Brian Rooney

Norwood

Writer at Freelance

jimmy crack corn and i don’t care

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Articles

Natterjack’s Trinity of Irish Whiskies

1 month ago | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

Natterjack is among the newest additions to the revitalized and ever growing Irish whiskey market. Operating out of Gortinore Distillers and Co. in Dublin, the brand gets its name from the Natterjack Toad, the only toad native to Ireland. There are three whiskies currently in Naterjack’s lineup, but all three come from the same basis. The mash is 80% corn and 20% malted barley, it undergoes a triple distillation process, and is aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in fresh, first-fill oak.
Two More Triumphant Offerings from Old Elk

1 month ago | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

I have been impressed by every Old Elk expression I have had. Now, the ongoing Infinity Series and new addition to the Cigar Cut line are perhaps Master Distiller Greg Metze’s best bottlings yet. After all, the industry legend was awarded Master Distiller of the Year 2024 by Whisky Awards. These whiskies are two examples of why. Tasting NotesInfinity Series 2024The Infinity Series is one of my favorite things about Old Elk. The concept first came to fruition in 2021 with the inaugural release.
Tasting Notes: Booker’s Bourbon #4 ‘Jimmy’s Batch’

2 months ago | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

Booker’s is no stranger to high-end bourbon. This year, Booker’s has released four new batches to the market, starting with “Springfield,” the “Beam House Batch,” and then the “Master Distiller’s Batch.” Each is made from unique blends differing in age, proof, and character, and they are all endearingly inspired by the history of Booker’s brand.
Two Premium Whiskey Bottlings from Sagamore Spirit Distillery

Jan 8, 2025 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

With bourbon dominating the whiskey market and trendy single malts growing in popularity, few American whiskey makers prioritize rye. Not so with Sagamore Spirit. Not only does the Maryland-based distillery dedicate its entire catalog to rye whiskey, but it also offers dozens of expressions ranging from straightforward workhorses to innovatively cask-finished special editions. I’ve had the pleasure of previously tasting some of Sagamore Spirit’s core expressions.
Old Elk’s Reinvented Rye Whiskey

Dec 8, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

Old Elk produces a variety of excellent whiskeys, with bourbons forming its “bread-and-butter” product line. The brand’s Cognac cask-finished bourbon, wheated expressions, and the ongoing “Inifinty Series” testify to Old Elk’s craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and high standard. However, until recently, I had not tasted any of its ryes, but that changes today, and I couldn’t be more excited. I received a pair of whiskeys from its rye line.
A Duet of Gins from Mine Hill and The Revivalist

Nov 24, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

Gin is a spirit that doesn’t garner as much praise as it deserves, particularly given its range of options. London Dry, the spirit’s most renowned style, is really just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. World-class distilleries are implementing new approaches, including experimental infusions and barrel aging, while smaller-scale gin makers are popping up around the globe, especially in the USA. The Revivalist and Mine Hill Distillery are just two examples, each offering unique gin category takes.
A Tasty Tandem from Woodinville Whiskey

Nov 15, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

Woodinville Whiskey Company is a young distillery that only released its original straight bourbon in 2015. Since then, the brand has grown its catalog, earning much recognition and accolades. I had the good fortune of sampling two of Woodinville’s newest bottlings, its Straight Bourbon finished in Sauternes wine casks and its ultra-special 12-year-old “Founder’s Find” release. Sauternes is a sweet white wine native to France’s Bordeaux region.
Tasting Notes: Zomos Mezcal

Nov 13, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney |Mexican Renaissance

As the popularity of agave spirits continues to boom, Zomoz Mezcal is a young brand eager to stamp its name on the market. Its founder, Mexican-born Diego de la Vega Hernandez, is well aware of the current “Mexican Renaissance,” which is expanding into every facet of Mexican culture. While his academic and career experience led him elsewhere, Hernandez’s love for his homeland never dwindled, leading him to kickstart the mezcal brand in 2020.
Baker’s Re-Releases its13-Year Single-Barrel Bourbon

Oct 22, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

While most of my bourbon sampling takes me throughout the country (metaphorically), this one brings me back to the spirit’s home state of Kentucky. Produced by one of the most significant operations in the market, Baker’s Bourbon is made by James Beam Distilling Co., one of Beam’s many formidable brands. Typically, Baker’s 7-year single barrel bourbon is the brand’s only expression, but once again, it will be accompanied by the re-release of Baker’s 13-year-old edition.
World Whiskey Society’s 12-Year Awamori Cask Finish Rye

Oct 15, 2024 | wineandwhiskeyglobe.com | Brian Rooney

World Whiskey Society, the renowned upscale whiskey distributor, dedicates itself to finding the rarest bottlings from around the world, many of which are totally unknown or fly under the radar within the market. WWS offers ultra-premium expressions across all whiskey categories, including bourbon, rye, single-malts, and beyond, including specialty cask-finish bottlings. In fact, additional aging in unique casks is one of WWS’s signature benefits.