Tag Archives: whiskey

Bourbon 101

Whether we’re turning neophytes onto bourbon or introducing new finds to long-time aficionados, we at Bottles love talking about bourbon. We love talking about it, writing about it, sipping it, mixing it, discovering new distillers and re-discovering old distillers. We just flat out heart bourbon.

To spread the love to team members that are new to the store, we give them a crash course in the beloved brown spirit. A “Bourbon 101” to prime their palates for the joys ahead.

And given the sheer volume of questions we get in-store about bourbon we’re sharing our primer with you. What follows is meant to give you the basics on what it is and how it’s made. Once you’ve got that down, come in to the store or give us a call for the fun stuff: the flavor differences between styles and producers, which is sweetest, which is strongest, how best to enjoy bourbon and which makes the best Manhattan (just our opinion , of course).

Did we mention we love talking about bourbon?

Cheers!

Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Recipe & Two Tasty Twists on Classics

Looking for the perfect cocktail to make this season?

Here are 3 tasty recipes that you and your guests will love for the fall, Thanksgiving, and beyond.

These all feature a local whiskey distillery, Sons of Liberty Spirits, and are fun twists on cocktail classics. Visit the SOL Spirits website for even more cocktail ideas!

Cheers!

HOP WHISKEY TONIC

This whiskey is dry-hopped like a beer! Woah. It makes for an idea tonic for a beer lover.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Hop Flavored Whiskey

5 oz Tonic Water

GARNISH

Lemon wedge

DIRECTIONS

Serve whiskey and tonic water over ice. Stir & garnish with lemon wedge.

PUMPKIN MANHATTAN

Sons of Liberty’s Pumpkin Spice Whiskey has won best flavored whiskey in the world. Now that’s a Manhattan.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Pumpkin Spice Whiskey

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

GARNISH

Luxardo cherry

DIRECTIONS

Stir ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with cherry.

DARK RUSSIAN

No comment necessary.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Loyal 9 Dark Chocolate Vanilla Vodka

1 oz coffee liqueur

1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half, lightly whipped

GARNISH

Dust with grated nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Shake vodka and coffee liqueur with ice. Strain into ice-filled glass. Float lightly whipped cream on top of drink. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

-ENJOY!

Sons of Liberty Spirits: Craft Whiskey, Vodka & Gin Made in Rhode Island

Sons of Liberty Spirit

It was a warm, early Autumn day a few years back, and some of the staff at Bottles were on their way to Peacedale. We had been speaking with Mike Repucci, founder of the fledgling Sons of Liberty distillery, and he had invited us down to fire up the still and make some whiskey. How could we say no?

Mike explained the Sons of Liberty philosophy to us. If all whiskey starts as beer (true), then why not make great beer and turn it into fantastic single malt whiskey? As he spoke, he let us taste the creamy, cocoa-laced flavors of the raw spirit coming out of the still, and we were hooked.

Mike has continued to innovate since those early days, and has produced an authentic line of Whiskeys, Vodkas, & Gin that have received accolades from all around the globe. We’re so proud to have this kind of home-grown spirit here in Rhode Island, and we’re excited to share Sons of Liberty with you.

Cheers,
– Liam Maloney

THE WHISKEYS

Sons of Liberty Spirits Distillery - Uprising Whiskey

Uprising

The first Sons of Liberty spirit we tasted on that autumn morning. It starts life as a creamy & decadent chocolate stout, and you can taste it in the finished product. Look for light notes of vanilla and caramel, complemented by toasty spice flavors from American & French oak. This is a Scotch drinker’s whiskey.

Sons of Liberty Spirits Battlecry Whiskey

Battle Cry

A Bourbon drinker’s whiskey, Battle Cry starts off as a Belgian ale. Utilizing both rye and honey malts, to achieve a balance of dry spiciness & sweet grain flavors, Battle Cry is aged in new American oak before bottling. They also use a strain of Trappist ale yeast to ferment, which adds notes of dark fruits and anise to the dry finish.

Hop Whiskey - SOL Spirits

Hop

Brewers have long used a method called ‘dry-hopping’ to add aroma and flavor to their beers. The same method is used here, when Sons of Liberty distills an IPA and ages the finished spirit in oak with whole flower Citra & Sorachi Ace hops. Herbal & aromatic when young (and the perfect choice for a whiskey & tonic), it mellows with age, becoming more minty & oaky. A whiskey for the cocktail enthusiast, that is as good in a gin cocktail as it is in a whiskey-based one.

Pumpkin Spice Whiskey by Sons of Liberty Spirits Distillery

Pumpkin Spice

When you think about it, what would make more sense than turning a warming, spice-laced pumpkin beer into whiskey? This is a craft beer & spirit drinker’s whiskey, as the roasted flavors of pumpkin, clove, & allspice are subtle, and secondary to the flavors of the whiskey. Sons of Liberty uses tons of locally grown pumpkins each year, scooping & roasting them all by hand, and carefully aging the finish whiskey on the pumpkin & spice until just the right amount of flavor is achieved. This is a true New England original that we can all be proud of.

THE VODKA

Loyal 9 Vodkas

Loyal 9

Loyal 9 is exceptionally smooth vodka, made from corn, and distilled 99 times to achieve a sterling clarity. You’ll often find it in our home bars, where we like it on the rocks with a splash of bitters, or in any number of cocktails.

Loyal 9 Mint Cucumber

Sons of Liberty doesn’t do anything if they’re not going to do it right. So when they say mint & cucumber, they mean it. The base spirit of Loyal 9 is blended with subtle, cooling cucumber, and a fresh blast of mint. It’s very refreshing in a vodka tonic, or when blended with lemon juice & simple syrup.

Loyal 9 Dark Chocolate Vanilla Bean

Loyal 9 Chocolate Vanilla

Rather than being a fudgy, milk chocolate kind of vodka, Sons of Liberty continues their style of reserved, appropriately flavored spirits with this expression. Flavors of dry cocoa and a strong undercurrent of real vanilla beans make this vodka the perfect choice for chocolate martinis and white russians.

THE GIN

True Born Gin - The Belgian Wheat Act - Sons of Liberty

True Born Gin

True Born is a new staff favorite here at Bottles. Sons of Liberty starts by making truly excellent Belgian Wheat ale, brewed with lemongrass & coriander. It’s a beer that could stand on its own as is. When distilled, however, and seasoned with a touch of juniper, citrus, & other botanicals, it completely shines in the glass. We like to shake it on ice & strain it into a chilled cocktail glass, where the lemony flavors really shine. It also makes a memorable Negroni, and a very refreshing gin & tonic.

Hillrock Estate Distillery: An Exclusive Whiskey Pairing for Father’s Day, Only at Bottles

Hillrock Estate Distillery. Grain to Glass. Barrel to Bottles.

Bottles is proud to announce the release of our private barrel of Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye just in time for Father’s Day. Barrel No. 40—personally selected earlier this year at the Hudson Valley distillery, by our own Eric Taylor and Liam Maloney—was bottled last month. Each bottle is individually numbered and signed by Hillrock’s Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, and bears a special label signifying it as a “Bottles Special Edition.”

On a beautiful winter day at Hillrock, Dave shared with us his philosophy of distilling (“Play with your whiskey. You can’t be lazy with it. You’ve got to get your glasses steamy.”) and his thoughts on what makes the estate so distinctive. And of course, we tasted. After sampling more than 8 single barrels, we settled on Barrel No. 40. We were charmed by its full, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, the Hillrock characteristic hints of clove and cinnamon, and its warm, long finish.

Limited quantities of The Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye – Bottles Edition, are on sale now exclusively at Bottles. Make it the perfect Father’s Day gift this year by pairing it with an AVO No. 9, a mild-to-medium cigar with a smooth and slight spicy flavor. $100 for the pair, while supplies last.

Show your dad he’s one of a kind and give him this one-of-a-kind whiskey, available only at Bottles.

Cheers,
Katie

Featuring Compass Box Whisky Co.

Compass Box Whisky Co. is a specialist Scotch whisky-maker that produces a whole world of small batch Scotch whiskies, made in a variety of styles to appeal to a variety of tastes. Stop by Bottles to shop our new in-store display!

Great King Street Artist’s Blend – A marriage of delicate Lowland grain and robust, complex Highland malt whiskies. Rich, round and fruity with hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice.

Great King Street Glasgow Blend – Full bodied, a rich vein of peaty-smokiness, with dried fruit and wine character. A Glasgow icon (the Wellington Statue cheekily topped by a traffic cone) graces the label.

Delilah’s – Created to be perfect served as a shot with a beer! Intense yet subtly complex Scotch whisky with a lovely richness, vanilla character and sweetness.

Aslya – The lightest of the Compass Box whiskies. Aged in first-fill American oak casks, yielding the Compass Box trademark style: soft, rich, vanilla-tinged, and delicious.

The Lost Blend – A new limited edition and a homage to Compass Box’s own ‘lost blend’ – Eleuthera. An elegantly complex union of two fruity Highland single malts and a peaty Islay single malt.

Orangerie – Made from smooth, sweet Scotch whisky infused with the hand-zested peel of Navalino oranges and aromatic spices. Serve over ice with an orange twist. Great with dark chocolate!

Flaming Heart – Every few years, Compass Box blends and bottles a new edition of the award-winning Flaming Heart. A big, smoky malt whisky with rich, concentrated vanilla and spice character.

Oak Cross – Called Oak Cross because it offers the best characteristics of both American and French oak aging. A rich, medium-bodied blended malt Scotch whisky.

Peat Monster – For those who love big, rich, peaty and smoky malt whiskies, this is your whisky. A balanced and approachable monster, but a monster nonetheless.

Peat Monster 10th Anniversary – A special limited edition bottling of The Peat Monster, with intense aromas of peat-reek, smoke, seaside character, burnt ropes and a subtle apple-fruitiness in the background.

Spice Tree – Compass Box’s storied malt whisky aged in custom-made casks fitted with new French oak heads. The result is a big malt whiskey of richness and spice-like complexity.

Hedonism – When good Scotch grain whisky is aged in good quality American oak casks, the results are stunning: a rich, sweet, alluring whisky, redolent of vanilla, pastry cream and coconut.

3 Warm Drink Recipes for Chilly Nights!

It’s that time of the year again, and these cold, brisk nights are perfect for warm & cozy drinks. You’ll love these 3 classic winter cocktail recipes! It isn’t winter without at least one spiked tea or cocoa! Our mulled wine recipe is also a great alternative for punch at any party or gathering!

Grab these awesome printable recipe cards we’ve made too! Add em to your home bar collection, or stick em on the fridge for subtle reminder to drink to stay warm during this icy season!

—-> Printable Cards! <—–

Whiskey Hot Toddy

Ingredients:
A cup of hot black tea
1 oz Evan Williams 1783
Juice of half a lemon
1 spoonful Royal Rose’s Cardamom Clove Syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir to combine.

Historically, dropping some whiskey and a splash of lemon in your tea turned an afternoon tipple into a salve for the common cold. The warm tea soothed your sore throat and the vitamin C in the lemon juice provided support for your ailing immune system.

Royal Rose’s Cardamom Clove Syrup provides the experience of infusing a handful of spices Ina Garten-style over a warm stove for hours without any of the work. Our friends at Royal Rose have lovingly made this syrup so on a chilly day when your nose is runny and you feel under the weather you can add a drop of Cardamom Clove into your toddy, and head back to bed.

Infused Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:
A cup of your favorite hot cocoa
1 oz Bittermens New Orleans Coffee Liqueur
1 spoonful Royal Rose’s Three Chile Simple Syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients in your favorite mug and stir.

Bittermans New Orleans Coffee Liqueur tastes of Brazilian coffee beans and organic French chicory root that New Orleans coffee is famous for. A touch of vanilla and some Belgian chocolate syrup makes this liqueur perfect for hot cocoa.

Three Chile Syrup is hand-made with fresh poblano, jalapeño peppers, and dried ancho chiles. As a savory blend of sweet and spice, it’s a fantastic mixer for vodka, mezcal, and whiskey. Also, try it as a delicious marinade for meats and veggies!

Make a batch of this Infused Hot Cocoa, grab a blanket and settle in for a glorious evening of Netflix.

Mulled Wine

Ingredients:
A crockpot
1 Bottle Dry Red Wine or White Wine (not too minerally or tannic)
½ a cup Sugar
Cinnamon sticks, Cardamom, Cloves, Star Anise to taste
Sugar/Simple Syrup (1/2 cup to 2 cups)
Lemon peels & Orange Slices

Directions:
Make sure the crock pot is large enough to hold a bottle of wine and pour it in. Turn it on low and add the desired amount of spices. Be careful with the Star Anise because it is very powerful. Add about ½ a cup of sugar to start with and as the wine mulls, taste it along the way & add more if needed. Last but not least, add the slices of oranges & lemon peels for that last little kick of zest. Heat it till warmed & the wine has taken on the desired amount of flavors from the spice. Serve in ceramic or glass mugs for a true European experience.

Read more and check out our how to video here too!

Enjoy and stay warm!!

Cheers!

The Bottles Team

Featuring Bully Boy Distillery!

Located in Boston and owned and operated by brothers Will and Dave Willis, Bully Boy is a New England craft-method distillery you should know.

Will and Dave Willis were inspired by their childhood home and fourth-generation working family farm, where a basement vault of local artisan spirits was discovered roughly 70 years after Prohibition. This inspired the idea for an artisan distillery named after Bully Boy, a favorite farm workhorse. Paying particular attention to the caliber of ingredients used in its product, Bully Boy hand-produces premium spirits, carrying on the tradition of small-batch distilling and emphasizing quality over quantity.

We’re featuring all Bully Boy bottles in-store this winter, just look for our large spirits display. Also, you’re in luck if you’re on a budget, because they are all on sale for $5 off their regular price!

Cheers!

White Rum

Continuing Boston’s legacy as the center of rum production, Bully Boy’s signature White Rum is made with Blackstrap Molasses. Using techniques handed down from Cognac distillers, they use a blend of cuts to create white rum that has both depth and a remarkably smooth finish. Enjoy straight up or mixed in your favorite cocktail.

Boston Rum

Boston Rum grew out of a desire to resurrect the city’s storied history of rum production, which dates back to 1667. Colonial Americans had a healthy appetite for rum, and much of the original spirits were distilled in Boston. Made with blackstrap molasses, Bully Boy Boston Rum has a bold flavor, which is created using deeper cuts on the still. It’s aged in a blend of used bourbon and red wine barrels, and the final product has a fruity complexity, a subtle vanilla note, and a bit of sweetness.

Vodka

Bully Boy’s USDA certified organic vodka is made with wheat on a 600 liter copper still. Wheat was chosen as the base for the vodka because it creates a spirit with a subtle sweetness that aids drinkability. Distilled only once, the spirit presents a silky texture and clean, chiseled finish. Enjoy neat or mixed.

White Whiskey

All whiskey comes off the still as a clear spirit; it is the aging process that imbues whiskey with its deep brown hue and oaky taste. A popular spirit during prohibition, white whiskey (moonshine) was manufactured using primitive techniques and inferior ingredients making it harsh and undrinkable. Times have changed. Bully Boy’s USDA certified organic white whiskey is clean and mellow. It’s akin to vodka, but with bolder flavor notes. You can enjoy it neat or use it in place of vodka in your favorite mixed drink.

American Straight Whiskey

Bully Boy’s aged whiskey uses corn, rye, and malted barley as its primary ingredients, and is aged in new American Oak. The corn makes for subtle sweetness, and the high rye content creates a dry spiciness; the flavors are further refined through the barrel-aging process, which imparts both a prominent caramel note and a nutty finish. An excellent sipping whiskey! As with all Bully Boy’s spirits, their American Straight Whiskey is made in small, numbered batches, so you know you are getting a truly unique spirit.

Hub Punch

Inspired by the original Hub Punch recipe popular in the late 1800’s, Bully Boy Hub Punch, a barrel aged rum infused with fruits and botanicals, revives a historic Boston tradition that was a casualty of Prohibition. Originally concocted at the now defunct Hub Hotel, Bostonians typically enjoyed Hub Punch mixed with soda water, ginger ale, or lemonade. Bully Boy consulted a variety of historical accounts of Hub Punch to craft a spirit that pays homage to the traditional recipe and spirit of the pre-prohibition era Boston. Bully Boy Hub Punch is fruit forward with the botanicals providing tea-like undertones ideal for mixing with both dry and sweet mixing agents.

Favorite Bottles: Top Holiday Spirits

If there’s a time of year when you need a special bottle of something, it’s the holidays. Whether you’re looking the perfect gift for those you really appreciate, or need a memorable bottle to open up and share with family and friends, we’ve made sure to bring in our favorite picks to feature in the shop.

Here is our selection of Gin, Vodka, Rum, Mezcal, Whiskey, Scotch, and even Chartreuse that we find especially delicious and interesting. Plus, they’re easy on the eyes! Cheers!

GIN

Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin – A delightfully dry gin made with cool, crisp cucumber & aromatic citrus. As well suited to a Gin & Tonic as a dry Martini, this bottle is a real treat for the gin lover in your family. Make a Botanical Spritzer

St. George Botanivore Gin – A remarkably well balanced gin in the London Dry style. Deeply aromatic, its juniper flavors blend seamlessly with note of citrus & herbs. Try it in a Dorflinger

St. George Terroir Gin – This heady gin is made with botanicals that grow in California. It has a big nose of spruce tips, with a finish of laurel & oranges. Our recommended cocktail: Terroir Martinez

St. George Dry Rye Gin – Rye is super spicy! This gin is electric with bright, spicy, dry rye flavors. Perfect for a Dry Rye Negroni.

VODKA

Karlsson’s Gold – Made from seven separate distillations from virgin Norwegian potatoes. Incredibly smooth, with a rich mouthfeel and a creamy, lingering finish. Neither Eric or Liam are allowed to bring it home anymore – it goes too fast. Try it in a Black Gold (Karlsson’s on the rocks with a crack of black pepper).

Jewel of Russia ‘Ultra’ – Each unique, hand-painted bottle contains one of the purest spirits we’ve ever encountered. It’s almost like drinking nothing at all. How do you drink this? Shake over ice & strain. That’s it.

MEZCAL

Xicaru Silver – Made from 100% Espadin agave, smoked over mesquite, and crushed in the traditional Tahona method, this is a Mezcal of distinction. From its earthy start to its finish of light citrus notes, this is the perfect bottle for the Mezcal lover in your life, or for someone longing to be introduced to the world of Mezcal. Fantastic in a Mezcal Paloma – Pour 1 oz. of Xicaru in a highball glass with ice, and top with grapefruit soda.

Pierde Almas Coñejo – This remarkable Mezcal is only made once a year, and in very limited quantities. It’s produced by wrapping fruit, almonds, and anise in a rabbit & hanging it in the still, rather like a gin is produced. The final product is akin to drinking a big, beautiful, smoky, citrusy roast. Made for sipping.

RUM

Grand Ten Medford Rum – Grand Ten Distillers, in Boston, has brought back a lost, forgotten style of rum with their Medford. Made from a sour mash of blackstrap molasses, it’s creamy, buttery, & hugely aromatic. This is a whiskey lover’s sipping rum. Looking for a cocktail featuring Medford Rum? Make a Palmetto.

Clement 6 Year Grand Reserve – A true sipping rum, the Grand Reserve is a blend of rums aged for years in different oak casks – some in French Limousin, some in charred new American oak. The resulting blend of finish rums has flavors of almonds & biscotti, hazelnuts, tarragon, & green tea. Delicious as is.

CHARTREUSE

Chartreuse Green – Truly in a class of its own, Chartreuse is the creation of Carthusian monks, who have been passing down & perfecting their recipe for centuries. Trying to describe the flavor of Chartreuse is like trying to describe your first kiss. It’s strange & wonderful, ethereal & delicious all at the same time. If you need a Chartreuse cocktail, we recommend a Chartreuse Smash.

Chartreuse Green V.E.P. – As if a bottle of Chartreuse wasn’t good enough, the monks also make an extra aged version. As far as we can tell, it’s made from unicorn tears, ambrosia, and the laughter of children. It’s a rare treat, and a stunning example of the heights people can achieve when they put their minds to it.

COGNAC

D’Usse – This is a newcomer for us, and we were impressed with its intense flavors (of cinnamon & clove) and its light, creamy mouthfeel. This is a great bottle for the Cognac drinker in your life who’s looking for something new. D’Usse makes an impressive Vieux Carre.

Remy Martin Louis XIII – This legendary blend contains no spirit less than 50 years old. It has subtle & nuanced flavors of hazelnuts, truffles, & prunes. Distinct & impressive, this is truly a gift for someone very deserving.

WHISKEY

Tin Cup – American Whiskey at its finest, Tin Cup is a new release from Jess Graber out of Colorado. Distilled from grain and a generous amount of rye, it’s light & lively on the palate, with a dry finish that makes it equally as suited to cocktails as it is to a few cubes. Wonderful in a classic Old Fashioned.

Michter’s Celebration – Hand selected by Master Distiller Willie Pratt, this extraordinary blend of 20 – 30 year old Bourbons & Ryes is going to make one very lucky person very, very happy. It could be you!

SCOTCH

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie – Previously known as the ‘Laddie 10’, this unpeated Single Malt is made from 100% Scottish barley, carefully distilled, and aged in American Oak. It’s equal parts fruity, malty, biscuity, creamy, & delightful. The perfect bottle for the Whiskey lover in your family.

Macallan 25 Year Sherry Oak – One of the highest rated & consistent Single Malts in the world, the Macallan 25 Year exhibits deep & profound notes of cinnamon, wood smoke, dried fruits, and a touch of citrus. The kind of gift that lets people know what you really think of them.

Cheers!
– The Bottles Team

4 Classic Bourbon Cocktails for Fall

There’s nothing like that warm whiskey feelin’ to help adjust to cooler nights. So, to ready yourself for fall, here are a few of our favorite bourbon cocktail recipes. They’re classic, easy to make, and delicious to boot!

– The Stone Fence incorporates freshly pressed apple cider…live dangerously (like we do) and try a Tripping Hazard as well. Our own ‘special’ recipe, a Tripping Hazard uses Downeast Hard Cider instead of regular ‘ole apple cider. It’s the Dark N’ Stumbly of the fall!

– A Whiskey Fizz is good for your digestion, and gets you tipsy at the same time.

– Need that sophisticated look? Make a Manhattan — be sure to use Luxardo maraschino cherries — they’re possibly the best maraschino cherries out there.

To shop the recommended bourbons & ingredients, swing by Bottles, and look for our Bourbon Special display. And if you’d like to learn more about our featured whiskeys this fall, you can read our latest post here to learn even more.

FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARDS >
Perfect to lay out at your next party!

Stone Fence

INGREDIENTS
2 oz. Bourbon (Evan Williams 1783)
Bitters (Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters)
Fresh pressed apple cider

DIRECTIONS
Get a big glass & fill with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon (Evan Williams 1783), and maybe, just maybe a dash of bitters. Fill with Freshly pressed cider from your local orchard. Drink it!

Tripping Hazard (our ‘special’ recipe)

INGREDIENTS
2 oz. Bourbon (Evan Williams 1783)
Bitters (Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters)
Downeast Cider

DIRECTIONS
Get a big glass & fill with ice, pour in 2 ounces of Bourbon and maybe, just maybe a dash of bitters. Fill with Downeast Cider. Drank it!

Whiskey Fizz

INGREDIENTS
2 oz. bourbon (Rittenhouse Rye)
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Half a lemon
Seltzer water
Mint, lemon zest, or fruit garnish

DIRECTIONS
Get a highball or similar glass & fill with crushed ice, add 1/2 oz. simple syrup, pour in 2 oz. bourbon (Rittenhouse Rye), and squeeze in half a lemon. Stir the bejeezus out of it, top with seltzer water, and garnish with mint, lemon zest, and/or fruit.

Just make a Manhattan, Dangit

INGREDIENTS
3 oz. bourbon (Henry McKenna)
1/2 oz. vermouth (or more to taste, use Noilly Prat Vermouth)
Bitters (Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters)
Maraschino cherry

DIRECTIONS
Get your best martini glass. In a shaker, add 3 ounces Bourbon (Henry McKenna), toss in a few dashes of bitters, and add 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth (or more, to taste). Shake the living heck out of it & strain into your cocktail glass. Drop a maraschino cherry in there and act sophisticated.

Cheers!
Bottles <3

Learn All About Heaven Hill Distilleries – Small Batch Bourbons, Bottled-in-Bond, and Beyond!

In the spirit of welcoming in the fall season, we are having a new Bourbon Special at Bottles! We’re featuring a wide range of whiskies by Heaven Hill Distilleries: America’s largest independent family-owned producer of Bourbon, who holds the second largest inventory of bourbon in the country. They make great bourbons like Elijah Craig, Evan Williams 1783, Rittenhouse Rye, and much, much more. Below we’ve outlined some of the featured whiskeys from our display. So take a read, soak it in, and swing by the store today and grab a bottle or 5 off our new display!

Henry McKenna 10 Year, Bottled in Bond
By law, a Bottled in Bond whiskey must be bottled at 100 proof, aged for a minimum of four years in a government warehouse, and must contain whiskey from a single season of distillery production. Henry McKenna is one of our all-time favorite whiskies, from anywhere in the world. Bold without being pushy, and deceptively boozy, you’re gonna want Henry in your corner on a night out (or in)!

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey
A straight whiskey that utilizes winter wheat to bring out extremely soft, sweet, slightly herbal flavors. Very good on its own and eminently mixable, this is a truly unique whiskey!
Elijah Craig 12 Year
These days, you don’t see a lot of 12 year old Bourbon out there, and certainly not at an affordable price. Elijah Craig 12 is a truly small batch bourbon each batch is blended from no more than 70 hand selected barrels. The result is a clean & bracing whiskey, with clear vanilla & oak notes.
Evan Williams 1783
1783 was the year the first official distiller opened in Kentucky, and this Bourbon pays tribute to that Kentucky spirit. A small batch version of Evan William’s Black Label, it’s dry & toasty, with a beguiling zesty & spicy finish.

Evan William Single Barrel
Bottled from a barrel aged near the top of Heaven Hill’s rickhouse, where the average temperature is much higher. The resulting whiskey has penetrated deep into its barrel, picking up remarkably nuanced flavors of cocoa, black tea, vanilla, cedar, and a light citrus quality.
Evan Williams White Label, Bottled in Bond
By law, a Bottled in Bond whiskey must be bottled at 100 proof, aged for a minimum of four years in a government warehouse, and must contain whiskey from a single season of distillery production. This antiquated system helped protect farmers and distillers in the past, giving them a government backed cash crop and tax breaks on warehousing. Nowadays, it just means good, quality Bourbon.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye
A spicy rye whisky that smells and tastes like running through a field on a warm summer day. This 100 proof expression loves to be mixed, though it can be consumed on the rocks if you want to put some hair on your chest!

Cheers!