From the depths of Buffalo Trace rises a single barrel ideal for sitting in front of the fire with Harry the cat on your lap.
What? No pets and you’re telling me the season changed?
Don’t worry. This bourbon is a suave, smooth delight anytime with or without an animal companion.
Aromas
Scents waft to your nose full of fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts. It’s as if you baked apple and pecan pies, then distilled, aged and bottled them together. The soft easy-going flavor was rich, complex and as comfortable as your favorite couch. I added some water, but it didn’t add or subtract any value.
In Cocktails
With a high rye content, you won’t think Elmer T. Lee is 45% ABV. Yet this whiskey is so balanced that a Manhattan “up” cocktail works well. I suggest you cut back on the sweet vermouth at 50% of the usual recipe. In fact, try the “perfect” version using ¼ oz. bianco and ½ the standard red. One challenge is the cost. You must conduct a detailed search to find a price on the low end; if you can even find a bottle at all.
The moral of the story is patience pays and glory awaits. Ask my furry friend Harry. It’s worth the trip.
Mark Garbin’s Evaluation
Aromas & Flavor Appeals to:
Optimal Client Type
Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado
Apprentice
Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer
Enthusiast
Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee
Adventurer
With Food
Chameleon Lover
Hedonist
Dessert or Afterwards
Distiller.com review: Once the nose opens a little, the spice flows freely. It’s warm with an inviting baked apple crisp with vanilla ice cream aroma. The palate finds more oats, apples, cinnamon, caramel and oak. The finish is long and spicy with the cinnamon prevailing note. –Rob Morton
Wine Enthusiast review: Complex and addictive. Scents of cinnamon, hazelnuts, and dried fruit precede big flavors: cinnamon spice, raisinated and plummy, like Madeira or Sherry. Long finish, with a bit of a bite. –Kara Newman
USC review: This is a tour-de-force of a bourbon that overflows with aromas of brown butter, toffee danish, & charred cinnamon. The palate is expansive and delicious echoing the earlier flavors and adding sweet corn puree, baked pear, and roasted oak sweetness.
Whiskey Sidekick review: You can’t beat Elmer T. Lee for the flavor and value. This particular barrel that we sampled gave us quite a different profile than what would be considered “standard” but still was exquisite. ETL is pretty darn rare so grab it when it’s available as you won’t find a better or more consistent single barrel bourbon for the price. Earned all of its 4.5 glasses and we will definitely be picking up every bottle we come across.
Up for review today is the Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch bourbon. My liquor travels so far have taken me far and wide in the bourbon world, and this gem is so reasonably priced and enjoyable that I’ve found myself buying bottle after bottle. This bourbon is aged 10 years, and is named after the year that Mr. Evan Williams began distilling for the first time. It’s a whiskey that is viewed by some bourbon enthusiasts (including me) to be one of the best value whiskies out there. Others absolutely hate it, which honestly for the life of me I can’t understand, particularly because I’m no fan of the company’s standard Black Label and Bottled in Bond whiskies.
Product Info
Whiskey Reviewed: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon
Spirit Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Producer: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Origin: Kentucky United States
Age: 10
Price (USD): $15
Proof: 86
Reviewed: Neat
Evan Williams 1783 Review
Appearance: Evan Williams 1783 comes presented in a rather humble bottle. Standard shape and a plastic label. So, not many points scored here and the branding could use a bit of an update. But honestly, I’m not expecting too much from any bottle of whiskey sold for $15. In the glass, the whiskey is pale gold.
Nose: Strong smell immediately on opening the bottle. After pouring a bit into the glass, scents include rye, vanilla, lots of oak, and muted alcohol.
Taste: Light caramel, rye, some citrus note, and oak. Here’s where I think EW 1783 really shines. It has virtually none of the drawbacks that many other cheap whiskies have. It doesn’t taste flat out watered down like Jim Beam White Label. It isn’t harsh on the palate. And it doesn’t have that not-so-wonderful circus peanut/floor cleaner mix on the finish that a lesser-aged, rushed whiskey has. If I had to make a criticism of EW 1783 with respect to the palate, I’d say it could be a touch over-oaked. But on this whiskey I find the additional age produces a strong oak note that really rounds out this whiskey and gives it a maturity that isn’t reflective of its price.
Finish: A long but light finish with caramel, vanilla, and citrus (some reviewers specify orange).
Conclusion: For just $15 per bottle, the Evan Williams 1783 is (to me) a mind blowing value. I wouldn’t recommend this as a mixer. Drink this bourbon neat or on the rocks, adding a few drops of water as you see fit to release additional flavors.
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 makers of Wild Turkey are out to control the high-end bourbon market by releasing Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel. This bourbon whiskey is non-chilled in the production process, which theoretically will enhance the flavor of the bourbon. This new expression is also unique in that it carries a 110-proof label, which is significantly higher than other expressions of this kind of spirit.
TRUE, UNCOMPROMISING BOURBON FOR TRUE BOURBON LOVERS: INTRODUCING THE FIRST RUSSELL’S RESERVE® SINGLE BARREL
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”
What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.
Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”
“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.” Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.
About Russell’s Reserve
Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky for more than 58 years and has joined the ranks of the greats when it comes to his uncompromising craftsmanship. Working alongside him is his son, Associate Master Distiller, Eddie, a relative newcomer with 32 years under his belt. Together they create the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon and 6 Years Old Rye. Jimmy has worked at the distillery since 1954 and his devotion to his whiskey making runs in the family blood. His grandfather worked in the distilling business, as did his father before him. His son Eddie Russell now follows in his footsteps. Russell’s Reserve is testimony to the uncompromising approach that comes with over 90 years of combined experience.
About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. About Gruppo Campari Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com
TRUE, UNCOMPROMISING BOURBON FOR TRUE BOURBON LOVERS: INTRODUCING THE FIRST RUSSELL’S RESERVE® SINGLE BARREL
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”
What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.
Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”
“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.” Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.
About Russell’s Reserve
Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky for more than 58 years and has joined the ranks of the greats when it comes to his uncompromising craftsmanship. Working alongside him is his son, Associate Master Distiller, Eddie, a relative newcomer with 32 years under his belt. Together they create the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon and 6 Years Old Rye. Jimmy has worked at the distillery since 1954 and his devotion to his whiskey making runs in the family blood. His grandfather worked in the distilling business, as did his father before him. His son Eddie Russell now follows in his footsteps. Russell’s Reserve is testimony to the uncompromising approach that comes with over 90 years of combined experience.
About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. About Gruppo Campari Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery marks the halfway point in its quest for the perfect bourbon with the release of its eighth round of Single Oak Project Bourbon.
All of the bourbons that comprise this release entered the barrel at 105 proof, aged within the wooden ricks of Warehouse K, with a number 4 barrel char after the staves were seasoned for 12 months. This allows the release to focus on three other variables, the recipe, wood grain size, and tree cut. All of the other variables such as aging warehouse, entry proof, char level, and stave seasoning remain constant.
“Many people will find this release interesting since the entry proof is 105 this round – which some fans contend is better. Bourbon drinkers can taste and decide if they like wheated or rye recipe bourbon better at the 105 entry proof.” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.
So far, more than 2,221 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at http://www.singleoakproject.com/. These whiskey reviews will determine which Single Oak Project Bourbon is the favorite of fans worldwide. Buffalo Trace looks forward to more reviews, to hear what bourbon drinkers think, and will craft the perfect bourbon based on consumer feedback.
Now halfway through the project, barrel number 106 has fought its way back to the top, after being knocked off a few months ago by barrel number 97! “Barrels number 97 and 106 have been vying for the number one spot for several months now,” continues Comstock. “But with two more years to go, any of these bourbons still stand a chance to be declared the winner. And it’s not too late to get involved even if you’re new to the project!”
After a consumer reviews a bottle online, they will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites. Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, actively participate in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s quest to create the perfect bourbon!
The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.
To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof. And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors. In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.
For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!
The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011. This eighth release will reach stores towards the end of February. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The eighth release is made up of barrel numbers 27, 28, 59, 60, 91, 92, 123, 124, 155, 156, 187, and 188. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.
At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com
