier style, so if you're looking for layered vanilla and caramel richness in your whiskey, look elsewhere.

    Tasting note: [Batch 15D1 tasted] Honey amber hue. Vapoury spirit before the aroma settles into form; dry and spicy at first developing blood orange, gum and sweet oak notes with further air contact deepening and sweetening the bouquet as vanilla, rock lolly, corn cob and peppermint come to the fore. Medium dry, full bodied delivery. Dried corn, orange zest and cocoa. Firm oak and a touch of tea leaf before the finish gains momentum with a thread of sugars. Concludes peppery, dark rye bread-like, mildly sappy and with solid length. Showcases the flavour range of bourbon and rye with a finely tuned sweet-dry balance. 47% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Another fabulous whiskey from Willett. You can so often trust them to deliver and here they have given us a Bourbon showing serious oak injection, yet a sweetness that counters perfectly. 95.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017

    First tasted 2011... Deep gold, brassy colour. The nose has a restraint and softness that's very appealing. Aromas of grilled corn, roasted nuts and vanilla; a hint of blood orange emerges with time in the glass. On the palate, this is a big, spicy whiskey, but by Bourbon standards it's on the drier side. Roast chestnut and dried corn flavours at mid palate, with a hint of rye making an appearance on the finish. Excellent balance and length. 91 points
    • 93
    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    Buffalo Trace 45% (90 Proof) Bourbon Whiskey (1000ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $89. 99
    Bottle
    $1079.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    An old favourite returns to its orginal form at 45% ABV!

    Made from Kentucky and Indiana corn, selected rye, and superior malted barley, all bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery is aged in century-old warehouses. Constructed of massive wood beams and covered by a brick shell, these structures allow the alternating cooling and warming of Kentucky's four distinct seasons to mature the bourbon by nature's timetable. Steam pumped throughout the warehouses during the extreme cold of winter compensates for the dramatic drops in temperature and gives the whiskey additional cycles in and out of the wood. This is said to make for a more balanced bourbon as the liquid is able to take additional advantage of the natural sugars occurring in the charred barrels. The distillery was the first to use this method of aging in 1859 and has been doing so ever since.

    The warehouses were built in the 1900s (some as early as 1903) and represent a variety of architectural styles. Consequently, their designs and location on the property contribute to the significant differences in the whiskey coming from each. Certain floors within a given warehouse produce better whiskey than others do. For example, the fourth and fifth floors of Warehouse C and the fourth through sixth floors of Warehouses I and K produce the company's best. It's these locations which have been reserved for the maturation Buffalo Trace.

    *Note: 1 litre bottles at 45%ABV.  Limited stocks available.

    Tasting note: Deep gold colour with pale gold hue. The aroma opens with a subtle shellac top note that slowly fades and gives way to sweet dried fruits, vanilla and clove accompanied by a wonderful, drier spicy rye hit - tumeric and anise stand out in particular. The rye theme continues on the palate with mouthwatering, spicy, toffee apple over the sweet corn core. The generous, medium dry flavours, gentle tingle and lovely spirit warmth are all in perfect balance and lead off into a booming, drying, spicy aftertaste of vanilla, clove and toffee apple that just keeps on going. Wow! The rye influence in this Bourbon is significant - so much so that if you need a rye whiskey but there’s none on the shelf - use this. Or just use it regardless, it’s such a brilliant all-rounder in the genre. 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Light bronze color. Thick, mature aromas, with notes of subtle spice (vanilla, mint), toffee, light molasses and leather. Adding a little water revealing notes of teaberry, anise, and dark candied fruit. Pleasantly sweet at first in flavor, with notes of brown sugar and spice (vanilla, mint), becoming dry with enveloping flavors of oak and leather. With a little water, more subtle flavors are revealed, including toffee, dark fruit, and anise. The whisky finishes long and dry with significant depth. This is a big exciting bourbon, full of character from the distillery previously known as Ancient Age. The price is right too-if you can find the whiskey to buy it. Rating: 90 points - www.maltadvocate.com

    ...Pleasantly sweet nose. Medium body and sticky-toffee flavor. This would be great mixed into cocktails, because the flavor is smooth but bold at the same time; it would blend without being completely lost. Finishes mellow, smooth, with just enough alcohol bite. Easy to like. Think Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds. 94 points- www.wineenthusiast.com

     

    ... Amber. Very spicy caramel, banana, coconut and spice flavors. A rich entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full-bodied palate with spice, buttered toffee, roasted nuts, and wood flavors. Finishes smoothly with rich long fade. Excellent balance of corn sweetness and rye spiciness with remarkable smoothness.
    International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
    RATED: 93 points (Exceptional)
    - www.tastings.com

    • 93
    • 92
    • Nick's Import
    Buffalo Trace 45% (90 Proof) Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    An old favourite returns to its orginal form at 45% ABV!

    Made from Kentucky and Indiana corn, selected rye, and superior malted barley, all bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery is aged in century-old warehouses. Constructed of massive wood beams and covered by a brick shell, these structures allow the alternating cooling and warming of Kentucky's four distinct seasons to mature the bourbon by nature's timetable. Steam pumped throughout the warehouses during the extreme cold of winter compensates for the dramatic drops in temperature and gives the whiskey additional cycles in and out of the wood. This is said to make for a more balanced bourbon as the liquid is able to take additional advantage of the natural sugars occurring in the charred barrels. The distillery was the first to use this method of aging in 1859 and has been doing so ever since.

    The warehouses were built in the 1900s (some as early as 1903) and represent a variety of architectural styles. Consequently, their designs and location on the property contribute to the significant differences in the whiskey coming from each. Certain floors within a given warehouse produce better whiskey than others do. For example, the fourth and fifth floors of Warehouse C and the fourth through sixth floors of Warehouses I and K produce the company's best. It's these locations which have been reserved for the maturation Buffalo Trace.

    Tasting note: Deep gold colour with pale gold hue. The aroma opens with a subtle shellac top note that slowly fades and gives way to sweet dried fruits, vanilla and clove accompanied by a wonderful, drier spicy rye hit - tumeric and anise stand out in particular. The rye theme continues on the palate with mouthwatering, spicy, toffee apple over the sweet corn core. The generous, medium dry flavours, gentle tingle and lovely spirit warmth are all in perfect balance and lead off into a booming, drying, spicy aftertaste of vanilla, clove and toffee apple that just keeps on going. Wow! The rye influence in this Bourbon is significant - so much so that if you need a rye whiskey but there’s none on the shelf - use this. Or just use it regardless, it’s such a brilliant all-rounder in the genre. 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Light bronze color. Thick, mature aromas, with notes of subtle spice (vanilla, mint), toffee, light molasses and leather. Adding a little water revealing notes of teaberry, anise, and dark candied fruit. Pleasantly sweet at first in flavor, with notes of brown sugar and spice (vanilla, mint), becoming dry with enveloping flavors of oak and leather. With a little water, more subtle flavors are revealed, including toffee, dark fruit, and anise. The whisky finishes long and dry with significant depth. This is a big exciting bourbon, full of character from the distillery previously known as Ancient Age. The price is right too-if you can find the whiskey to buy it.  90 points - www.maltadvocate.com

    ...Pleasantly sweet nose. Medium body and sticky-toffee flavor. This would be great mixed into cocktails, because the flavor is smooth but bold at the same time; it would blend without being completely lost. Finishes mellow, smooth, with just enough alcohol bite. Easy to like. Think Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds. 94 points- www.wineenthusiast.com

    ... Amber. Very spicy caramel, banana, coconut and spice flavors. A rich entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full-bodied palate with spice, buttered toffee, roasted nuts, and wood flavors. Finishes smoothly with rich long fade. Excellent balance of corn sweetness and rye spiciness with remarkable smoothness.
    International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
    93 points (Exceptional)
    - www.tastings.com

    • 95
    James E. Pepper 1776 100 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%
    A solid addition to the James E. Pepper Bourbon is this Rye whiskey made from a majority rye mash bill (over 90%) and bottled non chill-filtered.

    Tasting note: Deep amber gold. Attractive toffee apple and pepper aromas show restrained sweetness. Air contact accents the vibrant peppery qualities along with suggestions of apple strudel, becoming more rye bread like in the final pass. A gentle entry builds to a generous, mouth filling profile of punchy baked apple, orange cake and spicy rye flavours; the heat is kept in check. Dries towards the finish with hints of peppermint lozenge emerging. Aftertaste is more rye bread-like with subtle dried apple notes persisting into a lengthy peppery fade. Maintains terrific vibrancy to the very last. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Gold Medal Winner at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
    • 96
    • 97
    • Nick's Import
    Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $165. 00
    Bottle
    $1980.00 Dozen
    ABV: 55%
    Whether you’re a straight rye whiskey fan or simply love the unique flavour it adds to cocktails like the Manhattan or Old-Fashioned, this 110-proof, six-year-old powerhouse will take your pleasure to new heights.


    Tasting note: A much anticipated release that lives up to the hype. Piercing, peppery rye aromas with a minty edge that doesn't give up. Continues to develop over several minutes with unripe granny-smith and peppermint followed by grainy accents of white rye and finally, sweeter vanillas peeking through. Text book, fat, oily rye delivery with the controlled spices tempered by fresh oak. Finishes applemint-like, vibrant, chewy, sustained. Brilliantly done. 55% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... "one of the aromas of the year... after that nose, the delivery just had to be majestic. And it is... those wonderful, bustling, fizzing spices... The most stunning of ryes and the best from Heaven Hill for some time.
    97.5 points- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2016

    Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

    ...Heaven Hill’s 80-proof standard Pikesville is a summer favorite, so I was eager to try this. A woody depth to it at 6 years old: 110 proof-hot, stewed plum and horehound candy, and sizzling rye spice behind it. It's a jawbreaker: full and hot in the mouth, with sweet grassy spice, bitter rye grain as it progresses, and crackling sugar near the end, just before it all smooths into a savory layered finish. Exciting ride, great ending. 89 points - www.maltadvocate.com, (Fall 2015) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson

    • 95
    Willett Family Estate 3 Year Old Small Batch Rare Release Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)
    Kentucky, UNITED STATES
    $145. 00
    Bottle
    $1740.00 Dozen
    Cracking Young Rye!


    NB: Alc./Vol. may vary from batch to batch.

    Established in 1935 and still a private family owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have built a reputation as a bottler for a wide portfolio of brands including Johnny Drum, Rohan's Creek, Noah's Mill and Kentucky Vintage amongst others. In short, they're rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchase barrels of young whiskey and age them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K.

    But there’s now another side to the business. Recently, Willett has started to distill themselves, something they haven't done since the early 1980s. Refurbishment and experimentation commenced in 2012. The company now has three operating stills – a column still (for the first pass), a "doubler", and a pot still (for the final distillation). New releases include limited offerings of their very own 3-year-old rye whiskey and 4-year-old bourbon. Those labelled as "Small Batch" - as this is - are reportedly limited to around 12 barrels per run. Not normally available in Australia, no doubt there will be a collector upside to Willett’s new proprietary whiskeys - as to how dramatic that upside will be, only time will tell.

    For the rye, the mash bill will vary from batch to batch, usually sitting around 70% rye, along with some malted barley and corn. Maturation takes place in char level 4 barrels, with the final results bottled non-chill filtered.

    Tasting note: [55% ABV Batch tasted] Issues fabulous aromas of dill pickle, old leather, cocoa, black peppercorns and wood shavings, following through with a soft, creamy vanillan oak entry and a superb, spicy burst of peppermint-infused rye to finish. Dill and pepper linger late in the aftertaste. So well balanced you can enjoy this straight. Cracking young rye. 95 points

    Notes from Willett: Nose: leather notes, sweet notes up front with spice notes following a little later, mint, woodsy cologne. Palate: tingling rye spice on the front with nice sweet notes emerging, corn shows its face a tad, but much less so than the 2-year expression; evergreens, cinnamon, anise, dill, spearmint. Finish: lively finish with a back and forth of sweet and spicy elements dancing in harmony.