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Chopin Launches New Premium Rye Vodka

Filed under: Spirits

High-end vodkas may be commonplace today, but they've really only been around since the late 1990s. That's when Grey Goose came to market, when Belvedere first debuted and when Chopin made its premiere.

Now some fourteen years after Chopin potato vodka first appeared, the Polish craft distillery is launching a new product: Chopin Rye. Distinguished by its red label, Chopin Rye Vodka is distilled, as you might have guessed, from rye grains instead of potatoes like its black-labeled sister product.

The new ultra-premium spirit (named after the famous composer) has been on the market in Poland for years, but is only now reaching the United States, where it will launch at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival later this month.

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Tags: chopin, chopin rye, chopin rye vodka, chopin vodka, rye, rye vodka, vodka

WhistlePig 100% Rye Whiskey

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

WhistlePig Farm Distillery, a Vermont-based distillery, has launched WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, a new 100 proof whiskey made of rye grain.

The whiskey is hand selected by Dave Pickerell, master distiller at this Vermont distillery. WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey retails at a suggested price of $69.99 for a 750ml bottle. That runs higher than most Rye on the market. Rittenhouse, for example, retails for $19.99 in most outlets. Ri(1) retails for about $48.00.

WhistlePig is already being served at several New York restaurants like Blue Hill, Pastis, Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park and The Standard Hotel.

WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey, aged in new American oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years, is hand bottled in Vermont's Champlain Valley at WhistlePig Farm. The whiskey is available in California, Illinois, New York and other select markets. Unlike many rye whiskies, WhistlePig is 100% rye and is bottled at 100 proof, making this a perfect choice for cocktails.

On the nose, WhistlePig offers nice wood notes from the oak casks, with hints of vanilla and caramel. Notes of dried orange peel, cinnamon, allspice and clove also appear, hinting at the flavors to be found inside.

Tags: alcohol, liquor, Rittenhouse Tye, rye, Rye whiskey, spirits, whiskey, whisky, Whistlepig

Mt. Vernon Adds Peach Brandy To Rye. Sells Rye for $25K at Auction

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Auctions

George Washington was not only the first President, "Father of our Country" and hero of the American Revolution, he was also a passionate distiller of rye whiskey and brandy.

At a reconstructed distillery [pictured] at Washington's estate, Mt. Vernon, there has been an effort to recreate both the rye and peach brandy that Washington made, sold, consumed, served and gifted to common folk as well as luminaries of his day.

Last summer, Mt. Vernon sold a limited edition of 470 bottles of the recreated rye whiskey. The bottles sold out in two hours at $85 each. And earlier this month, bottles #1 and #2 sold as a pair at auction for $25,000 to, ironically, an anonymous U.K. buyer.

But this month saw industry craftsman and leaders gather at Mt. Vernon to see if they could recreate a peach brandy that was as close to Washington's own recipe as they think possible. There is no written recipe for Washington's brandy, but the hope is that by distilling it in a still that is a close replica of the first President's and from juice from the local peaches Washington would have used, the "spirit" of the brandy will be close to what it was 240 years ago.

Tags: brandy, George Washingtons Rye, Mount Vernon, Mt. Vernon, Peach Brandy, rye, rye whiskey, Washington Peach Brandy, whiskey, whisky

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Canadian Mist Black Diamond Rye Whisky

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Lovers of rye whisky take note: Canadian Mist is set to march on the United States with a new premium expression. Called Black Diamond, the special Canadian Mist was created in response to customers who liked the existing rye, but wanted something a little more special for special occasions.

Like the regular Canadian Mist, the Black Diamond is distilled in Ontario using water from the Georgian Bay, North America's largest pure water source. Black Diamond upgrades with an increased sherry flavor and a higher rye content, bottled at 86 proof, and will launch in six states this month before being rolled out coast to coast early next year. Suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle comes in at an entirely reasonable $14.99.

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Tags: black diamond, canadian mist, canadian mist black diamond, canadian whisky, rye, rye whiskey, rye whisky, whiskey, whisky

The Spirits of Father's Day. Ten Bottles To Buy Dad.

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

With Father's Day sneaking up on June 20, it is never too late to get Dad a gift he will appreciate if he keeps a bar and the better liquor retailers are open.

Choosing ten bottles as choices or Father's Day is not easy. But I apply a few criteria for gift giving suggestions.

1. Don't just get Dad a bottle of what he always drinks. If he drinks Wild Turkey week-to-week, think about a Small-batch bourbon that gets opened for special occasions, like when you surprise him with a Sunday afternoon visit he didn't expect.

2. Stay within his wheelhouse. If he drinks whisky 80% of the time, and hasn't made a Rum drink in 20 years, don't spend your money on an expensive Rum just because you like the bottle or the box it comes in.

3. Don't go for Vodka. Even if he drinks Vodka 90% of the time, I have yet to find the bottle of vodka I thought was worthy to give as a gift. It's colorless with barely a distinguishable taste. That doesn't say, "I love you Dad," in my book.

4. Think about introducing him to a new expression that is related to his taste. If he likes Islay (peaty) single-malt whiskies, buy one you don't see on his shelf that is more than he would spend on himself.

5. If he really is focused on one brand, like Glenmorangie Scotch, Jose Cuervo Tequila or Jack Daniels, you can't go wrong by buying him one of those distillery's premium or limited edition expressions. If he buys 12-year old Glenmorangie for himself, for example, he should love it if you buy him the 18-year old or one of the other premium or super-premium expressions.

If you are still stymied, and want an extra degree of novelty, go to www.johnniewalker.com, and take the Father's Day quiz, which asks the gift-giver to match the characteristics of their father to the right expression of JW: Red, Blue, Green, Gold or Black. I took the quiz for myself, and found that the best match for me is Johnnie Walker Gold.

Here are ten bottles I eagerly recommend for Dad, covering a few different categories: whisky, bourbon, rye, Port, Tequila and an after-dinner digestif.

Gallery: Ten Great Pours For Father's Day

Tags: alcohol, bourbon, fathers Day bourbon, Fathers Day Gift Guide, Fathers Day Spirits, Fathers Day Tequila, Fathers Day whisky, liquor, port, rye, tequila, whisky

Park Avenue Whiskey by NY's Tuthilltown Spirits

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

New York's storied Park Avenue Liquor Shop, established in 1934, is releasing new limited edition whiskey bottlings made exclusively for them by the artisanal Tuthilltown Spirits distillery in New York's Hudson River Valley. Priced at $45 per bottle, the Park Avenue Whiskey collection features 375 ml bottlings of bourbon, rye and a special new "BouRye", each 46% alcohol by volume. The first is dubbed "Baby Bourbon" because it is made using very small barrels, the whole grain rye is aged in oak, and the "BouRye" is a 50/50 blend of bourbon and rye, a combination requested specifically by the shop's owner and whisky expert Jonathan Goldstein. Goldstein also selected the specific barrels at Tuthilltown from which the exclusive whiskies were bottled to produce a truly unique set of spirits, presented in hand-numbered, wax-sealed bottles.

Tags: bourbon, distillery, Hudson River, Hudson River Valley, liquor store, New York, Park Avenue, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, rye, spirits, Tuthilltown Spirits, whiskey, whisky

How, and How Not, to Store Bread

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

From toast in the morning to sandwiches at lunch and freshly baked French and Italian loaves served at dinner, bread is a foundation of almost every meal these days. Storage is important if you don't plan to eat the bread immediately after it's baked, but not all breads can be stored the same way if you want to maintain optimal flavor and freshness.

Different breads have different shelf-lives, but as a general rule the more moisture a bread has in it the longer it will keep.

1-2 days French and Italian loaves
2-3 days White, Wheat, and Sourdough
3-5 days Rye breads

Bread Storage Basics:

Breads with a hard, crispy crust should be stored in paper.
Breads with a softer crust and more moisture should be kept in a plastic bag or other airtight container.
All bread should be kept in a cool, dry place.
Bread should never be kept in the refrigerator (actually makes it go stale faster)
Bread should be allowed to sit in the open until completely cool or mold growth will be accelerated
Bread can be frozen and will keep for several months. Just wrap tightly in plastic and freeze.

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Tags: awards-main, bread, food, food storage, food-pedia, FoodStorage, main-pedia, rye, sourdough, wheat

Templeton Small Batch Rye Whiskey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Templeton Rye, a small batch rye whiskey from Iowa, has quite an interesting history; it was first introduced in the 1920s and was made illegally throughout the Prohibition Era. During that time Templeton was at the center of Al Capone's bootlegging empire, and was even shipped to him during his imprisonment at Alcatraz.

The end of the Prohibition came in 1933, but the production of Templeton Rye continued, and the whiskey has only been made privately and in small quantities for loyal patrons since. Templeton Rye launched its first legal product in 2006, and is currently only available in Illinois and Iowa, though that will hopefully change soon.

Following the Prohibition Era recipe, Templeton is aged for more than four years in charred new white oak barrels. While a rye whiskey must by definition be made from a mash containing at least 51% rye, Templeton is made from a mash of more than 90% rye. As the bottle says, it makes for "a smooth finish and a clean getaway."

The unique whiskey presents a rye spiciness and almost bittersweet taste that is found in the rye grain, along with notes of dried fruit, toffee, caramel and allspice. Texturally, the deep amber-colored whiskey is thick and almost chewy. The mellow, yet complex rye has a clean, spicy finish. The rye taste mixed with spiciness and sweet undertones are well balanced, a sign of careful aging.

Tags: Al Capone, AlCapone, Iowa, Prohibition, rye, Templeton Rye, TempletonRye, whiskey, whisky

Milton Point, Estate of the Day

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

For many New Yorkers, realizing you've grown up happens when you take stock and note that you finally have enough money for a home outside the city (read: more than two rooms), you need or want more space, and you cannot stand apartment living one second longer. Enter Westchester, the suburb that offers space and upscale living but is close to the heart of NYC via a train ride on Metro-North.

Here's one option: This 1904 Milton Point Colonial, situated on 2.55 acres in Rye City, N.Y., offers 6,963 square feet, 14 rooms (seven BR, 5.5 BA), a shoreline pool and spa, two-car garage, alarm system, deck, eat-in kitchen, fireplace, high ceilings, skylights, walkout basement, and wet bar. Taxes are $112,675. Asking price: $7,595,000.

Click on the photo to see the listing sheet. Or, go to Houlihan Lawrence and enter either Web ID QD411021 or MLS # 2819330.

Click the continued link to see all the photos, or view the gallery.

Gallery: Milton Point, Rye, N.Y., Estate of the Day

Tags: estate, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, estates, luxury homes, LuxuryHomes, Rye, Westchester

Continue reading “Milton Point, Estate of the Day”

Beam Launches New Modern Rye Whiskey

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Rye whiskey doesn't have a reputation for being a particularly modern tipple but Beam is trying to help that profile along with the introduction of (r?)1 Whiskey, the company's first ultra-premium rye whiskey. The (r?)1 (pronounced "rye one") has the slightly peppery edge to it that draws people to rye whiskey. When served with water, the fuirt and spice notes become more apparent. Of course rye whiskey has a natural home in Manhattans and Old Fashioneds but the they have also created a new cocktail, the Rising Sun, that uses lemon juice and orange juice. I haven't had a chance to taste what's inside yet but at least the bottle doesn't make you feel like you're drinking grandpa's booze. It sells for $46-$48 and future (r?)2 and (r?)3 editions are planned.

[via Wine & Spirits Daily]

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Tags: rye, spirits, whiskey

Watch Distillers In Action At The George Washington Distillery

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

The new George Washington Distillery in Mount Vernon, Virginia is offering a chance to watch master distillers in action this week. Master distillers from liquor companies will be producing the traditional colonial-style whiskey based on Washington's recipe on authentic copper pot stills. Washington's original distillery was one of the largest in America at the time. From April to October, visitors can see costumed distillers performing traditional whiskey-making functions at the new distillery. The whiskey will eventually be for sale at the distillery after aging.

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Tags: george washington distillery, GeorgeWashingtonDistillery, rye, virginia, whiskey

Xellent Vodka

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Yes, another new vodka. Xellent is the first vodka from Switzerland. The difference here is that it is made from rye rather than wheat. The result is a vodka with a stronger taste that is less of a blank and smooth palate for mixers and instead behaves a little more like gin. According to the Miami Herald, it was illegal to distill grains grown in Switzerland before 1999. Xellent founder Andreas Afftentranger uses Alps-grown rye and glacier water for this vodka. It sells for around $35.

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Tags: liquor, rye, spirits, vodka, xellent

Rittenhouse Rye Whisky Is The North American Whisky Of The Year

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Rittenhouse? Really? Heaven Hill Distilleries' Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whisky was another winner at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition being voted "North American Whiskey of the Year." Rittenhouse was unanimously awarded the gold medal by all judges in a blind tasting. Rye whisky doesn't receive a lot of love these days and Rittenhouse is not a new or expensive whisky. In fact, it sells for around $15. The inexpensive whisky was also named "Whiskey of the Year" for 2005 by Wine & Spirits Magazine. More proof that it doesn't always have to be pricey to be good.

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Tags: alcohol, rittenhouse, rye, san francisco spirits awards, spirits, whiskey, whisky

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