Orlando Whiskey Festival Returns in May

Posted on by mashingin

3rdOWFposterOn Saturday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Whiskey & Bizz Events will host their 3rd Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival at Mercedes Benz of Orlando in Maitland (810 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida).

Established as “the first ever Whiskey Festival to hit Central Florida,” the Orlando Whiskey Festival will officially return on May 13 for its third installment.  With a pour list boasting nearly 100 brands spanning from fine single malts to flavored whiskies, this event promises to provide guests with a top tier, educational whiskey experience that also allows them to interact with industry professionals.  In addition to the abundance of amazing whiskies, this event will also feature “gourmet menu selections . . . from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups”, craft beer from Hourglass Brewery, wine, live entertainment, and all net proceeds will benefit the amazing cause of The Lovely Project.  There is a lot to cover when it comes to the 3rd Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival, so let’s break it all down:

The Basics

The Whiskey

This event will feature a pour list of 92 whiskeys.  This will include such distilleries as Angel’s Envy, The Balvenie, Basil Hayden’s, Four Roses Bourbon, Heaven Hill Distillery, Highland Park, Jack Daniel’s, Laphroaig Distillery, Suntory Whisky, Willett Distillery, Woodford Reserve, and many more.  To check out the full list of featured whiskeys, click here.  

The Food & Entertainment

“Menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups” will be available during the event.  Participating eateries include the following:

The event will also feature live musical entertainment provided by Mo’mo-Browne.

The Charity

All net proceeds from the Orlando Whiskey Festival will benefit The Lovely Project, “a Non-Profit Organization, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, that exists to empower girls by providing them with tools, education and peer-mentorship for living a purposeful, productive life.”  The Lovely Project’s Mission Statement is as follows:

“Our mission is for every young girl to grow into a woman who will create positive impact on the world around them. The girls we reach in our community have the opportunity to cultivate healthy friendships in a safe, fun environment while being encouraged and mentored. Our vision is for every girl to know that she is Lovely.”

Ticket Information

Tickets to the Orlando Whiskey Festival are available for purchase now (click here to purchase), and tickets will be available online until May 12 (while supplies last).  Tickets are available in the following tiers:

  • General Admission: $95 plus fees – Ticket includes entrance into the festival at 7 p.m., a branded Glencairn official whiskey tasting glass, unlimited tasting of nearly 100 different brands of whiskey, menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups, access to an outdoor cigar lounge featuring Drew Estates Cigars, live entertainment from Mo’mo Browne, specialty cocktails prepared by selected whiskey brands, and craft beer from Hourglass Brewery
  • VIP Early Access: $145 plus fees – Ticket includes entrance into the festival one hour early at 6 p.m., a branded Glencairn official whiskey tasting glass, unlimited tasting of nearly 100 different brands of whiskey, menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups, access to an outdoor cigar lounge featuring Drew Estates Cigars, live entertainment from Mo’mo Browne, specialty cocktails prepared by selected whiskey brands, and craft beer from Hourglass Brewery

(**NOTE** There is a third ticket option available for purchase on the Eventbrite link provided above.  The “Ultimate Whiskey Dinner Experience” is a separate event scheduled for Friday, May 12 at DoveCote Brasserie.  If you purchase that ticket, it only grants you access to the three-course dinner.  It DOES NOT grant you admission into the Orlando Whiskey Festival. **NOTE**)

If you happen to be in the Orlando area and free on May 13, you may want to consider checking out the Orlando Whiskey Festival.  Not only will you be treated to an incredible evening filled with the finest whiskies, but you will be able to enjoy it all while supporting the very worthy cause of The Lovely Project.  How can you go wrong with that?  Prost!

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Sugarlands Distilling Co. adds Electric Orange to Lineup of Cream Liqueurs

Posted on by mashingin

unnamed-3Sugarlands Distilling Company (Gatlinburg, Tennessee) has officially introduced Electric Orange Cream Liqueur as the newest offering in the distillery’s Appalachian Sippin’ Cream series.

Joining “an award-winning line of spirits that has won 20 awards internationally since distillation began in 2014,” Electric Orange Cream Liqueur has officially arrived as the latest release from Sugarland Distilling Company.  Inspired by the orange creamsicles many of us enjoyed in our youth, this new cream liqueur “combines a bright, fresh orange zest with the smooth taste of vanilla cream.”  Weighing in at a reasonable 40 proof, the folks at Sugarlands propose that you enjoy Electric Orange Cream Liqueur straight or used as a mixer in your favorite adults-only float recipe.  Electric Orange joins Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur and Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur to comprise Sugarlands Distilling Company’s current lineup of Appalachian Sippin’ Creams.

Electric Orange Cream Liqueur is currently available for purchase now at the Gatlinburg distillery.  If you are not in that area, 750 ml Mason jars of this offering will soon be available in liquor stores found within the distribution area of Sugarlands Distilling Company and online at BuySugarlands.com. Electric Orange Cream Liqueur is sure to be a unique and eye-catching addition to your bar (home or otherwise), so pick up a jar the next time you are at the liquor store to treat yourself and your friends to some delicious new cocktails.  Prost!

Vital Information for Electric Orange Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Company

Release – Appalachian Sippin’ Cream, launching February 2017
Style – Cream Liqueur 
ABV – 20% (40 proof)
Distribution – Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota & Indiana
Buy Online – BuySugarlands.com

Monday Night Brewing and ASW Distillery Collaborate on Scottish-Style Single Malt Whiskey

Posted on by mashingin

aswmnbMonday Night Brewing (Atlanta, Georgia) recently announced that they have partnered with ASW Distillery (Atlanta, Georgia) on the creation and release of Monday Night Scottish-Style Single Malt Whiskey.

Although this is the first collaboration spirit created by Monday Night and ASW, the long-standing relationship between these two dates back to when “Monday Night co-founder Joel Iverson lived next door to ASW co-founder Charlie Thompson” before either had their current businesses.  A friendship started innocently when Joel invited Charlie to homebrew tastings, and that bond naturally carried over when they eventually established their respective brewery and distillery.  After co-sponsoring several events in Atlanta together and ASW Distillery sponsoring one of Monday Night’s first anniversary parties, a collaboration project was just the next natural step for the two companies.

This project became a reality just about as soon as Monday Night’s Brewmaster Adam Bishop met ASW’s Head Distiller Justin Manglitz and discovered that they shared an ” adorably obsessive love of all things chemistry and alcohol.”  The two then hatched a plan “to produce a smooth, smoky whiskey.”  The process started with Monday Night brewing up “a mash rich in Cherrywood-smoked malt” – the same malt used in the brewery’s Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale.  Once the mash was taken to ASW, “it was distilled . . . in traditional Scottish-style twin copper pot stills before being transferred into new American white oak quarter casks.”  There it aged until Monday Night and ASW were confident that they had a Scotch-style Whiskey that boasts “a pleasant bite . . . with a smooth, slightly sweet, and delightfully smoky finish.”

Monday Night Scottish-Style Single Malt Whiskey will start hitting Atlanta area shelves in early March.  This offering will be available in 750ml bottles for the “expected retail price of $59” each.  If you feel it necessary to be one of the first to try Monday Night Scottish-Style Single Malt Whiskey, ASW Distillery will be hosting a small release party on Monday, February 27.  Advanced tickets for the party will be available for purchase on Monday Night Brewing’s website beginning on Monday, February 6.  We will be sure to update this post with that ticket link and any further release information once it surfaces.  Stay tuned.  Prost!

 

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Posted on by mashingin

dccclsugarlandspour1000Tasting Notes wanders back into the realm of spirits this week by partaking in a little Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg, Tennessee).

Since the flavors of chocolate and coffee are commonly found in various beer styles these days, it only seemed natural to do a Tasting Notes crossover featuring this Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur.  Sugarlands Distilling Co. created the Appalachian Sippin’ Cream Series to add depth and diversity to their popular and ever-expanding Moonshine lineup.  Just as the name implies, Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur has been crafted to be a dessert-style drink that is “rich in cacao and notes of roasted coffee beans.”  Whether consumed straight or in a mixed drink, this offering is meant to be savored as the sweet treat that we all deserve after a long day.  750ml Mason jars of Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur and the full Appalachian Sippin’ Cream lineup** are available for purchase online (click here) or at select retailers found in Florida and throughout the rest of Sugarlands Distilling Co.’s distribution area.  That should pretty much cover all the necessary background information, so let’s break out the fancy ice and get to some Tasting Notes!

**If you somehow have an aversion to chocolate and coffee, Sugarlands Distilling Co. also currently produces Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Butter Pecan Cream Liqueur.**

Tasting Notes for Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Appearance: This liqueur fills the glass with a presentation that is strikingly similar to chocolate milk.  It falls somewhere between dark tan to milk chocolate brown in color.  The liquid is completely opaque and somewhat viscous.  When swirled about, an off white to light tan sheet coats the glass and drops down evenly spaced, slightly darker, streaky legs.

Aroma: As is the case with most liqueurs, the first inhale brings a gentle waft of alcohol.  Fully committed, I leave my nose in the glass and discover rich, indulgent layers of depth with each breath.  Vanilla and whipped cream rise up first, and this easily shifts to a sweet milk chocolate note.  The aromas then deepen to produce tones of dark roasted coffee beans and a touch of bittersweet dark chocolate.  These enchanting aromatics easily convince you to take sip after sip.

Taste: The start of each sip is a comforting reminder of youthful moments spent enjoying an awesome milkshake or a tall glass of chocolate milk after school.  Out of the gate, there is just so much chocolaty goodness.  This naturally opens up to expose qualities of toffee, vanilla, cream and caramel.  The flavor profile extends even further and finishes with fresh brewed coffee and fine dark chocolate.  This is dangerously good.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and silken in texture on the palate.  Each sip coats softly to allow all the flavors the chance to develop and be thoroughly enjoyed.  At just 20% ABV, this liqueur only leaves a suggestion of heat to linger in the throat.  Although sweet, it still avoids being cloying or over the top.  Milk chocolate and vanilla remain as a lasting aftertaste.

Final Thoughts:  If you are a fan of sweet Liqueurs/Cordials and have been looking to try an alternative to offerings like Baileys Original Irish Cream, you may have just found it. Rich, decadent and absolutely loaded with indulgent flavors, Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur immediately proved to us that it is an incredibly tasty and versatile addition to any bar (home or otherwise).  This offering was very much enjoyed straight and in coffee – great with brunch or as an after-dinner drink – while taking these notes, but this liqueur’s list of possible uses does not stop there.  You could easily slip some into the mixing bowl to make an adults-only batch of whipped cream to top your coffee, mixed drink, brownies, pie, etc.  Sub it into your favorite chocolate martini recipe to give it a mocha-like twist. Finally, if you are a fan of “Depth Charge” shots, we came up with this Tennessee-themed take on the “Irish Car Bomb” that proved to be quite delicious.  The name is still a work in process, but here’s the recipe:

VOLuntary Takedown 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pint of lower ABV, locally produced American Stout or Irish-style Dry Stout (avoid hoppy Stouts) 
  • 1/2 shot of Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Cream Liqueur from Sugarlands Distilling Co.
  • 1/2 shot of Tennessee Whiskey of your choice

Instructions: Fill 1/2 of a sturdy shaker pint glass with your Stout of choice.  Take a standard shot glass and add the Sippin’ Cream and chosen Whiskey (layer the Sippin’ Cream to the bottom of the shot).  Carefully drop the shot into the pint glass and enjoy!

However you choose to enjoy it, it is pretty much a certainty that you will be using several of the following words to describe each sip you take of Appalachian Sippin’ Cream – Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream Liqueur: Luscious. Delightful.  Tempting.  Enticing.  Heavenly.  Ambrosial.  Faced with terms such as those, how could you possibly resist?  Seriously, we highly recommend that you give this offering a try and let us know what you think.  Prost!

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Jameson Caskmates

Posted on by mashingin

jamesonpromoA confirmed truth: very few things hit the spot quite like a dram of whiskey after a big holiday meal.  With that in mind, this special edition of Tasting Notes features the craft beer-themed offering from Jameson Irish Whiskey (Dublin, Ireland) simply named Jameson Caskmates.

It is pretty safe to assume that the two beverages that see the most time on bar tops at Irish pubs are fine Irish Whiskeys and really good Irish Dry Stouts.  This being the case, it is kind of odd that there has yet to be a truly thoughtful attempt at bringing these two together.  Well . . . until now.  This all changed when the Master Distiller at Jameson Irish Whiskey and the Master Brewer at Franciscan Well Brewery (Cork, Ireland) sat down together and hatched a plan:

  • Step 1 – Jameson would send the brewery several used whiskey barrels.  The brewers at Franciscan Well would then fill these barrels with their Irish Stout.  Once the beer properly aged and picked up the complex notes of the Irish Whiskey tucked snugly away within the wood, the barrels would then be returned to the distillery.
  • Step 2 – Upon receiving the return shipment of the now Irish Stout-infused barrels, Jameson distillers would fill the casks once again with their classic Original Irish Whiskey.

Since they had never done anything like this before, all the distillers could really do at that point was wait and see what would be the result of this collaborative experiment.  When the aging process was finally completed, they found the whiskey’s “triple-distilled smoothness . . . very much intact” but it had also taken on Stout-influenced notes of “cocoa, coffee and butterscotch.”  The proper introduction of Irish Whiskey and Irish Stout had finally been achieved, and now we all get to enjoy these results in bottles of Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition.  If you would like a taste of this unique offering, you can find this Stout-infused Whiskey available in 750ml bottles at fine liquor stores and bars across the United States.

Now that we have the story behind Jameson Caskmates covered, it is time to break out the whiskey glasses, sip, relax, and take down a few Tasting Notes.

Tasting Notes for Jameson Caskmates – Stout Edition from Jameson Irish Whiskey

Appearance:  With a pour of two fingers, this whiskey rests in the glass light golden in color with soft hues of brown burnishing the edges.  Although pristine in clarity, the still liquid displays mesmerizing, oily rings when presented with the right angle of light.  With a gentle swirl of the glass, the whiskey leaves lengthy, slick legs behind.

Aroma:  The presence of alcohol soaked grain and hay begin the experience.  Once given a little time to breathe, the aromatics open up and soften to reveal notes of citrus, pear and apple.  The stout-like characteristics are reserved, but they do grab your attention late by lending qualities of cocoa and coffee.  The aroma rounds off with some honey sweetness.

Taste:  Caramelized, bordering on burnt, brown sugar and earthy barley rush the palate to start.  These two notes take on toffee and butterscotch qualities that nicely complement the building stout flavors of roasted malt, coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate.  Slightly nutty, this offering finishes with notes of woodsy, charred oak and creamy vanilla.

Mouthfeel:  Slick in texture, the coating ability of this whiskey quickly grabs the attention of your taste buds.  Sweet on the palate, but far from being overly cloying.  At 80 Proof, any heat here is slow and comforting.  The finish is long, allowing notes of oak, vanilla and cocoa the opportunity to linger.

Final Thoughts:  Jameson Caskmates absolutely comes together as an offering that builds on the experience of Jameson Original.  That being said, craft beer fans need to realize that this is still an Irish Whiskey experience.  It must be noted that we are dealing with a 40% ABV Irish Whiskey here, so boozy notes of fine grain and charred oak do show some aggression at first sip.  When this happens, just slow down, sip gently and really take in the flavors resting on your palate.  If done correctly, you can reach that transcendental moment that reveals the Irish Stout-like notes of coffee, roasted malt, toffee and cocoa.  With a bit of patience, this whiskey will open up and a rush of familiar flavors will surface to absolutely blow your mind.  I had a blast exploring this offering, and I highly suggest that you sit down with a glass of Jameson Caskmates to experience it for yourself.  Prost!

Tasting Notes – Spirits Edition: Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Posted on by mashingin

moonshinecap1000Tasting Notes is going to close the week out by venturing into the world of craft spirits by sipping on some Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg, Tennessee).

Just as the craft beer community has been experiencing amazing growth and popularity over the last several years, so has the world of fine liquor and craft spirits.  It can be said that both of these industries share common characteristics that have acted as the catalyst for their mutual growth: hand-crafted, locally produced, use of fine ingredients, an adventurous and playful approach to their products, quality of product over quantity of production, etc.  Beyond that, these two often collaborate or draw inspiration from one another whether it be by experimenting with similar flavor profiles or by aging craft beer in the used liquor barrels of the other (or vice versa in some cases).  Because of this parallel, Tasting Notes will occasionally branch out to take a look at a spirits offering that shares something in common with craft beer.  Since the use of maple and bacon has been a recent, popular combo in craft beer as of late, we are going to launch the first Spirits Edition of Tasting Notes by trying out Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.  

Before we break the seal on this Mason jar, let’s cover some background info on this distillery and offering.  Sugarlands Distilling Co. of Gatlinburg, Tennessee first began distillation of craft quality moonshine and whiskey in 2014, and their dedication to producing “innovative drinks with a raconteur and thrilling vibe” has been key to their success.  Fans can experience their offerings at the downtown distillery while also enjoying live music, Appalachian storytelling, moonshine tastings, distillery tours and “outdoor adventures in the Sugarlands—an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also known as ‘moonshiners’ paradise’.”  Since opening, Sugarlands Distilling Co. has earned 28 awards, been recognized by several publications and media outlets, and has been named “America’s top-rated distillery experience and the number one ‘thing to do’ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, according to TripAdvisor.com.” Spirits from Sugarlands Distilling Co. are now available in stores in 21 states nationwide and online at www.BuySugarlands.com.

Maple Bacon Moonshine is one of many Moonshines produced by Sugarlands and is a release within the distillery’s Outlandish Series, the “Seriously Not-So-Serious Moonshine Series”.  Just as the name suggests, this breakfast-inspired, 70 Proof Moonshine “combines the tastes of smoked bacon and candied maple syrup” in an offering that can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a full-flavored cocktail.  Now that we have those particulars covered, let’s track down a rocks glass and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Maple Bacon Moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Appearance: In the jar, Maple Bacon Moonshine presents as a deep, rich, red-hued mahogany in color.  Once poured in the glass, the colors soften a bit to produce lighter browns that still flaunt some reddish tones.  The body is clear, but there are some dark, ashen floaties bouncing around in there.  This Shine absolutely has some legs to it, and it leaves a sugary trail on the glass as well.

Aroma:  As soon as the cap is removed, the room is filled with rich, smoky bacon goodness.  I mean . . . this is instantly conjuring up memories of waking up as a kid to a house filled with the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen.  Once you pull yourself out of this bacon-induced spell, maple syrup and a sweet grain presence that is pancake-like comes forward.  The final layer to this decadent fragrance is a touch of dark caramel lingering in the background.  The only thing I can say to all of this is “Yes please!”

Flavor: The maple hits first in the flavor department and we are talking about a beautifully represented note of sweet, syrupy perfection.  The bacon and smoke then slides across the palate to counter the sweetness with a balancing savoriness.  Rich, nearly burnt caramel and a light presence of dark fruit rounds everything off.  It may be sweet, but I am happily surprised at how that sweetness has been cut, smoothed and leveled out.  Breakfast in a glass is the only way to describe what we have here.

Mouthfeel:  Not surprising at all, this Maple Bacon Moonshine has a syrupy texture to it that thoroughly coats and saturates the taste buds in the delightful flavor experience mentioned above.  Although the offering is sweet, balance is nearly achieved with its savory, smoky qualities.  The alcohol heat is wonderfully tempered and well hidden.  Smoke lingers after each sip.

Final Thoughts: With just a quick glance at the label, name and description of Maple Bacon Moonshine, one may be a bit worried that this is an offering that would ultimately be too sweet to enjoy on its own.   I am here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth.  I enjoyed this both straight and on-the-rocks, and the balance in this Moonshine must be noted, praised and celebrated.  The bacon is not acting as just the ridiculously awesome ingredient that bacon is, but its savory and smoky characteristics are put to work in this Shine as a means of balancing that maple syrup note.  This is not a gimmick. No, this is craftsmanship and it is delicious.  I suggest you give this one a try and enjoy it on its own, as a foundation for inventive craft cocktails, or as a flavorful addition to your after-dinner coffee.  Any way you want to try it, make it happen.  You certainly won’t regret it.  Prost!

baconshine

 

American Craft Breweries Collaborate with Jameson Irish Whiskey

Posted on by mashingin

jamesonbeerPernod Ricard USA (New York, New York) and Jameson Irish Whiskey recently announced that the distillery is partnering with seven American craft breweries to create the Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies series.

Jameson Irish Whiskey was inspired to develop this craft beer collaboration series thanks to the success of Jameson Caskmates, a unique creation that aged Irish Whiskey in “stout-seasoned whiskey casks.” Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies flips the script a bit by having the distillery provide seven craft breweries with barrels to age a beer offering in for a select period of time.   This treatment will allow the signature characteristics of Jameson Irish Whiskey to mingle with each brewery’s “already distinct craft beer flavors.”  To further add to the anticipation level, check out the list of participating breweries:

“Jameson Irish Whiskey has always taken pride in celebrating those who share the same passion and focus when it comes to their craft,” said Sona Bajaria, Vice President, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pernod Ricard USA. “Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies allows us to put the spotlight on these local craft brewers who ultimately embody the same spirit as our motto, Sine Metu.”

Each Jameson barrel-aged beer will be released in due time and in each brewery’s respective market.  These offerings will be extremely limited, so make sure to stay tuned for updates on each beer’s official release information.  Prost!