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september 2016 / the tasting panel / 93 Bearded Lady Straight Bourbon (SRP $29.99) is indeed a lady. Earlier this year at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this whiskey earned a Double Gold Medal. When a whiskey can garner that kind of overwhelming critical acclaim at an international blind tasting, rest assured it's the real deal. When the clear spirit exits the still it is transferred to new, charred American white oak barrels for no less than five years. It is bottled at 43.2% alcohol (86.4 proof). Bearded Lady Bourbon is an engaging American spirit. It has a reddish/amber appearance, a medium-weight body and is redolent of vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, anise, clove and baking spices. On the palate, the award-winning spirit delivers on the promise of a high rye content with loads of long lasting, spicy, slightly smoky flavors. Bearded Lady has a highly mixable personality. It is especially tasty showcased in a cocktail like the Aussie Boulevardier, in which the flavor of the whiskey is accentuated with the addition of Campari and sweet vermouth. "Bearded Lady Bourbon is a vivacious and flavor-laden whiskey. It knows no creative limitations behind the bar," states Chris Illman, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Vok Beverages USA. Clear space on your back bar for these two marvelous imports. Your whiskey- adoring clientele will thank you with their patronage. Born in the rolling hills of County Wicklow, Barr an Uisce (pronounced bar on ishka and meaning "above the water") makes two internationally renowned whiskeys. The first is Barr an Uisce 1803 Single Malt Irish Whiskey (SRP $79.99, 46% ABV), which is distilled entirely from malted barley and matured in charred American white oak barrels for a minimum of ten years. The other recent arrival is Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare, (SRP $49.99, 43% ABV) a small batch, blended whiskey—80% grain whiskeys and 20% being the famed single malt. The blend is aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for four years and then finished in oloroso Sherry casks for an additional six months. Both whiskeys are cut with water from the family well. The depth of character of all-world Wicklow Rare is astounding. It has a lightweight, satiny textured body and aromas of vanilla, dried fruit and heather honey. The palate is a lovely assortment of flavors—roasted nuts, raisins, anise, caramel and plums. The Barr an Uisce 1803 Single Malt is equally captivating. Its bouquet is an appetizing array of vanilla, chocolate, caramel and toffee aromas. On the palate, the whiskey features a luscious offering of tropical fruit, cinnamon, and ginger. The lingering finish is luxurious and marked by hints of toasted oak. A Show Stopper with BEARDED LADY STRAIGHT BOURBON Walking on Water with BARR AN UISCE IRISH WHISKEYS Bearded Earlier Competition, whiskey an years. Aussie Boulevardier ◗ 1¼ oz. Bearded Lady Bourbon ◗ ½ oz. Campari ◗ ½ oz. Maidenii Australian Sweet Vermouth ◗ Cherry garnish Pour ingredients into an iced mixing glass. Stir content thoroughly and strain into chilled cocktail glass. VOK BEVERAGES USA PHOTO COURTESY OF BEARDED LADY BOURBON The ABV), American ABV) the four months. months. a heather raisins, an palate, Spoiled Brat ◗ 1½ oz. Barr an Uisce Wicklow Rare Blended Irish Whiskey ◗ ½ oz. ginger liqueur ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ Lemon wedge garnish Pour Barr an Uisce Irish Whiskey, ginger liqueur, simple syrup and lemon juice into mixing glass. Shake contents thoroughly and strain into iced rocks glass. Garnish with lemon wedge. NICHE IMPORT CO. A MARUSSIA BEVERAGES COMPANY