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We are excited for warmer weather, patio time and fellowship. We are planning barrel finishes , distillery tours, blind tastings, and many more things. With the end of school for the youngster it is vacation season and we all get excited to travel and bottle hunt. What do you have planned? Is there a bottle you are hoping to find? |
Cocktail Corner
Hosted by Janice Weaver
If you’re not a mint fan, here’s a Kentucky Derby 🐎 alternative using basil 🌿 and strawberry 🍓.
They were drinking Mint Juleps in New Orleans long before Kentucky claimed them, so use whatever your man is drinking.
I’m using @buffalotrace from Kentucky and @jtmeleck from Louisiana.
3-4 Basil Leaves
4-5 sliced strawberries
1.5oz Bourbon
.5oz Simple Syrup (optional depending on how sweet you want your drink)
Give the basil a spank (you heard me) and add it to a dry shaker with strawberries (and sweetener if you are using it). Muddle, muddle, muddle. Add bourbon and ice and shake until cold. Strain over ice into a silver (or copper) cup. Garnish with basil and strawberries. Cheers!
Courtesy of Janice Weaver
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LOVE of the LEAF
Pairing by Bobby McClellan
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The Simple Things
With all of the hustle and bustle of life these day it is always nice to take a moment to sit back and take some time to relax and enjoy a little down time. Way do w love time with our cigars and pipes it does just that. You lock yourself down to 30minutes or longer of time to sit and enjoy a smoke with a dram of your favorite spirits.
This time around its an old favorite the Asylum 13 Corojo that has been paired with the Crittenden's Cut Above Baby Doll Bourbon. This Bourbon and been aged 4 years and finished in a Cognac cask imparting the sweet nuisances of the Cognac. What made us choose this one. 1 we love Cut Above, 2 This was a single barrel pick done by our friends Jurbie McSwash of one of our finishing barrels, and 3 Cognac already pairs wonderfully with a cigar!
To start the Cigar is considered a full bodied Honduras. It has nice earthy spice with hints of roasted nuts The strength of the cigar works nicely with the 110.82 roof of this bourbon. The bourbon alone give you a spice on the tip of the tongue with light flavors of sweet fruit in the mid palate with a muted sweetness in the finish with the bourbon coming back to the forefront of the flavor. The Cigar with the whiskey tones down the heat of the proof but not eliminating it. As you progress through the cigar going slowly back and forth the whiskey opens up and rounds out to a soft sweet dram that is actually very reminiscent of an aged Cognac, but retaining all of the bourbon influence. If we had to rate the pairing on a scale of 1-10 we would put it at an 8.5 for someone that like full bodied cigars. the Cigar might be a little strong for a newer cigar smoker, but do not let that stop you from pairing this bourbon.
If you are interested in this pairing Asylum 13 cigars are widely available at brick and mortar cigar shops and online. The "Baby Doll release is available at Whole Cellars Package Store in Cleveland Mississippi.
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Bloody Mary Mix to End them All! | It is a known fact that whenever we can we like to let people know about items of interest to all of us that is born in Mississippi. The Mississippi Sippers have heard rumors for Jurbie McSwash and the awesome Bloody Mary mix created by them. The creator is working tirelessly to bring it to the masses. We reached out and wanted som details on it and how it came about. Below is the story. We are excited for this and cannot wait for a public release! | |
In December of 2023, I gifted the guys of Jurbie McSwash each a
handle of a homemade Bloody Mary mix I was toying around with.
I've done a homemade concoction of some sort for Christmas for
the past several years so this year was no different.....but yet it was. It was good, very good, I knew it was. But the response I received from the guys was incredible. "You gotta do something with this!" So for the next few months on the weekends, I tweaked batch after batch. By March of 2024, I was ready for a soft release. The public response was phenomenal! Jurbie McSwash Single Barrel Original was born. It wasn't long after that, I was asked for a spicy version. Small Batch Spicy was introduced and became a bigger hit than SBO. We hit every farmer's market and festival that our day jobs would allow, introducing the product and the brand to the Delta and beyond.
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The label has changed a few times from the generic to a more polished version, but the recipe remains the same.
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It's now at LSU being formulated into a shelf-stable offering, and we have aligned with a commercial bottler. In the coming months, our marketing team will work with liquor, grocery, restaurants, and other retail outlets to put our Bloody Mary's Mix in a market near you. To follow our progress and shenanigans, simply search Jurbie McSwash on Facebook, Insta, and TikTok. Crafted in the Delta,
enjoyed everywhere!!
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We are planning a Distillery Open House this October. It will be a Open house with tours, discussions with Matt and the sippers on what we do and how it all came about. There will be tasting and at least 2 Distillery only releases. Details will be coming. |
From the Dusty to the Obscure
From the collections of the Sippers
| We thought it would be nice for our readers to see some of the rare bottles that we have around our collections. We will share a bottle monthly for fun. This month we are sharing the Jack Daniel’s “Scenes from Lynchburg” bottle #1. Jack Daniel's "Scenes from Lynchburg #1" is the inaugural release in the collectible "Scenes from Lynchburg" series, which celebrates the heritage and charm of Lynchburg, Tennessee, home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Released in 2003, this bottle features an image of the iconic Jack Daniel statue near the cave spring on the distillery grounds. The statue, erected in 1941 by Lem Motlow, pays tribute to the founder of this legendary whiskey brand. This bottle contains Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, bottled at 86 proof, and was available in 750ml sizes in the U.S. and 1-liter sizes internationally. The series gained popularity among collectors for its unique designs and connection to the distillery's history. The "Scenes from Lynchburg" bottles consist of 8 bottles released in the U.S. every year from 2003 to 2011 (skipping 2010) and 12 bottles released internationally. This series is highly sought after by collectors, especially the earlier editions like #1. The series is not only a visual celebration of Lynchburg but also an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of the Jack Daniel’s story. Collectible value often depends on the bottle’s rarity, condition, and whether it comes with original packaging. According to the current Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher, this particular bottle is the only one in existence that is hand signed by three Jack Daniel’s Master Distillers; Chris, (2020-Present); Jeff Arnett (2008-2020) and Frank Bobo (1966-1988). An important side note is that Frank Bobo is Chris Fletcher’s grandfather on his mother’s side. Below are the 8 Jack Daniel’s Master Distillers: Jack Daniel (1866–1911): The founder and first Master Distiller, known for his perfectionism and dedication to crafting exceptional whiskey. Jess Motlow (1911–1941): Jack's nephew, who guided the distillery through Prohibition and its reopening. Lem Tolley (1941–1964): Oversaw the distillery during a period of growth and modernization. Jess Gamble (1964–1966): The first Master Distiller not related to the Daniel family. Frank Bobo (1966–1988): Known for his focus on quality over quantity during a time of increasing demand. Jimmy Bedford (1988–2008): A charismatic figure who became the face of Jack Daniel's for two decades. Jeff Arnett (2008–2020): Introduced innovative expressions while maintaining the brand's heritage. Chris Fletcher (2020–present): The current Master Distiller, continuing the legacy with a focus on sustainability and innovation. |
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We are still seeing an upheaval in the Whiskey world with distillery closings, bankruptcies, and layoffs. as bad as that looks if you look at it from a business perspective and not a consumer it is not all that surprising. During what was touted as the "boom" you saw NDP's popping up what seems like daily. Distilleries started upping production levels. Thing is Whiskey has to age, and that means you are producing product that you will not touch for years. Think about it with everything that comes to the for front and is popular it eventually slows and wains in popularity. It happens in all businesses, we hate it but slow times are inevitable. Whiskey was not a exception. Was some of the issue the "allocated only buyers", The secondary flippers, are economy? We think it may be a combination of all of them. Allocations that were just about impossible to get and secondary flippers and distilleries making the prices to high for the average purchasers may have caused a move to simple self staples and to other spirits. slowing the demand for theses Splash brands. We all started somewhere in the hunt. Some of us are old enough o find out about spirits from whiskey magazines and industry news site. Many started this journey following social media accounts that seamed to pop up weekly. Many all touting many of the same new distilleries. and we would all go and buy and not think about what is was or how we would like it in the long run. We see people now venturing into other spirits and realizing that things that they thought they did not enjoy they find themselves pouring. The sippers like Spirits not bourbon alone.
What is your take? what do you think of the Whiskey world. Do you have concerns with the way it is going Do you wish there was something different that could be done? Do you see yourself branching out into other spirits.
Send us a message and tell us what you think? We would love to know your opinion send to:
mississippisippers@gmail.com
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Smoke Wagon - Desert Colt
Nevada Distilling Co.
Las Vegas, NV
117.98 Proof 58.99%ABV
Distillery tasting Notes:
CHARACTER - Consisting mainly of 4 year 36% rye bourbon from several floors and warehouse locations.
NOSE - Fruit Forward
PALATE -Candy
FINISH - Bold Cinnamon spice and heat
Sippers Take:
We are in Mississippi and Smoke wagon is not available here but our friends in Louisiana get it in store. We found this on a trip and wondered what is it . Smoke Wagon has a following of the Limited Younger releases but thinking of us consumers they worked to release an affordable shelf available version. We are glad they did. To start it drinks a lot softer than it is. traditional vanilla in the palate and soft floral nots in the nose. The rye in the mash bill is in the finish for us but does not have that medicinal rye notes but a sweeter gentler rye finish.
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Bruichladdich 18
Islay Single Malt
Bruichladdich Distillery
100 Proof 50%ABV / 18 Year UNPEATED ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY PRIMARILY BOURBON CASKS AND SMALL NUMBER OF SAUTERNES AND PORT CASKS
Distillery tasting Notes:
CHARACTER - Since reopening our distillery in 2001, Bruichladdich's aim is to make the most thought-provoking spirits possible. Following decades of commitment to raw ingredients, pioneering terroir, authenticity, and championing an all Islay maturation, they have created The Bruichladdich Eighteen.
NOSE - Beautifully fragrant with ripe peach and honeysuckle, hints of violet and lavender come through on the nose – balanced with vanilla and creamed coconut from the toasted American oak. A medley of tropical fruit comes to the front, with melon, peaches, apricot, and vibrant citrus, while the influence of the oak brings honey, caramel vanilla custard and rich crème brulee.
PALATE - Luxurious and viscous, honey, butterscotch and fresh fruits coat the palate, followed by cereal notes of sweet, syrup soaked porridge, barley sugar and toasted oak. Vibrant tropical fruit and the subtle presence of toasted oak with a hint of leather follow, with honeycomb adding to the smooth, sweet character.
FINISH - The quintessential character of Bruichladdich single malt comes through on the finish. The 18 Year Old has the classic minerality for which Bruichladdich is renowned, perfectly balanced with oak, stoned fruit and a delicate floral bouquet.
Sippers Take:
For those of you that think all Islay is peated you are wrong. Bruichladdich offers the Bruichladdich Whisky in an unpeated format. In Whiskey Advocate Magazine this is the #2 Whisky of the Year. For our bourbon only friends you do not know what you are missing. This release is floral on the nose with lavender and rose note. palate is soft sweet with a candied pecan and the finish is soft and slowly disappears having you wondering what you just sipped. Not sure how available this is where you are located but ig you can give it a try we think you should.
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ImpEx Collection Agave Bicuixe
Limited Release 2022
368 Bottles Produced
Agave Spirit
98.8 Proof 49.4%ABV Agave Spirit
Mengoli de Morelos Miahuatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico
Distillery tasting Notes:
VIEW - Deep Golden
NOSE - Overripe bananas, wet stone, and classic Miahuatlán terroir
PALATE - Creamy with some mango and a touch of tajin spice
FINISH - Lasts and lasts, the creamy texture doesn’t fade at all.
Sippers Take:
We are suckers for obscure tequilas and mezcals. We think people are missing out not trying them. When we got our little hands on this we are excited. WE MUST WARN YOU. this is a wild expression. We opened the bottle poured a dram amongst friend and this is what happened. All of us looked at each other with a puzzled expression. Whey are we getting blue cheese on the nose? What is that? then you start to taste the pour and it evolves from that to a pepper encrusted smoked Swiss cheese. Ok where have you ever gotten that out of an agave spirit. For us never. It was such a wild experience we even questioned ourselves on what were were pulling from the flavors to the point of reaching out to ImpEx. We were ecstatic when we told them what we got and they explained the distillation process and we NAILED the notes to the T. This is not for everyone and we will admit that. We will say if you can sample this bottle and you are ok with wild flavor profile dot it and tell us what you think.
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ImpEx Collection Long Pond 17 Year
Limited Release 2023
255 Bottles Produced
109.8 Proof 54.9%ABV
Distilled in Jamaica by Long Pond Distillery
Distillery tasting Notes:
NOSE - Oak caramelized apples and apple cider vinegar.
PALATE - Sweet tasted of banana, pineapple and honey followed by vanilla
FINISH - Warm Apple pie
Sippers Take:
We are not strangers to The impex Collection of special releases. We find them to be some of the best single casks by an independent bottling. The nose is what you would think of an aged Jamaican rum lots of caramel molasses little sharp sour notes sneak in. but on the palate WOW is what we have to say. the first thing we get ais a sweet vanilla that slowly fades to nut bread and finishes with a tartness like a tart cherry pie. the finish just lingers on with the flavors seeming to return. A lot of the finish for us must be coming from the long barrel aging. We think if you are a fan of other aged rums such as the Four Square you need to grab one of these. They are hard to come by and we know that there is both a 15 yea and the 17 year available in central MS.
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Crittenden's Distillery Now Available online!
Great news if you are a fan of Crittenden's Cut Above. It is now offered through BourbonOutfitters.com.
If you have followed us you know we do a lot of work with Matt and are over the moon that many of the Custom blends and finished will be available in limited quantities online.
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