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Canadian Club Rye

The history of Canadian Club Rye is colorful to say the least. Nothing says it better than their slogans, “some men had to break the law to drink it, you just have to break the seal” and, “what do seven generations of gangsters, smugglers, politicians, admen, and guys like you have in common? Canadian Club, you’re in good company.” This is a drink to break laws for (though we neither suggest nor condone that). It was what the Godfather had in his glass when he said “I’m going make him an offer he can’t refuse”. Do you know what Al Capone was drinking while he tilted his fedora and adjusted his pinstripe suit? Canadian Club Rye. Even Don Draper sipped it as he mulled over his latest dramatic life event, and JFK set it down as he was enraptured by Marilyn (it’s good but it’s not that good, I mean come on, it’s Marilyn). Is any of this real? Probably not, but Canadian Club Rye is the bottle you picture on Canadian Club launches Canadian Club Chairman's Select 100% Rye. (CNW Group/Beam Suntory Inc.)the gangster’s nightstand, the adman’s hotel room dresser, on Rockefeller’s mahogany desk.

 

This taste is hard to put into words, but we’ll try our best for you. At first glance, we are greeted with the all too deliciously familiar shade of amber. Then, it’s love at first sniff. The toasted grains bring us home to amber waves of

grain, rippling in the sunlight. The second whiff washes over us in a wave of vanilla. The simplicity of the smell makes us even more excited for the taste! As we bring the glass to our lips, a third layer of smell wafts over the rim of the vessel. This time, it’s subtle hints of oak. Taking in the drink makes us giddy and it does not disappoint. Spices mix in a cloud of sultry heaven, slowly bringing out notes of caramel. A symphony of vanilla and clove begin to churn into an unforgettable aftertaste that makes us go in for sip number two. Don’t bother putting the bottle away, friends, you’ll be on your second class before you know it!

It’s just the right glue to piece together an incredible story filled with depth and strength. It gives any room an air of trouble and authority. From its first days in the barrels in 1858, to the Hide A Case advertising campaign in 1967, all the way up to today, this liquor has left its mark on the world—and it should really be in your glass. Be sure to reserve a bottle soon at your favorite Payless. Come on, that inner troublemaker is just dying to get out and make history.

WYOMING. FAMILY. WHISKEY.

ONLY WYOMING INGREDIENTS  

The Big Horn Basin has everything we need to make great bourbon, and it is important to us to source our ingredients locally. The consistency and uniqueness of these whiskey elements make for a better bourbon that stands apart. It’s the Whiskey of the West.2016-03-31 10_34_05-Wyoming Whiskey

LOCAL CORN, WHEAT, BARLEY, RYE AND NO GMOS.

WE KNOW WHO GROWS. Brent Rageth from Rageth Farm in Byron, Wyoming has worked with Wyoming Whiskey from the start to select strains of non-GMO corn, wheat, barley, and winter rye for specific starch and sugar yields, the building blocks of bourbon making. We use a corn strain that matures in 92 days, and is hand-selected by Brent. Rageth Farms also delivers summer and winter wheat that is grown exclusively for Wyoming Whiskey, and a winter rye that will be the key ingredient for a couple of rye products that are on the near horizon.

MASH BILL

Mash bill for (1) mash cooking will consist of 2,166 gallons of liquid.

Liquid will consist of:
1,100 gallons of water and
450 gallons of backset, or thin stillage.

Grain: 57 Bushel
68% Corn – 3,183 pounds
20% Wheat – 951 pounds
12% Malt Barley – 570 pounds

SMALL BATCH BOURBON WHISKEYWyomingWhiskeyBottle

A traditional bourbon, from an untraditional place.
Our original, flagship, and defining product, the award-winning Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey.

TASTING NOTES
COLOR: dark amber
NOSE: floral, with a hint of vanilla bean and caramel pudding
PALATE: floral with brown baking spices and browned butter, vanilla crème, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon
MOUTHFEEL: light and smooth with vanilla bean and cinnamon spice filling the mouth cavity, hint of mint
FINISH: medium length finish with toffee. Spice and vanilla fade

SINGLE BARREL BOURBON WHISKEY

A traditional bourbon, from an untraditional place.
Our original, flagship, and defining product, the award-winning Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey.ww_single_03s

Bottled to capture this unique bourbon and moment of time, both of which will never happen again.
TASTING NOTES:

COLOR: deep copper to mahogany
NOSE: browned butter, Cola, black currant and dried dates, orange citrus blossoms, bittersweet dark chocolate, almond butter.
PALATE: Cola, dark chocolate, buttered pastry, dried date and fig, raisin and orange citrus.
MOUTHFEEL: full and rich, chewy, spicy, creamy with nuts.
FINISH: long finish; dry, but with lingering impressions of butter crème, candied orange peel, and dark dried fruit.

BARREL STRENGTH BOURBON WHISKEY

Wyoming-Whiskey_Barrel-Strength-copy-e1454524099638The most elusive of the WW offering.

TASTING NOTES:

COLOR: deep copper to mahogany
NOSE: intense, but still buttery-smooth with a nice oakiness, vanilla, Turbinot sugar, orange blossom honey, caramel candy, fudge, and muted touches of clove and nutmeg in the background.
PALATE: balance between clove and nutmeg and sweeter notes of fudge, caramel, orange blossom honey, anise, and just a kiss of smokiness that completes the complexity.
FINISH: romatic and spicy, dominated by clove with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, fudge, orange peel, and anise that come out as the clove fades

 

 

Reserve your bottle of Wyoming Whiskey today!

Orphan Barrel – Forged Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon

A pillar of strength rooted in time and wisdom,
Forged Oak was found while foraging through the historic
Stitzel-Weller rickhouses. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey spent 15 contemplative years in charred American white oak barrels.

Forged Oak is a statuesque whiskey with aromas of cedar, maple and vanilla bean that give way to seasoned woody notes of cocoa and young berries, ultimately leading to a long, dry finish of black pepper.

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Distiller: Heaven Hill (New Bernheim)
Age:15 years
ABV: 45%
Mashbill: 86% Corn, 8% Barley & 6% Rye

Nose:  Dark Sweet, Cherry Dark Fruit, Dried Strawberry
Taste:  Wood, Spice, Dark Sweets, Vanilla, Grain
Finish:  Long.  Wood, Grain, Caramel, Spice

“Ok, I have been sampling whiskey for some time now, and I have gotten to know exactly what I like and dislike, but I still enjoy pushing my experiences in new directions; the road less traveled theory. Every now again there is a whiskey that comes up that is on my “must try” list.

I received the sample bottle from my editor for this review a few more weeks ago than I care to admit, as I would then be past my due date for this article.  I have saved it for the last in this batch, my reward to keep me pushing towards that finish line, however arbitrary it is, as there is always more to sample.

As you may remember, I loved the Rhetoric by Orphan Barrel. As for Orphan Barrel Forged Oak, which is the focus of this review, this straight Kentucky bourbon spent 15 years in barrels in the Stizler-Weller rickhouses.  And I am sure that many of you know that Pappy Van Winkle built that house.  Now I hope you can understand my plan to use this as a reward.

Reserve Your Bottle Today!

Celebrating 250 Years of Hennessy

Celebrating 250 Years of Hennessy

It’s a cognac of great distinction. This year Hennessy is celebrating the big 2-5-0. To commemorate the anniversary they have released the Hennessy 250 Collector Blend, which pays full tribute to the centuries of excellence, expansion and passion.

The Aging

A cognac is defined by its blend and aging process. The Hennessy Master Blender, Yann Fillioux prides himself in offering the best product for the 250 edition. With 50 years of experience, Fillioux has created a blend made from double distilled white wine from locally grown ugni blanc grapes. The spirit was aged in Limousin oak barrels stored at ground level near the banks of the Charente River. These barrels add a touch of warm vanilla to the overall taste of the cognac. The eaux-de-vie blend has been aged 15-35 years. It’s a harmonious balance of power, vivacity and elegance.

The Boldness

At first glance, Hennessy Collector’s Blend makes a statement with its smooth, amber colored brandy. On the nose one can expect rich and expressive aromatic tones of spice and bitter orange. Fresh notes of nutmeg, black licorice and sweet peppermint all combined for an invigorating flavor. Powerful on the palate with the familiar elegant Hennessy flavors. A persistent finish with the spicy density and hints of saffron.

The Uniqueness

Unlike any other collectible liquor, the Hennessy 250 bottle is made from hand-cut crystals that increase its value. Only 250 barrels of the cognac have been produced, which comes out to be about a few thousand bottles. To enjoy this cognac at its best, sip neat at room temperature.

Own a piece of history with Hennessy 250 Collector’s Blend. We encourage you to reserve here on our website. Don’t miss out on your chance to own this iconic blend.

The Forgotten Tequila: Extra Añejo 7 Años Patrón

Patrón Anejo 7 Anos

Ever put on a pair of pants you haven’t worn in a couple years, only to discover a $20 bill? Recently Patrón Tequila had that same thing happen to them, only they discovered tequila they had forgotten about, tucked away in a corner of their barrel-aging room.

An Exclusive Rarity

Introducing Patrón Extra Añejo 7 Años. Distillers first checked on the group of casks after around 8 months of aging, but it wasn’t what they wanted. By the next time they discovered them, 7 years had passed. Master Distiller, Francisco Alcaraz announced the brand’s first limited release as “a happy accident of again, temperature, wood and where the barrels were placed.” Very different from all their other offerings, Añejo 7 Años is a limited quantity product with less than 700 cases released in March.

How It’s Made

Añejo 7 Años is a blend of tequilas produced two separate ways. The type of tequila is the traditional tahona. It’s made by crushing agave by with stone wheel and the juices are then absorbed into a fiber. The fiber is then part of the fermentation process. The second method Patron uses is where a roller squeezes the juice out from the fruit and then it’s separated immediately from the fiber. After that process is complete between the two methods, each product is then aged separately in pine wood barrels and then double distilled in copper pots custom designed by Alcaraz. Then the two come together in French oak. The twist is in the French oak. Usually the tequila is aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

The Taste

The limited edition tequila comes in a replica of the very first hard blown glass Patrón bottle to commemorate its exclusivity. Añejo 7 Años is a dark golden hue with pronounced woody and black pepper aroma. A smooth taste with notes of fruits, mandarin and light caramel. It isn’t necessarily sweet, but it has more of a honey taste. It’s delightfully full-bodied with hints of spice and bittersweet dark chocolate. Unlike most tequilas, it is less aggressive upfront, but rather it has a more powerful backend. An overall great product to represent the Patrón brand.

Own a piece of tequila history is the purchase of Patrón Extra Añejo 7 Años at Payless Liquors. To ensure you get your hands on a bottle, please reserve here.

¡Salud!

Bourbon By Land and Bourbon By Sea

The latest thing in bourbon has hit Payless Liquors stores all around Indianapolis. Ocean: Aged At Sea is the new release from Jefferson’s Bourbon out of Louisville, KY. The Ocean edition was inspired by the original Jefferson’s Ocean, which were bourbon barrels that traveled around the world. These filled barrels stopped at five different continents and crossed the equator four times. Nowhere will you find a more well-traveled bourbon.

Ocean: Aged at Sea is very specific in its metrics of aging. For an estimated 7 to 8 years, the bourbon was aged in barrels on land. Then for an additional 5 to 10 months, it was aged in the same barrels at sea. The constant rocking of the ocean water, inconsistent temperatures and saline-rich air help mature the whiskey and add depth to the flavor. Barrels were stored aboard the OCEARCH 126-foot vessel. OCEARCH is a nonprofit organization that reaches great white sharks and other large apex predators that live in our oceans.

This second edition of Ocean bourbon consists of approximately 66 barrels, but only 62 of those barrels have been released to the public for purchasing. The four remaining barrels have been auctioned off, with the proceeds going to benefit OCEARCH foundation. Master Distiller of Jefferson’s Bourbon, Trey Zoeller and Founding Chairman and Expedition Leader of OCEARCH, Chris Fisher, are close friends who banded together for the cause.

Tasting notes of Ocean: Aged at Sea include:

The Nose

The aroma embodies scents of warm vanilla, sweet caramel and burnt wood.

On the Palate

Enjoy a savory taste with sweet elements of butterscotch, vanilla, crisp brown sugar and spice. You might also taste a bitter, yet warm balance. Hints of cinnamon and plum are also present.

The Finish

The finish is a medium length followed by a strong bitter bite. There is also a lingering sweetness from the palate.

Whether you are passionate about animal rights and philanthropy or just looking for a great bourbon, Ocean: Aged at Sea is what you need. These bottles also make great holiday gifts for loved ones. You can find Ocean: Aged at Sea in select stores or reserve here on our website.

Celebrate the Holidays with Something French

Nothing says the holidays like a fantastic bottle of champagne. This year, we invite you to enjoy a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2006 sparkling wine from Champagne, France. Louis Roederer embodies all the exciting elements the season brings!

The Making Of Cristal Brut

The Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2006 is an indicative blend of Chardonnay 40% and Pinot Noir 60%. The champagne is aged six years, then left for eight more months after dégorgement. The specific aging and blend is the key to creating an overall refreshing and
crisp flavor.

Cristal Brut Tasting Notes

When first popping the cork, you can expect a glistening light amber color with soft, timid bubbles. Cristal Brut flavors include zesty lemon and orange, lilies and toasted hazelnuts. The aroma gives off an intense fruit scent full of apricots, melons and mangos. At first sip, enjoy a juicy burst of summer fruits. The last notes leave an impression of slight bitterness, yet still remaining true to the fresh fruit flavors.

The Acclaims of Cristal Brut

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2006 is critically acclaimed, as well. It received a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast for its “impressive balance between ripe fruit and crisp acidity.” Wine Spectator also recognized Brut 2006 for its “sense of finesse, despite underlying power” and also gave it a 95-point rating. Lastly, Cristal Brut was unanimously named one of the top 5 Champagne Brut wines in the world.

Is a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut something you would enjoy with friends and family? Stop by one of our Payless Liquors locations, or you can easily reserve a bottle here on our website.

Happy Holidays and here’s to popping bottles this holiday season!

Buffalo Trace: The Latest Experiment in Bourbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Whiskey Left Behind

Imagine a world where leftover whiskey, hidden in the back of distilleries and rick houses, is magically bottled and sold in your local Payless Liquors store. Well, that world is now a reality, with the help of The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Company out of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Orphan Barrel’s goal is to make the stories of lost whiskeys a thing of the past, and offer those rare bottles into small offerings for the world to taste.

Orphan Barrel Whiskey Company has turned lost whiskey into an incredible business venture. Not only do they produce a great product, but the story behind the bottles makes them even easier to sell. People enjoy the mysticism behind each sip of whiskey from one of Orphan Barrel’s bottles. There has got to be something said for the innovativeness that has been created with each product. Currently, Orphan Barrel is offering three whiskeys: Rhetoric, Old Blowhard and Barterhouse.

Rhetoric

This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has matured for 20 years in old vanilla oak barrels. The 90 proof bottle is full of character and flavor. Its profile can be described as firm in spices, dried fruit and caramel, while finishing full of cherry blossom, bitter chocolate and a hint of tobacco. Look forward to tasting the evolution of Rhetoric, as Orphan Barrel will be releasing a new matured bottle for the next six years as an experiment on barrel maturation.

Old Blowhard

For 26 years, this whiskey has been waiting to be enjoyed. Old Blowhard is rich with undertones of smoke and honey. Considered one of the most intense of the three Orphan Barrel releases, there is a robust flavor of tobacco, caramel and sweet maple syrup. The finish is gentle, but dry with hints of spice and orange peel. We recommend sipping Old Blowhard slowly and enjoy the many tastes it encompasses.

Barterhouse

Last but not least is a whiskey that has tasting notes of warm biscuits and buttercream. How delicious! It has been aged for 20 years and has a smooth creamy taste. The finish is sweet with brown sugar and a bit of spice. Enjoy Barterhouse for any occasion.

Currently at Payless Liquors we carry all three of the Orphan Barrel releases, but in limited quantities. So be sure to get your hands on a bottle. Keep in mind these are hidden whiskeys, “and once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”

What do you think of this concept of uncovering hidden whiskey gems? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Organic Whiskey that Celebrates the Past and Embraces Change

There’s something to be said for the small craft distilleries out there who take pride in producing some of the boutique, non-Kentucky bourbons on the market. One that comes to our mind is Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. Their journey to make a hand-crafted, organic whiskey is one about restoring tradition while celebrating change. From the building where it’s crafted to the bottle it comes in, Journeyman Whiskey is one that remains true to its roots. They are certainly a front runner in the growing organic spirits industry today. Here is a brief introduction of the story behind the Journeyman Distillery:

Journeyman’s originator, Bill Welter, had special requirements when it came to finding the location for the distillery. Luckily, they found the perfect spot. Originally a factory for buggy whips and corsets, the building had a history of its own. E.K. Warren, the former factory owner, was ironically a prohibitionist whose claim to fame was making women’s corsets out of turkey feathers instead of whalebone. The maple hardwood floors are the same ones that were there in the 1800s. The concrete bar made in Grand Rapids has the coordinates etched in the side, thus making its mark on the historic location. The Journeyman Distillery truly evokes a distinct ambiance for visitors to enjoy.

The Journeyman bottle also pays homage to the brand’s authenticity and tradition. Simple, yet classic, the shape of the Journeyman bottle looks similar to those of 1800s. The label design is original artwork and the head is hand-sealed with wax.

Meanwhile, Silver Cross, Buggy Whip Wheat and Featherbone are all flavors that play into the rich history behind the old factory:

  • Silver Cross Whiskey is an explosion of four-grain flavor. It’s a 90 proof spirit that we recommend for mixing into cocktails; or let it shine on its own, with a couple drops of water. Silver Cross is unlike any whiskey you have had before with a sweet, luscious caramel essence and a hint of spicy red pepper.
  • Buggy Whip Wheat is appropriately coined after one of the products that was manufactured in the distillery in the 1800s. Bottled at 90 proof, it has a powerful grainy aroma with a sweet undertone. The taste of the whiskey has a bit of caramel, earthy leather and nutty flavor. We recommend Buggy Whip on the rocks for a sweet, light taste.
  • Featherbone Bourbon is another name that celebrates the history of Warren’s featherbone corsets. This bourbon is made from 70% corn, 20% wheat and small amounts of rye and barley. The aroma is an inviting, fresh corn smell, with hints of vanilla. At first sip you will notice a strong oak taste with spices, grains and leather.
Barrel racks are displayed to show visitors the process of making the spirits. 

 

If you get the urge for a road trip, we strongly recommend a visit to the Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan in order to experience its great heritage firsthand. Meanwhile, right now at Payless Liquors we have barrels of each—the Silver Cross Whiskey, Buggy Whip Wheat, and Featherbone Bourbon. But they are on limited supply! Reserve your bottle today and embrace the richness of Journeyman’s voyage.

For more information on Journeyman’s Distillery, their story and products be sure to visit their website.

Whiskey that Embraces Your Ambitions

The story behind Glendfiddich Cask of Dreams is unlike any story you’ve heard before. It’s one of taking chances and fulfilling your dreams. We invite you to take a seat as we tell the story of how this timeless whiskey has set out to inspire people around the world.

In 1886 William Grant abandoned his career and set out on an adventure. His vision was to produce the “best dram in the valley.” At 46 years old, he enlisted the help of his nine children and set out to build his whiskey distillery stone by stone. On Christmas Day in 1887, that first barrel of Glenfiddich Spirit symbolized Grant’s ambition to accomplish his greatest dream. He overcame adversity and took the first steps in his journey to give the world one of the best single malt whiskies.

Now, well over a century later, we honor the inspiring story of William Grant. In 2012, Glenfiddich encouraged fans to share their hopes and dreams on their website. Each month, two people were selected to have their name and submissions printed on a very special edition to be called, “Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams.”

Meanwhile, across the United States, Glenfiddich representatives took 11 new, unused oak casks and set them in the middle of 11 cities. They invited locals to sign the casks with their names and dreams into the wooden barrels. The casks were then sent to the Highlands of Scotland to be put into new casks for finishing. The new oak ages spirits fast, and after just three months, the “Casks of Dreams” were bottled and ready to be distributed.

Today, Glenfiddich has released a limited release bottle to feature more names of whiskey lovers and their dreams. These bottles are to acknowledge the pioneering spirit of Glenfiddich and to continue to help people aspire to reach their goals.

This intriguing whiskey is light in body and inviting. Vanilla and toffee give it a taste to be desired. Also slightly fruity, hints of golden raisin, dried apricot and juicy apple are present. The explosion of these flavors indulges your senses and finishes with a spicy zest. We recommend drinking Cask of Dreams on the rocks for a smooth, delicate taste, or consume it straight with a splash of water to enhance the natural flavor.

Cask of Dream is a limited edition bottle and is highly sought after by those in the whiskey collecting community. Don’t miss your chance to honor the great dreamer, William Grant. Reserve your bottle at Payless Liquors. Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams is a great reminder to embrace your ambitions and to always be dreaming.

Father’s Day Gifts Dad Won’t Hide in his Closet

Want to get dad something he really wants for Father’s Day this year? Hint: It’s not a tie. We all have difficulty finding dad something he wants for Father’s Day without falling into cliché gift ideas. But this year, Payless Liquors has you in mind.

We’ll be offering three special editions of Jack Daniel’s this month:

  • Sinatra Select
  • Rested Tennessee Rye
  • Old #7 Black Label 86 Proof.

These rare Jack Daniel’s products will make perfect gifts for your dad this year!

Fly Me to the Moon

Our first Jack Daniel’s special edition celebrates one of the world’s biggest whiskey fans, none other than Frank Sinatra. Ol’ Blue Eyes could always be seen sippin’ on a glass of Jack. Some would even consider Jack Daniel’s to be his best friend. The sultry amber color of Sinatra Select resembles the familiar Old #7. Sinatra Select is bottled at 45% stronger and has been aged in Sinatra barrels. These barrels are grooved, which allows more an interaction between the wood and spirits. This also allows a deeper and more intense flavor for the whiskey. Sinatra Select then finishes with an incredibly smooth, vanilla taste. Dad will appreciate your thoughtfulness when you pick out this limited edition Jack Daniel’s bottle for him. Reserve a bottle today for $179.99.

Resting Rye

This whiskey has been “resting” for a few years in Jack Daniel’s warehouse. Now we’re inviting you to watch it mature. Jack Daniel’s Rested Tennessee Rye is the result of a matured Unaged Rye, and is the brewery’s first barrel-matured rye offering. A pale gold color shows it has developed some color from its time resting. The barrels instill toasted oak and vanilla into the flavor of the whiskey. Dad will definitely appreciate the spiced character from the rye grain. There is also a surprising hint of dark cherry flavor. We certainly enjoyed how Jack Daniel’s Rested Tennessee Rye was maturing. Get your bottle for $69.99!

86 Proof Rarity

Jack Daniel’s Old #7 Black Label 86 Proof has some controversy. Black Label bottles made currently register at 80 proof instead of the older 86 proof. Die-hard Jack Daniel’s Black Label fans feel betrayed by this newer 80 proof. Because of the controversy, Black Label 86 Proof is a little hard to find, but we have you covered at Payless Liquors. Rare 2005 Black Label bourbon is definitely a must for the collector in your family. Secure your own bottle for $39.99!

We don’t think there is anything better than a classic bottle of bourbon. Celebrating dad and Jack Daniel’s go hand in hand. There is a limited supply on all of these bottles, so hurry in before Father’s Day! All products are available at select locations. We would not want you to miss out on this opportunity to purchase these limited Jack Daniel’s products, so reserve your bottles here!

Two Bourbon, No Scotch and No Beer

Living legend George Thorogood said it best when he asked the bartender for one bourbon, one scotch and one beer in his famous song bearing a similar title. If you haven’t heard the song before, I pity you. Today we’ll be skipping the scotch and beer for two amazing bourbon offerings. These are Wild Turkey Forgiven and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel exclusively bottled for Payless Liquors. Now onto the good stuff.

Let’s start with Wild Turkey Forgiven and its name. The title of this blended whiskey might make you think of a badass 90’s western or a Metallica song, but the name is actually based on how this bourbon came to be. Forgiven was never meant to exist. It was a slip up at the distillery that resulted in rye whiskey getting mixed with high proof bourbon. The mistake created an amazing whiskey that Master Distiller Eddie Russell loved in spite of its humble, accidental beginnings. Hence this bourbon was “Forgiven.”

Opening Forgiven is a bit of a test for new bourbon drinkers. The mix of oak and spices packs quite a kick for the nostrils, so you might want to let this one air for a bit. The flavor is complex, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel. There is a strong blast of alcohol before you get to the final hints of oak, vanilla and pepper spices. Great straight up or on the rocks, Wild Turkey Forgiven will be available at Payless Liquors’ Bourbon Legends Dinner.

If you were free to visit Wild Turkey’s private warehouses and open any barrel you wished, wouldn’t you go for the best stuff in the room? Of course you would, and that’s just what Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell did when they created Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel. Taken from the best kept and aged barrels at the Wild Turkey headquarters, Russell’s Reserve is a dream come true for any bourbon lover.

Words like strong or explosive are batted around a lot in descriptions for liquor, but Russell’s Reserve has a seriously intense aroma. Bottled from a single barrel, this is the bourbon of bourbons, and 110 proof. The flavor is complex and hardcore, with hints of caramel, licorice, and vanilla. The only complaint you could have about Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that it might ruin other bourbons for you by being too intense and delicious. Payless Liquors will have this available for sampling at our Bourbon Legends Dinner as well.

Interested in getting your hands on these exclusive bourbons sooner rather than later? Come to our Bourbon Legends Dinner, enjoy a 4 course meal from Fireside Brewhouse and meet Master Distiller Jimmy Russell! Call 859-9505 or email [email protected] to reserve a seat for Friday, June 6!

Wild Turkey: The Spirit of America Lives On

Did you know that in 1964, bourbon was declared America’s “Native Spirit?” In fact, bourbon is one of the few spirits the U.S. can claim as their own. That’s why the U.S. Congress declared September “National Bourbon Heritage Month” in 2007. The bill was sponsored by a Kentucky senator, and passed without opposition.

Less than a year later, another awesome thing occurred. Wild Turkey released American Spirit. This rare alcohol is a 15 Year Old Bourbon produced in 2008 as a limited run by Wild Turkey. Only 24,000 bottles were produced world-wide to celebrate National Bourbon Month. To commemorate the release, the bottles were designed with a unique shape, and shipped in beautiful wooden box with an insert explaining the history of the spirit. Every bottle comes with a 100% wood stopper, and a limited edition coin affixed to the bottle. A strip stamp seal on the bottle was added for additional authenticity.

American Spirit is 100 Proof bourbon that’s a nod to the history of bourbon making. This is considered a Straight Whiskey, with no additional flavorings added. But enough history. What can you expect when you open the bottle up?

Nose: American Spirit has a very alcoholic smell, so let it aerate for a moment. Afterwards you should expect strong elements of leather, vanilla and nuts. There are lesser hints of rye, maple syrup and citrus. Overall, the head is robust. It will probably run off any drinkers that expect this bourbon to be mixed with cola.

Taste: American Spirit starts off smooth and sweet. It’s almost surprising how light the initial flavor is. After that, you can expect a spicy middle flavor. The burn is nice without being painful. Overall the taste is very smooth and rich. Again, American Spirit isn’t for the rookie bourbon drinker.

Finish: This is a strong finish, but not overpowering or even complex. The finish is smooth and dry, with hints of almonds, oak and vanilla. Don’t expect any fireworks—this is a slow, refined finale.

Overall: If you’re expecting a giant, obvious flavor like 101 or Maker’s Mark, you’re looking at the wrong bottle. This is a strong, rich bourbon with a smooth flavor. The finish isn’t as strong as some like, but many will enjoy the simple subtlety of American Spirit.

I highly recommend Wild Turkey American Spirit for both the bourbon fan and collector. For those that love to drink bourbon, this is a smooth ride that you can appreciate. For the collector, you’re purchasing a beautiful product from a rare, limited collection. Interested in buying? Wild Turkey American Spirit is $130.00 a bottle at Payless Liquors. Stop in now before they’re all gone!