Week 43 – Barrell Craft Spirits “Collaboration With T8KE” Synthesis II Bourbon-Rye Exclusive Release 

• Distilled: Kentucky & Indiana 
• Aged In: Kentucky & Indiana
• Bottled In: Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
• Age: NAS (Blend of straight bourbons and straight ryes from Kentucky & Indiana 7yr+)
• Finish: Armagnac Cask Finish
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 58.4% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose, full of maple and cracked pepper, candied orange and ginger, a hint of rye spice and herbal punch. There is deep, stewed fruits, a touch of fig and some white grape as well, pairing pleasantly with spicy, decadent, rye here. The palate is rich, viscous and a bit more layered than the first: orange peel, toffee, butter cream and black pepper meets decadent fig, blackberry, white grape, a hint of honey and cinnamon. Finish is long, the armagnac grips wonderfully here bringing some fruit, rock candy, old old oak character and a wisp of pipe tobacco in with the punch, the power, and the spice. 

NULU x T8KE Maple Brulee 7 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon B928 

• Distilled: Indiana 
• Aged In: Kentucky & Indiana
• Bottled In: Kentucky (NULU)
• Age: 7 Years 
• Finish: 6 Months – Maple Brulee Cask Finish
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• ABV: 58.4% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Gorgeous and rich nose, full of brown sugar, cracked pepper, vanilla bean and a hint of espresso beans covered in chocolate. There’s that evolution from sweet to savory to lightly bitter right back to sweet and satisfying once more as the oak, the brulee and the bourbon all settle in nicely. The palate is viscous, it’s got a pleasant creaminess to it and the proof carries nicely through the oak and the maple character. Baking spices and lovely oak balance the maple and the sweet characters here lovely. Bit more oak than our first release, which is to say there’s a bit more balance as well. 

NULU x T8KE Maple Brulee 7 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon B949 

• Distilled: Indiana 
• Aged In: Kentucky & Indiana
• Bottled In: Kentucky (NULU)
• Age: 7 Years 
• Finish: 6 Months – Maple Brulee Cask Finish
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• ABV: 57.1% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: This beaut has all of the richness of B928 with this wild addition of this brown butter and a hint of toasted marshmallow and graham cracker that I just can’t get away from. Ever since I moved from Wisconsin to the east coast, i’ve given up my fire pit and the ability to rock an unsolicitied s’more dessert at just about any time. The notes that popped on this barrel included the faintest bit of caramelized sugars, the smell when you know that marshmallow toasting is *just right* with pleasant graham cracker and a touch more cinnamon. Palate is loaded with maple and caramelized sugars, a hint of coffee, lovely ginger and a pop of pepper. Finish is long, a touch oakier and although slightly less balanced, fuller and richer with more oak, maple and candied fruits. 

NULU x T8KE Toasted Honey 7 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon B1184 

• Distilled: Indiana 
• Aged In: Kentucky & Indiana
• Bottled In: Kentucky (NULU)
• Age: 7 Years 
• Finish: 7 Months – Honey Cask Toasted Barrels
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• ABV: 57.4% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright nose: honey, apple and candied orange peel, lemon and lime zest and a prickle of oak spice, there’s a lot going on here with rich toffee, brown butter, vanilla bean and pie crust pairing beautifully with bright, floral and citrusy honey. The palate is rich and layered, it’s naturally rich and pillow-y. Satisfying and full of bright citrus, vibrant honey, and black pepper, baking spice and plentiful oak, a touch more citrus than I typically get on honey finishes and this lovely bit-o-honey character. Finish is long, more oak and classic bourbon here to balance, full of tannin and pleasant baking spice, rich caramel candies and a final punch of oak and spice. So good t8ke ate his words. 

Week 43 – NETA Barril T8KE x Aficionados Group Exclusive Agave Batch 

• Magueys: Barril (A Angustifolia)
• Producer: Nicolas Garcia Vasquez, Miguel Garcia Ortiz
• Village: Logoche, Miahuatlan:
• Region: Sierra Sur, Oaxaca
• Liters Produced: 230 LIters
• Oven: Conical Earthen Oven
• Mashing: Machete and Shredder
• Fermentation: Native yeasts in Motezuma, 2 day dry ferment, cypress wood tanks, 7 day wet ferment
• Water Source: Well water
• Distillation: 2x in Copper Pot Stills
• Alcohol Content: 51.5%, proofed with puntas y colas 
• Lot No: BRLMGO2305
• About this batch: Most likely a variety of Agave angustifolia, this locally-grown Barril is distinct from other plants bearing the same name in different parts of Oaxaca. Though oriignally collected in the wild, the seeds that produced the agaves in thisbatch were cultivated by the Garcia family in Logoche. 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: This batch is wild to me, one of the most distinctive of the day – an orchestra of tropical fruits like guava and mango and lime with this savory and rich character: black pepper, a faint touch of cinnamon, slate and the faintest touch of cedar and mesquite. It was distinctive and assertive on the nose, bright and loaded with character right away. The palate is a fusion of fresh fruits: lime, pineapple, mango, guava, vanilla, fantastic balance and balanced with a hint of white pepper, some cinnamon, light smoke – natural and essenced, not industrial or overpowering. The finish is a gorgeous blend of fruit and spice, tropical fruits, more salinity and minerality pairing beautifully with citrus and tropical fruit and this creamy, vanilla sweetness. Incredible, distinctive. 

Week 43 – Jolgorio Mezcal Artesanal: Tepeztate Edition 40 T8KE Exclusive Batch Selection

This release was produced by epic mezcalero duo Ivan and Francisco Mendez from Tepeztate aged at least 20 years from a harvest in 2022. This was produced at their palenque named Los Mendez in San Luis Del Rio, Oaxaca Mexico. 

This such batch is entirely produced with Tepeztate, and notably was harvested and produced in 2022, rested after distillation in glass for 3 years until its bottling in 2025 for our program. What’s wild is that production of this batch happens at just over 7,000 feet above sea level. It’s milled using a stone tahona driven behind a horse, naturally fermented in open air wooden tanks and double distilled on copper. 

• Distilled: San Luis Del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Mezcalero: Ivan Y Francisco Mendez 
• Palenque: Los Mendes
• Age Of Maguey: 20 Year Tepeztate Maguey
• Harvest: 2022
• Edition: 40
• Bottled In: Mexico (El Jolgorio)
• More Info: Exclusive Batch, No Dilution / Additives, Adjusted Puntas y Colas
• ABV: 53.1% ABV | 106.2 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright, spritely, expressive: beautiful peppers and spice pop on the nose: poblano, sweet bells and the tiniest pop of serrano join creamy, fresh, raspberry and orange sorbet, key lime, bright honeysuckle and vanilla bean on the nose. Wildly unique, bright, fresh, enticing. Rich on the palate, peppers pop first while some white pepper joins in the mix. There’s a creamy, vanilla, dessert character on the palate that pairs nicely with the chiles and bells, the hint of citrus and touch of spice. Almost like a dallop of chile ice cream where it’s rich and fatty, sweet, layered, with just a hint of contrasting flavor throughout – here it’s the pop of citrus fruit and bell pepper, not the spice itself. Long finish, sweet and fresh, crisp and a pop of salinity and minerality cleanses the palate and leaves lovely citrus. This is a wild batch, perfect to close out the year with. 

Week 41 – Old Soul 8 Year Single Barrel Cask Strength r/Bourbon Single Barrel Selection 

• Distilled: Indiana
• Aged In: Mississippi (Old Soul)
• Bottled In: Mississippi (Old Soul)
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Distilled July 28th 2017
• Bottled: August 2025
• ABV:  62.15% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Graham cracker and cola pop immediately on the nose, loaded with rich baking spice, cinnamons, toffee, waffle cone and sweet, decadent, desserts. There’s plentiful oak, it’s integrated nicely and brings a bold structure to the dessert character. Palate is rich and layered, somewhere between a desserty MGP dream and the extraction and heaviness of our past MF C&C releases. Luxardo cherry, rich baking spice, toffee and graham cracker dance with pepper, honey, a hint of cinnamon again. Long finish, ends pleasantly with tons of dessert, spice and balanced oak. Sneaky at the proof. Little too oak forward for a citrus bourbon cocktail but this release crushes in both an Old Fashioned and Manhattan but be sure to ratio adjust for the fact that this barrel is 64% ABV hah. 

Week 41 – Le Passeur 1992 Saint Martin 33 Year Old Armagnac Single Cask T8KE x Aficionados Group Selection (Cask #63/No.45)

• Distilled: France (Domaine Saint Martin)
• Aged In: France (Domaine Saint Martin)
• Bottled In: France (Le Passeur)
• Age: 33 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof, Custom Label
• Region: Bas Armagnac
• Grape Variety: Baco
• Cellar: Dry
• Soil: Tawny Sands
• Still: Continuous Column
• ABV: 54.5% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Stewed fruits return with enticing orange, black cherry, succulent grape, black pepper and a layer of fig, balsamic and woody decadence. Rich palate, viscous once again with a syrupy texture, grippy tannin, a hint of minerality but more fruit, custard, demerara sugar and a pile of fig and cherries. Long, dry finish that’s dug in, full of stewed fruits, a balancing act of oak and tenacious fruits, pushing forward with candied orange and ginger, black currant and boysenberries. 

Week 40 – Penelope Estate 10 Year 36% Rye r/Bourbon Single Barrel Selection 

• Distilled: Indiana
• Aged In: Indiana
• Bottled In: Indiana
• Age: 10 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Barrel: PEN24-136
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Distilled 12/21/2013
• Warehouse/Floor: L-5
• ABV:  57% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich tobacco and creamy toffee, bold cracked pepper meets a hint of char, peppercorns, caramel candies and maple. The palate is viscous and fudgy, savory and sweet with loads of sweet+savory matchups: salted caramel, a hint of bbq and char with toffee, butter cream, brown butter and maple candies. It’s decadent and rich, a touch of espresso and graham cracker. Long finish, packed full of tobacco and toffees all day. 

Week 40 – Penelope Estate 10 Year 21% Rye r/Bourbon Single Barrel Selection 

• Distilled: Indiana
• Aged In: Indiana
• Bottled In: Indiana
• Age: 10 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Barrel: PEN24-133
• Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Distilled 11/14/2024
• Warehouse/Floor: E-2
• ABV:  51.2% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Sweet caramels and vanilla bean, graham cracker and fresh baked doughnuts, apple butter and a hint of cinnamon joins vanilla bean ice cream, caramel and butterscotch and a rich, delicious, caramel character. Palate is rich with moderate viscosity – creamy and cohesive, there’s this richness and subtly with the lower proof that’s a gorgeous integration of sweets and flavor. Long finish here with pleasant oak, caramels and a hint of french vanilla with cinnamon, baking spice, baked apples, toffee and butterscotch. 

Week 40 – T8KE x Paladar Tequila Anejo Single Barrel Selection

• Distilled: Tequila Arette de Jalisco SA (Mexico)
• Bottled: NOM1109 (Paladar Tequila)
• Details: Additive Free, Custom Label 
• ABV: 46% ABV 
• Mashbill: 100% Blue Weber Agave
• Labeling: Custom r/Bourbon Labeling
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Orange peel, blossom honey, toffee and a hint of tropical fruits joins the minerality and hint of pepper I get with this release. The barrel influence is additive, not distracting, softening the peppery character of the distillate with some soft vanilla and a hint of baking spice. The palate is pleasant and crisp, easy drinking and loaded with flavor: mango, white grape, slate and a natural sweetness with pear and pepper. The finish is long, expressive, full of spice and a hint of oak, caramels and pepper, ginger, orange peel, mango, white grape and a final pop of agave to send it off. 

Week 39 – El Jolgorio Mezcal Artesanal: Tobala Edition 36 T8KE Exclusive Batch Selection

This release is produced in Santiago Matatlan by Francisco Cortes Hernandez and features the Tobala Maguey. Taking 15 years to mature before harvest, this agave is a favorite of mine for it’s rich, fruit driven complexity and the vibrancy it pops onto the palate without focusing on slate, smoke or minerality to really drive balance. 

• Distilled: Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Mezcalero: Francisco Cortes Hernandez
• Palenque: El As
• Age Of Maguey: 15 Year Tobala Maguey
• Harvest: 2023
• Edition: 36
• Bottled In: Mexico (El Jolgorio)
• More Info: Exclusive Batch, No Dilution / Additives, Adjusted Puntas y Colas
• ABV: 50% ABV | 100 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Beautiful fruits pop on the nose: apples, citrus, a touch of tropical fruit and raspberry and honey – tropical, bright, effervescent and spritely. The palate is layered and vibrant as well: creamy sweetness, packed with raspberry and tropical fruits, almost like a naturally flavored  jelly bean in the vibrancy of the fruit, the rich sweetness and a clean back palate. Apples – fuji specifically come to mind with tons of vibrant fruit, citrus and acid with a clean profile. Finish is long, fruit driven with gorgeous complexity. It’s tobala at its finest. 

Week 39 – El Jolgorio Mezcal Artesanal: Tepeztate Edition 39 T8KE Exclusive Batch Selection

This release was produced by the legendary Reynaldo Altamirano using Tepeztate agave. You’ll see all sorts of spelling for this maguey as you get deeper into agave and search for bottlings from different producers – tepextate, tepestate, tepeztate, simply “tep” etc. This is one of the longest growing agaves, wild in nature, taking 20 years or more before achieving the appropriate ripeness to harvest for production. 

This such batch is entirely produced with Tepeztate, and notably was harvested and produced in 2017, rested after distillation in glass for 8 years until its bottling in 2025 for our program. It’s a wild release, and the intensity and freshness of Tepextate makes it my favorite agave second to none. 

• Distilled: San Luis Del Rio, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Mezcalero: Reynaldo Altamirano 
• Palenque: Los Altamirnao
• Age Of Maguey: 20 Year Tepeztate Maguey
• Harvest: 2017
• Edition: 39
• Bottled In: Mexico (El Jolgorio)
• More Info: Exclusive Batch, No Dilution / Additives, Adjusted Puntas y Colas
• ABV: 52.6% ABV | 105.2 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Vibrant, punchy, tep dna through and through. Rainwater and storm air on the nose, bell peppers, japaleno, a hint of minerality, slate and limestone and a beautiful vanilla sweetness pops on the nose. It’s slightly vegetal, wildly fresh, vibrant. The palate is full of string bean and jalapeno (the flavor, not the heat) on the palate giving way to creamy sweetness, almost a cream cheese frosting sort of decadence, pairing wonderfully with drying minerality and the faintest hint of char. Finish is long and lovely, punchy and Tep forward all the way: black pepper, bell pepper, creamy sweetness and a final citrus pop. 

Week 39 – Barrell Craft Spirits T8KE2.1 – Toasted American Oak

 

• Distilled: Kentucky & Indiana & Tennessee
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In: Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
• Primary Age:
• Secondary Age: 16 Month Finish in Toasted Barrel
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV:  60.25% ABV | 120.7 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Decadent creaminess leads on the nose with baking spice, brown sugar candies, soft caramels and loads of tobacco. Each of these feels richer, stronger, balanced but bold. The palate notably has this big, syrupy viscosity that’s rich, opulent, full of vanilla bean, creme brulee, more tobacco and some tannin and pepper. The toasted character adds a touch of cinnamon, nougat, lovely char. The palate is long, carries, full of sweet oak, baking spice, a hint of cinnamon, big pastry character and tons of maple, brulee and tobacco. 

Week 39 – Barrell Craft Spirits T8KE2.2 – XO Cognac & Toasted American Oak

• Distilled: Kentucky & Indiana & Tennessee
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In: Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
• Primary Age:
• Secondary Age: 14 Month Finish in Toasted Barrel + 2 Months Finish Cognac Park XO Cask
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV:  60.29% ABV | 120.58 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Parchment, cigar wrapper, fig bread, toffee and honey roll through on the nose, impressive depth with caramels, brulee and cinnamon. The palate is rich and layered, every bit as decadent as 2.1 with the addition of light fig, a hint of baked apple, stewed fruits and the balance from the cognac. The finish is gorgeous and long, packed with brown sugar, maple candies, pipe tobacco, black pepper and baking spice. 

Week 38 – THE REVERIES Raven Rare Release Batch 3 Barrel Strength Bourbon

• Distilled: Kentucky & Indiana
• Aged In: Kentucky & Indiana & Virginia
• Bottled In: Virginia, USA (THE REVERIES)
• Age: 41% 9 (10) Year IN Reveries, 48% 10 Year KY Reveries, 11% 14 Year Reveries
• More Info: Rare Release, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Designation: RAVEN III
• ABV:  62.4% ABV | 124.8 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes:
  • Nose:  Baking spice, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, black cherry and the crispness of fresh apples, heavy oak and the decadence of brulee. Caramelized sugars, amaro, Luxardo and cigar wrapper. 
  • Palate:  Fat, opulent, decadent: Peppery first with cola, tobacco, heavy oak, broad strokes of caramel and honey, nougat and brulee. Belgian waffle, maple candies, dark chocolate and a touch of espresso, ango, syrupy blackberry and fig spread. 
  • Finish: Long finish, crisp and concise: sweet oak, rich blackberry, tobacco, brulee and nougat, heavy sweetness and spice, with a final spine of oak to carry. 
  • Overall:  Harrowingly complex. 

Week 38 – THE REVERIES “Still Wakes” 9 Year Single Barrel Rare Release 

 

• Distilled: Indiana
• Aged In: Kentucky & Virginia
• Bottled In: Virginia, USA (THE REVERIES)
• Age: 10 Years 1 Month (9 Year Label)
• More Info: Single Barrel, Rare Release, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Designation: STILL WAKES 
• ABV:  59.2% ABV | 118.4 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Cola and tobacco pop on the nose with layers of creamy vanilla, brown sugar, graham cracker, cinnamon and baking spice. Moderate palate, pop of ethanol with blueberry and strawberry, honey, toffee and sweet cream. Long, peppery finish. Decadent combination of creamy, classic bourbon notes and rich tobacco, cream and honey. 

Week 38 – THE REVERIES “Butcher’s Mouth” 9 Year Single Barrel Rare Release 

• Distilled: Indiana
• Aged In: Kentucky & Virginia
• Bottled In: Virginia, USA (THE REVERIES)
• Age: 10 Years 1 Month (9 Year Label)
• More Info: Single Barrel, Rare Release, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Designation: BUTCHER’S MOUTH
• ABV:  121.3 Proof | 60.65%  ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Ango and applesauce, cinnamon and nutmeg, toffee, tobacco and maple candies combines for a savory, flavor bomb of an avant garde, powerful pour. Rich cinnamon and black pepper, toffee, dark kola syrupy and black berry reduction meets heavy oak, powerful spice and a gorgeous pipe tobacco element. 

Week 38 – THE REVERIES “Monolith” 17 Year Single Barrel Rare Release 

• Distilled: Kentucky
• Aged In: Kentucky & Virginia
• Bottled In: Virginia, USA (THE REVERIES)
• Age: 17 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, Rare Release, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 75/13/12
• Designation: MONOLITH
• ABV:  55.5% ABV | 111 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Quintessential colliding of worlds with orange peel, blackberry, light tropical fruits, toffee, honey, tobacco, root beer, some pipe tobacco, sweet vanilla ice cream and spice. The palate is cherries and honey with dark cola, heavy pepper, big spice and tons of character, layered in with fig and boysenberry and spice. Long finish, full of big spice, doll, old oak and toffee. 

Week 37 – Remus 8 Year “T8KE & Friends” Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon

• Distilled: Indiana (MGP)
• Aged In: Indiana (MGP)
• Bottled In:  Indiana (MGP) 
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• Mashbill: 51% Corn, 49% Rye
• ABV: 57.6% ABV | 115.2 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich waffle cone, spices and sweetness on the nose. More caramels and brulee than honey or vanilla, rich rye spice comes in to balance the decadent desserts – a hint oak, and a rich, touch of barrel char. The palate is rich and viscous, layered with brown sugar, toffee, waffle batter and snickerdoodle cookie – the combination of spice and sweet batter come together pleasantly. Long finish, more oak here than before with a hint of cola, rye spice, pleasant caramelized sugar and a hint of sweet tea. 

Week 37 – Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

• Distilled: Kentucky (Knob Creek) 
• Aged In: Kentucky (Knob Creek) 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Knob Creek) 
• Age: 9 Years 10 Months, 24 Days
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 126.5 Proof | 63.25% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Brittle candy all day long – this is Beam through and through with rich burnt sugar, toffee, peanut brittle, rich caramels and a pop of nougat. The richness is off the charts, palate is full of brittle once more, blended with oak, a hint of ginger, less pepper than I’d have anticipated with a focus on sweet, creamy, cracklin’ brittle dessert. Long finish, heavy oak, tons of toffee, a fine hint of coffee, loads of brown sugar. 

Week 37 – Pursuit United Double Oaked Rye r/Bourbon Single Barrel Selection

• Distilled: Kentucky & Maryland
• Aged In: Kentucky 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Pursuit Spirits)
• Age: NAS (Bend of 5 and 6 year Whiskey, Then Double Oaked)
• More Info: Single Barrel, High Proof, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 108 Proof | 54% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The biggest, creamiest, rye I’ve had, the double oaking here seems to almost spread the spice through the nose all the way to the finish, leaving the herbal characteristics from our first release out of the picture. It’s big and brown sugar heavy with loads of caramels, cocoa, creamy nougat, baked goods, black pepper and a hint of ginger. Long finish, creaminess and pairing of the rye spice continues with a big oaky pop to finish out. 

Week 37 – Angel’s Envy “T8KE III” r/Bourbon Single Barrel Selection

• Distilled: Kentucky (Angel’s Envy)
• Aged In: Kentucky 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Angel’s Envy)
• Age: NAS
• More Info: Single Barrel, High Proof, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 110 Proof | 55% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, blackberry and Luxardo cherry are dominant on the nose with a hint of graham cracker, cracked pepper, a hint of cinnamon and a pop of fig. The palate is creamy, rich, velvety, the high proof and the port finish blends to create a sort of pillowy texture, with loads of luxardo cherry, cocoa, a hint of espresso, big pepper, the additional of french vanilla and some toffee. Long finish, peppery and balanced with spice and oak. 

Week 37 – Barrell Craft Spirits Black Label Triple Rum Cask Finish Hazmat Release

• Distilled: Indiana, Canada, Tennessee
• Aged In: Kentucky 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
• Age: NAS (Blend of up to 25 Year Releases)
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 142.24 Proof | 71.12% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Huge nose, a pang of ethanol gives way to vanilla, creamy brulee, tropical fruits like papaya, apricot, mango, orange peel, some black pepper, a hint of ginger and rich toffee. The palate is rich and viscous, there’s a pang of proof here as well – for 142 proof how could it not – blending the pop of Jamaican citrusy funk with a hint of mango and papaya, vanilla bean, orange peel and strawberry marmalade with ginger, oak, pepper and a crackle of baking spice. Long finish, the heat fades here and the rum character transitions to more caramel and honey and less tropical fruit bonanza, etc 

Week 37 – NETA Bicuixe & Jabalin Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez Ensamble Aficionados x T8KE Exclusive Selection

This batch bears a warm place in my heart as we come to the end of the batches I selected in Oaxaca Mexico with each producer, in the hospitality of their palenques. This release is an ensamble – a release featuring two agave magueys (varietals) – Bicuixe (a wild agave) and Jabali.

We’ve spent no shortage of time talking about the producers themselves, distilling and the culture of Logoche and the functional works of NETA to work with, and help build alongside the producers. Each time, we’ve mentioned and learned about the specific agaves that go into these releases, but not so much about the differences among them. 

This release features Bicuixe – a wild agave that grows slowly and is essentially foraged for havest. The second is one of my favorites, and a new one to our program. Jabali (also known as Jabalin) is spanish for Wild Boar. Much like a boar, the pencas of the plant are thin and bladelike with large, pronounced, jagged spines or barbs on each edge.

From a processing perspective, Jabali is particularly difficult to work with beyond the common trials of working with agave. Jabali foams during distillation which means distillation is slow, requires consistent cleaning and maintenance and produces sub-par yields, resulting in small batches that are particularly torturous to produce. 

These two agaves, distilled together, produces a gorgeous, vibrant, profile that was an incredible blend of vegetal and sweet flavors,  spice and peppers, with bright, clean fruits and acidity. Seeing Jabali in person in Oaxaca was a wild experience – few things look quite as mean as a Jabalin out in a field. 

• Magueys: Bicuixe & Jabalin
• Producer: Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez
• Village: Logoche, Miahuatlan:
• Region: Sierra Sur, Oaxaca
• Liters Produced: 100 LIters
• Oven: Conical Earthen Oven
• Mashing: Machete and Shredder
• Fermentation: Native yeasts in Motezuma, 2 day dry ferment, cypress wood tanks, 7 day wet ferment
• Water Source: Well water
• Distillation: 2x in Copper Pot Stills
• Alcohol Content: 50.6%, proofed with puntas y colas 
• Lot No: ENNWGS2301
• About this batch: This ensamble was made with a crafting of magueys is part of the long-standing regional practice that reveals the complex flavors of the local landscape and ever evolving practices. 
• About Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez:  Wilfrido García Sanchez, was born in 1989 and stepped into his grandfather’s palenque as a teenager to make his first batch in 2004. Risking everything, Wili and his brother Ramón left shortly after accompanying Elvia, their older sister. They saved money from their time working in chicken processing plants and other gigs in the Southern United States, and boys returned home as young men ready to work the agave that their mother, Margarita, had been planting in their absence. Waiting for them, as well, were participatory rolls in the cooperative Grupo Productor Logoche, founded in 2008 by their mother, uncles, and neighbors.
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright acidity meets strawberry, apricot, honey, lime and lemon. There’s a brief moment of beefy minerality, slate, a hint of salinity that gives way to beautiful, rich, fruitiness and layered sweetness. The palate pops, there’s a faint char and spice with the signature bell pepper and a hint of jalapeno from the bicuixe coming in to meld with the crisp and fun fruits of the Jabali. Gorgeous finish, complex, well rounded, fruits, slate-y, mineral driven with a hint of citrus and salinity.

Week 36 – Peerless 8 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

This barrel beat out the other barrels on the table through thick and thin, even some barrels a bit older than it. That’s the magic of single barrels. When they’re ready, they’re ready to go. SpiritSurveyor and I had a heck of a time with this lineup. Sometimes it’s easy to pick barrels because a bunch are just fine and one is great. We went back and forth for a good long while because each barrel on the table was a winner. In rare form, and limited by allocations, I managed to walk with one Bourbon and this 8 year root beer waffle cone gem was undeniable. 

• Distilled: Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Aged In: Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 55.6% ABV | 111.2 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Huge and rich on the nose with buttercream, waffle cone, a hint of cinnamon, big root beer float vibes and a rich oak backbone. It’s nuts how expressive the nose is. Palate is viscous and syrupy, loaded with caramel corn, waffle cone and cake batter, big baking spice and more root beer, pleasant oak and an opulent richness. Finish is the star, carrying and carrying, loaded with sweet, desserty bake shop vibes and tons of character. 

Week 36 – Peerless 7 Year Single Barrel Barrel Strength Rye r/Bourbon Selection

This barrel demonstrates the commitment Peerless has to rye. It was wild to me that a company would start with rye as their namesake and their flag to fly for so many years, but their rye continues to be among my favorites in the space, and they’ve been killing it year after year. 

• Distilled: Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Aged In: Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Peerless) 
• Age: 7 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 57.3% ABV | 114.6 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Punchy and rich, Peerless is a KY rye through and through. Less herbal and grassy than brasher ryes this rye is full of rich toffees, brown sugars, caramel candies, some demerara and black pepper, a punch of spice and pleasant, rich oak. Devoid of herbal, minty, pickle-y flavors, it’s all dessert and baking spice, thorough and rich. Long finish, heavy and delectable: brown sugar, toffee, cracked pepper and a hint of ginger meets lovely oak and lovely brittle dessert.

Week 35 – Barrell Craft Spirits T8KE Foundation Single Barrel

• Distilled: Indiana 
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In:  Kentucky (Barrell Craft Spirits)
• Age: 5 Year Age Statement
• More Info: Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, No Color, No Additives
• ABV: 51.94% ABV | 103.88 Proof
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich butter honey, floral orange and sweet tea and cake batter meets caramel candies, toffee and brown butter. The palate is viscous, brings that sweet tea and caramel candies back with sweet oak, a hefty pop of pepper and a gorgeous waffle cone once again. Long finish, peppy and bright, full of decadent caramels and a blend of balancing oak. 

Week 34 – Backbone Bourbon Uncut 8 Year 6 Month Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

• Distilled: Indiana (MGP)
• Aged In: Indiana (Penelope & Backbone)
• Bottled In:  Indiana (Backbone)
• Age: 104 Months (8 Years, 6 Months)
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
• ABV: 61.7% ABV / 123.4 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The infamous 123.4. This release pops right up front with heavy molasses, toffee butter, caramel candies and rich tobacco and pepper. The palate is syrupy and viscous, it has the viscosity of a much higher proof but at 123pf it’s lovely and drinkable. I made a sour with this, I wouldn’t advise it. I made a Vieux Carre with it, I would absolutely advise it. The finish is long and powerful, packed with toffee, sweet cream, tobacco and honey. It’s gorgeous, bold, rich. 

Week 34 – Backbone “Old Dragon Bones” 20 Year Barrel Strength r/Bourbon Custom Blend

• Distilled: Canada (Undisclosed)
• Aged In: Canada & Indiana
• Bottled In:  Indiana (Backbone)
• Age: 20 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof, Custom Pick Sticker
• ABV: 67.4% ABV / 134.8 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: A bold and lively nose with buttered scones, red berries and a gorgeous, soft, tannin profile that brings toasted oak, caramel and honey forward with maple candies, stewed fruits and blackberry. The palate is lovely and layered, the proof contributing to this silky, lovely texture on the palate and a really pleasant tannin structure here. The rum influence is dry and warming – bringing toasty, baking spice notes to pair with the dry, stewed fruits and currants, blackberries and fig from the Oloroso. The finish is long and imposing, layered and symphonic. Maybe the Old Dragon isn’t so mean after all. Make a high ball with this. It doesn’t make any sense, but it works. 

Week 34 – Knob Creek Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

• Distilled: Clermont, Kentucky (Beam / Knob Creek)
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In: Kentucky (Beam / Knob Creek)
• Age: 9 Years 8 Months 3 Weeks
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
• ABV: 62.95% ABV / 125.9 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Toffee and brittle candy on the nose with a fat dallop of praline, pecan, toffee and brown butter. It’s fat, it’s fun. There’s a faint kiss of espresso, plenty more oak than I was anticipating which is great. It’s structured and the palate is full of pepper, a hint of candied ginger and root beer, big toffee and a pop once more of oak. Long finish, balanced and buttery. Velvety. I’ve been too distracted to mix this, so let me know what works. 

Week 34 – THE REVERIES 14 Year Single Barrel “No Clock Stops For Me” Rare Release 

• Distilled: Kentucky (Undisclosed)
• Aged In: Kentucky & Virginia
• Bottled In: Virginia (The Reveries)
• Age: 14 Years
• More Info: Single Barrel, No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof 
• ABV: 60.7% ABV / 121.4 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes:
  • Nose: Black tea pops on the nose with candied orange, toffee and rich cola.
  • Palate: Luxardo cherry, stiff oak, brisk pepper and a frightfully lovely structure of toffee, rich baking spices, and hella cola.
  • Finish: The finish is long and gorgeous, just a touch oaky for a moment before fading back to a bouquet of candied fruits, cola, a hint of cherry and root beer and rich oak to see it through. 
  • Overall: Maybe time stands still for just a moment. 

Week 33 – Penelope RIO Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Barrel Selection

This barrel is an exciting release for our group. a true Rio selection, and not simply.a honey cask matured Penelope release. I worked with Penelope Master Blender Danny Polise on this one over the winter and it’s exciting that it’s finally here! A four grain blend of Indiana Bourbon comes together to be matured in honey and amburana casks for a decadent, desserty whiskey with a kiss of cigar cask character. 

• Distilled: Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
• Aged In: Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
• Bottled In:  Indiana (Penelope / MGP)
• Age: NAS Label
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
• ABV: 54.5% ABV / 109 Proof 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Big and rich on the nose, honey pops up first with lovely oak, big black pepper, drizzled butterscotch and more clover honey. It’s a sweet nose. The palate rounds out with more oak, the proof balancing and bringing plenty of baking spice: nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, tobacco alongside honey, classic bourbon vanilla and caramel. Moderate finish, more pepper and honey, cinnamon, less oak here than the palate with a long, tobacco outro. 

Week 33 – Maker’s Mark T8KE x The Fountain Inn Limited Edition Single Barrel Custom Stave Release

• Distilled: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
• Aged In: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
• Bottled In: Loretto, Kentucky (Maker’s Mark)
• Age: 6-8 Years + Stave Finish Time (~4 Months)
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength 
• ABV: 55.9% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: This release is all mocha and baking spice, heavy pepper, toffee, lovely tobacco and chocolate, espresso and mocha spice notes through and through. If you sometimes find MM to be a little sweet, this is a perfect balancer with layers and layers of spice. Palate is loaded with caramel candies, creme brulee, a hint of dark chocolate, mocha sweetness and vanilla bean. The palate is long and satisfying, oaky and spicy, full of pepper, candied ginger, mocha and that espresso and dark chocolate note once more. I can’t wait to get this into a Manhattan. 

Week 33 – 100 Mill Street T8KE-04 Barrel Aged Gin (Rye Barrel Aged) Single Barrel Selection

This barrel is the final pupil from our first round of barrel aged gins in partnership between yours truly and 100 Mill Street Gin. This barrel has a crazy story, as I assumed that the rye barrel would be the first to be ready, but as these things so often go, it was the last by a mile. But, that’s the fun part of releases like these, where you have to just let the spirit speak, with reckless abandon. We’re a bit over 2 years from initial entry, and few businesses would be cool with leaving it in barrel this long to get it just right because you’re bleeding money but that’s the beautiful part of a good relationship. 

This is our only rye barrel aged gin in the crop, and this matured in a hand selected Driftless Glen Rye Single Barrel from one of our group selections in early 2023. It’s bursting with flavor and the fatty, rich, fresh profile of 100 Mill Street Gin works perfectly with the herbal, punchy, rich rye from Driftless Glen. 

• Distilled: Minneapolis, Minnesota (100 Mill Street)
• Aged In: Driftless Glen Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye Barrel (2 Years)
• Bottled In:  Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Age: 2 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
• NOTE: Bottle Says Bourbon Barrel Aged, Tag Correctly Displays Rye Barrel Aged – labeling oversight by 100MS
• ABV: 57.5% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Big and full, this gin is a whallop of character, sitting juniper and citrus to the back seat and bringing balancing, herbal spice to the table to pair with the rich, bright profile that 100 Mill Street always has. Lovely pound cake and maple pop with raw herbal spice: more rye than pine, and with orange peel and grapefruit accentuating the gentle tannin from the cask with gorgeous rye spice. Finish is sweet, buttery, loaded with pepper and more rye spice – there’s plenty of barrel influence but not too much and the viscosity is natural, layered. Some of the best rye i’ve had combined with one of the best gins I’ve had turned out to be a great idea, and offsets the sweetness of the cask in a way our bourbon and sauternes did not. Wowzers. 

Week 32 – Barrell Craft Spirits “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

“Ten years may fly by, but in the world of whiskey, it’s a meaningful milestone. This release is a bold collaboration between T8KE and Barrell Craft Spirits, created to celebrate of decade of dedication, discovery and exceptional whiskey. To everyone I’ve met – both in peson and virtually – over the past decade, and to those I’ve shared a bottle of Barrell with: cheers. HEre’s ot the next ten yeaers and the ongoing pursuit of distinctive, unforgettable whiskey experiences. Cheers, T8KE”

This whiskey was developed by Nic Christiansen and myself and represents some of the things I love most about Barrell. I tried some of my first barrell products early in my time drinking whiskey, and seagrass resonated so deeply in what I love about whiskey that it encouraged me to reach out to them many years ago about single barrels, opportunities for the group and now: incredible blends that are exclusive to us. This whiskey is a love letter to that journey, and some of my favorite releases to date. It’s a blend of 10-20 year old American whiskey finished in French Oak casks, Ruby Port casks and Amaro casks. It’s deft, punchy, supple, sneaky and a bruiser at all different part of the pallet. 

It also has weapons grade packaging in that rubberized metal cork we all love. Do with that what you will. I am also doing a limited deal on our Synthesis I collaboration. 

• Distilled: KY, TN, IN
• Age: 10 Year Age Statement, Blend of 10-20yr Whiskeys, Finished
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 59.65% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes:  Jammy on the nose and layered with oak and spice, there’s balance and boldness: black pepper, creamy nougat, rich blackberry and a pang of rich oak. The palate is viscous and rich, chewy and layered: sweet oak, spicy cinnamon and pepper meets blackberry and rich cherries, an undertow of balancing herbal, ango adjacent spice and herbal character. Long finish, longest of the bunch with a satisfying blend of spice, complexity and oak. 

Week 32 – Rare Character “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

This whiskey was developed by Rare Character exclusively for the festival and celebration. This is a completely unique release of their Rare Character Limited Release bourbon line and features bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana. Hats of to Peter, Chad & Tealye on their team for taking this absurd ask and making it a reality with flair. The artwork takes this years critter (the fox) and incorporates several custom, long-standing, elements to differentiate the release. It’s available only to our group. The fox bears crown and 8 tattoos so you know its ours. 

• Distilled: KY, IN
• Age: NAS
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 59% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright and creamy, the dessert driver of the three with buckets of creme brulee, butterscotch, caramelized sugar and nougaty sweetness on the nose. The palate is bright and balances sweetness with oak, peppy and bright with sweetness and spice balancing caramels, honey, black pepper and oak. Long finish, creme brulee shines here with vanilla custard, honey, caramelized sugar and a hint of spice. 

Week 32 – Found North “Ten Years of T8KE” Exclusive Release

“Innovation and creativity go hand in hand when developing new whiskeys. Few folks understand this better than the Found North team. This blend was created in celebration of Ten Years of T8KE, celebrating a decade of a new perspective regarding spirits. Enjoy this whiskey, unmatched in complexity and built simply to enjoy thoroughly. There are few brands whose team exudes the spirit of collaboration so elegantly as Found North. Cheers – Jay West”

“When this label came together, we almost kept it for ourselves. It’s my favorite label we’ve released so far.” – Nick Taylor, Found North

This whiskey incorporates 20 year rye, 22 year corn, 23 year old corn, 24 year old corn and 27 year old corn in a base blend that was then finished in port pipes and a Peregrine cask before re-blending and bottling. It’s bold and old and mean and musical all at once. Tasting this whiskey reminds me that innovation is unstoppable when you partner with the right people. Hats off to Found North for my favorite release to date as well. I can’t believe how well this came together in the 9 or so months this was stewing. 

• Distilled: Canada
• Age: 19 Year Age Statement, 20-27yr components 
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 63.2% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose that’s decadent and layered: blueberry compote, rich red berries, bold tobacco and heavy baking spice are bold and heavy. The palate is syrupy and rich, a pop of ethanol carrying dark tobacco, blackberry reduction, toffee, honey, sweet cream and big, black pepper to round on out. Powerful finish, blackberry and boysenberry, black pepper, cigar wrapper and loads of toffee. 

Week 32 – The Reveries 16 Year 11 Month “Dead, Gone & Buried” 138.5pf Single Barrel “Ten Years of T8KE” Release

• Distilled: Kentucky
• Age: 16 Years, 11 Months
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 69.25% ABV  
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The brutish tobacco and luxardo cherry sipper: heavy oak, tobacco, rich cracked pepper, sweet cola and root beer notes mesh with a hint of tropical fruit, a power chord of ginger and dank cherry reduction to see it off. 

Week 32 – Starlight 9.5 Year Double Oaked Bourbon (French Oak) T8KE Single Barrel Selection – 24-8379

• Distilled: Indiana (Starlight) 
• Aged In: Indiana (Starlight)
• Bottled In: Indiana (Starlight)
• Age: 9 Years 6 Months
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 57.6% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: The spicier of the pair. Huge nose with cola, beautiful mocha and spice, black pepper, sweet cream, beautiful baking spice and a touch of leather, cocoa and honey. The palate is viscous and elegant, brown sugar, maple candies, a hint of ginger and layers and layers of spice balance the sweetness. The finish is long, the oak pops here with pleasant tannin, light red berries, plum, honey, cola and a gorgeous, mocha finish. 

Week 32 – Starlight 9.5 Year Double Oaked Bourbon (French Oak) T8KE Single Barrel Selection – 24-8375

• Distilled: Indiana (Starlight) 
• Aged In: Indiana (Starlight)
• Bottled In: Indiana (Starlight)
• Age: 9 Years 6 Months
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 60.2% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes:  The sweeter of the pair. Honey, toffee, butter cream and this gorgeous candied ginger note that layers in with vanilla candies and creamy custard. The palate is gorgeous and despite the higher proof seems to drink a little richer, a little easier. Creamy plum and apricot meets spicy pepper and plenty of oak. Nutmeg, cinnamon, a hint of ginger carries into the finish that’s packed with creme brulee, nougat, lovely spiced pears and a gorgeous tobacco finish. 

Week 32 – 2025 T8KE x Paladar Single Barrel Reposado Tequila Private Selection

• Distilled: Tequila Arette de Jalisco SA (Mexico)
• Bottled: NOM1109 (Paladar Tequila)
• Details: Additive Free, Custom Label 
• ABV: 46% ABV 
• Mashbill: 100% Blue Weber Agave
• Labeling: Custom r/Bourbon Labeling
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Honey and sweet, baked pastries meets slate and a hint of citrus zest, peach and plum. It’s effervescent, bright and enticing. Barrel influence is light on the nose, rounding out the minerality and zest with a hint of vanilla and pleasant sweetness. Palate is pleasant and natural, lovely character and minerality meets floral and citrus driven sweetness with a hint of pepper. Crisp, clean finish with hints of brown sugar, lime, pepper, slate and a kiss of plum. 

Week 30 – George Dickel #08E20-01409 17 Year Single Barrel Bourbon r/Bourbon Private Barrel Selection

This barrel 

• Distilled: Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
• Aged In: Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
• Bottled In:  Tullahoma, Tennessee (George Dickel)
• Age: 17 Years (Distilled May 2008, Bottled May 2025) [15 Year Dickel Packaging]
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, High Proof
• ABV: 104.6pf 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: A sweeter, dessert driven pour compared to the black tea bombs of our recent picks, this is a vanilla custard and raspberry jelly pastry on the nose. Lovely oak, sweet vanilla bean, effervescent fruit with some savory jam notes pop. The palate is rick and velvety, propped up with pleasant, well defined oak, custard, rich butter cream and baking spice, brown butter and toffee notes. The finish is long and fruit driven once again, raspberry giving way to blackberry and loads of oak and creamy nougat. 

Week 30 – Dancing Goat 10 Year Limousin Rye Finished In Vanilla Barrels 

• Distilled: Indiana (MGP) 
• Aged In: Indiana & Wisconsin
• Bottled In: Wisconsin (Dancing Goat)
• Age: Certified Vintage 1976
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• ABV: 57.5% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Gorgeous nose loaded with rye spice, ginger, crisp oak and lovely vanilla undertones, this is a savory first, sweet second nose loaded with spice and rye character. The palate pops with candied ginger, toffee, honey, vanilla bean and a gorgeous vanilla creme brulee character, cinnamon, and a pop of oak and tobacco. The finish is long and decadent with sweet oak, vanilla bean, caramelized sugars, honey and toffee. 

Week 29 – Domaine de Merval Cask #48 22 Year Old Single Cask Hand Selected Cask Strength Calvados Pay de Bray

This cask represents a 22 year old calvados, produced entirely from apples grown at the Domaine de Merval estate and distilled on their historic, cognac style stills. This was aged entirely on their property and is bottled at cask strength without any filtering or additives. It’s production touched many hands, and it’s a beautifully rich calvados that takes me back every time I smell it.  

• Distilled: France (Calvados)
• Aged In: France
• Bottled In: France (Domaine de Merval)
• Age: 22 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Cask Strength
• ABV: 50.5% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Dense brown sugar, heavy caramelized sugars, crisp apple and pop of acidity, fuji, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple bake and gorgeous pastry, oak and black pepper. 

Week 29 – Domaine de Merval Cask #70 23 Year Old Single Cask Hand Selected Cask Strength Calvados Pay de Bray

This barrel is the older of the two, albeit using a slightly less active barrel. It’s beautiful and layered, rich and full with the effervescence of the apples shining brightest. 

• Distilled: France (Calvados)
• Aged In: France
• Bottled In: France (Domaine de Merval)
• Age: 23 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Cask Strength
• ABV: 49% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, tobacco, buttery vanilla cream, ginger, cinnamon, baking spice and apple butter meets a creamy, flora, toffee character and more citrus, acid and bright, juicy, apple. 

Week 29 – NETA Agave T8KE x Aficionados Group Exclusive Batch Ensamble (Coyote, Tobala, Tepextate)

• Magueys: Coyote, Tobala, Tepextate
• Producer: Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez
• Village: Logoche, Miahuatlan:
• Region: Sierra Sur, Oaxaca
• Liters Produced: 100 LIters
• Oven: Conical Earthen Oven
• Mashing: Machete and Shredder
• Fermentation: Native yeasts in Motezuma, 2 day dry ferment, cypress wood tanks, 7 day wet ferment
• Water Source: Well water
• Distillation: 2x in Copper Pot Stills
• Alcohol Content: 47%, proofed with puntas y colas 
• Lot No: ENNWGS2105
• About this batch: This small batch field blend was made with an even mix of cultivated and wild agaves that were cooked together, cofermented and distilled together. The crafting of ensembles is part of a long-standing regional practice that reveals the complex flavors of the local landscape. 
• About Wilfrido Garcia Sanchez:  Wilfrido García Sanchez, was born in 1989 and stepped into his grandfather’s palenque as a teenager to make his first batch in 2004. Risking everything, Wili and his brother Ramón left shortly after accompanying Elvia, their older sister. They saved money from their time working in chicken processing plants and other gigs in the Southern United States, and boys returned home as young men ready to work the agave that their mother, Margarita, had been planting in their absence. Waiting for them, as well, were participatory rolls in the cooperative Grupo Productor Logoche, founded in 2008 by their mother, uncles, and neighbors.
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Melon, lemon and clay pop on the nose – it reminds me of a prosciutto, melon, salad that a restaurant would serve in the summertime: fresh fruit and the pop of sweetness and rind/fruitiness of the melon, there’s a meaty/salinity character that’s akin to a cured meat and the clay / minerality, salinity pops with a touch of ango / balsamic style acid going as well. It’s a weird descriptor but it works – this batch is fruity, it’s a touch mineral driven with clay, salinity, minerality, peppery characteristics. No smoky, mesquite-y characteristics.Orchard fruit, baked apples, citrus, lemon and a hint of creamy icing and lemon meringue. Rainwater and a hint of bell pepper on the finish, pinch of pepper and lovely rainwater scent after resting. 
• Yield: 126 bottles produced, 112 available for sale. 
• Price: $199
• Retailer: SharedPour

Week 28 – Copper & Cask MF-734 r/Bourbon By T8KE Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

This barrel was distilled in Indiana and aged in Florida before being bottled at 8 yeas old at barrel strength via Copper & Cask. I love the depth and richness of these barrels that drink quite a bit more complex than you’d expect, for a great price, and at barrel strength. They don’t taste cooked or over-matured as is a risk with whiskey maturing in hot climates and I am proud to unveil our next MF barrel (M for MGP, F for Florida) and it’s a mfer of flavor. 

• Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
• Aged In: Florida
• Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
• ABV: 64.9% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich and fat on the nose, cola, root beer, cherry cola and a bright spot of plum, orange and blackberry pop before baking spice, rich and toffee kick in. The palate is rich and layered, sneaky at almost 130 proof and the oak is well integrated, spreading out the sweet cola, rich toffee, a hint of coffee and pepper and a gorgeous, creamy, nougat-y note throughout. The finish is long, cola driven and dank with a lovely black cherry and tobacco character spilling out. These barrels continue to impress and I love them. 

Week 28 – Copper & Cask MF-606 T8KE x ENDALZ Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon

• Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
• Aged In: Florida
• Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
• ABV: 65% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Less cherry, more cola, this barrel is full of pepper and rich brown sugar, graham cracker and waffle cone. It was our favorite of the tasting session by far, full of dessert character and heavy, rich oak. Light notes of blackberry, blueberry, cherry and toffee. Long finish, plenty of oak, some coffee, toffee, nougaty sweetness and a rich, velvety texture. Lovely stuff. 

Week 28 – Copper & Cask Private Batch 1 Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Armagnac & Re-Charred Barrels

This release is the first custom release that we’ve done with Copper & Cask and after our years of barrels with them it was a no brainer to explore what more we could do in the world of flavor. After more than a year of tinkering, tasting, and working back and forth our first release is finally here. I can’t say enough good things about working with the Copper & Cask team, Stephen specifically, and how much fun this blend was to put together. 

This release was aged for 8 years, distilled in Indiana, aged in Kentucky and then we got to work with a blend of Armagnac and STR casks (shaved, toasted, re-charred) for extra, rich, flavor. I like that we used a Kentucky matured base here, which takes finishing gracefully and naturally and made for a really elegant base and set of paints for this blend.

The casks finished in Armagnac (36% rye mashbill in Armagnac) and STR casks (21% rye mashbill in STR) and then reblended after finishing. I couldn’t be happier with how this release came out and because it is a three barrel blend of bourbon (two barrels of 36% rye mashbill, one barrel of 21% rye mashbill) there should be enough for folks to get one, possibly even two.

At the great price point it sits at, it’s a no brainer. I took a lot of concepts I learned building this blend and used them in compiling upcoming Reveries releases later and it’s fun to revisit this now that’s it’s bottled and ready to see how much character it is. 

The first Copper & Cask creation, which I’m calling Big Blend 001 is here! 

• Distilled: Indiana, USA (MGP)
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In: Rhode Island, USA (Copper & Cask)
• Age: 8 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
• ABV: 60.1% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Expressive and bright on the nose with baked apple, old leather, toffee and some tobacco, a hint of cherry and lovely classic vanilla notes. Sweet creme brulee, caramelized sugars and a richness from the Armagnac shines bright and adds layers and layers of fruit and complexity with a hint of dry oak. The palate is rich on the palate, creamy in texture with a nougaty character, some brown sugar, maple, brown butter, waffle cone, tobacco wrapper, pepper and a hint of cinnamon and butterscotch. Long finish, decadent and complex, full of sweet toffee, rich apple bake and cinnamon, velvety texture on the back palate and a long, opulent, final pop of old armagnac notes of baked apple, baking spice and candied orange. 

Week 28 – T8KE x Transcontinental Rum Line 2007 15 Year Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Rum Selection

• Distilled: Beenleigh Artisan Distillery (Australia) 
• Tropically Aged: 10 Years Australia 
• Continentally Aged: 5 Years Continental Europe
• Cask Type: ex-Bourbon Cask
• Distilled From: Molasses
• Still Type: Pot / Column Stills
• Bottled By: Europe (La Maison & Velier)
• Age: 15 Years 
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
• Esters: 89.1gr/HLPA
• Naturally Occurring Sugars: 1.4 grams per liter
• Designation: Single Rum (Single Batch Distilled at Single Distillery)
• ABV: 65.7% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes:
  • Nose:Sweet butterscotch, peaches and honey, sweet papaya and a hint of tropical funk. Black pepper, ginger, candied berries and a hint of cinnamon meets brown sugar, more butterscotch and a pop of delightful tropical fruits. It’s sweet, there’s a pan of funk, there’s dessert and hints of oak. 
  • Palate: Rich on the palate, viscous from the proof but not too heavy. Sneaky for the proof, just a faint tickle of ethanol. Pineapples, peaches, pears, papaya and a hint of mango mixes with pleasant oak, cracked pepper, a touch of industrial funk and balancing, rich, tropical hogo.   Light tobacco, more butterscotch and light dessert caramels here blend with tropical fruit, spice and enticing funk. It’s not heavy and dull, it’s bright and enticing. 
  • Finish: Long finish, the funk settles here giving more time to the tropical fruits and caramels, the pleasant but respectful oak. More pepper, sweet caramels and butterscotch, lovely woody structure and more tropical fruits with some molasses, toffee and a final pop of tropical fruits and funk. 
  • Overall: Not too old, not too young, bright and fun without tearing your head off. Aussie, baby!

Week 27 – NULU Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon r/Bourbon Selection

• Distilled: Kentucky, USA (Undisclosed)
• Aged In: Kentucky
• Bottled In: Louisville, Kentucky (NULU)
• Age: 7 Years
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Proof
• ABV: 135.2pf | 67.6% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose, creamy and sweet with nougat, cream soda, honey, baking spice, a hint of cocoa and big, rich, vanilla. The palate is moderate with a pop of pepper, ginger, brown sugar, heavy maple, toffee and a touch of waffle cone. Moderate oak, well placed, but not a “dry” pour in terms of tannin and structure. Long finish, gorgeous and full of vanilla, nougat, waffle cone, a kiss of root beer and a streak of plum, cherry, orange and sweet oak. Delicious. 

Week 27 – NULU Double Oaked Barrel Proof Single Barrel 31 Month Double Oaking r/Bourbon Selection

 

• Distilled: Indiana (MGP)
• Aged In: Indiana & Kentucky
• Bottled In: Louisville, Kentucky (NULU)
• Age: 7 Years 6 Months (31 Months of Double Oaking)
• More Info: No Coloring, No Filtering, No Additives, Barrel Strength
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Double Oaking Barrel: Char #3, Heavy Toast
• ABV: 120.6pf | 60.3% ABV 
• T8ke’s Tasting Notes: Rich nose full of pralines, brown sugar, rich oak and cola, a hint of espresso and candied ginger. Palate is rich and balanced, notes of caramel and sweet oak, cola and cocoa, a hint of toffee and tobacco with rich cinnabon and brown butter and icing. Long finish, supple and sneaky for 120 proof. It’s complex, balanced, well developed and rich.