I am sure most of you have heard of and many have probably tried good old Admiral Nelson rum, but do you know about the real Admiral Nelson? This rum was inspired by Admiral Horatio Nelson, leader of the greatest armada to ever sail the high seas. They say that the admiral was fearless and lived life to his own beat, bold and full of flavor much like the rum inspired from him.
He was known for his genuine, heroic confidence and resilience. He was very much his own person and he didn’t let authority motivate him. They say that part of his infamy comes from ignoring the command to cease-fire. He “put a blind eye” to his orders, this is also where the famous phrase came from. Now, let’s talk a little about the premium spiced rum inspired by such a heroic admiral.
There are many different kinds of Admiral Nelson rums, not just the plain premium spiced rum. That’s because you should be making your own decisions and choosing your own course, just like the Admiral. The traditional, premium spiced Admiral Nelson rum, is a gold with a smooth bold taste carefully blended with savory spices.
The nose is made up of light cinnamon and gingerbread notes, backed with vanilla. The body is sweet and pleasant, not overly spiced. It is the perfect rum for those who like just a little kick and is easy enough to just sip plain. The finish is short, straight and simple. This is a 70 proof rum. People enjoy this rum because they can drink it straight and not be put off by the burn. This is also a very tasty rum to add to mix drinks. Admiral Nelson Premium Spiced Rum is perfect for sipping straight and mixing drinks and it doesn’t break the bank. Get your bottle of Admiral Nelson today and be sure to follow along with our journey of Admiral Nelson and the Indianapolis Indians. Taste the Admiral. See the Indians. Cheers!
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 extravagant 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!
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.
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!
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.
(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!
Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay for over 200 years. Ardbeg Kelpie gets its name from the legends of the shape-shifting kelpie that revolve around the sea of Ardbeg. They say that the kelpie can take the form of a horse, or a bull, and may have claws, or even be a dog with the head of an ant that flies. Robert Burns once wrote about this mysterious creature in his poems. This Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited-edition whiskey that released in March of 2017. This whiskey is 100% malted barley from a single distillery and dried with peat. It is matured in an ex-bourbon cask and a virgin cask made from Adyghe republic oak and bottled at 46% ABV.
Ardbeg Kelpie is burnished gold in color and is a wonderfully intense whiskey. Each person experiences the nose, taste, and finish a little differently. There are many intertwined aromas that have been described as powerful, dark chocolatey, or sea-weedy with also a bit of spicy black pepper. The taste is far harder to determine, to each their own ideas, whether it’s smoked bacon, roasted peanuts, or ginger and nutmeg, the taste is just as shape-shifty as the tales around it. The finish seemingly lasts forever with deep, slightly dry flavors of gentle smoke and rich toffee. The Ardbeg Kelpie has a vast profile of official flavors all the way from smoky to floral. This might just be the fun, flavored, and mysterious whiskey you need to spice up your night.
This limited-edition Ardbeg Kelpie was intended to be released for the members of the Ardbeg Committee; however, a few retailers in the US were lucky enough to snag some bottles, including us! No proof of membership is required to purchase a bottle, let us know if you are interested in reserving a bottle at your nearest location. We hope you enjoy this wonderful whiskey, let us know what you think. Cheers!
Nothing says summertime like kickin’ it with a rum cocktail that will bring flavor and fun. You could go with the typical rum and coke or you could be bold with one of these island-inspired rum cocktails.
It’s only proper that some of the best and most well-known rum cocktails come from the islands that produce the rum as well. Here are some of our favorite rum cocktails featuring Admiral Nelson Premium Spiced Rum.
First off, the legendary rum punch. You can pretty much combine any rums with any juices that go well together and you have it! Here’s a take a typical island recipe:
1.5 oz Admiral Nelson’s Black Patch: Premium Black Spiced Rum
1.5 oz Admiral Nelson’s Premium Spiced Rum
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
3 oz. Orange Juice
2 oz. Guava Juice (A common tropical fruit!)
A Little Grenadine
Pineapple or Orange slice for garnish
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, pitcher or punch bowl. Chill and serve on ice and garnish with an orange or pineapple slice. Maybe add an umbrella if you’re feeling extra fancy!
If you’ve ever traveled to the Caribbean then odds are you’ve heard of a painkiller. And no, I’m not talking about pills. I’m talking a delicious explosion of coconut, OJ & pineapple. If you can’t physically be at the Soggy Dollar in the British Virgin Islands where the drink became famous, you can make it pretty easily from home. It’s a pretty simple drink to make and you’ll look like an islander when you show it off at your next get together with friends! Here’s what you need:
Admiral Nelson’s Black Patch: Premium Black Spiced Rum
4 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Cream of Coconut
Nutmeg
Mix all ingredients, except for the nutmeg, together in a shaker. Pour over ice and top with nutmeg. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if you please!
So kick your feet up this summertime, relax & enjoy the many flavorful rum cocktails you can create with Admiral Nelson Rum. And as Alan Jackson says, “it’s five o’clock somewhere.” Cheers!
Did you know that before World War I, Cointreau was selling 800,000 bottles a year? Or how about the fact that this liqueur was founded 168 years ago! For those not familiar, Cointreau is a well-known orange flavored brand of triple sec used throughout cocktails in the industry.
The makers had a vision. He says, “I have searched passionately for the quintessential flavors of Cointreau. I wanted to combine crystal-clear purity with the subtlety of tastes made from the perfect blend of sweet and bitter orange peels.” The Cointreau family opened the doors to its distillery. Originally in the confectionary and cake-making business, the family sought to create premium, naturally flavored liqueurs that were unavailable at the time. So, they decided to produce it themselves. They had a vision and they fulfilled it!
Cointreau is now often used as an apértif, which is defined as an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Apértifs can be taken before or after meals. But its tangy orange flavor isn’t just good for a stimulating, it’s a sweet liqueur, perfect for cocktails. Spirit lovers everywhere understand the importance of using Cointreau in their premium cocktails. The tanginess of Cointreau with premium liquor creates a cocktail unlike any other. For years, Cointreau has been used in cocktails like margaritas, sidecars and cosmopolitans. It’s also known for being delicious near or over ice!
For those not familiar with this product, we will be hosting a Mixology challenge on Wednesday, June 14th featuring this delicious liqueur! Hosted by Marc Sievers, you will have the opportunity to show off your best Cointreau cocktails and be named the champion of the mixology competition. Try this legendary liqueur, get your best recipes ready & get ready to mix! Mark your calendars for June 14th at our Adams Street store in Carmel. We can’t wait to see you there. Cheers!
Minor Case’s mission in life was to craft only the finest whiskey. “He never settled for less.” Limestone Branch Distillery’s latest release, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, is a tribute to Minor Case, Steve and Paul Beam’s great-grandfather. Minor was a distiller prior to the Prohibition era, passing away shortly after the 18th amendment was repealed. Minor had once distilled her products prior to prohibition in the same location Limestone Branch Distillery reopened in 2011. Stephen Beam says the bourbon is their idea of what Minor might have produced if he had the opportunity distil again.
The bottle itself will catch your eye. Its antique, flash look resembles bottles that you would find 100 years ago.
The two-year-old Indiana Rye is finished in Sherry Casks and bottled at 45% ABV. The sherry cask finish gives it a “smooth mouth feel” with hints of dark fruit & spice. According to the bourbon guy, it takes some time for the full effects of the whiskey to develop on the nose. After about 20 minutes of breathing, you’ll find the smells brought on from the sherry cask finish: darker fruits, rich spices, cedar & brown sugar. These same flavors experienced on the palette and finish of the bourbon. The finish lingers, spicy and warm, with strong cider and rye spice flavors.
Interested in trying Limestone Branch Distillery’s latest release? Contact us today to reserve your bottle. You won’t regret trying this exquisite rye whiskey named after a truly legendary man. Raise a glass in tribute to Minor. Cheers!
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.
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!
Crown Royal is stepping up their game with a new Noble Collection, which honors the brand’s monarchy roots. The first release in the Noble Collection is Crown Royal Cornerstone Blend Canadian Whiskey. It’s a combination from three of Crown Royal’s fundamental whiskeys: a spicy Canadian rye, a coffee still whiskey and a bourbon-style whiskey aged in charred American white oak. The final product produces a deep gold whiskey with strong flavors and a soft finish.
The Crown Royal Noble Collection was designed to honor the monarchy that reigned its Canadian roots. Understanding the history of Crown Royal and its brand will help you understand the distinct importance of this limited release. In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth set off to visit Canada. This was a big deal because no other monarchy had traveled to North America to visit the country. A Canadian spirits entrepreneur heard of their expected arrival and wanted to create a whiskey that was exceptional for the King and Queen. He wanted perfection, so he tried more than 600 blends before deciding the final blend of 50 whiskeys. Exceptionally smooth, this whiskey blend was fit for royalty and was even presented in a decanter wrapped with regal purple bag and gold stitching, just like it is today.
To this day, Crown Royal is proud to continue the tradition of producing whiskey fit for a King. For even the most discerning of palates, Crown Royal’s whiskey is considered one of the finest whiskeys of all. And the Crown Royal Noble Collection is no different. Inspired by the monarchy that led to the first bottle ever created, the Cornerstone Blend is perfect for whiskey lovers everywhere. On the nose, you can expect ride fruits, malted grain, toffee, and vanilla. The palate is balanced, with notes of sweet caramel, toasted grains, subtle oak and tropical fruits. The tart fruit flavors continue into the finish, ending with a gentle woody spice.
The first release in this collection has been long anticipated. Be the first to try this extraordinary blend and let us know what you think! Bottles will hit our stores this week. Stop by your local Payless Liquors or reserve your bottle online.
In an age of increasing popularity of rye whiskey, we introduce another new product on the market: Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey. Basil Hayden’s regular bourbon is already known for its spicy notes and their latest release capitalizes this distinct taste even more.
According to the producers of the new label, it is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey that has undergone a unique re-barreling rye process. The re-barreled rye actually starts as a 4-year-old traditional rye, which is taken from its aging barrels and placed in newly charred quarter cask oak barrels for an additional seven years. The finished product is then blended with traditional Kentucky straight rye whiskey.
To give you an idea of what to expect from Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey, here are some tasting notes for you. The color is a warm golden amber, aged to 80 proof. On the nose, you can expect spicy like any Basil Hayden or rye whiskey with hints of tea and peppermint. On the palate, you can find more spice and pepper flavors with honey. The whiskey is light-bodied but has a gentle bite. The finish is dry, clean, and brief, without leaving you too many overpowering flavors behind. Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is so good it was awarded the Silver Medal Button too!
Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey recipe has been artfully mastered for over 200 years. Even though the popularity of Basil Hayden has grown, they still maintain the small batch bourbon goodness that the original Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr created in 1796. Basil Hayden has been loved for centuries and if you’re a fan of spicier, rye whiskey, we are sure you’ll love their latest release too. Stop by your local Payless Liquors today to pick up a bottle or reserve yours online and pick it up at your convenience. We know you’ll enjoy it. Cheers!
Enjoy some #scotch with friends today. #NationalScotchDay https://t.co/HjrORlTJQa5 hours ago
With a high rye content, @WildTurkey 101 is perfectly aged in American White Oak Barrels. Get your own 1.75 L bottl… https://t.co/NGKxdtZJBd7 hours ago
I am sure most of you have heard of and many have probably tried good old Admiral Nelson rum, but do you know about the real Admiral Nelson? This rum was inspired by Admiral Horatio Nelson, leader of the greatest armada to ever sail the high seas. They say that the admiral was fearless and lived life to his own beat, bold and full of flavor much like the rum inspired from him.
extravagant 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”.
years ago! For those not familiar, 
and Paul Beam’s great-grandfather. Minor was a distiller prior to the Prohibition era, passing away shortly after the 18th amendment was repealed. Minor had once distilled her products prior to prohibition in the same location Limestone Branch Distillery reopened in 2011. Stephen Beam says the bourbon is their idea of what Minor might have produced if he had the opportunity distil again.
