I was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to sample two exquisite bourbons from Lux Row Distillers. Both drams are from America’s Bluegrass State, Kentucky. They are Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon First up, I tried the Ezra Brooks 99 Kentucky Straight Bourbon which has an ABV of 49.5%. Nose: Pear drops, caramel, vanilla & bitter almond oil. Taste: Dark fruits and pepper. This has a thinner mouthfeel than I had hoped for, most likely as a result of the charcoal filtering. It’s a very pleasant and easy to drink bourbon, it goes down effortlessly. Finish: Long and spiced at first, yet little to no burn, which gradually transitions into a subtler, gentler and sugared finish. Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Secondly, I sampled the equally impressive Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon. A wheated bourbon with an ABV of 50%. In order to be labelled a straight bourbon whiskey it is r...

Hyde are independent whiskey bonders based in Skibbereen , County Cork, Ireland. Founded in 2014 by two brothers Conor & Alan Hyde, they blend, mature and finish in hand selected oak casks. These casks are sourced from all over the world. The different range of casks they use include; bourbon, port, rum and sherry. Earlier this month I was lucky enough to sample three different blends and below are my tasting notes. Hyde No.1 President's Cask Appearance Golden honey and aged straw. Nose Given this is matured in a sherry cask there are various sweet smells that tickle the senses the main being caramel. Taste I could taste pears, fudge and a little dried fruit. This registers on the lips and front of the tongue and upper gums, where there are satisfying tingles aplenty. Finish A long and smooth finish with gentle arboraceous notes. Hyde No.1 President's Cask Hyde No.6 President's Reserve The number 6 is  named in honour of the first president of Ireland Douglas Hyde (1860...

Bulleit was undoubtedly my first ‘proper’ venture into the world of bourbon. Of course I’d tried it before at parties and functions. However, if I'm being honest, that is not exactly the best place to experience something like this and give it the attention it rightfully deserves. The Bulleit Distilling Company was founded in 1987 by Thomas E. BuIleit Jr., who was greatly inspired by his great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit, who made high-rye whiskey, Bulleits cornerstone. The distillery is located at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Bourbons spiritual home. Bulleit Bourbon is made with pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Since temperature change is the primary factor in aging whiskey, Kentucky’s four distinct seasons provide ideal climate conditions for maturation. Having initially been bottled at 40% ABV for the UK market, it is now available at 45% ABV, having been introduced in 2014. So, most importantly, what’s it like? The fi...