Straight Rye Whiskey has experienced a strong resurgence in the American whiskey landscape, yet Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was making this style more than 100 years ago. This small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a unique rye whiskey reminiscent of days long past.

TASTING NOTES

An altogether different recipe and profile than Sazerac Rye, this recipe contains just rye and malted barley, no corn. The result is an aroma full of dried fruit, black pepper, and a touch of fresh dill. A small sip brings an array of flavors both sweet and savory with a terrific balance of dark spices and subtle caramel overtones. The finish is especially pleasing with an oaky dryness that lingers just long enough.

"Simply spectacular!" - John Paddon, blind tasting notes - 2015 International Whisky Competition

The use of wooden barrels to store and transport liquids dates back to 2690 B.C., when ancient Egyptians during the Early Dynastic Period began replacing clay vessels with wooden casks in order to meet the demands of their sprawling civilization. The advantages of wooden barrels were evident not only were they less fragile than clay vessels, but their cylindrical shape allowed them to be rolled rather than carried across short distances. As settlers along the Nile quickly realized, however, barrels made from wooden staves were rather porous any liquids stored in the barrel slowly evaporated as the barrel "breathed." As whiskey ages in wooden casks, it evaporates through the pores of the wood. On average, approximately 2% of aging whiskey is lost to evaporation each year this 2% is commonly referred to as the angel's share. In the United States, federal regulation requires that bourbon be made from a mashbill of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak casks. Bourbon that meets these requirements and that has aged for a minimum of two years may be called straight bourbon. Each bottle of Rock Hill Farms Bourbon is aged about 8 years in a single, new, charred American oak barrel, and is bottled in bond at a robust 100 proof. Made from a mash bill of corn and malted barley, as well as more rye than typical bourbons, Rock Hill Farms Bourbon has a bit of spice to go along with its sweet notes of toasted nuts, fruit, chocolate and marshmallow. The bourbon finishes extremely smooth, with a lingering sweetness. Named for the rich farmland along the Kentucky River that runs outside the Frankfurt distillery where the bourbon is made, Rock Hill Farms Bourbon was called "The World's Greatest Bourbon" by Washingtonian Magazine. In addition, Jim Murray awarded Rock Hill Farms Bourbon 95 points in Whisky Magazine, while Wine Enthusiast rated it 96-100 points.

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased what is now called Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today, including climate controlled aging warehouses. Many of the barrels selected for the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel are aged in Warehouse C, which was built by Taylor in 1881 and proven to be an excellent aging warehouse. Each barrel is hand-picked and Bottled in Bond at 100 proof to honor its namesake. 

Barrel pick may vary, the available pick will be shipped

TASTING NOTES

The aroma carries lightly toasted oak, with dried figs and butterscotch. One sip brings flavors of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is just long enough to prepare the palate for another sip. The bottle itself is a likeness to Colonel Taylor's original design used over a century ago.

Most recent Awards

2020 Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2020 Gold Medal - World Whiskies Awards

2019 Gold Medal - New York World Spirits Competition

2019 Gold Medal - Whiskies of the World

2019 Gold Medal - North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition

2019 Silver Medal - Los Angeles International Spirits Competition

2019 Double Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2019 Silver Medal - Denver International Spirits Competition

In 1815, Donald and Alexander Johnston began leasing nearly 1,000 acres of land on the island of Islay. Their intent was to raise and sell cattle on the land and as a result, they began growing barley to be used as feed for their livestock. Following a particularly bountiful harvest, the brothers distilled the excess grains they had grown into whisky, and sold it to the inhabitants of the island. Soon thereafter, the brothers found it more profitable to distill whisky than to raise cattle, and Laphroaig (pronounced La-froyg) Distillery was born. For over a century, the distillery would remain in the hands of one of Johnston's descendants. In 1954, however, Ian Hunter passed away childless and bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, a secretary that had been working at the distillery for two decades. Hunter was incredibly protective of the distillery while he slowly revealed its secrets to Williamson after she had earned his trust, Hunter prevented a cooper who was employed at the distillery from publishing his memoirs because they described the workings of the distillery in too great a detail. Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky is one of the most flavorful and intense whiskies made anywhere in the world. During Prohibition, it was one of the few whiskies still legally imported into the United States, as it was considered a medicinal spirit. Laphroaig Single Malt is made from the finest Scottish barley, which is then malted at the distillery and smoked over a peat flame. Unlike other distilleries which source peat from the Scottish mainland, the peat used to smoke Laphroaig barley is made from the heather, mosses and lichens of Islay and adds a distinct iodine-like flavor to the whisky. After the barley has been malted and peated, it is fermented before being twice-distilled through Laphroaig's copper-pot stills. The unique stills have an usually flat base and flat surfaces, which contributes to the overall intensity of the whisky. Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is aged for a minimum of 25 years in a combination of European oak casks that were previously used to mature Oloroso sherry and American oak casks that were previously used to mature bourbon. In addition, the maturing casks of whisky are laid to rest in the distillery's warehouses, which are situated along the shores of Loch Laphroaig. As a result, the whisky is imbued with a slightly salty tang that compliments the whisky's notes of dried fruits, cinnamon, and smoky peat. Once the whisky has matured for a minimum of 25 years, it is bottled at cask strength. Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, where it was named "Best in Class." In addition, it earned a score of 95 points from Whisky Advocate, which said that the whisky "brilliantly fuses two different styles of whisky into a single, remarkable experience." 

In the 18th century, a Swiss Mennonite farmer named John Shenk established his family near Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain Valley. Over the years, Shenk found himself with a surplus of grains and began distilling the excess into whiskey. This distillery, eventually named Michter's Distillery, went on to become the United States' inaugural distilling company. Just two decades after its inception, General George Washington turned to Michter's Distillery Whiskey to fortify his troops during a challenging winter at Valley Forge, earning the distillery the moniker of the whiskey that warmed the American Revolution.

The advent of Prohibition in 1919 led to the closure of Michter's Distillery, along with numerous others across the United States. However, in the early 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and Richard Newman collaborated to resurrect the brand. Magliocco shared, "When we established our whiskey program for Michter's Distillery, Dick and I aimed to return to the 'cost be damned' origins and produce the finest whiskey possible. Our objective was to demonstrate that American whiskey could rival the best from anywhere in the world."

Michter's Distillery 20 Year Old Bourbon, masterfully crafted by distiller Willie Pratt, reflects Pratt's meticulous approach to maturation developed over his forty-year distilling career, earning him the nickname "Dr. No" for his tendency to reject aging barrels that don't meet his standards. Pratt explains that whiskey aged for over a decade faces a critical juncture, where it can either become extraordinary or unsuitable. Magliocco adds, "We reject barrels that are excessively woody or lack consistency. Willie identified a barrel that tasted delightful but had the consistency of molasses, which we obviously couldn't sell."

Michter's Distillery 20 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon, sourced and curated by Pratt, displays a rich amber hue and releases a bouquet of coffee, vanilla beans, and smoked chips. The palate is dominated by spicy notes, complemented by hints of milk chocolate, citrus, molasses, and caramel. The medium-long finish features touches of chewy leather, smoked dates, and oak, culminating in a remarkable expression of aged bourbon craftsmanship.

This wonderful bourbon is bottled as close to barrel proof as possible. We add just a splash of our Kentucky limestone well-water when we empty the barrels for bottling. Thus, this whiskey is as smooth as any you will find.

Tasting Notes

See a rich, copper color. Smell enticingly sweet, spicy, caramel-nut-fudge aromas. Enjoy a fruity, medium-to full-bodied palate with intense dried fruit and toasted nuts notes. Each sip finishes with a very long, bold wave of peppery brown spices, floral honey and charred barrel flavors that balance the weight of the alcohol. It’s a big, bold, aged bourbon that has great balance for its high proof and flavor.

Awards (Most Recent Awards)

2013 Gold Medal - International Review of Spirits Award (BTI)

Willett 9 Year Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Special Barrel "Barrel No. 5272 - VWS32" at 138.9 proof is a true gem among bourbon enthusiasts. This carefully crafted spirit hails from the Willett Distillery, a historic and renowned distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Known for their commitment to quality and tradition, Willett has been producing exceptional bourbon for generations, and this 9-year-old single barrel expression is no exception.

Aged to Perfection:
The 9-year aging process is a testament to Willett's dedication to producing premium bourbon. During its time in oak barrels, this bourbon undergoes a remarkable transformation. The aging process imparts a rich complexity to the whiskey, allowing it to develop its distinctive flavors and character.

Unparalleled Strength:
At 138.9 proof (or approximately 69.45% alcohol by volume), Willett 9 Year Old Single Barrel is undeniably robust. This high proof not only adds a fiery kick but also intensifies the flavors and aromas present in the bourbon. The result is a whiskey that demands respect and careful sipping.

Tasting Notes:

Willett 9 Year Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a sensory journey that is nothing short of extraordinary. Here are some tasting notes to savor:

Appearance: In the glass, this bourbon has a deep, rich amber hue, a visual testament to its extended time in the barrel.

Nose: As you approach the glass, you'll be greeted by an enticing bouquet of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. There's a hint of charred spices and dried fruits, offering a glimpse of the depth to come.

Palate: The first sip is a revelation. Rich and full-bodied, the bourbon coats your palate with flavors of butterscotch, toffee, and dark chocolate. The high proof makes its presence known with a warming, spicy kick, but it's well-balanced by the sweetness and complexity of the underlying notes.

Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving you with a lingering warmth and a memory of its intricate flavor profile. Oak and spice dance together, inviting you to savor the experience.

A Collector's Delight:
Willett 9 Year Old Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 138.9 proof is often sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Its single barrel nature means that each bottle is unique, with slight variations in flavor and character from barrel to barrel, making it a fascinating addition to any collection.

Clase Azul Tequila Añejo is proof that the best things in life take time. Its taste and decanter are a tribute to the Mazahua indigenous culture.

Its intense amber color and complex aromas result from a magnificent 25-month journey in American whiskey casks.

Clase Azul Añejo Tequila combines art, history, and tequila of the highest quality, making it an expression that truly honors Mexican culture. 

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Amber with copper highlights. 

BODY: Great body. 

AROMA: Toffee, cinnamon, clove, roasted hazelnut, Mexican vanilla, orange marmalade, quince, and toasted oak. 

FLAVOR: Nutmeg, clove, orange marmalade, and toasted oak with a silky mouthfeel. 

PAIRING 

> Rich cuts of meats (ribeye, picanha, duck breast, or beef ribs) accompanied by a robust sauce (velouté, meat gravy, or mole).

> Semi-mature cheeses (brie and camembert) accompanied with bread and red berry compote.

> Bitter chocolate with guava jam or roasted banana.

DOUBLE CASK

The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, a perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

DRIED FRUITS, GINGER, TOFFEE

Two oaks, creating the perfect harmony within one exceptional single malt whisky. Our Double Cask whiskies are aged in two types of oak, in specially selected hand-crafted casks seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry. American oak imparts delicate flavours of vanilla, citrus and butterscotch. European oak delivers the unmistakable subtle spice of The Macallan. Once matured, two exceptional whiskies unite to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer taste and character. Enjoy it neat, over ice or in a serve.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Amber honey.

NOSE: Dried fruit, ginger and toffee. Rich orange with hints of clove and nutmeg.

PALATE: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger, balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.

FINISH: Warm oak spice with ginger, turning to sweet orange.

IN COLLABORATION WITH STEVE MCCURRY

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name.

He followed our journey of The Macallan cask from its origins in the forests of America and Europe, through the cooperages and Bodegas of Spain, and to our distillery in Speyside, Scotland. There the casks meet our new make spirit and are patiently matured until they are harmoniously united to create a distinctive single malt with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

FROM THE CASK

Every Macallan single malt reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824. It is an expression of our enduring desire to go beyond ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts. Our reputation for the extraordinary is characterised by the exceptional oak casks for which The Macallan is renowned. Sourced, crafted, toasted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood, the hand-picked casks are delivered to the demanding specifications of the Whisky Mastery Team. It is the oak that makes the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of this single malt whisky. Once filled, the maturing spirit remains undisturbed in the same casks for the necessary number of years it needs to be worthy of its destined Macallan expression. It is these oak casks that make the greatest contribution to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours which lie at the heart of The Macallan single malt.

Vuelo del Aviador crafts artisanal tequila of the highest quality in Jalisco, Mexico. Their lineup of luxury spirits consists of the Plata, Reposado, Aejo, and Extra Aejo. The finest blue weber agaves used are fully-matured, meaning they have been growing on the estate for 7 to 9 years. They are then cooked slowly in clay ovens for 72 hours before the pulp is fermented and distilled using copper-pot stills. The different juices then get aged for varying amounts of time, from the Plata which takes 4 months, to the Extra Aejo which takes 5 to 7 years. Different casks are used for maturation. These include French and American oak, Napa Valley red wine barrels, as well as whiskey casks. The Plata has won a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 edition of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Vuelo del Aviador Gran Reserva Extra Aejo is based on the same award-winning spirit as their Plata expression. This one is the crown jewel in their stellar lineup of tequila and their ultra-premium masterpiece. It's a blend of tequila that has spent 5 years in whiskey barrels and tequila that was aged for 7 years in red wine barrels, making for a luxurious drinking experience with a presentation to match. Bottled at 80 proof, the handcrafted spirit has enticing sherry notes on the nose, along with a palate that invokes XO cognac with plenty of dried fruit and oak notes.

Rarity reflected in every drop. Johnnie Walker King George V has been created to celebrate the monarch who granted us our first Royal Warrant in 1934. Our makers drew on our archives to hand-select whiskies from distilleries that existed during his reign. This includes some of the rarest in our reserves, including irreplaceable casks from the now-closed Port Ellen distillery. Much like its namesake, it has a great depth of character and elegant reserve.

Tasting Notes

SMELL: Sweet, smoky aromas from Port Ellen greet you. It’s followed by notes of orange, raisins, figs and cinnamon.

TASTE: Abundant spice and dried fruits from Speyside and Highland whiskies are perfectly balanced with vanilla. They release layers of sweet fruits, dark chocolate, toffee and roast nuts.

FINISH: Port Ellen gives a coastal smokiness that gathers momentum through the long finish.

The award-winning Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited-release whiskey inspired by the passion and craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old was most recently aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller Smooth and smoky, this limited-release bourbon’s taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices. Its aroma is one of toasted oak mixed with vanilla bean, fig and just a touch of caramel. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named the “Best Straight Bourbon” and received the DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Due to the highly allocated nature of Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old, we are not able to provide guidance on exactly where it can be found.

This rare bourbon ages in oak barrels for nearly two decades and is only available in small quantities once a year, every fall. Sip this polished, well-aged whiskey to appreciate why patience is such a virtue.

TASTING NOTES

The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.

Recent Awards

2021 Gold International Wine & Spirits Competition

2021 Excellent / Highly Recommended (90-94 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge

2020 Best Small Batch Bourbon 11 Years and Older San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2020 Extraordinary / Ultimate Recommendation (95-100 pts) Ultimate Spirits Challenge

This 13-Year-Aged Añejo Tequila is an exclusive & limited release from award-winning Código 1530 Tequila.  Only 350 bottles are being produced, making this one of the rarest tequilas available. 

At our dedicated production distillery, we use only the finest local inputs of fully ripe agave, volcanic rock-filtered water, and no other sugars, colors, flavorings, or additives. 

Our decadent, rare añejo yields flavor profiles of sweet vanilla from our fine French Oak Cabernet wine barrels, followed by a whiff of cocoa powder & cinnamon. A lingering taste of earthy peat and exotic spices follows, finishing with a complex and balanced bouquet of rich scents and flavors.  

Handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans, our glass crystal bottle accentuates the rich hues of our aged tequila. The sustainably sourced and locally fabricated wooden box is laser etched to reveal the details of this special añejo. It has a clear front sliding door, with our cross logo pattern etched into the side panels.

Don Pilar Extra Añejo is a most extraordinary tequila. Intense, with velvet richness, sweet oak aroma, and a deep, amber-crimson color.

TASTE PROFILE

COLOR: A bright, shimmering, golden hue.

NOSE: Notes of toasty oak, fruit and butterscotch.

PALATE: A round, lush palate. Layered with pineapple, chocolate and baked agave.

FINISH: A decadently slow finish and warm reprise of sweet oak.

AWARDS & PRESS

2013 Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition

2012 Spirits of Mexico Competition - Gold medal

2012 Tequila.net Awards - "Best of the Best" - Best Highland Extra-Añejo Tequila

2012 Monterey Tequila & Mezcal Expo - Platinum Award

OUR STORY
Our story began in 1942, when a young Don Julio González saw a unique opportunity in the production of tequila. He didn’t have much, but what he did have was passion, and after sharing his vision with a powerful local businessman he was granted a loan to create his first tequila distillery. It was this unrelenting passion for excellence that inspired his creation of the world’s first luxury tequila.

DON JULIO’S MISSION
Don Julio González revolutionized the world of tequila by choosing quality over quantity, painstakingly planting each agave further apart to allow proper room to grow and fully mature before harvesting. He would then select only the most succulent portions of the piña, before steaming them for 72-hour cycles. When it came time to bottle his creation, he broke with generations of traditionally tall Tequila bottles typically hidden under tables. He knew his new spirit had no business hiding on the floor, so he designed a shorter tequila bottle for his guests to pass around the table while still being able to see each other.

Celebrated in exclusive cocktail bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the iconic Don Julio 1942® Tequila is the choice of connoisseurs around the globe. Produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and a half years, Don Julio 1942® Tequila is handcrafted in tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey.

Aging: 2.5 Years

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich caramel and chocolate

Taste: Warm oak, vanilla and roasted agave

Finish: Lingering oak and rich vanilla

MADE OUT OF 100% AGAVE

The bold notes in Dos Hombres Tobala’s taste come from the Copal trees in the region which impregnate and perfume the soil where Tobala agaves are grown. Copal is a sacred tree which resin is used by people of the village to purify and bless the environment.

NOTE OF SCENT & FLAVOR

PLUMS, Hidden freshness and subtle sweetness of fruit scents arise.

LOCAL FLOWERS, Hints of lilies.

CHOCOLATE, Aromas of roasted chocolate.

WOOD, A perfectly balanced and soft hint of the wooden barrels in which Mezcal is fermented.

SMOOTH SMOKE, A discreet, almost imperceptible smoky finish portraits the volcanic stone and firewood of our traditional earth-ovens.