What We Drink, What We Think

In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of being an American living and in the United States, a country that epitomizes the term “melting pot,” is that we have the opportunity to celebrate various holidays that trace their origins back to countries and cultures from all over the world.

 On March 17^th we celebrate St.Patrick’s Day, once again reacquainting ourselves with traditional dishes, music, dances, legends and lore of Ireland.  Ireland is known for many things, Irish Whiskies ranking highest on my list of favorites. To help bring in this St. Patty’s Day, I have taken it upon myself to provide a lil’ Irish Whiskey education.

 Until Prohibition, Irish Whiskey was the most popular imported whiskey in the United States. Today, there are well over one million cases of Irish Whiskey imported onto American shores each year.  Irish whiskey is distilled primarily from malted barley and may at times also have unmalted grain. Unlike Scotch, peat is seldomly used in the malting process of Irish Whiskey. Most, but not all Irish Whiskies are distilled three times, and all are aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. While many enjoy Irish Whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in the well-known Irish coffee; Irish whiskey also serves as an excellent base whiskey in a number of cocktails.

 There are three main Irish Whiskey distilleries in Irealand. The following are all from the renowned, innovative and independently owned Cooley Distillery.

 Michael Collins  produces two outstanding whiskies, Michael Collins and Michael Collins 10yr. Single Malt. Both are double distilled for character and aged in small bourbon seasoned casks from 4-12 years. Michael Collins garnered “96 points” by The Chairman’s Trophy, and was rated the “#1 Irish Whiskey” at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2011. Michael Collins 10 yr. Single Malt was awarded a Double Gold Medal and acknowledged as “Best Irish Whiskey” from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 Concannon Irish Whiskey  is another great choice – a double distilled malt and grain whiskey that recently received a “93” rating from The Tasting Panel and “Four Stars ‘Highly’ recommended” in F.Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

Also from the award-winning Cooley Distillery is Slane Castle.  Slane Castle is named for the castle that sits on the banks of the mystical River Boyne beneath the famous Hill of Slane where St. Patrick lit his paschal fire. This “small batch” exhibits hints of honey, vanilla, and spice with a long malty finish. Slane Castle received “Four Stars” in F.Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal. Since 1981, the owners of the castle have hosted concerts featuring the music of U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chile Peppers. In 2011 Tennessee’s Kings of Leon performed in celebration of the venue’s 30^th Anniversary and perhaps even enjoyed a sip after the show.

 Cheers to the luck of the Irish and a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

“La Fheile Padraig Sona Daoibh”

It’s hard to say what the weather will be here in Middle Tennessee this time of year. Warm or cold, there are certain beverages that keep with the spirit of the season.      

Being a tea drinking man, the Orange Pumpkin Chai is a personal pleasure. Boil water just as you typically do when making a cup of tea and then add a bag of your favorite Chai Tea. Once the tea has steeped, add cream, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Sweeten and finish off with a shot of Smirnoff Orange Vodka.              

A Hot Hendricks Toddy is a light and crisp festive drink option for the holidays. Start with warmed apple cider and add three dashes of Angostura Bitters. Next, squeeze half a lemon and then add half an ounce of simple syrup. Now, stir all the ingredients and finish off by adding a shot of Hendricks Cucumber Gin.

 Cocoa. Need I say more? My version has an “Adult Spin” on the classic. First, warm milk as you normally do for hot cocoa. Next, add your preferred cocoa mix and top off with a shot of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream and then a shot of Bacardi Cocoa. The Bacardi Coco and Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream go so well together you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried the combo before.

 To add some real variety to your holiday, try the Café Milagro. I know, Tequila?! Trust me on this one though…  it too has a home in the hot beverage world. You will need one cup of good dark roast coffee, brown sugar for sweetness, a bit of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Top off with a shot of Milagro Silver.

 If you are looking for something that can be made for the masses, why not brew an Oakheart Punch? It’s a simple mixture of 2 parts apple cider and one part cranberry juice with a couple of sticks of cinnamon. Heat and store in a thermos. When ready to serve, top off with a shot of Bacardi Oakheart for some spice and a touch of vanilla.

 It is my hope that you’ll try at least one of these wonderful winter warmers. Maybe by a bonfire, at a holiday party, or your next tailgate?   

Happy Holidays – Evan Baugh

There are a number of American whiskey styles, the most popular of which is Bourbon. One of our favorites here at Lipman is Rye Whiskey. While Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in the mash, as you may have guessed, Rye Whiskey must be 51% rye. Of course the percentage of rye grain used can, and is, often much higher.  Rye was the original American Whiskey and was the predominant whiskey produced in the northeastern United States. Rye diminished in popularity after prohibition; however it is now experiencing a renewed popularity.   Rye offers a drier, less sweet flavor profile than Bourbon, making it the perfect whiskey from which to build a number of classic cocktails including the Manhattan.  A number of Rye Whiskey producers currently distill in small batches and at times you may have difficulty finding your favorite. A willingness to seek out any of the following award winning selections will be well worth the effort.

Below are a few of our favorite pics:

High West Distillery in Park City, Utah produces a number of superb Rye Whiskeys with the Rendezvous Rye being one of its most well known.  Also from High West are the Rocky Mountain 16 and 21 year old and the Double Rye.

 Across the country over in Loudoun County, Virginia, Catoctin Creek is crafting some great artisan spirits.  Catoctin Creek’s, Roundstone Rye is 100% rye and made from organically grown rye. It is a great mixer in Manhattans or any recipe calling for Canadian or Rye Whiskey.

Just a lil’ closer to home is Rittenhouse Rye out of Bardstown, Kentucky. Rittenhouse Rye has been attracting a great deal of attention, along with numerous accolades for its beautifully balanced nose, palate profile and gentle finish.

Another great Rye we recently had the pleasure of tasting is Bulleit Bourbon.  Tom Bulleit, owner and great-great grandson of August Bulleit the man responsible for Bulleit Bourbon’s   recipe was kind enough to visit us in Nashville and taste us on the small batch Bulleit Rye a few weeks ago. The Bulleit Rye is 95% rye and aged in new white American oak barrels for 5-7 years. It was awarded a Double Gold at the 2011 Sand Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Definitely not worth missing out on.

And closest to home, right here in Nashville is the Corsair Artisan Distillery. One of their most prized products is the Wry Moon an un-aged Kentucky Whiskey distilled from 100% rye and crafted in their handmade pot still…  Perfectly crafted for delicious cocktails.

Enjoy these “Ryes of Fall” and after enjoying neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail, I believe you will agree…The Ryes have it!

Rum. The sweetest, most lovely goodness of life! Ok, maybe not the sweetest most lovely, but it certainly is a great pleasure! Rum is made by distilling either the fermented juice of sugar cane or molasses, which is the by-product of the sugar making process.  Initially, molasses was discarded as waste, that is until it was realized that the dark, sticky stuff could be distilled into a clear, high-alcohol spirit.

Rum production is primarily associated with the islands and coastal nations of the Caribbean where sugar cane has always been an important industry. This area was colonized by a number of European sea-faring nations, primarily, England, Spain and France.  The style of rum produced throughout the islands actually reflect the general taste and style preferences of the colonizing nations. 

 The Spanish influenced islands of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic developed a light, clear style of rum perfect for Daiquiris and Mojitos. BACARDI (Puerto Rico) is considered the benchmark for this style of rum. 

 Islands colonized by the British such as Jamaica, Barbados, Tobago developed a darker, richer style of rum. MYERS (Jamaica) and MT.GAY (Barbados)  are great examples of this approach to rum and are aged in wood barrels with caramel leaving the liquid dark and bold.  This type of rum is tastey on the rocks or blended into rich rum concoctions.

 The French influenced islands of Haiti, Martinique and the French West Indies produce a style called “rhum agricole”, made not from molasses, but from sugar cane juice.  These rums are generally amber in color due to ageing in wood barrels and are excellent for sipping, much like a fine brandy.  Try the ST. JAMES RHUM (Martinique) for its unique characteristics resulting from the six – ten years spent ageing in oak casks.  

 Guatemala also produces outstanding rum, RON ZACAPA (Solera 23yr) being one of the finest. This rum utilizes a solera-type blending technique used for producing Sherries.

AND lastly, a little closer to home, right here in the landlocked state of  Tennessee, Nashville is home to the CORSAIR ARTISAN DISTELLERY who is producing a delightful spiced rum.

 Perhaps this brief review of the various styles and taste profiles of rum has perhaps encouraged you to do a little “rum running” of our own the next time we visit the rum section of our local retail shop or stop in at our favorite bar.

ARRRRRRRGH – Sorry had to say it

As a self-proclaimed, outstanding father and alcohol industry man, I feel that I possess the perfect perspective needed for beverage gift suggestions for your special Dad this Father’s Day.

 If your father is fond of Bourbon, the Jefferson’s “Presidential Select” 18 yr will insure that you are indeed, his favorite offspring.  This extraordinary whiskey is bottled from a single barrel and received a “96” rating in Malt Advocate. “Lovely fruit, gently sweet (black raspberry jam, blueberry pie) with nougat, creamy vanilla, a sprinkling of cinnamon and polished leather on the finish.” Classic Stuff!  

 However, if your dad prefers fine Tennessee Whiskey, nothing would make him happier than either the Gentlemen Jack “Rare Tennessee Whiskey” or Jack Daniels’s “Single Barrel Select” Tennessee Whiskey. These outstanding selections received “96” and “94” ratings respectively from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Pair the Gentlemen Jack with a premium cigar or mix up a classic “Manhattan” for dad with the Single Barrel.

 If your father prefers Scotch Whisky, the Highland Park 18 yr will keep you in his good graces for quite some time. The F. Paul Pacult Spirit Journal anointed this as the “Best Spirit in the World”.  The Glenrothes “1994” Single Malt Scotch Whisky is another great choice and has the added benefit of making your siblings “just a bit jealous” of your incredible taste in gifts. It received a “95” rating from Anthony Dias Blue’s The Tasting Panel and can be described as “long mellow and exquisite”… much like yours truly.

 Finally, if dad is a rock star, biker, or just wants to drink like one, the Cabo Wabo “Reposado” Tequila (“94” rating, Wine Enthusiast) will do the trick. This 100% agave is from famed guitar-slinger and singer Sammy Hagar. “Robust, addictive Tequila, sweet scent of ripe oranges and vanilla, powerful butterscotch and honey flavors and a raucous smoky finish.” Enjoy in a snifter as you would a brandy or on the “rocks” like a fine whiskey.  And to all Dads everywhere…. “Here’s to you!”