Who knits a sweater for a bottle of ginger ale?

There are some things that you learn in bourbon country that don't happen anywhere else.  There are bourbons that you can only find there like Kentucky Spirit and Ancient Ancient Age.  You also learn that for more than 75 years most of the state has relied on a local bottling company called Ale-8-1 for its primary mixer, not the international brands.  It's a brand so much a part of the bluegrass tradition that the name isn't enunciated any more, it's called "A Late One" instead.  

So I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise that a beverage that is loved this much arrived with sweaters.  And not just sweaters, but sweaters that were knit with the sodas name and a winter design. 

I gotta tell you, I've always loved ginger ale with whiskey.  Until the first time a bartender handed me "a late one and rye".  When the label described it as "Crisp, clean, real Ginger with a hint of Citrus" they are under selling the difference it makes. Now ginger ale just won't cut it.

It isn't widely known or distributed, but thanks to the miracle that is the internet you can buy it online direct from the company. 

Do yourself a favor and keep some stocked in your fridge or wet bar. 

Whiskey Review : WhistlePig's "The Boss Hog"

In my latest delivery from the folks at Caskers.com I received a couple bottles of WhistlePig's newest single barrel release, the 2014 "The Boss Hog" Rye.  Bottled at 117.8 proof after 13 years from barrel number 3 this is an amazing bottle with amazingly deep flavor profile.

The first thing to hit your palate is sweet caramel followed quickly by the spice of Rye and the heat of a high test proofing.  It leaves with a smooth crisp finish that lingers  with hints of orange peel and leather.

If you are fortunate enough to find a bottle of this rare and elusive pig hold on tight.  They are sure to make any mud hole feel like fat boy heaven.

Fat Boy Whiskey Review: Wiser's Legacy Blended Canadian Rye

The folks at Caskers.com sent me a couple of bottles of Wiser's Legacy in my box of Whiskey Love today, so I wanted to give it a try for you.

The nose is all rich vanilla and honey, but it has the rye spice and bite at the front before giving way to light orange and heavy oak and vanilla notes that linger at the back of your palate with a vague hint of a charcoal grill.  Would be a great mixer, but not my favorite rye neat or on the rocks.  Save this for the soda or ginger beer when you want to impress someone who doesnt know any better.