Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$54.00
Selecting barrels during the pandemic has been about as challenging as you would think. This is where relationships with distillers becomes even more important. Now that the bourbon shortage has reached a fever pitch, they turn away 100 requests for single barrels for every one that they accept. Clearly I’ve been in the “one” category. Well that “one” isn’t good enough. You really want to be the first of all the “ones”. What the hell does that mean?
The master distiller will select his favorite 20 or 30 barrels for all of us “one’s” to select from. Obviously the first “one” to select will get the best of the best. This was the exact situation when I selected our Knob Creek single barrel of bourbon with Master Distiller Fred Noe.
All 20 that I tasted were outstanding, but I really think I grabbed the best of the lot before anyone else got a chance to taste .
The barrel I selected was born on 9/28/11 (yep, this is a 10 year old private barrel). It rested in what I call the “heart of the good stuff” in warehouse Z on floor 3. Bottled at 120 proof.
One other benefit of being first is I was the first to beg for a Single barrel of Knob Rye. Stay tuned next month to see how well I begged 😉
Tasting Note:
Nose: Toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and fresh baked banana bread.
Palate: Hints of leather toasted marshmallow, maple and caramelized banana. The finish is long and lingering with just the right amount of burn.
Out of stock
Don't worry! Enter your email and we'll notify you when it's available again or if we have very similar products from this producer.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2021
96 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 95 Points, Wine Spectator
We are one of the very few folks who have Wine Spectator’s #3 Wine of the Year. This is definitely not one to miss. The 2016 vintage showcases this prized vineyard in all its glory; notes of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay are lifted and enjoyed with the polished tannin and mouthwatering freshness of this wine. Regarded as one of the best vintages in the last few decades, the 2016 Martha’s Vineyard has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release and will continue to reward for the next 20+ years.
I once again found myself with one of the more and limited bottlings from the good people at Michter’s It comes in a round 111 Proof and is a monster from one of the best distilleries out there. This bottling is usually between 107 and 112 Proof but isn’t made every year (only in the good years). It’s oozing with seductive aromas of Cinnamon, rye spice, chocolate and freshly baked gingerbread. Cinnamon, dark chocolate, a hint of Cayenne pepper mixed with charred sugar and oak explode out of the bottle and greet you head on. I wish I had more than six of these beauties to pass out. Such is life.
92 Points, Vinous – 91 Points, Wine Spectator
Feudo Montoni has been one of the best producers in Italy for literally hundreds of years, most notably for their work with Nero D’Avola grape in Sicily. It’s a gorgeous expression at such a good price. The 2020 “Lagnusa” is the perfect pizza or Thanksgiving wine with juicy black fruits, grippy tannins and a wonderful, fresh and herbaceous finish. Vinous Media gave the wine 92 points and raved, calling it “remarkably fresh yet long, leaving the mouth watering while still resonating on hints of blackberry.” You’re going to love this.
This is a sensational single-vineyard Merlot made from incredibly tiny clusters, full of some of the most elegant, intensely structured fruit from high atop Sonoma Mountain. Beautiful weight and balance with aromas of blueberries, black currants, sage and a hint of cocoa. It’s got a full, plush mouthfeel, pristine and vibrant fruit and a wonderful smooth finish. Thanks to Chad’s big bet on himself, he was able to make a knockout Sonoma Mountain beauty, without the need for any middleman, helping us to enjoy one of his best creations at an outstanding price.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.