Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey - Review

Stats

Pikesville

Straight Ry Whiskey

At Least 6 Years Old

Heaven Hill Distillery - Distilled & Bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky

110 Proof

Mash Bill: 51% Rye / 39% Corn / 10% Malted Barley

Retail Price: $50

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Amber

Nose: Caramel apples, allspice, nutmeg and oak

Palate: Vanilla, cherries (reminds me of a Cherry Vanilla Coke), some cinnamon and pepper spice.

Finish: Medium linger with a warm coating

Overall: Believe it or not, this is my first time diving into Pikesville. I've had it on my shelf for far too long and today was the day. Based on my fandom of Heaven Hill, I had no doubts this would be a solid pour. I wasn't expecting the flavors I picked up though. The heavy cherry influence is very welcomed and very much enjoyed. The finish is a perfect warm hug that sticks around for just the right amount of time.

Library Rating: 8.2 / 10

Sam Houston 15 Year - Review

Stats

Sam Houston

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

15 Years Old

Sourced - Undisclosed / Distilled & Aged in Bardstown, Kentucky

103 Proof / Non-Chill Filtered

Mash Bill: 74% Corn / 18% Rye / 8% Malted Barley

Batch KY-1 (3 Barrels) / Bottle 309 of 510

Barreled 04/06

Retail Price: $150

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Dark Amber

Nose: Creamy, flakey pastry with tones of vanilla, butterscotch, caramel and oak.

Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, cream and toasted marshmallow.

Finish: Viscous (oily) with a nice warm linger.

Overall: This bottle was a gift from Sam Houston for helping to choose the barrels that went into this batch. There were 15 Influencers involved, and I think we all nailed it! This entire process was completely humbling and had me enjoying every sip that went into it. Overall, the end result is nothing less than a brilliant bottle and pour. Very well blended and full of complexity, this bottle is one that isn't going to last very long in the Library.

Note: This custom, limited-edition box of Sam Houston 15 Year Old Bourbon is a gift for helping curate Release No.6 - It is not available for purchase.

Library Rating: 9.2 / 10

Time To Get Back To The Grind

It's been a little while since I updated any of my blogs or posted any reviews, but I haven't been lazy. There are some exciting times ahead for my website and I will get back in the saddle and start posting more frequently and with a little more structure.

The group I helped create, The Bourbon Thieves, have been hard at work! With three Single Barrel / Private Reserve bottlings under our belts, we are aiming for a new release at the rate of each month. We aren't just picking barrels to pick barrels. We are searching for those truly unique selections and at the same time, we are always looking to help the smaller lesser known companies and distilleries. Of course, this process takes time that doesn't just include the tasting portion. There is so much that goes into each selection. We are blessed to have an incredible team of Founders as well as a great team from a distribution standpoint, Curiada. We have been working with Curiada since our first release (RY3). With constant communication and a wonderful attitude, we decided to keep working with them. At the same time, The Bourbon Thieves have helped them grow as much as they watch us grow.

I've said it before, but relationships are key in this hobby. Being honest and genuine go such a long way. Keep an eye out for future updates on what to expect in the near future!