Maker Notes

The "American Spirit" with a unique Vermont twist

Bourbon has become “The American Spirit” in a way that cognac represents France, gin represents England and vodka represents Russia in the hearts of their consumers. We offer our own special Vermont take on the liquid gold so associated with Appalachia. We use only regionally-sourced, non-GMO grains and mature our bourbons on site in the clear, clean air of Vermont.

Our bourbon has a wonderful deep and rich aroma of Vermont-grown corn, smokiness on the palate, and a smooth aromatic finish. Since bringing our bourbon to market in May of 2014, we have been selling it at local farmers markets, the distillery and of course through the Vermont state liquor stores. The response has been overwhelming — we can barely keep it in stock!

Awards
Gold Medal - The San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Silver Medal - WSWA
Bronze Medal - San Diego

(r)1 whiskey is a premium whiskey produced by Beam Suntory. It is a blend of several different age statements of a minimum of 4.5 years. It is a uniquely smooth and sophisticated whiskey. The deliberate blending of several different ages creates a higher proof; spicy, yet lighter rye taste; and long, luxurious finish (producer). (r)1 has spicy yet approachable flavors with a distinctive profile due and a luxurious and striking finish. Bottled at 92 proof, this modern spirit is enjoyed best in cocktails. It is has light, and spicy flavors with a long, luxurious finish.When enjoyed straight, the nose offers a gentle, peppery nod to its rye heritage. Cut with water, the scents of dried fruit and cinnamon push to the front, providing a rich palate experience. Packaged in a distinctive glass bottle this whiskey received a Double Gold medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Gold medal at the 2009 International Review of Spirits, and a Bronze at the Beverage World's Global Packaging Awards in 2008. 

Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by an old family recipe over 150 years ago. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that's distinctively clean and smooth.

Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor.

TASTING NOTES

Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth, with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry and satiny with a light toffee flavor.

90 proof (45% ABV) • 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley

AWARDS

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2012, 2007, 2004: Gold Medal | 2014, 2006, 2005: Silver Medal

Beverage Testing Institute: 2012, 2008: Gold Medal, Exceptional

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 2015: 94, Excellent, Highly Recommended

Young and fresh, el Jimador Silver tequila steps up with truly authentic character. It's made with 100% hand-harvested blue Weber agave and double distilled with sparkling clarity. Weve perfected the skills to produce a spirit so rich in flavor that every sip comes to life. Crisp and buzzing with citrus flavors, take a sip or shake it up.

AROMA
A fresh aroma, rich with citrus fruits

FLAVOR
Fruity and spicy balanced with herbaceous notes

FINISH
Warm and spicy with hints of 100% blue agave

JIMARITA

1.5 oz el Jimador Tequila
0.5 oz Triple Sec
3 oz Sour Mix
Lime Wedge (Garnish)

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add ingredients. Shake vigorously to mix. Strain into a margarita glass filled with fresh ice and rimmed with salt (optional). Garnish with lime wedge.

AUTHENTIC PALOMA

2 oz el Jimador Reposado Tequila
5 oz Grapefruit Soda
1 splash Lime Juice
1 pinch Salt

Add all ingredients into a high ball glass filled with ice. Stir well to mix. Garnish with lime wedge.

Bottle size: 750ml

A tale of passion

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds countryside, the Cotswolds Distillery was born from a dream to produce delicious spirits in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

From hedgefunds to HEDGEROWS
It all started back in 2014, when our founder Dan, a native New Yorker and whisky connoisseur, had moved to the Cotswolds after working in finance in London for many years. Seeking to leave behind that world and spend more time in the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds with his family, it eventually dawned on him that he could combine his love of whisky with his desire to start a new business. A dedicated whisky fan, Dan saw the fields of golden barley around his house in the Cotswolds and had a brainwave ‘I suddenly thought, there’s barley all over the Cotswolds and nobody’s distilling it, let’s be the first!’ Having found a derelict site near his house, he set about building a distillery and a team to run it, and the doors of the Cotswolds Distillery opened in July 2014.

The making of our GIN

Although Dan's dream was always to make whisky, he also wanted to create a full range of delicious spirits including gins and liqueurs. Our first project was the gin, on which we spent two months researching botanical recipes. We distilled 150 individual botanical spirits in a whole range of different flavors and set about experimenting with different combinations. Our distillers created over 60 individual gin recipes which we whittled down to one finalist, and that became our Cotswolds Dry Gin. It may have started as something of a side-project, but it’s now at the heart of what we do and we’re very proud of what we’ve created.

Our award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin is a delectable blend of nine carefully-considered botanicals, including local lavender from the Cotswolds and freshly peeled pink grapefruit and lime zest. Due to the unusually high volume of botanicals we use, our gin causes a beautiful pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added. A juniper-led gin with fresh citrusy notes and a hint of lavender.

CAREFULLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS

Juniper berries, coriander seed and angelica root form the classic foundation for our Cotswolds Dry Gin. We then add Cotswold lavender from nearby Snowshill and bay leaves. The citrus element comes from freshly-peeled lime and pink grapefruit zest - unusually we use fresh peels rather than dried because of the greater quantity of essential oils. This entails peeling several hundred limes and grapefruits per week, by hand! The final botanicals are cardamom seed and black peppercorn, to give a hint of spice.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Fresh notes of grapefruit with earthy coriander backed-up by sweet, piney juniper. A hint of perfumed Cotswold lavender.

PALATE: Clean, pine juniper spice with fresh citrussy grapefruit. A touch of dryness from the angelica root, with eucalyptus notes from bay leaf. Subtle lime and lavender.

FINISH: Clean and balanced. Juniper, citrus and some cooling notes from bay leaf and cardamom.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For the perfect Cotswolds Cloudy G&T, fill a large copa glass with ice, pour over a 50ml measure of gin and top with classic tonic water. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit and a fresh bay leaf.

This is an exciting new addition to the world of pre-batched cocktails. This cocktail is expertly crafted using premium ingredients, including WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, Runamok Maple Syrup, and a hint of smokiness from the addition of charred oak.

WhistlePig is known for producing high-quality rye whiskeys, and the addition of Runamok Maple Syrup adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances out the spiciness of the rye. The use of charred oak in the recipe also adds a delicious smoky note that complements the other flavors perfectly.

The WhistlePig Smoked Fashioned Cocktail To Go is incredibly convenient for those who love a good cocktail but don't want to go through the hassle of mixing their own drinks.

The use of high-quality ingredients in this cocktail ensures that every sip is packed with flavor. The WhistlePig Rye Whiskey provides a robust and spicy base, while the Runamok Maple Syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of maple flavor. The smokiness from the charred oak adds another layer of complexity, resulting in a perfectly balanced and delicious cocktail.

Overall, the WhistlePig Smoked Fashioned Cocktail To Go is a must-try for any cocktail lover. With its high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship, this pre-batched cocktail is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious and sophisticated drink without any of the hassle of mixing it yourself.

The Clase Azul Guerrero, Reposado, and Plata Bundle is a trifecta of premium tequilas, showcasing the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and flavor diversity. From the rich, aged notes of the Reposado to the smooth purity of the Plata, each bottle offers a unique tasting experience. Whether enjoyed individually or as a curated tasting flight, this bundle elevates any occasion with its exceptional quality and character.

Packing

In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth made history when they became the first reigning monarchs to journey across North America, traveling from Quebec City to Vancouver by train. Prior to their arrival, a local entrepreneur set out to craft a whisky that the King and Queen could enjoy in the privacy of their rail car. After sampling over 600 different blends of whisky, and scouring through hundreds of different types of glass, labels and bottles, the entrepreneur created what he believed to be the perfect whisky and called it Crown Royal. At the beginning of their journey, the King and Queen were gifted ten cases of the whisky from Canada to enjoy on their journey. The first release in Crown Royal's new Noble Collection, which honors the brand's regal roots, Crown Royal Cornerstone Blend Canadian Whiskey is crafted from three of Crown Royal's essential whiskies a spicy Canadian rye, a creamy coffey still whisky and a bourbon-style whisky matured in charred American white oak. Just as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth journeyed across Canada via railroad, Crown Royal Cornerstone Blend was transported to and from Crown Royal's storage facilities by train in D barrels (these barrels have already been used for several maturation cycles, rendering them essentially inactive), allowing the pure and exceptional flavor of the blend to shine through. As a result, Crown Royal Cornerstone Blend has a deep sunburst color, and an aroma of candied apples, malt grains and vanilla extract. The palate is filled with robust flavors of shaved nuts, oak, and orchard and tropical fruits, and leads to a memorably soft finish with hints of lemon tart, figs, honey and a woody spice.

In the early 1800’s, New York produced more than half the young nation’s Barley and Rye and the Hudson Valley was the country’s breadbasket. With abundant high quality grain, local craft spirits flourished and over 1000 farm distilleries produced Whiskey and Gin reflecting the unique terroir of the region. In the 1930’s, Prohibition forced these distilleries to shut their doors and this wellspring of American spirits was left dry.

Hillrock Estate Distillery is changing this. Our mission is to produce the finest hand-crafted spirits made with our own grain, floor malted, craft distilled in our copper pot still, aged in fine oak and hand bottled at our estate in the Hudson Valley Highlands. Crowned by a fine 1806 Georgian house built by a successful grain merchant and Revolutionary War Captain and meticulously restored to its original beauty, Hillrock Distillery overlooks our rolling barley fields and the distant Berkshire Mountains. Like our premier spirits, every detail refined, no expense spared, quality steeped in the tradition of 200 years of rich history.

Hillrock is proud to be one of the few “field-to-glass” whiskey producers in the world and the first USA distillery since before Prohibition to floor malt and hand craft whiskey on site from estate grown grain. Hillrock’s commitment to quality embodies the rich history of artisanal distilling in the Hudson Valley. By controlling every aspect of production from planting & harvesting heirloom grains, to smoking our malt, to crafting whiskies in our copper pot still, to aging in small oak barrels and hand bottling, we are able to create the highest quality whiskies reflecting the unique local terroir.

THE ART OF FINE CRAFT DISTILLING HAS MADE THE JOURNEY HOME…

Our agaves are 100% Blue Weber, aged 7-9 years, from the rich clay soil of the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Golden honey

AROMA: Caramel with hints of cocoa.

FLAVOR: Notes of dried fruits and spicy oak with a touch of sweet agave.

WATER: Purified water from our own well.

AGED: 7 months in premium American white oak barrels.

Known as the founding father of the modern bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was committed to making unparalleled bourbon through his steadfast attention to detail and passion for innovation. His constant drive for perfection revolutionized the industry, with many of his techniques still in use today. This unique bourbon combines barrels from three signature mashbills that matured for eighteen years, including two different rye bourbon mashbills and our wheated bourbon mashbill. The marriage of bourbon mashbills gives this magnificent whiskey a nose of vanilla butter cake, a rich palate of caramel and cinnamon, and long finish of toasted oak, cinnamon, and hint of spearmint. A true testament to Taylor’s pursuit of perfection and his dedication to push the boundaries of making whiskey, this bourbon would have made its namesake proud.

The Clase Azul Durango, Guerrero, and Añejo Bundle is a premium collection that showcases the distinctive qualities of Clase Azul's finest tequilas. This trio includes:

Clase Azul Durango - Known for its unique flavor profile derived from wild agave, reflecting the rich heritage of Durango.
Clase Azul Guerrero - Celebrated for its vibrant and complex taste, embodying the essence of the Guerrero region.
Clase Azul Añejo - Aged to perfection, offering a deep, rich flavor with notes of caramel and oak.

This bundle is perfect for tequila aficionados seeking a diverse and luxurious tasting experience, making it an exceptional addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift for discerning palates.

Packing: 

Maker Notes

Maighstir is born from a collaboration between Kentucky Owl Master Blender, John Rhea and Scotch Whisky Master Blender, Maureen Robinson. Maighstir (pronounced May-stir) is a traditional Gaelic word meaning "Master".

Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition has been awarded 96 points by Tasting Panel magazine.

Tasting Notes

Nose
There is a sweet sense of small grains particularly the malted barley, with a hint of sweet caramel. The balance of the small grains (wheat and barley) with the hint of sweet caramel/vanilla, gives the immediate sensation and question in your mind; is this a great bourbon, or is this a great Scotch? Honestly, smelling it will make you feel like you are in a Scotch Whisky warehouse.

Palate
Initially there is sense of warm spicy sweetness from the rye that you might expect from a great bourbon, but then the combination and soft tones from the wheat and barley give a pleasant calming warmness to the tongue. As it melts in the mouth the essence of orange and grapefruit linger behind the soft velvety feel in the mouth.

Finish
In the throat, the soft caramel/vanilla reappears and trails away with a long soft pleasant finish.

The Tyrconnell is an elevated, yet approachable single malt whiskey, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. After a decade resting in bourbon barrels, The Tyrconnell Port Cask Finish is transitioned into port wine casks from the Duoro Valley in Portugal for an additional 6-8 months of aging. Bottled at 92 proof, the additional time spent in hand-selected port casks gives this single malt whiskey a nose that evokes baked apples and notes of roots. A warm sweetness recedes, allowing a finish characterized by a multitude of spices to move to the forefront.

AN OUTLET FOR INNOVATION, OUR ANNUAL RELEASE OF TEMPLETON OLOROSO CASK FINISH IS ALWAYS A UNIQUE TWIST ON WHAT RYE CAN BE.

TRADITIONAL TEMPLETON 6 YEAR RYE WITH AN ADDITIONAL 9 MONTHS IN OLOROSO SHERRY CASKS

TASTING NOTES

AROMA: Aromas of crème caramel, candied orange peels, figs and sultanas mingle with delicate notes of nutty Oloroso Sherry

TASTE: Rich, oily mouthfeel with tropical fruit and exotic spices complimented spectacularly by milk chocolate and walnuts

BODY: Bold oak with burnt sugar sweetness    

FINISH: Long, creamy and beautifully balanced with the ex-sherry influence working in harmony with black pepper and sumptuous warmth. A powerful expression

Pairs spectacularly with mature gouda cheese and aged gruyere complimenting the complexity and nuttiness between the whiskey and cheese. Chorizo will also make an impressive companion.

LFireball Whisky needs no introduction. It's one of a kind. If you haven't tried it, imagine what it feels like to stand face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of hot cinnamon. Tastes like heaven, burns like hell what happens next is up to you.

Fireball is a Canadian whisky blended with natural cinnamon flavor.

What you have here is smooth whisky with a fiery kick of red-hot cinnamon.

It tastes like heaven, burns like hell. What happens next is up to you. 

Lonely Oak Distillery was born out of a dream and a promise. A dream to make small-batch craft spirits using grains grown right here, in western Iowa, on the Hoffmann family farm. It's on this generous land that we planted the seeds, harvested the grains, and perfected the recipes for the Heartland's finest spirits. That's our dream.

WE’VE SELECTED THE FINEST BARRELS OF OUR SWEET MASH RYE AND FINISHED THE WHISKEY IN PEDRO XIMENEZ SHERRY CASKS IMPORTED FROM SPAIN. THIS UNIQUE EXPRESSION IS RICH IN FLAVOR WITH SUBTLE COMPLEXITY-DARK FRUITS, RYE SPICE, CHOCOLATE, VANILLA AND DEMERARA SUGAR. ENJOY!

Here’s to the Smokeheads. The ones who reject the humdrum, and walk to the beat of their own drum. Relentlessly exploring. Pouring less boring. And loving. Every. Last. Drop.

Here’s to rule-breaking, breathtaking Islay single malts born of a simple ambition: to smoke tradition, and forge a new path. Whiskies for rebellious souls who refuse to compromise and whose restless spirit never dies.

With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd.

Our hero Islay single malt offers heavy woodsmoke and peat, through to honeyed sweetness, via salt, seaweed and spice. The Original Smokehead is an immense, life-affirming whisky that stands out from the crowd.

"Our family links to the whisky industry date back to 1824," says William Wemyss, the founder and CEO of Wemyss Malts, "when John Haig built his distillery on family land in Fife."Wemyss (pronounced "Weems") is the ancient Gaelic word for caves and stems from the rocky outcrop on which the Wemyss family home Castle Wemyss rests. Haig's distillery eventually became known as Cameron Bridge and in 1826, it became the first distillery to produce grain whisky using the column still method invented by Robert Stein. Today, the Wemyss family expertly blends some of the finest whiskies made across Scotland. "Our whiskies are chosen by a tasting panel" says Wemyss, "and the tasting panel comprises people who work in the business, members of the family, and most importantly, is chaired by Charlie MacLean who helps us select the industry's best whiskies to bottle under our brand." MacLean, who has been writing about whisky since 1981, was trained in "the sensory evaluation of potable spirits"by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in 1992. In addition to being a visiting lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution, he is also a Councillor of Clan Maclean and was elected Master of the Quaich (Quaich is derived from the Gaelic word meaning cup), one of the Scotch industry's highest accolades, in October 2009. Blended with up to 16 different single malt whiskies to produce 3 signature styles of whisky named after their flavor profiles. 8YO Spice King is a Highland Island blend, bottled at an untamed 56% ABV, its spicy character, which takes over near the finish, is amplified by the strong ABV, but the whisky is led by smoky, sweet, zesty, earthy notes.

el Jimador Reposado begins with 100% hand-harvested blue Weber agave, naturally fermented and double distilled. Then it enjoys a two-month siesta in our own handmade American oak barrels until the perfect moment. The results are worth the wait: an exquisite golden tone, warm seasoned flavors and a smooth, confident agave flavor that really shines through.

AROMA
An inviting aroma of vanilla, toasted wood, fruits, spices and cooked agave

FLAVOR
A rich combination of spice, fruit, wood, vanilla and subtle toasted hazelnuts

FINISH
Soft and long-lasting with the warm flavors of vanilla and subtle spice rested in oak

MAESTRO JIMADOR

2 oz el Jimador Reposado Tequila
1 oz Apple Juice
1 oz Apple Liqueuer
1 Green Apple Wedge (Garnish)

Add all ingredients into glass filled with ice. Stir to mix. Garnish with green apple wedge.

Bottle size: 750ml