Charbay Hop-Flavored Whiskey (2nd Release)
This in from doctorbyday.com: In recent weeks, the Karakasevic distillers in Napa Valley have gained almost as much of my admiration for their talent and experimental endeavors to make quality, unique, and always delicious small batch liquors as has Fritz Maytag of Anchor Distillery. As what could be considered a “special project,” Charbay’s Hop Flavored Whiskey was a result of distilling 20,000 gallons of actual, bottle-ready pilsner beer, as opposed to a sour mash, or “distillers beer” (the non-carbonated, unprocessed and heterogeneous result of the first typical fermentation step in whiskey). One copper pot still, extra hops (hence the “Hop Flavored” on the bottle) and 25 days of vigilant observation later, they wound up with 1000 gallons - or 20 barrels - of a markedly novel spirit. David Schneiderman* of SWS was generous enough to let me try a bit of their new second release - the 3rd to 7th barrel - of what is now my favorite (and somewhat remorseful, at $325 PER) bottle of American whiskey.
Neat: Bright, spicy and floral bouquet on the nose, reminiscent of aged brandy, which is almost misleading until the first sip. Sweet, smooth and delicate texture, with the hops and maltiness obvious, yet not at all overpowering. A good thing, as it leaves plenty of room to savor the bread, honey and toasted pear that completely embrace the palate and linger long after the first sip. Mr. Schneiderman will disagree with me that there is a noticeable aftertaste of roasted coffee beans that linger (perhaps it is the hops?), but regardless…the overall effect remains the same.
This release is fantastic, and while it’s not exactly within my PERSONAL budget, I’m extremely glad to have tried and known it and will be eagerly awaiting the 3rd release (please find me out of grad school with a real income by then…oy). ($325/0.75L)
(First Frisco, then Colorado, now NorCal again…one must wonder what Tennessee thinks of all this).
*Special thanks to the Schneidermans for the lovely hospitality, and to David in particular for the photos!
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