Spring is here and we can’t think of better way to celebrate warmer temperatures than a fantastic glass of bourbon! This week on our blog we are featuring two new must-have bourbons to the Palyess Liquors collection: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Maker’s just got stronger. The new Cask Strength variation is bottle straight from the barrel at 108 to 114 proof. They’ve upped the ante with this release by increasing the oak, 
caramel, vanilla and spice. Tasting notes include the sweet caramel foundation with notes of warm cinnamon and subtle oak spice. The complex, yet balanced flavors all come together for a sweet, wine-like finish with lingering heat and spice.
The Spirit Journal even said it’s, “Simply the best Maker’s Mark ever.” This is the first time Maker’s Mark has offered their product in cask strength. It’s unaltered, uncut and unparalleled to any other cask strength bourbon.
Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece
This limited edition release is one for the books. Distiller’s Masterpiece is a strong 100-proof and extra-aged in the optimal rack-house position, as determined by Master Distiller, Fred Noe. The next step in the aging process is a final finish in PX-Sherry casks for a unique flavor. This Masterpiece is characterized by rich and smooth flavors of orange, vanilla, cinnamon and all spice, with hints of toasted
wood. There are also bold notes of dark fruits including plums, cherries and raspberries. Sweet and silky on the finish.
This Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece certainly isn’t the first of its kind. Jim Beam has released previous bottles including those finished in cognac and port cask. The collection is made up of two Sherry cask variations. The Distiller’s Masterpiece comes packaged in a luxury wooden case, which makes it all the more special.
Looking to add two great bourbons to your shelf? Request to reserve these products on the Contact Us page on our website. Cheers!
A violet liqueur that shimmers. Viniq combines premium vodka, Moscato, natural fruit and a one-of-a-kind shimmer when shaken for the perfect refreshing drink. The fusion of style and taste makes it the go-to beverage for any celebration.
Viniq’s tantalizing signature shimmer is made with the same ingredients that give cake frosting its shine and that sparkle in rock candy. The edible glitter adds that special touch that no other liqueur out there embodies. But Vinuq is more than just the shimmer. The first of its kind- you’ll find one sip is exploding with sweet flavors of grape and peach that come from the contribution of the Moscato. Not only does Viniq have that enticing look and sweet taste, it’s also bottle at 20% alcohol. Which is makes it perfect for sipping just by itself.
Drink Viniq right out of the bottle or mix to make a lovely looking cocktail. Don’t worry- when mixed with other liqueurs the shimmer doesn’t fade, even when paired with Blue 
Curacao! We recommend pairing it with tequila, lime juice and agave nectar for a sweet twist on the margarita. Viniq is perfect for a girl’s night out, bachelorette party gift or similar special occasion.
Does your night call for Viniq? Visit a local Payless Liquors store and pick up a bottle of this shimmery party-starter.
In honor of the upcoming holiday, St. Patrick’s Day we would like to highlight a product that hails all the way from Ireland. Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy is a single pot still Irish whiskey that was first introduced by Irish Distillers in 2011. The name Barry Crockett pays tribute to Midleton’s Master Distiller.
Barry Crockett
After 47 years of work, Crockett said goodbye in February of 2013. After much success, it’s only fitting that the man behind Midleton for over 30 years had a bottle honored after 
him. The expression of the Irish whiskey reflects Crockett’s overall personality. It’s an older, yet elegant selection of Pot Still whiskeys which is exclusively matured in American bourbon barrels.
Tasting Notes
A delicate whiskey, the aroma of Barry Crockett Legacy is a complex combination of spice and fruit with notes of toasted wood. On the palate, this Irish whiskey is full bodied with a harmonious balance of sweet lime, berries and spicy green pepper. With the introduction of the virgin American barrels, it offers a sweet vanilla flavor and a subtle char. The finish is satisfying long with flavors of caramel and fruit that fade into a sweet woody note.
How to Drink + Pair
Overall Midleton Barry Crockett is a sweet and malty whiskey with a pleasant oily texture. We suggest drinking it neat and pairing with salmon cooked in a citrus sauce or with 
lobster soup.
Did we mention this product is in very, very low supply? In fact, only 2,500 bottles are released each year. Celebrate St. Patrick’s the right way with a bottle of Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy. To get your hands on this product, please send us a request via the Contact Us page on the Payless Liquors website.
Cheers and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
This week’s blog is about a local hometown hero in Indy. It’s Vodka from 12.05 Distillery located on Virginia Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. The vodka gets its name from the date The Prohibition was repealed on December 5th, 1933. It’s a celebration of our right to legally drink whatever spirits we wish.
The Man Behind the Vodka
12.05 Distillery is man by experienced liquor distiller, Brad Clover. Originally from Indiana, Clover spent several years mastering his technique in Colorado at Breckenridge and Peach Street micro-distilleries. His system at 12.05 is made up of 20-plate copper which allows him to distill a wider variety of liquors including their two big products: vodka and gin.
12.05 & Repeal
Not only is 12.05 Vodka sold at Payless Liquors stores, but it will served at its neighboring restaurant, Repeal Restaurant in late April. The restaurant will serve small-plate entrees paired with signature cocktails made with spirits from 12.05. They are located right next to each other on 636 Virginia Avenue in a building that use to house the former Virginia Avenue State Bank. The inside of the establishment is appropriately decorated with the original terra cotta exterior from 1924. It’s also proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The perfect place for spirits that embody the rich history of America during The Prohibition.
The Vodka
12.05 Vodka is specially crafted from triple distilled non-GMO Indiana Corn. The corn is sourced from a farm located in Lebanon. Not only is the corn local, but the distillery also uses local materials and services, including artisanal water, grains, labels and cases. Each bottle is distilled and bottled right here in Indianapolis at 40% ALC by VOL. 
Celebrate your legal right to drink quality spirits by purchasing a bottle (or 2) or 12.05 Vodka at your local Payless Liquors or reserve here on our website.
In case you missed our last blog post, we had a big announcement. On March 7th we will be hosting the Bourbon Women organization’s inaugural Indy Sip & Shop Grand Bourbon tasting. The event will take place at the Greenwood Mall store from 2-5 pm. Over 30 distilleries will be present, along with a craft bourbon cocktail bar, food from local restaurants and Master Distillers from Garrison Brothers and Hobson Roberts.
In our last blog post we also introduced you to three bourbons that will be at Sip & Shop. And again this week we would like to introduce three more bourbon that will be available to sample.
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon Whiskey
Featherbone Bourbon is an organic whiskey that hails from Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. The mashbill is mainly made up of Midwest corn and additions of Michigan wheat, rye and malted barley. It’s bottled at 90 proof and embodies a light chestnut color. Featherbone offers unique tones of cracked pepper and a twist of citrus.
High West American Prairie Reserve Bourbon
Sweet like candy, this bourbon provides an explosion of flavors. Enjoy tastes of pecan pie and rye spice on the finish. High West Distillery is extremely passionate about preserving the American West’s culture and heritage. With the purchase of a bottle of Prairie Reserve Bourbon, High West will donate 10% of the profits to the American Prairie Reserve in northeastern Montana. 
Prichard’s Double Barreled Bourbon
Barreled at 125 proof and bottled as low as 80, Prichard’s bourbon undergoes a very expensive and labor intensive aging process. The result is sweet tones of vanilla and honey. Hints of caramel, butterscotch and toffee are plentiful on the palate. On the finish 
enjoy a nice spicy kick. Benjamin Prichard’s Double Barreled Bourbon comes from Prichard’s Distillery in Kelso, Tennessee.
Remember, the Sip & Shop Grand Bourbon Tasting is open to all men and women 21+ and is also free. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sample several great bourbons from across the country!
We are excited to announce that Payless Liquors will be a part of the Bourbon Women Indianapolis inaugural launch on March 7th. At our Greenwood Mall store we will be hosting a Grand Bourbon Tasting which will include bourbon samples from over 30 distilleries and breweries, the chance to meet Master Distillers from Garrison Brothers and Hobson Roberts, and food will be provided by the local restaurants Fireside Brewhouse and Between the Bun. Admission is free and open anyone who wishes to participate. This is a time to welcome Bourbon Women to Indy and celebrate everything bourbon.
At this event you will be able to sample several popular bourbons on the market today. For this week’s blog we would like to highlight those bourbons you might taste at the Grand Bourbon Tasting and give you a little insight into their flavor profiles. So sit back and turn your taste buds on.
Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea
Featured several times on our blog and social media, Jefferon’s Ocean by Jefferson’s Bourbon has an incredible story behind it. Each batch contains bourbon that was literally aged at sea in bourbon barrels where they traveled around the world stopping at five different continents and crossing the equator four times. The theory behind aging at sea is that the constant movement of the liquid in the barrels speeds up the aging process and comes into contact with the wood more often, which provides stronger flavors. A seriously tasty bourbon, Ocean is rich and deep is character with notes of dark fruit, all spice and vanilla. The finish is a well-balanced, medium-long and filled with caramel, wood, salt and vanilla.
Barrel Chested Barleywine
Created by local brewery, Upland Brewing Company this barelywine ale will be tasted at the event because it’s aged in Willet Distillery bourbon barrels. This isn’t necessarily a new trend. Before metal kegs, beer was fermented and stored in oak barrels similar to those used to age bourbon whiskey. This process adds an added vanilla flavor to beer. Barrel Chested provides similar flavors with rich notes of toffee, warm vanilla and sweet caramel. You will also notice the undertones of toasted oak and sweet bourbon. Barleywine will certainly please and unite those craft beer and bourbon lovers.
Backbone Bourbon Uncut
Another local favorite, Backbone Bourbon is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and then bottled in small batched in Bardstown, Kentucky. Uncut gives bourbon enthusiasts a taste of the real flavors by not “cutting” the bourbon with water; a very common practice with other bourbons on the market. Backbone feels their customers shouldn’t miss out on the characteristic flavors that are lost during their practice. One can now enjoy the originality and purity of bourbon, while also giving them the option to choose how strong they would like to sip their bourbon. With the addition of water or ice cubes your ideal strength can be acquired.
Save the Date!
These three products are simply just a preview of what will be sampled on March 7th. We encourage to save the date and join us at our Greenwood Mall store for a great night. Learn more about the bourbons we will sample by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
Cheers!
Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! Payless Liquors is the perfect spot to find top rated wines that won’t break the bank. This year we have complied a list of wines to help you find a bottle for celebrating with the love of your life or with your closet girlfriends.
Fifty Shades of Grey Collection
The much anticipated movie adaptation of the ever popular, Fifty Shades of Grey book series now has a collection of wines inspired after the phenomenon. The first bottle in the collection is White Silk. It’s a balanced, easy to drink white wine with an intense floral scent. On the palate, enjoy rich notes of crisp grapefruit, lush pear.
The second wine in the collection, Red Satin is a blend of Petit Sirah and Syrah. It has intense flavors of smoke, oak and eucalyptus. Hot on the nose and the palate, subtle black cherry and caramel flavors cool down the heat.
Enjoy this collection of wines with your gal pals on a dinner and move night to see the premiere of Fifty Shades of Grey on February 14th. .
1,000 Stories Zinfandel
Produced in small batches, 1,000 Stories is sourced from Mendocino County. Each lot is started with a traditional aging process in American and French wine barrels. The next step I its aging process is the introduction of the wine to bourbon barrels. The bourbon barrel aging creates a new flavor profile of warm vanilla, spices and caramel. In the final step of the process, the blend is transferred to old bourbon barrels from Four Roses and Heaven Hill to complete the aging process. It’s a wine like you’ve never had before! It’s represented as a dark plum color with hints of vanilla, berry and smoke in the aroma. The taste is similar to jam with strong notes of plum. This wine is perfect to enjoy with your love paired with a quiet night in on Valentine’s Day. He will certainly appreciate notes of bourbon.
To purchase these wines, stop by a Payless Liquors store near you, or reserve a bottle on our website.
Cheers to a Happy Valentine’s Day!
