Examining the colors and aging processes of fine liquor
“Is a whiskey’s color determined by what it was stored in or what grains were used?”…
Kiln
Clay, glaze and fire — the slow chemistry that turns a painted grey line into permanent blue.
Tasting & Theory
17 pieces, newest firstNotes and aromas in premium whiskeys
The characteristic notes and aromas of premium whiskeys arise from a complex interaction between the grain character specified in the mash bill—particularly corn or rye—and the controlled charring and…
Understanding different expressions of barrel-aged spirits
When you pour a glass of a heavily peated Islay whisky next to a deep, vanilla-laced straight bourbon, the difference in character is jarring—one smells like bonfire smoke and brine, the other smells …
Comparing different styles of aged whiskeys
If you are comparing an aggressively spicy Manhattan cocktail to a rich, vanilla-laced Old Fashioned, the choice of whiskey—whether it leans corn-heavy or rye-spiced—will determine if your drink sings…
What makes a truly smooth and complex whisky?
True smoothness and depth in a whisky are rarely attributable to a single factor; rather, they emerge from the deliberate collision of foundational grain profiles, rigorous distillation techniques, an…
Understanding the rebellious flavors in fine whisky
For understanding truly rebellious flavors in fine whisky, you should abandon the idea of predictable, low-proof sipping pours; instead, focus on the intersection of high mash bill percentages—specifi…