Phog Allen
02-13-2007, 05:13 PM
Evening gents. Since we've been having some fine, non-global warming winter here in Cowtown(Kansas City), it always brings on cravings for stuff like Tom & Jerry's, eggnogg(home made only!), luscious ports, and the dark liquors like Bourbon, Scotch, Irish malts, and whatever suits you.
One thing that has intrigued me the last few years is not only our nice renaissance in mens grooming, but also the resurgence of other fine indulgences geared towards men. Quality liquors, fine tobaccos and cigars, you name it.
A liquor that has interested me for some time is rye whiskey. I know that certain blends have been around like Wild Turkey and that some set great store by the Van Winkle rye blend. However, I stumbled upon the link to Anchor distillery tonight. Yep, the Anchor Brewing Co. also distills whiskey and gin! What really caught my attention was the fact that their whisky is 100% rye. Just like in colonial/post revolution times. I've never sampled a rye whiskey. I understand that it is dry, and heavy of nose. Is that a good description? The Anchor comes in three styles. 18th century which is lightly aged, 19th century which is supposed to be aged longer in charred casks, and Hotalings which is about ten years old. They are mimicking the early American styles of whiskey and I heartily support that effort! The world has discovered the great nuances of bourbon even though we Yanks always considered it a poor cousin to the great malts of Ireland and Scotland. Different yes, but no less grand in its own right. Is there a coming renaissance of rye whiskeys? Dare we think that maybe they will achieve some of this niche marketing status of other malts? The latter part of this little diatribe is simply me thinking out loud. The real question is whether anyone has tried these offering from Anchor? I know they are not bargain priced. I've seen $60 per bottle mentioned as a starting point. Any other blends suggested here?
Regards, Todd
One thing that has intrigued me the last few years is not only our nice renaissance in mens grooming, but also the resurgence of other fine indulgences geared towards men. Quality liquors, fine tobaccos and cigars, you name it.
A liquor that has interested me for some time is rye whiskey. I know that certain blends have been around like Wild Turkey and that some set great store by the Van Winkle rye blend. However, I stumbled upon the link to Anchor distillery tonight. Yep, the Anchor Brewing Co. also distills whiskey and gin! What really caught my attention was the fact that their whisky is 100% rye. Just like in colonial/post revolution times. I've never sampled a rye whiskey. I understand that it is dry, and heavy of nose. Is that a good description? The Anchor comes in three styles. 18th century which is lightly aged, 19th century which is supposed to be aged longer in charred casks, and Hotalings which is about ten years old. They are mimicking the early American styles of whiskey and I heartily support that effort! The world has discovered the great nuances of bourbon even though we Yanks always considered it a poor cousin to the great malts of Ireland and Scotland. Different yes, but no less grand in its own right. Is there a coming renaissance of rye whiskeys? Dare we think that maybe they will achieve some of this niche marketing status of other malts? The latter part of this little diatribe is simply me thinking out loud. The real question is whether anyone has tried these offering from Anchor? I know they are not bargain priced. I've seen $60 per bottle mentioned as a starting point. Any other blends suggested here?
Regards, Todd