Two of Corsair’s recently crafted experimental whiskeys have recently been highly rated by the Beverage Tasting Institute.  The Triple Smoke Whiskey received gold medal with a score of 93 (exceptional) while the 100% Aged Rye Whiskey awarded a silver medal by scoring 89 (highly recommended).  You can read the BTI’s tasting notes below:

Corsair Single Barrel Triple Smoke American Straight Malt Whiskey $42.95.

Unusual aromas of smoked turkey jerky, toasted date bread, salty roasted nuts and bacon chocolate follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with hints of iodine, smoked peat, and toffee. Finishes with a long, herbal and grassy, almond brittle, smoke, and peppery spice fade. A very unique and fun smoked bourbon that is extremely tasty and reminiscent of a moderately peaty Islay Scotch whisky like Bruicchladdich.

Corsair Experimental Collection 100% Kentucky Rye Whiskey $29.95/375 ml.

Bright amber color. Interesting and bold aromas of nutmeg laced eggnog, roasted pecans, and glazed panettone follow through on a spry entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with zucchini bread, dusty rye grain, herbs, and exotic peppery spice notes. Finishes with a very hot, citrus zest, ginger powder, mineral and pepper fade. Very unique.

Both of these whiskeys are currently in production and will be released later this year along with the Rasputin Hopped Whiskey, which received a platinum rating (best in category) in the recent World Spirits Competition.

After much anticipation, an aged version of the 100% rye mash bill was released.  This spirit spent over 4 months in a 5 gallon charred barrel during which time it picked up deep vanilla and caramel flavors to add to the rich grain notes and dark fruit sweetness that were present in the unaged version (previously released as Wry Moon).  Because of its limited release (only 67 bottles) this spirit is only available at the Corsair Distillery Giftshop.

The second product to be released is a unique Barrel Aged Gin, which has received rave reviews from test groups across the country.  We began with our standard gin and upped the juniper content to add some boldness to the final product.  We then aged it for 6 months in used barrels which previously held our Spiced Rum.  The result is a warming drink ideal for sipping.  The first flavors are peppery and bold that then transition to a refreshing finish with obvious evergreen and citrus notes.  A perfect winter drink.  Corsair Barrel Aged Gin is currently available at the Giftshop and in Washington State.  Further distribution is slated to begin soon.

Apparently our spirits are making an impact. Seattle mixologist and blogger Ted Munat has created some incredible drinks using Corsair spirits. Among his creations are The Hot Cockles, The Dirk Blocker and The Robert Conrad.

Make sure you check out these creations at his blog:

http://lemixeur.blogspot.com/2009/12/bent-wings-and-hot-cockles.html

Corsair Artisan’s first seasonal whiskey release was approved and is set to be released in Mid-October.  Our Pumpkin Spice Moonshine is designed to be the answer to these crisp cool fall days.

This unusual white dog whiskey is inspired by pumpkin ales. We pot distill malted barley and malted wheat to make a sweet malt whiskey. Next we load our pot still’s vapor basket with ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and pumpkin, then redistill the whiskey to infuse and marry all the flavors.

Pumpkin pie in a glass!!

Tasting Notes

Pie spices come forward first followed by the full sweet flavor of the pumpkin and malt whiskey. Great in a Manhattan.

Distillers Push For New Nashville Business – Nashville News Story – WSMV Nashville

Nashville Scene – Bites – Corsair Distillery Aiming at Yazoo Location

If you are in the Nashville area, you will please to know:

Corsair is currently distributed in Tennessee and Kentucky and is available locally at Midtown Wine and Spirits, The Wine Chap, Grace’s Plaza Wine & Spirits, Nashville Wine and Spirits and Grand Cru, as well as at Flyte World Dining & Wine and City House restaurants. The Patterson House restaurant also carries Corsair, and mixologists at the midtown speakeasy are currently creating recipes using pumpkin spice moonshine, which should be available later this month.

One of the first stores to offer these is Nashville Wine and Spirits on Harding Pike.

Picture Credit: Nashville Wine and Spirits