As kids, we have all sung the ice cream song:
I scream,
You scream,
We all scream for ice cream!
The Dalmore Concludes Cask Curation Series with $47k Madeira Cask Edition
READ THE STORY
All would agree that it involves distilling and blending multiple barrels. However, it varies widely in the number of barrels blended and from where each barrel in the aging warehouse is taken. It can range anywhere from 10 barrels to under a hundred chosen to be mixed. Normally the range is between 10 and 50. However, just like enjoying the taste of great whiskey is very personal, developing a small batch is also very personal.
The distinction from a single barrel whiskey is obvious. This type of whiskey is bottled entirely from a single barrel where a small batch whiskey is blended with multiple barrels (carefully chosen) before being bottled. Some examples of small batch whiskeys include: Elijah Craig 12 year, Bulleit Bourbon 10 year, Colonel EH Taylor, Bookers, Basil Hayden’s, Maker’s Mark, Rowan’s Creek and Knob Creek.
Trending Content
The following marketing piece is found on smallbatch.com, doing its best to help us feel special when we buy any of these bourbons from the Beam-Suntory stable. “Small batch bourbon is made for the true connoisseur, every sip a testament to the work and love that has gone into each handcrafted bottle.”
When I read this statement independent of the website with its colors, images and smooth and appealing overall feel, I have to laugh. We all choose our whiskey for a variety of reasons and this marketing line could probably apply to most of our whiskeys. (at least we’d like to think so…) We often choose because of some combination of taste, appearance, aroma, ABV, cost or because of images that have been planted in our minds through effective marketing. In all honesty, I happen to enjoy all of Booker Noe’s “ultra, premium, small batch” pre-Prohibition (current hot button description) style bourbons. I also enjoy many other bourbons and ryes without this labeling.
The old cliche comes to mind. “There’s no such thing as bad whiskey. It’s just that some are better than others”. Small batch whiskeys will be more uniform in taste and color from bottle to bottle while single barrel whiskeys may allow a slightly greater degree of variation. Some whiskey drinkers are willing to pay a premium to get those slight variations while others prefer a smoother flavor with a more consistent experience typical of small batch. Even understanding this difference better and understanding the factors affecting our choices, it still boils down to one question: are you enjoying your whiskey experience?
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Try some new whiskeys outside your normal buying habits. Arrange some blind tastings to better understand your choices. Change your drinking environment around to vary the experience and take some notes and keep a log. You might be surprised by your true whiskey preferences.
