Drink the Bottles

  Finished whiskeys are super, SUPER hot right now.  That has caused some distilleries to branch out, swing for the bleachers, only to miss the big score.  That is definitely not the case  here!  Liberty & Plenty Distillery out of Durham, North Carolina is taking finished whiskey to the next level.   Liberty & Plenty's formation was unfortunate, as that was the start of lockdown for Covid.  But this 100% woman owned craft distillery was ambitious enough and had the determination to overcome any obstacle thrown in their way. This is their Bronze Bull Spirits Bourbon Whiskey Batch #4 .  It is a three year old whiskey and a 90 proof stunner that was finished in fig-infused honey barrels. Unlike many honey-finished spirits in the market, this one stands above most of the others.  First and foremost, it is not a sugar bomb.  You don't get super sweetness that covers your mouth and hides the flavor.  You get layers of flavor ...

Lee Medoff, founder and head distiller at Bull Run Distilling Company in Portland, Oregon, is setting the Pacific Northwest on fire with his distinctive spirits.  While being a professional distiller since 1998, he started Bull Run Distillery in 2010 after setting his sights on creating a pure malt Oregon whiskey.  The distillery currently produces a barrel strength bourbon, vodka, gin and a nice selection of whiskeys.  Today we look at the  Bull Run Distilling Pinot Noir Finished American Whiskey  aged 15 years.   The age statemen from Bull Run on the Pinot Noir finished whiskey varies, depending on the batch.  But we tasted the 15 year offering that includes an additional 8 month of finished aging in Pinot Noir casks.  The initial mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley spends the first part of its life in former bourbon casks.  We are fans of finished bourbons (especially in red wine casks) so we were excited to taste and provide o...