The members of the FTNYC staff and I are big bourbon whiskey fans. I’ve been on something of a crusade the past six months to sample as many bourbons as possible, and this has taken me from popular consumer brands like Makers and Woodford Reserve to some more difficult to find bourbons like Elijah Craig 21 year – a fantastic bourbon, I might add.
Photo courtesy of labanz.blogspot.com
But as I’ve read more about bourbon, I’ve also found that the drink itself has a rich history that like cigars is full of quirks and eccentricities. Here are a few I’ve found:
1. Bourbon originated in Bourbon County, KY – but bourbon is no longer produced there
This fact surprised me for two reasons: I had no idea bourbon’s name was pulled from its home county. But secondly, given that Bourbon County is still home to some of the purest water in the nation, along with a great climate and geography for bourbon, bourbon is no longer produced there.
2. Bourbon is American
No really – in 1964, when many more interesting things were happening in American history, an Act of Congress signed by then president Lyndon B. Johnson designated bourbon “The Official Spirit of America.”
3. Bourbon is always naturally colored
Like other spirits, bourbon is made from the purest of water. What is different, however, is that bourbon can’t be bourbon if colors are added, as they are in some rums or scotches. That means that inviting golden glow really is representative of the drink – just don’t let the deeper amber color of some bourbons fool you into thinking they are necessarily the best!
4. As bourbon ages, a portion evaporates – this portion was dubbed the “Angel’s share” by master blender Booker Noe.
This term has sparked its own multitude of marketing plays and knockoffs. “Angel’s Envy” is one bourbon who played on this fact. There’s even an ale called “Angel’s Share” that is aged in old bourbon barrels.
The management at Studio Sq. (Astoria Beergarden) recently announced another event in what has become a very popular string of events (take a look at the last one) hosted with Rocky Patel. “Smoke,” a Whiskey, Cigar and BBQ Festival will be hosted at Studio Sq. and will feature cigars from Rocky Patel, including the newly released “Freedom”, which is a fantastic blend.
Also at the event will be a four hour open bar featuring Chivas, Jameson, Glenlivet, and many other fine spirits. And of course, BBQ will be provided.
Tickets look like they are regularly priced at a little over $200, but you can get your ticket for under $100 at Groupon – but you have to act fast.
Drew Estate is at it again. Nicknamed “KFC”, the new line, going by the name “Kentucky Fire Cured” features a wrapper of Kentucky Fired Cured tobacco. I don’t have an inkling of what this means with respect to taste besides spice/full flavor, but with all of the incredible releases from Drew Estate in the past couple of years, fans should be excited to find out.
Near the bottom of the release below, you’ll see that Jonathan Drew mentions a mystery country where Drew Estate tobacco is now being produced. For what it’s worth, my bet is Egypt, or possibly the Philippines (if I’m right, I’ll put up a complete post explaining).
The official release is below.
April 2, 2013 (Miami, Fla.) — Drew Estate Inc. announced today the impending release of Kentucky Fire Cured Cigars, an extension to the MUWAT brand also to be produced at the Joya de Nicaragua factory. In development for over 2.5 years, this extension to the popular MUWAT line of premium cigars was inspired during a trip to the Dominican Republic where Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka were visiting the Universal Leaf tobacco pre-industry facility.
“I remember it as if it were yesterday” states JD. “Fritz Bossert (President of Universal Leaf), Steve Saka and I were smoking Liga Privada T52’s in the fermentation area when I noticed a pilon of Kentucky Fired Cured tobacco. We took the wrapper off the T52 and placed a thick Kentucky Fire Cured leaf in its place. The taste and aroma were simply amazing, but there was just one huge problem – the cigar would not burn properly, and is one of the reasons of the lengthy process it took to get ‘KFC’ to market.”
Nicholas Melillo, Executive Vice President of International Operations, was tasked with working on a solution to the burn issue in conjunction with Fritz Bossert, experimenting with using the fire cured leaf in the wrapper leaf position as well as using limited amounts as part of the filler.
Six months later we were already producing blends and sharing samples with good friends throughout the cigar industry, while keeping the project completely quiet.
“In February 2011 we had the pleasure of smoking some of these early samples on the Corona Cigar Co.’s Cigar Safari tour,” says Jeff Borysiewicz founder & owner of Corona Cigar Co. ”My group really enjoyed the aroma and flavor profile and kept asking JD when this product would be ready to market. He kept me waiting until December 2012, when we smoked more KFC samples at my lake house during the Christmas holiday. They’ve really come a long way and we look forward to the release.”
“The My Uzi Weighs A Ton brand was the first true collaboration between Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua,” says Michael Cellucci, President of Drew Estate.
“The Fact that JD wanted to bring the ”MUWAT” franchise under the flag of Subculture Studios is a reflection of his love of working with other talented cigar makers. Subculture Studios is more than just a graffiti factory in Nicaragua, it is a ‘mental space’ that JD and Jessi Flores have cultivated throughout the years and reveals innovation, raw talent and creativity that you find throughout all of Drew Estate at every level.”
There is a lot we have experimented with and all shall be revealed in short order, but for now here is a little quote from Nicholas Melillo, the King of Broadleaf, “First off, Kentucky Fire Cured is from a stalk-cut tobacco. The initial firing of KFC is done at low heat between 100 F to 115 F degrees and maintained until the color reaches solid brown. Once color is set temperatures increase to 120F- 130F to completely cure down the midrib of the leaf and darken. Once the midrib is dried the temperature will be reduced and the smoke maximized with saw dust to finish the leaf. When KFC hits your olfactory nerve you know it! “
MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured will be Available in three sizes:
6 x 52 “Just a Friend”, 5 x 56 “Fat Molly” and a 4 x 46 “Chunky” in the familiar MUWAT craft paper bundle. Americana style graphics adorn these new packs.
“Kentucky Fire Cured is not something new to the world of tobacco, as it has been grown for over 200 years. Easily compared to the smokey taste attributed to a “peaty scotch”, the KFC picks up nuances of the roasted hickory, oak or maple wood that makes you say ‘Damn, that’s tasty,’” expels Jonathan Drew.
“In addition to the fire cured tobaccos of Kentucky and Dark Fire Cured of Virginia, we are finishing the two year project of our fire cured tobaccos from another country which DE will not disclose until a time closer to the actual release of the brand. I’ll just say this: they don’t speak English, Italian or Spanish in this region of the world.”
Rocky Patel is once again on to a new blend: the 2/26. RP is, of course, a brand that has gotten a lot of hate in recent years from cigar smokers for releasing “too many blends” – the problem with this obviously being that so many of their blends are so damn good. Recent releases like the Freedom delivered massively on taste and construction quality, so I don’t hesitate to say I’m excited to try the 2/26.
Here’s the release
March 22, 2013 — To celebrate Rocky’s birthday on 2/26 we have released one of Rocky’s favorite personal blends from our factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The II-XXVI (2-26) are packed in beautiful handcrafted wood with a piano finish. The II-XXVI is limited, so there are only 1,000 boxes available in each size.
Pricing:
Robusto ($12.95)
Toro ($13.95)
Torpedo ($14.95)
Tasting Notes: medium to full-bodied with rich complex flavors consisting of white pepper and dark chocolate. It’s a tasty smoke whose bold leather and coffee notes are accented by a solid oaky essence.
Wrapper: Broadleaf
Binder: San Andreas
Filler: Brazilian Matafina, Nicaraguan Condega, Jamastran Valley, Ometepe
Just days after his soda-restrictions were overturned, Bloomberg is at it again
Bloomberg announced today that he plans to pursue more pipe-dream regulatory action in New York City. He plans to pursue a tobacco product display ban, along with legislation that would enforce the measure. This after a judge struck down Bloomberg’s large sugary-drink ban, calling it “arbitrary and capricious.”
I’m no lawyer, but that sounds like legal lingo for some less-respectful adjectives.
You can read the full announcement below. Basically, tobacco sellers will now have to keep tobacco products out of sight from, you guessed it, their customers.
Aside from the specifics of this or that regulation, New York is becoming a pretty suffocating place to live. But I guess that’s life in a democracy: the majority are duped or tempted into more state control, while the “forgotten third man” (in Bloomberg’s case, anyone who wants to enjoy life) takes the bill.
Citizens of New York City, hear this: there will always be another regulation around the corner to “make life better/safer/cleaner/greener/insert adjective here,” and sooner or later, it will hurt you.
As C.S. Lewis wisely observed,
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”
~~~
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced new legislation, the “Tobacco Product Display Restriction” bill, which would make New York City the first in the nation to keep tobacco products out of sight in retail stores.
Under the new legislation, sellers would be required to keep tobacco products out of sight, except during a purchase by an adult consumer or during restocking: tobacco products would be required to be kept in cabinets, drawers, under the counter, behind a curtain or in any other concealed location.
The bill does not impact advertising for sellers.
A second bill, “Sensible Tobacco Enforcement,” is comprised of policies that will combat illegal cigarette smuggling, said Bloomberg.
The Sensible Tobacco Enforcement bill increases penalties for retailers who evade tobacco taxes or sell tobacco without a license; prohibits retailers from redeeming coupons or honoring other price discounts for tobacco products; creates a minimum price for cigarettes and little cigars, at $10.50 per pack; requires that cheap cigars and cigarillos be sold in packages of at least four, and little cigars be sold in packages of at least 20.
Cigars that cost more than $3 each are exempt from the packaging rule.
It also gives the Department of Finance the authority to seal premises of tobacco sellers that have had repeated violations of the law.
The bills will be introduced at the request of the mayor by Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo, chair of the Health Committee, on Wednesday.
Watch for details on CSPnet.com and in CSP Daily News.
Johnnie Walker fans should look forward to tasting a new blend from the makers of their favorite whiskey. “The Gold Route” is the second blend in the Explorer’s Collection, and is “inspired by rich adventures traversing the Gold Route through Latin America.” More information below – it looks like this will go for around $95 suggested.
JOHNNIE WALKER® UNVEILS SECOND BLEND FROM JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB – THE GOLD ROUTE™, INSPIRED BY THE RICHNESS OF LATIN AMERICA
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION™ – THE GOLD ROUTE™ launches, blended exclusively for travellers and inspired by rich adventures traversing the Gold Route through Latin America
March 2013: Today JOHNNIE WALKER, the world’s leading Scotch Whisky brand, unveiled the latest exciting blend from its Trade Routes Series: JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE. The Gold Route takes inspiration from the journeys made by the Walker family and their agents – from Central America through the Andean mountains, passing the Inca pyramids and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean – where they witnessed magnificent scenery and diverse cultures whilst in pursuit of new businesses and rich experiences.
The blend is available exclusively for travellers in duty free stores, and like the other blends which make up the Collection, it pays tribute to the travelling heritage of the John Walker & Sons agents.
Crafted from the finest aged whiskies hand-picked for a luxurious smoothness and vibrant flavour, in the glass the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE evokes a sense of the exotic fruit flavours and beautiful rich golden colours of this region.
“We took inspiration from the richness of flavours, sights and experiences of Latin America to help us select the most precious liquids for this blend,” commented Master Blender Jim Beveridge. He added: “On the nose, there is an immediate wave of an exotic mix of bananas, mango and pitaya, complemented by a hint of vanilla sweetness. On first sip, the palate embarks on a journey that is as distinct and magnificent as the vistas of Latin America: tantalising flavours, a perfect blend of fruitiness with hints of pineapples, guava, passion fruit and raisins, all balanced perfectly by deep charred peaty notes, in keeping with the signature smoky JOHNNIE WALKER flavour. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the finish is smooth and luxurious, a fitting addition to the JOHNNIE WALKER lineage.”
Steve White, Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “At the very heart of JOHNNIE WALKER lies a bold spirit of adventure which has given rise to a great number of epic journeys. Our blends have been inspired by tales of rich travel adventures, in this case, along the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean.
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is a premium blend made exclusively for the intrepid travellers of today. It is a whisky to remind them of their own travels and inspire them to plan new journeys.”
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is the second blend in the collection of three whiskies, collectively known as the Trade Routes Series, inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes. The first release, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE SPICE ROAD™, which launched in November to critical acclaim and great retail success, is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the JOHNNIE WALKER agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. The third release in the Trade Routes Series – JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE ROYAL ROUTE™ will be available exclusively in duty free stores later in 2013.
With a recommended retail price of $95, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is available to travellers in duty free stores globally now.
Further information on the history of the John Walker & Sons agent journeys
From the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, JOHNNIE WALKER has always pushed boundaries to discover new horizons.
From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences.
Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, JOHNNIE WALKER had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights. Meanwhile, the striking image of the JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man was becoming an icon all over the world.
Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the JOHNNIE WALKER agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers’ Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.
Today, this tradition continues as JOHNNIE WALKER produces the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION, a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers. The first three blends in the collection collectively known as the Trade Routes Series are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.
Burns Tobacconist and the Tiki Bar Online are happy to announce the third annual Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, August 1 through 3, 2013, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In the past two years, the Chattanooga Tweet-Up has garnered national attention and a great reputation for providing a great consumer-level cigar event with multiple cigar vendors sponsoring, tons of special guests, and unexpected surprises.
This year the team is pulling out all the stops to make this the best Tweet-Up yet. We already have over 25 cigar companies confirmed to sponsor and at least a dozen special guests from the industry…and if history is any indication, we will be adding more sponsors and guests almost every week until the event kicks off!
To cut down on confusion about “what ticket or package to buy?” from the last couple year, there will be a single consolidated “all-access” ticket this year, projected to be about $75 and including a grab bag of cigars from the sponsors, discounts on all sponsor products in the shop, a raffle ticket (with opportunities to get more), an event t-shirt, the Thursday night Tweet-Up Kickoff Party (sponsored by House of Emilio and featuring a selection of cigars from Emilio Cigars and their distribution partners), Friday night’s River Boat cruise on the Tennessee River (sponsored by Drew Estate & Joya de Nicaragua, and featuring extra cigars for those who get on the boat, AND featuring a liquor tasting by Prichard Distillery of Kelso, TN, makers of fine spirits like Tennessee Whiskey, Bourbon, and Rum), and the Saturday night After-Party (sponsored by RoMa Craft, who will be giving out cigars to attendees, and also featuring a mechanical bull).
The Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival has its own website now at www.chattanoogatweetup.com. All information and updates can be found there.
Tickets will be limited to the first 300 buyers and will go on sale around April 1. You won’t want to miss this one!
March 13, 2013 (Portsmouth, N.H.) – Federal Cigar is honored to announce the upcoming release of the My Father Cigar Company’s Special F to commemorate Federal’s 92nd Anniversary event on Saturday, March 16th 2013. Blended by the Pepin family, this cigar is a prime example of the history of excellence for which the My Father Cigar Company has become known.
It will be a singular release, with 200 boxes of 15 in a Corona Gorda (5.5 x 46) size. They will be available for in-store purchase only starting on the 16th at the Federal Cigar My Father Lounge, located in Plaistow, NH with members of the Garcia family on hand to join in the festivities. Any remaining quantity after that weekend will be available for purchase by phone or online at FederalCigar.com.
The blend of the Special F is based on the familiar S Special cigar, normally reserved for events attended by members of the Garcia family. With the Special F, however, the blend has been changed such that it stands firmly on its own as an individual cigar in both flavor and strength. Any remaining information regarding the blend is unavailable at this time, per the request of the My Father Cigar Company.
The MB&F HM4 Final Edition is on its way, and it is a beauty. MB&F, the Swiss watchmaker popular for its bold designs and sleek presentation, is producing the HM4 “Final Edition” in 2013. This watch is a take on other MB&F models like the Horological Machine No. 4.
If it reminds you of a plane – it should. Buy this, but only if you have tens of thousands lost in your couch somewhere.
A traditional wristwatch has a relatively straightforward role: to tell the time. All that is needed is a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and perhaps a power reserve indicator to keep track of running time. Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt has a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and a power reserve indicator. HM4 Thunderbolt tells the time.
HM4 Thunderbolt is not a traditional wristwatch.
The aviation-inspired case and engine of the Thunderbolt are one. Neither would, nor could, exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right. The case of HM4 blends high-tech titanium for its lightweight and strength with a sapphire centre section offering a view into the engine. The limited editions HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble take the aviation theme even further with real rivets in their fuselages and hand painted nose art inspired by the rebellious paintings on WWII aircraft, while HM4 RT offers an altogether more luxurious way to fly.
The Thunderbolt’s engine is the culmination of three long years of development. Each of the 300-plus components – including the regulator and even the screws – was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours/minutes and power reserve.
The sleek aerodynamic form of the Thunderbolt’s envelope has its roots in Maximilian Büsser’s childhood passion for assembling model plane kits, though none looked remotely as futuristic as these. The striking transparent sapphire section of the case requires over 185 hours of machining and polishing to transform an opaque solid block of crystal into a complex, exquisitely curved panel allowing the light to come in and the beauty of Thunderbolt’s engine to stand out. Every component and form has a technical purpose; nothing is superfluous and every line and curve is in poetic harmony. Articulated lugs ensure supreme comfort. Highly legible time is a fringe benefit.
Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release; Machir Bay 2013 which will be available from the 4th of March. The Machir Bay range is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious IWSC 2012 Gold Medal – Best in Class. Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature whisky each year allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures. Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.
John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013 Machir Bay displays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.
Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”
Machir Bay 2013 is bottled at 46% ABV and is available to buy from www.kilchomandistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers worldwide priced at £39.99 RRP in the UK.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Light beech
Nose: Soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas
Palate: Soft mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness
Finish: A long lingering finish. A classic Islay malt now showing the benefit of additional ageing.
About Kilchoman
Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery to be built on the Island of Islay for 125 years.
One of only a handful of distilleries still practicing floor malting but what makes Kilchoman special is that barley is grown at the distillery whereas other distilleries purchase barley from around the country.
Based on a farm on the rugged west coast of Islay, the distillery’s founder Anthony Wills wanted to build a distillery that took whisky production back to its traditional roots.
Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s Coolest 100 things of 2011 and many more.
