Abov the Noise – May 2023
May 2023 – Issue #8
Abov: Elevate Your Whiskey
It’s the first Saturday in May here in the States and that means the Kentucky Derby, where bourbon flows like water! We’ve done our best to collect other news and notes from around the world of whiskey to read while you’re sipping a dram and watching the ponies this weekend.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE COLLECTION
Showing Off His Nips
Can you imagine it? over 8,000 mini bottles collected over half a lifetime from all across the globe! Such is the collection of Rotem Ben Shitrit, an Israeli who has been collecting these tiny treasures since he was in his early teens. The Abov team finds it hard to believe that anyone could acquire that much booze without dipping in once in awhile, but that’s what makes this store more amazing!
BOURBON BARREL SHORTAGE
A Growing Concern
Most people on this mailing list will know that Bourbon must be made in “new white American oak” and the barrels can’t be reused. This results in bourbon barrels being reused around the world in other types of whiskeys, not to mention beers, wines, and all sorts of other goods. What happens if bourbon producers are unable to get the wood needed for those barrels? We might be about to find out…
TASTING WHISKEY
H20 Much?
Finally research dollars are going to something useful! A study here in the States confirms what we already know, adding water to a whiskey changes its character. However, they went a step further to say that adding too much water (or letting ice melt too long) can make one whiskey indistinguishable from another. So what’s the magic ratio? Check out the article to find out!
AN UNEXPECTED COLLAB
Shoehorned In
In the ever-evolving world of whiskey, it’s getting harder and harder to differentiate brands from each other. Glenmorangie is taking a unique angle and partnering with the Shoe Surgeon to drop a line of high-tops that celebrates the intersection of “tastemakers” in both whiskey and shoes. Want to get your hands on them? Good luck, only 100 pairs were produced!
WHAT'S IN YOUR GLASS?
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a classic bourbon with a deep amber color and a warm, inviting aroma. On the palate, it delivers notes of caramel, toffee, and toasted oak, finishing with a hint of spice. Overall, it’s a well-balanced and approachable bourbon that’s perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into your favorite cocktail.
USER REVIEW OF THE MONTH
DrCrock – Lagavulin 16 Year Old – 94/100
“Can you spell, “heaven in a bottle”?
I can: Lagavulin 16.”
WHAT THE ABOV TEAM IS DRINKING
Jordan – @WhiskyCIO
MOST COVETED WHISK(E)Y THIS MONTH
Port Charlotte 10 Year Old
If you’re looking for a Scotch Whisky that packs a punch, the Port Charlotte 10 Year Old is here to deliver. It’s like a beach bonfire in a bottle, with all the smoky goodness and none of the sand in your shorts. So pour a dram, kick back, and let the peat take you on a trip to the shores of Islay.
THE ABOV FLAVOR COMPASS
We’re getting serious about our tastings here at Abov and in advance of some flavor-related features coming in the near future, we’ve created the official Abov flavor wheel. We’re dubbing it the “Flavor Compass” since it’s there to help you navigate all the different flavors that may be present in any glass of whiskey. Agree or disagree with our logic? Leave us a comment at the bottom of the article!