Homestead Bourbon Now in South Dakota

In May another Iowa whiskey migrates to South Dakota. This one’s definitely noteworthy. Homestead Bourbon is a small-run, artisan bourbon bottled at cask strength, packed with flavor without the burn. A healthy dose of 20% rye does lovely things to the bourbon’s profile. The squared bottle with the aggressive minimalism makes for interesting conversation. Here’s one tasting (from Nathan):

Nose: Vanilla, cherries, winter spice.

Body: Balanced and syrupy. Caramel, coconut, butter, cinnamon, oaky vanilla, cherry. Surprisingly not harsh, even before water.

Finish: Creme brulee, berries, brown sugar. Medium length finish.

This bourbon has a lot of potential as a staple for whiskey aficionados. Its balanced power makes it palatable for a number of occasions. At $45 retail? Highly recommended.

Winner of the Battle of the State Whiskies

In May we held a contest to discover the best regional whiskey. Six entries were considered.

Most Wanted Pioneer Whiskey (Kansas)
Bickering Brothers Blended Whiskey (South Dakota)
Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey (Iowa)
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey (Colorado)
Chatoe Rogue Single Malt Whiskey (Oregon)
Montana Pure Malt Whiskey (Montana)

And the result? Um, well, there wasn’t a clear answer. The Breckenridge Bourbon was enjoyed most widely, but individuals cast their favorite-vote for Bickering Brothers, Cedar Ridge, Montana Pure Malt, and Chatoe Rogue. Only Most Wanted got left out, generally panned by the crowd. It seems the search for a dominant regional whiskey continues…

March 9 Meeting: 17 Year Old Scotches

Saturday is nigh. So is a fleet of 17 year-old scotches.

Ballantine’s 17
Balvenie Doublewood 17 (encore!)
The Macallan Fine Oak 17
Old Pulteney 17
Glenfarclas 17

Sign up for our emails for all the information.

Whiskey Review: Barton’s QT

Remember when QT was all the rage?  Neither did we.  But a couple of us broke into a bottle of Barton’s QT, a four year-old “light American whiskey” dating to the early 1970s.  The cap held for the last forty years, so we were treated to a snapshot of a dram that had sat around, trapped in childhood.  

QT tasted fresh and desserty, with a smoothness that matched the boast on the bottle.  Vanilla frosting, wheat fields, linens, a faint spiciness reminiscent of rye, cotton candy, clean finish.  Something falling between a mid-level Canadian whiskey and a Scottish single grain, all in all.  A touch of sorrow at the end, knowing you won’t be bottles on the shelf again.

First Whisky Dinner a Success

On February 21 the society enjoyed a four-course meal paired with five drams of Balvenie single malt scotch. K restaurant provided excellent service, and Mark from Grant Distillers shared some of his coveted Tun 1401. Make sure you’re on the email list to hear about future exclusive events of SFWS!

Jan 12: Experimental Drinks at Icon Lounge

For something different, join SFWS at Icon Lounge on Saturday, Jan 12 as we enjoy three whisky mixed drinks, including a Knob Creek drink, a concoction with Lagavulin 16, and a barrel-aged Manhattan. 8-10pm. $20.

Dec 1: Irish Single Malts

The first of December we enjoy some rather rare species: Irish single malts. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

WHEN: Dec 1, 8-10pm

COST: $20

RSVP?: No, but limited to first 30 people in the door

WHISKIES:

Greenore 8 year old
Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Locke’s 8 year old
Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Knappogue 12 year old
Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Bushmills 16 year old
Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Connemara 12 year old
Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey