Joined Sep 2003
9K Posts | 0+
Puerto Rico/NYC
My overall financial picture is extremely bleak these days, but certain circumstances combined this past week to render the funds needed to purchase a bottle of the headlined spirit. My bottle came with a neck tag attached, and a quote from Michael Jackson, famed whiskey and beer critic. The quote is:
"The most noteworthy development in American whiskey in living memory."
Uhhhhhhhh, of course I'd need a few more tastings to say for sure, but for now I will say this:
I smell a bit of Cigar Aficionado-ism here, with regard to how their cigar reviews have been viewed by the "folks" for many years. This may be good whiskey, but let's hold the horses there for a minute.
I had long been curious about this 11 year old, 100 proof release from the growing line of spirits being put out by Anchor Distilling under their Old Potrero label. Anchor Distilling is basically a company that is an offshoot of Anchor Steam Brewing. Fritz Maytag, CEO and yes, from the famous Maytag washing machine family, has really outdone himself with the burgeoning operations at Anchor Distilling.
Instead of just pussyfooting around and toying with the idea of creating a couple of interesting, yet offbeat spirits, Mr. Maytag and Anchor Distilling have gone full speed ahead in the business of distilling fine spirits, as they have now branched out into the specialty spirits other than the familiar, rye based concepts previously produced in the history of their distilling operations. The Junipero Gin is a fine example of their increasing interest in producing unique spirits.
In perusing my favorite web sites for current prices and selections, I had happened across the fact that Astor Wines in downtown Manhattan, NYC had recently gotten the Hotalings Whiskey in. Their "walk-out price" of $70.43 ($64.99+tax) was quite fair, as the best price I can get is about $65 with shipping from one of my other favorite web sites. Of course, the advantage to walking in to a liquor store just minutes from midtown Manhattan is that I can have it pretty much when I want, and I don't have to put in an order for at least three bottles of something, in order to spread out shipping costs equitably, and get the best per-bottle price.
Then, there's also the spectre of the "having it when you want it" observation. That arrogant, spoiled American thingy. :mrgreen: :roll:
I had my first tasting of this very interesting whiskey the other night, but couldn't really speak to an overall flavor profile, except that I will hark back to my review of the 19th Century Style Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey that Anchor Distilling puts out. That is a very young, and bold tasting 90 proof spirit, which is a fine product in my opinion, having a tantalizing, bowl of cereal like flavor to it, although it lacks refinement and complexity.
What this Hotalings whiskey reminded me of at first is a much more mature and refined version of the 19th Century style rye. At 100 proof, a tad stronger, it gives a nice warmth to the chest and belly as it goes down, with a tangy finish. The entry was bold, somewhat sweet and I would honestly need more time with this, since I was just trying to enjoy myself and do some things around the house the other night, without the burden of "having to do a review" circling my head.
I just wanted to see initial impressions without having to drum up college level vocabulary in my mind.
Without a doubt, all these specialty spirits put out by Anchor Distilling are quite expensive, but they're the only one doing this, and the items are indeed unique enough to give a bottle a shot every now and then. Speaking of shots, I am looking forward to my next two shot tasting of this spirit, and a final review will eventually follow.
http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/o ... taling.htm
"The most noteworthy development in American whiskey in living memory."
Uhhhhhhhh, of course I'd need a few more tastings to say for sure, but for now I will say this:
I smell a bit of Cigar Aficionado-ism here, with regard to how their cigar reviews have been viewed by the "folks" for many years. This may be good whiskey, but let's hold the horses there for a minute.
I had long been curious about this 11 year old, 100 proof release from the growing line of spirits being put out by Anchor Distilling under their Old Potrero label. Anchor Distilling is basically a company that is an offshoot of Anchor Steam Brewing. Fritz Maytag, CEO and yes, from the famous Maytag washing machine family, has really outdone himself with the burgeoning operations at Anchor Distilling.
Instead of just pussyfooting around and toying with the idea of creating a couple of interesting, yet offbeat spirits, Mr. Maytag and Anchor Distilling have gone full speed ahead in the business of distilling fine spirits, as they have now branched out into the specialty spirits other than the familiar, rye based concepts previously produced in the history of their distilling operations. The Junipero Gin is a fine example of their increasing interest in producing unique spirits.
In perusing my favorite web sites for current prices and selections, I had happened across the fact that Astor Wines in downtown Manhattan, NYC had recently gotten the Hotalings Whiskey in. Their "walk-out price" of $70.43 ($64.99+tax) was quite fair, as the best price I can get is about $65 with shipping from one of my other favorite web sites. Of course, the advantage to walking in to a liquor store just minutes from midtown Manhattan is that I can have it pretty much when I want, and I don't have to put in an order for at least three bottles of something, in order to spread out shipping costs equitably, and get the best per-bottle price.
Then, there's also the spectre of the "having it when you want it" observation. That arrogant, spoiled American thingy. :mrgreen: :roll:
I had my first tasting of this very interesting whiskey the other night, but couldn't really speak to an overall flavor profile, except that I will hark back to my review of the 19th Century Style Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey that Anchor Distilling puts out. That is a very young, and bold tasting 90 proof spirit, which is a fine product in my opinion, having a tantalizing, bowl of cereal like flavor to it, although it lacks refinement and complexity.
What this Hotalings whiskey reminded me of at first is a much more mature and refined version of the 19th Century style rye. At 100 proof, a tad stronger, it gives a nice warmth to the chest and belly as it goes down, with a tangy finish. The entry was bold, somewhat sweet and I would honestly need more time with this, since I was just trying to enjoy myself and do some things around the house the other night, without the burden of "having to do a review" circling my head.
I just wanted to see initial impressions without having to drum up college level vocabulary in my mind.
Without a doubt, all these specialty spirits put out by Anchor Distilling are quite expensive, but they're the only one doing this, and the items are indeed unique enough to give a bottle a shot every now and then. Speaking of shots, I am looking forward to my next two shot tasting of this spirit, and a final review will eventually follow.
http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/o ... taling.htm