Eve's Wine 101

Learning, Tasting and Joining: Vegas Drammers!

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As we have been in Las Vegas a lot more these days I sought out all kinds of food and drinking establishments. Through my “research” I found the global Drammers club founded by Charlie Prince and their newly established Las Vegas Chapter run by Bob Brown. Eddie and I attended our first meeting at a strip location where we had more than enough brown and clear spirits to warrant a second meeting. Below is the second invitation to join the club, with liquor descriptions by Prince, shared with his permission and in italics are my notes:

Vegas Drammers!

We wanted to make sure everyone had seen that our next Drammers Las Vegas tasting will be Sunday, September 26th at 6:30pm.  We’re coming hot off visits to both Scotland/Europe and to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, so we’ve got a bunch of fun bottles in tow that you’re unlikely to get another chance to try!  Drumroll please…

  • Very Old St Nick – Curia – Kentucky Bourbon Fest Exclusive. We’ll be coming to Seattle straight from the Kentucky Bourbon Fest, and we’ve got some fun bottles in tow to share. The team at Preservation (behind Very Old St Nick and Rare Perfection) released this bottle exclusively at the fest. It’s a bourbon bottled at 47.6% abv, and since it was released under the Very Olde St. Nick line, you know it’s not a young whiskey. I’ll try to find out more before we get there, but this is definitely a one-off-shot to pick this up. This was the first whiskey we tasted and was an immediate favorite for many of us. Charlie, along with his notes above, shared that this distiller was making wood-heavy bourbons before vodka took over in the U.S. The flavor was very popular in Japan before becoming well-liked again in the U.S. Aromas included sweet roasted and buttered corn, suede and no burn on the palate.

    Flavors like suede, toffee, corn nuts, creamy and smooth. Charlie said it had cherry cordial flavor and another bourbon lover noted fig.

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co. – Distillery Collection – Triple Stave Finish.  Released to coincide with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, this special release was only available at the distillery when we picked it up a few days ago and is almost certainly now sold out. It is a blend of straight whiskies finished with oak staves.  54.% abv. I asked Charlie about this bourbon, as I knew one of my favorite Napa wineries – Phifer Pavitt – collaborated on a bourbon with them. He said they do a lot of collaborations, using a barrel that held Phifer Pavitt Napa Cabernet Sauvignon being one of them. He hadn’t had the Phifer Pavitt collaboration but he had plenty of others, and that the distillery is “huge…well financed…(and) shockingly big like an Olympic swimming pool.” The one we tasted wasn’t a collaboration but instead they had incorporated a “Triple Stave Finish” instead. On the nose there was that cream, white pepper and a lot of vanilla bean and toasted oak. A new friend said she noted maple syrup and waffles, that we all had to agree with. That same maple syrup over waffles was also apparent in the taste with some burn, vanilla, walnut and Charlie noted sweet marmalade.
  • 2 Expressions of Buzzard’s Roost Rye.  Bourbon Bistro was arguably the first major whiskey bar in Louisville, a game changer that was way ahead of its time, and today it is rightly celebrated as one of the powerhouse drivers of bourbon culture in Kentucky.  So it was particularly exciting to learn on our recent trip that they have launched their own line of whiskies – Buzzard’s Roost!  We’ll be trying two of them this evening — a straight rye in a peated barrel (!), bottled at a delicious 52.5% abv (batch 1), and a barrel strength, also bottled at 52.5% abv (batch 2).  These releases were limited to 800 and 1100 bottles respectively.  We’ve tasted them, and we’re really excited about them. Charlie told a story about the Bourbon Bistro – a game-changing bar in Louisville with a secret menu of prohibition era whisky. Of course he got his hands on that menu, and spent about $1,000 that night enjoying drams from it. These ryes are a launch of their own whisky line. First came the barrel strength. My new whisky pal immediately noted that it was almost like a tawny port, I agreed. Aromas reminded me of sweet frozen vanilla custard, hazelnuts, a wood sauna; with flavors of sweet Kettle corn, caramel corn and a hint of banana. Next we sampled the rye finished in a peated smoked barrel – something none of us had heard of before. Peat bogs were not used, instead the rye was aged in a peated smoked barrel, giving it a more subtle peat flavor. Reminded me a bit of the Ardbeg An Oa. I noted salted nuts and smooth white chocolate on the nose; with a drop of water it became a very easy sipper, maybe a gateway for those new to peated whisky, lots of nuts and others noted flavors of gingerbread and that the peat in the nose came out after tasting it.
  • Mlody Ziemniak 2020 and The Barell Spirits Whiskey finished in a Pear Brandy Cask at 59.9$ abv, a Drammers Club pick. Whisky enthusiasts tend to be respectful of all other spirits categories except one — vodka. But these bottles might change your mind. The logic goes that by definition, the spirit needs to be tasteless and odorless, so what’s there to be proud of? The culprit here is that vodka is by definition distilled up to at least 96% alcohol, thereby eliminating a lot of the potential flavors. But what if you took the same distillate, and only distilled it once, stopping at 60% abv? And what if Poland’s most prestigious craft vodka distillery made a point to do it in a special limited edition series to highlight flavor differences among potato varietals? That’s exactly what Chopin did, and we were so blown away by the results, we flew to the distillery in Poland to do an event live with the founder, where our US members tried samples and voted to pick an exclusive batch for our club. That batch hasn’t arrived yet, but in the meantime, we’ve secured the very limited 2019 and 2020 special editions (From Eve: The 2019 was unavailable for this tasting) released under their “Mlody Ziemniak” (or “young potato”) line. These bottles can only be found in Poland currently, and in our opinion, they’re a game changer. Very anxious to cleanse my palate with a vodka, one where we could possibly taste the base potato spirit. Most of us didn’t care for this one much. On the Barell Spirits Whiskey Pear finish Charlie said that they make about 100 different weird finishes and this unaged version was finished in a pear brandy cask. Aromas reminded Eddie of bubble gum, while I noted dried berries, a boxload of Harry and David pears, flamed orange peel and fruitcake; with flavors of Triscuit crackers, hay, spam, Umami, and another person noted distinct “burnt popcorn”. This was not a favorite of the group. 
  • Glenkinchie Distillery-Only Cask Strength Handfill. Diageo put a lot of money into revamping the visitor center at this Lowlands distillery just outside Edinburgh, and it opened in the middle of Covid, so that so far, they haven’t been able to welcome many visitors.  If you haven’t heard of this distillery, it’s no surprise — over 90% of what they distill goes into the Johnnie Walker blends, so very little has been released under the “Glenkinchie” brand in the US, and of that virtually none of it is at cask strength, making this distillery only handfill bottle a particularly rare treat. Distilled in 2009, bottled in 2021, so approximately 11 years matured. I tried a small sip at the distillery, which was amazing, but otherwise haven’t really had a chance to try this yet.  55.2% Charlie said this was possibly 12 years old, hard to find, he picked up about 30 bottles just for his clubs. This was not the favorite in the line-up, but nothing wrong with it. While Charlie got notes of red apple cider, I noted toast, both sweet and spice notes, and a softness on the palate after adding some water.
  • Lagavulin Feis Ile Bottling 2020. About 10 of us had made plans to attend Feis Ile in 2020, and but for Covid, we just might have done it. If we had, the only way we would have had a shot at getting this bottle would have been if we’d camped out overnight at the distillery for Lagavulin’s big day. Instead, with the fest taking place virtually, we were able to pick up a bottle in their gift shop a couple weeks ago for us to taste! Bottle 1,924 of 6,000 bottles, it’s a vatting of 20yo refill and PX/Oloroso seasoned hogsheads personally selected by (then) distillery manager Colin Gordon and bottled at cask strength. Charlie said that before Covid maybe up to 3,000 people could score two bottles each of this whisky. This is a 13 year old. Found cream, grass, mushroom and umami notes on the nose, others also noted an earthy quality. The taste reminded me of olive brine and white pepper, another drammer noted Spanish olives.

That’s our lineup! And you never know with us, we might show up with a bonus surprise or two.  We hope you can join us.

We’ll also provide yummy pizza as usual. A huge thank you to our Las Vegas chapter head Bob Brown for organizing!

Of course, we’re only getting started here in Las Vegas, and looking to continue to grow our chapter, so if you know anyone you think might be a good fit for the club, please feel free to invite them to join us…

Cheers,

Charlie Prince

President, Drammers Club

www.drammers.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Watershed Distillery® Releases Highly Anticipated Batch 002 of Barrel Strength Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy Casks

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ — Watershed Distillery announces its most mature spirit to date—a highly limited barrel strength bourbon—released on Saturday, September 18, at the distillery with limited allocation in Ohio retail agencies and select markets across the U.S. to follow. The highly anticipated 2021 Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 follows the release of Batch 001 in September 2020 for the distillery’s 10-year anniversary, which sold out in under three hours.

 

Created from some of the last remaining barrels of Watershed Distillery’s original five grain mash bill of corn, wheat, rye, barley, and spelt—an ancient grain grown primarily in Ohio and nod to the distillery’s craft roots—Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 was created from copper pot-distilled bourbon aged four years in virgin char #4 White Oak barrels and finished for 34-45 months in Watershed’s own Ohio apple brandy casks. Bottled without chill filtration at 120.8 proof, this rare and complex spirit was created from barrels 100% distilled, aged, and bottled on-site, and represents the oldest bourbon ever released by Watershed Distillery.

“When selecting the barrels for this batch of our Barrel Strength Bourbon, our Barrel Master Anne Dimmick and I set out to highlight the true depth and complexity of the bourbon we make at Watershed Distillery,” shares Head Distiller Aaron Harris. “We are always looking for that ‘magic’ in a barrel—a rich and bold bourbon with balanced sweetness that truly stands apart from the rest, and we think Batch 002 captures that perfectly.”

Watershed is releasing just 3,060 bottles of this highly anticipated limited offering to seven markets—Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New York and Michigan. Suggested retail price is $89.99. Tasting notes for Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 are as follows:

  • Appearance: Deep Amber
  • Aroma: Dark brown sugar caramel, roasted oak and rich vanilla
  • Flavor: The palate brings with it a full-bodied rich viscosity, with complex notes of fig, peripheral spice, and a touch of black cherry and toasted nuttiness
  • Finish: Robust and balanced with lingering complexity
  • Age: 6-8 years
  • Proof: 120.8

Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 was released to the public at Watershed Distillery (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212) on Saturday, September 18, before making its way—in small quantities—to select retail outlets in Ohio and to Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Lexington, New York City and Tampa.

To celebrate this limited release, Watershed Distillery hosted a special preview dinner, “The Evolution of Character,” on Thursday, September 16. This event featured a curated menu by Executive Chef Jack Moore, and allowed attendees to experience the special journey this particular bourbon took from grain to glass. All dinner participants had the opportunity to purchase up to two bottles of Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 in advance of the public release on Saturday, September 18.

This limited release is the latest offering in Watershed’s premium family of aged spirits. This summer, the distillery moved to a fully-aged stated bourbon portfolio with the launch of Watershed Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and the relaunch of their flagship Watershed Distillery Bourbon as a 4-6 year blend of three bourbons. For more information on Watershed Distillery, its spirits or to purchase a ticket to the “Evolution of Character dinner,” please visit www.watersheddistillery.com.

ABOUT WATERSHED DISTILLERY
Watershed Distillery is the largest independent Ohio distillery and producer of award-winning craft bourbons, gins, vodka and a variety of specialty spirits. Founded in 2010 by Greg Lehman, Watershed Distillery was inspired by the vision of creating great spirits and shared experiences that bring people together. Watershed Distillery offers seasonal curated events, daily tours and tasting experiences, and is home to Watershed Kitchen and Bar—consistently named one of the top restaurants and cocktail bars in Columbus. Find Watershed online at http://www.watersheddistillery.com or @watershedistillery.

Please drink responsibly. 60% Alc/Vol. © 2021 Watershed Distillery, Columbus, Ohio.

Yellow Rose Distilling Unveils Harris County Whiskey

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Houston, PR Web – Yellow Rose Distilling, an award-winning distillery located in Houston, Texas, widely known as Houston’s first legal whiskey distillery, is pleased to announce the launch of Yellow Rose Harris County, a High Rye Bourbon. Named for the county in which the distillery is located, Harris County fits the characteristics of a high rye bourbon with 25% of the recipe coming from Texas-grown rye and uses all Texas grown corn and malted barley.

Making its debut across Texas, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida this month, via distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Harris County will retail for $44.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since launching its first whiskey in 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has established itself as one of the premier Texas whiskey companies, with its portfolio comprised of three original whiskey offerings, Premium American, Rye and the flagship Outlaw Bourbon, alongside several limited batches. Yellow Rose Distilling has been focused on finding new, innovative expressions and processes, ultimately bringing consumers the finest Texas whiskey in the world. Since 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has garnered some of the spirit industry’s highest accolades including ‘Best in Class’ for Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon at the American Distilling Institute and was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Yellow Rose Rye collected a series of awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020, with a 96 Point rating and named Top 100 Spirits of 2020.

“Harris County Bourbon represents an evolutionary step forward and an important milestone for Yellow Rose Distillery. While in the past we had our gaze set as a single distiller toiled to create whiskey as quickly as possible, today we think in terms of how a talented core group of distillers will work together as we endeavor to create the ideal whiskey. The blueprints of Harris County Bourbon reflect this as we set out to create the best possible High Rye Bourbon from our little Houston Texas Distillery,” says Michael Langan General Manager of Yellow Rose Distillery. “We selected Texas grown grains, settled on double pot distilling and a low entry proof to barrel. This allows us to highlight our region as well as the expertise of our team, while paying homage to pre-prohibition techniques that we feel allow us to balance the maturation of this whiskey within our dynamic local climate. Despite its low entry proof, we choose to bottle at 92 proof to maintain density of flavor and mouthfeel that was hard earned in our slow double pot distillation and 30 months in the Texas heat and humidity.”

“The addition of Harris County rounds out the Yellow Rose portfolio perfectly. While most high rye bourbons are typically described as having a spicy character, we wanted more than spice alone, it needed to have an underlying sweetness with the typical vanilla, caramel, coconut notes. We are using all Texas grown and malted grains. We have the power of the Southeast Texas climate during maturation, and, in that regard, Harris County is not an imitation, nor can it be imitated,” says Houston Farris, Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distillery.

In addition to Harris County making its debut, and due to increasing sales and increased brand awareness of all the Yellow Rose Marques, the distillery has been expanded. As a result of the expansion, the Yellow Rose Distillery has undergone a major refurbishment of its visitor and experience center. Features include a brand-new bar, lounge, presentation and tasting rooms well as a new 1,200 sq ft. outdoor deck.

On the nose of Harris County, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, cherry, fruit-wood smoke, toasted pecan, and tobacco. Upon tasting, brown sugar and cinnamon engulfs, followed by warm pecan pie, balancing the spice profile, paired with toasted coconut, black tea, and peanuts. Finishing with sweetness throughout, combined with a pop of cinnamon candy.

Yellow Rose Harris County is available in 750ml, bottled at 92 proof (46% Alc/Vol), with a suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. Like all Yellow Rose offerings, Harris County will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

About Yellow Rose Distillery

We’re proud to bring you the finest whiskey from the first legal distillery in the City of Houston since Prohibition. This isn’t one of those distilleries with rolling hill and fields – we craft our whiskey in the heart of the city, where the art of making fine whiskey is married with the spirit of the city it’s born in. The idea for Yellow Rose Whiskey was born one night among friends more than 10 years ago. In the years since, Yellow Rose Distillery has challenged traditions, won awards, and put the city of Houston, Texas, on the global whiskey map. Fittingly, our name Yellow Rose pays homage to a legendary character, Emily West, The Yellow Rose of Texas, known for her bravery and independent nature. Yellow Rose Distilling’s core portfolio currently includes Premium American, Rye, Harris County, Outlaw Bourbon and several limited-edition offerings. For additional information please visit https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Tasting Tequila Codigo 1530 Rosa Blanco

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During last month’s Nightclub and Bar show in Las Vegas I tasted Tequila Codigo 1530 “Rosa” Blanco. I learned that this particular tequila spends one month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French oak barrels and is the only tequila that has been approved to use a particular cross emblem from the Jalisco state in Mexico, as seen on the front and the bottom of the bottle. The brief tasting, and only knowing some of the stories behind the tequila, made me want to learn and taste more. Before reviewing it in full for Eve Wine 101 readers, I did a little research via their website.

Codigo 1530

Photo from the Nightclub and Bar show, credit: Edward Bushman.

Just going to their website will blow you away as it opens up with a gorgeous short film to learn how this tequila came to be, in three glorious minutes. The family in Jalisco behind it, their water source, the filtering process, organic yeast from a local bakery, no flavoring or chemicals are added and having “the right people…that have been growing agave all of their lives.”

They have five different types of tequila in their line-up – learn more about each of these award-winners via the film and the website. The Rosa is made with their Blanco that benefits from uncharred oak barrels from Napa, aged one month, and gained a beautiful color – and flavor – without any additional additives to make it so.

This recent article on VinePair shares even more interesting information: https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-codigo-1530-guide/

The Cross

From their Facebook, regarding the cross embossed on their bottles I learned, “…Código 1530 proudly bears the Jerusalem Cross as the symbol of its heritage story. This iconic cross sits atop the Jalisco Coat of Arms and dates back to 1530 when after colonial struggle, Amatitán was officially recognized as a city of New Galicia and Jalisco was given a coat of arms by the Spanish monarchy, which was anchored by the Jerusalem Cross. Código 1530’s name honors ‘Los Códigos’, the old world codes and customs that shaped and still live on in Amatitán and the Los Bajos region to this day. These values are at the core of the proud families who served this tequila in their homes, and the artisan distilling family who has been the custodian of this private tequila for generations.”

The Tasting

After my brief tasting at the show, though I did benefit from having “ Bar Explorer” Collin De Laval (Instagram: @tilting_at_windmills_) there with me, I looked forward to sitting over a tasting and really getting my nose and mouth wrapped around this beautiful tequila. So here you go:

Greeted by the most delicate color of rose gold, and very leggy in my glass, I was ready to search my memory of what the aromas reminded me of and found: sweet cream, cling peaches, dried dark cherries, white chocolate and biscuit. On the palate I was rewarded with tingly flavors of dried red fruits and mixed nuts, with a rich and lingering creaminess coating my palate. Going in for a second sip, and using master mixologist Richard Paterson’s technique of allowing the spirit more time in my mouth before swallowing, I noted that the flavor just got richer and multi-layered. Though there are plenty of cocktails you can make with tequila, this is one I would sip, this is heady stuff.

https://codigo1530.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

The Award-Winning Lost Explorer Mezcal Brand Expands Distribution Presence in U.S.

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OAXACA, Mexico/PRNewswire/ — The Lost Explorer Mezcal, an award-winning, sustainably crafted and Oaxacan-cultivated mezcal, announces expanded distribution across the U.S. by partnering with Infuse Spirits Group. Infuse has built a strong distribution network spanning 34 states for their unique single-bottle infused vodkas and unapologetically non-traditional Broken Barrel Whiskey brands. As a part of the agreement, Infuse Spirits Group will lead U.S. sales for The Lost Explorer Mezcal, making inroads in 12 markets by the end of 2021.

 

Seth Benhaim, founder of Infuse Spirits Group says, “Working with The Lost Explorer Mezcal will open many doors for all brands involved. The undeniable popularity of Mezcal and the unique profile, quality and packaging of The Lost Explorer are perfect compliments to the vodka and whiskey brands we currently sell. There are so many great synergies between our two teams.”

Launched at the end of 2020, The Lost Explorer Mezcal most recently received Double Gold (Salmiana), Gold (Espadin) and Silver (Tobala) recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most established and influential spirits competition in the world. The brand was also named Taste Master, the prestigious accolade of the best of the best across the tequila and mezcal category, in a competition hosted by The Spirits Business.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Infuse Sprits Group to bring The Lost Explorer Mezcal to even more consumers across the country,” said The Lost Explorer Mezcal CEO Tanya Clarke. “As a new brand entering the growing Mezcal market and gaining recognition quickly, this partnership puts our sustainably-crafted and Oaxacan made Mezcal on the fast track for growth.”

In addition to its direct-to-consumer platform, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is now listed with a variety of e-commerce partners including Caskers.com, ReserveBar and Mercado de Mezcal. The Lost Explorer Mezcal is also available in high-end retailers, restaurants and bar locations throughout California, including Gracias Madre, The Peninsula Hotel, Old Town Tequila and Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine.

The Mezcal is now available in Mexico, the UK and US, and was created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali as a premier, earth-centric spirit. For more information on The Lost Explorer Mezcal, visit www.thelostexplorermezcal.com or follow their journey on Instagram @thelostexplorermezcal.

ABOUT THE LOST EXPLORER MEZCAL
Handcrafted from 100% agave cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, Mexico, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is co-founded by David de Rothschild and Thor Björgólfsson, and created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali. It is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise, while protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage, and biodiversity of Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled varietals – Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana – invite people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the diversity and wonder of the sacred agave.

ABOUT INFUSE SPIRITS GROUP
Infuse Spirits Group [ISG] is based in Los Angeles, California but produces its one-of-a-kind vodkas in North Las Vegas, Nevada and its small batch craft whiskeys in Owensboro, Kentucky. ISG is unlike any other spirits company in the industry, focusing its attention on the diversification and process behind spirits, rather than just the provenance of spirits. In addition to the six current vodka expressions, its Broken Barrel whiskey brands each feature a unique Oak Bill™, which like the “mash bill” describes the barrel stave composition that finishes each whiskey batch. All Broken Barrel whiskeys are finished with various broken cask staves, steeped into the whiskey. ISG’s portfolio is made with passion and purpose and is currently sold in 34 states throughout the U.S. ISG’s brands have received over 70 awards in the past seven years including (3) Double Gold Medals & Best-of-Show at the San Francisco & New York World Spirits Competition.

Tasting A Tribute Wine: 2011 DON Cabernet Sauvignon by Pure Cru Napa Valley, Winemaker Mitch Cosentino

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Eddie and I tasted the 2011 “Don” Cabernet Sauvignon Tribute Wine with Mitch Cosentino, founder and winemaker at Pure Cru Napa Valley, in 2015. We liked it so much then we bought a few bottles, found them in our cellar recently and decided that we needed to crack one open. Below are notes from the back label, my tasting notes from 2015 and 2021, the technical notes, and a new quote from Mitch.

What is the tribute for?

In April 2014 we lost a family member, friend and partner, Don Held, aka Superman. This wine, like Don who had so many special qualities, has been developed as a tribute to his life. He lived life to the fullest and enriched the lives of those lucky enough to be around him. Two of the rarest clones of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have been blended to produce this extremely rare, one of a kind wine. 

For those that knew Don, we hope when you drink this wine it will bring back so many beautiful, lasting memories. For those of you who did not have the pleasure of knowing him, our hope is “Don” will inspire you to makes some special memories of your own.

We never met Don, but we do raise a glass – from his remarkable wine – to him now.

2015 Tasting Notes

2011 The Don: (25% of the sales of this wine go to Make-A-Wish foundation and is named after a former partner in the winery that has since passed away.) 100% Cabernet from “two of the rarest clones” that shall not be named…I got aromas of dust, what Mitch referred to as “lead pencil”, blackberry and hard candy; very rich dark fruit, velvety, intense black cherry that would be hard for any taster to miss, doesn’t need food or aging. 96 Eve pts.

2021 Tasting Notes

14.8% alcohol.

Opaque, dark purple in color. Aromas included dried blackberry, fresh blueberry pie and chocolate mousse desserts, pecan, campfire, black pepper, toasted wood/sweet bark, spicy. Velvety layers of dark spicy fruit flavors that goes on and on. Found the same blackberry and blueberry notes as on the nose, balanced with spice notes, coffee grounds, tannins doing their job. Doesn’t need food, which seems remarkable as it’s a big wine. 97 Eve pts.

I texted Mitch after we tasted Don and he added this news, “…we just bottled the same blend from 2017 in honor of another partner who passed, Dr. Prab. That is the last we can do because one of the clones (the Lafitte) was torn out by the current owner of the property unfortunately. It will be offered to club members this summer. I have hidden the Don’s that I have to keep me from drinking them.”

Technical Sheet

Napa Valley (100%), 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking: Each lot was punched cap fermented and barrel aged for 36 months in selected French Oak barrels then blended before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Currants with a hint of spice and a gravel like mineral element in the nose. On the palate it is intense and dense with black fruit. Very varietal and well structured, accented by spice throughout add to that long, complex and complex finish.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/clomid.html

Special Notes: This is a very special tribute wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon components are very unique. The two clones used are the rarest in the Napa Valley. One is the Secret Clone from its original vineyard on a hill in Pope Valley and from a small block in Yountville. The other is the “L” Clone which supposedly traces its origin to the famous Chateau Lafite Rothschild property. This is the first use from new plantings in Pope Valley where it exhibits a distinctive Pauillac minerality and dense black fruit as it does in Bordeaux.

(Production limited to 80 cases.)

https://www.purecruwines.com

https://www.facebook.com/PureCruWinesNapa

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Universal Whisky Experience 2021 – The High Rollers, An Exclusive Event April 23 and 24, Will Get…

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It’s no surprise that the Universal Whisky Experience is back for 2021, starting with an Exclusive Event for the High Rollers at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas. This is the pinnacle of whisky events worldwide for aficionados and whisky fans like myself. Tickets are here for the event Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24, details below and on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

This Just In From Richard Paterson

Watch Richard Paterson, Master Blender and Distiller for The Dalmore, talk about his upcoming appearance at the 2021 Universal Whisky Experience. He and Craig Bridger, Malt Specialist Director, will be sharing “some extra special expressions” of The Dalmore with High Rollers April 23 and 24 at the Wynn Las Vegas. For more details about everything being offered at this exclusive event, once again orchestrated by Mahesh Patel, go to https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

The High Roller Experience

From High Roller Super Pours, High Roller Lounge Dinner Experience, World-Class Tastings, Master Classes, Meals and more. Learn, savor, and network with like-minded whisky lovers from around the globe. High Roller gets you access to:

Exclusive Super Pours at the High Roller Lounge Dinner.
One on One interaction with brand ambassadors.
Private events with other High Rollers.
A series of Exclusive Master Classes Friday and Saturday.
Whisky Speed Dating.
Luxury Amenities.
High Roller Gift Bag.

Some of the brands that are in attendance for Master classes at the Nth 2021

The Dalmore Experience with Richard Paterson

The Royal ‘Royal Salute’ Experience

Hardy Cognac with Benedicte Hardy

Single Malts of Dewar’s with Stephanie Macleod

William Grants & sons Experience with Ian Miller

Ian Logan’s journey through the ‘House of Chivas’ hidden malts

The Gordon & MacPhail Experience

And More…

Master Classes

Look at our amazing and rare never been done before anywhere Master Classes being held at the Nth 2021 for our elite High Roller Attendees hosted by Royal Salute and Chivas Brothers. Be part of the experience this April!

The Royal Salute Ducal Tasting with His Grace the Duke of Argyll and Peter Prentice

An opportunity to savour a magical collection of Royal Salute whiskies in the company of His Grace the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich.

Five deliciously contrasting marques from this iconic range have been personally selected so as to showcase the art of blending at its magnificent best. This includes two unique drams from the Royal Salute Polo Collection with the Snow Polo Edition providing a mouth-watering insight into the delicious world of aged grains. We’ll then be sharing the new Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend and indulge in a rare opportunity to taste a collector’s dream with the bespoke 30yo cask-strength Royal Salute Flask Edition. With the legendary Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny as a Grand Finale for ‘The Royal Toast’, this is an incredible opportunity to join His Grace and Peter, one of the industry’s most celebrated double acts with many stories to tell across twenty years of flying the Royal Salute flag together.

  1. Royal Salute 21yo Snow Polo Edition (Blended Grain @46.5% abv)
  2. Royal Salute 21yo Beach Polo Edition
  3. Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend
  4. Royal Salute 30yo Flask Edition (cask strength @50.1% abv)
  5. Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny

The Jewels in the Chivas Brothers Crown with Ian Logan

Normally available only to those that visit the Chivas Brothers Brand Homes on Speyside, this a unique opportunity to try some of the rarest and most exclusive Single Malts in the Chivas Brothers Distillery Reserve Collection. All bottled at natural strength with no colouring or chill-filtration this is as close as you can get to visiting each distillery and sampling directly from a cask..

The Distillery Reserve Collection has now been expanded to include all of the thirteen working distilleries Chivas Brothers while also including the Single Grain produced at the Strathclyde Grain Distillery in Glasgow. Several of the more hard to find expressions are included in the whiskies that will be tasted in the class. Joining us to take you through the whiskies will be Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador at Chivas Brothers and someone who has seen the range grow from a handful of bottlings to the comprehensive range that is available today.

Caperdonich 18yo, 48.1%, 2nd fill barrel

Aberlour 15yo, 52.4%, 1st fill barrel

Scapa 20yo, 51.0%, 1st fill barrel

Glen Keith 22yo, 56.1%, 2nd fill butt

Longmorn 24yo, 55.5%, 2nd fill butt

The Glenlivet, 25yo, 55,6%, 2nd fill butt

A Note On Safety

Universal Whisky Experience’s top priority is the health and safety of our attendees, vendors, and staff at the Nth 2021 event taking place at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. Full Story click here.

Tickets https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/nth-2021/#high-roller-exclusive-sec

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend Returns March 19 – 21, 2021

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Paso Robles, CA – Paso Robles Wine Country will once again toast its heritage variety, Zinfandel. Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21, 100+ local wineries celebrate with three days of unique experiences. Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend will not feature a single, ticketed marquee event but rather promotes the individual events happening throughout wine country on pasowine.com.

Visiting Paso Robles Wine Country will look a little different with many wineries scaling down their activities to a more intimate experience. Live music will abound at J Dusi Wines throughout the three days with different musicians each day. Derby Wine Estates invites the artist in you to paint a portrait of your pet while sipping on their delicious wines. A new release of Zinfandel will be on offer at Parrish Family Vineyard, along with a paired Irish-inspired lunch, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Barrel sampling is one of the fun treats to experience while in wine country and Locatelli Vineyards & Winery offers it up on this special weekend. Niner Wine Estates proposes A Fancy Night Out by dining under the stars at the foot of the iconic Heart Hill Vineyard, socially separated of course. These are just a few examples of the many smaller engagements on offer. Visit pasowine.com for a full list of winery events.

Not able to make it to Paso Robles Wine Country but still want to experience the Zin? The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s podcast, Where Wine Takes You will feature a discussion with two Zinfandel producers of Paso Robles, Turley Wine Cellars and Opolo Vineyards. These two iconic brands are all about Zinfandel and helped elevate the Paso Robles wine reputation through their excellent bottlings, including Zinfandel. Also, on the virtual space is the weekly Paso Wine Hour show from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. This Zoom-based, one-hour show brings winemakers together for a friendly, unscripted chat and will feature conversations about Zinfandel throughout the month. Including conversations with many of the brands that have popularized Paso Robles Zinfandel. Go to pasowine.com to learn more about the Where Wine Takes You podcast and the weekly Paso Wine Hour.

Until your next visit to Paso Robles wine country, share your love of the region with friends and family by sending them a postcard. Visit travelpaso.com to request your 4-Pack of “Postcards from Paso Robles”. Each card captures an iconic image from wine country that is sure to inspire future visits to Paso Robles.

Currently, large-scale gatherings are not approved. Wineries will be conducting business much in the same way they are now, with groups of no more than six people per party, socially distanced, with all precautions in place to create a safe environment for both guests and employees. Reservations are required at most Paso Robles wineries and calling ahead is encouraged. At this time, wine tasting rooms and restaurants are only allowed to operate outdoor service, however, with the continued drop in COVID-19 cases, wine country remains optimistic that indoor operations will resume soon. Visit pasowine.com to learn more up-to-date information on the current guidelines set forth by county and state health agencies.

Starward Australian Whisky, Penfolds and Chocolate! Oh My!

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Most of you know that Eddie and I are both wine and whisky fans, so we were thrilled to try a little Shiraz wine along with a lot of Australian whisky (all aged in wine casks) in a Zoom meeting via the Southern California Whisky Club:

Starward Tasting Room in Australia.

We are delighted to welcome David Vitale, the founder (and maker) of Starward Australian whisky, for a virtual Masterclass. Founded in 2004, in an airport hangar in Melbourne’s Essendon Fields, the Starward distillery has built a fine reputation over the years. Inspired by Melbourne’s foodie culture, Starward has developed a world-class, premium whisky that challenges people’s perceptions of what whisky can be. The distillery is focused on 3 things: whisky, culture and flavor. Starward has embraced its Melbourne roots, maturing almost all of their whisky in big, Aussie red wine barrels, and even Apera casks (basically sherry, except they can’t call it that). Although they have a foot firmly in the single malt world, they’re also not afraid to draw outside of traditional constraints.

 From Vitale and Sean O’Connell, Starward Whisky Brand Ambassador:

  1. Vitale said that “single malt is craft beer grown up” and he began his journey into scotch with Johnny Walker Black and Chivas as his “repertoire of whisky.”
  2. All of their whisky hits their sweet spot at 3 years of age, there are no aging years shown on the bottles.
  3. Water is added before aging, so they are aging the water, but it makes for a better product Vitale said.
  4. Bourbon is the number one brown spirit in Australia.
  5. If you want to know when their whisky is released you can register at their website (below) or check with Wally’s (also below).

The line-up (my tasting notes are in bold)

  1. Penfold’s Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro (2017, South Australia) – The wine, with 14.5% alcohol was spicy and filled with dark tannic fruit, quite quaffable and a great palate cleanser before tasting all the whisky.
  2. Starward Two-Fold (wheat + malted barley / red wine barrels) 40% ABV – No burn on the nose, sweet, kernel, buttercream chocolate, Bourbon like.
  3. Starward Nova (red wine barrels) 41% ABV – Again, no nose burn, pineapple, lemon bar, cream and toast with lots of spice on the palate. This was my favorite, but I really liked all of them.
  4. Starward Solera (fortified wine barrels) 43% ABV – Aged in Apera (like a Sherry) casks, menthol, pine needles, creamed corn, dried fruit with a lot of spice and cream in the long finish.
  5. Starward Wally’s Single Barrel Cask #3330 55.6% ABV – Didn’t need to really add water to the previous tastes, this one I definitely did though. (Water opens up flavors and aromas in whisky, also lessens heat.) This was a barrel chosen and carried by Wally’s. Tobacco, sweet cream, florals, huge flavors. This was Eddie’s favorite.
  6. Starward 10th Anniversary 52% ABV – Lots of cream again, apricot, suede with flavors that included spices, dried fruit and caramel.

+ Violet Crumble bar (Australian honeycomb toffee coated in chocolate) Eddie tried to steal both bars, this stuff was like crack, especially paired with the whisky!

Starward Australian Whisky website [link]

SCWC website

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SCWC Facebook

Wally’s Starward Page

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2018: And the Best of Show Goes To…?

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By now you’ve (hopefully) read my two articles on judging the first annual Global Wine Awards; you may have even seen a third installment on the winners. But what you haven’t seen, or had your virtual taste of, is the wine the judges awarded a Gold, then a Double Gold, and then finally the Best of Show to: Martellotto 2016 Il Cappocia Riserva (Barrel Aged) from Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara.

So, I’m here to rectify that. I ordered a bottle for myself, just for a little R and D, and to give me a full opportunity to savor over. For good measure I thought it wise to try another red from the same winery and same AVA, the 2016 La Bomba Cabernet. So, without further adieu, here are the results:

 

2016 Martellotto Il Cappocia Riserva

(Barrel Aged)

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Best in Show and 97 points at the Global Wine Awards

https://martellotto.com/products/2016-martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

Color: Dark purple with some raisin-coloring on the edge.

Aroma: Crushed black cherry, blueberry, char, dark chocolate, cream, cigar, dried leaves and the tiniest whiff of menthol.

Flavor: Blue to black fruit, cracked black pepper, dark chocolate again, velvety at the start and then a great bite of spice and tannin, yet balanced and just as good as I remembered. Excellent blend of Bordeaux grapes.

Pairing: Cheese and charcuterie board was our dining choice for the evening but this would pair well with anything from a juicy steak, Bolognese pasta to chocolate crème Brûlée.

Conclusion: As I noted when I had my taste: just as good as I remembered and well deserving of the Best of Show award we gave it. I was really looking forward to trying the Cab next…

 

2016 Martellotto La Bomba Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Double Gold and Best of Show at the Central Coast Wine Competition.

https://martellotto.com/products/martellottocabernet

Color: Beautiful opaque blackberry.

Aroma: So, knowing that La Bomba translated is The Bomb I was looking forward to what I would find on the nose: a LOT of fresh and ripe blueberry, plum, green peppercorn, rich, spicy, coffee bean and no nose burn. The nose definitely called you in for the taste.

Flavor: bold red fruit followed by dark fruit in luscious layers and incredible balance, nice spicy qualities that lingered in the palate, both green and black pepper with the same velvety quality on the palate as the Il Cappocia Riserva.

Pairing: I had this with a bacon-wrapped filet mignon smothered in sweet onion and sautéed mushroom. Yea, that was pretty great. But I also imagined this with a robust charcuterie board filled with Mortadella with pistachio, chorizo and both hard and soft cheese.

Conclusion: I found both an unexpected flavor and balance – akin to a young Napa Cab – for a SBC Cabernet. Very well done. Makes me want to seek out Happy Canyon and the winery to learn more.

From the Winery

Martellotto Wines is the only winery in Santa Barbara County to be winning this many awards for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, specifically from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara.

The Rise of Santa Barbara Wines

As you know, this area is already well regarded for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production (which I also make). However, were you aware that our region is also producing some outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals? The TTB established the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in 2009 given its distinctive climate in the far eastern part of the Santa Ynez Valley. This warmer climate is proving to be fertile ground for high quality Bordeaux varietals, especially since the diurnal temperature changes are so dramatic.

Today, a handful of producers are leading the way. I’m pleased to report Martellotto Winery is one of those wineries. In fact, Martellotto is one of the few wineries in California bottling varietally labeled wines of each of the five noble Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. 

Martellotto Winery

100 Los Padres Way #7

Buellton, CA 93427

(619) 567-9244

*Tastings Available by Appointment Only 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.