Chasing Bourbon

To gain access to allocated picks I partner with a local restaurant group and we split the barrel. Draw back Chasing Bourbon doesn’t get the full yield, advantage we get some killer picks that we would not have otherwise

Enter this gem of a pick
💥 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
💥 9yr 9mo
💥 110 Proof
💥 Tyrone B 4th Floor

The sticker – My good friend Jason who’s as particular about what he drinks as Mikey was about his food. Jason spent Thanksgiving with us and didn’t want any Russell’s, because he doesn’t like Turkey. I handed Jason a blind of this and his reaction was “OMG, WOW….what is this”. His face when he found out it was the Russell’s pick was hilarious, funny enough to put him on the tater sticker

This was such a fun pick and became confusing for many. 5 bottles, all with the same “The Five Families” name, similar pictures, and al l RIO3XX

4 clubs got together with Rare Character in a very familial way after they discovered My wife was on chemo after having Stage 4 Colon Cancer tumors removed.

We all picked a barrel, branded them the same based on how we came together, plus the “mob” like twist which is so whiskey of the 1900’s. The 5th barrel RIO340, was dedicated to be used as a charity barrel where $50 of each bottle went to chancer treatments.

The FIVE FAMILIES – 4 clubs that got together to pick 5 barrels, one for each club and a 5th used as a fundraiser for cancer treatments. Barrel 340 was split 4 ways and $50 from the sale of each bottle went help fund cancer treatments for Amy Englhard (my wife) who’s battling Stage 4 colon cancer

Rare Character Single Barrel Barrel Strength Toasted Rye TST-R-07

I went to Rare Character looking for a Michter’s Killer. If you’ve been in Bourbon you know that Barrel Strength Rye from Michter’s it’s hard(er) to find and fantastic.

Michter’s uses a “barely legal” rye mash bill and that’s what I was after

I honestly was not knocked over with a feather by the SRY. The SRY should have been what I was after using what MGP calls their 51% Rye Mashbill ; 51%Rye – 45% corn – 4% Malted Barley. Honestly I just felt these were a little young for a $110 bottle.

Details:
Age: 7yr 3mo
Proof: 118.32
Mash Bill: 51 rye / 45 corn / 4 matled barley

I asked if they had a toasted counterpart? Rare Character brought out a handful and we sipped through. I found this absolutely perfect. Everything I was looking for and what a great alternative to a Michter’s Barrel strength Toasted Rye!!

The Label – In the Rare Character Fan circles Michael Cary Arellano, became well know as an easily identifiable guy after all the Rare Characters. He’s a hug animal/dog fan but I think a turtle 🐢 is his spirit animal. He asked me when I’m going to do a Turtle Label? I told him the next one I’ll do it for him

Context – I’ve known Michael since he was in High School. I’d say he’s close to our family. Has done multiple photo projects for our business, engagements, wedding, we have his art all over out house….you name it. You can check out his work here Michael Cary Photography 

That’s an actual photos of Michael jumping for joy to have his Turtle Label

Starlight Distillery Straight Bourbon Finished in Limousin French Oak – “It’s okay, I’m a Limo Driver”

French Oak??
So What’s the Story with French Oak and this “hand selected” barrel Brian got? Sound like BS to you??

This is another question I’m getting a bunch….so let’s unwrap this

First we need to break down what “French Oak” means. For those on the West Coast it’s like saying Willamette Vally Wine or California Wine…or as broad as just saying Toyota.

Each of those examples break down more granularly to greater specifics

Like cars, wine, bolts, bikes and other things French Oak has regions that impart different flavors and characteristics

*image by Wine Follly