365 | Spirits | Whiskey | Page 4

Do you want a dessert bourbon? Try this one; full, rich, thick vanilla/caramel sweetness on the palate, mellows into a long, soft finish.

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.

"Reminiscent of pear, peach, flowers, fresh herbs. Soft and light on the palate with a potpourri of attractive fragrances. Displays a sense of elegance and grace. Fruity and lively at the finish."

"Bright copper color. Deep aromas of chocolate pecan turtles, cashew butter, olive, and brown spices follow though on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with anise seed, pink peppercorn, and nutskin notes. Finishes with a creamy vanilla, talc, and peppery spice fade. A rich, elegant whisky." (1999 reviewed.)

The Age Your Own™ Whiskey Kit includes two 750 ml bottles of 110 proof White Dog un-aged whiskey, a 2 liter aging barrel, pouring funnel, two tasting glasses, and step-by-step instructions. Because of the small barrel size, the aging process is significantly accelerated with nicely aged whiskey available in 3-6 months (you be the judge!). Aging barrel can be refilled and reused 5+ times.

"The first couple of sniffings detect attractive, dry scents of leather and black pepper; aeration encourages sweeter, woodier aromas to emerge. The palate entry is sap- and pine-like and moderately sweet; at midpalate a flash of cocoa appears, then recedes for additions of sweet oak, vanilla, palm oil and sap. Finishes lean, moderately sweet, grainy/corny and very appealing. Best Buy." 85-89 pts.

"Sweet toffee, roasted nut, and brown spice aromas are inviting. A silky entry leads to a very supple, dryish medium-to-full body of rich caramelized nut and creme brulee flavors. Finishes with a long, warming fade of dark caramel, stony minerality, and tingling peppery spice. A wonderfully delicious and dangerously drinkable whisky with instant appeal to lovers of fine bourbon."

"Deep amber color. Highly polished aromas of creamy vanilla, pickling spices, and buttery pralines. A delicate, silky entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body of honeyed grain, sweet baking spice, vanilla bean, and pralines. Finishes with a long, rich fruity caramel, peppery spice and mineral accented fade. A elegant sipping or mixing bourbon."

"You might read the backstory of this whiskey - the company claims it's a Prohibition-era recipe and was Al Capone's favorite - and think this is just marketing-driven hooch, but that's far from true. Templeton is a well-balanced rye that's perfect for the holidays. It has a nose of mint and pine and delivers smooth butterscotch and allspice. A true winter warmer. Mr. Capone apparently had very good taste."
Wall Street Journal