Spirits

Sky Hi is very proud of our spirit selection. Each one is handpicked for the restaurant. Please enjoy our selections and enjoy life. Here’s to good health! Cheers!! Jim…

The Spirits

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

• Glenmorangie… Private Edition. The second in Glenmorangie’s series of Private Editions (the first being the hugely popular Sonnalta), Finealta has sparked interest in that some lightly peated barley has been used in its creation – supposedly inspired by an (ahem) recently-discovered 1903 order for Glenmorangie from the Savoy hotel. The name is Gaelic for ‘Elegance’, it says here, and Finealta has been matured in ex-sherry and plain new American oak casks. This is also a limited edition. Once this bottle is gone, it won’t be replaced!

• Glenfiddich- 18 Years Old… The color of this Glenfiddich 18 years old is a light golden yellow and the nose is fresh, vibrant and promising. There is obvious vanilla, oak and malted barley to begin with and these are complimented by other aromas – fresh green fruit (think of pears and apples), dried fruit (imagine sultanas), citrus peel (especially oranges), dried grasses (or hay) and a whiff of ashy smoke. On the palate, this whisky feels soft and velvety and has a clear sherry cask influence. There are elements of sultana, raisin, candied orange peel and wood spice (think of cinnamon and nutmeg). Other characteristics present include cereal grains, nuts (imagine a creamy nut like almonds and hazelnuts), vanilla and plenty of honey. The finish is clean, fresh and pleasantly long with the honey, dried fruits (especially the candied orange peel) and warm spices prominent.

• Glenfiddich – 12 Years Old… Gold Medal 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition. The Glenfiddich 12 Year is distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear on the nose. The palate for this single malt is characteristically sweet, with undertones of butterscotch, cream, malt and a hint of oak. It finishes long, smooth and mellow. See for yourself why this is one of the world’s most popular single malts.

• The Glenlivet – 18 Years Old… The Glenlivet 18 is a Single Malt Scotch whisky which has a sweet floral fragrance. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and then aged in oak casks for 18 years. The Glenlivet is a single malt to savor straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash of pure spring water.

• The Glenlivet ~ Nadurra… Taken from the gaelic vernacular, Nadurra is the inspiration for this rich characterful whisky from The Glenlivet, which has not been chill filtered. This gives the whisky a richer texture and mouth feel.

• The Glenlivet- 12 Years Old… The Glenlivet distillery stands on the lonely hillside where George Smith founded it almost 200 years ago. Near the River Livet, Josie’s Well still pours forth its uniquely pure mineral rich water to feed the mash tun. As it did in 1824. At this height (850 feet above the sea) the stills are run at a gentle heat, yielding a delicate fragrant spirit unique even in Speyside, the famous heartlad of malt whisky excellence. Only so grand a place could produce so fine a whisky. Aged only in oak casks.

• Lagavulin~ The Distillers Edition Special Reserve 1994… The Lagavulin 1994 Classic Malts Distillers Edition is a double matured single Islay malt whisky, matured initially in Bourbon casks then finally a few months in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks, which will impress the whisky connoisseur with its rich texture and flavour.

• The Macallan – 15 Years Old… This new 15 year old expression is the result of a unique combination of both bourbon and sherry oak casks. The result is an intense Macallan with hints of rose and cinnamon, delivering a lingering finish with hints of orange, chocolate and dried fruit.

• The Dalwhinnie – 15 Years Old… A great malt which Jim Murray awarded 95 points in his Whisky Bible, this is excellent value for money. The flavours are simple, but flawless, a clean, crisp 15 year old from the Dalwhinnie distillery, also part of Diageo’s Classic Malts range.

  Blended Scotch Whisky

• Johnnie Walker Black Label – 12 Years Old… Johnnie Walker Black Label has an enigmatic character. The first sip leaves you with an overwhelming curiosity to discover more. As Black Label’s deep taste unfolds a myriad of flavours are revealed in several waves: first, there is an impression of silky richness; then deep and fruity foreground flavours give way to drier peaty nuances, followed by the complementary flavour tones of sweet vanilla and raisins. This unique complexity is achieved by expertly blending an extremely diverse, but complementary range of malt whiskies, each of which has been matured for a minimum of 12 years and some for much longer.

  In total, up to 40 malts and grain whiskies make up the Johnnie Walker Black Label blend. Island and Islay malts deliver spice, richness and lingering peat. Speyside malts make an important contribution to the depth of taste, bringing smoky malt, fruitiness, apple freshness and a rich sherry character to the blend. At the heart of Black Label lies 12 year old Cardhu, an outstanding malt from Speyside, which imparts silkiness, a characteristic which has made it famous as a single malt. Like a growing friendship between two people, getting to know Black Label is a profoundly satisfying experience that reveals new pleasures every time you meet. It’s a taste that goes deeper than any 12 year old deluxe brand.

  From my perspective, this is smooth and terrific! Cheers!! Jim

• Johnnie Walker Red Label… Red Label whiskies have consistently won awards in competitions; recently Red Label won Gold and Grand Gold Medals at the Monde Selection Awards, one of the drinks industry’s most respected international events. And in 1996 it won a Gold Medal in the International Wine and Spirit Competition in the blended Scotch Whisky category. The Black is so much better, but hey, you have to start some where!!

• Dewar’s White Label… On the finish, Dewars White Label offers a relatively quick finish that is predominately vanilla and honey. A longer finish would make this a far less versatile blended Scotch. As it is, the quick finish offers just enough sweet notes to satisfy those who drink it neat or on the rocks, while the lack of a long, lingering finish means that it blends into cocktails exceptionally well without throwing the balance of a drink off. As it is, Dewars White Label is one of the best selling blended Scotches in the world for a pretty simple reason. It is quite good and can be one of the most versatile whiskies in your liquor cabinet. If you are looking for just one Scotch to keep in your liquor cabinet, Dewars would be the perfect choice.

• Chivas Regal Gold Signature – 18 Years Old… Chivas Regal scotch whisky Rare Old Gold Signature 18 Year Old is the celebration of whisky making at its best. A minimum of 18 long years of ageing have passed to make this unique blend of malt and grain scotch whisky deep, complex and exceptionally rich. The special triple scotch whisky blending process makes Chivas Regal Rare Old Gold Signature 18 Year Old the smoothest richest scotch whisky in the world. This whisky has a honey brown color. It has aromatic layers that include soft peat smoke, lanolin, bacon fat, raisins, rose petals and butter. This whisky has a harmonious taste of resiny wood, dried apricot, nuts and malt. It finishes long and deep with parting flavors of butterscotch, yellow fruit and vanilla.

• Chivas Regal – 12 Years Old… Chivas Regal 12 year old is a whisky you can enjoy anywhere, at any time because it is easy to appreciate and share. It has a renowned smoothness, and a honeyed, fruity taste. Radiant, warm amber. An aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey, and orchard fruits. Round and creamy on the palate, Chivas Regal has a full, rich taste of honey and ripe apples, with vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch notes.

Irish Whisky

• Jameson Limited Reserve – 18 Years Old… Aromatic oils with a touch of wood, spicy toffee. Wonderfully mellow and smooth, a mouthful of complex flavours – fudge, toffee, spice, hints of wood and leather, vanilla and a gentle sherry nuttiness. A long, lingering finish carries the theme of the wood, spice and toffee right through to the end.

• Jameson… Jameson Irish Whiskey is distilled three times to deliver exceptional smoothness. Triple distillation is what makes us unique to American Whiskeys, which are typically only distilled once, and Scotch whiskies, which are usually distilled twice. This tradition began in 1780 with the Great Master Distiller John Jameson, who worked out that three distillations was best for his Jameson Irish Whiskey.

• Bushmills Malt – 16 Years Old… Jameson Irish Whiskey is distilled three times to deliver exceptional smoothness. Triple distillation is what makes us unique to American Whiskeys, which are typically only distilled once, and Scotch whiskies, which are usually distilled twice. This tradition began in 1780 with the Great Master Distiller John Jameson, who worked out that three distillations was best for his Jameson Irish Whiskey.

• Bushmills 1608… Bushmills 1608 has a toffee-like smoothness with vanilla, honey and dried fruit notes. It is warm and inviting and a fine example of craft Irish whiskey. When tasting it straight I liked it best neat; ice seemed a distraction and unnecessary dilution of the whiskey’s sweetness. That said, there is no reason to refrain from mixing 1608.

• Redbreast… Initially, sweet ginger and thick honey dance upon the palate. Cinnamon and sherry emerge mid-palate. Crunch of dark toast moving to spicy hot cinnamon, then sherry and finally the distinct taste of bruised Japanese tangerine on the finish. There is an interplay between sherry and spicy ginger and the former wins out in the end.

Canadian Whisky

• Crown Royal Reserve… The Reserve has nutty top-notes of rye and is anchored in the cornerstone of all Crown Royal blends, which have a rich, smooth batch base. Andrew MacKay personally selects each whisky in the blend to create this masterpiece. The color is a rich, golden amber. The nose is rich and complex, with a slight apple flavor and floral tones. The body is full and perfectly balance and the palate is velvety smooth and mellow, with defined oak tones and rich, spicy flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. Could you ask for more?

• Crown Royal… Crown Royal is a pleasure to drink. It is smooth in that Canadian way, but not flavorless and definitely has a unique character. Obviously it is popular for a number of reasons, but for me it is a spirit that is enjoyable on the simplest level. It’s not overpowering flavour-wise like some scotch and bourbon, it’s smooth so almost anyone can enjoy it with water or club soda and drinking a good whisky, with good company, is better than drink the best scotch by yourself. The color is golden with a smooth nose with rye, toffee and some fruit. Slightly alcoholic to start but as the minutes pass the nose becomes more intense with chocolate making a pleasant appearance. The taste will be smooth with a little rye bite. It is semi sweet, but not as sweet as other Canadian whiskies. The finish is fairly long with a smooth dry rye and oak spiciness.

• Seagram’s VO… Starts hot with pepper and alcohol. An appealing bitterness lingers under the full gamut of classic rye notes, including earthiness, freshwater plants, hints of pickles, a flash of flowers, and lots of baking spices – cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and then some ginger ale. But there is a contradiction in that it is alternately dry at moments, then sweet and creamy. The slight caramel-like sweetness never cloys, but nicely frames shades of bourbon-like vanilla pod. The hot pepper develops into a real burn. Although it has the spirity notes of a classic mixing whisky, the body has a pleasing weight. And though there are ripe fruits, it never becomes overly fruity. If it sounds like there is a lot going on here, there really isn’t. There are lots of flavour suggestions, but it’s really not very complex. The zestiness feels good – almost tannic in its astringency and there is a rewarding underlying woodiness. Vague hints of apple juice are the first really well-defined flavour and are followed by some sweet citric notes. Pleasing.

The Small Batch Bourbon Collection (Kentucky)

• Basil Hayden’s… This spicy, great tasting bourbon with a hint of honey flavor and the right amount of oak is my favorite! Basil Hayden is perfectly distilled and aged to drink with a little ice, no water needed. The first glass finishes as smooth as the tenth glass with little to no bite and a smooth after taste. Basil Hayden’s is my first choice every time and my favorite! Ask my friends… Cheers!! Jim

• Booker’s… Unlike anything you have ever tasted, Booker’s is one of the only uncut, unfiltered, straight-from-the-barrel, bourbons available today. It’s bottled at its natural proof of between 121 and 127, and aged between six and eight years. Booker’s Bourbon delivers a range of intense flavors from oak tannin and smoky vanilla to lighter tones of mocha and coffee. Add spring water to customize the taste and finish to your palate. The complexity provided by this straight-from-the-barrel bourbon makes Booker’s the rarest, absolute best bourbon you’ll ever taste.

• Baker’s 7… The mix of grains, yeast, and seven soothing years in new oak combine to give this bourbon a deeply mellow, richly flavorful, medium-bodied taste with a delicious aroma full of fruit and vanilla. Baker’s is best served in a snifter with a splash of spring water. Baker’s has vanilla notes and a refined, silky style. The hue is nut-brown and the aroma has a caramel quality, a balanced, flavor-packed production.

• Knob Creek… Knob Creek bourbon was created in the style of turn of the century bourbon. Knob Creek embodies the bold flavor that has made Kentucky famous for bourbon. Aged the longest of the Small Batch Bourbons – 9 years – in charred American white oak, it strikes the senses with a maple sugar aroma, distinctive sweetness and rich, full-bodied flavor. Knob Creek is perfect straight or cooled slightly with one or two ice cubes. Knob Creek remains my favorite. I like its nutty, fruity nose and how a vanilla-orange-caramel sweetness balances the rye spice.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

• Jefferson’s Reserve… This very small batch, handcrafted bourbon has been aged in the heart of metal clad warehouses to accentuate the extreme temperatures that Kentucky is blessed with, forcing the bourbon to expand deep into the barrel and pull out the prevalent flavors of the wood. These flavors of vanilla, caramel and assorted fruits assure an incredibly smooth taste and finish. There is no easier bourbon whisky than this polished Kentucky gold. Fresh and smooth with velvety peach and vanilla. Very soft start, smooth and sweet with hints of berry and citrus. Delicate and warm with a return of vanilla, cream and toast.

• Woodford Reserve… Woodford Reserve is what is known as a “straight” Bourbon whisky, meaning it is made from at least 51% corn and aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, per BATF regulations. The batches produced by the Woodford distillery are small and aged in charred oak barrels. The barrels sit in a 100 year-old stone warehouse to age, exposed to the heat of summer and cold of winter. Only the finest, as judged by Woodford Reserve’s master taster is bottled and sold as Woodford Reserve. The product of this care is so good that it has won a slew of awards including the prestigious double gold medal and has become Kentucky’s number 1 selling super premium bourbon.

  Like nearly all bourbons, the ingredients are corn, rye, and limestone water. But Woodford Reserve has none of the throat clenching bite associated with that old “white lightning” made famous in movies like Thunder Road., or with most other bourbons, which are better off mixed with something to cut the taste, in my opinion. The secret must be in the aging because it is some of the smoothest, most delicious whisky I’ve ever sipped. I won’t bore you with a bunch of adjectives, like nutty, spicy, or compare the taste to musical notes, or say it’s softer than a lady’s kiss; but I will tell you that hardly anybody will turn down a straight up shot of Woodford Reserve, it tastes so good and smooth. Especially when poured into a snifter at room temperature and sipped at leisure. If you like, you can put it on the rocks but to mix such a heavenly liquor should be a crime. Woodford Reserve comes in a clear glass bottle that is a bit old fashioned looking with its flattish shape and sloping shoulders. The label states it’s 90.4 proof or 45% alcohol but the taste is much smoother and delicious than you would expect.

• Elijah Craig – 18 Years Old… The oldest Single Barrel Bourbon in the world at 18 years, Elijah Craig Single Barrel is a rare marvel of whiskey-making. Only a handful of the millions of aging Bourbon barrels are allowed to mature this long, resulting in an extremely complex, layered sensory experience. The barrels are hand selected by Parker and Craig Beam, and after 18 years of Kentucky seasons nearly 2/3 of the contents of the barrel have evaporated into “Angel’s Share”!

• Elijah Craig – 18 Years Old… The oldest Single Barrel Bourbon in the world at 18 years, Elijah Craig Single Barrel is a rare marvel of whiskey-making. Only a handful of the millions of aging Bourbon barrels are allowed to mature this long, resulting in an extremely complex, layered sensory experience. The barrels are hand selected by Parker and Craig Beam, and after 18 years of Kentucky seasons nearly 2/3 of the contents of the barrel have evaporated into “Angel’s Share”!

• Jim Beam Black (Double Aged)… Made in Clermont, Kentucky since 1795, Jim Beam is an American institution and the bestselling bourbon in the world. Easily the most famous name in bourbon, the brand is the benchmark by which all other American whiskeys are measured. While the white label, 80-proof bourbon and stellar small batch whiskeys such as Knob Creek and Booker’s get most of the attention, Jim Beam Black Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has quietly become one of the top whiskey values here and abroad. The all-important mash bill for Jim Beam Black contains a high proportion of white and yellow corn cultivated in Indiana and Kentucky, with lesser percentages of rye and malted barley. In 2001, the distillery reintroduced the brand with an additional year of aging under its belt. Jim Beam Black is now matured in oak a minimum of 8-years, then bottled at 86-proof. What they didn’t change was the bourbon’s tremendous personality and character. The bouquet is still irresistible; sweet and brimming with the aromas of corn, vanilla, caramel and toasted oak. While the whiskey remains enormously flavorful, the additional time in the barrel has tempered some of its natural exuberance. Its palate is sweet and grainy and the finish warm and long. The entire experience is top-notch, extraordinary considering its modest price. Jim Beam Black has genuinely come of age, proving once again that leaving well enough alone isn’t always the best policy. The whiskey is marvelous enjoyed neat and perfectly capable of elevating any bourbon based cocktail into the great range.

• Jim Beam… Sweet oak, light brown sugar, a bit of organic cherry notes with super subtle cinnamon with a defined vanilla taste, something that usually comes along with the oak and caramel notes. The nose and taste have a lot in common, lots of creamy oaks with hints of black cherry, caramel, butter and a bright burn around the mid-palate with a finish that leaves behind a bit of oaky taste. This is my first choice when I need a great bourbon at the perfect price. Ask my wife…

• Wild Turkey 101… Wild Turkey has a wonderfully inviting nose of honeysuckle and leather, lulling you into a false sense of security. Its powerful taste first hints at sweet berries and vanilla but quickly moves to a spicy and peppery wallop. The finish is rather long, with echoes of oak. The “chicken” definitely packs a punch – or a kick, rather, so this bourbon is not recommended for the novice.

• Wild Turkey American Honey… This Bourbon-based honey-sweet liqueur manages to mask the alcoholic burn, powerful punch and everything else “wild” about Wild Turkey in a thick, viscous, golden solution that features hints of citrus and caramel. The Bourbon flavor is there if you look for it, but dialed way down, overwhelmed by the honey. After swallowing the 71-proof product, expect an extremely long finish, as if your mouth were coated with the sticky stuff. Only for the sweet at heart

American Blended Whisky

• Seagram’s 7… Seagram’s 7 Crown blended whiskeys is one of the value brands available on the market. Not to be confused with bourbon or other more effete styles of whiskey, this is a blend of different grains with the aim of a smooth and sweet character profile for the newly initiated palate and intended for mixing.

Tennessee Whisky

• Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select… Dark gold & red in the bottle, hard winter wheat color in the glass both seem somewhat more red than the versions of Jack. On swirling, leaves even coat on glass with some legs. Heavy corn presence, chocolate, vanilla, oak, allspice, grain influence, trace of spearmint, and char developing. Medium slightly oily body, sweet with slightly astringent follow on, oak cocoa then pepper developing and causing the tongue to tingle around the edges pleasantly, round note to it, then rye starting to kick in. Nice mixture of light fruits and a little spice and char, medium dry finish.

• Jack Daniel’s Black Label… Jack Daniel’s Black Label, also known as Old Number 7 or more commonly as JD is one of the best selling whiskies in the world. Made in the Tennessee Sour Mash style, it is very similar to bourbon with the additional step of dripping the fresh make spirit through a vat of sugar maple charcoal to “mellow” the whiskey before going into barrel. The result is a smooth, versatile whiskey that is true to its country roots. Whether drinking it neat, on the rocks or in a Jack and Coke or perhaps a Lynchburg Lemonade, Jack Daniels Black Label delivers a consistent, quality product that pleases imbibers around the world.

• Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey… amber yellow in color, this liqueur looks a lot like a bottle of clover honey. The nose is sweet and spicy, with solid cinnamon notes and a light floral undertone. The entry opens with clear honey notes which is quickly backed up by a perfect level of cinnamon. There’s more spice here than heat and the spice is absolutely dialed in. The cinnamon fades in the mid-palate and gives way to a subtle milk chocolate note which lingers after a fairly swift finish. There’s absolutely no heat in the finish, and for a sweet honey liqueur, it impressively doesn’t leave a heavy residue on the palate. It is excellent!!