SPIRITS

Great Gift Ideas for Dad
Looking for a great deal on a great bottle of Scotch for pop?

We don’t know how but Glengoyne has offered us a phenomenal deal on their precious malts. Rarely will you find a Single Malt Whisky of this age and caliber for under $100. It’s practically unheard of in this day and age. This whisky drinks well beyond the price tag and is sure to impress for a Father’s Day present. Unlike many Scotch Whiskies, Glengoyne does not use peat smoke to dry their barley malt. They instead use simply warm air so as to maintain the true flavor of the barley. The distillation process is a very slow and meticulous one. In fact, it is the slowest distillation in all of Scotland. This would explain half of the Glengoyne slogan: “It’s Worth the Wait.” The more time the liquid spends in contact with the copper in the stills the more unwanted flavors are stripped from the resulting spirits. Only choice barrels previously used to house sherry wines in Spain are used. This makes for a rich & flavorful yet soft and smooth dram. Glengoyne 21 year Old pours a deep copper color and coats the glass with legs for days. Baked apple, rich toffee, spiced Christmas cake and sherry dominate the aroma. The palate starts off with big sherry, honey, oaky tannins and moves into a pleasant warming spice. The finish is long, sherried, spice-laden and dry. Overall a magnificent dram that drinks like a whisky triple its price.

Sale $99.99 Retail Price $149.99 750ml [101906]

Brand new from Kentucky is the latest rye whiskey from Angel’s Envy. Following in the same vein as their Port-Barrel finished bourbon, the Rye is finished in Rum Casks. This is not your typical rye by any means. The rum barrel really went to work on this dram. Big, chewy rum laden sweetness intermingles with rye spiciness. The nose is huge and decadent with maple syrup, nutmeg, vanilla, and fresh baked banana bread. The palate is coated with big flavors of rum cake, baking spices, caramelized banana, and butterscotch. This is about as rich and full as it gets. Pair this with a full bodied cigar and make a great gift for Father’s Day.

$67.99 750ml [103071]

New Bourbon & Rye Whiskies: James E. Pepper

Established in 1776, at the dawn of the American Revolution, and distilled over 3 family generations through 1958, the Pepper family brand of whiskey is the oldest & most legendary whiskey brand in both Kentucky and American history. Starting with Elijah Pepper (distiller c. 1776-1838) and then Oscar Pepper (distiller 1838-1867), the Colonel James E. Pepper (distiller 1867-1906) was the 3rd generation of that distilling legacy. He was a larger than life bourbon aristocrat and took the family brand to its highest peak. A KY captain of American industry, he raced thoroughbreds in the Kentucky Derby, traveled in a private rail car & made famous the “Old-Fashioned” cocktail. He nicknamed his whiskey “Old 1776” and proudly proclaimed his continued use of his grandfather’s original Revolutionary-era recipes.

Distilled from a pre-prohibition recipe of over 90% rye in the mash-bill and bottled non-chill-filtered at 100 proof. This is a bright and full rye with notes of spice, chocolate, cloves & honey. Goes great in a perfect Manhattan or can be served neat with a couple of ice cubes.

Sale $23.99 Retail Price $30.99 750ml [102684]

Made with a high-rye recipe consisting of over 38% rye in the mash-bill, this is a bold and spicy bourbon. Like the rye it is also bottled at 100 proof and non-chill-filtered. Rich bourbon sweetness compliments the spiciness of the rye. Flavors of vanilla, honey, baking spice, stewed fruit and cocoa show through on the palate. Great if served neat or on the rocks and it makes a classic old-fashioned (try it with some orange bitters to really set it off)

Sale $24.99 Retail Price $29.99 750ml [103056]

Made from the same recipe as the regular 1776 rye, this rare bottling is non-chill-filtered at barrel proof for an uncompromising whiskey. Bold, rich, complex and full-bodied. Caramel and honey sweetness kick start the flavor profile with orange zest, cloves, and cocoa nibs following closely behind. Try this whiskey neat with a splash of water for optimal enjoyment.

$149.99 750ml [103058]

Same high-rye recipe as the bourbon but this one is bottled at 92 proof and 15 years old! Still non-chill-filtered to maintain the integrity of this fine, rare bourbon. It shines with classic old bourbon character. Big American oak shows off rich vanilla, caramel, toasted oak and soft tannin. Ideally served neat or with an ice cube.

$119.99 750ml [103057]

As many of you may already know, we here at Hi Time Wine Cellars are very fond of buying whiskey by the barrel. Single barrel whiskey is a beautiful thing as every barrel is so unique in its own right. This also can make for inconsistency from barrel to barrel. This is a huge factor in why we like to select and purchase our own barrels of whiskey. We taste through 3-6 different individual barrel samples and unanimously pick the barrel which resonates with us as most ideal for the respective brand (and which is simply the best whiskey, of course). For this particular barrel we have a magnificent selection of Henry McKenna 10 Year Old. This is possibly one of the most over looked and under rated whiskeys around and this particular barrel is sure to convert any nonbeliever. The nose alone on this wonderfully constructed bourbon should be more than enough to sell you. It opens up as pleasant as walking into a bakery at the crack of dawn. Fresh baked cinnamon buns and graham crackers play along baked apple tarts and vanilla laden American oak. The palate follows suit with vanilla, baking spice (cinnamon), pastry notes, candied pecans, and caramelized apple. Although there is plenty of richness, this whiskey seems to dance across the palate with perfect balance. Add a touch of dried fruit on a dry finish which lingers with spices and you have another fantastic barrel of whiskey exclusive to Hi-Time Wine Cellars.

Sale $25.99 Retail Price $29.99 750ml [112790]

Is dad a cognac fan? Here is a great gift that is sure to impress him:

This very well may be the deal of a lifetime in XO cognac. You simply will not find a cognac of this quality and age for anywhere near this price. This stunning 1972 single vintage cognac was bottled in 2011 (making it 39 years old!!) and is 100% Grande Champagne. It showcases all the beautiful qualities of Grande Champagne impeccably. Rich and enduring aromas and flavors come together for a truly astounding cognac experience. Floral notes on the nose suggest orange blossom and jasmine. Just beneath lie stone fruits (apricot) and bold toasted oak which suggests spice, vanilla and a subtle nuttiness (toasted almond?). Get your hands on this rare and mind-blowingly beautiful steal of a cognac while you still can. When a deal like this looks too good to be true it doesn’t usually last for long and this is no exception. (Hint, hint…this will not be under $100 for much longer).

Sale $99.99 Retail Price $119.99 750ml [162526]

A preview into the Summer of Agricole

Few rum drinkers in this country are familiar with the fascinating spirit of Martinique known as Rhum Agricole. This unique style of rum differs greatly from the other rums of the world. Most rum is made from molasses where Rhum Agricole is made from fresh cut sugarcane which goes straight to fermentation within hours of being harvested. This changes the flavor drastically from the majority of rum on the market. These rhums are typically much drier and exhibit distinct earthy flavors not found in more typical rum styles. J.M Blanc displays the raw power of what is regarded as the best sugarcane on the island. Extravagant cornucopia of ripening tropical fruit - mango, overripe bananas, and papaya - and a wild, funky earthiness combine for an aromatic explosion; flavors are intensely rich of fresh sugarcane and tropical fruit. There is also a soft, creaminess in the mouthfeel which makes for an agricole blanc which is smoother than most.

$31.99 750ml [102736]

Rhum J.M. Blanc 0works exceptionally well in cocktails and especially refreshing summer drinks. Try out some of these cooling summer libations while soaking up the sun this summer:

Agricole Daiquiri – (pictured middle right)
An awesome spin on a classic rum cocktail:
2oz Rhum J.M. Blanc
1oz J.M. Sirop de Canne [$10.99/750ml #650992]
¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker ¾ full of ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to integrate components and dissolve syrup into mixture. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh lime wheel.

French Paradise –
This refreshing yet simple drink will transport you to the beautiful island of Martinique (not literally…but one can dream)
1 ¼ oz Rhum J.M. Blanc
½ oz Orgeat Syrup
2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker ¾ full of ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to integrate components and dissolve syrup into mixture. Strain and into a Collins glass with ice. Add a dash of fresh grenadine and enjoy!

The Bellevue (pictured above)
A great pick-me-up cocktail popular for brunch, anytime during the day or before dinner. This cocktail makes the sunshine warmer and the blue ocean more vibrant.
1 ¼ oz. J.M Rhum Agricole Blanc
½ oz. amaretto almond liqueur
2 oz. pineapple juice
Shake & strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice and garnish with lime wheel.