EP 5: Event Update - Big Smoke Meets Whiskey Fest 2023

In this episode MikeD and TI discuss our Big Smoke Meets Whiskey Fest 2023 experience. We'll be enjoying some of our favorites that were discovered during the event. 

 

Blackened Cask Strength:

History: Collaborative effort between Metallica and Master Distiller & Blender Dave Pickerell. The venture started in early 2018. Sadly, Dave passed away in late 2018, shortly after the launch of BLACKENED. In 2019, Master Distiller Rob Dietrich joined the team as Master Distiller & Blender, and guardian of Dave’s legacy blend. Whiskeys are aged 8+ years Distillery located in Columbus, Ohio

Tasting Profile:

Burnt caramel

Oak

Honey

Cinnamon

Allspice

Dark fruit

Clove

Mint

Smooth

Creamy

Hints of butterscotch

Maple

 

Keeper's Heart Irish Bourbon:

History: Family owned in Minneapolis, started by the O’Shaughnessy cousins Patrick and Michael. Created to celebrate the spirit of Family and to leave a meaningful legacy for generations to come. They went to their homeland of Ireland and met with Master Distiller Brian Nation and that is what started to form the idea of what they wanted to produce. What was born out of that was traditional Irish whiskeys, American / Irish blends and American whiskeys made in the traditional Irish style. Their distillery was built in an old potato factory and use 3 copper pot stills. Their whiskey debuted in 2021.

Tasting Profile:

Peppery

Herbal

Sweet

Caramel

Cocoa

Vanilla malt shake

Pecan

Lingering sweet rich wood

 

Calumet 10 yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon: 

History: William Monroe Wright established Calumet Farm in 1924 on a small farm in Lexington, KY. After Wright’s death in 1933 his son Warren began to move the farm’s business toward Thoroughbred racing. Over the decades that came the farm produced 2 Triple Crown winners, 8 Kentucky Derby winners and 8 Preakness winners. In 2013 Calumet launched and released small batch bourbon. To this day they still produce champion Thoroughbreds (2019 lead in total money won) and make great Bourbons 10yr Old Bourbon crafted in 50 barrel batches. Showcases the development of their traditional ‘high rye’ mash bill over time.

Tasting Profile:

Caramel

Toffee

Vanilla

Leather

Wood char

Toasted honey

Cinnamon

Oak

Soft baking spices

 

Cigar: Arturo Fuente: Don Carlos Belicoso