1 | Spirits | Whiskey, $50 to $100

Selected directly from Warehouse H at the distillery, we get to choose our own barrels of Blanton's from a selection first narrowed down by Elmer T. Like Colonel Blanton himself, this whiskey is rich in character, depth, and elegance. A true classic is what we try to pick, one barrel at a time.

A "rendezvous" of 6 year old and 16 year old extreme rye whiskies (95% & 80% rye respectively), this upstart from Park City, UT has a winner on it's hand as Master Distiller David Perkins works his magic with gin, vodka, and brandy as well.

"..something of a cult legend in Ireland, my guess is that it has the chance to become the same in the U.S.; a dandy example of a pure pot still whiskey."

"Brenne Single Malt Whisky is full of fruit-forward and complex-sugar notes; like rich creme brûlée, burnt caramel, bananas, tropical fruits and warm spices like cinnamon and clove. Why? Because we wanted to produce a whisky that embodies the terrior and style of the region in which it is produced: Cognac, France. This is not trying to be a Scotch just made in a different country – this is truly a French Whisky. It is elegant, sophisticated, and perfect in any season."

"Deep amber color. Spicy charred oak, sweet toffee, and pepper aromas. A rich entry leads to a dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with toffee, mocha, and white pepper flavors with a pronounced copper tang. Finishes with a sweet, charred barrel, brown, and metallic fade. An aggressive and spicy bourbon that will work nicely in a bourbon peach tea cocktail."

A classic from Jack Daniel's. Medium bodied. Reminiscent of citrus, honey, dried herbs, almonds. Moderately rich texture. Slightly tangy on the palate. While not overly herbaceous, there are ample fragrances as sensed in the country meadow.

"Aroma includes honey, sherry, dried fruit, spearmint and nougat, black tea, cocoa butter and tropical fruit. Palate offers bittersweet chocolate, brown sugar, honey-coated peanuts, melon, Sherry and nougat. A modern-day classic. Best Buy." 96-100 pts.

"The smashing bouquet features delightful notes of toasted wheat bread, oatmeal, black raisins, trail mix, roasted chestnuts, bacon fat, sweet butter, ruby Port and prunes. Entry is peppery, moderately sweet and smoky; midpalate features succulent tastes of dark chocolate-covered cherries and strawberries, honey and smoked nuts. Finishes elegantly and clean, with deft traces of smoke and cocoa." 96-100 pts.

"Smells of sweet corn, buttered popcorn and pistachio nuts in the early stages; later whiffs pick up well-endowed scents of sautéed butter, oaky vanilla, beeswax and linseed oil. Palate entry is full-bodied, sweet and honeyed; at midpalate the taste profile turns drier, more intensely grainy-mashy and breakfast cereal-like. Finishes with notes of nougat, almonds, candy bar, and oak. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.