Pumpkin Beer Round-Up

October 23, 2014
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Schlafly Pumpkin Ale St. Louis, MO

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale is a fantastic brew made with plenty of pumpkin, squash and spice. The foundation is made from pounds of pumpkin, while flavors of fall, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, play a supporting role. In fact, it’s one of the best widely available pumpkin beers! What sets Schlafly’s apart from the rest is its big, flavorful body, and the definite pumpkin pie vibe it has going on.

Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale Hayward, CA
Originally brewed in 1985 in Hayward California, Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale was the first commercially available pumpkin beer brewed in the United States back in 1985. This one is all pumpkin spice and lighter on the malty beer flavors found in other examples of the style. It’s made with real pumpkin and embodies a golden amber color. Enjoy it all throughout the fall season, as it is available from August to November.
Tin Man Herald Imperial Pumpkin Ale Evansville, IN
Herald Imperial Pumpkin is a higher octane pumpkin beer at just over 8% alcohol and is pretty well balanced, while also refreshing. It pours a ruby-amber color and the nose is reminiscent of subtlety fall smells. The overall taste is heavy and overpowering, but in a good way. The spice and malt play well together for a delicious pumpkin brew.

Flat 12 Flat Jack Pumpkin Ale Indianapolis, IN
Flat Jack is the fall seasonal ale from Flat 12 brewing in Indianapolis. In their words it’s, “a special blend of Indian(a) spices and pumpkin shine through just enough to complement this slightly sweet and malty tribute to the season of hayrides and bonfires. Flat out fantastic.” Flat Jack is full of pumpkin spices and offers a nice bitter finish.

Be sure to check out our pumpkin beer selections this fall at your local Payless Liquors store. If you would like to reserve one of these beers, be sure to send us a request via our website.

We hope you have a Happy Halloween full of pumpkin beers!

 

Larceny: A Lawless Bourbon

October 16, 2014
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Let us travel back in time to the year 1870, shortly after the Civil War. John F. Fitzgerald, a simple man, built a distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River, where he sold his bourbon to passengers on rail lines and steamships and to members of private clubs. Fitzgerald then made the decision to sell his brand to the one and only Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle for a small fortune of $10,000.

But more to this story has been uncovered in recent years. In 1999, a member of the Pappy Van Winkle family revealed a different side to Fitzgerald. It seems he wasn’t the man or the distiller he claimed to be — he was actually a bonded treasury agent, which meant that as a member of the Treasury Department, he was one of the only people allowed to carry keys to the barrel storage warehouses. As a man with a taste for fine bourbon, he used this luxury as an advantage to swipe the best barrels from all around as they aged and add them to his own “Fitzgerald barrels.”

Thus, the Old Fitzgerald Bourbons were a combination all the best barrels around. With the pick-up from Van Winkle’s, Old Fitzgerald was immortalized. What made it unique was the mash bill that contained wheat, rather than the other grains which were used in recipes at the time. This provided a softer, rounder profile to the bourbon.

Today we recognize Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon as a tribute to the lawless John E. Fitzgerald and his impeccable taste in bourbon. Larceny is made of corn, wheat malted barley and rye mash. Once the grains are milled, they are cooked in the Kentucky limestone water. After fermentation, the bourbon is aged in honey barrels for six to twelve years. Once the aging process is complete, the bourbon is bottled at 92 proof. Below you will find color, aroma, tasting and finishing notes.

Color

Bright copper coloring.

The Nose

The aroma is a blend of buttery bread, honey, vanilla and toffee. You may also notice hints of butterscotch and honeysuckle.

On The Palate

Enjoy a velvety taste on the tongue with a pleasant hint of spice. The taste also includes a rich mouthful of caramel and cinnamon.

The Finish

A tad short, but the finish embodies an even warmth and notes of honey sweetness.

Larceny has received high ratings from the following:

  • Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2013: 93 points
  • Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
  • Named in Top 20 Spirits by Spirit Journal
  • Best Buy by Whiskey Magazine

Have you had a chance to try the unruly Larceny? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Bourbon Season: Parker’s Heritage Collection 8th Edition

October 9, 2014
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The wait is finally over, Parker’s Heritage Collection Edition 8 is now available for purchase. The much anticipated 2014 edition is part of a series of rare, limited edition American Whiskies that pay homage to the sixth-generation Master Distiller, Parker Beam. Beam has dedicated the last 50 years of his live to producing outstanding whiskey for Heaven Hills Distilleries to share with the world.

With his most recent diagnosis of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Beam has used his recent misfortune to help raise money for the cause. For every purchase of Parker’s Heritage, Heaven Hill Distilleries will donated $5 to the ALS Promise Find. Beam and his family hope that this contribution will help raise awareness and ultimately find a cure for the crippling disease.

The 8th edition is a no frills bourbon that could be enjoyed every day, and never grow tiresome. It’s a 13 year old cask strength whiskey. Beam has also turned to a wheat whiskey for this year’s release. The batch is pulled from a year 2000 barrel the top floor of Rickhouse Y at Heaven Hill. In the glass, the whiskey takes on a deep amber color, which is unusual for bourbon. The aging and lack of chill filtration. Below you will find scent, taste and finish details.

The Nose

The aroma has hints of caramel, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. There is also a subtle piney scent present from the rye.

The Palate

On the first sip there is a pleasantly sweet start, with notes of toffee, ripe cherry and red pepper. The oak also offers a dryness flavor, with leather and molasses.

The Finish

Expect a long and warming finish. It’s also a bit on the strong side.

We recommend Parker’s Heritage 8th Edition for a variety of cocktails, or if you please, drinking it neat is also very enjoyable. If you aren’t a fan of an oaky taste add a splash of water makes it disappear.

Have you had a chance to get your hands on the Parker’s Heritage 8th Edition? What were your thoughts? What other bourbon releases are you looking forward to?

Hidden Gem: Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

October 2, 2014
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On October 20th we will have a special guest at our Adams Street store in Carmel. Shannon Wildenradt from Jackson Family Wine will be handing out samples of Stonestreet, Cambria and Carmel Road products, along with educating guests about their various wines. This week we would like to highlight the highly acclaimed, Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from the Jackson Family Wine collection.

Tucked away in the valley of the Alexander Mountain Estates, the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vineyards along the ridgeline of the mountains that run through the land. Because of the proximity to the mountain crest, this provides wide varieties of soils ranging from those exposed to sun and others exposed to the breeze. This variety of soil forms a perfect environment for Cabernet grapes.

The 2009 Monument Ridge embodies an elegant vintage wine. Aromas of violet, blackberry and blueberry explode from the glass. Hints of ginger, black pepper and wet black slate are also present in the scent. On the palate you can expect a rich taste, with a refreshing flair. A long and dry finish completes this wine with a lingering currant punch.

After purchasing Stonestreet 2009, we recommend letting it age a couple of years to intensify the overall rich, red taste. As for food pairings, we suggest pairing the Cab with a tender filet mignon or juicy Angus burger.

As for acclamations, Monument Ridge was given a 93 points rating by Wine Enthusiast for its “structural integrity, and elegant feel on the mouth.” Wine & Spirits, rated high with 92 points for “black cherry and chocolate depths and a dense, juicy silken cabernet.” Richard Parker gave 92 points also, saying “dark cherries, mocha, plums, spices, mint, minerals and graphite are woven together in this effortless, totally captivating wine.” Lastly, Antonio Galloni from Vinous says “it impresses for its nuance, clarity and precision” and gave the wine a 92 point rating.

Get your hands on this great hidden gem at your local Payless Liquors store or if you would prefer, reserve a bottle here on our website. And look forward to Shannon Wildenradt’s visit on October 20th in Carmel at our Adams Street!

Welcome Stranahan’s to Indiana

September 25, 2014
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Yet another wonderful whiskey hailing from Colorado is making its way to Payless stores. This time it’s Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. The story of Stranahan’s starts back in 1998, when firefighters answered the call at liquor connoisseur, George Stranahan’s burning barn. Volunteer firefighter, Jess Graber and George were inspired by the roaring amber color of the fire. They also discovered they shared a passion for the Colorado landscape and fine whiskey. And thus, Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey was born. Not only did they create Colorado’s first micro distillery, but also the first legal distillery in Colorado since Prohibition.

Graber and Strananhan developed a recipe for their product that was the smoothest, yet most potent whiskey of its kind. The 94 proof, straight small batch whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, just like bourbon. The final product turns out to be a blend of 2, 3 and 5 year old whiskeys. Stranahan’s is distilled from 100% malt barley with four of the barleys coming from the local Colorado area. The water used in distilling comes from the Eldorado Spring just outside of Boulder. You could say Stranahan’s evokes a delicious combination of the Colorado outdoors.

Stranahan’s comes in a sleek, glass bottle with minimalistic packaging. Each bottle has a yellow label draped across the middle with a tin cup top that covers the cork. What is most unique about the packaging is the almost sentimental notes describing what that person was doing at that exact moment while they bottled the product, for example “listening to Christmas carols” and “drinking coffee”. The label also includes the distinctive signature of the distiller. Did we also mention the bottling process is done by volunteers? People can simply sign up online to be a volunteer in the process. Volunteers are then are chosen from a random lottery. Currently the waiting list to volunteer is approximately 20,000 people long!

The Nose

Stranahan’s has strong hints of coffee, oak and oatmeal along with some strong undertones of vanilla and caramel. The coffee scent and taste can be accredited to the roasted barley.

The Taste

On the palate, it provides a full, thick richness that leaves you wanting more. Stranahan’s has an interesting, yet unique flavor that can’t really be compared to any other whiskeys of its kind. The sweet coffee flavor includes notes of more vanilla and caramel.

The Finish

The finish is nice with a slight spicy kick. A lingering touch of mint taste will leave your lips tingling.

Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on one of these limited release bottles. You can pick up Stranahan’s at select Payless Liquors stores, or you can reserve one here on our website. http://goo.gl/istNXG

For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow: Old Forester 13th Birthday Edition

September 18, 2014
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The Brown Forman Distilling Company has been producing quality Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon for over 140 years. In fact, “Old Forester is the only bourbon still in existence today that was produced before, during and after Prohibition by its original distiller,” says Chris Morris, the Master Distiller. Now that is an accomplishment! In commemoration of founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday on September 2nd, each year Old Forester releases a special Birthday Bourbon. This year will mark the 13th year for the much anticipated, limited-edition Birthday Bottle.

The Birthday Bottle release is selected from a single day of production and handcrafted by Chris Morris. It’s a small batch bottled at 97 proof and provides a one-of-a-kind vintage-dated flavor that can’t be replicated. It’s no coincidence that the bottle also embodies a decanter-esque style. This style of bottle dates back to the 1800s when Old Forester first started producing their highly-acclaimed bourbon. Each bottles has its sign of approval from George Brown featured on the label, along with the barrel and bottling date. This touch gives each bottle a personality and individuality.

The Nose

The nose of the 13th edition lends a creamy soft vanilla beam aroma, with hints of cinnamon spice, maple syrup and orange peel.

The Taste

A bit dry in the beginning, the bourbon opens to a sweet, oaky complex flavor. Notes of caramelized citrus are also present.

The Finish

The finish is warming on the palate with a yeasty yet cake-like feel.

Morris adds that, “The complex flavor and warm finish with just a hint of sweetness make this year’s batch a must-have release.”

This year, The Old Forester’s Birthday Bottle 13th Edition will be available at Payless Liquors’ stores the first week of October. Don’t miss out on your chance to own a piece of history. Once these bottles are gone, they are gone.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about when Birthday Bottle will be in stores. We also recommend subscribing to our email list for more information on the release date.

National Bourbon Heritage Month

September 11, 2014
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In case you haven’t heard, September is National Bourbon Heritage Month. Let me remind you this isn’t just another media holiday created by Twitter, but in fact this celebration is officially recognized by the U.S. Senate. So grab your glasses and toast to a month full of bourbon!

The History

As of August 2007, every September is a reason to celebrate bourbon. The National Bourbon Heritage Month calls for the acknowledgement of bourbon as America’s “Native Spirit.” The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky, and naturally was passed without any dispute. The Bourbon Heritage Month bill pays homage to the 1964 Act of Congress which declared bourbon to be “America’s Native Spirit.” This Act of Congress encourages Americans everywhere to embrace the tradition and deep-rooted legacy of bourbon that continues to flourish in the United States.

Celebrations

All around the United States in September, and particularly in Kentucky, people are finding ways to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month. Here are a few of the special events and promotions going on this month in honor of bourbon:

  • Angel’s Envy is giving back this month with their Toast to the Trees campaign. For every picture on social media with the hashtag, #AE4TheTrees, they will be planting a white oak tree. Angel’s Envy is pairing with The Arbor Day Foundation to ensure bourbon’s legacy for future generations.
  • The Kentucky Bourbon Festival starts September 11th in Bardstown, Kentucky. The festival lets you experience and taste the rich history of American bourbon distillation in the state that produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. Enjoy delicious food, smooth bourbon and great entertainment.
  • Payless Liquors, Jim Beam and Ruth’s Chris invite you to the Inagural Bourbon Dinner in honor of the new Ruth’s Chris location at the Ironworks at Keystone. Join us September 26th for a night of delicious food and drinks. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn and taste bourbon from the experts at Jim Beam. The price is $100 per person which includes one Maker’s 46 Manhattan, a Ruth’s Chris Signature Selection dinner, a Jim Beam tasting and a bottle of Knob Creek to take home. Cocktails will begin at 6 pm and dinner begins at 7 pm. If you are interested in attending please make your reservation by calling Lori at Ruth’s Chris at (317) 844- 1155 or by emailing lseefeldt@ruthschris.us.

How will you be celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month? Let us know in the comments below, cheers!

From Indiana to Colorado: Tincup American Whiskey

September 4, 2014
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This week Indy and Denver fans may be at odds, but this whiskey collaboration proves that when Colts and Broncos get together they can make something great. What am I talking about? I’m talking about Tincup Whiskey and it’s a beautiful blend.

Tincup American Whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana at the MGP Ingredients facility. The whiskey mash is 65% corn, 32% rye and 4% malted barley distilled in copper stills, then aged for four to five years in new charred white oak barrels. After the aging process, the whiskey is batched and blended for consistency.

Once the distilling and aging processes are complete, Tincup is shipped to Denver for the final touches. In Colorado, authentic Rocky Mountain water is used to cut the whiskey. The mineral-heavy water adds a nice crisp clarity to the product. Then it’s bottled at 84 proof and labeled for purchasing.

The package appearance is very unique among the various whiskey and bourbons out there. The top is an actual tin cup, which turns out to be quite useful for sipping and sharing. The rugged hexagon-shaped box mimics the iconic Rocky Mountains. The name Tincup comes from an old mining town in Gunnison County, Colorado where tin cups were used by the miners.

The Nose

Tincup gives off a delicious spicy aroma with strong notes of cinnamon and butterscotch.

The Taste

On the palate you can taste a warm apple cinnamon flavor as well as a bold rye, vanilla and oak with hints of chocolate and caramel. It’s a full-flavored whiskey that is certainly a pleasure on the palate.

The Finish

The finish is long with the lingering cinnamon flavor. Tincup has a surprisingly smooth and sultry taste for such a robust whiskey.

Tincup American Whiskey is the perfect beverage if you are looking for an easygoing drink with a little spice. We recommend enjoying it neat for the full experience.

If you would like to try Tincup Whiskey for yourself, be sure to join us for our Indy vs. Denver tasting Friday, September 5th from 5-7 pm at our Greenwood Mall location. We will be tasting various beers from both Indiana and Colorado, along with Tincup. We will also have samples from the local restaurant, Between the Bun! Come enjoy these great products from both Indiana and Denver to help kick off the start of the NFL season.

Hidden Whiskey Gems at Payless

August 28, 2014
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You know that feeling you get when you find $20 in your pants pocket? Well, that same feeling is the one we get when we find one of our hidden-gem items tucked away in one of our many closets. This week we are featuring two hidden whiskey products: Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration and a 17-year Balvenie Doublewood.

Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration

From the Castle Brands’ whiskey brand, Jefferson’s is a collaboration whiskey with Top Chef alum, Edward Lee. Lee and Jefferson’s Master Blender, Trey Zoeller, set out to make the perfect whiskey that would pair with any hearty meal. After nine months of developing their collaboration, the men still couldn’t find the right taste. It was then that they decided to try a bourbon/rye blend.

Bottled at 92 proof, Jefferson’s Chef uses whiskey that is 14 years old. The nose is very nice and light, yet at the same time has hints of explosive rye. The marriage of very rare barrels of bourbon and rye gives the whiskey a harmonious blend of smoke and spice flavors. Notes of oak, cherry and cinnamon are also present. The finish is fairly long and fruity, but mellow.

We recommend a glass of straight Jefferson’s Chef to pair alongside tonight’s dinner. Chef Lee also includes various couplings in his cookbook, Smoke and Pickles. This exclusive collaboration is an extremely small batch that was offered at limited supply.

Balvenie (17 year) Doublewood

After their wildly popular 12-year-old Doublewood, Balvenie decided to let it mature for an additional five years in their traditional ex-bourbon oak casks. The result was the 17-year Doublewood, which was also matured in an ex-sherry European oak. The sherry-oak gives it a perfect balance of oak, malt and fruit. This extra aging adds a subtle elegance to Doublewood.

The nose emulates flavors of juicy black cherry, honey, apple cider and light floral. It is certainly pleasing to the nose with the many layers of fruit and airy malt. The flavor is medium-bodied with notes of tart apple, cherries, sherbet spice, toasted almonds creamy toffee and deep vanilla. On the finish, it is slightly short, but very nice with sweet-honey and hints of vanilla. Doublewood leaves a lasting impression of elegance and finesse.

When first produced, the 17-year-old edition was produced in small batches and went quickly. We recommend purchasing it now to save for the holiday season. Don’t miss out on your chance to indulge in a fantastic single malt whisky.

Just like that $20 bill in your pocket, these products are bound to go fast. Reserve the Jefferson’s Chef or Balvenie Doublewood today through our Payless Liquors reservation page.

Find Your New Brew in August

August 22, 2014
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Find A Brew Tastings are great for trying new products and finding a new favorite brew. This August our Find A Brew tastings have been all about gearing up for the fall season with beers that have an autumn feel. Below are a few of the seasonal beers we will be tasting this month.

Redd’s Wicked Ale

Redd’s has rolled out a twist on the classic Apple Ale with a bolder flavor that is still refreshing. Wicked Ale is crisp like an apple, yet it stays true to its golden ale roots. The taste is similar to the apple ale with low malt and hints of bitterness. It has a crisp finish that is sure to please anyone who is looking to branch out and try something new.

Blue Moon Belgium White Ale

Belgium White Ale is brewed with oats to produce a creamy and spiced flavor. This beer is the perfect combination of orange peel and coriander. It has a smooth taste, which is uncommon for a Belgian style. White Ale is a hazy yellow color with a small white head. The aroma is very citrusy with flavors of orange and lemon. You will also find it has a sweet taste. We recommend garnishing your Belgium White with an orange slice for some added zest!

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Harvest Pumpkin Ale was the first autumn seasonal brew crafted by Blue Moon back in 1995. It is made with pumpkin and spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice that represent all the tastes of fall. Unlike other pumpkin ales, it’s a perfect balance of pumpkin and spices for a very smooth, pleasant taste. Not only is Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale great for drinking, but it is also great for baking. Check out this delicious recipe for Harvest Pumpkin Ale cupcakes.

Leinenkugel’s Hoppin Hellis

Made with the citrus hops Citra, Simcoe, Cluster, Centennial and Chinook, Hoppin Helles is a truly refreshing brew. The taste is a great combination of light, sweet malt with hoppy notes and infused crisp fruit. It finishes a bit bitter with a mild, citrus hop flavor. The lightness of the beer pays homage to its roots with helles – meaning light-colored in German.

Would you like to try out these beers for yourself? Be sure to come out to one of the three Find A Brew tastings this month at the following times and Payless Store locations:

August 22: Greenwood Mall 4-8 pm
August 29: 9520 Uptown Dr. 4-8 pm
August 30: 726 Adams St. 3-7 pm

See you there!

Green Spot Irish Whiskey Makes its Way to the U.S.

August 14, 2014
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For the first time ever, Green Spot Irish whiskey is now available in the U.S.! And this sought-after Irish whiskey has not only made it to the United States, but it has also made its way to your nearest Payless Liquor Store location here in Indianapolis.

Green Spot is one of the rarest and finest whiskies in the world today. In fact, it’s so rare that the Midleton distillery in Dublin only produces 500 cases each year. Its rarity is contributed to by the fact that it’s one of the few single pot still whiskey brands to be produced today.

Single pot still whiskey is a term that refers to the style of whiskey. It is comprised of a mixture of malted and unmalted barley, which is triple distilled in traditional Irish copper pot stills. As one of Ireland’s oldest spirits, Green Spot can trace its roots back nearly 12 decades, to the 20th century. Back then, it was even harder to come by, because only 12,000 bottles were produced each year.

As a single pot still, this Irish whiskey is very complex in its main characteristics. A honey flavor offsets its innate spiciness. Green Spot is a light amber color, which comes from it being aged in sherry and ex-bourbon barrels.

The Nose

The nose has hints of peppermint, malt and sweet barley. Flavors of sugary porridge, creamy vanilla and citrus are also present. Some tasters even recall a dusty aroma in Green Spot, which is attributed to the sherry cask aging.

The Body and Palate

On the palate, one can taste a combination of gentle bourbon oak, green wood, menthol and potpourri. Green Spot has a balanced spicy, yet soft, flavor. It has a very pleasant and light body.

The Finish

Finally, Green Spot finishes long and creamy. Punches of vanilla, warm fruit and hazelnut are also present in the finish. It is known to leave one craving more.

Since Green Spot is so hard to come by, especially here in the U.S., it’s perfect for the whiskey collector, or really just anyone who enjoys an authentic Irish whiskey. This whiskey has received several acclamations and some even say it’s the best Irish whiskey they’ve ever had!

Don’t miss out on your chance to have a piece of Irish whiskey history. It’s available in Payless Liquor Stores now for $59.99, but to ensure you get your hands on this iconic whiskey, we recommend reserving a bottle through our website here.

See what the talk is all about!

The August Beer Round-Up

August 7, 2014
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This August, Payless Liquors has three great beers that are sure to please your palette. These three beers are all about collaborations between different breweries in an effort to produce the ultimate brew.

Stone/Heretic/Beachwood Unapologetic IPA

This beer is a collaboration between three big hopheads: Stone, Beachwood BBQ and Heretic Brewing. Unapologetic IPA is a big, fruity DIPA. It pays homage to its Cali roots with a big, bitter taste. The hop varieties cultivated in the brew provide pine and citrus aromas along with peach, orange and coconut flavors. The Belma hops also bring out berry and black currant notes. We recommend enjoying Unapologetic as soon as you purchase it, so you can experience the newly cultivated hops and all their glory. We have a limited supply available in 22 oz bottles for $9.99.

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Across America

Beer Camp has been creating quite a buzz among craft beer enthusiasts this summer. In fact, it received a 100-point score from none other than Beer Advocate. Sierra Nevada’s variety pack contains 12 different beers from 12 different breweries across the U.S. Some notable participants include: Cigar City, Russian River, Bell’s Victory, Firestone Walker and 3 Floyds. The pack is meant to be a celebration of craft beers with a 7-city traveling beer festival worked into the promotion of the exclusive release. The festival tour concluded on August 3rd and featured several craft brewers from each area visited. We have the Beer Camp package in very limited quantity for $25.99, which includes 10 bottles and 2 cans.

Sierra Nevada West Coast DIPA

West Coast DIPA was an invite sent out across America for the Beer Camp Across America Festivals. Although the invite is no longer valid, you can still purchase it at your local Payless Liquors store. This new DIPA is a citrusy, yet bitter, with five different hops. If you are a Sierra Nevada fan, you will be happy to know two of the hops being used in “Hop Torpedo” are included in West Coast. The intense of flavors of citrus and pine are present, with an incredibly smooth taste. Hints of grapefruit and floral notes, with an orange blossom flow throughout the brew. It also has a nice, dry malty finish. You can find the 22 oz cans in stores for $5.99.

To insure you snag one of these extremely popular collaboration brews, be sure to submit a request via our website.

What beers are you enjoying this August? Let us know in the comments below!

Buffalo Trace: The Latest Experiment in Bourbon

July 31, 2014
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In Frankfort, Kentucky there lies Buffalo Trace Distillery. A laboratory, if you will, where an experiment with bourbon is taking place. “Scientists” at Buffalo Trace are conducting a test to see if the altitude in which a bourbon is aged affects the flavor.

What they are calling the Warehouse Floors Experiment was started in 2001 in the distillery’s Warehouse K. What they did was place Buffalo Trace’s Rye Mash recipe #1 bourbon into barrels and then aged different ones on floors one, five and nine of the warehouse. Warehouse K is home to nine wooden floors, each providing a different taste during the aging process. Why that is is due to the varying temperatures that exist on the higher floors (mind you, heat rises). This environment made it the perfect location for the trial. The barrels were then aged for 11 years and 9 months.

So what were the results of this experiment? Well, allow us to present to you The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Bourbon-Rye Mashbill 125, Bourbon-Rye Mashbill 115, Bourbon-Rye Mashbill 105 and Bourbon-Rye Mashbill 90.

  • Mashbill 125: At 125 proof, this is the highest of the collection. It’s a well-balanced bourdon with notes of vanilla, spicy cloves, caramel and toffee. The flavor is complex, yet well rounded.
  • Mashbill 115: Exhibiting a light oaky flavor, blended with palm sugar and leather, it is bottled at 115 proof.
  • Mashbill 105: This batch is bottled at 105 proof and has overall earthy tones followed with a buttery, light finish.
  • Mashbill 90: Part of the original Warehouse K experiment, Mashbill 90 has a light fruity flavor that is followed by hints of nuts and spice and ends on a dry note.

Buffalo Trace Distillery discovered their hypothesis to be true. Altitude does in fact affect the over flavor of bourbon! The varying levels of the barrels brought out distinctly different flavors of the bourbon. Barrels on the first floor yielded a delicate, sweet flavor with a mild oak taste. Fifth floor barrels resulted in bourbon with a sweet vanilla, caramel and light wood flavor. Those barrels aged on the ninth floor exuded a roasted nut sweetness paired with green pears, figs and a deep aroma. In simpler terms, the highest floors had deeper woody notes, while those barrels on the lower floors are light and sweet.

Pleased by their findings, Buffalo Trace Distillery has expanded their experimental program to an entire micro distillery called, The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Mirco Distillery. The Colonel is complete with cookers, fermenting tanks and a state-of-the- art micro still, which all has been constructed within Buffalo Trace.

At Payless Liquors we are offering these limited release products in 3 bottle sets. Buffalo Trace Experimental packages are limited, in fact we only have 4 sets left! Reserve your bottles today on our website.

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