

Reviews
Podcasts
Little Book No. 5
/in Podcast /by WhiskeyKaptainPodcast: Play in new window | Download
The Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey
/in Podcast /by WhiskeyKaptainPodcast: Play in new window | Download
Gunnar’s Bourbon with Tim Daniels
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Little Book No. 5
/in Reviews /by WhiskeyKaptainWho makes it? James B Beam Distillery
Mashbill: unknown but it is a blend of 2yr, 5yr, 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon and 3yr 100% malted rye
Where it’s from: Clermont, Kentucky
When it Started: 1795 with Jacob Beam, changed the label to Jim Beam in 1943
Kris’ cousin Jason visits from Atlanta bearing a bottle of Little Book no.5. We find out that Freddie Noe used the nickname is grandad Booker gave him Little Book for this once a year offering. Also, Freddie Noe is an 8th generation distiller and this distillery has been around since the 1795 and of course Jim Beam is one of the pillars of the American whiskey world.
On the nose Kris found sweetness, caramel and an undetermined spice. Erik found earthy spices, an unexplainable bourbon smell and rubbing alcohol. Jason nosed sweet and caramel.
The palate bears no fruits, baking spices and heat for Kris but Erik thought is was deep rye-ee, fruity like Iron Smoke and a hint of banana bread. Jason had a late burn with a drop of cinnamon toast flavor.
Adding ice Erik says she’s a thick lady and prefers the one cube while Kris says it tones down the heat and more of the flavors break through. Jason, who is a cold whiskey fan, found that he could use two more cubes.
Kris gives it a 7
Erik gives it a 7
Jason gives it a 7.5
This once a year offering is usually around the 100-120 dollar mark but as it gets harder to find you know that prices go up and this particular bottle was found at 179.00
The Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey
/in Reviews /by WhiskeyKaptainWho makes it? Not sure, some surmise it comes from Cork
Mashbill: barley, malted barley, pure Irish water
Where it’s from: Ireland to Brooklyn
When it Started: in 2019
This time we travel outside the US to Ireland and then back again. Even though this is an Irish whiskey produced in Ireland, it’s for an American brand call The Fighting 69th Regiment Irish Whiskey. Colonel James Tierney wanted a whiskey for his troops. Put out the word and finally Scott Reid stopped by with a Master Blender on hand named Chris Leskowicz. The result is a unique Irish whiskey that deserves your attention.
On the nose Kris could smell apple and honeysuckle. Erik got pears and an interesting spice.
The palate brings in subtle heat, fruit and unbelievably smooth. On the finish more of the fruity apple and pear that has something on it like cardamom, floral tones making you want to go back for another sip.
Adding ice brings out more of the fruity flavors and we agree this is at the top of our Irish whiskey lists.
Kris gives it a 7.5
Erik gives it a 8.5
Coming in at around 35 dollars, well worth picking up.
Gunnar’s Bourbon with Tim Daniels
/in Reviews /by WhiskeyKaptainWho makes it? Four Fathers Distillery
Mashbill: 61% Corn, 34% Wheat, 5% malted barley
Where it’s from: Jacksonville, FL and Sedan, KS
When it Started: in 2017 Tim Daniels
We visit Four Fathers Distillery to take a tour and talk to Tim Daniels owner and distiller.
New Year 2021 is a blend of 5, 9, 10, and 11-year old straight Bourbon Whiskeys distilled in KY, TN, IN, NY, TX, WY, CO crafted and bottled in Kentucky
Nice on the nose, the proof is not showing through at 113.9 and doesn’t singe the nose hairs. Moderate sugary sweet, with a little citrus and nutty on the palate. Kind of a sneaky heat. Goes down smooth and then the heat builds. With a cube it knocks down the heat making it smoother and brings more flavors and we both agree this benefits from the cube.
Off the nose, butterscotch comes through and smells sweeter than 2021. On the palate comes in sweeter and after ice the sweetness continues but we agree on the 2022 is better without ice.
These New Year bottles from Barrell Bourbon will cost you about $100 a piece, but we both agree that they are worth it. Pick one up and let us know what you think!