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Editor's Note: To prep you for Whiskey in the Winter, St. Louis' first whiskey-inspired beverage festival being held December 1 at the Hyatt Recency St. Louis at the Arch, Relish asked several local aficionados to weigh in on various aspects of the whiskey culture, local and otherwise. To date, 180 whiskeys will be available for tasting at the event. SLM freelancer Andrew Mark Veety leads off with his Top 10 picks:
My interest in whiskey is three-fold and began over a decade ago, with a vice president at work who kept a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label in his desk. From time to time, he would make a call to favorite members of his team and say, "I feel blue." It was the signal to gather yourself, some ice if that was your thing and make for his office, where the coveted brown liquor was poured unceremoniously into coffee and Styrofoam cups. Homebrewing beer also contributed to my interest, especially when it came to understanding grain - the source of most fermentable sugars for making beer or whiskey, both products that begin life as a rolling cauldron of wort that is converted to alcohol - and its relationship to what ultimately ended up in a glass. Lastly, while distilling spirits is not a uniquely American pastime, it is hard-wired into the history of our country, and at the end of the day partaking in it is partaking in the story of America, which sounds kinda corny, but then again, so is bourbon.
When it comes to my "Ten Not To Miss" at the upcoming Whiskey In the Winter event, I mixed personal favorites I've enjoyed on a regular basis with special releases of more well-known names.
- Hudson Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey - The pride of New York state's craft distilling scene blends corn, rye, wheat and barley for this small batch bourbon, with aggressive corn taking the lead followed by oak and finally cotton candy. Worth seeking out.
- Elijah Craig 12 yr.Old - Premium Kentucky bourbon with a tobacco smokiness, lots of oak from aging and charring of the barrel. Spice and chewy caramelized sugar give way to honey and jam notes.
- Four Roses Single Barrel - Sipping bourbon that takes to a splash of water, but not too much. Apple, vanilla and spice with a very long finish. If you had an every day bourbon, this would be it.
- Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel - Mineral and rich like fall honey both in the pour and appearance, with lots of peat, oak and vanilla. Don't be afraid to add an ice cube as this scotch opens up nicely with the addition of water. I love it so much, I gave it as groomsman gifts to my wedding party.
- Koval Rye Chicago White - Un-aged organic rye white whiskey, affectionately known in some circles as moonshine. Heat comes from cracked black and white peppercorns mellowed by hints of clementines.
- Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or - A complex, floral "dessert" scotch finished in Sauternes wine barrels for a flavor that that suggests sweet wine and port with ginger and berries.
- George Dickel Barrel Select - Corn, corn and more corn. Rich, syrupy maple, butterscotch, and orange peel from the historic George Dickel Distillery in Tennessee.
- Yamazaki 12 YO - Earthy and rich, this award-winning Japanese single malt whiskey is a must try, especially for skeptics. Smooth. Look for candied citrus and caramelized custard.
- Oban 14yr Old - Smoke, hay, leather, peat and grain dominate, the finish is hot but worth it. An outlier among Scotland's better known whiskeys, which is a shame as it is one of the most unique.
- Maker's 46 - The flagship for the Maker's Mark empire, overflowing with apple pie spices and caramel candy. Think Werther's Originals, or if you are in a childish mood, Rolos.
For more information on or tickets to Whiskey in the Winter, click here. There will be no better time--and no easier way--to add to your personal taste list.
Supplemental Note: As of November 8, the WitW whiskey count stands at 203!
