Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Review

    “Saddle Your Horses”

Country: USA

Brand: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Age: NAS (Said to be around 6 Years)

ABV: 45%

Colour: Light Copper with a dash of Orange.

Nose: The first impressions include Artificially Fruit-Flavoured Bubblegum and Glue. That's not a great start and I decide to give the Bulleit more time in the glass. After an additional hour or so I put my curious nose to work again. The extra air contact certainly helped although hints of the above mentioned Aromas are still there. But I also find Sweet Corn, Vanilla, Charred Oak, Toffee, Sweet Red Apples, light Corn Syrup, Sugar coated Nuts, Orange, Cinnamon, Fresh Mint and some Floral tones I can't quite place. It's Sweet but not overly so thanks to the relatively high Rye content. After a while I get images of saddling a horse. It might be Leather but it's not just that. Odd! The Alcohol is not fully integrated.

Taste: The Delivery, while Hot Sharp and Spicy, is nevertheless a bit on the Thin side. The Rye is very noticeable though and the overall Flavour profile is Bitter- Sweet and Spicy. I find Sweet Corn, Vanilla, Caramel, light Syrup, Charred Oak,

Orange, Sugared Nuts, Red Apple, Cinnamon, Pepper, light Menthol and hints of Leather, Bitter Chocolate and Floral Soap. 

Finish: Middle-Long and Bitter-Sweet. Dry towards the end. The Rye Spices are quite evident as well as the Cherries and the slightly Metallic Alcohol Burn. I also find Sweet Corn, Charred Oak, light Menthol, Toffee, Dusty Road, Vanilla, Floral Soap, Sugared Nuts and Orange Liqueur.

The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey does not improve with added Water.  

Rating: 84.5 

Nose: 22 – Taste: 21 – Finish: 20.5 – Overall: 21

General Remarks: The original Bulleit was distilled between 1830 and 1860 by Augustus Bulleit. Only in 1987 the Brand was revived by Thomas E. Bulleit Jr., a great-great-grandson of Augustus. The new mash bill consists of Corn (68%), Rye (28%) and Malted Barley (4%). A Bulleit Distillery does not exist. At least until 2010 the Spirit was produced at the Four Roses Distillery. But Diageo, the owner of the Bulleit Brand since 2010, sold Four Roses to the Kirin Group. It's likely that at least a large part of the Spirit used for Bulleit is still produced at Four Roses but no one knows for sure. In the future, Bulleit will be produced in the new Diageo distillery that is being constructed in Shelbyville , Kentucky as we speak. Production is expected to start still this year. What we do know for sure is that all Bulleit Whiskey matures in the old Stitzel-Weller warehouses in Louisville. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is priced between 25 and 45 US Dollars, depending on where you live (February 2016).

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Good. I would love to see it a little Sweeter but I'm afraid they won't change the Mash Bill just for me!

Bulleit 40% ABV

In 2008, Bulleit was launched in the UK market. It was bottled at a lower ABV of 40% however. I tasted a sample that I bought at Master of Malt. As Bulleit is produced in relatively Small Batches, the quality may vary of course. Fact is I did not like it a lot. I'm not sure if it was just this sample but I got lots of Young Oak, Varnish, Alcohol and Cooked Vegetables on the Nose. On the Palate and in the Finish it was Thin, Dusty, Metallic and Mineral without pleasant Aromas. Like I said, it may have been just a bad Sample or a bad Batch. To avoid any risks however I would advise you to go for the 90 Proof only.  

Conclusion: A decent everyday Bourbon, especially if you like Rye Whiskey. Just be sure to give it some time in the glass when you have just opened your bottle for the first time. The Nose is the best part of the Bulleit and I'm still wondering why I got images of Saddling a horse! On the other hand, Whiskey and Horses were a common sight in the Wild Wild West! On the Palate and in the Finish the Bulleit is Bitter-Sweet, Spicy and a little Hot & Sharp. And there are a couple of slightly Artificial Aromas and Flavours that I don't care for too much. However, if my notes are in line with your preferred Bourbon profile you can't go wrong with Bulleit, especially when you can buy it at around 25 bucks. However, if you, like me, prefer your everyday Bourbon a little Sweeter I would like to recommend Wild Turkey 101 or Maker's Mark. 

Jan van den Ende                                                              February 18, 2016

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Review

“Classy But Expensive”

Country: USA

Brand: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Type: Single Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Age: NAS (Said To Be around 9 Years)

ABV: 50.5 %

Sample provided by Derek from the USA. Many Thanks!

Colour: Golden Amber with a touch of Orange.

Nose: Very Sweet and Seductive with Toffee, Butterscotch, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Papaya Cream, Banana, Cherry, Citrus Peel, Blackberry Jam, Toasted Almonds, Rye, Charred Oak, Mint, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and hints of Milk Chocolate and Bounty Bars. It's similar to the 101 Proof but it's got a bit more Depth, Oak and Spices. The Alcohol is quite strong. Still, a very pleasant Nose!

Taste: Sour-Sweet, Spicy and Creamy with Charred Oak, Corn Syrup, Rye, Caramel, Butterscotch, Brown Sugar, Cherry, Blackberry, Nuts, Pepper, Mint, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and hints of Orange-Flavoured Dark Chocolate and Leather. Light to Medium Alcohol Bite.

Finish: Quite Long. Sweet at first but Dry and slightly Sour later on with Cherry, Blackberry, Charred Oak, Resin, Corn Syrup, Caramel, Brown Sugar, Lemon Zest, Nuts, Pepper, Nutmeg, Mint and a hint of Leather.   

With a bit of Water the Nose loses a bit of its intensity. Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Charred Oak and Milk Chocolate start to dominate. But Palate and Finish mellow down considerably without giving up too much of the Flavours. I would advise you to add a bit of Water. It makes it easier to fully enjoy the Kentucky Spirit.

Rating: 87  

Nose: 22.5 – Taste: 21.5  – Finish: 21.5 – Overall: 21.5

Derek's Bottle and the Sample!

General Remarks: Wild Turkey is produced in Lawrenceburg Kentucky. Nowadays the Brand is owned by the Campari Group. The distillery produces the 81 Proof, the 101 Proof, the Single Barrel Kentucky Spirit at 101 Proof, Russell's Reserve 10 Years named after Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Rare Breed a blend of 6, 8 and 12 old Wild Turkey at 108.4 Proof, a Rye Whiskey  made with 65% Rye, 23 % Corn and 12% Barley and a Honey Liqueur by the name of American Honey. The Kentucky Spirit I'm reviewing today is the Single Barrel version of the 101 Proof. It was bottled on the 8th of April 2011 and matured in Barrel # 28 from Warehouse E, Rick # 42. It is said that Master Distiller Jimmy Russell personally selects the Barrels that will be used for this expression.The Mash Bill consists of Corn (75%), Rye (13%) and Barley (12%). On average it costs around 50 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: I like Wild Turkey Bourbons in general. Especially on the Nose. I find it difficult to stop Nosing them! The Kentucky Spirit is no exception to the rule. The combination of Fruit, Grain and Spices is hard to resist. The Bounty Bar note is very nice as well. Palate and Finish can't quite keep up with the Nose. Lots of Charred Oak, Spices and slightly Sour Cherries and Blackberries. Still good mind you but I would have liked to see a bit more Fruity Sweetness here. In summing it up, I find that the Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is a good but not sensational Single Cask Bourbon. It's got a bit more Depth than the 101 Proof but not enough to justify the considerable price difference. Also, please bear in mind that Single Cask Spirits will vary from Cask to Cask. 

Jan van den Ende                                                           December 9, 2014

Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Years Review

Country: USA

Brand: Jefferson's Presidential Select

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Age: 18 Years

ABV: 47 %

Sample Provided By: Derek, USA. Many Thanks!  

Date: 19/01/2014

Colour: Deep Amber with Tones of Orange and Brown

Nose: Give it sufficient time to breathe! Good balance between Sweet, Spicy and Woody Aromas. The Alcohol is nicely integrated. I find Custard/Vanilla, Sweet Grain, Warm Pancakes with Golden Syrup and a sprinkle of Orange Liqueur, Oak, Resin, Candied Nuts, Caramel, Wax, light Acetone, Cinnamon and Pepper.

Palate: Sweet and Spicy with Toffee/Caramel/Butterscotch, slightly Bitter Oak, Resin, Roasted Nuts, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Pepper, Cloves and Ginger.

Finish: Middle-Long, Sweet at first but Dry towards the end with Toffee, Butter, slightly Bitter Oak, Pine Resin, Cherries, Creamy Vanilla, Pepper, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

Water does not improve the Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 Years.

Rating: 87

Nose: 22.5 - Taste: 21.5 - Finish: 21.5  - Overall: 21.5

Derek's Bottle and the Sample!

General Remarks: McLain and Kyne Distillers Ltd is a Blending Company or NDP (Non Distiller Producer) based in Louisville, Kentucky. McLain was founded by Chet Zoeller but was bought by Castle Brands in 2006. They specialise in Small Batch Bourbons of roughly between 8 and 12 barrels bought from various Kentucky Distillers. Their main Brand Name is Jefferson's. Currently the following expressions are marketed: Jefferson's Bourbon, Jefferson's Rye, Jefferson's Reserve, Jefferson's Presidential Select, Jefferson's Ocean and the Chef's Collaboration. The Presidential Select 18 years I am tasting today was distilled from Wheat in the fall of 1991. The sample I received was taken out of bottle # 0824 of Batch # 18. The spirit aged in Stitzel-Weller Barrels from the distillery of the same name that was mothballed in 1992 by owners Diageo. But in 2013 Diageo announced they would re-start production at the Louisville based plant. Considering the above, it is most likely that our today's Whiskey has been distilled at the Stitzel-Weller distillery that is also well known for the famous Pappy van Winkle Brand. Jefferson Reserve Presidential Select 18 Years is sold at roughly between 100 and 125 US Dollars.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: The Jefferson Reserve Presidential Select 18 years is certainly an above average Bourbon. The Nose is the best part in my opinion. There I find the Balance, Richness and Salutary Peace that comes with old age. But on the Palate and, to a lesser extent, in the Finish I find this Bourbon a bit Nervous, too Spicy perhaps and with a slight Woody Bitterness. I do like the Creamy Vanilla Note in the Finish though. Almost like Ice Cream. A good Bourbon therefore and highly drinkable given its high age. But I'm not sure I would want to spend 125 Bucks on this Jefferson Reserve PE 18 years.

Jan van den Ende                                                       January 2014

Eagle Rare 17 Years Review

Country: USA

Brand: Eagle Rare

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Age: 17 Years. This is mentioned on the bottles. But in fact the spirit matured for 19 years.

ABV: 45 %

Sample Provided By: Derek, USA. Thanks!  

Date: 09/11/2013

Colour: Light Amber

Nose: After having nosed and tasted the Georg T Stagg 2012 with the staggering ABV of 71.4% earlier, the Nose of the Eagle Rare is relatively light in comparison. It's quite Pleasant, Creamy and Waxy though with Sweet Corn, Buttered Toast, Syrup, Vanilla, Honey, Caramel, Berries, Banana, Charred Oak, Nuts, Cocoa Powder, Acetone and hints of Lemon, Leather and Sour-Dough.

Palate: The Delivery would have benefited from an ABV of around 50%.  It's a bit Thin as it is. On the Palate, the Eagle Rare is Dry, Spicy, Herbal and Bitter-Sweet with Caramel, Sweet Corn, Vanilla, Honey, Cocoa Powder, Rye, Dark Chocolate, Mint, Nuts, Stewed Cherries, Pepper, Ginger and a hint of Tobacco.

Finish: Middle-Long, Bitter-Sweet at first but quite Dry towards the end with Toffee, Vanilla, Cherries, Oak, Rye-Bread, Acetone, Pepper and Cinnamon.

With a bit of Water the Nose gets Sweeter with lots of Corn, Syrup, Vanilla and Banana. But Palate and Finish don't take the added Water well. When Nosing you could certainly add a few drops. For tasting however I advise you to sip it neat.

Rating: 85.5

Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 21.5 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21.5

Derek's Bottle that produced the Sample!

General Remarks: More than a decade ago the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky launched the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Each year five special Bourbons are released in very limited quantities. For 2012 they were the George T. Stagg 2012, Eagle Rare 17 Years, The Sazerac Rye 18 Years, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 18 Years, the William Larue Weller Bourbon and the Eagle Rare 17 Years (bottled in the Spring of 2012) we are tasting today. It is sold at prices that vary a lot depending on where you live. I saw prices of around 70 US Dollars in the USA and of up to 200 US Dollars in Europe. So I was very pleased with the sample provided by Derek! 

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: A Well-Crafted, Solid and " Easy" Bourbon, considering its age. But it's not exceptional and as such pales clearly when compared to the George T Stagg for instance. One of the reasons is the relatively low ABV of 45%. The Palate could do with a higher ABV of around 50%. Still, a very nice Bourbon that would probably sell a lot more if lower priced. Because it's quite expensive for what it offers.

Jan van den Ende                                                       November 2013