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September 16, 2024 | Issue 4 | | |
We hope you are enjoying the the start to football season. We have started our regular blind flights and back at barrel finishing to finish out the year and planning production for next year. We are slowing adding to the newsletter so let us know what you think. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and coming soon YouTube. |
Cocktail Corner
Hosted by Janice Weaver
Banana Bread Cocktail
The secret to this recipe is using a dark simple syrup like Demerara, brown, or turbinado sugar. Boil equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely. I store mine in the refrigerator.
The original recipe calls for Walnut Bitters but I don’t have any ☹️. I do have walnuts 😃. I toasted them, chop them up, put them in the shaker with my bourbon and let them hang out for a few minutes.
2oz bourbon
.5 banana liqueur
2 dashes Walnut Bitters (or my substitute)
I’m using @jackdaniels_us rye, but you can use whatever your man is drinking.
Add the banana liqueur to your bourbon and walnut shaker. Give this a good swirl before straining it over ice into your favorite glass. Don’t worry if a few walnut pieces sneak in 😉. Cheers!
Courtesy of Janice Weaver
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LOVE of the LEAF
Pairing by Bobby McClellan
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Don Johnson once was quoted at saying " Life's too short to drink bad wine or smoke poor cigars." We agree! there is nothing like getting home from work finishing up dinner and going out to the patio for a nice dram and a cigar.
For this month We have chosen one of the newest released from Compass Box. Today we have the Crimson Cask. We all know Compass Box make some of the finest blended scotches out there. This is no exception. The Crimson Cask is a blend of multiple sherry cask scotches. The flavor profile as Compass Box put it is Chocolate fudge cake undercut with clove and cardamom, with hints of plum jam and redcurrant jelly, then rich cherry, toffee and oak, finished with raisin, honey and brown sugar. From my palate the chocolate is definitely present but more of a rich dark chocolate with a sweetness as if it was a German chocolate cake. I wholeheartedly agree on the dark fruit notes. this is night bright and malty but rich in lots of dark flavors. The Cigar I chose was unconventional. This is a bundle cigar called Brazilian Cream. The cigar is a 6.0 x 54 toro with a Brazilian wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler. it is rated as a medium body. As for the cigar is a what you would expect of a bundle stick construction was ok burn was good though I believe that isa from the Cuban sandwich construction. this is perfect for outside on breezy days. I think is t great to pair with the Crim son Cask and it is so soft in flavors the richness of the scotch just comes straight through. The outstanding part of this pairing is the scotch. If you want to pair this scotch with another cigar I suggest medium to full body personally as that would work very well if all of the rich flavors. I would not suggest a light cigar as it would get lost in the pairing.
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Blind Flight Tasting Results
This month was a nice blind Bottles chosen for the light were
- Bardstown Bourbon Amrut Finished 110p
- Weller Full Proof 114p
- Foursquare 2011 Rum 120p
- Amrut Cask Strength 123p
- Old Forester MS Sippers/ Spillway pick 132p
As with all of the flights all in attendance do not know the results until the scores have been calculated and then the bottles are revealed.
We had several guests join the Sippers for this blind. Thank you to Barry, Eric, Ronnie, Aaron, Jennifer, Becky, Matt, Janice, and Daryl for participating.
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THE RESULTS!
- Old Forester MS Sippers/ Spillway pick 132p
- Bardstown Bourbon Amrut Finished 110p
- Foursquare 2011 Rum 120p
- Weller Full Proof 114p
- Amrut Cask Strength 123p
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From the Dusty to the Obscure
From the collections of the Sippers
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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 Colonel Rebel by Rebel Distributing of Jackson, MS.
For everyone one that says they were the first Mississippi offering this should shake a few things up This was a " sourced" 8 year age stated Kentucky bourbon that was Bottled for and distributed by Rebel Distributing Company Incorporated. We have found little out about the company but what we have found is the company was founded in 1967 in Jackson, MS. Looks as though it dissolved in 1983. The bottle you see pictured below we know was bottled prior to 1979 as it is listed as 1 pint. The laws changed tot he metric system in 1980. This has been opened and we have tried it.
Have any of you ever seen one of these? If you have we would love to hear about it.
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Celtic Fest Friday October 11, 2024 7:30 PM
1112 North Shore Parkway, Brandon, MS
The Sippers will be Hosting the Scottish Whisky Tasting with Spillway Wine and Spirits.
This is a ticketed event
THIS IS A TICKETED TASTING
Purchase the Tasting Tickets HERE
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Celtic Fest Saturrday October 12, 2024 7:30 PM
1112 North Shore Parkway, Brandon, MS
The Sippers will be Hosting the Irish Whisky Tasting with Spillway Wine and Spirits.
This is a ticketed event
THIS IS A TICKETED TASTING
Purchase the Tasting Tickets HERE
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Cotswolds
Cotswold Distilling Company
English Single Malt Whisky
2015 Odyssey Barley Distilled at the Cotswold Distilling Co. Shipston-On-Stour, Warwickshire, England / 92 Proof 46%ABV 18 Year / Sherry Cask
Masters of Malt tasting Notes:
CHARACTER - This is the first single malt whisky from the Cotswolds Distillery (as well as being the first single malt whisky ever distilled in the Cotswold countryside!). A much-anticipated release, which has been produced using barley grown in the Cotswolds, distilled in their Forsyths copper pot stills (Mary & Janis) and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and red wine casks.
NOSE - The first thing you notice are spicy cereal notes, malt and porridge, then comes the fruit - orange peel and lemon. Grassy and floral flavors followed by marzipan.
PALATE - Beautiful texture, creamy and round, with sweet citrus fruit and black pepper.
FINISH - Good length. There’s vanilla custard and a lift of aromatic freshness that will make you want another sip..
Sippers Take:
This was picked up during one of the sippers bottle shopping trips. this is a batch 1 release from the distillery so we wanted to see how England was doing. If you are a NO Single malt person definitely pick one up as this for us drinks like Irish and Scotch combined. Flavors are singular throughout the palate, soft with the slightest of pepper but more citrus for us. we paid somewhere around 90.00 for it and are pleased with the price point. you get a solid pour from a region you normally do not find in the US.
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Ardbeg
Bizarrebq
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
peated / 101.8 Proof 50.9 %ABV / 100% Natural Colour
Distilled, Matured, and Bottled in Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland
Distillery tasting Notes:
CHARACTER - Triple cask finished in Double charred oak, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, and BBQ Casks.
NOSE - Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up.
A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers lingers in the background.
PALATE - The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chili. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chili oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.
FINISH - The massive, hot aftertaste lingers on and on, with more grilled artichoke, black olives and a sooty note that slowly simmers away.
Sippers Take:
This was a wonderful find. the gimmicky aspect of BIZARREBQ is killed on the first sip. This is truly a BBQ in a bottle. Very reminiscent of the flavors you get from nice slow smoked ribs over oak. You get that wood smoke flavor with the sherry giving you what truly can be said as a BBQ sauce flavor note. The finish is long, with the sweet sauce on the front palate with the wood smoke in the mid palate and the finish oily. These are limited one time releases done by Ardbeg but you should still be able to find them at a local store.
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Wild Turkey Masters Keep
Cornerstone
Wild Turkey Distilling
Straight Rye Whiskey
Blend of straight rye whiskey from 9-11 years in age. / 109 Proof 54.5%ABV
Distilled in Lawrenceburg, KY USA
Distillery tasting Notes:
NOSE - Warm vanilla, black pepper, and toasted rye.
PALATE - Cascading flavors of honey and baked apple.
FINISH - Remarkably crisp and clean, with long and lingering flavors of spice and oak.
Sippers Take:
With all of the great things that Wild Turkey has released this was a huge letdown for us. We have even revisited it on multiple occasions but still not what we would expect from turkey at the elevated price point that this came at. Nose is pleasant and sweet but the overall palate is medicinal and astringent. actually tastes young. This maybe to a heavy rye drinkers palate but we just could not get behind this one.
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Historias y Memorias
Mezcal
Single Estate Tequila
92 Proof 446 %ABV / unaged
Distilled in San Matatlan, Oaxaca, Mexico
Distillery tasting Notes:
CHARACTER - UNAGED, CRYSTAL CLEAR COLOR,
NOSE - Petrichor, cactus, prickly pear. Fresh and inviting. Not overly smoky as some mezcals can be.
PALATE - Creamy and balanced. Citrus with a touch of clay and tropical fruit followed by peppermint. The acidity and minerality are present and welcome in the balance of this elegant agave distillate.
FINISH - Here the citrus carries out a long dance with the light smoke and clay, creating an enjoyable end to a wonderful experience.
Sippers Take:
Mezcals are a definite breed of their own. you will not find another spirit that has the flavors you get. The Historias y Memorias is soft with just a hint of the white pepper notes and just a touch of smoke. This is a good start into the Mezcal world. Not over powering and just imagine this in a margarita. Ninja Slushie machine get ready!
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Featured Retailer of the Month
Hickory Hill Wine & Liquor
Hickory Hill Wine & Liquor is located at 7205 Martin Bluff Rd Gautier, MS 39553. The store has been in business for 18 Years.
What makes your bourbon/scotch/spirits selection unique?
- As we continue to grow our bourbon selection, we try and find a variety of everything from everyday pours to unique flavor profiles. We try to keep the household names, but also try new bottles not always found in your typical liquor stores.
Do you focus on rare finds, local distilleries, specific flavor profiles, etc.?
- I feel like we have a little bit of everything. We do really enjoy bringing in selections from local distilleries, such as Crittenden’s. We are a local grown store, so we take pride in MS made products. We like to think we have something for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned sippers.
What are some of your most popular bottles?
- Our Red Wheat store pick from Crittenden’s has been a good seller. As well as their other small batch releases. Any small batch or single barrel does very well. I believe people want to try new things in the bourbon world. Our customers truly do step outside of their comfort zones a lot and try new additions quite frequently.
Do you have a staff member with a particular expertise in bourbon, scotch, spirits?
- Tammie (Store manager) and myself can point you in the right direction when it comes to bourbons.
Do you host any tastings or special events focused on bourbon, scotch, and/or spirits?
- We frequently open bottles for our customers to try before they buy.
What are some bottles you’d recommend for someone new to bourbon, scotch, spirits?
- I would recommend for a beginner to try a Bulliet or Elijah Craig to start out. I feel they are great and easy to approach. Low 90s proof bourbon. Just an easy sipper.
What’s a “hidden gem” on your shelf that customers might overlook?
- Huling Station Very Small Batch is a great hidden gem that I believe doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Have you noticed any recent trends in spirit popularity?
- I have noticed people enjoying ryes a lot more. People are asking for spicier bourbons.
What are some challenges you face as a liquor retailer?
- We serve the Hickory Hill community so foot traffic can be low. We have to reach customers in different ways. We have been widening our bourbon selection to offer more options to bring in new customers.
What excites you most about the future of bourbon, scotch, spirits?
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It is constantly growing. The bourbon world has exploded, and I do not see it stopping anytime soon.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your store or your passion for bourbon, scotch, spirits?
- While we are a smaller store, we pride ourselves on the number of options we offer and our ever growing selections of bourbons and other spirits. This, matched with impeccable customer service, allows us to continue to grow.
Would you be interested in offering a discount or promotion to our newsletter readers?
- Mention MS Sippers at check out for a 10% discount on any bourbons. Good for 30 days past day of newsletter issue.)
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A Visit to Distillerie Acadian | | | |
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Discovering a true craft in South Louisiana
Through the craft you become great friends and family
by Bobby McClellan
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We love all distilleries, as all of us do. Its the juice, the people the process and history. On September 15, 2024, The Sippers made the trip to see Phillip and Steve Mestayer. This was not just a social call as we were on a mission. We had not just Sippers there because we were there for barrels. We had both RD from Mendenhall Wine and Spirits and Spillway Wine and Spirits there. We hosted several guests there also. Brandon from Brewtally Honest Bourbon and Kaynon from Whiskeyer were on hand to join in on the pick. We were there to visit with the family and friends and most of all taste and pick some whiskey. We all started the trip at the distillery where everyone got to meet the family and see the process for producing all of the spirts that the distillery make. This is not just a whiskey distillery they are producing some of the best craft spirits we have tried. After sampling the products we loaded up and went to an undisclosed location where the family ages the barrels. We cannot tell you where it was as it is a private offsite location but lets just say it makes you feel like you are family to get access to their rickhouse.
Phillip and Steve had pulled 15 barrels out for us to sample and see what we might want. it was a chore to say the least. but we muscled through it. In the end we did something unprecedented. There was a total of not 1, not 2 but 5 total barrels picked and biggest thing that you do not see in the industry that we have found. Both Mendenhall and Spillway teamed up and we did a custom blend of 3 of the barrels that will be released at both stores in addition to each store having a single barrel pick. We applaud the owners of both locations in the effort to bring tis distillery's product to the masses. We do not had a release date as of yet but keep up with all of the socials to find out the release dates.
To finish off the day we made the trip to Prejeans in Boussard for an early dinner. When you spend the day as family you finish with a true family dinner. Special shout out to the staff a PreJeans for staying to accommodate us.
Be sure to check you local stores for all of the product line and if they do not have it ask for them to bring it in
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