BEHIND THE BOTTLE

Full transparency. This was not a pick. So here’s a fun story on how this was sent to us instead.

The story starts with Ylli and Long asking about a $1.7m cask from Midleton. That time last year in Vegas, Long had to go change his pants because he never knew Irish could taste so good. It was at this dinner where hands are shaken, babies are kissed and goliaths in the industry talk. The event is called the Legends Supper at the Nth show in Vegas. 2023 was a fun one. They tried some outrageously wild whiskies, slapped asses (respectfully) and took shots of tequila….for the first time in decades. Man, the stories they left with. This is all beside the point- back to the pick.

Ylli and Long were introducing themselves around the table they were seated at, until a certain Robin C. made a comment 'OH! You’re the fella from Alaska with the phenomenal bar!’. He’s a celeb, we get it. Needless to say, they all started talking about whisky and of course the M8.1 2021 earthquake was brought up. If you want to see a grown man cry, bring that up to Ylli. After talking a bit more shop and learning who Robin was in the industry…Long made a comment ‘oh man, we haven’t seen many Russell’s barrel in AK in some time', of course referencing the classic first Russell’s pick Ylli made in 2020, License to Ylli. Robin looked disgusted when told there was none offered to the top whisky bar in AK. One call and one morning later, he wasn’t playing. It took a while to get here, but she’s here…and she’s proper. Elevated. Turkey.

Fun fact: When Long was getting into American whiskies. During a blind of 6 quintessential bourbons- WT101 took the cake.  

Tasting Notes Contributors: AWGF, The Don, The King, The Muscle

AVAILABILITY: SOLD OUT