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What to Serve at a Three Course Whiskey Meal

What to Serve at a Three Course Whiskey Meal 0

When someone says tastings, people usually imagine wineries, beer flights and small bites or assorted plates. Whiskey tasting might be something you imagine when you fly to Ireland or visit Kentucky, but whiskey tasting profiles can also be enjoyed at home. With whiskey being so versatile, it might even be a fun trial and error process to try different types of whiskeys with all types of food. For example, a rye is better with certain spices and flavors over a bourbon or whiskey. These next three whiskies listed were specifically paired with a course in mind based on their tasting notes. 

 


Cheese Plate Appetizer: Cleveland Underground Hickory Wood Finished Bourbon 

 

Cheese might seem like it calls for a good bottle of wine, but whiskey actually brings out different cheese flavors as well. With both cheese and whiskey being aged and varietal, there are many ways to enjoy their complementary flavors. For Cleveland Underground Hickory Wood Finished Bourbon Whiskey, the dry, tart finish best accompanies either a hard, strong cheese or softer cheese. This specific whiskey’s medium taste profile makes it easy to switch between a couple different cheese options. Spicy whiskies go with hard cheeses (like blue cheese) while softer cheeses are better with lighter, aromatic whiskies. To spice up your cheese plate, try adding sweeter nuts, as they will bring out the tart finish of this whiskey.

 


Salmon Entree: WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Crop No. 003 Whiskey

 

Whiskey can be enjoyed with a couple different proteins, and while steak might be the obvious answer, WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Crop No. 003 Whiskey actually pairs with salmon quite nicely. The fruity and spicy palette accompanies the woodsy taste of smoked salmon well. Whether smoked or wood-grilled, salmon holds the taste of its cooking style. Rye whiskies specifically capture salmon’s smoky flavor with bourbon’s sweet and spicy tastes. If salmon isn’t what you're craving, steak has long been established as a great compliment of tastes for whiskey drinkers. For steaks, leaner steaks go well with bourbons, and any smokey whiskey brings out that steak flavor we all crave.

 


Apple Crumble Dessert: Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel French Oak 

 

For the finale, what better way to end a meal than with an apple crumble or pie. Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel French Oak Whiskey is a bit sweeter, making it a perfect match for a dessert course. The caramel flavors within the whiskey complement the apple and cinnamon filled bites. If baking isn’t your style, especially after two prior courses, a fail-safe dessert is always chocolate. This may take some experimenting, as with cheese, chocolate is as versatile as whiskey and there a million combinations to try. For Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel French Oak Whiskey, try it with you favorite dark chocolate bar.

 

Something that makes eating and drinking fun is the way you can share your experience with others. Whether you want to entertain for an entire course-filled meal, or enjoy just one of these food and whiskey pairings, it’ll be something to talk about and taste with friends and family. Try one of these bottles for something truly original for both the paletting of food and drinks and for the genuine authenticity of these specific bottles.

Labor Day Bottles to Enjoy at Any Festivity

Labor Day Bottles to Enjoy at Any Festivity 1

As we turn again toward the last lingering days of another summer, plan to hit the next gathering with a great bottle from Cask Cartel and finish out the day surrounded by your favorite people. This week’s featured bottles all work great in a cocktail, on the rocks or with a squeeze of citrus. A drink is a drink, some might say, but picking up a little something special helps cement the memories and brings a personal flare to any party. Check out this selection of bottles and grab the one that best fits your plans for the upcoming holiday.

 

Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel American Oak

 


Celebrate summer’s last American holiday with none other than Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel American Oak. A Texas single malt aged in American oak barrels, pouring from this bottle is a fitting homage to our country on Labor Day. Whether at a barbecue or a camping getaway, this drink is for sipping while cooking your next meal. With a woody palette, filled with subtle fruit blends, this whiskey stays light on oak flavor. The finish is filled with tasting notes of caramel and the lingering taste of wood.

 


Fat Ass Blanco Tequila

 


Fat Ass Blanco Tequila is your bottle of choice if you want to bring a great party gift that’s easy on the eyes and easier on the palette. This tequila is double distilled with slow cooked 100% Weber Blue Agave, giving their small batches amazing flavor. With sweet and fruity tasting notes and a hot and peppery finish, you can enjoy this tequila on the rocks or in any mixed drink. For a flare, try using this tequila in a watermelon you can bring to a picnic or the beach. As Labor Day calls for your last big summer celebration, nothing turns up better than a good bottle of tequila. 

 

WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Crop No. 002

Distilled from their own grain, aged in custom Vermont White Oak and proofed with their own water, WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Crop No. 002 by WhistlePig is an American dream. This is a blend of 2-year aged Triple Terroir whiskey from WhistlePig farm, 6-year aged whiskey from MPGI in Indiana and 10-year aged whiskey from Alberta Distillers in Canada. This combination was crowdsourced from consumers, influencers and bartenders from all around the USA, ensuring its good taste. This whiskey maintains a full-bodied burst of cinnamon and spices, with subtle fruity tones. With a dry paletted finish, the white pepper and oak tasting notes give way to a long, spice-filled end. Enjoy this full blown American craftsmanship as we celebrate our country’s workers. 


These three liquors are different, yet share the same quality: unique stories and palettes. Whether you’re at the beach slicing up a tequila-filled watermelon, squeezing a lemon into your glass of whiskey next to the barbecue or settling down on the couch after a day of festivities, these bottles capture your Labor Day needs. Give a gift that keeps giving and honor your American heritage with a special liquor bottle for all to enjoy.

A Rye, A Bourbon and A Whiskey For Your Next Night Cap

A Rye, A Bourbon and A Whiskey For Your Next Night Cap 0

Hot toddies and coffee drinks are a fun way to wind down any evening, and whiskeys, ryes and bourbons are often used in this sort of drink. Whether it’s a cold or hot beverage that you desire on a Saturday morning or warm august night, one of the best parts about spiked coffee and tea drinks is that they are easy to make at a moment’s notice. Try any of the drinks listed below for a great twist on classic hot toddies and coffee drinks by using these unique liquors available at Cask Cartel.


Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye

 


Inspired by the sweet and spicy contrast between rye and rum, this blend of 8-year Kentucky Rye Whiskey and 4-year Canadian Rye Whiskey is finished by adding Black Strap Rum into the cask. The growing trend of cask-finished rye brings a taste of rye and brown sweets to Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye, whose palette also includes a woody accent. With a molasses-sweet finish, the pleasant, lingering warmth is a great liquor to add to a nice nightcap. Inspired by a chill-summer-night-kind of beverage, try using this rye blend in a rum milk punch. 


Spiced Rum Milk Punch:

  • 1 ½ oz Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye
  • ¾ oz simple syrup, try substituting maple syrup to better compliment the rye
  • 1 dash of pure vanilla extract
  • 3 oz milk

Simply pour these ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and enjoy. For added flare, top with grated nutmeg or cinnamon.




Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur

 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur is small-batch, handmade Buffalo Trace bourbon mixed with rich cream and a hint of sugar. While one can enjoy this beverage simply served over the rocks, in coffee or over ice cream, try it in a spiked coffee float to enjoy the extra bourbon flavor. The creamy vanilla flavor complements the bourbon’s smooth taste and might just become your favorite dessert to drink. 


Spiked Coffee Float:

  • 3 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur 
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate Ice Cream

Simply add the 3oz of Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Liqueur into the bottom of your glass, fill the glass with coffee and leave enough to add a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top. For added garnish, grab some whipped cream, cherries or sprinkles to put on top.


Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey

 


With a sweet and fruity style, Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey was aged in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. This whiskey produces tasting notes butter, honey and vanilla. It is smooth, soft and easy to drink, which is no wonder as it was named the Best Grain Whiskey in 2014. The accented finish of raisins, orange peel and coconut makes this whiskey a perfect way to enjoy a classic hot toddy. Its smooth palette blends perfectly with added honey and lemon, a cure for sore throats and chilly nights.


Classic Hot Toddy:

  • 1 ½ oz Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2-3 tsps of honey (to taste)
  • 2-3 tsps of lemon juice (to taste)

Simply bring the water to a boil and pour into your favorite mug, add Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey and your honey and lemon to taste. Allow the drink to cool a bit, and sip to your heart’s content. For added flavor, garnish with a slice or wheel of lemon, and a cinnamon stick.


Coffee and tea drinks are a great way to spruce up any morning, evening or sick day. They are easy to make with simple ingredients if you have a good liquor already ready to grab and pour. These three liquors add an extra taste and appreciation for flavor when added to a go-to coffee or tea recipe. Rather than stock on a stereotypical liqueurs and liquors this fall, try something new this season.

Bold Tasting Liquors to Try This Fall

Bold Tasting Liquors to Try This Fall 0

As the warmer months slowly draw to a close, the nights get colder and the reasons to drink bolder flavors heat up. Whether on your last camping trip of the summer, having a barbecue with friends, or settling in for a movie night; these three liquors give a warming feel with each sip. While summer is hot and refreshing drinks are not only needed, they are necessary. Try these three liquors to cushion the blow of that fall crisp feeling that starting to settle in.


Kirk and Sweeney 23 Year Old Dominican Rum

 


To keep the feeling of summer perfectly captured, try Kirk and Sweeney 23 Year Old Dominican Rum first and foremost. Rum is a perfect interlude of summer island breezes, but with the distinct flavor of this rum, it is a perfect bridge to fall. After being aged for 23 years in American oak casks, this rum presents a taste of dry fruits, hints of honey and the raw sugarcane it was made with. With its well balanced finish, it is a perfect transition to enjoy after sipping on light, easy drinks in the hot months of summer.


Knob Creek Smoked Maple Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

 


As fall sets in more firmly, maybe after summer’s final Labor Day fling, try Knob Creek Smoked Maple Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon for a smooth transition to the colder months. This bourbon is full-bodied, unlike the cans of White Claw, Budweiser and light mixed drinks that were recycled over summer. Knob Creek offers consistent rich flavors with this small batch, holding smokey maples tasting notes with a slight sweet and smokey finish. It is a perfect liquor to enjoy as your taste buds turn to home-cooked meals and cozy evening.


Widow Jane 10 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon


The final bottle to end your entrance to fall is Widow Jane 10 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon. This signature bourbon is award-winning, a blend of some of the finest whiskeys produced throughout the United States. Its honey and cherry wood palette finishes smoothly with a charred, citrus and spicy end. It is a perfect taste to celebrate the fall months of relaxation and preparation for the winter. 


While summer offers long days in the sun, fall gives a grounding feeling as the colder months approach. Give yourself an easy way to enjoy the change of seasons by complimenting your palette with some fall-driven tastes. These liquors are rich in flavor, prompting better tasting notes and an ease to do so as the days cool off sooner. Enjoy these bottles for an experience of the seasons changing.

About Cask Cartel

Cask Cartel has become the greatest online marketplace for premium spirits.  The company prides itself by operating with decades of customer service experience and a team of top tier individuals prized within the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with Producers, Brands and the Local Retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their E-Premise Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shipped sold and fulfilled by combining a network of the largest range of liquor selections available online.

 

Whiskeys and Films Go Hand-in-Hand for Your Next Night In

Whiskeys and Films Go Hand-in-Hand for Your Next Night In 1

Whiskeys and films go hand-in-hand - they’re easy to watch, much like a good, genuine whiskey is easy to sip on. Whiskey is thematic in nature, they aim to hit your palette with a taste you can feel. In fact, a lot of major beer, liquor and wine companies regularly appear in cinematic films. Here’s a list of some whiskeys that made a pointed appearance in some movies we all love-- and if you haven’t seen one on this list, maybe give it a watch while enjoying their featured whiskey? 


LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003) - Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony

 

Bill Murray is a classic, and so is the Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony that was featured in Lost in Translation. It’s lifted fruitiness is easy to enjoy while watching a classic film. This movie is a film for lovers, and the couple in the plot line meet in Tokyo, a place of culture, taste and history. Just like the whiskey featured in this film, Japanese taste is fine, sweet and easy to sip on or watch with someone during an evening in.

 

SKYFALL (2012) - Macallan 18

 

 

Just like The Macallan 18 Years Old Triple Cask Single Malt, Skyfall is seductive and James Bond is always a classic. Who doesn’t love a good English drama? Macallan 18 maintains a full-bodied taste, from hand-picked sherry oak casks, giving deep taste notes in each sip. Whether you’re watching Skyfall or just listening to Adele’s amazing feature song, titled Skyfall from this film, drink some Macallan 18 to give your senses a full experience. This is a promise, it won’t disappoint.


TRUE GRIT (2010) - High West Rendezvous Rye

Like all good whiskey, some just need to keep that American taste in mind. True Grit is a great film to enjoy with its featured liquor, High West Rendezvous Rye. True Grit a great film to encounter when you’re feeling the vibes of desert, country landscapes and quiet, ominous tones. This rye gives you taste notes that are truly gritty, best served neat or on the rocks.

While you may have seen these films, much like new-age art is accompanied by music: sometimes movies are best accompanied by a good drink to sip on. Give these films a review if you’ve seen them before with a better intent to engross yourself in taste and story lines. If you haven’t seen one of these films, welcome yourself to the best enjoyment you could have by watching one while you sip a thematic drink alongside.

About Cask Cartel

Cask Cartel has become the greatest online marketplace for premium spirits.  The company prides itself by operating with decades of customer service experience and a team of top tier individuals prized within the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with Producers, Brands and the Local Retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their E-Premise Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shipped sold and fulfilled by combining a network of the largest range of liquor selections available online.

Straight From the Cask Single Barrel Whiskey

Straight From the Cask Single Barrel Whiskey 0

According to the Whiskey Wash, private crafted barrel whiskey programs are growing in popularity among new distilleries and producers. One notable craft distillery who is expanding their selection program is Balcones Distilling. Barrel and Bottle is the Deconstruction of Balcones Texas Single Malt, a concept created by David Sweet. Sweet’s concept is to present the true raw forms of select whiskey brands through his unique barrel selection and distilling process

Master distiller and co-founder Jared Himstedt collaborated with Steve in selecting three distinctly unique barrels. The flavor profiles and board diversity were key components to selecting these barrels, not only from the varied terroir of the oaks, but also a range of usage or barrel “re-fills.”

This whiskey is distilled in hand selected barrels and then bottled in custom ceramic bottles. The collection is a truly one-of-a-kind experience for any whiskey lover to sip on. For the first-time ever you can compare the individual components that make up this iconic whiskey. Here are the three different barrels by Balcones Barrel and Bottle and available through Cask Cartel for a limited time:


Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel French Oak

This is the first fill barrel, a single malt whiskey matured in French Oak barrels. The standard Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky is a product of the same whisky matured in barrels from French Oak. The first fill barrel provides a fruity, more spicy flavors with lots of wood and caramel taste. This aromatic whiskey gives a floral yet tangy citrus taste. It’s a delicious combination of flavors, especially for those who love some spice.


Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel Hungarian Oak

Hungarian Oak, or European Oak is the next barrel, aka the second fill barrel production of bottles. This is the smoothest of the three Balcones Distilling whiskeys available through Cask Cartel. This single malt whiskey maintains a deep, rich flavor with oak and sweet notes. As the wood so heavily affects the taste of the whiskey being distilled, the Hungarian/European Oak both flavors this whiskey smoothly with the spicy and sweet undertones. 

Balcones Barrel and Bottle Select Single Barrel American Oak

The final whiskey of this deconstruction collection is the fifth barrel made in American Oak barrels. This single malt whiskey produces a smooth and light flavor of a balanced malt. With subtle fruit and oak undertones, this whiskey gives a scent of pears and candy with just a hint of oak. The burnt caramel and smooth oak finish leaves a delightful little burn after you taste it.

These Balcones Barrel and Bottle select single barrel whiskeys are cask strength and barrel proof. The unfiltered process gives these whiskeys a rich and full flavor. Keeping the intended raw form of straight from the cask whiskey, all three of these whiskeys are a treat to a genuine whiskey-loving palette. With the distillery only a quarter mile from downtown Waco, Texas, these whiskeys are also locally produced and distributed. Located in a neighborhood of abandoned storefronts sits America’s finest new whiskey makers, and you can taste some of their work for a limited time only in this deconstruction collection.
Whiskey Tour of Styles From Around the World

Whiskey Tour of Styles From Around the World 0

With the world of whiskey only growing, new ways of flavoring, finishing and blending extend as well. Here is a list of whiskeys that are original and creative, down to their cask, their origin and their taste. These are great sips if you find yourself curious about just how complex the world of whiskey can get. Global exposure allows for new ideas, like blending rye, distilling in Japan or deepening the flavor to a point only pure experience can execute. 


Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye

Basil Hayden is good whiskey, there is no arguing that the lighter taste is a great compliment in the Jim Beam small-batch collections. Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye solidifies this with a creative twist and craftsmanship. Using rum and rye whiskey, this blend features 8-year Kentucky Rye Whiskey and 4-year Canadian Rye Whiskey and finishes off with Black Strap Rum. This blend gives a toasted oak flavor that is complemented by the rye spice and sweet molasses flavor. Try this whiskey for a sweet and spicy contrast that is purely creative.


Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon

Wild Turkey is another type of whiskey you remember your grandfather drinking by the creek every summer. A staple whiskey, that one may not realize holds unique flavor and technique. Keeping the signature Wild Turkey bold and rye-forward flavoring, this whiskey’s balance of taste is one to be noted. With the rye keeping it spicy, rich vanilla flavors save a hint of sweetness. The lingering finish of almonds, honey, blackberry and leather keeps any whiskey fan loving the deep and complex flavors, that Wild Turkey trademarks. Try Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon and enjoy the unique layering of flavors.


Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt

Yamazaki hails from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. This whiskey is Japan’s first seriously marketed single-malt whiskey, and has gained a bit of a cult following. Which is not hard to imagine considering it is truly the first of its kind. First marketed in 1984, this whiskey holds a signature origin and a stand up flavor palette. Try Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt and love the global world of whiskey.

About Cask Cartel

Cask Cartel has become the greatest online marketplace for premium spirits.  The company prides itself by operating with decades of customer service experience and a team of top tier individuals prized within the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with Producers, Brands and the Local Retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their E-Premise Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shipped sold and fulfilled by combining a network of the largest range of liquor selections available online.

  • The G.O.A.T.
Specialty Craft Whiskeys You Need To Try

Specialty Craft Whiskeys You Need To Try 0

While everyone can enjoy the taste of a good whiskey, the appreciation only grows when it’s well-made, unique in flavor and one of a kind. Whether you’re looking for a staple to keep at home for friends and family or an off-the-beaten track special occasion bottle, below are some whiskeys that anyone with a taste for genuine craftsmanship should give a try.

 

Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon

If you’re itching for a whiskey that is innovatively aged, Jefferson’s Ocean Aged At Sea hits the mark. This exclusive whiskey ages each batch at sea, a salute to original distilling of Kentucky whiskey. In the early years of Kentucky distilled whiskey, an unintentional extra aging process was discovered due to transporting across rivers. Because the sea travel leaves the whiskey in constant movement, there is more contact with and flavoring from the wood from their barrels. Jefferson’s found a niche by capitalizing on this extra aging process and barrelling this whiskey at sea. Each batch travels at different times of the year, through different areas of the world, allowing for one of a kind taste in each new batch you buy, even if you never leave your corner of the world.

Read about your future bottle’s ocean voyage’s here.



Barrell Craft Infinite Project Whiskey 02-12-18

While trying a new bottle and experiencing its flavors is worth the treat, everyone needs a staple whiskey to enjoy all year. Named the Best American Whiskey of 2018 in Forbes, Barrell Craft Spirits boasts a whiskey you know you’ll love anytime. And while each bottle has its own array of undertones for you to taste, any bottle you buy will be easy to enjoy. Founder Joe Beatrice was inspired by Scotland’s independent bottlers, Beatrice began blending exceptional casks and giving consumers a chance to taste whiskey straight from the barrel. Each blend allows variety, giving an exciting new twist for whiskey lovers to enjoy. Highly rated by Whisky Advocate, if you try one batch and stick to it, it’ll be just as consistent as ordering a new blend from Barrell Craft Spirits each time you’re ready to re-up your staple bottle.

To get started one which bottle to try first, here is a list of award-winning whiskeys you can narrow down.

 

Belle Meade Madeira Cask Finish Bourbon

This final whiskey is both a staple bottle and purely unique because of its dessert-like finish, which you’ll want to taste again and again. Belle Meade Madeira Cask Finish Bourbon is adored for its caramel, dark chocolate, cherry and mint notes. Like any good wine drinker needs to show off a good port, this bourbon gives whiskey lovers a taste to enjoy after dinner. This bourbon is finished in a special cask, from Malmsey-styled wine on the island of Madeira, known for its depth and complexity of honeyed flavors from a “cooked” fortified aging process. This bourbon gives the palette a distinguished experience that you’ll keep craving and will enjoy sharing with others.

If this rare type of aging process and flavoring piques your interest, here is a more in depth scope.


One of the most enjoyable parts of having a taste for craftsmanship whiskey is just how versatile each new bottle you try can be. Whether you want a niche bottle aged at sea, a staple blend for anyone’s taste buds to enjoy or a special treat to finish an evening with, these whiskeys are worth a try.

  • The G.O.A.T.
The Dog Days of Summer - Canine Themed Drinks to Beat the Heat

The Dog Days of Summer - Canine Themed Drinks to Beat the Heat 0

Why do they call it “The Dog Days of Summer?” It’s just vernacular, right? You imagine a lazy dog, roasting in the July sun, lolling with his tongue half out between trips to the water bowl. It’s “The Dog Days” because it makes you want to laze around like a dog in the sun, ok? Case closed. The truth, it turns out, is more complicated (and ancient). 

It was in ancient Rome that the hottest days of the Summer season came to be known as “Dies Caniculares.” As with most things in Rome at this time, the season was associated with astrological bodies, in this case the star Sirius, known as the Dog Star because it was the brightest in the constellation Canis Major.

Mid July through August has been way too hot since WAY back in the day, it turns out, and where do you go for relief? Classic whisky cocktails. In honor of the Dog Days of Summer, here are three canine-themed refreshments to help you beat the summer heat.

 

FEW Rye Whiskey - Seeing Rye Dog

Our first cocktail comes straight off the menu at The Fat Dog in Los Angeles, a neighborhood grub pub in West Hollywood that features a dog-friendly patio and canine-related names for menu items. The Seeing Rye Dog is the first in our trio of fruity whiskey cocktails, this one featuring blackberries, ginger liqueur and basil. Perfect for FEW Rye Whiskey, a spicy rye that will lend its smokiness to the sweet blackberry.

 

Seeing Rye Dog

  • FEW Rye Whiskey
  • GInger Liqueur,
  • Blackberries
  • Basil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sugar in the Raw

Muddle blackberries, basil and sugar in the bottom of a tumbler. Strain rye, liqueur and lemon juice with ice, pour over and stir.

Stranahans's Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey - The Red Dog

The Red Dog is a fruity mix of whiskey, ginger ale and fruit juice. Best enjoyed with a single malt whiskey like Stranahans's Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey, where the apricot and chocolate tones of the whiskey blend with the tartness of the fruit.

 

Red Dog Cocktail

  • .5 oz. orange vodka
  • 2 oz. Stranahans's Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey
  • 3 oz. ginger ale
  • 1.5 oz. orange juice
  • 
1.5 oz. cranberry juice

Add all but ginger ale to cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake and strain. Pour over ice then fill glass with ginger ale.

 

Jack Daniels’ Gentleman Jack Whiskey - The Bulldog Smash

Next up, the Bulldog Smash - another fruity whiskey concoction, this one swaps orange and cranberry for lemon and peach. A perfect fit for Jack Daniels’ Gentleman Jack Whiskey, an inherently fruity version of the classic Jack which will compliment the peach and mint in this Smash.

 

The Bulldog Smash

  • Half a lemon
  • Half a peach, pitted
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar cane syrup
  • 2 oz Jack Daniels’ Gentleman Jack Whiskey
  • .75 oz Cointreau

In a shaker, muddle your lemon, peach, mint, and sugar cane syrup. Add the bourbon and Cointreau. Fill your shaker with ice. Shake, strain into a glass, and fill that with crushed ice. Garnish with an extra sprig of mint for flair.

 

These drinks may not be the cure-all for the dog days, but they’re certainly tasty (and the glass feels really good against your forehead, too). Check out Cask Cartel for all your liquor needs.

  • The G.O.A.T.
A Customized Sip For Every Guest at Your Backyard Barbeque

A Customized Sip For Every Guest at Your Backyard Barbeque 0

Honestly, nobody really expects much in the beverage department at a backyard barbeque - a cooler full of beers, maybe a bottle or 2 for DIY mixers. But hey, maybe you’re the kind of host who likes to take things to the next level and offer cocktails catered to the types of guests you know will be gathering. You’ve gotta know your audience, and these three drinks will be a hit across your spectrum of friends at your next backyard shindig.

 

For the Fruity Cocktail Sipper - Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey

 

It’s summer, so you’ve gotta have a fruity cocktail at the party, right? Coming into the shade from the summer heat, there’s nothing better than being handed an icy glass with some berries and fruit slices floating among the cubes. This kind of drink is a crowd pleaser - serve it to your favorite aunt, your best friend’s wife, even your grandpa would likely enjoy the refreshing juiciness of a fruity cocktail on a hot afternoon - bonus points if you pair an infused spirit like Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey with your fruit of choice. Make this peach slam the centerpiece of your BBQ’s beverage scene and keep the people happy.

 

Peach Slam

1 ounce simple syrup

1/2 large peach , diced (about 1/2 cup)

3-4 large mint leaves

2 ounces Ole Smoky Peach Whiskey

splash ginger beer or seltzer water , chilled

ice

fresh mint and peach slices , for garnish

Gently muddle peaches, mint leaves, and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add bourbon to ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain. Top with ginger beer or seltzer water. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a peach slice.

 

For the In Between Sipper - Jay Z’s D'USSE VSOP

Somewhere between the fruity drink sipper and the straight bourbon stalwart lies a middle-ground drinker, a guest who wants sophistication without being stale, a cocktail enthusiast who seeks a little more grounding in their beverage selection, less with the peach slices and more with the smooth, oaky finish. For these guests, we suggest a cognac. Great at room temp, or the rocks or in a simple cocktail, the warmth and sweetness of Jay Z’s D'USSE VSOP cognac make it a great alternative to the harsher flavors of whiskey and tequila. For a no-fuss cognac cocktail, look no further than the D'USSE and Ginger below.

 

D'USSE and Ginger

2 ounces Cognac

4 ounces ginger ale

2 dashes bitters

Fill a glass with ice, add Cognac, top with ginger ale and bitters.

 

For the Straight Bourbon Sipper -  Woodford Reserve Morning Wood Double Oaked Barrel Select Bourbon

There are some guests who will only be satisfied with a good, stiff drink. Offer these folks Woodford Reserve Morning Wood Double Oaked Barrel Select Bourbon. With a whiskey this good, you don’t always need to provide a mixer. Elevate this drink by boning up on your whiskey knowledge - know what to do when you guest orders it neat or with water. Nothing wrong with a bourbon cocktail, however. This Boulevardier is a classic recipe, invented in the 1920s but seeing a recent rise in popularity among modern bartenders. Serve this simple but satisfying drink to your more discerning guests.

 

Boulevardier

1 ounce rye or bourbon

1 ounce Campari

1 ounce sweet vermouth

Chill a cocktail glass by filling with ice or putting in freezer for about 5 minutes. Pour the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass. Fill mixing glass 2/3 full of ice and stir until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist.

Whether you’re catering your menu to the chillest for your best buds or the pickiest of your workmates, Cask Cartel has got your bottles covered with a range of products and price points for every get together. 

 

About Cask Cartel

Cask Cartel has become the greatest online marketplace for premium spirits.  The company prides itself by operating with decades of customer service experience and a team of top tier individuals prized within the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with Producers, Brands and the Local Retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their E-Premise Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shipped sold and fulfilled by combining a network of the largest range of liquor selections available online.

  • The G.O.A.T.
Frisky American Whiskeys for Your 4th of July

Frisky American Whiskeys for Your 4th of July 0

As America’s favorite summertime holiday approaches, we can all finally take a moment to reflect mid-year and pay homage to our American roots. The 4th of July embodies the essence of the American spirit, simply brave, downright fun and rooted on our beautiful American soil. Like most things American, this holiday will be best spent with loved ones, eating American favorites and most importantly drinking well-earned American spirits. To best embody this holiday, here are three versatile American whiskies that are best served straight: no frills, bells or whistles needed. 

 

Bird Dog Peach Whiskey

Bird Dog Peach Whiskey is every American’s wish for a bite of a juicy Georgia peach with the strength of a truly Kentucky-made whiskey. The fragrant peach flavors make this whiskey enjoyable just on the rocks as you relax by a nice cold body of water this 4th of July. As any good whiskey should, this 80 proof whiskey packs a punch, easy for simple drinking and no hassle beyond just buying yourself a bottle. Drink this as you hit the lake, set up your picnic and enjoy your whole-hearted American holiday. To make this whiskey the star of any American celebration, simply enjoy it with a splash of your favorite sweet or iced tea. 

To prove just how simple this whiskey is to enjoy, Bird Dog shared their two-ingredient Peach Tea recipe for easy summer sipping.

 

John Rich - Redneck Riviera 

As all hard-working Americans get to enjoy a holiday celebrating our independence, Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey showcases the hard-working love American whiskey gives in every sip by artfully blending two premium whiskies; one brings the sweetness of an oak barrel finish while the other continues to give each drinker smooth caramel tasting notes. Enjoy this American blend like you enjoy most American-made specialities: simply. Once you’ve arrived at your lookout spot for the 4th of July fireworks and mid-day cooling, open this bottle to share with the people you love. Because Redneck Riviera pays proper homage to American mixology, this whiskey is, of course, best enjoyed on the rocks. 

 

Angel's Envy Rum Cask Finished Rye Whiskey

As the last whiskey listed, rye always does seem to finish best. Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Finished Rye Whiskey is a fun way to enjoy American whiskey for both a bourbon fan, and for anyone looking to enjoy something purely original. This Rye whiskey keeps the Caribbean close through finishing in rum barrels, allowing both sweet rum and oak tasting notes for all kinds of palates to enjoy. This whiskey quite literally steals the show not just because its American roots, but purely American craftsmanship. Enjoy on the rocks with your friends. For a twist, trying sipping this while enjoying a sharp cheddar cheese, cured meats or anything yummy that packs a punch. This whiskey doesn’t make you think too hard; its good with just about anything, or nothing at all. 

If tempted to test the food pairing validity, check out Angel Envy’s Food and Whiskey Pairing Guide and organize your grocery list before you hit the store.

 

Now that these whiskies have ear-marked themselves for perfect American sipping, the most important part comes next: finding people to share this holiday with. Americans do simple best, and so do these whiskies. And even more importantly, they are all best enjoyed with the people you love in the country we all love.

  • The G.O.A.T.
Weekly Picks: Top Whiskeys for Summer Porch Sipping

Weekly Picks: Top Whiskeys for Summer Porch Sipping 0

Is it just us, or did summer seem to take forever to get here this year? Now that the temps are consistently in the 80s, you can finally roll up your sleeves and throw on those shorts you’ve been staring at for a month. Is there anything better than that first day of walking around in shorts and flip flops? How about a breezy summer beverage to sip on while you watch the day go by? Everybody’s got their own summer jam, but we’ve got some suggestions to get you started.


Yelawolf Creek Water Whiskey

Yelawolf is an artist who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. That’s why it’s no surprise that when it came time for the Gadsden, Alabama rapper to create his own whiskey, he decided to call it Creek Water. Leading with a nose like maple syrup and fine tobacco, this American whiskey finishes smooth with charred touches of cinnamon and oak. Now we understand that the Catfish Billy lifestyle isn’t necessarily for everyone. That’s why we’ve selected something a little more cosmopolitan for out cocktail pairing - this Elderflower Old Fashioned is a unique twist on a classic that pairs great with a footrest and a good novel.


Elderflower Old Fashioned By Saveur

Ingredients

  • 2 1⁄2 oz. Yelawolf Creek Water Whiskey
  • 1⁄2 oz. Elderflower liqueur
  • 2-3 dashes bitters
  • Strip of lemon zest for garnish

Recipe: Stir bourbon, St. Germain, and bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass or mixing tin until very chilled; strain into a rocks glass with a large cube of ice. Garnish with lemon zest.


Buy Yelawolf Creek Water Whiskey here: https://bit.ly/2In9RgH


Jim Beam Peach Whiskey

Bourbon, peaches, and sweet tea - can you get any more southern than that? The folks behind Jim Beam Peach Whiskey don’t think so. A blend of genuine Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon and fine peach schnapps, with flavors of sweet peach mixing with woody bourbon and vanilla notes, this hybrid spirit works just as well sipped straight from the glass as it does in a simple cocktail like this one adapted from Jim Beam’s website.


Jim Beam Front Porch Peach Tea

Ingredients

  • 2 parts Iced Tea
  • 2 parts Jim Beam Peach Whiskey
  • Lemon Wedge

Recipe: Build ingredients in order listed over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Buy Jim Beam Peach Whiskey here: https://bit.ly/2RiwZ2X

 

Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky

We know, we know - a good cocktail can put a cap on a summer day like almost nothing else, but sometimes you just want a GOOD. STIFF. DRINK. Not to worry - we’ve got something for those of you who are, shall we say, mixer-resistant - Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky. Winner of the Blended Whisky Trophy at the 2005 International Wine & Spirits Challenge, Buchanan’s Special Reserve arouses the palate with aromas of chocolate and fruit, following through with flavors of baked apple, tobacco and clove. Enjoy however you like, secure in the knowledge that your spirit of choice has been lovingly aged for at least 18 years. No suggested cocktail here - neat, on the rocks or straight up will do just fine.


Buy Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky here: https://bit.ly/2wZmRm6


Cocktails, highballs, straight up or on the rocks, whatever might be in your glass, the important thing is that it’s summer, and you’ve earned it. Find yourself a seat whether it’s on your back porch, front stoop or just in the den in front of the tv, and enjoy. Cask Cartel has your summer sippin’ covered.

  • The G.O.A.T.