*Sincere thanks to Cotswolds Distillery for the sample. Here in Minneapolis, an April 15th snowstorm dumped around a foot of the frozen white stuff on us, pretty much crushing the souls of those who long for spring and summer. Just between you and me, I'd be fine with Winter being a year-round endeavor, but that's … Continue reading Cotswolds Dry Gin, Batch #01/2017 – Review
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – 2014 Odyssey Barley, Batch #2 – Review
*Sincere thanks to Cotswolds Distillery for the sample. Founded in 2014 by a former financier, Cotswolds Distillery is located in one of the UK's wonderfully named "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty." The Cotswolds District is full of rolling hills and charming looking villages built with the distinctive, honey-toned Cotswold stone, an oolitic Jurassic Limestone known to be … Continue reading Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – 2014 Odyssey Barley, Batch #2 – Review
George Remus Repeal Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Series I – Review
*Sincere thanks to MGP Ingredients and Gregory White PR for the sample. The "Repeal" part of the George Remus Repeal Reserve refers to the repeal of Prohibition. The George Remus part refers of course to George Remus, the legendary, infamous bootlegger and murderer who made a huge fortune during the early part of Prohibition. By … Continue reading George Remus Repeal Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Series I – Review
Minnesota Spirits Fest 2018
Minnesota was perhaps a little late to join the swell of craft distilleries in this country. It wasn't until 2011, when legislation passed significantly lowering the fee to open a distillery, that the state's own craft spirits boom finally got its fuse lit. It was about time, too as Minnesota has quite a bit to … Continue reading Minnesota Spirits Fest 2018
Stranahan’s Sherry Cask Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Stranahan’s and Exposure PR for the sample. Ok, I'll try to make this will be the last time I mention that great 2016 trip to Stranahan's. One of the highlights of that first Cask Thief event was trying some three year old whiskey that had been aged for an additional two years … Continue reading Stranahan’s Sherry Cask Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Stranahan's and Exposure PR for the sample. During a trip in 2016 to Denver's Stranahan's Distillery, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Rob Dietrich, the head distiller. Rob's a character to be sure, and he's a good storyteller. Over the years, he's effectively been the face of the brand. He … Continue reading Stranahan’s Diamond Peak Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
Stranahan’s Original Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Stranahan's and Exposure PR for the sample. The summer before last, I had the opportunity to visit Denver, CO and Stranahan's Distillery for their first Cask Thief event. It was a great opportunity to see a bit of the area and get to know this elder statesman of American single malt whiskey … Continue reading Stranahan’s Original Colorado Single Malt Whiskey – Review
Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Irish Distillers, Jameson, and Ketchum for the sample. For this year's St. Patrick's Day's Irish whiskey review, I thought we'd take a look at St. Francis. Ok, perhaps more specifically, the Franciscans, the religious orders and sects that follow the teachings of St. Francis. What the hell, let's narrow it down even … Continue reading Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Whiskey – Review
Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Sazerac and A. Smith Bowman Distillery for the sample. The A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia is a bit of an odd set-up. It can trace its roots back to 1935, when, right after Prohibition ended, a man named Abram Smith Bowman opened up a distillery in what is now Reston. … Continue reading Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
Tattersall Distilling Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
*Sincere thanks to Tattersall Distilling and Steve Gill for the sample and information. The inspiration for Tattersall Distilling's Straight Rye Whiskey is the nearly extinct Monongahela Rye style that begin life in the late 1700's along the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Monongahela style was defined by its heavy use of rye, a crop … Continue reading Tattersall Distilling Straight Rye Whiskey – Review
THE CASKS 