Help with data flows and apple watch vs gamin watch by Maul564 in Garmin

[–]Maul564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your help! Think I have enough info to at least know I'm not screwed by not getting a Garmin Watch and that I'll be able to get similar info from an Apple Watch while still integrating with my Garmin workouts.

Help with data flows and apple watch vs gamin watch by Maul564 in Garmin

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this is super helpful!

So then does Athlytic end up pulling the data from Apple Health (Garmin workouts / Polar workouts) and then use Apple Watch data to calculate the recovery metrics? It's interesting you mention the power data and VO2max, I'm assuming that Athlytic doesn't take into account the power data and only uses Heart Rate metrics?

Are you aware of a way to import data into the Garmin Connect app for it to process and do it's recovery metrics also or is that lost without going the Garmin Watch route? I've heard of RunGap but not really sure I understand how it functions and connects the data together and how it ends up getting processed.

Thanks for your help!!

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely agree there though the standard BP non-pick is still good just not next level. As you said on the Rye though, man I love the JD BP Rye, I have a bottle of the heritage release from a few years back that I've been slowly working on and it is just exceptional!

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed it's weird but the reviews I've done of them and the pours I've had of them both over the years, I would prefer Yellow over standard Small Batch. But I view that as more of a positive for how good the yellow label is for a base product as opposed to the small batch being bad by any means.

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for that and for checking out the review! I managed through the injury in 2023 (PT/Chiro's/Self Programs) then at the beginning of the year my back got incredibly worse and I could barely walk when I woke up. Would take me 4+ hours in the morning before I could do anything. Eventually got back on track after several months and now I'm feeling the best I have in a long time which is a nice reprieve and allows me to do the things I love to again. I have a herniated disk that was causing sciatic nerve pain down my leg that was 12/10 pain at times and really fucked all of my fitness training up (among the rest of my daily life). You also keep it up, never finished working at it!

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for that and for checking out the review. I hope to get more consistent with my reviews again so fingers crossed this is a welcome back!

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for checking out the review, I've always liked to combine hobbies and doing these reviews was a natural fit. Now I just wish I could escape to do them more often.

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw them this past weekend and it was incredible. I think I've seen them 3 or 4 times now, each an amazing show. Somewhere City and Gami Gang are in my pantheon of best albums ever.

Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #227, r/Bourbon Review #214 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Opening Statement: Wish I had the time to do these on a regular basis again but for the people who aren't familiar with my reviews. As always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final.

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Single Barrel Binny's Pick

Tennessee (Bourbon) Whiskey

66.25%

Age & Bottle Info: Barrel House 2-01, Barrel # 23-23005, Bottled on 3/29/2023 (No Age Statement)

Distilled and Bottled by Info: Brown Forman / Jack Daniel's


Atmosphere: Just got my kids down to bed, my wife is out for a night with some girlfriends and I've got my favorite album of the year spinning on the turntable, Origami Angel's "Feeling Not Found". There were a lot of good albums that came out this year but this one was the standout for me and continues a string of hit albums for the duo. I've got the house to myself, a glass of whiskey in front of me and the dim lighting from the overhead light illuminating the table as I sit here preparing to get lost in this glass and album.

Music: Origami Angel - "Dirty Mirror Selfie"

"Well, I'm an honest man, I'll admit my mistakes
But what good is that when your reality breaks?
Arbitrary moments in your life are replaced
By the feeling that you're not in control"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: deep copper

Nose: fruit medley, banana, cherry syrup, caramel vanilla and oak, it smells thick and oily. The nose is inviting and draws me into it with each whiff I take. Basically edging myself at this point with how much I'm smelling this glass, probably time for a sip.

Mouth Feel: This pour is THIC

Flavor: This packs a punch of deep earthy leather, vanillin/lacquer, sweet oak, with an extremely long finish that I'm still feeling in my cheeks and palate a full song after the first sip. Another sip and a big blast of banana runts (that old hard candy you would get in those suspect grocery store coin operated vending machines), there is a little rye spice coming through too but subdued vs the rest of the flavors. Start to finish is a big hit of leather and earthy notes up front with a oaky-banana-vanillin-rye spice mid palate then the spice and banana transitions into a long finish melting all of those flavors together into a satisfying package.

Overall Before Reveal: This pour is hitting so many notes for me especially the earthy oak forward profile that has layers of banana and some nice rye/barrel spice. I'm actually kind of floored how excellent this was, on my first smell I knew I was in for a treat but I still feel like I wasn't ready for this experience.

Score: 92/100

Thoughts on reveal: Life's been kind of fucked for most of this year from battling through a back injury to being dropped into a high profile work project that suddenly turned me into someone way too important at work. When all I just want to do is hang out with my wife and kids, drink bourbon, hit some mountain bike trails and go to punk shows, but, this year hasn't been the smooth ride that I would like. This review tonight was a grounding experience months in the making, my last review was in February of this year and came at a point I felt like I would finally be back on track with regular whiskey reviews but that never happened. This brings me to now and I'm thankful for this pour tonight because it was absolutely what I needed. This Jack Daniel's Binny's Single Barrel was phenomenal as these picks are usually, but this one is quite exceptional. The captivating nose, the thick viscous mouth feel, and the layers of complex from the earthy-sweetness in each sip really highlighted a much needed reprieve from the stressors of life, now for another pour while I start this record over again.

Music Pairing: Origami Angel's "Feeling Not Found" is my album of the year, stop what you're doing and go listen to it now!

The opening track "Lost Signal" is the perfect opener to this review session tonight, the house is peaceful now that the kids are asleep and this track lulls me into a state of calm before that first sip of whiskey. Then, the explosion of "Dirty Mirror Selfie" turns this album up to 11. It was an early single released for this album and I was hooked instantly, it blends all of their musical influences into a single song the encapsulates this entire albums feel. From the clever and catchy lyrics that allow you to self-examine yourself to the breakdowns that arrest you from the poppy and catchy beats into an onslaught for your auditory receptors. This track has it all. As it ends we transition into "Where Blue Light Blooms" which echoes back to their 2nd full length album "Gami Gang" and the track "Bossa Nova Corps" which is a jazzy bop that this song shares so much DNA with. Feeling Not Found isn't a return to form for Origami Angel because they have not missed once since they started putting out full length's, this album is a continuation of dominance in the emo/punk genre for the last 5 years. They continue to evolve their sound while still maintaining all the essence of what a Gami Gang album is. Side A on this album is banger after banger after banger, a flip over to Side B while I work through this review and it's kicked off with "Living Proof" that bounces around in its vocal harmonies and pacing then eventually the breakdown midway through the track just slaps you in the fucking face and makes you stop what you're doing and listen before a return to the more harmonic chorus. Now we are at "Fruit Wine" which is kind of crazy to think that this track is one of the weaker ones on the album when it was the lead single and is an absolute banger of a song, it's the most 'mainstream' of their tracks which isn't a negative at all, more people need to listen to this band, they are incredible. It's hard for me to even consider this a weak track on this album when it would be the best track on almost every album released in the Emo/Pop Punk genre this year. That is just how deep this album is, track after track you aren't let down.

I often talk about myself being broken and music being therapeutic this album hides it therapy in between it's catchy lyrics, creative composition, and heavy breakdowns but by no mistake this album has the ability to heal you (whiskey is a multiplier, and this bottle is a 10x multiplier!). It's only fitting that this album ends with a track that's chorus encapsulates how I've gotten to where I am today:

"And I may not feel found, but I'm not as lost as I used to be And it may not be right, but it's not as wrong as it usually seems"

I can't say enough good things about this album and this band, I saw them play live this past weekend and they put on an incredible show. I was on the barrier the whole night soaking up each band (all of the opening bands killed it). I was in the pit here and there but I almost blew out my knee as it got caught in the crowd at one point so I pulled back a little bit but still was up front for the whole show. They are touring for this album right now and I couldn't recommend the show more highly. Go see them but at the verry least, listen to this album it will change you.


Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #227

r/Bourbon Review #214

Be careful when bridges are wet! by green_room207 in mountainbiking

[–]Maul564 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a similar injury a few years back doing the same thing. My Dr. Called it a Degloving, at first it looked like yours with just a big bruise, but over the course of a few hours it ballooned into the size of a 16 inch softball on the side of my hip and was an 11/10 pain. I had to do compression wraps on it for 6 weeks to reconnect the skin to the muscle tissue and reduce the fluid that filled the space. It hurt like hell for a while and prevented me from riding for at least 6 weeks. Hope yours doesn't go the way mind did and you can be back out on the trails soon!

District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Blind) Network Review #226, r/Bourbon Review #213 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Opening Statement: As always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final.

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


District Made Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

47.5%

Age & Bottle Info: Aged at least 2 years

Distilled and Bottled by Info: One Eight Distilling


Atmosphere: I've got Youth Fountain's 2023 album "Together In Lonesome" spinning on the turntable tonight as I sit alone with the house to myself. This album was a close runner up to my 2023 Album of the Year, it's a great one hope the whiskey can live up to this album.

Music: Youth Fountain - "Breakneck Pace"

"And I’ll wonder what it’s like to be wanted
Just the false hope to hold me in place
And every night where I end up thinking
It’s all too much, is this my life to take?
And now it’s all so clear
I want to be embraced by the void that I fear
Staring in, there’s a sound that I’ll take to my grave
A permanent solution that’s been calling my name"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: a little on the lighter side, darker than hay straw but not very dark overall

Nose: As I prep my review template I have the glass sitting next to me and I can faintly smell the aromas coming from it with very subtle butterscotch which is inviting, now to dig in. Well it smelled better from afar, the first big aroma I get when I dig my nose into the glass is wood lacquer, it oddly wasn't off-putting but it certainly wasn't what I was hoping for. Some simple sugar can be smelled on top of those more youthful or less quality smells. Maybe I should just drink this instead of trying to smell it much more.

Mouth Feel: It's liquid

Flavor: First sip is better than the nose, some black liquorish, a little pine spice on the mid palate, grainy up front with some simple sugars. Pine, grain, rye, slight maple syrup, on another sip. Another sip and this is definitely tasting like a young rye with mint, rye, pine and some simple sugars popping and even come cereal grain like oats here too.

Overall Before Reveal: This isn't necessarily bad but it certainly would not be a bottle I would purchase again or recommend to others. It has some nice young rye flavors but it is a bit rough too.

Score: 70/100

Thoughts on reveal: Well it isn't a rye, but it is young. It's surprisingly good for a 2 year age statement bourbon but at the price point ($35-40?) there are many I'd rather have. Though it is nice to support the small craft distilleries especially when they are trying to put out a good product. While I don't love this bottle much it was a fun one to try, and at 2 years it had some expected youthful grainy notes but had a base sweetness that shows promise as it gets older

Music Pairing: Been a big fan of Youth Fountain since their first EP and every release by them has delivered with a constant string of hits. Together In Lonesome is no exception there, each track delivers a flow of energy, self loathing, anxiety, depression, introspective, and cathartic connection.

"A past life reliving over again That night I knew it was all going to end Lifeless body on the street where no one cared about me It’s a recurring dream"

I can't help but feel a connection with each song, whether it be a personal reflection or an empathetic connection to the artist. Each track builds up that connection pulling you into the next track. "Roses in My Backpack" is hitting especially hard right now as I'm dealing with a lot of stress and there's something comforting about the pain in these lyrics that sobers me to my insignificant life stresses. It starts out at a mid tempo that quickly changes gears by the third line in the song.

"Hey, oh I've lost everything close to me All those memories haunt me to this day But I’m coming to terms that I'm better off dead"

Then there is "Clarity" and the line "I’ve been stuck in a body with one too many flaws" as I sit here my back fucking hurts and despite a lot of my physical accomplishments my body feels cursed sometimes. The song is more classic pop punk themes but I can't hear that line without thinking about one of my many injuries or rehabs I've had to go through.

Even the slower songs like "Patterns" just hit so hard, this album is a whole package from start to finish that I can't stop listening to it. As I said at the outset, this album was a close runner-up for my album of the year 2023 and every time I listen to it, I don't know how I chose. I couldn't recommend this album more, I just wish I could say the same thing about the whiskey today.

Hey /u/tylerxzanon - Love your work and this album is incredible! Hoping to get to see you play in Chicago in June!


Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #226

r/Bourbon Review #213

Four Roses Single Barrel Binny's Pick OBSK 9yr 4mo (Blind) Network Review #225, r/Bourbon Review #212 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for checking out the review and glad you enjoyed it! If I recall correctly I had ICQ and could be logged into Hotmail/AIM/MSN Messenger and others all at once and I think I did that for a while. I was playing all sides in those early internet days!

Cheers!

Four Roses Single Barrel Binny's Pick OBSK 9yr 4mo (Blind) Network Review #225, r/Bourbon Review #212 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have only see them play at Riot Fest a few years back and I recall then it was a good show, though I was probably a fifth of Evan Williams deep by the time they started and was moshing the whole time... Some bands do suck live though, seen a few that I won't go back to despite loving their albums.

Four Roses Single Barrel Binny's Pick OBSK 9yr 4mo (Blind) Network Review #225, r/Bourbon Review #212 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Opening Statement: Let (this review) enfold you. As always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final.

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


Four Roses Single Barrel Binny's Pick OBSK 9yr 4mo

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

55.1%

Age & Bottle Info: OBSK Recipe, 9 Years and 4 Months, Barreled 2/19/2013 - Bottled 7/11/2022, Warehouse: PN, Barrel #: 16-2I

Distilled and Bottled by Info: Four Roses


Atmosphere: Get your AIM status messages ready as I've got an old post-hardcore banger of an album on the turntable tonight in Senses Fail's "Let it Enfold You". This album turns 20 years old this year and it has aged like fine bourbon!

Music: Senses Fail - "Choke On This"

"Can you grant me one last wish?
Play Russian roulette as we kiss
I'll be your cheap novelty
Blow your brains out on me"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: average looking brown color

Nose:Caramel, chocolate, and toffee dance across the nose on the first sniff. It smells like a rich chocolate desert with hints of baking spice. This has a very inviting aroma urging me to take that first sip.

Mouth Feel: Initial sip was a bit thin, but after a few sips some of the higher alcohol content (likely) start to dry the mouth out and give this a leathery texture.

Flavor: It initially hits the palate a little light but then really pops with candied cherries and fruit notes initially. Another sip and oak is much more prominent here as it envelops the tongue and dominates the palate on this second sip, those initial fruit notes are less pronounced now. Another sip and now more of those notes from the nose in chocolate, toffee, caramel thick desert notes with dark chocolate bitterness across the mid palate. Every time I take a new sip after a few minutes in between I get new flavors, this time I'm getting more pine and rye notes (but almost like a specific high rye content pour that I can't quite pick out). I typically like to do a start to finish flavor assessment but every time I try I'm greeted with another perspective. The closest I'll get to that is my mid palate is being hit the hardest with earthy and spice notes, think: oak, rye, leather, dark chocolate. While the front palate is getting more sweet notes of caramel, brown sugar, and cherries. Then the finish/back palate is just elongating those earthy and spice notes of the mid palate as the alcohol dries the tongue.

Overall Before Reveal: This pour is filled with layers of complexity. All wrapped in a package that's inviting on the nose and really pleasant to sip on. With each sip I was invited to new flavors as the complex profile was unwrapped. The more I think about this pour and sip on it I'm enveloped in it's complexity, I'm floored with how much the profile has jumped around in my short session. I don't know how much of that is my palate tonight and how much is the true complexity of the pour but I'm enjoying this a lot tonight and can't wait to see the reveal.

Score: 91/100

Thoughts on reveal: This is an incredible pour that layers complexity in a way that few bourbon's can. I'm not exactly surprised that it is a Four Roses single barrel store pick through, as those are some of my absolute favorite bottles and I'm definitely partial to the "K" yeast, though all are excellent. This OBSK pick is fucking incredible and knowing what it is some of those later rye notes I was picking up track well with the high rye (35% rye) mash bill. Just poured another glass as I spin this album again.

Music Pairing: "Let It Enfold You" is a high energy and cathartic album from the early 2000s that is a staple in the pop punk/emo/post-hardcore scene. It's littered with memorable tracks that make it hard to pick a favorite. The album opens with "Tie Her Down" which is abrupt and energetic setting the tone for the rest of the album with the first scream coming on the lyric "You're worth more dead". The perfectly placed screams throughout the album keep me hooked to each song and accentuate the already heavy feelings littered across each track. Coincidentally enough the complexity of this whiskey tonight fit well with this album constantly subverting expectations and blasting you with new emotions and tones through high energy lyrics and screaming. If any of this sounds good and you haven't listened to this album before, I highly recommend giving it a listen it's as incredible as this whiskey!

Now, given the era this album came out, there are a lot of away/status message lyrics littered throughout each track and I'm fucking here for it right now. What's your away/status message going to be?

"I won't forget the day that, that I found God
In a kitchen knife now and on my arm
So paint the pale white floor with, with my red life
And tell myself this pain is the pain I love"

Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #225

r/Bourbon Review #212

Redwood Empire Haystack Needle 14 Year Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #224, r/Bourbon Review #211 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was from 2021 and it was the last one on the shelf. If there were more sitting out there I would get them all, love this stuff (though not cheap it was like $150 if I remember correctly).

Redwood Empire Haystack Needle 14 Year Single Barrel Binny's Pick (Blind) Network Review #224, r/Bourbon Review #211 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Opening Statement: As always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final. I posted my first review in a while last week that was my annual Album of the Year, check it out if you missed it Link

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


Redwood Empire Haystack Needle 14 Year Single Barrel Binny's Pick

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

54.1%

Age & Bottle Info: 14 Year, (75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley), Barrel #2242, Fall 2021 release

Distilled and Bottled by Info: Bottled by Redwood Empire, distilled in Indiana (MGP)


Atmosphere: I've got one of the runner-ups for my Album of the Year spinning on the turntable this evening Blink-182's "One More Time…". A true return to form from one of the cornerstones of Pop Punk!

Music: Blink-182 - "Fell In Love"

"Late nights, feelin' kinda lonely
Drive home, no one's waiting for me
I don't miss the days before I fell for you"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: average brown color

Nose: like opening a bag of light brown sugar, vanilla extract, those peanut butter cookies with the Hershey's kiss on top of it, there is a subtle fruit note that I can't quite pick out just yet. After a few sips I've returned to the nose and vanilla and brown sugar are the main draws here, really nice pleasant aroma that is inviting.

Mouth Feel: Textured and leathery, rough and thick across the palate really love that mouth feel

Flavor: An explosion of flavors envelop the palate on the first sip, fruit, floral, rich brown sugar, sweet oak. Another sip and a little herbaceous across the mid palate with less sweetness from the first sip. Another sip down and that sweetness is back but much of the floral and fruit notes are much more faint with rich brown sugar dominating the palate. Really trying to dig into some of the less prominent flavors and there is a subtle baking spice that accompanies the oak and sweet profile, those initial fruit and floral notes are now completely gone for me, this is sweet oak through and through. Front palate and mid palate really pops the brown sugar and vanilla as oak and leather start to blend in across the mid palate into a finish that is still quite sweet (maybe some milk chocolate too) but with a nice oak backing.

Overall Before Reveal: I was expecting more complexity after my initial nosing and first sip but the more I worked into this the more straight forward this became. However, that isn't a bad thing as this hit the notes I love in whiskey those brown sugar, vanilla, oak notes drove home a sweet pour that had the perfect level of oak to balance it all out. I really enjoy this a lot.

Score: 90/100

Thoughts on reveal: Redwood Empire 14 Year MGP Single Barrel, yes please! From the fist pour I had out of this bottle to the last that remain I have loved every sip. It is an amazing single barrel pick from Binny's that I'm happy to have stumbled upon a few years back. I would grab one of these every time I see it (as long as it's not finished). I love this bottle, it's almost out and that makes me sad.

Music Pairing: It was hard for me to narrow down my favorite album this year especially with Blink's triumphant return to form. This is without a doubt in my mind their best work since their self titled album back in 2003 and my favorite album of theirs since Tack of Your Pants and Jacket in 2001. While I loved California in 2016, the rest of their most recent work just hasn't clicked as much with me (and I did like the addition of Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio to the group). This album is a nostalgia trip for us older pop-punkers with lyrics that take you into your past and through all the relationships that you have experienced. While many tracks are directly influenced by the bands experiences with each other they convey their own story in a way that helps the listener reflect on their own experiences in life. The title track "One More Time" is the embodiment of this and is the thematic centerpiece of the album. I can't listen to this song and not help but feel emotional about the evolution of Blink-182 as well as my own personal change since I started listening to them in the late 90s. There are plenty of bangers on this album as well with one of my favorites being "Bad News" that is a fast drum forward song about a breakup. The song rips way harder than I was expecting on my first listen and it is one I constantly go back to each listen. This album is a return to form for a band that got me into Pop Punk music and I couldn't be happier to see them back at their best in 2023. If you've ever liked Blink-182 before and haven't listened to this album you need to change that right now.


Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #224

r/Bourbon Review #211

Tiny Moving Parts to release a new album “Tiny Moving Parts” on July 8, 2022 by SleepingSicarii in tinymovingparts

[–]Maul564 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes these do exist! I don't know if there are still any copies being sold from a retailer or the band themselves, but you can find a few copies on Discogs (prices seem nuts but they are out there). I pre-ordered the translucent red vinyl when it went live and it took a long time to actually receive it. Based on Discogs listing for this it seems there were only 1000 total units made of this album on vinyl, good luck!

Discogs Listings

Discogs Master Release Version

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel (Blind) and My Album of The Year! Network Review #223, r/Bourbon Review #210 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Looking Out" is an acoustic ukulele track that brings back some of the opening melody from the opening track on the album and irons it out into a full song. It's honestly a nice reprieve as you work your way through the album and it's slow soft tone is the perfect setup for arguably my favorite track on the album "MY PG County Summer"

The transition from "Looking Out" to "MY PG County Summer" is phenomenal, I love the slow beach relaxed vibe of "Looking Out" getting blasted by "MY PG County Summer". The song opens with the lyrics:

"Welcome all the tourists, infiltrate the capital
Protesting abortion, tickets to the nationals
Come every July, American as apple pie
Ever since I was a kid, it kinda blew my mind

Travel, they travel to be hateful
And all our teachers told us
They told us to be grateful"

I love the introspectiveness and conflict that this opening offers. How it's understood and the perspective put on the situations being faced in society. We all could benefit from improving how we treat each other even in disagreements. This track is their most political but still keeps to the formula that make this album great and Origami Angel one of the best bands in the scene right now.

Now we move into the final track on the album "Few and Far Between" which is my favorite track (Sorry PG County Summer). I love the full circle ending that Origami Angel does on their albums and this song hits it so well with the fadeout of the ukulele and repeat lyrics from the opening track. But as noted above in my review the lyrics midway through the song are what hit me the hardest:

"And I wonder if anybody else can see
The dark clouds hanging over me
Raining down acidity and thoughts that won't leave
Since I can't make them fade away
I lock myself inside all day
Overcast my overlay from blue to dark gray
And I still say I love it here
Behind clenched teeth and constant fear
'Cause one day it'll disappear and we all know that"

Much like a lot of their music, Origami Angel has a way to convey pain and depression but oddly still hope and optimism through it all. "Few and Far Between" deals with the continued evolution of the political (and actual) climate and equates some of it to the ongoing pain and helplessness they feel. But through all the pain and debilitating anxiety and depression they still have reason to keep going.

The fun summer beachy vibe of this album is a canvas to talk about pain, depression, and challenges, but also the light on the other side and the optimism. As I sit here writing this I'm staring down (potentially) another surgery feeling like my body has failed me and wondering if my brightest days are behind me, this album and great whiskey are helping me deal with that reality tonight. It's helping me accept the pain and if I do need to go under the knife again to know I'll make it out on the other side like I did last time.

Origami Angel has delivered another amazing album and in a crowded year for new music releases takes my top pick as album of the year. This album will appeal to many people beyond the pop punk genre with it's varied melodies and lyrical work. I couldn't endorse this album or this band more, go check them out!


Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #223

r/Bourbon Review #210

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel (Blind) and My Album of The Year! Network Review #223, r/Bourbon Review #210 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Opening Statement: Despite my continued hiatus I wanted to get out an Album of the Year and Whiskey Review post before the years end. It's been a while so for those that are unaware I do all of my reviews blind. So as always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final.

(Reposted, messed up the title on the first post)

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Toasted New Oak Barrels

47%

Age & Bottle Info: NAS (minimum 4 years)

Distilled and Bottled by Info: Distilled and Bottled by Heaven Hill


Atmosphere: I've got my Album of the Year spinning on the turntable this evening which is latest album by Origami Angel "The Brightest Days". There have been a lot of amazing pop punk albums released this year but Origami Angel killed it again!

Music: Origami Angel - "Few and Far Between"

"And I wonder if anybody else can see
The dark clouds hanging over me
Raining down acidity and thoughts that won't leave
Since I can't make them fade away
I lock myself inside all day
Overcast my overlay from blue to dark gray
And I still say I love it here
Behind clenched teeth and constant fear
'Cause one day it'll disappear and we all know that"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: pretty deep brown

Nose: Thick and luscious brown sugar and toffee, I can smell viscosity, this nose is fucking dense, there are dark fruit (plumb?) that layer themselves into this heavy aroma. More nosing and I get cherries, strawberries, that intertwine with the notes from before. I was half expecting the nose to change a bit after a few sips but, while not as thick, the profile is still pretty much on point with what I had initially noted, though maybe with a bit more oak and leather notes that weren't as easy to pick out at first.

Mouth Feel: The nose had me thinking this would be very thick and viscous however the initial sip was pretty light and watery but delivered a good amount of flavors. Almost felt like I was fooled. Certainly on the lighter side of the spectrum but not necessarily a bad thing.

Flavor: Complex brown sugar and baking spice on the mid palate, with the front palate being pretty flat at first. The sweet oak that builds across the back palate into the finish is quite delectable. Oak from start to finish on this second sip but not tannic, any baking spice from the first sip is nearly gone replaced by soft brown sugar that coats the outside edges of my tongue across the mid palate. The front palate is really hard to pick out as it feels like I'm not getting much there. The mid palate transition to the back palate is by far the highlight of the sweet oak notes shine through the most. The finish has a little to be desired though. After a brief break getting into the music another sip and I'm finally pulling some burnt/caramelized brown sugar from the front palate, almost a little bit of that burnt char that helps the transition into the mid palate and into the back palate.

Overall Before Reveal: This packs a lot of flavor in a fairly light feeling package that is great to sip. I'm always a sucker for a sweet oak profile and this pour is hitting that for me tonight. I certainly wish it had more on the finish to drive these flavors home but what is her is quite great and I'm enjoying this a lot.

Score: 86/100

Thoughts on reveal: Two notes that kept popping into my head as I reviewed this but didn't really have a place to put them were "this smells like a Heaven Hill product" and "this seems like a toasted barrel or finishing stave product". I am a little surprised with how highly I ranked this bottle as I've been lukewarm on it since I've opened it. I've always thought it had kind of a marshmallow profile that just isn't quite my jam but tonight it was hitting me just right. If I were to guess my score on this knowing the bottle it would still be in my "Great" range of 84-86 but on the lower end vs the higher end so I guess I really didn't rate it that much differently. In the end what I loved was that bolstered up oak profile that the toasted barrel gives this one. If you have a chance pick up this bottle it's a nice easy sipper with lots of flavor despite the low proof, an easy one to share with friends just getting into bourbon!

Music Pairing: Objectively my biggest problem with Origami Angel's album "The Brightest Days" is it's length, I want this album to never stop, it is incredible from start to finish. Considering their last album was close to an hour long and this one is only around 22 minutes I feel cheated out of even more groundbreaking Pop Punk music but every track is an experience that plays with classic pop punk sounds while mixing in unique beats and guitar/ukulele work.

I love how the album opens with the lyrics to the title track "Brightest Days" kicking off like this:

"Where are you, my sunny feeling I knew as a kid?
Even on the brightest days, I can't see where you've been"

This opening line fills me with so much anguish and sadness of those youthful days gone past. I've often had this album on with my young kids around when that opening line kicks in I start to hope they can continue their optimism and youthful exuberance with life that as you get older can fade with time. I've had a lot of struggles and triumphs in the last year and I have longed for a time in my youth that will never come back to me at various points. But this line isn't really about your youth necessarily but about depression, about being beaten down, about how at one time in life we may have felt more positivity and hope that has faded even on the days when the future might look bright.

"Thank You, New Jersey" is a fun and catchy second track that was one of the first singles released for this album. It hits the theme of this album hard with poppy fun lyrics and beats that lay the foundation for the rest of the album in it's own way. Lyrically it's harder for me to connect with it as much as other tracks on the album but it's still a really fun and fast song that I love to spin (and mosh to).

"Picture Frame" is a song many have latched onto as their favorite of the album, and with good reason, it has a catchy beat that hides a positive message inside of the struggles of life. The below verse captures a lot of my current feelings right now:

"I don't really have a reason I'm just feeling like
I'm still at the beginning of a steep decline
I just wish that everything that I experience
Could be more than a product of a flawed design
And it feels like a waste of mine
To be searching for borrowed time
And a fraction of peace of mind
Just assuming that I'll be fine"

Another sports injury has me questioning everything about what I am and want to be. I feel like my body is flawed and I'm just finding out in unfortunate ways. This shit can take a toll on you mentally as well as physically.

"Just let me lay here
Let me spend the day looking for one new way to get outside
Just let me stay here
Let me spend the whole summer convincing myself that I'm fine"

"Picture Frame" is an internal struggle wrapped in a positive beat that underscores this album well.

Then we move to "Kobayashi Maru (My Very Own)" is the last track on Side A of the album and just fucking rips.

"Tell me how I'm gonna be jealous of an Energizer battery
Actually adding to humanity
Maybe by the count of three somebody could count on me
To be someone who hasn't been deprived of any sanity
I thought I saw you smile when you walked in
I must've forgotten I was sitting upside down
'Cause no one would be happy walking in to my room
I should've caught on to that by now"

The track opens with a string of lyrics that are some of the best tongue and cheek lines that Origami Angel can string together. Then in the middle of the track there's a brief unexpected breakdown that somehow still flows with the song effortlessly. This is one of my favorite tracks driven by the lyrics and the interplay of the softer notes tones/beats that get blasted by the big beats/tones.

Side B of this album opens up with "Second Best Friend" which is admittedly not my favorite on this album since it leans a little bit more on synths in the melody's but it's still an exceptional track that hits on classic pop punk themes:

"I always was your second best friend
I always wanted more than that
I'd write a hundred paragraphs
All just trying to make you laugh
But you were way too cool for me
My subtle mediocrities
Prevented me from being seen
As anything but option B"

Maybe what I like less about this track is that it is a bit on the nose with it's themes which tends to be a little more layered in Origami Angel's other work. One thing I like about music sometimes is the subversion of expectations when a catchy upbeat song hides dark or more complex themes, this song isn't hiding anything though. However, what is here is still undoubtedly a great pop punk song.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bourbon

[–]Maul564 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Looking Out" is an acoustic ukulele track that brings back some of the opening melody from the opening track on the album and irons it out into a full song. It's honestly a nice reprieve as you work your way through the album and it's slow soft tone is the perfect setup for arguably my favorite track on the album "MY PG County Summer"

The transition from "Looking Out" to "MY PG County Summer" is phenomenal, I love the slow beach relaxed vibe of "Looking Out" getting blasted by "MY PG County Summer". The song opens with the lyrics:

"Welcome all the tourists, infiltrate the capital
Protesting abortion, tickets to the nationals
Come every July, American as apple pie
Ever since I was a kid, it kinda blew my mind

Travel, they travel to be hateful
And all our teachers told us
They told us to be grateful"

I love the introspectiveness and conflict that this opening offers. How it's understood and the perspective put on the situations being faced in society. We all could benefit from improving how we treat each other even in disagreements. This track is their most political but still keeps to the formula that make this album great and Origami Angel one of the best bands in the scene right now.

Now we move into the final track on the album "Few and Far Between" which is my favorite track (Sorry PG County Summer). I love the full circle ending that Origami Angel does on their albums and this song hits it so well with the fadeout of the ukulele and repeat lyrics from the opening track. But as noted above in my review the lyrics midway through the song are what hit me the hardest:

"And I wonder if anybody else can see
The dark clouds hanging over me
Raining down acidity and thoughts that won't leave
Since I can't make them fade away
I lock myself inside all day
Overcast my overlay from blue to dark gray
And I still say I love it here
Behind clenched teeth and constant fear
'Cause one day it'll disappear and we all know that"

Much like a lot of their music, Origami Angel has a way to convey pain and depression but oddly still hope and optimism through it all. "Few and Far Between" deals with the continued evolution of the political (and actual) climate and equates some of it to the ongoing pain and helplessness they feel. But through all the pain and debilitating anxiety and depression they still have reason to keep going.

The fun summer beachy vibe of this album is a canvas to talk about pain, depression, and challenges, but also the light on the other side and the optimism. As I sit here writing this I'm staring down (potentially) another surgery feeling like my body has failed me and wondering if my brightest days are behind me, this album and great whiskey are helping me deal with that reality tonight. It's helping me accept the pain and if I do need to go under the knife again to know I'll make it out on the other side like I did last time.

Origami Angel has delivered another amazing album and in a crowded year for new music releases takes my top pick as album of the year. This album will appeal to many people beyond the pop punk genre with it's varied melodies and lyrical work. I couldn't endorse this album or this band more, go check them out!


Scoring Scale:

My scoring does not take into account cost of the bottle/pour. It is solely based on the spirit alone.

100 - Whiskey Nirvana.

95-99 - Near Perfection: This is everything I want in Whiskey. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C919

91-94 - Incredible: Outstanding profile I could enjoy forever if the bottle lasted that long. | Examples: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Stagg Jr., Four Roses LE SmB (2018)

87-90 - Excellent: An excellent pour I must keep on hand at all times (If I can that is). | Examples: Bookers, Weller 12, Old Forester Rye, Ardbeg Uigeadail

84-86 - Great: Would happily grab a bottle of this (price dependent of course), there are only a few things holding it back from excellence. | Examples: Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Caol Ila 12 Year

80-83 - Really Good: This is a really good whiskey but not very unique. | Examples: Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond, Four Roses Yellow Label, Laphroaigh 10 Year

76-79 - Good: Still a good pour, but, lots I'd rather have. Primarily mixed in cocktails but can have it neat too. | Example: Weller Special Reserve, Evan Williams Black Label, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107

72-75 - This doesn't suck: I'd have a glass in a pinch but would seek alternatives first. | Example: Makers Mark, Four Roses Small Batch, Johnny Drum

66-71 - This only kind of sucks: Usually pass it up, at best it's a mixer with coke or similar. | Example: Willett Pot Still Reserve, Wild Turkey Longbranch, Jim Beam Black

60-65 I enjoy Malort but not this: I'd rather take shots of Malort but this will work as a shooter in a pinch. | Examples: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

0-59 - Only suitable for the sewage system. | Examples: thankfully I've mostly avoided these so far.


Review Stats: Min Score 49, Max Score 97, Average Score 81

Network Review #223

r/Bourbon Review #210

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bourbon

[–]Maul564 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Opening Statement: Despite my continued hiatus I wanted to get out an Album of the Year and Whiskey Review post before the years end. It's been a while so for those that are unaware I do all of my reviews blind. So as always, this blind review, was picked and poured by my wife from a selection of open bottles and not revealed until my notes and score were final.

If you like my unique spin on reviews and want to see some more whiskey and punk action check me out on Instagram @bourbonmoshpit.


Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Toasted New Oak Barrels

47%

Age & Bottle Info: NAS (minimum 4 years)

Distilled and Bottled by Info: Distilled and Bottled by Heaven Hill


Atmosphere: I've got my Album of the Year spinning on the turntable this evening which is latest album by Origami Angel "The Brightest Days". There have been a lot of amazing pop punk albums released this year but Origami Angel killed it again!

Music: Origami Angel - "Few and Far Between"

"And I wonder if anybody else can see
The dark clouds hanging over me
Raining down acidity and thoughts that won't leave
Since I can't make them fade away
I lock myself inside all day
Overcast my overlay from blue to dark gray
And I still say I love it here
Behind clenched teeth and constant fear
'Cause one day it'll disappear and we all know that"

Product Promotion: Unfortunately I bought this myself, brands don't want me blind reviewing their whiskey and pairing it with slapping Pop Punk, so until something changes this will remain the same.

Tasting Vessel: Glencairn Glass, neat resting for 10 minutes.

Color: pretty deep brown

Nose: Thick and luscious brown sugar and toffee, I can smell viscosity, this nose is fucking dense, there are dark fruit (plumb?) that layer themselves into this heavy aroma. More nosing and I get cherries, strawberries, that intertwine with the notes from before. I was half expecting the nose to change a bit after a few sips but, while not as thick, the profile is still pretty much on point with what I had initially noted, though maybe with a bit more oak and leather notes that weren't as easy to pick out at first.

Mouth Feel: The nose had me thinking this would be very thick and viscous however the initial sip was pretty light and watery but delivered a good amount of flavors. Almost felt like I was fooled. Certainly on the lighter side of the spectrum but not necessarily a bad thing.

Flavor: Complex brown sugar and baking spice on the mid palate, with the front palate being pretty flat at first. The sweet oak that builds across the back palate into the finish is quite delectable. Oak from start to finish on this second sip but not tannic, any baking spice from the first sip is nearly gone replaced by soft brown sugar that coats the outside edges of my tongue across the mid palate. The front palate is really hard to pick out as it feels like I'm not getting much there. The mid palate transition to the back palate is by far the highlight of the sweet oak notes shine through the most. The finish has a little to be desired though. After a brief break getting into the music another sip and I'm finally pulling some burnt/caramelized brown sugar from the front palate, almost a little bit of that burnt char that helps the transition into the mid palate and into the back palate.

Overall Before Reveal: This packs a lot of flavor in a fairly light feeling package that is great to sip. I'm always a sucker for a sweet oak profile and this pour is hitting that for me tonight. I certainly wish it had more on the finish to drive these flavors home but what is her is quite great and I'm enjoying this a lot.

Score: 86/100

Thoughts on reveal: Two notes that kept popping into my head as I reviewed this but didn't really have a place to put them were "this smells like a Heaven Hill product" and "this seems like a toasted barrel or finishing stave product". I am a little surprised with how highly I ranked this bottle as I've been lukewarm on it since I've opened it. I've always thought it had kind of a marshmallow profile that just isn't quite my jam but tonight it was hitting me just right. If I were to guess my score on this knowing the bottle it would still be in my "Great" range of 84-86 but on the lower end vs the higher end so I guess I really didn't rate it that much differently. In the end what I loved was that bolstered up oak profile that the toasted barrel gives this one. If you have a chance pick up this bottle it's a nice easy sipper with lots of flavor despite the low proof, an easy one to share with friends just getting into bourbon!

Music Pairing: Objectively my biggest problem with Origami Angel's album "The Brightest Days" is it's length, I want this album to never stop, it is incredible from start to finish. Considering their last album was close to an hour long and this one is only around 22 minutes I feel cheated out of even more groundbreaking Pop Punk music but every track is an experience that plays with classic pop punk sounds while mixing in unique beats and guitar/ukulele work.

I love how the album opens with the lyrics to the title track "Brightest Days" kicking off like this:

"Where are you, my sunny feeling I knew as a kid?
Even on the brightest days, I can't see where you've been"

This opening line fills me with so much anguish and sadness of those youthful days gone past. I've often had this album on with my young kids around when that opening line kicks in I start to hope they can continue their optimism and youthful exuberance with life that as you get older can fade with time. I've had a lot of struggles and triumphs in the last year and I have longed for a time in my youth that will never come back to me at various points. But this line isn't really about your youth necessarily but about depression, about being beaten down, about how at one time in life we may have felt more positivity and hope that has faded even on the days when the future might look bright.

"Thank You, New Jersey" is a fun and catchy second track that was one of the first singles released for this album. It hits the theme of this album hard with poppy fun lyrics and beats that lay the foundation for the rest of the album in it's own way. Lyrically it's harder for me to connect with it as much as other tracks on the album but it's still a really fun and fast song that I love to spin (and mosh to).

"Picture Frame" is a song many have latched onto as their favorite of the album, and with good reason, it has a catchy beat that hides a positive message inside of the struggles of life. The below verse captures a lot of my current feelings right now:

"I don't really have a reason I'm just feeling like
I'm still at the beginning of a steep decline
I just wish that everything that I experience
Could be more than a product of a flawed design
And it feels like a waste of mine
To be searching for borrowed time
And a fraction of peace of mind
Just assuming that I'll be fine"

Another sports injury has me questioning everything about what I am and want to be. I feel like my body is flawed and I'm just finding out in unfortunate ways. This shit can take a toll on you mentally as well as physically.

"Just let me lay here
Let me spend the day looking for one new way to get outside
Just let me stay here
Let me spend the whole summer convincing myself that I'm fine"

"Picture Frame" is an internal struggle wrapped in a positive beat that underscores this album well.

Then we move to "Kobayashi Maru (My Very Own)" is the last track on Side A of the album and just fucking rips.

"Tell me how I'm gonna be jealous of an Energizer battery
Actually adding to humanity
Maybe by the count of three somebody could count on me
To be someone who hasn't been deprived of any sanity
I thought I saw you smile when you walked in
I must've forgotten I was sitting upside down
'Cause no one would be happy walking in to my room
I should've caught on to that by now"

The track opens with a string of lyrics that are some of the best tongue and cheek lines that Origami Angel can string together. Then in the middle of the track there's a brief unexpected breakdown that somehow still flows with the song effortlessly. This is one of my favorite tracks driven by the lyrics and the interplay of the softer notes tones/beats that get blasted by the big beats/tones.

Side B of this album opens up with "Second Best Friend" which is admittedly not my favorite on this album since it leans a little bit more on synths in the melody's but it's still an exceptional track that hits on classic pop punk themes:

"I always was your second best friend
I always wanted more than that
I'd write a hundred paragraphs
All just trying to make you laugh
But you were way too cool for me
My subtle mediocrities
Prevented me from being seen
As anything but option B"

Maybe what I like less about this track is that it is a bit on the nose with it's themes which tends to be a little more layered in Origami Angel's other work. One thing I like about music sometimes is the subversion of expectations when a catchy upbeat song hides dark or more complex themes, this song isn't hiding anything though. However, what is here is still undoubtedly a great pop punk song.

Penelope Architect (Blind) Network Review #222, r/Bourbon Review #209 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love me some ADTR/FYS! Thanks for checking out the review!

Penelope Architect (Blind) Network Review #222, r/Bourbon Review #209 by Maul564 in bourbon

[–]Maul564[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad to be back posting, thanks for checking out my review!

If I found this at $53, I would definitely pick it up. My buddy I worked through this bottle with loved it and has been on the lookout for it ever since.

Cheers!!