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 Minor was a distiller prior to the Prohibition era, passing away shortly after the 18th amendment was repealed.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!
A unique step away from Kentucky’s authentic Bourbon Whiskey is the always interesting is Rye Malt Whiskey. Bourbon lovers everywhere may be familiar with different bourbon whiskey alterations. For those who aren’t, stay tuned. You may find more of a reason to try Old Pogue’s latest release, Five Fathers Pure Rye Malt Whisky.
Rye whiskey was very popular in the pre-prohibition era. Mostly used in cocktails, especially Manhattans. The difference between rye whiskey and bourbon is the amount of mash bill. The mash bill is a list of grains used for distillation. In America, rye whiskey must have a minimum of 51% rye with barley, wheat and corn. The rye gives the drink a unique savory and spicy flavor. The popularity of rye whiskey faded over time, but a recent spike in production from prominent brewers has brought this unique whiskey back to life. Premium brands such as Old Rip Van Winkle, Sazerac, and Old Pogue Distillery.
The Old Pogue Distillery recently released a limited edition of Kentucky Straight Five Fathers Pure Rye Malt Whiske. Bottled at 110 proof, you can expect spicy pepper and caramel flavors that give showcase the unique rye taste. The product is named after an original recipe long held in the Pogue family. It is named after the five generations after the founding of the H.E. Pogue Distillery in Maysville, Kentucky. The product is even produced on its original distillery grounds to honor the tradition of the family recipe.
Five Fathers Pure Rye Malt Whisky is a drink that continues that heritage of the Pogue Distillery. Its recipe is authentic and perfected. If you’re new to rye whiskey, this is definitely one to try! If you’re interested in getting your hands on a bottle of this exclusive whiskey, contact us today. We hope you enjoy it. Cheers!
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.
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!
Imagine this – it’s 75 degrees on a perfect, sunny day. Your toes are in the sand and all you hear is the crashing of the waves against the beach. You got a nice cold Key Lime Colada in your hand to quench your thirst. Life is good.
With Blue Chair Bay’s newest flavor, Key Lime Rum Cream, you’ll forget that you’re wherever you are and feel like you’re in a tropical oasis of paradise and delicious drinks.
Inspired by the owner and creator of Blue Chair Bay, Key Lime Rum Cream wants to take you to island life. This tropical rum is best used in cocktails such as a Key Lime Colada. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 oz. Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Rum Cream
.5 oz. Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. cream of coconut
1 cup of ice
Blend all the ingredients together, and pour into a cup rimmed with coconut flakes. Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
In the mood for a deliciously sweet shot? Try the Keys with a Cherry on Top.
.5 oz. Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Rum Cream
.5 oz. amaretto
.5 oz. grenadine
Chill the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a shot glass, and enjoy!
If you want to try it in other drinks, here’s a quick flavor profile for you. First, the nose. You can expect bright, fresh, and citrus aromas. The body is rich, buttery, yet well-rounded, as you would expect from a rum cream. On the palette, you can expect similar flavors to a key lime pie: fresh and tart. The Key Lime Rum Cream is balanced with a creamy meringue sweetness with hints of cinnamon, almond, and amaretto. On the finish, you can expect a rich graham cracker crust.
Interested in trying Blue Chair Bay’s Key Lime Rum Cream? Reserve your bottle at Payless Liquors!
Dublin whiskey was once known as a holding the Premier whiskey in the world, with distillers and traditional practices dating as far back as the 1700s. A well renowned brand, Teeling Irish Whiskey, has been perfecting its Irish Whiskey since 1782. With over 230 years of tradition ran by the Teeley family, they know Irish Whiskey.
Starting with its initial release of the Teeling Small Batch, an Irish Blend, Teeling Irish Whiskey has developed a line of premium Irish Whiskeys. Regularly released, each batch includes a highly regarded single grain, a single malt, and poitin which is a traditional Irish distilled beverage. Its most recent release is a limited edition Teeling 24 Year Old Single Malt whiskey. It has been awarded the Best Irish Single Malt by World Whiskies Awards, and it has definitely earned it! It was distilled in 1991, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in Sauternes wine casks.
To give you a sneak peak of what to expect, we have some tasting notes. In the glass, the quarter of a century old single malt has a rich, golden color, with long legs. On the nose, you can expect to find gentle notes of peat and wood smoke, fresh baked break, fresh gooseberries, and orchard fruit. On the palate, you’ll taste syrupy sweetness with more peat and soft fruits, especially apricots, balanced with almonds and fondant icing. The finish is long and spicy, yet balanced and pleasant, leaving you with the fruit aftertaste you would expect from the wine cask finish. Whiskey Reviewer said that the choice to finish in Sauternes casks is what truly sets this whiskey apart. It’s a great example of what time and a good choice in finishing can do.
Only 1,000 bottles of this limited edition was produced! Payless Liquors received a few bottles of this prestigious brand’s limited edition, and you can have the chance to try it. Reserve your bottle today, and let us know what you think!
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 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!
What’s Irish, black, and distinctive in harmony? Guinness.
The brand has been around more than 250 years, and while it’s iconic product is the original Guinness Draught, the brand has evolved over time. Adjusting to taste and preferences of its consumers is key. Guinness brew masters spin traditional methods in new ways to appeal to taste buds all around the world. From the Blonde American Lager to the Dublin Porter and Golden Ale, Guinness is broadening its options for beer lovers everywhere.
But how did this iconic brand get so popular? It started with Arthur Guinness, an Irish native with a relentless passion for creating brews people will love. At 34, Arthur took a stab at his own brewing. In 1759, he signed a 9000-year lease on a small, unused property to start off. Ten years later, six and a half barrels of Guinness beer left Dublin on a sailing ship for England. The small voyage marked a small victory for the future of Guinness beer. His 9000-year lease proved to be a good investment as Guinness grew rapidly, advancing with more flavors and brews. In order to perfect the areas of brewing, Arthur ceased brewing of ale in 1799 to focus on porters, a black beer in London that became popular in Dublin. Mastering the science of brews has paid off, as Guinness is now enjoyed and loved all over the world.
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, now is the perfect time to stock up on Guinness, or try it if you haven’t before! But wait, there’s more. You can even engrave your own glass at our upcoming event on Thursday, March 16th. Get the details here, then mark your calendars so you don’t miss this unique experience! You’ll have a customized Guinness glass to rave about just in time for St. Paddy’s Day. Hope to see you there. Cheers!
years ago! For those not familiar, Cointreau is a well-known orange flavored brand of triple sec used throughout cocktails in the industry.
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.
A unique step away from Kentucky’s authentic Bourbon Whiskey is the always interesting is Rye Malt Whiskey. Bourbon lovers everywhere may be familiar with different bourbon whiskey alterations. For those who aren’t, stay tuned. You may find more of a reason to try Old Pogue’s latest release, Five Fathers Pure Rye Malt Whisky.
Imagine this – it’s 75 degrees on a perfect, sunny day. Your toes are in the sand and all you hear is the crashing of the waves against the beach. You got a nice cold Key Lime Colada in your hand to quench your thirst. Life is good.
