Friday, February 28th, & Saturday, February 29tth, 2020
1. Redemption Bourbon
Cooper’s Price $25.98
Redemption was created by two founders, fans of Rye, who were passionate about bringing the spirit back to its dominant role among American spirits. Although the brand consists of Rye and Bourbon offerings, Rye is the cornerstone of all we do: Rye is the reason for the brand’s existence and bringing it back to the forefront has now become our mission.
Sourced from Midwest Grain Products or MGP in Indiana, Redemption Straight Bourbon breaks from the label’s tradition of rye whiskey and high-rye bourbon. This bottling is made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley (as opposed to 60% corn and 36% rye in their standard bottling). This bourbon was carefully crafted to highlight the classic flavors of the highest quality bourbons – a true reflection of America’s Native Spirit. The high amount of corn gives this bourbon a classic sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel fro the wood, and the rye adds some light spice flavor. Bottled at 84 proof for a lighter experience, great on the rocks or in mixed drinks.
2. Bendistillery Crater Lake Reserve Rye
Cooper’s Price $46.99
Founded in 1996, Bend, Oregon’s Crater Lake Spirits is approaching a quarter century of employing locally-sourced ingredients to create their expanding product line including infused vodkas, ground to bottle estate products, special projects (hatch green chili vodka, anyone?), and Rye Whiskey. As America’s most award winning small batch distillery, Crater Lake Spirits believes in sharing the love and has expanded out of Oregon to be distributed in 26 states.
Crater Lake Reserve Rye Whiskey is a 3 year old 95% rye whiskey aged in new American Oak with a medium char and is 96 proof.
Delicately spicy and caramel-y, with some vanilla and whiffs of geranium flowers, then more spice, caraway and cinnamon. Quite gentle on the palate, indeed, it’s a light and easy rye, with some fudge and caramel, notes of buckwheat, bitter oranges, lavender sweets, and again some caraway. The finish is medium, and a bit bready, with toffee and peppery notes lingering.
3. High West Bourye
Cooper’s Price $79.99
Bourye is a combination of “Bou” for bourbon and “rye” for..well, rye whiskey. Because combining bourbon and rye is a bit unusual, we couldn’t help thinking of the jackalope. Honestly, we didn’t think anyone would like the name!
A unique and premium blend of rich bourbon and rye whiskeys, making for a premier sipping whiskey and one of High West’s all-time favorites.
2020 Release:
All sourced from MGP, Lawrenceburg, Indiana:
-Straight Rye Whiskey: 95% rye, 5% barley malt;
-Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt (familiar? See Redemption, above)
-Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% barley malt
Nose: Brown butter caramel, vanilla cola, grilled pineapple, boysenbaerry jam, spearmint, sage, violets.
Taste: Masala chai, cinnamon candies, butterscotch, orange chocolate, gingerbread, walnuts doused in dark caramel.
Finish: Creamy toffee, clove, ginger chew, and spice
4. Ardbeg An Oa Islay Single Malt
Cooper’s Price $49.98 *Special Price THIS WEEKEND ONLY*
The Ardbeg distillery lies on the most southerly part of Islay on the rugged shores of the Atlantic. This distillery is subject to fierce winds, driving rain and eerie coverings of mist. These weather conditions would be more extreme were it not for the shelter of the Mull (peninsula) of Oa. Like the peninsula that shares its name, Ardbeg An Oa is particularly rounded, due in no small part to time spent in the “Gathering Vat”. Here they marry together whisky from several different casks, including new charred oak, PX Sherry, and first fill Bourbon. It is in the large vat that these whiskies become fully familiar with each other.
The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable and smooth sweetness. Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance: lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candlewax, and hints of smoked herbs.
A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavors of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty, biscuit notes.
