Review: Oban 18 year old Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

Oban 18 year old Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

43% ABV / 750ml

One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and known as the "Gateway to the Isles,” that was founded by John and Hugh Stevenson who not only of the distillery at Oban but of the town itself. Together they established a boat building yard and a tannery and, in the 1790s a brewery, which had become Oban distillery by 1794. 

This is a rare bottling from theWestern Highland distillery selected to mature four years longer than Oban 14yr. Giving Oban 18yr a rounder, more developed flavor with sweeter notes suchas banana and toasted teacake that are balanced with a wee-bit of sea salt. Amedium bodied single malt whisky with a smooth texture and rhubarb, driedfruits, and plum on the palate that finish with cocoa, smoke and aniseed withlong oak tannins, this is the perfect fall scotch that rewards you with eachsip. Casey Teague, Whisk(e)y Specialist, H&F Bottle Shop

Review: Col E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Review: Col E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Bourbon 

50% ABV / 750ml

As one founding father of the bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. left an indelible legacy. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War when he purchased O.F C. Distillery. There, he developed innovative techniques that are still in use today. Taylor and Secretary of the Treasury John G. Carlisle helped pioneer The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897,  which means that the bourbon come from barrels all produced at one distillery, in a single season, and then stored in a bonded warehouse for at least four years before being bottled at 100 proof.

Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by Taylor in 1881. This bourbon is a true sipping whiskey that honors the uncompromising legacy of Taylor with distinctive caramel corn sweetness, toffee,  butterscotch, green apple, licorice that is slightly tart with a long dry finish. Casey Teague, Whisk(e)y Specialist, H&F Bottle Shop

Review: Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Wild Turkey 
Diamond Anniversary Kentucky Straight Bourbon

91 Proof | 750 mL

For the past sixty years Jimmy Russell handcrafted the legendary Wild Turkey. To honor his dedication, hard work, and brilliance as a bourbon legend his son Eddie Russell hand selected barrels and blended a beautifully balanced high rye bourbon that sings accolades to his father’s expertise as the “Master Distiller’s Master Distiller.”  The Diamond Anniversary, aged for 13 to 16 years in newly charred American Oak, lends itself rich vanilla tannins, toffee, and rye spice with subtle burnt orange, candied apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

At 91 proof this bourbon shines with sophisticated poise. I recommend buying two, one to sip and the other to treasure.

Cheers to you Jimmy for all the magnificent Bourbon you have created! - Casey Teague, Whisk(e)y Specialist, H&F Bottle Shop

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