A collection of drinks from our morning reports.
Drink: Arrogant Bastard is excellent brew and this year’s release of Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bastard is sure to impress. Available in larger quantities, more locations, and six packs you’ll be likely able to get your hands on quite of few of these delicious brews. With flavors of vanilla and white oakpicked up from the aging process and the great base flavor you already enjoy, what’s not to love here.
Drink: Esquire and Jefferson’s teamed up to craft a ready to drink Manhattan. The result? Well, we haven’t tried it yet but it sounds damn good and looks quite appealing. It is available at select stores across the country. The barrel aged cocktail was narrowed down from dozens of taste-tests and then aged for 90 days in bourbon barrels. In search of delicious, oaky notes and a well-balanced flavor profile, Granger and Zoeller (aided by various Esquire staffers) tested dozens of recipes together until they narrowed down the options to just three recipes. Those three options were then aged for 90 days in bourbon barrels until just one stood out as a superiorManhattan. The finished product is comprised of six-year-old bourbon – 125 proof cut down to 82.3 – both sweet and dry vermouth, and barrel-aged, spiced cherry bitters. Enjoy it as you would any Manhattan: on the rocks or stirred and strained over ice. Be on the lookout if you’re interested in trying some. It sure does sound good.
Drink: Proof Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup is made by combining hickory smoked organic cane sugar with a unique blend oleo saccharums which is then mixed in the smokiest bacon and rich, authentic maple syrup. The resulting syrup is great for crafting excellent cocktails at home and specifically ones that will impress your guest. Proof is crafted in Decatur, Georgia, and hits home for us because Bourbon & Oak got started in Decatur, Georgia.
Drink: It’s unfortunate, but we can’t drink bourbon all the time. It’s ok because there is also delicious coffee and today we feature the great Camp Coffee Kit from Bush Smarts. The kit encourages traditional cowboy style brewing, where the grinds go in with the water. But instead of pouring through a bandana, the mesh filter is secured across the bottle mouth letting the good stuff flow out. The resulting cup of joe is delicious and quite impressive that you brewed it in the wilderness. The kit comes packaged in stamped gift box with a field on box lid, 2 Kuksa Cups, 1 Mesh Filter, and 1 BPA-free bottle.
Drink: There are lots of Jameson fans out there, trust me I know who you are. There’s no doubt Jameson is a delicious Irish Whiskey. They have released their 5th annual limited edition bottle. Steve Simpson designed this year’s label, which features a nice tribute Dublin. This a great looking bottle and a great way to celebrate the days festivities. Find it at your local store.
Drink: The fine folks at Charbay Distillery have distilled a hoppy beer, resulting in a unique, rare whiskey. It took 20,000 gallons of bottle ready pilsner to create 1,000 gallons of whiskey. The whiskey was aged for 6 years in American White Oak Barrels and another 8 years in neutral vessels. With notes of vanilla, leather, tobacco this is a delicious whiskey. The whiskey is cask strength and unfiltered with 66.2% abv and 132.4 proof and there were only 224 cases produced, 2,700 bottles.
Drink: Although most of us reach for the classic bitters we are all used to, there are some delicious alternatives out there to create a unique cocktail. Boomtown Bitters are handcrafted and have a strong taste of sarsaparilla and wintergreen, two flavors that thrived on the old western frontiers. If you’re looking for a simple way to make a classic cocktail unique give try changing your bitters. Add a drop or two of Boomtown Bitters for a taste like the wild frontier. Get them here.
Drink: Firebomb Cinnamon Whiskey Spice lets you create a cinnamon flavored whiskey at home using corn whiskey. Just combine the spice kit with 2 cans frozen apple juice concentrate and 7 cups of 80 proof whiskey, let stand 12-24 hours, strain and enjoy. You will want to keep the mixture refrigerated. You don’t have to be limited to using only whiskey either, with this product you can also flavor vodka. Get some here.
Drinks: Bourye is combination of bourbon and rye which is an unusual mixing just like the jackalope, a cross between a jack rabbit and antelope. Bourye combines old and rich bourbon (9 years old) and rye (10 and 16 years old) whiskeys for an exceptionally smooth easy sipping whiskey. With flavors of coconut, caramel, vanilla, and sweet corn, this is surely an enjoyable whiskey.
Drinks: Journeyman Silver Cross Whiskey was inspired by Scotland and the love of the game of golf. The Silver Cross was given as a medal in the early days of the British Open and was a symbol of friendship and tradition. Crafted with equal parts Rye, Wheat, Corn, and Barley, the Silver Cross Whiskey is truly a medley of unique flavors. Lovers of all whiskey will appreciate this fine Michigan crafted spirit. A true tribute to a great game, this whiskey is sure to impress. More info here.
Drink: We’ve all been out there on a long hike and had that craving for a delicious hoppy beer. When backpacking a beer is a hard item to bring along but those days are over now. Pat’s Backcountry Beverages have developed a beer concentrate that can fit into a pocket. When ready to enjoy a brew, simply place it in the easy-to-use carbonation system and add water to deliver a complex, yet well-balanced, craft brew. It doesn’t get much easier than this. Get some here.
Drink: Jura Brooklyn Scotch Whisky is still distilled in Scotland but the city of Brooklyn played a major role in this whisky. Their Master Distiller made a welcomed trip to the US to craft a new whisky. The folks of Brooklyn were inspiration to this new spirit, a 16 year-old whiskey aged in American White Oak Bourbon, Pinot Noir, and Sherry casks. This whiskey is sure to be a delicious one. Bottle at 80 proof. More info here.
Drink: The fourth release from Orphan Barrel is Lost Prophet. It is a 22 year old, premium bourbon, that was distilled in 1991 and bottled at 90 proof. This is a one time release and one that a lot of folks will likely be wanting to get their hands on. Be on the look out because it is ready to hit the shelves. More information here.
Drink: The popular Bourbon County lineup from Goose Island Beer Company has some great brews in it, now it has yet another delicious brew. The Bourbon County Vanilla Rye features comes in at 13.8% ABV and is aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels with a mix of Mexican and Madagascar vanilla beans. More information here.
Drink: The Old Fashioned is a true classic and our go to drink around here. Eli Mason’s Old Fashioned cocktail mixer is handcrafted with premium bitters, cane sugar, and organic gomme syrup for a refined taste and rich texture. It’s an easy way to make a quick and delicious Old Fashioned in your own home. Just mix 1 part mixer with two parts bourbon and enjoy. Simple and delicious. Get some here.
Drink: Caskers is a great way to get your hands on the latest or hard to find spirits. They offer a variety of spirits and ship them directly to your door. In addition, they offer accessories for purchase and a variety of different clubs to join, including a whiskey club that sends three bottles of whiskey every three months. Visit the site here.
Drink: High West Distillery is a solid maker of fine spirits. Today we feature a new one from them called A Midwinter Nights Dram, a limited release of Rendezvous Rye that is finished in port and French oak barrels. This is a unique rye whiskey with flavors that remind you of Christmas. No doubt this will be a great choice for warming up on cold night. More info here.
Drink: Flying somewhere and craving a good cocktail? Check out the Carry On Cocktail Kit from W&P Design. This tiny cocktail kit will make you a damn good old fashioned at 30,000 feet. The kit includes a recipe card, spoon, muddler, bitters, cane sugar, and a linen coaster, all of which are packed neatly in a tiny case that will pass through security at your airport of choice. Just order a bottle of bourbon and craft your cocktail. Get one here.
Drink: Wild Turkey gave the world its first sweet taste of honey liqueur with American Honey. Now we have American Honey Sting, which sees the legendary Bourbon mixed with pure honey and ghost chilli peppers, one of the world’s hottest. It will be a unique drink experience for those who like a little extra burn with their juice.
Drink: Craft cocktail mixers have been seeing a rise in popularity lately, and for good reason. They are delicious and give you the opportunity to a top notch cocktail in the comfort of your own home. Now this becomes easier with the Mantry Craft Cocktails kit. A small company based in New York, they select a collection of top-notch American mixers and deliver them to your door. How could you go wrong with that? On Kickstarter here.
Drink: The 2014 Whiskey Advent Calendar is here. Behind each of the 24 windows lies a different 3cl Drinks By The Dram sample of delicious whisky, to help you count down to Christmas day again. The whiskies are listed below. Get yours here and enjoy!
Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve
– Glenfarclas 10 Year Old
– The Lost Distilleries Blend – Batch 6
– The Macallan Amber – 1824 Series
– Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve
– Evan Williams Single Barrel 2003
– Auchentoshan Three Wood
– Arran – Batch 4 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
– Bowmore 12 Year Old
– Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
– Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
– Rock Town Arkansas Bourbon
– Haig Club
– Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare Old Highland Malt – The Journey
– Isle of Jura 16 Year Old (Diurachs’ Own)
– Timorous Beastie
– Mortlach Rare Old
– Monkey Shoulder
– The Girvan Patent Still No.4 Apps
– Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
– Dalmore 15 Year Old
– Spirit of Hven Seven Stars No.2 Merak
– Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Barrel – First Fill
– Paul John Edited
Drink: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is now being bottled for the first time and not just available for tasting at the distillery. It’s unfiltered, uncut, and straight from the barrel. Coming in at around 108-114 proof it will surely put a smile on any bourbon lovers face.
Drink: Whether you are looking for a little hair of the dog or just want a damn good way to start your day give Hellfire Club Bloody Mary Mix a go. With ingredients like pickled haricots verts and asparagus spears it has a very unique flavor and makes for the bloodiest of Mary’s. Swap out vodka for tequila and have yourself a delicious Bloody Maria. Each bottle is 25 oz. and makes about 6-8 cocktails. Get it here.
Drink: If you didn’t get a chance to get your hands on the Bowmore Devil’s Casks 2013 release, there is going to be a second release coming. Bowmore Devil’s Casks no doubt has a great legend behind the drink, but its what’s in the bottle that counts. Matured in first fill sherry casks, this fiery whisky has flavors of tobacco, leather, dark chocolate, and angelica root. Available in limited quantities, with only 90 cases of batch number 2 are said to be released. More information here.
Drink: When you are crafting your cocktails at home using top notch ingredients, don’t skimp on your mixers. Today we feature the Boylan Heritage Tonic from W&P. Created to be a standout from your everyday tonic water, Boylan Heritage Tonic combines premium seltzer, cane sugar, all natural citrus, and their special blend of botanicals to give you a unique product with an excellent flavor. It is sweet, sour, bitter and ready to help you create your next drink. Get it here.
Drinks: We all know Rogue for their excellent and unique craft beer but now we are going to get to know them with small batch sodas. They are available in three delicious options: root beer, honey orange or citrus cucumber. Rogue Soda is handcrafted in Oregon by one of America’s oldest microbreweries, Rogue Ales & Spirits, who have won numerous awards. Small batch sodas have been on the rise lately and Rogue’s are definitely stand outs. Get your soda today here.
Drink: We love coffee and strong hoppy beer, so we were very excited to feature this next product. Corvus Hopped Coffee is a cold brewed coffee which is brewed on 60 gallon beer fermenters and dry hopped throughout a 17 hour process giving the final result a nice citrus and chocolate flavor. Get some here.
Drink: We love the Old Fashioned Cocktail, it’s our go to whenever we are out and about or even crafting cocktails at home. Today we feature an easy way to enjoy an Old Fashioned at home. Mr. Lyan’s Bonfire Old Fashioned is rich, smoky and full of the good stuff you know and love. Just chill the bottle, pour into a cold glass, and enjoy. Simple is what it’s all about.
Drink: Quit messing with those teeny tiny six pack beer runs and step up and stock up with the 99 pack from Austin Beerworks. The Peacemaker Anytime beer is a light and refreshing brew that is appropriately named due to its drinkability. The 99 pack is available across Austin, contains 1,188 oz. of beer, and measures 7 feet long. This will definitely make your beer runs more interesting and strategic. More info here.
Drink: Inspired by ‘Coffee and Cigarettes’, the series of short films from Jim Jarmusch, Stolen Coffee and Cigarettes Rum is a great smoke flavor filled rum. The distillation and ageing process takes place in the Caribbean where the rum matures in ex-bourbon oak barrels for a minimum of two years, before it is carefully blended by hand. The rum is unique and definitely a great conversation starter. With flavors of molasses, toffee, wood smoke, and butterscotch this will definitely be a great addition to many cocktails. More information here.
Drink: White Whale Bold Mixers blend exotic juices and garden-fresh herbs to create strong, spirit-forward cocktails that delight the palate and conjure prohibition-era sophistication without any of the pretension. Available in three varieties, Your Older Brother (just add Vodka), The Filthy Liar (just add Gin), and the one we are most interested in Auntie’s Old Fashioned (just add Bourbon). All three sound great and I am really looking forward to getting my hands on these sometime soon. You can pick them up here, from the sounds of it, you’ll be glad you did. I will be getting mine locally in Atlanta and hope to write a full review here.
Drink: There are time when you want a beer but can’t drink one, we understand, and so do they awesome folks at the Proper Soda Company. They offer Hop Soda, a soda made with hops and cane sugar, that will help quench your thirst and end your craving for a beer. Get it here.
Drink: There is no doubt Elijah Craig is a solid bourbon line and today we feature a another spectacular offering. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon is an amazing strong whiskey at over 134 proof. It is aged for 12 years, bottled straight from the barrel, non-chill filtered, and uncut. This is one you will want to get your hands on especially if your like your whiskey strong like us and full of flavor.
Drink: It’s Cinco de Mayo and if you’re looking for a tequila to pick up we have a recommendation. Los Tres Tonos Tequila is a nice easy sipping tequila that is aged in bourbon barrels for about four years and has a pleasant sweet & smoky flavor. Available for around $70.
Drink: You want a beer for dessert? Flying Dog Brewery has made a Mint Chocolate Stout to satisfy your after dinner cravings. Flying Dog’s Mint Chocolate Stout is flavored with both cocoa and peppermint after fermentation and malted with caramel, chocolate, and roasted barley. More info here.
Drink: Today we feature ROOT from Art In The Age. This spirit is incomparable to anything on the market today, and is the first true American Liqueur in nearly 100 years. It has a unique, rich, smoky, flavor inspired by an 18th century folklore recipe. ROOT is a certified organic spirit made with North American herbs and pure cane sugar. Using all natural, organic ingredients, like anise, birch bark, cloves and cardamom, with hints of spearmint and citrus, the liquor is distilled in limited batches to ensure maximum quality. More information here.
Drink: If you’re looking for a great beer to help you kick off this warm weather and long weekends, be sure to check out Bell’s Oberon Ale. Bell’s Oberon Ale is a wheat ale fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. The addition of wheat malt lends a smooth mouthfeel, making it a classic warm weather beer perfect for spring and summer.
Drink: A few years ago, Jeff Arnett, the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s, released a limited edition Unaged Tennessee Rye Whiskey before maturing the rest of the whiskey. After aging in brand new white oak barrels for two seasons, Jack Daniels invites you to taste what is now the limited edition Rested Tennessee Rye, a semi-aged, charcoal mellowed rye whiskey with hints of spice and vanilla. Available in limited quantities.
Drink: Teeling Whiskey Co. offers Vintage Reserve Single Malt Whiskey, some of the oldest single malt Irish Whiskey ever bottled, crafted from 21 year old Irish Whiskey distilled in 1991 and matured in bourbon casks, then married in Sauterne wine casks for a unique flavor. Each cask was hand selected for quality and taste. Limited to only 5,000 bottles.
Drink: Whiskey and tequila meet with Hornitas Black Barrel Tequila. Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila has some notes of oak and vanilla like some whiskies. It begins with 100% pure agave tequila and ages for 12 months in specially toasted oak barrels to create a premium Añejo tequila. Then it’s moved into deep charred barrels for 4 months, where it starts to pick up whiskey notes. The third aging takes place when the liquid is transferred to toasted oak barrels for 2 additional months to instill a smooth whiskey finish.
Drinks: In honor of 25 years, Booker’s Bourbon is giving bourbon enthusiasts a reason to celebrate with a limited edition release of an exclusive bottling that is the most unique liquid produced to date. Batch No. 2014-1 pays homage to its namesake, 6th Generation Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe. It ranges in age from 9-11 years old with an unfiltered proof ranging between 121-130. Available nationwide in March, Booker’s 25th Anniversary will have a price tag of around $100 and will be one you will want to pick up.
Cigars: Samuel Adams Utopias is a hard to find beer. It is a brew that is one of the most sought after in the world. I was lucky enough to have some at the 2012 GABF in Denver, Colorado. Utopias is a beer like no other; the 2013 version is a combination of different brews finished in port and single-use bourbon casks. It’s also blended with Samuel Adams Kosmic Mother Funk, a Belgian-style ale aged for up to two years in Hungarian oak tuns, and weighs in at an incredible 28 percent ABV. Today we feature the Sam Adams Utopias Cigar, quantities are limited so be sure to grab one quick if you’re interested. Get it here.
