Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a few celebrity whiskies. Sometimes Y by rapper Yelawolf to Mulholland American Whiskey by actors Matthew Alper and Walton Goggins. Sweetens Cove adds Superbowl MVP and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to the list. Apparently, whiskey is where this Ven diagram of professions intersects.
Sweetens Cove is a 9-hole golf course sometimes referred to as golf’s “Field of Dreams.” The golf course doesn’t have a clubhouse, it doesn’t have plumbing, but it has tradition; at the first tee, golfers take a shot of whiskey. So, the story goes, this is how Mr. Manning decided to start a whiskey label. I aspire to have the disposable income to just start a whiskey brand while golfing, or at all. Mr. Manning, along with tennis phenom Andy Roddick, now own the golf course and are invested in the whiskey company.
Manning has called himself a “hustler” in the world of liquor sales. According to one interview he has even resorted to cold calling liquor stores in Indianapolis. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Manning won his first Super Bowl as the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. He has deep roots in Indianapolis and for many businesses a cold call from the hall of fame quarterback might be the highlight of the year.
Having laid this all out, the substance of this whiskey is what I want to focus on. If I told you the whiskey was blended by Marianne Eaves would that mean anything to you? She made the Forbes 30 under 30 Food & Drink and also she is part of the Wine Enthusiast Magazines Top 40 under 40 Tastemakers. She became the first woman to ever earn the title Master Distiller; she did so while working for Castle & Key in Kentucky. Ms. Eaves knows what she’s doing and people who follow her work know she’s well on her way to becoming whiskey royalty.
Sweetens Cove should just be another celebrity liquor. Personally, the idea of 5 time NFL MVP Peyton Manning dialing liquor stores in Indianapolis is funny. However, I imagine the conversation drastically shifts when Ms. Eaves’ name is used in connection with the whiskey. She is the master blender and visionary behind this whiskey.
Sweetens Cove 22 is their first true specialty release. It is a blend, with different bourbon ages ranging from 5 to 10-years-old, that is finished in Speyside Scotch casks for an undisclosed period of time.
Tasting Notes: Sweetens Cove 22 Tennessee Bourbon
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Vital Stats: Tennessee Bourbon (blend of 10, 8, 6, 5 year old) finished in Speyside Scotch cask. 116 proof 57% abv. MSRP $199.99.
Appearance: Dark copper with medium legs.
Nose: Greeted by warm leather, orange and oak. We transition smoothly into a little clove and backing spice. There is something a bready here but I can’t quite put my finger on it. It is inviting and pleasant overall.
Taste: Upfront and intense with a solid burn of alcohol. It takes a moment to calm the senses and you just need to let the punch happen. On a second sip I find almond butter and pecans, toast, and oak char. As the initial taste dissipates, I find brown sugar. The finish is dry, extremely dry. It clings to every corner of the mouth and is a little unrelenting. It doesn’t burn at the back end and has taste of wood & warn leather, a hint of vanilla, and tart fruit. Even after a healthy sip of water the finish is faintly present.
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