Whiskey Wednesday in Green Bay: Part 1 – Eastern Kentucky

Welcome to part one of our Whiskey Wednesday in Green Bay blogs! We will be examining 19 different whiskeys that are available on our Top Shelf Selections Menu!

The Whiskey State. Although none of the 50 states in the union hold this official title, there is one star on the flag that has earned that right. There’s a pretty good chance that if you make Whiskey in the United States, you do so in the state of Kentucky. In fact, of the 19 signature whiskeys on our Top Shelf Selections Menu, over half of them come from the Bluegrass state.

Let’s take a closer look on the selections that hail from Eastern Kentucky.!

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

Out of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Four Roses Small Batch is known for being mellow and perfectly balanced. With a soft and smooth finish, this Bourbon has been recognized all over the world as being best in class. Stateside, Four Roses has earned gold medals at spirits competitions in Denver and San Francisco as recently as earlier this year. Beyond the US, it has also received a pair of World Whisky Awards. A combination of mellow spice, rich fruit, and hints of both caramel and oak will be sure to fit whatever whiskey experience you seek.

Price: $8

Makers Mark Small Batch Bourbon

Pride of Loretto, Kentucky, Makers Mark has not one, but two signature whiskeys on our Top Shelf Selection list. The first is their Small Batch Bourbon, which is made with red winter wheat, as opposed to the usual rye. Unlike other whiskey distributors, Makers Mark ages their bourbon to taste, rather than to age, meaning their bourbons must be taste tested and approved by a panel of experts before they are shipped off to be sold. Furthermore, Makers Mark uses a unique charring and rotating process to maximize consistency and flavor in each bottle.

Price: $12

Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon

Makers Mark Cask Strength shares many similarities to their Small Batch Bourbon. They are made with the same red winter wheat, and undergo the same rigorous process that ensures optimal taste. However, the Cask Strength bourbon is bottled barrel proof and non-chill filtered. In addition, Cask Strength ranges from 108 to 114 proof, as opposed to the 90 proof Small Batch. As a result, the bourbon retains its original flavor but also amps up the notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice.

Price: $11

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon

Also out of Lawrenceburg, Russell’s Reserve prides itself on bringing as much expertise as possible into the distilling process. Their two master distillers bring nearly a century of experience into their bourbon crafting. The result is a bourbon with a rich caramel and vanilla taste that goes down smooth. But you don’t have to take it from Russell’s. The bourbon won a double gold medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving it can compete with bourbons from around the globe.

Price: $8

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Woodford Reserve comes out of Versailles, Kentucky, and it would make sense that its birthplace shares a name with the famous French Palace, because this bourbon has claimed a kingdom’s worth of gold. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon has won gold medals from all of the following competitions: The Class Bartender awards, the Whiskies of the World awards, the San Francisco Spirits Competition, the International Spirits Challenge, and the New York Spirits Awards. Both domestically and globally, this bourbon has been touted for its 200+ detectable notes, which include orange, mint, cocoa, and more, as well as for its silky-smooth finish.

Price: $9

Be on the lookout for Whiskey Wednesday in Green Bay: Part 2 Western Kentucky coming next Wednesday on our blog!