Wow! What a crazy few weeks it has been for Blue Collar and Scholar! There are a lot of very exciting plans in the works and we can’t wait to tell you all about them!
I had the pleasure of visiting @devinevineyards yesterday and meeting all the beautiful people behind these top shelf spirits! Tonight, I’m doing tasting notes and reviewing their Ancient Grains Quarter Cask Alternative Whisky.
Here in Canada, distillers are not bound by as many rules when it comes to whisky production. Although not considered “traditional”, this opens the door to many opportunities for creative grain selection and flavour profiles. Ancient Grains is a prime example of what can be achieved when the reins are loosened. BC Barley, Spelt, Emmer, Khorosan and Einkorn are considered the ancestors of modern grains and are all combined in this distillation and then aged in new American oak quarter casks.
Bottled at 45% ABV
Colour- Dark Amber
Nose- Intense waves of candied fruit, cloves and Christmas spices. An old whisky writer’s desk with years of citrus furniture polish. A bottle of old fashioned orange soda.
Palate- More candied orange peel, dark chocolate and espresso mousse with sea salt and caramel drizzle.
Finish- Dried oranges and cloves on a charred cedar plank. Long, warm and peppery.
I would pair this cozy dram with dark chocolate dipped candied orange peel and a slice of Mom’s famous Brandy-soaked fruitcake.
Rating- 8.7 out of 10
On their website it says that they like to think of themselves as the Willy Wonka of Spirits… Well in my opinion this one deserves a golden ticket for sure!
Blue Collar