If
you're still investing in just stocks and bonds,
you might want to look into a market that's simply exploding:
the aged spirits market. With the explosion of demand in the
Asian market for very old whiskey, scotch, and wine and just
about anything else that's been sitting around in barrels
for decades, the prices are skyrocketing while supplies are
shrinking. It is not unheard of for a bottle that was selling
for $100.00 just a few years ago to be going for over $1,000.00
today. That's a really, really good return on investment but
only if you are strong enough to keep from drinking your profits.
And
speaking of that shrinking supply of really old spirits, have
you noticed that age statements on bottles of just about everything
are disappearing. It's not that the distillers are trying
to play fast and footloose with their supplies; they are trying
to provide consumers with the same taste profiles they are
used to while using different combinations of younger spirits.
A case in point is this bottle of Knob Creek Rye that proudly
states on its label "patiently aged". Now, Knob
Creek is known for ageing its spirits for around nine years,
so why don't they state something of the kind on this bottle?
Their other Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon states on the
bottle "patiently crafted."
Don't
get me wrong. Knob Creek has a sterling reputation for producing
fine spirits in small batches, and they have won all sorts
of awards and accolades, and I'm sure they are increasing
production, and this is just a symptom of a rapidly growing
marketplace of consumers who want the absolute best and are
willing to pay for it. On the other hand, their other two
spirits both state "aged 9 years".
I'm
growing old just talking about all this, so let's get down
to tasting this "patiently aged" Rye Whiskey. It
comes in a 750ML hip type flask that I sincerely doubt will
fit anybody's hip pocket unless your 10 feet tall and have
seriously deep hip pockets. You will also have to exercise
some "patience" getting through all that black wax
that covers the entire neck of the bottle. The color is a
dark amber and the nose is a wonderful mélange of rye,
oak, caramel and vanilla - yum. Surprisingly enough, the alcohol
vapors are really at a minimum and quite laid back for a 100
proof spirit. On the palate, it is actually very docile and
features the rye and oak up front followed by a hint of spice
and berries. The finish is as dramatic as a Fourth of July
fireworks display.
The
oak and spiciness take center stage, immediately followed
by pepper that leaves a spicy throat for a good long time.
This is an excellent rye, and I actually don't give a damn
how long it sat in a barrel; it's just that good.
Knob
Creek Rye can be found for around $39.99 per 750ML
bottle and is 100 proof.
By George Brozowski
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more Rants & Raves click
here.
http://www.knobcreek.com/