Shallow Thoughts: Three Whiskey Recommendations
Bourbon and rye have been soaring in popularity over the last few years, with “more than a 35% increase in bourbon sales in the U.S. since 2010” according to The Wall Street Journal. In the craze that has come along with these spirits certain brand names have been incredibly visible, while other interesting whiskies have gotten much less attention. If you’re like me, you can’t afford to track down bottles of the latest Pappy Van Winkle release (the 15 year version selling for over $600 on the black market), so you will need to learn to look for good whiskey elsewhere. Outside of the trending bourbons that sell out instantly, there are some really fantastic whiskies to be found that are easy to track down, and don’t break the bank. Here are three of my personal recommendations:
W.L. Weller 12 Year
Weller 12 is more widely available in some areas than others, but if you can find it, this is well worth the $30-$40 you will spend. Coming in at 90-proof, this wheated bourbon has just enough of a warming burn going down, and it doesn’t require the drop of water a stronger barrel proof bourbon might. There is a strong cinnamon presence at first, with more of a hint of spice than a traditional bourbon, reminding me a bit of a rye. There is also a hint of a grape spirit, slightly reminiscent of a Brandy in the finish. It’s really impressive that a 12-year-old bourbon can be found at a price like this.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Rye (Aged Seven Years)
Rye’s are in the middle of a resurgence in popularity. The higher spice profile makes them a bold choice for making flavorful cocktails, as well as an interesting sipper. While Willet has won over many critics hearts with their bourbons and ryes sourced from LDI, Smooth Ambler sources their rye from LDI for a fraction of the price. The seven-year by Smooth Ambler can be purchased for less than $50, while the Willet’s manage to be both harder to find, and roughly twice the price. Coming in at 99-proof, this is a smooth rye. With a syrupy thickness that makes for a long finish, a bold spiciness, minimal burn that hides the proof, and an interesting lingering flavor that reminds me of dill pickles, this is one of the most interesting bottles you will find in it’s price point. If you are looking to get into rye, this is a great bottle to grab.
Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy is a bit of a newcomer in the bourbon market. What sets Angel’s Envy apart from other bourbons is the fact that it is finished in port wine barrels. I don’t love what this has done to the nose of the bourbon, giving it a more boozy nose that reminds me of a young and unbalanced cognac. That harshness is not present when you taste the bourbon, however, yet the port finishing is apparent and gives it a unique grape influenced flavor. This tastes like a younger bourbon to me (and it is, aged only 4 to 6 years), and overall, this is not a bourbon I go to as a sipper, but I think the unique addition of the port finish makes this a good spirit to make cocktails with. Try Angel’s Envy in a Manhattan for a twist on a classic.
