I made it to the Marriott Marquee in about 35 minutes and had a glass in hand by 8:30. Along with my saviours, Alex and Peter, I jumped right in. I had an hour and fifteen minutes to taste....it was GO time!
My first stop was at the Arran table, a malt from the Isle of Arran which is off the west coast of the Lowlands. Just the night before, my co-worker and part of Team Whisk(e)y, Tara, was showing me their website and talking about how we should carry their products in the store. I thought it was an odd coincidence they were the first table I saw. I tasted through the line that they currently had available and was very impressed with the Madeira and Bourbon finishes.
I really wanted to try things that we didn't have in the store and make stronger connections with people to obtain harder to find items. I spent a few moments scanning the aisle of booths to see what else was on the row I hadn't heard of or tried and came up with Old Pulteney, Scotland's most northern distillery. It's also known as the "Manzanilla of the north" named after the famous style of Sherry. I found the Scotch to be very elegant with a bit of salt and sweet. I can't wait to bring this one into the store. It tastes great and will be on the shelf for under $40!
I quickly looked over the next few rows of booths and spotted the Glenrothes table, a whiskey I had seen before, but hadn't a chance to try yet. There were a good handful of people surrounding the booth since this was one drink that had the attention of the Hassidic community. It's Rabbi certified even with the small amount of Sherry used. I was able to get the attention of the man behind the booth and he poured me the Glenrothes Reserve, a very smooth and rich style. It's a blend of different vintages (all single malts) combined into one luscious drink. I moved onto the 1991, 1985 and then the 1975. I was asking the representative from the distillery questions, but he was being hounded by some crazy whiskyfest goers who were pouring their own drinks. While juggling the self-pourers he introduced me to Timothy who is the sales director for New York and New Jersey of the brand. I told him how excited I was bout the beverage and couldn't wait to order it from Southern. The Select Reserve is already on our shelves. (I work fast).
It was already after 9PM and I still hadn't made it over to the Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace table. I would have kicked my own arse had I not gone to see the Van Winkles. Even though I was almost sold out of our entire allocation, I still wanted to taste whatever they had. I started off with the Pappy 15, then tried the 23 and the 20. I was completely surprised by how different this years bottlings were. Last year, the 20 had turned a bit medicinal, but this year it maintained every bit of Bourbon essence. The 23 was even more exciting and now knew why it was the first to fly off the shelf. I saw David Harper (the gateway to my Pappy and Buffalo Trace Antique Line) and he informed me that there might be some more Pappy 23 in my future. YES! Heights Chateau is now the proud owner of three more of those puppies. Maybe two if I can find someone to go in on a bottle with me. I asked him about the Antique line as well, but am still not sure what is being set aside for us. That didn't stop me from trying whatever they had.
The George T. Stagg was already gone, but was able to try the Weller, Eagle Rare 17, Handy and Sazerac 18. All were amazing. I had no idea how strong any of them were until the ladies behind the booth told me that what I was trying averaged about 125 proof. Here's a copy of the press release:
The Antique Collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskies of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here is what whiskey lovers can expect:
Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old
Two time winner of the “American Whiskey of the Year” award, the 2008 release is comprised of whiskey that has been aging in Warehouse K on the first floor. The first floor enables the barrels to age slowly and gracefully. This vintage has a spicy aroma with very mature notes of oak and molasses.
Eagle Rare 17 Year Old
These barrels were distilled in the spring of 1991 and have been aging in Warehouse C. This bourbon was 17 years old at the time of bottling giving it almond, caramel and leather notes with a dry finish.
George T. Stagg
The 2008 George T. Stagg was found on the lower floors of Warehouse I and K. This bourbon was distilled back in the spring of 1993 and weighs in at a hardy 141.8 proof—very powerful stuff! The whiskey tastes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and mature oak.
William Larue Weller
William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheat recipe bourbon. The barrels were aged 11 years and two months on the ninth floor of Warehouse I. This William Larue Weller release registers at 125.3 proof. It tastes of dried fruit sweetness, soft vanilla and cinnamon spices.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is the newest addition to the Antique Collection. It is an uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The barrels were aged six years and five months on the fifth floor of Warehouse M with a proof of 127.5. It’s very flavorful and will remind drinkers of “Christmas Cake.”
So there ended my hour and fifteen minutes of Whiskyfest 2008.
Thank you again Peter and Alex!
