Four Roses Black Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon is one of two Four Roses products that are sold only in Japan, with the other being Four Roses Super Premium. While this may seem odd, it is important to note that in February 2002, the Kirin Brewery Company of Japan purchased the Four Roses brand trademark from Diageo. Available only in the Japanese market, Four Roses Black Label is a blend of 1/2 OE and 1/2 OB mash bills and is a blend of bourbons aged up to 10 years. Floral with a hint of char on the nose and a buttery sweet chocolate palate with hints of melon and spiced oak to finish, we can see how many of the deep and layered flavours would be complimentary to Japanese cuisine and whilst it tastes unlike any other four roses bourbons we have tasted it is still has characteristics that make it unmistakably

This bourbon is one of two Four Roses products that are sold only in Japan, with the other being Four Roses Black Label. While this may seem odd, it is important to note that in February 2002, the Kirin Brewery Company of Japan purchased the Four Roses brand trademark from Diageo. Four Roses Super Premium is a completely different product than what you can buy in the U.S. While it uses the same traditional Four Roses recipes, the ratios for blending are different than what you will find in a other releases. It’s rumoured that 80% of the Bourbon must have been aged a minimum of 8 years while 20% aged 10 years or greater. The bourbon is dumped from the barrel at the Four Roses distillery in Kentucky and then sent over to Kirin in Japan for bottling and distribution. A well-balanced bourbon, it's intensely floral and a touch sweeter than most bourbons, with sweet aromas of caramel, vanilla and fruits on the nose. The palate is complex and well-balanced, sweet and fruity. The caramel and vanilla give way to lavender, apple and pear notes, with a long smooth finish.

Maker: In the 1830s the Woodford County distillery was the setting for a series of discoveries and innovative practices that would define the bourbon industry for generations to come. Today that pioneering and innovative tradition is embodied in the Woodford Reserve Distillery's Master's Collection. A tradition beginning when Master Distiller James Crow joined distillery owner Oscar Pepper to create the first true Kentucky bourbon whiskies. Distillery: The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States. Distillers Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall share the belief that the keys to making the World’s Finest Bourbon are not only time and patience, but science and art. There are five sources to Woodford Reserve's flavour grain recipe, water, fermentation, distillation, maturation. Woodford Reserve is crafted from a grain recipe of 72% corn, 18% Rye, and 10% malted barley. This recipe balances the sweetness of corn with the spice of rye, and the nuttiness of malt to build the base. The water used to craft Woodford Reserve comes directly from the distillery. It is naturally filtered by the limestone deposits under the property. Iron-free and mineral rich, it is a crucial ingredient in the process. The fermentation process is among the longest in the industry. This extra time, paired with our unique yeast strain, creates a great depth of character and a complex range of flavours. Woodford Reserve favours pot stills and column stills for a perfect balance of flavour. Finally, Woodford Reserve is matured in new, charred, white oak barrels made in house. The barrel is a key ingredient in the process, contributing flavour complexity, and balance. Winestyle/Cuvee: For this 2023 release, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall has drawn upon prior creative releases and continued product experimentation for inspiration. In 2014, the Master’s Collection released the first Pinot Noir finished Kentucky Bourbon in history, Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Finish. This was followed in 2016 with the first-ever American Brandy Cask finished Bourbon. The Pinot Noir and brandy barrels used for these releases were obtained from famous Sonoma County wineries. These releases featured big, bold, red and dried fruit flavors along with dark chocolate and baking spice notes. At the same time, many wineries began to age their red wines in used Woodford Reserve barrels to create a new “Bourbon Barrel Aged” genre. These wines featured rich vanilla and caramel notes. This inspired Elizabeth to experiment with various combinations of the three— including finishing Woodford Reserve in Sonoma County wine barrels that had originally been used to mature Woodford Reserve. The result, Sonoma Triple Finish, is a unique blend of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that has been finished in Sonoma County Pinot Noir, Brandy, and former Bourbon barrels used to age red wine. Nose- Oak, New Leather, Cinnamon The scent of chocolate wafer crisps and caramel-covered Flan fills my nostrils. There’s a nice amount of oak and leather present too. Followed by creamed corn scent. Toasted pecans dusted with cinnamon and some cherries in the mix. Palate - Red Fruit, Vanilla Bean, Cedar Spice Sonoma Triple Finish is a rich, fruity, vanilla and spice-forward expression of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Finish - Char, Red Grape Tannins Long oak and red grape tannins, Sweet Spice

As part of the wheated bourbon family, this twelve year old W.L. Weller is aged far longer than most wheated bourbons. This offering is a smooth, easy-going and balanced offering with a beautiful deep bronze colour. Aromas of lanolin, almond, creamed corn and toasty vanilla. The mid-palate flavor is heavily wheated, layered and moderately sweet. Long, oaky, and intensely smooth finish.

The nose is drawn to delicate citrus tones of lemon and orange, while the palate is enveloped in a vanilla sweetness that lingers like a boiled sweet before retreating to a warm, soothing finish. A delightfully rewarding single malt experience, further enhanced by its time in the cask.

It takes sweet water from tough rock to make great whiskey. Widow Jane 10 years old is a blend of whiskeys from Kentucky, Tennesse and Indiana, assembled in Brooklyn using water from the Widow Jane Limestone Mine in Rosendale, New York, which is even richer in minerals than the pure waters of Kentucky. Bottled at 45.5%, it does make a beautiful Bourbon!Tasting note from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 1998. 93 points.NOSE: reminiscent of maple kissed breakfast pancakes with a side of bacon.PALATE: presents and astoundingly smooth profile, where rich flavors of plantains in browned butter, cocoa nibs, and orange marmalade sing in harmony.A warm, pleasing finish begs another sip. (Apr 2018)

In the 1830s the Woodford County distillery was the setting for a series of discoveries and innovative practices that would define the bourbon industry for generations to come. Today that pioneering and innovative tradition is embodied in the Woodford Reserve Distillery's Master's Collection. A tradition beginning when Master Distiller James Crow joined distillery owner Oscar Pepper to create the first true Kentucky bourbon whiskies. In 2004 the Woodford Reserve Distillery introduced a new era of innovation to the historic Kentucky Bourbon industry with the first release of its Master’s Collection, “Four Grain”. For this 2022 release Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall have drawn upon the rich history of Kentucky Bourbon and their own interests for inspiration. When “new make” Bourbon is entered into the barrel it begins the maturation process. There are many factors involved in this and barrel entry proof plays an important role. Proof is controlled both as it enters the barrel (barrel entry proof) and as it leaves the barrel (bottle proof) by adding water to achieve a desired flavour profile. A higher concentration of water added as it enters the barrel, resulting in a lower proof, allows for less water to be added upon exit, which results in a greater concentration of the natural flavours absorbed from the charred oak. Barrel entry proof has changed over the past two centuries. The bourbon of the 19th century had a barrel entry of 100 to 103 proof. After the repeal of Prohibition, barrel entry proof levels began to increase. In 1962 the barrel entry proof was increased to the present 125 proof standard. This 2022 Master’s Collection features the 100 proof entry of a bygone era and is presented at 90.4 proof. The result is this Historic Barrel Entry, a rich and darkly robust expression of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A deep russet orange in colour with an alluring medley of aromas of vanilla bean and dried apple dusted with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon with a hint of cocoa. Roasted coffee and hazelnut soften into notes of dark cherry and plum muddled with spearmint. On the palate there are flavours of rich toasted oak is tempered by overripe banana and a medley of cooked berry fruits. Hints of leather, coffee, and baking spice trail into minty dark chocolate. A lingering finish of charred oak, leather, and orange oil.

The finest bourbon in the world comes from a single barrel. And it is never blended with whiskey from any other barrrel. That's the way Colonel Albert B. Blanton first bottled his private reserve Bourbon nearly a century ago. And that's the way Blanton's is bottled today. It's a costly, painstaking way to produce Bourbon. For a Bourbon's peak maturity varies from barrel to barrel. And only a master distiller can determine the exact moment the whiskey has extracted enough flavour from the wood. Thus he vigilantly monitors each barrel until it's aged to perfection and is deemed worthy of the Blanton label. Blanton's Bourbon, created by Albert Blanton, is a renowned brand known for its rich history and exceptional quality. Blanton's was the first to introduce the concept of single barrel bourbon, a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship. Hand-bottled and hand-labelled, each bottle showcases a horse and jockey stopper, reflecting Kentucky's equestrian heritage. Blanton's is celebrated for its exceptional taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla and spice. Distilled in Kentucky, it embodies the heartland of bourbon production. With its small-batch approach, each bottle offers a unique flavour profile, making it a coveted addition to any collection. Due to limited availability and high demand, finding Blanton's can be a challenge, further adding to its allure and desirability. Blanton's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Black Label 750ml is a rare and highly sought-after bourbon whiskey, exclusively produced for the Japanese export market. With a proof of 80, this bourbon offers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. The main difference with the black label is the use of an 8-year minimum aged barrel, compared to the standard 6 years. Additionally, it is made using Buffalo Trace's mash bill #2, which has a higher rye content. The nose on this bourbon is truly stunning. It opens with floral notes, accompanied by hints of cherry and apple, creating a delightful and inviting aroma. As you delve deeper, you'll discover the presence of caramel, vanilla and oak, adding complexity and depth to the overall olfactory experience. When it comes to taste, Blanton's Black Label is incredibly smooth and easy to drink. It glides across the tongue with little to no burn, allowing the flavors to shine. The initial fruity and sweet notes gradually give way to the oak undertones of the 8-year aged juice. The oak is pronounced but not overpowering, adding a delightful richness to the overall taste profile. With a medium finish, Blanton's Black Label doesn't linger excessively but leaves a pleasant and satisfying aftertaste. Whether enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this bourbon makes for a great sipper, allowing you to savour each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating such a exceptional spirit.

Superb XO Cognac that displays fruit, nutmeg and spice on the nose and a palate with will take you from floral sweetness to savoury oak. Enjoy a small amount in a big glass and savour the aroma.

A rich and satisfying Cognac, Martell Cordon Bleu is among the best you can find. Its individual taste sets it aside from the more 'standard' Cognacs.