By Matt Palaferri
How many of you have been wine tasting somewhere in California? Probably many of you. I’m in the wine country at least four or five times a year trying new things, talking with winemakers and enjoying the properties, and learning the history of many wineries.
After a day of drinking…I mean, tasting, the one thing I really don’t crave is a glass of wine. Taste buds are shot and every sip of wine tastes like a charcuterie board. The one thing , well the two things, okay, actually three things I really want is a beer, Vodka Martini or an Old Fashioned.
Over the last few years, I have really enjoyed an Old Fashioned, with a big ice cube and relaxing with my wife and friends. It’s perfect for so many reasons. It’s great with food, by itself, at a cocktail party (you look so sophisticated having a brown spirit!) or just putting your feet up enjoying a game. I’ve tried many recently, and, for the value, quality and taste you can’t beat Redemption.
Prior to Prohibition, Rye Whiskey was by far the favorite of Americans. In 1773, the Sons of Liberty dumped a bunch of that British stuff into Boston Harbor and history was changed forever. Rye Whiskey was born in the colonies. Colonists boycotted all things British, including gin, rum, tea and ale. They needed something to call their own, and poof, Rye was being made in back rooms, warehouses and anywhere the Redcoats wouldn’t find it!
Whiskey is about as American as you get and this one, distilled by Master Distiller Alan Kennedy in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky hits every mark. The first sip of Redemption Rye Whiskey is smooth, complex and classic with a rye content of 95 percent, well over the 51 percent required by the category. It’s big, spicy with a scent of toasted oak and hint of mint and maple.
If you’re looking for something to try, and it’s pretty easy to find as most bars will have at least one of the SKUs on the back shelf, give it a go, you won’t be disappointed. Then, when you wake up to go wine tasting again, have a glass of bubbly, get the cobwebs out and enjoy Redemption at the end of your day again.
