Organika Russian Vodka

Organika Vodka is a ultra-premium vodka from Russia that uses the highly oxygenated water of Lake Baikal and infused with two tonic herbs from the same region: Sagan-Daila and Siberbian larch extract and, a coniferous tree with slender, needle-like leaves and resinous bark. The result is a smooth taste with very low heat and a crisp, smooth finish. Similar to red wine, larch extract contains high quantities of naturally occurring antioxidants and tonic properties.

This unique Vodka is dedicated to rare and endangered species of animals, contributing to the preservation of the Amur tiger population—one of the most beautiful and rare animals on the planet and the likeness of which is beautifully emblazoned on the bottle.

Organika aspires to excellence. The vodka starts with wheat and adds an antioxidant similar to those found in red wine, to the distillation process. Only the heart of distillation is used for the vodka to ensure that the product is of highest quality. Siberian larch extract is a natural antioxidant, which improves the human immune system and is beneficial to the entire body.

This vodka is sweet in the mouth and smooth on the swallow. It has a hint of the bite that I love Russian vodkas for, but it’s incredibly subdued compared to other Russian vodkas that I’ve tried. At least from where I sit on the opposite side of the northern hemisphere, Organika is among the best Russian vodkas.

On the nose, a very Old World aroma emerges: intensely medicinal, but with a faint hint of mint and cinnamon. The palate follows in line with the theme, a boldly alcohol-forward punch stripping the tongue, paving the way for a very light sweetness, which gives the body a gently creamy character. Again that touch of spice lingers on the finish, though the overall impact is quite mild and complementary to what’s come before. A solid vodka for straight sipping or mixing.

750 ML

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 147

Woodford Reserve is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of the thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery, represents craftsmanship with a balance of historical heritage and modern practices.

Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, is honoring “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” with the release of its 2021 commemorative Derby bottle.

It features the artwork of Louisville resident Richard Sullivan, a former professional baseball player. Sullivan’s stunning watercolor is of thoroughbreds as they thunder down the stretch. It was designed as a complement to last year’s Derby bottle artwork, which Sullivan also created.

The nose greets you with rich dried fruits and a bit of mint and citrus. The palate is rich and well-rounded with notes of citrus, caramel baking spice and cocoa. The finish is silky and smooth.

750 ML

Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak Whisky 2nd Edition

This whisky is matured in the finest Mizunara oak casks. Our pioneering research into the effect of wood selection on whisky maturation has led to the development of bespoke barrels, crafted from slow growth, air-seasoned wood from hand-selected trees. These casks are handmade due to Mizunara oaks delicate wood grain. This spirit is gently matured in traditional style for many years before it embarks on its unique sea voyage. Mizunara oak casks are the most expensive casks in the world.

Aged first in madeira casks and then transferred to Mizunara oak casks. The aging process continues on a unique sea voyage.

The use of mizunara oak for whisky barrels was not what one would declare serendipitous, at least not in its early years. During World War II, Japan, like several other countries, was unable to receive imported goods, making the delivery of European or American oak barrels for whisky maturation impossible. Though it was not a priority to produce whisky, the demand for it increased greatly during this time period and became the primary drink consumed by the Japanese army. With this, Japanese coopers and whisky makers sought a domestic alternative to mature whisky in and found it in Japanese oak, more popularly identified as mizunara oak, which had been used in the craftsmanship of exclusive, luxury furniture.

Mizunara oak for casks, however, did not come without its own difficulties and obstacles. Time and supply were a great factor as a Japanese oak tree has to be at least 200 years old before it is a proper size to create a cask; a tree of this size and age was indeed a rare commodity. The shape of the tree also proved a hindrance as the oak trees do not grow straight but rather with a fluid curvature. Japanese oaks also possess less tyloses and more knots than European or American oaks increasing the difficulty to cooper watertight. As the oak is soft and thereby more difficult to shape, it is obviously more susceptible to leakage and prone to damage. The vulnerability to leaking is further aggravated by the naturally high moisture content Japanese oak has in comparison to its other oak cousins. Its name speaks for its incredible permeability: mizu, meaning water and nara, meaning oak, and hence added to the Japanese coopers and whisky creators’ lack of enthusiasm in the Japanese oak.

Manufacturing the mizunara oak casks were not the only dilemma whisky makers faced; with whiskies being aged only a few years during the war time, the flavor mizunara oak casks infused into the whisky provided a rather unwelcome surprise to whisky drinkers – an explosion of an intense, overbearing woodiness onto the palate. As a result, Japanese oak was snubbed and deemed substandard to American and European white oaks until further studies were done of longer maturation and finishing. Mizunara Oak is now regarded as the finest vessel to mature whisky.

What makes mizunara oak distinct from European oak and White oak? For one, it enjoys a unique sweet and spicy flavor profile which can be attributed to the oak lactone’s ratio and high level of vanilla. Aromas evoked from the mizunara oak are Kara, a type of oriental incense, sandalwood, and coconut.

Research studies have shown that mizunara matured whisky contain more lactones (parts per million) than whiskies matured in either European oak or White oak. An even more riveting discovery was the prevalence of “trans-oak” lactones in Mizunara whisky. This was a remarkable find as it was thought that “cis-oak” lactones can possess a smell up to ten times stronger than “trans-oak” lactones.

Time was a crucial ingredient previously omitted in mizunara oak matured whiskies making another distinction from European and White oak. Many suggest that a whisky needs to mature in order to truly experience the infusion of mizunara oak’s distinct flavors and aromas.

It is perhaps a bit of Mother Nature’s work and serendipity that the mysterious spirit and character of mizunara oak was exposed. Today it is not only appreciated but revered and valued for its rarity and luxuriousness.

Appearance: Deep gold

Nose: Smokey aromas are balanced with iodine and notes of dried berries and sandalwood.

Palate: Delightful palate with a symphony of wood, peat, and fruit with notes of almonds, toasty grains, and tea leaf.

Finish: Sweet, long, and dry finish.

Brand: Kaiyo

Origin: Japan

Spirits Type: Japanese Whisky

ABV: 46% / 92 Proof

Awarded IWS 2020 Best Japanese Whisky: 2nd place for a non-age statement whisky.

Drinkhacker Rating: 8.5/10

750 ML

Macallan London Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distil Your World

A unique limited edition single malt whisky providing a sensorial journey through one of the world’s greatest capital cities. Embodying London’s special charisma, and capturing the people, experiences, colors, and history that ultimately define the city.

Marking the first global release in a ground-breaking series in collaboration with the Roca brothers to discover the essence of London, one of the world’s greatest cities.

United by an insatiable curiosity, quest for knowledge and dedication to mastery, The Macallan and the Roca brothers, owners of El Celler de Can Roca in Spain, twice named Best Restaurant in the World, explore different cultures and source inspiration for their own worlds of whisky-making and gastronomy.

Distil Your World: The London Edition is a character led whisky with encapsulating nuances of orange caramel, curry spice and Earl Grey tea, rare to find in The Macallan single malts, this expression takes the taste buds and imagination on a journey of discovery, bringing London’s soul and unique character to life.

Seeking out these distinctive flavors among thousands of casks was a complex and highly skilled process, but Steven Bremner and the Roca brothers’ mastery of flavor, aroma and craftsmanship enabled them to distil the essence of London into a remarkable whisky.

The packaging reflects the exploration of London and the essence captured within. The outer pack design features a true scale map of the city comprising the iconic Macallan triangle. Inside the box, the whisky bottle represents the essence of London and is surrounded by a unique three-dimensional curved map of London. The red represents the iconic bricks of historical London houses. Inside, a photographic book documenting the journey is held within a drawer in the interior of the box.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Harvest sun.

Aroma: Nutmeg, sweet Earl Grey tea, orange caramel, lemongrass, kaffir lime, soy sauce and polished oak.

Palate: Wood and curry spice, Earl Grey tea, treacle sweetness, aniseed. Slightly salty with a complex umami feel.

Finish: Long, viscous, complex, and savoury.

Brand: Macallan

Distillery: Macallan

Region: Highland, Scotland

Spirits Type: Scotch

Spirits Style: Single Malt

Cask Type: 1^st fill Oloroso Seasoned

Bottled: 2020

ABV: 57.5% / 115 Proof.

750 ML

Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac

1.75 LT