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
$485.00
Last November, the Nicholas Wines faithful and the whiskey world alike mourned the loss of the Boss Hog himself– Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell. Those lucky enough to attend the Whistle Pig dinner a few years back got to witness the brilliance, intelligence and talent of my friend, who was fondly referred to in the Spirits world as the Johnny Appleseed of craft distilling. A loss that monumental rightfully shook the tiny Vermont Rye distillery, who in picking up the pieces now run day-to-day operations with a new mantra, WWDD? (What would Dave do?)
When we offered last year’s Boss Hog V: “Spirit of the Mauve”, it certainly felt like the last ‘Boss Hog’ bottling from the scorching-hot, cult distillery that earned ‘Best Whiskey in the World’ honors in 2017. But we were surprised if not a little bit reluctant when we saw that they released one this year sans the Boss Hog himself. That was until I tasted it.
Dave always said that the only way he would do a ‘Boss Hog’ bottling at Whistle Pig was if his “five promises” were kept. Those promises were as follows:
1. Single Barrel
2. Bottled at Barrel Proof
3. Powerfully Complex
4. Distinctly Unique from Anything They had Previously Done
5. Extraordinary Quality. Better than Anything Else They Made.
The ‘Samurai Scientist’ Edition Boss Hog is the first ever American Whiskey finished in Japanese Umeshu Barrels. The result of this fusion between the two worlds is insane- it is unlike any whiskey I have ever tasted in my life.
The name ‘Samurai Scientist’ comes from the Japanese chemist, Jōkichi Takamine who pioneered koji fermentation in the American whiskey industry over a century ago. The Rye was the result of a partnership between Whistle Pig and Kitaya Brewery on Kyushu Island in Japan. It’s bursting with aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, tobacco and s’mores. It’s savory with oak and baking spice flavors and a wonderful, lingering finish that mixes smooth, vanilla oak flavors with a savory umami note. Bottled somewhere between 120 and 122 proof this exceptional Rye probably fits best in its own category all together. Perfect for the serious Whiskey collector ONLY and guaranteed to be unlike any other bottle that currently sits on your shelf.
Out of stock
Perfect for the serious Whiskey collector ONLY and guaranteed to be unlike any other bottle that currently sits on your shelf.
Sip slowly on its own for only the most special of occasions
This is a beauty courtesy of one of the oldest, most prestigious and hottest distilleries anywhere. These Stagg Jr. releases have absolutely exploded in popularity over the past few years, behind incredibly quality, super high demand and not nearly enough supply. Many in the whiskey world absolutely adore Batch 15 with some calling it the very best of all the batches (though Batch 3 if you still have it otherworldly). It’s incredibly robust and flavorful and is a monster at 131.1 Proof that gives out a huge Kentucky hug. The price of these things have skyrocketed as of late and I doubt they’ll return to this stratosphere any time soon.
This year, the Eastside Cuvee hails from a primo vineyard just off the Silverado Trail– perfectly positioned next to neighbors Caymus and Frog’s Leap and just down the road, Quintessa. Amongst the elite, Carl Roy’s team locked into some incredible fruit, with gorgeous blackberry jammy opulence, firm grippy tannins and that signature Rutherford earthiness to the finish that many try to emulate but can only be produced off the special soil from which this beauty was created.
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.
I just re-tasted this beauty last week when it came in and was blown away by how this one turned out. It’s not that I’m surprised, but I’ve been waiting for so long, I almost forgot what I had chosen! Not only that, but I can’t believe this is nearly 123 Proof (122.7). You really never get any of the heat. I wouldn’t have thought it was over 105 Proof smelling and tasting it. It leads with inviting aromas of burnt caramel, hazelnut, and allspice mix with flavors of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and light rye spice. The finish is warm and spicy with subtle and smooth notes of vanilla and oak. This is a great one.
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