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Welcome to Clubhouse Eats, where we celebrate the game’s most delectable food and drink. Hope you brought your appetite.

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With Thanksgiving right around the corner — and the winter holidays in close pursuit — ‘tis the season to both give and to entertain. In both regards, artfully crafted whiskey acts as the ideal holiday accessory. Here, we shine a spotlight on 10 new releases that are certain to elevate your holiday parties and thrill whiskey lovers on your shopping list.

E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, $150

Though not made from the same recipe as EH Taylor’s small batch bourbon, this new addition to Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection delivers on many of the same expectations that that entry-level whiskey has ingrained. Crafted from a sour mash recipe, EH Taylor Bottled-in-Bond spent more than 15 years in charred new American oak and is bottled at 100 proof. Characterized by notes of warm vanilla, oak spice, and subtle maple sweetness, the whiskey isn’t significantly complex, but that’s no slight. It’s approachable, elegant, and delectably smooth. (It just won’t be easy to find, especially at its suggested retail price.)

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye, $150

In comparing the two rye whiskies that are included in Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac impresses most for the second year in a row. If you’ve had the opportunity to taste this expression over the last few years, you’ll notice a continued progression and subtle evolution in how its flavors are presented. More specifically, those flavors have deepened, leaning more in the direction of stewed fruits with dried figs and honey. Comprised of uncut whiskies that have aged for more than six years, Thomas H. Handy delivers lively oak character and plenty of the rye grain’s signature spiciness, though it’s well balanced. This is the spice lover’s rye whiskey in this year’s Antique Collection.

Fuji Single Malt Japanese Whisky, $100

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The popularity of Japanese whisky continues to steadily climb, which partially explains why Fuji Whisky recently introduced a new single malt as part of its core lineup in the United States. Delicate and fruity on the nose, with pronounced aromas of apples and apricots lightly glazed in floral-scented honey, this single malt delivers similar fruit notes on the palate, though they’re juxtaposed by a creamy mouthfeel, which adds a unique layer.

Tamdhu 21-Year Single Malt Scotch, $400

This Speyside distillery may not be a household name, but it’s certain to please all those who discover it. Like many of the producers in that northern region of Scotland, Tamdhu relies on sherry casks for its maturation, which imparts a savory sweetness (think sundried tomatoes). New to the American market, the distillery’s 21-year-old single malt is pleasingly heavy and rich, and it’s teeming with spice. Unlike some Speyside Scotch whiskies, which can sometimes lean a little too sweet, this well-aged expression is equally balanced by a savory character that distinguishes it from the masses.

Wolfcraig 35-Year Blended Grain Whisky, $600

If you’re not familiar with the Wolfcraig name, here’s all you need to know: the brand was founded by two of Scotland’s most respected master blenders, Richard Patterson (of Dalmore fame) and Ian Macmillan (known for his work with Burn Stewart Distillers for almost 25 years). One of the duo’s more intriguing new products, a 35-year blended grain whisky, is perplexing in the best way possible. Soft on the palate but unctuous in flavor, this elegant spirit introduces lots of baking spice character — specifically dark brown sugar and cardamom — though aromas of toasted cereal sneak in from time to time. It’s a whisky that reveals itself slowly over time.

Compass Box Brulee Royale Blended Scotch, $160

To craft a whisky that echoes all of the distinctive character of an expertly made crème brulee, Compass Box — one of Scotland’s leading blended Scotch whisky producers — worked closely with Independent Stave Co., a Missouri-based cooperage, to produce toasted and charred white oak barrels that draw out those specific flavors and aromas. Luscious and buttery, with underlying hints of vanilla and burnt honey, Brulee Royale is aptly named. A touch of pepper on the back of the palate prevents the spirit from being too cloyingly sweet, while faint fruit notes — roasted peaches and banana — add extra layers of complexity.

Eagle Rare 12 Year, $50

It wasn’t too long ago when threats of a looming bourbon shortage had Kentucky distilleries increasing their production and laying down as much fresh stock as possible. Now, years later, consumer demand has finally softened — at least a little — and with more mature bourbon to work with, some brands are introducing new products. Case in point: Buffalo Trace has just released Eagle Rare 12 Year. Those familiar with the flavors and aromas of the brand’s flagship 10 Year will delight in the way they’ve matured after two additional years in the cask. The prominent cherry cola and caramel notes are softer around the edges; and while there’s still a present spice note, that too has mellowed — all despite the fact that the bourbon has actually grown stronger by 2.5 percent ABV.

Lost Lantern American Vatted Malt Remix, $100

Independent bottler Lost Lantern has just launched its new collection of limited releases, one aimed at Scotch lovers. The headlining star of the collection is a “remix” of the brand’s original vatted American whiskey — the widest-ranging blend of American single malts ever created (the recipe includes whiskies from 11 distilleries located across eight states). Dark chocolate and toasted cereal notes shine on the nose, while similar chocolate character (more cocoa like) dances on the palate. Indulgent and almost creamy, this second installment of the brands American Vatted Malt is a unique take on single malt whiskey, one that emphasizes the grain over the barrel’s influence.

Westland Garryana 10 Year, $150

Ten years ago, Westland in Seattle released its first single malt partially aged in Quercus garryana, a rare species of American oak native only to the Pacific Northwest. Since then, the distillery has annually released new expressions of this experimental whiskey, with the most recent example boasting an age statement for the first time. The resulting spirit, Garryanna 10 Year, is made from a complex recipe of numerous varietals of malted barley and features a blend of whiskies matured in first- and second-fill garryana oak barrels, as well as ex-sherry, rum, and bourbon casks. All of that creates a whiskey that smells boldly of baking spices and ripe fruit, yet is lighter in body and blends those fruit and spice flavors with a touch of floral sweetness.

WhistlePig 30 Year Single Malt, $5,000

Continuing WhistlePig’s trend of crafting American whiskies finished in unique casks, the Vermont brand’s latest creation, The BigSheBang, is a 30-year-old single malt finished in barrels that once held Vin Santo, a rare Italian dessert wine that’s made in notably small batches. Soft on the palate, the whiskey showcases a prominent oaky spice, which is somewhat covered up by the red fruit notes instilled by those wine casks. This is a unique pour, one that fans of the unusual will like, but it’s unlikely to be a universal crowd-pleaser. Especially given its price point, The BigSheBang is destined to satisfy those who want something unique and are willing to pay a premium for it.

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The post 10 blended whiskies golfers should try this holiday season appeared first on Golf.

The post 10 blended whiskies golfers should try this holiday season appeared first on Golf.

When you’re first getting into whiskey you’ll quickly be confronted with a lot of different terms that you probably have no idea what they mean. Scotch, single malt, blends, bourbon, craft, single pot still, Tennessee Whiskey; it’s a lot of process, which makes it easier to get intimidated.

Whiskey, in that way, is a bit like golf. Difficult and complicated at first, but the longer you stick with it, the more it makes sense.

As part of my year-end whiskey review for golfer series, I’m going to run through a bunch of whiskies in the various major categories. For this article, the only term you need to know is “Blended Whiskey.” Put simply, a blended whiskey is a mix of a whiskies from different distilleries. A “Single Malt” is the opposite; it’s a whiskey from one specific distillery.

So without further adieu, here are a few of my favorite blends that I’ve enjoyed this year:

1. Dewar’s 32

Earlier this year I interviewed Dewar’s Master Distiller Stephanie MacLeod and asked her for a whiskey recommendation to enjoy during special occasions. She told me Dewar’s 32, and I wanted to try it ever since. After all, if a literal Master Distiller tells you it’s good, it has to be good, right?

A few months later I had a chance to try a dram, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was the oldest whiskey I ever tried, and the spirit spending so much time in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks as part of an intricate aging process gave it a rich, sweet buttery flavor with a touch of smoke at the very end. It’s delightful, and a brilliant blend for the golfer looking to splurge.

2. Dewar’s 15

Sticking on Dewar’s for a moment because why not, I tried the company’s 15 year expression earlier this year for the first time, too. The whiskey has some easy, breezy notes of honey and toffee that make for seamless sipping, and you can get the bottle personalized as part of Dewar’s “Make It Personal” campaign, which makes it a thoughtful and affordable gift for the whiskey-loving golfer in your life.

3. Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12

Continuing on the theme of affordable blends, I’m never too far away from a bottle of Buchanan’s DeLuxe 12. It’s a famous name in whiskey that used to go by the name “Black and White,” but I enjoy its orange creamy notes with the faintest hint of ashy smoke at the end.

4. Chivas Regal 12

Another affordable 12 year-blend that won’t steer you wrong is Chivas Regal 12. It’s a versatile whiskey you can enjoy neat, on the rocks or in a mixed drink, and offers a series of buttery and fruity notes but without any lingering smoke.

5. Monkey Shoulder

Here’s a whiskey in the affordable category that may not carry the same name recognition as others on this list, but a delicious whiskey all the same — and a good option for those looking to humble-brag their whiskey knowledge to their friends. Monkey Shoulder is a blend of three different whiskies that feature 100 percent barley. It gives it a sweet, vanilla flavor that never goes wrong.

6. Johnnie Walker Green

Working our way back up the price ladder, most golfers know by now about Jonnie Walker’s Black and Blue varieties, each brilliant whiskies in their own right. But I wanted to take a moment to highlight my favorite whiskey of the Johnnies Walker line (yes, you heard that correctly): Johnnie Walker Green. A blend that includes the likes of Talisker and Caol Ila means it’s a briny, heavily smoky whisky that may take some getting used to, but is worth it.

7. VHW Cider Cask Finished Whisky

I know we’ve been sticking mostly to scotch so far (which means whiskey made in Scotland) but I’m making an exception for Virginia Distillery Company’s Cider Cask-finshed whiskey because it’s so wonderfully unique. Scottish whiskey, blended with American whiskey, aged in cider casks. The result is a sweet, nutty, apple-y blend that fits-in nicely with certain cocktails.

8. Crown Royal Noble Collection Wine Barrel Finished

A Canadian blend from brand golfers have undoubtedly seen, tasted and heard from, this expression is Crown Royal’s signature expression aged in Cabernet Sauvignon casks, which infuses a host of dark, fruity flavors that’s right up my alley.

9. Writers’ Tears Double Oak

We’re darting around the globe as we round-out this list, so let’s make a pit stop in Ireland. I tried this one when I was in Ireland for the Open Championship last year. I like the lighter, more cereal flavors that are commonly associated with Irish whiskey, but the Writers’ Tears Double Oak one stuck out as an Irish with more plummy and chocolatey notes.

10. Nikka From the Barrel

I haven’t tried many Japanese whiskies, largely because they’re some combination of expensive and hard to get, but when Whisky Advocate named this Nikka the best of 2018, I bought myself a bottle and now I always keep one around for special occasions. Gingery, oaky and spicy, it’s so complex I almost don’t even know what I’m tasting, but I know that I really enjoy it.

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The post 11 delicious American craft whiskies I tried for the first time this year appeared first on Golf.

The post 11 delicious American craft whiskies I tried for the first time this year appeared first on Golf.

Whiskey has been a relatively new hobby of mine, something I only just discovered over the last few years. It didn’t take much time along the way to discover how much overlap there is between people who love golf, and people who love whiskey.

Every week — on Wednesdays — I take a break from my customary slate of golf content to talk about whiskey. But with the year coming to an end, I thought I’d go a little deeper. Throughout the week I’ll be highlighting different types of whiskeys that I’ve enjoyed, and I figured we could start off with American craft whiskies. These are smaller, independently-owned companies that either make their own whiskey or source it from elsewhere. It’s a burgeoning scene that’s been pumping-out a bunch of great whiskies in recent years, and I’ve had the pleasure of trying some of them for the first time this year…

1. Barrell Craft Spirits

An independent whiskey blender based in Louisville, Kentucky, that specializes in sourcing unique whiskeys and rums, I had the pleasure of trying three of Barrell’s spirits: Its bourbon line, its rye, and my personal favorite (and the one pictured above) the delightful “Dovetail” expression.

I got a series of deeper, sweet notes of molasses, chocolate and dark cherry with a hit of spice for good measure. Put a sneaky few drops of water into the glass, and I found the spice mellow and a note of orange come through instead.

Learn More about Barrell Craft Spirits here.

2. Sweetens Cove Spirits Company

If you’re a golfer looking for a bourbon to spark a conversation, there’s no better option than Sweetens Cove’s signature spirit. An endeavor from Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick, overseen by Master Blender Marianne Eaves (formerly of Woodford Reserve) and named after the sought-after 9-hole course by the same name, the stuff isn’t the easiest to get, but it’s a treat if you do. I tried the foursome gift set — which is currently only for sale in Tennessee, but includes its more widely-available signature 14-year single barrel Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey (pictured above).

It’s bottled at cask strength, so it has a bit of a bite, but loosen it up with some water and you’ll get long notes of caramel vanilla, and lots of oak.

Learn more about Sweetens Cove Spirits here.

3. The Clover Whiskey

Speaking of whiskeys-for-golfers, 2020 also marked the first year I tried the Bobby Jones-inspired “Clover” whiskey. Named for Jones’ tradition of enjoying three fingers of the the good stuff after a victory, The Clover is popping-up in an increasing number of clubhouses across the country, its 10-year aged bourbon features sweet maple and caramel notes.

Learn more about The Clover here.

4. Chicken Cock Whiskey

The “famous old brand” Chicken Cock was one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the Kentucky region before it sadly gave way to history when its distillery burned-down in the 1950s. The brand has been revived in recent years, and its bourbon is an easy sipping whiskey with sweet, caramel notes that also serves as a great option for mixing.

Learn More about Chicken Cock here.

5. Traverse City Whiskey Co.

2020 also marked the first time I ever tried whiskey from Michigan, and first time I had ever tried cherry whiskey. Both came at the hands of Traverse City’s range of craft whiskeys. Its cherry whiskey is steeped in cherries grown in the Cherry State on the family who owns the whiskey’s farm. It’s a whiskey first and foremost but features a creative hit of cherry that everyone can have fun enjoying, especially those who may be new to whiskey. Its Barrell Proof Bourbon features strong chocolate notes followed by spicy rye and sweet dates, all of which open even further when with a few drops of water.

Learn More about Traverse City Whiskey here.

6. Westward Whiskey

Another state’s craft whiskey I tried for the first time in 2020: Oregon’s Westward city. The company experiments with a number of different cask finishes, including an interesting Pinot Noir finish where the grapy flavors come through the spirit. But I’m a sucker for rich, chocolate-y whiskies like its Stout Cask finish. Aged in casks that previously held stout beer, it has richer, cocoa notes that make it a delicious after-dinner option.

Learn more about Westward Whiskey here

7. Virginia Distillery Co.

An American Single Malt featuring Malted Barley and spring water from the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, its signature “Courage & Conviction” line tastes like a classic Speyside scotch with an American flair. Sweet notes of butterscotch and fig compliment a spicy, barrel note.

Learn more about Virginia Distillery Co. here

8. Still Austin Whiskey Co.

The Texas-based distillery’s signature whiskey — a straight bourbon called “The Musician” — is a melding of rye, barley, and a 100 percent Texas-grown corn made in a Scottish-made still. An easy, breezy sipping whiskey with light vanilla and sweet caramel notes.

Learn more about Still Austin Whiskey Co. here

9. Sagamore Spirit

I hadn’t tried many rye whiskeys before this year, but I was lucky to sample a range of them in 2020, Baltimore-based Sagamore Spirit’s Cask Strength Rye chief among them. Rye — rather than corn in bourbon or barley in scotch — is the predominant grain in these whiskeys, which gives it a spicier note than its counterparts.  That’s enhanced by Sagamore’s cask strength expression (which means they don’t dilute it with water before putting it in the bottle), and its hearty cinnamon, black pepper and clove notes make it a fine rye whiskey for special occasions.

Learn More about Sagamore Spirit here.

10. Wheelhorse Whiskey

If you’re rye-curious as I was and looking for to try it without breaking the bank, you won’t find many better options than Wheelhose’s Rye Whiskey, which I also had the pleasure of trying for the first time this year. Bottled at 101 proof, the oak from the barrel cuts matches-up with rye spice, which you can enjoy neat, with ice or in an old fashioned cocktail (my preferred option).

Learn More about Wheelhorse Whiskey here.

11. Breckenridge Distillery

Tucked atop Colorado’s Breckenridge mountains, the distillery claims to be the “world’s highest distillery.” Its signature bourbon is a high-rye whiskey that’s been widely-regarded by Whisky Magazine, and has been aged for three years in charred oak barrels, which gives it pleasant butterscotch and sweet orange notes.

Learn more about Breckenridge Distillery here.

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