The November 2021 tasting of the River City Whisky Society was the Members Only High Dollar Night. And it was a good one.
We had 28 tasters that had the opportunity to try five different whiskies with a total value of over $3000. Normally I would list the expressions in the order ranked after the tasting along with some of the tasters notes. For this post I am going to list them in the order of least favorite (5th) to the most favored (1st) along with a few facts about that particular whisky.
FIFTH PLACE
Allt-A-Bhainne, 31 years old, Speyside Single Malt Scotch, 43% ABV, Bottled by Chieftains
A limited edition and one of only 342 bottlings. Distilled in June 1976. Allt-A-Bhainne is Gaelic for Milk Burn. The distillery was opened in 1975 and is owned by Chivas Brothers. The Allt-A-Bhainne spirit is the main malt ingredient of the Chivas Regal blended Scotch.
THIRD PLACE TIE
Convalmore, 22 years old, Speyside Single Malt Scotch, 57.1% ABV, Bottled by Gordon & Macphail
Convalmore was a Speyside distillery that closed in 1985. It’s known for a supple, creamy texture and a fat, tropical fruit note on the palate. Finding expressions from now-closed distilleries is truly exciting. Very soon all whisky from those distilleries will be gone..never to be tasted again.
THIRD PLACE TIE
Bowmore, 27 years old, Islay Single Malt Scotch, 48.3% ABV, The Vintners Trilogy, Port Cask
Port Cask is the third and final release in Bowmores Vintners Trilogy. It was matured for 13 years in bourbon barrels, then 14 years in port pipes. Woodsmoke and blackcurrant on the mildly medicinal nose, with developing sea salt and vanilla fudge. Smoky dried fruit on the palate, with a hint of brine. Old oak, antiseptic, and black pepper in the finish. (Some information from: Whisky Advocate)
SECOND PLACE
Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon, 12 years old, Lot B, 45.2% ABV
This is, of course, heavily allocated. Ten years ago this could be purchased on the shelf for about $40. Now it will cost over $100 on the shelf and ten-times that on the secondary market. And what does Lot B mean? It means that it is good enough to be a Van Winkle but not good enough to be a Pappy Van Winkle. Aromas of cinnamon, baking spices, apples, and syrup. The palate shows pitted fruits, citrus rind, dried herbs, and maple candy. Quick/moderate finish with burnt sugars, egg custard, and vanilla beans. Almost a creme brle, but stops just short. (Some information from: Distiller.com)
FIRST PLACE
Blantons Bourbon, Straight From the Barrel, 64.5% ABV
Blantons, introduced in, was the first single barrel bourbonever. Developed by Elmer T. Lee, this one is uncut and unfiltered. This bourbon whiskey was dumped on 8-18-20 from Barrel No. 149. It was stored in Warehouse H, a metal warehouse constructed by Albert Blanton, on Rick No. 10. This is a big, bold, rich bourbon thats packing some heat. Adding a few drops of water helps slightly reduce the heat and really pulls out the flavors in the palate. (Some information from: Breakingbourbon.com)
Each of these expressions has great taste and are hard to find. Thats why it pays to be a member! Thank you to everyone who attended and we look forward to our next Members Only High Dollar Night.
Doug