Cool Springs Wines & Spirits

Prichards Double Chocolate Bourbon

Since I reviewed New Belgium's Cocoa Mole beer which is brewed with Chocolate Malts, why not review a Chocolate Whiskey? Chocolate whiskey? Really? Yep, really. Prichard's Double Barreled Bourbon is already a big hit among whiskey enthusiasts so why not add some Olive & Sinclair Chocolate to it? This is a classic collaboration because both companies are from Tennessee and it seems like the new trend is to infuse spirits with other flavors. Both companies are very innovative and are leading the pack when it comes to market trends. The Double Chocolate Whiskey has aromas of chocolate, nutmeg, brown sugar, and of course some vanilla. The flavor is different but I like it. Chocolate is obvious but there is so much more to offer! Yes, this chocolate whiskey can be served straight up, but just imagine the cocktails that this could make. For example, I blended Sierra Nevada's Ovila Belgian Quad, Boon Kriek Lambic, and Prichard's Double Chocolate Whiskey. It was fabulous!

Angel's Envy

Angel's Envy is THE hottest new Bourbon on the market right now. Made by the Henderson family, this Bourbon has a pedigree that lets you know it's going to be one of your favorites even before you try it. Lincoln Henderson spent almost forty years as Master Distiller and Research Specialist for the Brown-Forman Corporation and has his Bachelor's of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Louisville. Angel's Envy is his masterpiece and it shows plus this unique Bourbon is made by three generations of the Henderson family which makes it even more special. What sets this Bourbon apart from the rest is that it is finished in Port Wine Barrels to give it a slight nutty sweetness. Angel's Envy is layered with complexity from using a generous portion of Rye and Barley. The nose has maple syrup, vanilla, candied fruits, and some wood. The flavor evolves on the palate from spice to softer tones of creamy vanilla and caramel. The sweetness is there but very balanced. Raisins, cloves dates, and fruit also come through with undertones of oaky goodness. The finish will stay with you for a while but is so smooth that anyone can enjoy this. Cool Springs Wines and Spirits is proud to offer Angel's Envy to you for $47.99.

Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Cool Springs Wines has an Irish Whiskey that needs some love and attention. Irish Whiskey can be a nice change up if you want a break from the Scotch and Bourbon that are normally desired and consumed. Currently, there are only four active distilleries in Ireland although each produces a number of different labels. This week Cool Springs Wines and Spirits is focusing on Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey which is made at an Independent distillery called Cooley Distillery. Most Irish malt whiskey has traditionally found its way into blended whiskeys thus it is rare to find Irish malt whiskey bottled in its pure form. Tyrconnell is named after a famous racehorse that won the Irish Derby with 100 to 1 odds thus the horse is pictured on the label. Irish Single Malts are more complex in character than their blended Irish cousins due to their rich malty flavours and have an absence of smoky characteristics associated with Scotch Single Malts. Irish single malts have emerged as a fast growing premium segment of the whiskey market. This charge has been lead by the independent Irish spirit of Tyrconnell. Tyrconnell's aroma consists of some fruit like apple and pear, the flavor is noticeably smooth without being hollow, and the finish will linger but will tease you into pouring more every time.

Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon

One of my favorite Bourbons that I have tasted this year is Jefferson's Reserve. The balance is what really intrigued me, my nose kept picking up different layers and nuances that convinced me that I would love this whiskey before I even tasted it. The nose of this Reserve is of butterscotch, berries, vanilla, and caramel among other notes integrated nicely to form an awesome smelling experience. Flavor is strong and assertive but is in tune with what a great whiskey needs. The sweetness will please you, the oak will compliment the other layers, the body is full yet velvet like, and the finish will linger on and on. Pick up your next bottle at Cool Springs Wines and Spirits where we have great selections, staff knowledge and unbeatable pricing.

Jack Daniel's Honey

Jack Daniels has come out with a new product called Jack Daniels Honey and it flying off the shelves at Cool Springs Wines and Spirits faster than we can bring it in. I must admit that I am a bit of a purest when it comes to the spirits world but I can't help but jump on the Jack Daniels Honey bandwagon. The nose is sweet and the whiskey really seems to come through all that honey. It is 70 proof so this is a strong liqueur that is competing well with the competition. The flavor is very strong with honey and has a touch of cinnamon to spice things up a bit. The whiskey taste is there and will please anyone looking for something new in the liqueur world.

Bulleit Rye

As many Bourbon lovers know, Bulleit has been producing a fine bourbon since 1987 by Tom Bulleit. His great-great grandfather originally made this product in the 1830's and is now being carried on in a great way today. Recently Bulleit has come out with what they call "Bulleit Rye" which is made of 95% Rye and 5% malted barley and is 90 proof! It is exciting to see that Bulleit is coming out with a Rye whiskey simply because since Prohibition, Rye whiskey is has not been produced by many distilleries here in the US and if so, can be quite costly. Cool Springs Wines and Spirits is proud to offer this great Rye to you for only $28.99 which I think is a great value.

Bulleit Rye has a great burnt orange color and smells of cherry, tobacco, and some spice. My palate picks up a nicely balanced, mildly textured whiskey that is full of fruit notes and a nice oak touch. The rye really comes through on the finish which is full and clean with some cinnamon notes. This whiskey would be perfect for mixing or drinking straight with a splash of H2O.

Laphroaig Cask Strength

Cool Springs Wines and Spirits is proud to offer many different selections from Laphroaig. We have the 10 year, Quarter Cask, Triple Wood, Cask Strength, and the always coveted Laphroaig 25 year. As good as the 25 year sounds it's just a little bit out of my price range but the Laphroaig Cask Strength can come out and play anytime! Laphroaig is known for making big, full bodied, smoky, and peaty Scotch and they do it well. The Cask Strength is bottled at 55.3% but still maintains all the depth texture normally associated with Laphroaig. Laphroaig Cask Strength is barrier-filtered only and not chill-filtered which pulls color and flavor from the whisky. Naturally 55.3% alcohol can be intimidating at times so add some water if you feel like it. Adding water will make it turn cloudy but it will also open up the nose and flavor. Buying cask strength whisky can be ideal because you are getting more for your money and you can water it down to whatever you like. Personally, I like 3 drops of water and nothing more. Laphroaig Cask Strength offers rich aromas of peat smoke, sweetness, and some salt. This delicious Scotch is emphatic, full bodied and utterly unforgettable.

GlenDronach 18 Scotch

As I have been on a Scotch kick for the past few weeks, I feel the need to continue the trend and talk about one of our newest additions. The GlenDronach 18 year Highland Single Malt is everything you want a whisky from Scotland to be. GlenDronach has aged this particular Scotch for 18 years in old Oloroso Sherry Casks from Spain giving it a beautiful dark color and richness on the palate. This beauty of a Scotch is non chill filtered, has no color added, and comes in at a nice 46% ABV. The nose is sweet with cherries, fudge, dates, and toffee. This 18 year old opens nicely on the palate with flavors of Sherry, cream, wood, and tiramisu. The texture is soft and creamy and will keep you coming back for more. Come by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits to get one for yourself because this delight will go quickly.

Tomintoul 12 & Bunnahabhain

You want new Scotch offerings? You got it. Cool Springs Wines and Spirits continues at a fast pace to bring in new exciting Scotch offerings and we are having a blast watching this great section expand. If you haven't noticed, the Scotch section has been revamped and reorganized to make room for an even better selection and ease of finding what you are looking for. This week I would like to overview some of the new products we have brought in to CSWS. Tomintoul 12 from Speyside finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks should be on anyone's list to try. Being from Speyside, it will be sweeter and lighter in body than most others with floral and honey notes. Another new Scotch we have brought in for all you Scotch lovers is Bunnahabhain which is a famous distillery that is loved by all but is a mouthfull to say. This great whisky from Islay is full bodied with a touch of smoke and a great malt flavor that will linger for a long time. Last week and this week I have pointed out some great Scotch Whisky that is on the high end of things, so I want to emphasize that Cool Springs Wines and Spirits carries great whisky at just about any price point from the $20-$30 range (The Lismore) to the to $3,500 price point (The John Walker) sitting up front in our nice glass case up front. Come in and shop our new and improving selection of Scotch!

Signatory Glenroths Distillery 1994

Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co. was founded in 1988. It is a family owned and managed company, being one of only three true independent bottlers. Signatory always like to draw a distinction between the independent companies who bottle their own products, and the independent companies whose products are bottled under contract. They set-up a small line bottling system, primarily geared towards the bottling of single casks. Although the actual bottling of whisky is semi-automated, the emphasis is very much a hands-on operation, with hand labeling and packing of products. To add to the exclusivity of their bottlings, they often declare the cask number, date of distillation,and date of bottling on their labels. In addition,each bottle is individually hand numbered.

It is their aim, as an independent bottler to offer a range of whiskies, some of which are not bottled by the proprietor of a particular distillery, and some at different ages/strengths to those offered as distillery bottlings. The majority of their bottlings are the product of single casks, with the malt whisky enthusiast being given the opportunity to sample the subtle differences which occur with each different cask.

The Glenrothes 1994 Signatory edition is what I will be reviewing this week. With all the information/education on what Signatory does above, this paragraph will focus on just the Glenrothes Scotch. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2009, this vintage is aged to full maturity. Due to no chillfiltration, this whiskey is full bodied and bold. That is what I like! The rich Sherry flavors envelope your mouth right on the entry and slowly coat your palate with a fat and luscious texture. The flavors of dried red fruits, caramel, and baking spice meander there way over the tongue and blend together with the perfect amount of sweetness. The finish is long and lazy with more sweet Sherry wood and honey. Signatory has many distilleries to temp you with but are very limited in production so get it while they last. Only 688 bottles produced.

Germain-Robin Select Barrel XO

Cool Springs Wines and Spirits has something special for Brandy lovers called Germain-Robin Select Barrel XO. This fine Brandy is made in California using 80% Pinot Noir grapes. Germain-Robin was started in the early 1980s by two men that wanted to carry on the traditional methods of distilling unlike most of the giant producers in France that use modern techniques to produce large quantities. Unlike most high volume Brandy/Cognac producers that use grapes that aren't fit for winemaking, Germain-Robin uses only best high quality grapes they can find which gives the finished product balance, flavor, and character. The Select Barrel XO is made in extremely small batches which only yields ten barrels per year and is then aged in limousin oak. The aroma is elegant, soft but full, and is pure delight. On the palate, this XO has a velvet smoothness that is fruit driven with a nice oak balance. The finish will linger on and on which is perfect because you won't want it to end. Come by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and check it out for yourself!

Wild Turkey American Honey

The weather is changing here in Middle Tennessee and in my opinion this is one of the most beautiful times of the year, however, I'm not totally ready to let summer go. I know I don't do many reviews of Liqueurs so I think this would be the opportune time. I was trying to think of a spirit that would be versatile and good in just about any season so I came up with Wild Turkey American Honey. American Honey is a smooth liqueur blended with Kentucky straight Bourbon and hand-selected American Honey. How could you go wrong? This liqueur is mixable, flavorful, and smooth enough for anyone to be creative and make the perfect drink using many ingredients or it could always be a straight shot. Jimmy Russell has been at Wild Turkey for a long time and is still producing great bottles for us to try. Pick up your special Value Added Pack of Wild Turkey American Honey today at Cool Springs Wines and Spirits.

Tres Leches

Tres Leches is a Caribbean rum-based, triple-cream liqueur that's been popular all over the U.S. since it was introduced in September. It took two top honors at this year's Wine & Spirits of America Spirits Competition, including the coveted Best Spirit of Show award, and it won a double gold at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It gives you the sweetness that you're looking for, but is so mellow, so smooth on your palate that it drinks really well. Mixologists everywhere are creating many uniquely inspired drinks for every occasion with Tres Leches. Reminding me of sweet vanilla ice cream, which is my favorite, I tried this stuff for the first time a few months ago and was an instant believer. Come to Cool Springs Wines and Spirits to pick up a bottle and see what drink you can make up.

Camarena Silver Tequila

There is a hot new Tequila on the market that I think everyone should know about. Camarena Tequila is made from mature 100% blue agave that is grown in the highlands of Jalisco where high elevation, a mild climate, and rich red earth give this Tequila so much depth and complexity. What I love about this Tequila is it's versatility, it can make a very tasty margarita or it can be enjoyed straight as well. Camarena offers both a Silver and a Reposado that are reasonably priced and of great quality. The Silver is exceptionally smooth with hints of vanilla, herbs, pepper and spices. The Reposado is aged for 60 days in American Oak which offers robust oak flavors that complement the sweetness of this fine Tequila. Come by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and ask us for more information.

Don Julio Reposado Tequila

With Cinco De Mayo coming up this week obviously tequila is on my mind. For me, Don Julio Reposado is just about as good as it gets without spending a weeks pay on a bottle. Don Julio González began his journey in the world of tequila in 1942. He soon realized that to create a tequila that stands apart, one must control every aspect of the process, from the cultivation of the agave to the bottling of the final product. He then established his distillery, La Primavera, and spent nearly forty years perfecting the craft that would produce extraordinary tequila with every bottle. At first, Don Julio only shared his tequila with friends. But soon word spread, and Don Julio quickly became the most sought after tequila in Mexico. Today, the world is learning what Mexico already knows: that it is passion above all else that makes a great tequila.

The Reposado is 100% Blue Weber Agave, double distilled, and rested in charred oak bourbon barrels for up to 11 months. Each agave is hand selected at maturity and only the heart of the distillation is used, as it is the purest part, free from most impurities. Through taking time to make every step the best, Don Julio is a stand out product among the rest in it's class.

Don Julio Reposado has an inviting aroma of mellow, lemon citrus notes and spice layers with touches of ripe stone fruit that seems light and sweet with some lovely vanilla and chocolate notes as well. The taste is incredibly soft and elegant with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla and light cinnamon balanced with subtle notes of pear, apple and lemon for a lightly honeyed and smooth flavor to be savored. Remember to have fun and celebrate Cinco De Mayo Responsibly with a glass of smooth tequila!

Medea Vodka

New alcohol products are continually coming out trying to push the limits of what can be bottled for people to drink. Medea Vodka is brand new to Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and offers consumers even more entertainment when drinking alcohol. This bottle of vodka has a programmable message board on the outside of the bottle that scrolls any message you wish in a bright blue color that will light up any room. Maybe your needing to buy a gift for that person that has everything, maybe you want this bottle on your bar proclaiming a certain "Do Not Touch" message. No matter what message you want to get across, there are 1,000 ways this bottle can entertain and it will. Not only is the bottle a great idea, the vodka inside the package is great too. Made from grain, this vodka has a smooth, sweet taste that is very rich and smooth. Come in today and see what this new bottle of vodka is all about!

Kru 82 Vodka

Another new vodka on the market? Surprise, surprise right? Seems like everyone is coming out with a vodka these days promising quality, value, and fun times. That is fine but just how unique are all of the vodkas that are showing up on the shelves? There is one brand that has an outstanding vodka among the rest. Kru 82 is the new "in" for vodka lovers across the spectrum of mixing cocktails to drinking straight vodka. First the package demands your attention because it's 100% food grade stainless steel that can be used and reused. Just peel the label off and you have yourself one cool water bottle that you can take anywhere. Ok yes the package is cool and can be reused but lets get down to the product inside. Inside is a high quality wheat vodka from Holland that is distilled in a continuous still, delivering a delicate rounded flavor and body. The nose reveals light powdered sugar and citrus notes. The flavor begins with a custard-like pastry note, melding with citrus and a spice finish so light it cannot be named. Yes, it is good!

Sobieski Vodka

Clear. Spicy aromas of star anise, cream, minerals and powdered sugar follow through to a round, silky entry and a smooth off-dry medium-to-full body with a long, lingering whipped cream, spice, rye dough, and sweet citrus fade with virtually no heat. Great subtle, pure, and spicy rye flavors with a lively texture and superb smoothness. An incredible value in a world of high priced vodkas.

RATING: 95 Points (Exceptional) (Best Buy)

Flor De Cana 18 Year Centenario

Cool Springs Wines and Spirits is proud to say that we are now carrying Flor De Cana 18 year along with there regular Rum as well. How often do you see a really old Rum of this quality and a reasonable price? There aren't that many Rum brands to be found in TN that are this old and this affordable. Flor De Cana is from Nicaragua and is delightfully thick and full bodied. With notes of dry oak, cocoa, spices, and toffee Flor De Cana is exceptionally smooth and would make just about anyone a happy sipper. The finish is long, full, and tingling which leaves a mellow vanilla spice and a nutty char on the palate that leaves you wanting more.

El Dorado Special Reserve 15 year Rum

The El Dorado 15 Year Old Rum is a blend of Demerara rums ranging in age from 15 years to 25 years. Rums are aged in oak casks, and then blended by the master blender to achieve a consistent flavor. El Dorado 15 has received numerous awards over the years, including the highly coveted Wray and Nephew Trophy in 1998, and several gold medals. The color of the 15 year old is clear, dark and inviting. The nose offers almonds, vanilla, cherries, and some citrus along with nice oak. A sweet, sugary entry is followed by flavors of vanilla and cocoa. There's a touch of dried cherries at the mid-palate and finish, with smokey top notes. The finish is smokey and sweet and is nicely balanced. On the tongue the rum is fairly light, but with a good body and texture. The body is slightly oily which lends a nice, velvety feeling to a rich and savory rum.

Don Q Grand Añejo Rum

Deep amber color. Rich aromas of salty butter roasted nuts, toasted coconut, dried orchard fruit, orange marmalade, and mocha follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with rich evolving layer flavors. Finishes with a very long, engaging fade of fruits, wood, spice, tobacco leaf and slate notes. A complex and classy sipping rum.

Death's Door Gin

Sometimes I have a hard time trying to pick what I want to review for the week, there are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. Each time I try to pick something a little different from what the mainstream has to offer so you the consumer can be informed and educated on what is offered here at Cool Springs Wines and Spirits. This week I have decided on Death's Door Gin because the weather this time of year can be perfect for a Gin Martini. Death's Door is located in Madison Wisconsin and takes pride in using all organic ingredients that are produced within the state. From their strong support of local community, to making great spirits, Death's Door is a brand that needs to be recognized and experienced.

Death's Door Gin has a surprisingly simple botanical mix of juniper berries, coriander and fennel. Using juniper berries that grow wild on Washington Island with coriander and fennel sourced from within the state, Death's Door Spirits is able to showcase how complimentary and complex simple expressions can be. Like their vodka, Death's Door Gin employs a 60:40 mix of organic Washington Island wheat and organic malted barley from Chilton, Wisconsin. Death's Door Gin has a full London Dry flavor without all of the bitterness because of their distillation process and the grains used.

Death's Door Gin is bright and distinctive. To be specific the wild juniper is very aromatic and somewhat citrusy, the coriander gives a very spicy dryness and the fennel provides a lot of slightly oily body and a lot of spice aroma. Very spicy, almost minty kind of tingle with the oils of all the spices wafting around in a lovely way. Finish is nicely spare and long. Find this great small batch Gin at Cool Springs Wines and Spirits for $32.99!

Ransom Old Tom Gin

One of the very few "Old Tom" style gins available in the US market, Ransom is sure to become a new favorite to stock in your cabinet. Old Tom recipes are almost unheard of now but Ransom has made the exception to the rule. Using a barley malt base and botanical essences in a corn base, Ransom is distilled in a alembic still - not some factory column still. It is then aged in oak - another unusual point for this gin. The color of this Old Tom could almost be mistaken for a great whiskey because of the oak aging. Ransom has a very soft mouthfeel and great balance of botanicals, oak, and citrus without going off the deep end with Juniper flavors. I typically do not drink gin but this one is so unique and easy drinking that it impressed me from the first sip to the last.

Hendricks Gin

Clear and inviting. Aromas of candied lime peel, lemon curd, dried flowers, and mild juniper follow through on a silky, vibrant entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with great depth and attractive rose water and cucumber nuances. Finishes with a long, fruity,creamy, and lightly peppery, potpourri accented fade. A delicious, sensationally flavorful gin.

Germain-Robin Anno Domini

Last week I reviewed Germain-Robin Select Barrel XO and liked it so much that I am reviewing the XO's big brother this week. Germain-Robin's Anno Domini has received very high praise from everyone like the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and the Spirit Journal which placed it ahead of the $5,000 Courvoisier L'Esprit cognac. The Anno Domini is special because it is a limited annual release coming from just over one barrel of their finest aged brandies. Like I mentioned last week, Germain-Robin uses only the best Pinot Noir and Palomino grapes to make this special creation. Due to the quality of the grapes the finished product is extraordinarily rich in flavor yet it remains subtle and delicate. If you like fine Cognac, Armagnac, or Brandy this is a must have bottle for any collection.

Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac Hors d' Age

Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac Hors d' Age is what I am reviewing this week. At $49.99 this is an elegant and affordable example of what good Armagnac should be. Using quality grapes, 70% Ugni blanc (gives a good foundation), 20% Bacco (gives roundness), 5% Colombard (herbal aromas) and 5% Folle Blanche (floral notes) this combination is certainly balanced. Aged for 12 long years in Gascon oak, this Armagnac is full bodied and rich but still has a maturity that brings out a mellow side. Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac is slowly distilled once whereas cognac is usually distilled twice. For this reason, Armagnac is more complex , heavier in body, and has nice texture. The aromas are floral and intense with a nice oak touch. Flavors include raisins, toffee, oak, and structured tannins that bring along a nice round finish. Rated as one of the Top Ten benchmarks of all Armagnac produced today in April 2007 Wine Enthusiast.