Box 0623
June 2023 Release
"Young Americans"
x Sample A
SAMPLE A
Producer: Three Chord Bourbon - Chelsea, MI
Fun Fact:The founder of this brand, Neil Giraldo, is the guitar player (and now spouse!) to legendary rock icon Pat Benatar!
Whiskey: Strange Collaboration - Pinot Noir finished Bourbon
Proof: 99 (49.5% ABV)
Age Statement: 2-6 years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Color/Appearance: Pale Copper
Aroma Notes: Sweet raspberry preserves, cherry, melon/cantaloupe, brown sugar on grapefruit, pinot noir comes through, good fresh mash note
Tasting Notes: Maple, peanuts, strawberry, currant, toffee, vanilla wafer, oak, clove
Finish: Mid, mildly dry, front and top palate, coffee, toasted wood, ripe plum
Our Take: Is this the perfect summer whiskey? Maybe a bold statement, but as soon as we tasted this Pinot Noir Finished bourbon we felt like it should be drunk outside with friends. A fantastic collaboration between Three Chord Bourbon and Strange Family Vineyards, the casks for Kentucky bourbon blend were selected specifically to match well with the wine casks they were aged in for 3 months. The result is a whiskey that is bright and alive on the palate, but not overly cloying or heavy.
Distiller Ari Sussman is incredibly knowledgeable and innovative, and was the natural choice for founder Neil Giraldo to lead the brand. Neil, guitar player and husband to rock legend Pat Benatar, created Three Chord to push the boundaries of American whiskey, and they use their signature blending technique to bring out the “harmony” in their spirits. We are so thrilled to bring you this bourbon, which is perfectly in line with the Strange Family Vineyards goal, to create drinks “about the everyday celebration of life.”
Distillery Story: Just as a Three Chord progression is at the root of the blues, music is at the core of Three Chord Bourbon, a whiskey infused with a harmony of rich taste. This well balanced spirit is complex.
Our handcrafted bourbon is steeped in tradition, yet revolutionary, using a proprietary blending process to finish our whiskeys. By heating American oak to precise temperatures to release specific flavor and aroma compounds. Our blending process integrates these compounds into the blended spirit. This process creates a melody of caramel, vanilla, and maple soaked notes.
Like the feeling you get when you hear that perfect song, you’ll know Three Chord Bourbon is right with that first sip, however, the smooth finish and mild hug sings “you’ll want an encore”!
Founder Neil Giraldo says: “One night as I was sipping bourbon in my studio with friends, the conversation naturally turned to music, sound and composition. We began to wonder how blending the ‘tones’ of various whiskeys together could create a unique ‘harmony’ of flavor. “We knew bourbon’s role in Americana music and the American dream. We knew we loved it. We knew that the blues and the ‘three chord’ progression were a blank score that we could compose our own masterpiece with. Truth, heart, and integrity. “But we wanted to do more than just create another whiskey. We wanted to shake up the industry yet maintain respect for the tradition and legacy of heritage whiskeys. To look at the process differently. To create a taste profile comparable to the finest whiskeys in the world. To craft a new classic whiskey with the same precision and passion with which I create music. The product we created is Three Chord. The process with which it is created we call ‘Perfectly Tuned Taste.’”
SAMPLE A
Producer: Three Chord Bourbon - Chelsea, MI
Fun Fact:The founder of this brand, Neil Giraldo, is the guitar player (and now spouse!) to legendary rock icon Pat Benatar!
Whiskey: Strange Collaboration - Pinot Noir finished Bourbon
Proof: 99 (49.5% ABV)
Age Statement: 2-6 years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Color/Appearance: Pale Copper
Aroma Notes: Sweet raspberry preserves, cherry, melon/cantaloupe, brown sugar on grapefruit, pinot noir comes through, good fresh mash note
Tasting Notes: Maple, peanuts, strawberry, currant, toffee, vanilla wafer, oak, clove
Finish: Mid, mildly dry, front and top palate, coffee, toasted wood, ripe plum
Our Take: Is this the perfect summer whiskey? Maybe a bold statement, but as soon as we tasted this Pinot Noir Finished bourbon we felt like it should be drunk outside with friends. A fantastic collaboration between Three Chord Bourbon and Strange Family Vineyards, the casks for Kentucky bourbon blend were selected specifically to match well with the wine casks they were aged in for 3 months. The result is a whiskey that is bright and alive on the palate, but not overly cloying or heavy.
Distiller Ari Sussman is incredibly knowledgeable and innovative, and was the natural choice for founder Neil Giraldo to lead the brand. Neil, guitar player and husband to rock legend Pat Benatar, created Three Chord to push the boundaries of American whiskey, and they use their signature blending technique to bring out the “harmony” in their spirits. We are so thrilled to bring you this bourbon, which is perfectly in line with the Strange Family Vineyards goal, to create drinks “about the everyday celebration of life.”
Distillery Story: Just as a Three Chord progression is at the root of the blues, music is at the core of Three Chord Bourbon, a whiskey infused with a harmony of rich taste. This well balanced spirit is complex.
Our handcrafted bourbon is steeped in tradition, yet revolutionary, using a proprietary blending process to finish our whiskeys. By heating American oak to precise temperatures to release specific flavor and aroma compounds. Our blending process integrates these compounds into the blended spirit. This process creates a melody of caramel, vanilla, and maple soaked notes.
Like the feeling you get when you hear that perfect song, you’ll know Three Chord Bourbon is right with that first sip, however, the smooth finish and mild hug sings “you’ll want an encore”!
Founder Neil Giraldo says: “One night as I was sipping bourbon in my studio with friends, the conversation naturally turned to music, sound and composition. We began to wonder how blending the ‘tones’ of various whiskeys together could create a unique ‘harmony’ of flavor. “We knew bourbon’s role in Americana music and the American dream. We knew we loved it. We knew that the blues and the ‘three chord’ progression were a blank score that we could compose our own masterpiece with. Truth, heart, and integrity. “But we wanted to do more than just create another whiskey. We wanted to shake up the industry yet maintain respect for the tradition and legacy of heritage whiskeys. To look at the process differently. To create a taste profile comparable to the finest whiskeys in the world. To craft a new classic whiskey with the same precision and passion with which I create music. The product we created is Three Chord. The process with which it is created we call ‘Perfectly Tuned Taste.’”
x Sample B
SAMPLE B
Distillery: Rocktown Distillery - Little Rock, AR
Fun Fact: This bourbon uses two different types of the same grain (barley), one of which is a special type of malted barley imported from Scotland! This is due to their Head Distiller’s love for Scotch, and is one of the only bourbons ever to use this type of malt.
Whiskey: Golden Promise Cask Strength Bourbon
Proof: 115 Proof (57.5% ABV)
Age Statement: 3 years
Mashbill: 82% Corn, 9% Golden Promise Malt, 9% Malted Barley
Color/Appearance: Reddish Gold
Aroma Notes: Lovely, thyme, lemon, green apple, mild licorice, malty, cereal grain notes (Cheerios™, Frosted Mini Wheats™)
Tasting Notes: Herbal, brown sugar, burnt oak, ginger, effervescent on the palate
Finish: Mid to long finish, honeyed sweetness leading to creme brulee, fresh red berries
Our Take: Rock Town is one of the OGs in the craft whiskey world! From their start in 2010, they focused on staying faithful to their heritage, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible (barrels included!) to create a true Arkansas whiskey (which might not be what you expect!).
While we honestly loved everything we tried from them, we fell IN love with this Golden Promise Bourbon. Utilizing a rare mash bill of 82% corn and 18% barley (split evenly between 2 different types of malt), this bourbon is well-rounded and wise beyond its years, displaying a truly unique (and delicious!) taste profile.
One of the types of malted barley they use is called the Golden Promise Malt. This is an older variety of barley that originated in Scotland over half a century ago! Frequently used in brewing IPAs, this malt is known for bringing superior body and taste to the mash, rather than just being used to spark fermentation, as barley often is reduced to in bourbon distillation. This whiskey is truly a testament to the Rock Town Distillery team’s motto of “Our Passion is Our Spirit”! We hope you enjoy it!
Distillery Story: Rock Town Distillery is the first of its kind in Arkansas, an artisan craft distillery that uses grains from Arkansas to distill award winning spirits. They are a true grain-to-glass distillery, with their corn, wheat and rye all grown within a hundred miles from the distillery in northeast Arkansas. Some of the barrels used to mature their whiskey are even coopered in-state, as well!
Rock Town Distillery is proud to call Little Rock home and source ingredients from farmers across Arkansas. Phil Brandon’s goal for Rock Town was to make an affordable product using all-natural ingredients that could compete against any top-shelf competitor in the nation. That is precisely what Rock Town has done.
In 2009, Phil Brandon left his corporate job in the pursuit of his passion, starting a distillery. Thus the phrase ‘Our Passion Is Our Spirit’ was born, and in 2010 Rock Town Distillery found its home in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Phil and his wife Diana did not let small-town beginnings impede Rock Town Distillery from quickly becoming internationally recognized. In 2013, Rock Town Distillery was recognized for the first time on an international stage, winning awards at the San Francisco WSC (World Spirits Competition) for their Bourbon, Gin, and Vodka.
Rock Town Distillery’s founding phrase ‘Our Passion is Our Spirit’ is proven true even today, with numerous international spirit awards and products offered around the globe.
SAMPLE B
Distillery: Rocktown Distillery - Little Rock, AR
Fun Fact: This bourbon uses two different types of the same grain (barley), one of which is a special type of malted barley imported from Scotland! This is due to their Head Distiller’s love for Scotch, and is one of the only bourbons ever to use this type of malt.
Whiskey: Golden Promise Cask Strength Bourbon
Proof: 115 Proof (57.5% ABV)
Age Statement: 3 years
Mashbill: 82% Corn, 9% Golden Promise Malt, 9% Malted Barley
Color/Appearance: Reddish Gold
Aroma Notes: Lovely, thyme, lemon, green apple, mild licorice, malty, cereal grain notes (Cheerios™, Frosted Mini Wheats™)
Tasting Notes: Herbal, brown sugar, burnt oak, ginger, effervescent on the palate
Finish: Mid to long finish, honeyed sweetness leading to creme brulee, fresh red berries
Our Take: Rock Town is one of the OGs in the craft whiskey world! From their start in 2010, they focused on staying faithful to their heritage, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible (barrels included!) to create a true Arkansas whiskey (which might not be what you expect!).
While we honestly loved everything we tried from them, we fell IN love with this Golden Promise Bourbon. Utilizing a rare mash bill of 82% corn and 18% barley (split evenly between 2 different types of malt), this bourbon is well-rounded and wise beyond its years, displaying a truly unique (and delicious!) taste profile.
One of the types of malted barley they use is called the Golden Promise Malt. This is an older variety of barley that originated in Scotland over half a century ago! Frequently used in brewing IPAs, this malt is known for bringing superior body and taste to the mash, rather than just being used to spark fermentation, as barley often is reduced to in bourbon distillation. This whiskey is truly a testament to the Rock Town Distillery team’s motto of “Our Passion is Our Spirit”! We hope you enjoy it!
Distillery Story: Rock Town Distillery is the first of its kind in Arkansas, an artisan craft distillery that uses grains from Arkansas to distill award winning spirits. They are a true grain-to-glass distillery, with their corn, wheat and rye all grown within a hundred miles from the distillery in northeast Arkansas. Some of the barrels used to mature their whiskey are even coopered in-state, as well!
Rock Town Distillery is proud to call Little Rock home and source ingredients from farmers across Arkansas. Phil Brandon’s goal for Rock Town was to make an affordable product using all-natural ingredients that could compete against any top-shelf competitor in the nation. That is precisely what Rock Town has done.
In 2009, Phil Brandon left his corporate job in the pursuit of his passion, starting a distillery. Thus the phrase ‘Our Passion Is Our Spirit’ was born, and in 2010 Rock Town Distillery found its home in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Phil and his wife Diana did not let small-town beginnings impede Rock Town Distillery from quickly becoming internationally recognized. In 2013, Rock Town Distillery was recognized for the first time on an international stage, winning awards at the San Francisco WSC (World Spirits Competition) for their Bourbon, Gin, and Vodka.
Rock Town Distillery’s founding phrase ‘Our Passion is Our Spirit’ is proven true even today, with numerous international spirit awards and products offered around the globe.
x Sample C
SAMPLE C
Distillery: Dark Door Spirits - Tampa, FL
Fun Fact: Dark Door Spirits utilizes the Solera method for this bourbon blend, an old-world technique that frequently is used in sherry production. This barrel is from their original barrel, which never fully emptied each year. This method ensures consistency, just like the best dads! This bottle is normally 100 proof and only available in the distillery store. So, this cask strength version is one-of-a-kind in many ways.
Whiskey: “World’s Best Dad” Solera Blend Bourbon
Proof: 121 Proof (60.5% ABV) & 120.8 (60.4% ABV)
Age Statement: NA - A blend of various years
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 13% Rye, 13% Barley
Color/Appearance: Deep Amber
Aroma Notes: Marzipan, madagascar vanilla extract, strawberry soda, cherry cola, fruit danish
Tasting Notes: rich molasses, nutty, black pepper, juicy fruit, orange candy, tobacco, vanilla ice cream with syrupy cherries
Finish: Long, fresh with balanced depth, coats the mouth, candied pineapple
Our Take: This Bourbon quite literally knocked our socks off, both because of how good it was, and because it came from a brand that none of us has ever heard of! That is truly the best part of this process for us, especially when you discover a place as innovative and dedicated to excellence as Dark Door Spirits.
Their use of the Solera method, an old-world technique used in sherry, ensures consistency between batches and provides a depth of flavor that few whiskeys can match. This fractional blending process allows for a taste profile that evolves as the blend grows in age, but stays true to form as they replace what goes into the bottles (from the bottom of the system) with more of the same new make spirit (to the top of the system).
The fact that this sample is called "World's Best Dad" was a pleasant surprise for our June box, coming to you just around Father's Day! The best dads are consistent, yet evolve and get better over time, just like this solera bourbon. So raise a glass to great fathers all across the country!
Distillery Story: Since its beginning, the world of distilled spirits has often been restricted to the status quo, enforcing industry standards that were developed years ago.
The story of the beginning of Dark Door Spirits is not one of destiny, but one of innovation and self-motivation. Co-founders Matthew Allen and Brandon Marshall started the Cerberus Craft Distillery with the Dark Door Spirits Brand and one simple goal in mind: to create a damn good product. Marshall and Allen realized they had authentic ideas, and the ability, conviction and means to make those ideas a reality.
The Dark Door Spirits team is in the business of crafting distilled spirits and sharing the secret of those spirits with you. Whether it's macerations, new technology, or wild flavor combinations, they constantly strive to innovate and keep giving you something cheers worthy.
Their founders say, "We all know that the best things in life do not come easy. That is why we meticulously blend, distill and bottle our spirits with the utmost precision."
Their main goal is to give you a spirit that makes you glad you chose something different than the usual.
SAMPLE C
Distillery: Dark Door Spirits - Tampa, FL
Fun Fact: Dark Door Spirits utilizes the Solera method for this bourbon blend, an old-world technique that frequently is used in sherry production. This barrel is from their original barrel, which never fully emptied each year. This method ensures consistency, just like the best dads! This bottle is normally 100 proof and only available in the distillery store. So, this cask strength version is one-of-a-kind in many ways.
Whiskey: “World’s Best Dad” Solera Blend Bourbon
Proof: 121 Proof (60.5% ABV) & 120.8 (60.4% ABV)
Age Statement: NA - A blend of various years
Mashbill: 74% Corn, 13% Rye, 13% Barley
Color/Appearance: Deep Amber
Aroma Notes: Marzipan, madagascar vanilla extract, strawberry soda, cherry cola, fruit danish
Tasting Notes: rich molasses, nutty, black pepper, juicy fruit, orange candy, tobacco, vanilla ice cream with syrupy cherries
Finish: Long, fresh with balanced depth, coats the mouth, candied pineapple
Our Take: This Bourbon quite literally knocked our socks off, both because of how good it was, and because it came from a brand that none of us has ever heard of! That is truly the best part of this process for us, especially when you discover a place as innovative and dedicated to excellence as Dark Door Spirits.
Their use of the Solera method, an old-world technique used in sherry, ensures consistency between batches and provides a depth of flavor that few whiskeys can match. This fractional blending process allows for a taste profile that evolves as the blend grows in age, but stays true to form as they replace what goes into the bottles (from the bottom of the system) with more of the same new make spirit (to the top of the system).
The fact that this sample is called "World's Best Dad" was a pleasant surprise for our June box, coming to you just around Father's Day! The best dads are consistent, yet evolve and get better over time, just like this solera bourbon. So raise a glass to great fathers all across the country!
Distillery Story: Since its beginning, the world of distilled spirits has often been restricted to the status quo, enforcing industry standards that were developed years ago.
The story of the beginning of Dark Door Spirits is not one of destiny, but one of innovation and self-motivation. Co-founders Matthew Allen and Brandon Marshall started the Cerberus Craft Distillery with the Dark Door Spirits Brand and one simple goal in mind: to create a damn good product. Marshall and Allen realized they had authentic ideas, and the ability, conviction and means to make those ideas a reality.
The Dark Door Spirits team is in the business of crafting distilled spirits and sharing the secret of those spirits with you. Whether it's macerations, new technology, or wild flavor combinations, they constantly strive to innovate and keep giving you something cheers worthy.
Their founders say, "We all know that the best things in life do not come easy. That is why we meticulously blend, distill and bottle our spirits with the utmost precision."
Their main goal is to give you a spirit that makes you glad you chose something different than the usual.
x Sample D
SAMPLE D
Producer: Good Times Bourbon - Frankfort, KY
Fun Fact: This Single Barrel Bourbon is blended specifically to pair well with cigars, featuring a process seen a lot in cognac, taking advantage of 3 different types of casks to provide just the right flavor and texture profile that holds up well to tobacco and food!
Whiskey: Cigar Blend Bourbon - Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey finished in Cognac, Armagnac, and Oloroso Sherry Barrels (Non Chill-Filtered)
Proof: 108 Proof (54% ABV)
Age Statement: NA
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Cask Type: Aged in used Rye casks from Palliser Distillery in Alberta, CAN
Color/Appearance: Reflexive Copper
Aroma Notes: Leather, rich latte, dark toasted wood, cognac, honeyed fig, raw pecans
Tasting Notes: Nutmeg, sherry, honey, good tannin, salted caramel corn
Finish: Long and rich, lingering heat with candied walnuts, a touch of cinnamon, baking spices with a bit of charcoal
Our Take: There’s a Good Time coming!
We are so thrilled to be able to present this incredible Cigar Blend Bourbon to the Blind Barrels community! From the start, we always imagined our members savoring a perfectly crafted cigar alongside Blind Barrels' craft cask-strength whiskey offerings, and this Single Barrel was the perfect choice.
Cigar Blend spirits originally came France, where cognacs were blended for specific characteristics that paired well with cigars. Classically, these spirits came with excellent nutty, earthy, even buttery notes, which hold up well to tobacco.
This Single Barrel Bourbon produced by Good Times Bourbon delivers on all those counts! They use 3 different varieties of casks to create just the right flavor profile, with the Oloroso Sherry barrels pairing perfectly with the Cognac and Armagnac casks.
In order to keep the proper texture, this whiskey is Non-Chill-Filtered as well, so it maintains a rich mouthfeel that holds up well to tobacco or food. To be honest, this whiskey tastes great however you have it, whether paired with a cigar, dessert, or all on its own. We can’t wait to hear how YOU all enjoy it!
Distillery Story: Good Times Bourbon is a bourbon company unlike any other. We offer MGP single barrel whiskeys finished in any kind of cask you could want. We at Good Times take pride in our unique legacy so you can rest assured your experience will be one incomparable to any other. This means you will have a one of a kind bottle unlike any other on the market. Now that’s something to talk about!
SAMPLE D
Producer: Good Times Bourbon - Frankfort, KY
Fun Fact: This Single Barrel Bourbon is blended specifically to pair well with cigars, featuring a process seen a lot in cognac, taking advantage of 3 different types of casks to provide just the right flavor and texture profile that holds up well to tobacco and food!
Whiskey: Cigar Blend Bourbon - Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey finished in Cognac, Armagnac, and Oloroso Sherry Barrels (Non Chill-Filtered)
Proof: 108 Proof (54% ABV)
Age Statement: NA
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Cask Type: Aged in used Rye casks from Palliser Distillery in Alberta, CAN
Color/Appearance: Reflexive Copper
Aroma Notes: Leather, rich latte, dark toasted wood, cognac, honeyed fig, raw pecans
Tasting Notes: Nutmeg, sherry, honey, good tannin, salted caramel corn
Finish: Long and rich, lingering heat with candied walnuts, a touch of cinnamon, baking spices with a bit of charcoal
Our Take: There’s a Good Time coming!
We are so thrilled to be able to present this incredible Cigar Blend Bourbon to the Blind Barrels community! From the start, we always imagined our members savoring a perfectly crafted cigar alongside Blind Barrels' craft cask-strength whiskey offerings, and this Single Barrel was the perfect choice.
Cigar Blend spirits originally came France, where cognacs were blended for specific characteristics that paired well with cigars. Classically, these spirits came with excellent nutty, earthy, even buttery notes, which hold up well to tobacco.
This Single Barrel Bourbon produced by Good Times Bourbon delivers on all those counts! They use 3 different varieties of casks to create just the right flavor profile, with the Oloroso Sherry barrels pairing perfectly with the Cognac and Armagnac casks.
In order to keep the proper texture, this whiskey is Non-Chill-Filtered as well, so it maintains a rich mouthfeel that holds up well to tobacco or food. To be honest, this whiskey tastes great however you have it, whether paired with a cigar, dessert, or all on its own. We can’t wait to hear how YOU all enjoy it!
Distillery Story: Good Times Bourbon is a bourbon company unlike any other. We offer MGP single barrel whiskeys finished in any kind of cask you could want. We at Good Times take pride in our unique legacy so you can rest assured your experience will be one incomparable to any other. This means you will have a one of a kind bottle unlike any other on the market. Now that’s something to talk about!