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David Nicholson Bourbon

David Nicholson Bourbon: Unchanged, Unfettered, & Unmatched

During a time where alcohol rights were slowly creeping away, a grocer by the name of David Nicholson had something stirring in the private back room of his St. Louis general store. It was in 1843, when drunk driving first became a penalty, Nicholson begin distilling an original bourbon recipe. Unbeknownst to him, the 1843 recipe he discovered would carry on for centuries.

50 years later, Julian Van Winkle and W.L. Weller started producing 1843 for the St. Louis market. Van Winkle held onto the brand until 2000 when it was acquired by Luxco. The unchanged, unfiltered, and unmatched 1843 is still known for it’s outstanding character that earned its original popularity. It is truly amazing that an unchanged 1843 bourbon recipe could win a double gold in 2015. But, David Nicholson’s did. Today David Nicholson is known for his two bourbon recipes, the 1843 and Reserve.

1843 David Nicholson Bourbon

The 1843 is a 90 proof exceptionally smooth ‘wheated’ bourbon. The dominate characteristics in this bourbon are wood and smoke flavors with subtle vanilla. You will get that nice warm feel all the way down with this one, but that eases up if you add water. Outstanding in a manhattan, the smoky oak notes blend extremely well in a cocktail.

Reserve

David Nicholson Reserve

This 100 proof, extra-aged and ‘ryed’ bourbon provides a full-bodied flavor and a distinct, spicy taste. The drinking experience of Reserve is extremely pleasurable. A hit of sweetness as it first hits your lips quickly turns to rye and peppery flavors as it goes down. Toffee notes linger allowing you to enjoy even minutes after you’ve taken a sip.

David Nicholson Bourbons have mainly been sold in Missouri and Illinois so there are still many ares in the US that are eagerly waiting to try. This brand has survived almost two centuries and continues to impress.

Kentucky Derby

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 144 Commemorative Bottle

There is no better way to honor a horse than with a glass of Woodford Reserve and that’s why Woodford Reserve releases a Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle each and every year. For the last 19 years, Woodford Reserve has released an annual limited edition Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. Most all of these commemorative bottles have featured the work of artists from all over the country.

Kentucky DerbyFor the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby race, Woodford Reserve has partnered with Louisville artist Keith Anderson. As the presenting sponsor of the grandest horse race of all time Woodford Reserve celebrates the greatest two minutes in sports. Anderson’s artwork on the 2018 bottle illustrates powerful thoroughbreds breaking through the starting gates in all their glory. Anderson shared, “It has been such an honor to have my artwork considered for this years commemorative Derby bottle and to have my artwork chosen is a dream come true.”

Kentucky Derby

As much as we love the commemorative artwork every year, it’s really what’s inside that makes this bottle so special. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a super premium, small-batch bourbon crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. It is a bourbon of exceptional richness, depth, and character with a smooth, well-rounded finish, much like race itself.

Sip like the Millionaire’s row during the 144th Kentucky Derby, drink Woodford!

 

Mint Julep

Maker’s Mark Mint Julep

New Maker’s Mark Mint Julep coming to Payless this week! The centuries-old “Mint Julep” is a cocktail of bourbon, water, mint, and ice, and most commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby! There have been many variations of the mint julep over the years including the addition of fruit flavors and the difference in bourbon of choice. Maker’s Mark now adds their own variation to the mix! 

Makers Mark Mint Julep

Maker’s Mark infuses its’ popular Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with mint and a touch of sugar creating a cocktail that’s ready to go. This 33 proof bourbon liqueur just needs ice to enjoy! Nobody does the mint julep quite like Maker’s Mark.

This product is a limited release and we’re not expecting it to last long. We’ve heard and read nothing but positive things about Maker’s Mark Mint Julep. Enjoy over the weekend hanging out in the shade on a sunny day and most definitely, enjoy while watching the Kentucky Derby. Reserve your bottle here with our pick-up form or head over to your nearest Payless Liquors and we will take care of you. Cheers!

Fred Minnick

Bourbon Authority Fred Minnick: Special Guest at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration

Spirits can be more complicated than one thinks. Think your an expert on all thing Bourbon and Whisky? You might be mistaken. When it comes to the history and ability to understand and articulate the vast range of flavors in an array of different spirits, you have to be more than an expert. You have to live spirits and that’s just what Fred Minnick does.

He is a storyteller, and the history of American spirits has many, many stories to tell. Bourbon, in particular, is embedded into American history. The families names that helped create that history are the same families whose names down the labels of the bourbons we drink, and who make up the pages of the books that Fred writes, and we enjoy. Fred a gifted writer who loves to tell the stories and the history behind the spirits we drink, and he just so happens to also have an an impeccable palate (& eye), who through his words can allow you to experience what he is experiencing, and allow you to feel like you just shared the experience with him.

Fred is a Wall-Street Journal Best Selling Author. He has written Bourbon Women, Bourbon Curious, Bourbon: The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of An American Whisky and Rum Curious. But wait, there’s more! Fred writes for Covey Rise, Whisky Advocate and Whisky Magazine. He is also the Bourbon Authority for the Kentucky Derby Museum and he regularly appears on CBS This Morning, Esquire, Forbes, and NPR.

Fred Minnick

Fred Minnick

Fred Minnick

 

 

 

 

 

We’re extremely excited to have Fred Minnick join the Indiana Historical Society and us at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration in February. Join us for an extraordinary night of bourbon tasting and learn more about the fine art and nuances of distilling and more. Get your tickets here. Samplings and silent auction end at 9:30 p.m.

Participating Distilleries: Fred Minnick
Buffalo Trace
Beam Suntory
Jesse James Distillery
Brown-Forman
Old Forester & Woodford
Heaven Hill
Angel’s Envy
502 Winery
Wild Turkey
Jim Beam
Maker’s Mark
Jefferson’s Bourbon
www.mgpingredients.com
@tillvodka
@georgeremus

Jefferson’s Very Small Batch

Thomas Jefferson once said, “I hold to it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” This quote reflects the true nature of Thomas Jefferson, known for his curiosity and experimental spirit. Today, living on in his name, Jefferson’s Bourbon is a symbol for an experimental spirit. Of course, there are many different Jefferson’s bourbons but today, let’s talk about the Jefferson’s Ridiculously Small Batch. Jefferson's

Jefferson’s Small Batch is a combination of up to four different Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys of different ages. By combining these different whiskeys, Jefferson’s achieves a complexity and balance while maintaining the consistency needed in a bourbon. They say that this Bourbon is perfect for both the connoisseur and someone who is just looking to get into whiskey. Jefferson’s goal is to create uncommon bourbon and they’ve succeeded. They are constantly seeking out new and aged barrels of bourbon from established distilleries that have already perfected their art for over hundreds of years.

Jefferson’s Small Batch is aged in a new charred oak cask and bottled at ABV 41.15%. It is light caramel in color and grainy yet fruity to the nose. It has a medium, full-bodied, slightly hot palate with a bit of sugar cane, but not as much sweetness as you’d think according to the aroma. It is sure to last a while in the finish with some bitterness, oak tannin, and charcoal that fades away with a bit of sweet and honey. Overall, this is simply a pleasant whiskey that looks good on the shelf.

We are excited about our new Jefferson’s barrels and will be premiering these barrels on August 26, 2017. This is a “no frills” whiskey that can pleasantly be drunk while hanging out, watching TV or reading a book. Stop by for a taste or reserve your bottle today, that is if you’re a curious soul like good ol’ Thomas Jefferson. Cheers!

George Remus

George Remus Bourbon

If you are one who likes to “think about your drink”, are a spirit enthusiast, or just have an interest in the history of America, at one point or another you will be reading about bourbon. Once you start reading into the history of bourbon (its birth, near death, and revitalization), you will no-doubt hear the name, George Remus.

George Remus, who was given the title of “King of the Bootleggers”, was actually born in Germany before his family moved to Chicago when he was just a child. George followed his father’s footstep and became a pharmacist at the young age of 19, but left the trade in his mid-twenties to become a lawyer, focusing in criminal defense. With the passing of the 18th Amendment and the start of prohibition, George saw many of his criminal clientele grow, and become very rich making and selling bourbon. By using his background as a pharmacist, and his knowledge as a lawyer, George found loopholes in the law to make and sell bonded bourbon for “medicinal purposes” legally, but also organized to have his own product “stolen” by (his own) hijackers, where he then sold his product illegally. George soon moved to the Cincinnati area, where distilleries were plentiful and purchased several to help make his personal secret recipe, and to continue to grow his trade.  George grew a 40 million dollar empire where he was known for throwing some of the most George Remusextravagant parties people had ever seen.  Many believe that it is George Remus that inspired the character Jay Gatsby in the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald book “The Great Gatsby”.

This bourbon is a 4 yr. old MGP release, their 2nd release under their own branding (last years Metze’s select was their first, a fantastic rye if you can find it), so you know it will be good. It is a 94 proof high-rye blend used to recreate the flavor profile of the iconic George Remus brands of days past.

Nose:  Fruit (orange and cherry) with soft rye spice hit up front. Following is a mix of sweetened wood, containing hints of maple and vanilla that present but don’t overtake.

Taste:  The sweet vanilla-maple notes from the nose quickly find the front of the tongue, before fading into more of a sweet corn as it walks the tongue towards the mid-pallet. This is where the rye spice grows, but never takes over as rye spice sometimes tends to do (possibly by the vanilla notes that never went away). Arriving late to the party are some subtle hints of chard caramel and notes of pepper, that starts sliding back down towards the front third of the tongue a bit, not so much to the back as in most bourbons, making this one a bit unique.

Finish:  A medium finish leaves you a bit unsure if you just enjoyed a sweet rye, or a spicy bourbon, but truth be told, you just enjoyed the best of both. There are some high-priced limited releases that are known for this complex mix of profiles, but are twice the price and in a side-by-side would not distinguish itself from this bourbon at half the cost.

Truth be told I think I would enjoy this bourbon even more then I already do if the proof were just a bit higher (100 proof would be a sweet spot IMO), but that said this is absolutely worth a purchase! I tend to lean towards a high proof, high rye kick to my bourbons, and this gives me just enough of both to keep me interested, yet still provides me a fun sweetness that keeps it in play as an option when I want something a bit softer. If you are into cocktails, I could see this working fantastically in a Old Fashion, so keep this in mind if cocktails is your jam.

Contact us today to reserve your bottle of George Remus Bourbon. Cheers!

Hirsch

Hirsch 8 Yr. High Rye Bourbon

To Bourbon Enthusiast, the A.H. Hirsch name is among the All Time Greats, and a true bourbon “Unicorn”. A.H. Hirsch bourbons often top the lists of “The Best Bourbons You Will Never Get To Drink”due to both its rarity and price, often surpassing even Pappy 23 yr. in its value. While there are several older aged versions that are both rare and highly sought after, it’s the A.H. Hirsch 16 yr. that is considered by many to be one of the best American bourbon ever produced. These rare A.H. Hirsch bourbons were originally purchased shortly after they were distilled in the mid 70’s from the original renowned Bomberger’s/ Michter’s Distillery in Pennsylvania, years before it closed in the late 80’s. Hirsch

The Hirsch bourbons (no A.H.) you will find today are inspired from those legendary A.H. Hirsch bourbons, through a selected range of sourced whiskeys that celebrate the history of American whiskey, offered in a range of styles. One of those styles is the Hirsch 8 yr. High Rye Bourbon.

The Hirsch 8 yr. High Rye Bourbon is a blend of 2 different mash bills (rye 21% and 36%), in barrels with a duel char levels (#2 & #4), and is distilled by MGP here in Indiana.

(Speaking of Indiana, if you’re looking for this unique bourbon, you will  ONLY find Hirsch 8 yr.High Rye Bourbon at Payless!!!)

Nose:  Rye hits the nose up front, with hints of toffee and some soft vanilla. Oak enters prominently, with some alcohol/ menthol notes, but quickly mingles with notes of sweet maple and spice to offer just the right amount of intrigue that inspires that first kiss… I mean sip.

Taste:  Sweetness hits the lips first, a bit like candied fruit, with hints of honey. Spice quickly rolls in, almost like a fog rolls over a hillside and engulfs a landscape. As your pallet is quickly filled with this cloud of spice, notes of corn and oak start to become more present in the mid pallet. The oak, however, is kept at bay by that cloud of spice, and the last remaining bits of sweetness that survived the rolling rush snuggle into the middle of the tongue to hang around for the highly anticipated finish.

Finish:  A medium to long finish results from the spice that joined those sweet notes on the tongue,  like that third wheel on a good first date just don’t seem to want to go home early.  But, like a good wingman, notes of cocoa and white chocolate join in, taking the spice slowly away with it, but before totally going their separate ways, leaves a lasting memory of spice and honey that demands a date over this drink to be revisited.

This Hirsch 8 Year High Rye Bourbon is at the top of “The Best Bourbons You Will Never Get To Drink” list. If you are a Bourbon enthusiast you want to get your hands on a bottle. Contact us today to reserve your bottle. Payless Liquors is the only location in Indiana you will find this at. Cheers!

Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

If you’re a serious bourbon drinker then you’re about to love this 2017 Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. As part of Campari America’s new Whiskey Barons Collection, Old Ripy is a recreation of a whiskey born in 1868 to James Ripy. James was an Irish immigrant and a well-known piece in Anderson County’s busting distilling community in Bourbon’s heartland. With the help of his family, James’s Whiskey was kept alive on site of the current Wild Turkey Distillery, where it is currently being produced, up until 1950.

Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(PRNewsfoto/Campari America)

This 2017 Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is special because it is the closest recreation to the original whiskey there’s ever been. It Is a combination of different aged Whiskeys. While 8 to 12-year old Whiskey’s dominate in the combination there are traces of younger Whiskeys. The actual ingredients are undisclosed; however, it is assumed to be around 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley. This deep amber whiskey is bottled at 52% ABV, aged in Timber warehouses and non-chill filtered. This is to retain congeners, fusil oils, lipid fats and proteins that were believed to be in the original Old Ripy Whiskey. The result of this process is a natural, complex flavor profile with fuller body and a smooth mouthful.

The most appealing part of this Bourbon Whiskey is the profile, it’s the part you’ve all been waiting for and the part that’s sure to make you bourbon lovers want to snag a bottle. Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a toasted oak and fruity nose, described like a medley of vanilla, raisins, apples and bananas. Its taste is dominated by spicy oak with a subtle hint of toffee and apples. The finish is dry with sweet caramel aftertastes accompanied by a peppery bite. You’re sure to experience a nice, comfortable burn in the back of your throat.

This is a limited edition 2017 Whiskey only available in a handful of States. This drink is not intended as an everyday drink, but it is nice to have around to try for special occasions. Interested in your own bottle of Old Ripy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey? Contact us today to reserve your bottle. You’re sure to find appeal in this Whiskey straight from Bourbon’s heartland. Cheers!

 

 

 

1792 Bourbon

1792 Bourbon Barrel Selection

What you may know is that in the year 1492 discoverer Christopher Columbus sailed the oceans blue, discovering the great country of America.

What you may not know is that in a barrel of 1792 the discoverers at Payless found a bourbon that’s true, discovering a great American spirit.

Barton distillery is one of the best-kept secrets in America, except for those who love great bourbon and trust me, it’s no secret to them. Barton’s sits in historic Bardstown Kentucky, what many call the heart of bourbon country. While sitting just a short distance from some of the true giants in bourbon (Jim Beam, Heaven Hill) and cult favorites like Willett, the distillers at Barton have built a great product line and is doing some truly great things with their 1792 brand. Not only are they producing a great drinking bourbon, but they have started releasing some innovative special released like Sweet Wheat, Port Finish, High Rye, Full Proof, and a distillery pick Single Barrel that has grabbed the attention of many who may have previously been focused elsewhere. These were quietly some of the best releases the past two years, and if rumors are true, there are more on the way!

Recently our “Bourbon Pirates” from Payless set sail to discover a new treasure, specifically with you in mind. We are happy to report that we found Gold! Gold, sweet, delicious nectar known as bourbon that is! Here’s what you can expect to find from our barrel selection.

Nose: Tangerine, orange marmalade, and spice hit you up front. Some alcohol you will get with a single barrel, with notes of young oak wood are present to give you a unique nose that makes Barton’s special.

Taste: Citrus and apple present right off the bat, followed by some heat and spice that will demand your attention. Honey and a custard-like cream present, followed with a hint of char to enter allowing the oak to step forward at the end. This allows the flavors to just sit there and relax for a bit due to a buttery, oily texture that is unique to most bourbons on the market today.

Finish: This is where you will realize (if you haven’t already) that 1792 bourbon is not only different but special. Your mouth feels as if it’s coated in a pleasant oily texture, transforming your tongue into a sheet of silk and your pallet into a blanket of velvet. This allows for a longer, slower drifting finish than you will experience with most every bourbon you will try. Spice and oak are the two lasting notes that will slowly fade like a summer sunset on the ocean horizon.

You won’t be disappointed in any 1792 bourbon & we know you’ll love our pick as well! Interested in trying our most recent selection? Contact us today to reserve your bottle.

Cheers!

Old Forester Single Barrel 750mL

Old Forester

Every year bourbon enthusiast set out seeking to find one to the true “unicorns” of the bourbon world, a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, or an Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. These bottles are known to be the “Best of the Best” in bourbon. While most people are fixated on the name recognition of “Pappy”, true bourbon drinkers know that the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is often considered a more preferred prize to acquire. Unfortunately, like the Pappy, it is very limited and only available (if you can find it) one month a year.

The good news is, and what the smartest bourbon drinkers realize, is that before a barrel of Old Forester is hand selected to be included in a bottle of Birthday Bourbon, it starts out as an Old Forester Single Barrel. This is where the magic starts, and this is where the smart bourbon drinkers go the other 11 months of the year!

Payless Liquors has built a reputation of having relationships with some of the best bourbon pallets in the state, and when combined with their great connections with the Old Forester team themselves, it allows them the opportunity to select some of the most sought out selections available on the market. This year’s selection no different. We’ll start off with some tasting notes of this distinct selection.

Nose: Oak, cherries, and rye spice quickly hit you up front. There is a prevalent smell of alcohol as well, but this is to be expected in a 90 proof, but it quickly fades off when allowed to sit, allowing all the true characteristics that Old Forester is known for. A subtle sweetness exists at the end that seems to invite you in to take a sip.

Taste: More of that oak and rye back up what you get off the nose. There is some heat, but not off-putting in any way, that bring in some oak char, then gives way to a beautiful mid pallet. Cherry and dried red fruits enter and blend with some vanilla, and baking spices. Lastly, oak and spice take back over, with hints of burnt sugar to add that needed sweetness to keep the rye spice in check.

Finish: A medium to long finish allows spice to quietly dance on the tongue for a bit before slowly fading into an almost chocolate-like finish. That signature Old Forester wood never steps away too far, from start to finish, but never takes over, and provides the perfect compliment to a beautiful pour of bourbon.

Interested in trying our most recent selection? Contact us today to reserve your bottle. Cheers!

Blood Oath, Pact No.3 Bourbon

Blood Oath, Pact No. 3

Blood Oath is once again turning heads of bourbon lovers. This well-bred Kentucky bourbon is crafted by Blood Oath’s connoisseur and perfectionist. Pact 3 starts with a strong and floral rye whiskey, finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels for dry, blackberry and espresso complexities.

For the third release of Blood Oath, bourbon makers continue to partner with wine craftsmen in the heart of the California wine country. Blood Oath uses the leftover barrels from Swanson Vineyard, which is nestled in the Oakville region of Napa Valley. The fertile, alluvial soil of the area gives Swanson the perfect grounds for award winning grapes and varietals. Swanson has been producing nationally known and limited, small batch Bordeaux style wines for over three decades. The Cabernet barrels give Blood Oath’s bourbon added intricate characters that have bourbon lovers coming back for more! This affair between Kentucky and California will leave your taste buds thanking you. Blood Oath Pact 3 Bourbon

What can you expect from this extraordinary bourbon? In the glass, you’ll find a deep, dark amber appearance with long legs. On the nose, you’ll experience strong scents as a result of the finish in Cab Sav barrels. Expect to smell caramel, vanilla, stone fruit, cocoa, and oak. Next, the palate. You’ll continue to taste creamy smooth flavors of caramel and vanilla from the barrel finish. You will also notice hints of toasted oak, apricots and higher spice than previous pacts. Despite the proof of 98.6, Pact 3 is still ultra smooth. The finish is long and lingers with spice, caramel and oak. It remains balanced and smooth.

Blood Oath’s 2017 is sure to be loved by bourbon enthusiasts everywhere. Pact 3 was recently released and we have limited quantities available at Payless Liquors! If you’re interested in trying this exclusive bourbon, contact us to reserve your bottle today. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Barrel Selection

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

Legend has it that Elijah Craig discovered the method of producing true Kentucky Bourbon when the warehouse he stored his barrels in caught on fire and charred the barrels. Whether or not that is true, there is no doubt that he discovered a way to make a bourbon loved throughout Kentucky and the United States.

Elijah Craig Small Batch premium is an award-winning, true small batch bourbon. Payless Liquors, along with Joe and Grady from The Grady and Big Joe Show, had the opportunity to select a barrel of Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. We are very excited for this barrel selection! Here are more details on what you can expect with our Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel selection.

Nose:  Dried orange and apricot zest with notes of custard and soft spiced wood that give a slight alcohol bite to the front of the nose.

Taste:  Up front flavors of dried cherries and ripe apples mixed with soft maple, and burnt brown sugar. Sweet soft char wood notes enter quickly in the middle and thru the end, bringing with it the slightest hint of vanilla, mixed with ever-growing spice notes that present strongly on the finish. The taste ends with just a dash of white pepper and more sweet wood char.

Finish: A medium finish with an oily texture allows its flavors to linger longer than most. Spice and sweetened wood flavors last to the end. Mostly infused with wood and fruit, yet enough subtle sweetness that keeps calling the glass back to your lips for yet another taste.

Joe and Grady
Joe and Grady with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon selection

Overall:  This is a very nice, unique pour that you hope to get when you purchase a single barrel bourbon. It presents with the combination of the healthy fruits and sassy spice that would draw Grady’s interest time and time again, yet has the right amount of decadent sweetness that will have Joe holding a bottle like Whinney the Pooh holds on to his honey.

Interested in trying our selection of Elijah Craig? Reserve your bottle online to make sure you get yours. Let us know what you think! Cheers!

King of Bootleggers: George Remus

A store clerk. Pharmacist. Optometrist. Lawyer. Entrepreneur. And bootlegger? George Remus was a man of many trades, including a bourbon legend that started his career during prohibition. Remus saw the potential to make millions during the prohibition age. During that time, alcohol could be stored in warehouses on legally owned property. It could then be sold for medical, scientific, or industrial purposes with the right authorization. Remus owned wholesale drug companies, and could legally buy and sell large quantities of alcohol, which he then diverted for illegal sale. Remus started his business in Cincinnati with buying his own distillery and trucking company to transport alcohol. At his peak, he owned 10 distilleries and warehouses in the greater Cincinnati area, and employed 3,000 people. He eventually became known as the “King of Bootleggers,” and now has a whiskey named after him!

The George Remus products include the George Remus Bourbon Whiskey, George Remus Rye Whiskey, and George Remus Limited Edition Rye Whiskey. All brands are available for purchase in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. For today, we will focus on the standard George Remus Bourbon Whiskey. George Remus products are not long aged products, typically around 2-4 years. The young taste of the whiskey is prominent but could have potential with age. On the palate, you will taste mild spices, oak, and vanilla – very common aromas for younger whiskeys. It’s a smooth sipper without a whole lot of overpowering flavor and a mellow finish.

MPG recently acquired the Remus brands in 2016 from Queen City Whiskey, so we will see in the future if the product enhances further with production under MPG. But the name and legend of George Remus is what will drive this young brand into fame. A truly good bottle of bourbon has a good story behind it, and Remus’s story is one you won’t forget. Interested in try this legendary brand? Head on over to your local Payless Liquors or reserve your bottle of George Remus today!

Good Is Never Good Enough

That quote is said routinely by bourbon brewers at Angel’s Envy. While creators at Angel’s Envy want to preserve the tradition of fine bourbons, they are always looking for ways to experiment and improve bourbon. The brand initially started with an idea that had not been tried in the bourbon industry: making a bourbon finished in port barrels. Lincoln Henderson, a legendary Master Distiller, came out of retirement to explore new barrel again ideas with his son Wes. And with over 200 years of bourbon heritage, Angel’s Envy holds award-winning brews that separate themselves from the rest.

Angel’s Envy prides themselves on perfection, and they ensure every barrel is up to Angel Envy standards. Every barrel is tasted throughout each step of the finishing process. Some say this load of perfectionism is a little overboard, but it ensures that their brews meet their expectations of fine bourbon.

One of their top products, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, was even ranked the “Best Spirit in the World” by Spirit Journal. This year, Angel’s Envy is releasing fewer than 8,000 bottles of this rare and delicious spirit! Aged in port barrels, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is full of flavor bourbon lovers are sure to enjoy. Though the bourbon is darker in color, its smell on the nose is not as strength as usual with darker bourbons. It has hints of rose petals, fruit, black peppercorns, and clove. On the palate, it has distinct flavors of caramel coffee, dried fig, aged tobacco, and toasted sourdough bread. The finish is rich and buttery. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is best neat or with a splash of water to help bring out the flavors and settle the burn in its finish. If you’re looking for an amazing bourbon that combines flavor, balance, and complexity, you should give Angel’s Envy Cask Strength a try!

Looking for a chance to get your hands on Angel’s Envy Cask Strength? How about an opportunity to visit Angel’s Envy distillery on a private tour as well? You can bid on your chance to win both at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Event this Friday, February 17th! Get your tickets to this fabulous event that benefits education and outreach programs by the Indiana Historical Society!

Starlight Distillery Payless Single Barrel Selection #1481

Payless Liquors will now be offering an exclusive selection of bourbon from Starlight Distillery. Starlight Distillery is a branch of Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards in Starlight, Indiana. Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards began in 1843, when Simon Huber settled in Southern Indiana with his family. Simon brought with him years of experience in fruit growing and wine making from Germany. What was once an 80-acre farm has expanded to over 600 acres with generations of experience in crafting award-winning wines and brews.

Huber’s Starlight Distilleries now produces brandies much like their ancestors in the 1800s. Master distillers, Ted Huber and Jason Heiligenberg, commit to crafting the finest products inspired by artisanal European tradition. Starlight Distillery prides themselves on producing in individual batches allowing for the ultimate expression of the distiller’s art. Payless Liquors Single Barrel Selection #1481 is no exception.

The single barrel selection #1481 selected is an unusual barrel, in that the staves were pulled from their Huber wine inventory. They represent a 2 year, air dried wood from
Southern Indiana coopered in the traditional 53-gallon whiskey style barrel but toasted for 30 minutes like a traditional wine barrel over an open flame. In order to make this an official bourbon barrel by definition, the barrel must be charred so they decided to “flash” char to a rare #5 char.  This barrel is truly a hybrid one that brings together knowledge of wine and spirits to develop this unique flavor profile for this rare Starlight Distillery Bourbon.

Starlight Distillery rarely shares these exclusive barrels for off premise use. These specialty barrels are typically used in the Starlight Distillery single barrel program on property in their own tasting room. This distinctive bourbon will be available exclusively for retail at Payless Liquors in Central Indiana. Don’t miss out on your chance to try a handcrafted bourbon with a unique flavor you’re sure to love. Contact us today to reserve your bottle. Cheers!

Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon

Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, crafting 95% of the world’s supply. With the optimal mix of climate, conditions and pure limestone water, it is understandable how the state has become known for its high-quality bourbons drank around the world. Among its top producers include the Heaven Hill brands, which has been perfecting its brews since the end of Prohibition. Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky by the Shapira family. At the time, the family had no brands, no available stocks of whiskey, and was starting at the peak ofHeaven-Hill-Bourbon-287720-L_grande the Great Depression. Today, Heaven Hill’s is still family owned with a diversified product offering of whiskeys, liqueurs, vodkas, rums, and more popular brands such as Evans Williams Bourbon, Burnett’s Vodka, and Admiral Nelson’s Rum.

One of its best-known bourbon brews is its Old Style bourbon. It is named after the spring that flows through the historic Bernheim Distillery grounds. Typically brewed for four years in oak barrels, the final product yields a pale golden color. When opening the bottle, the aromas can be bold with bold scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweet fruits. On the nose, it can have a bit of an alcohol bite, but it is not too strong or complex. On the palate, it may taste more complex. It tastes much like its smell, with spice and caramel sweetness. The bourbon has a medium body and finish, with an overall good balance. Its alcohol bite can be toned down over ice, but also good in your favorite bourbon cocktails such as Old Fashions and Manhattans.

The Heaven Hill brand is the seventh largest independent, family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the country. It is also the second largest holder of aging bourbon whiskey, with over 1 million barrels in inventory. It’s commitment to quality, integrity, and consistency has given the brand a top-notch reputation for its products. If you’re wanting for an everyday bourbon at a bargain price, Heaven’s Hill Old Style Bourbon is the one for you. Contact us to reserve your bottle, or stop by your local Payless Liquors to pick up yours today.

O.F.C. 1980 Bourbon Coming To Indianapolis

Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced that it will release three unique vintage-dated bourbons honoring the O.F.C. Distillery. Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Christened the distillery back in 1870 and originally named it the Old Fire Copper Distillery. This historic landmark is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery had the most state of the art features like copper fermentation vats, column still, and a steam heating system that is still used in the aging warehouses.

200 bottles of bourbon dating back to 1980, 1982 and 1983 will be released and offered
exclusively to non-profit organizations at no charge to raise money for their causes. And here in Indianapolis, the Indiana Historical Society was lucky enough to get bottle 65/100 of the 1980 Vintage!

bottle-canisterThe packaging for O.F.C. matches the brilliance of the whiskey with lead free crystal bottles featuring detailed fluting engraved into the mold. Glass artisans cut the shoulder facets using equipment created exclusively for Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each bottle is then manually polished to achieve maximum glass brilliance before in-laying cut copper lettering to spell out “O.F.C.” on the front. A paper label is then hand applied below with the vintage prominently noted, along with a label on the back of the bottle noting the milestones for the vintage year of the bottle.

The 1980 label memorializes the U.S. Ice Hockey team’s stunning win over the Soviet Union, along with pop culture happenings and Ronald Reagan’s presidential election.

This is the second time Buffalo Trace Distillery has partnered with non-profit organizations to raise money. In 2011, the Distillery gave away 174 bottles of its Millennium Barrel, the last bourbon barrel filled on the last day of the last century. In total more than $150,000 was raised for various charities across the United States, with the top organization raising more than $7,000 for their cause.

We are assisting the Indiana Historical Society to organize a bourbon tasting on February
17th where this bottle and other items will be involved in silent auctions. It should be a great evening to raise money for the Education of Indiana History. Watch our social media and IHS’s website for more info.

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Weller Pants

Lately we’ve been talking a lot about these Weller Pants on Twitter and Facebook. So, we thought we’d talk about them here as well! These awesome (and cute) little holiday pants contain the Weller Special Reserve and Weller Antique. These two bottles will be the subjects of our blog this week!

weller-pantsFirst, as always, we would talk a bit about the distillery. Having some background is always a great way to enter the topic of any product. However, we have already talked about this one! W.L. Weller is a brand of wheated bourbon whiskey, currently produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Our blog  on Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection—Infrared went through their history, and you are welcome to read about that here.

What sets Weller apart right off the bat is its initial components. Like other bourbons, it is distilled from a mash of at least 51% corn, but the secondary grain is wheat, most bourbons use rye.

Now, let’s get to the review. The W.L. Weller Special Reserve nose is strong, the first wave isweller-special-reserve definitely that of alcohol. However, if you stick around for just another second, it is sweet, with notes of apple, honey, and vanilla—a beautiful combination. The palate is where the wheat really makes a difference, as one can expect. The vanilla sticks around and now we can taste caramel. The taste is smooth and has a nice finish.

Next is the Weller Antique. First we’ll talk about the nose, as always. Our first whiff is that of spice, lots of spice. You can tell that this will be a warm one. The layers come across as nutmeg, cinnamon, and deeper is vanilla as well as butterscotch. The palate feels a bit light weller-old-antique_0and thin at first. Which was incredibly surprising, given the impression it made through the nose. However, the finish is larger than life and even better with a second sip. The flavor, again, is sweet due to that wheat as opposed to rye, but the taste of the alcohol is strong enough to remind you it is definitely a Weller bourbon.

Both of these bottles are an absolute must have for any whiskey bourbon enthusiast. The bottles are available for purchase at your favorite local Payless, and you can reserve your Weller Pants today for the perfect holiday gift! (It can be a gift for yourself 🙂 )

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

birthday_2016The Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a very special bottle that only comes but once a year. The reason this bottle is annual and not released more often is because it is brewed specifically to be released on a particular date. This date being the birthday of the founder. On September 2nd every year, master distiller Chris Morris crafts the Birthday Bourbon that is vintage-dated and particularly fantastic for this momentous occasion. It is hand selected from one specific day of production. It’s a one of a kind bottle that is essential for any bourbon aficionado. The uniqueness of this bourbon could not be overstated. From the fact that it is only released once a year to the fact that it is released on the day of the founder’s birthday, and that it is hand-picked for its flavor and character to reflect the special day it is released. It is the ultimate in rare, handcrafted bourbon. This is also the fifteen year anniversary of this particular practice, making it even more special for bourbon enthusiasts. It has received unprecedented acclaim and both national and international whisky honors.

Now, let’s talk nose. The scent of the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is complex. Among the notes are cinnamon and spiked oak. They balance each other in a hearty dance between deep and sweet. Additionally, there is a hint of nutty chocolate and dark caramel. They do a similar tango that balances out this incredible concoction. The taste is full of mulled fruit character and spice, along with notes of bright citrus peel. It is warm and toasty in flavor with the perfect amount of fruit and citrus bite.

This bourbon is in limited supply so be sure to get it before it’s gone! We are hosting a contest that will go until October 20th. On the morning of October 21st, we will announce the winners. We have twelve bottles ready to go of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon and if you answer the trivia questions right, you may earn the right to purchase! Details here

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection – Infrared

Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously-operating distillery in the United States producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.

About 20 years ago, Buffalo Trace Distillery began experimenting with recipes and barrel treatments. Right now, there are roughly 5,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in warehouses. Each of the barrels has unique characteristics and experimental changes in the mash bill, types of wood, barrel toasts and more. Periodically, an experimental whiskey is bottled and sold on a limited basis. And the first of these experiments involved the use of infrared light waves.

With the goal of learning how new and different flavors can be drawn from the oak, the distillery applied the light waves to barrels before charring in 2009. Eight special barrels were constructed for this experiment. All eight first underwent the same process as standard Buffalo Trace barrels, staves were open air seasoned for six months before being made into barrels.

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Then, the barrels were divided into two groups and exposed to two different levels of infrared light waves.  The first group of four saw 15 minutes of short wave and medium wave frequency at 70% power.  The second group of four underwent 30 minutes of the short wave and medium wave frequency at 60% power. The barrels were then given a quick 15 second char before finally being filled with Buffalo Trace’s Bourbon Mash #1.

In 2016, it was time to see how the experiment worked. The bourbon from both barrels has distinct flavor notes of wood, caramel, and vanilla, as well as pepper flavors drawn from the oak. It was also noted that the short wave infrared light seemed to affect more of the inner layers of the wood, while the medium wave infrared light affected the surface and medium layers.

Tasting notes for each describe the 15 minute infrared light barrels as having a floral nose followed by a complex flavor profile. Oak and tannins mingle with dry raisins and sweet caramel.  The 30 minute infrared light barrels are described as strong wood notes complemented by a taste of dried fruit. A lingering finish leaves a hint of cracked black pepper.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles, and both entry proofs were bottled at 90 proof.  Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. Want to get your hands on a bottle? Fill out our online contact form today. Then come back and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!