Charbay R5 Whiskey

It has a light golden yellow appearance with moderate legs. The aroma has a distinct new make character, but the hops are very noticeable. It's more floral initially than I'd anticipate from all the American C hops in Racer 5, though a lemony citrus is also emerging. Honestly, I tend to think of Centennial and Columbus as being more floral than citrusy anyway, so maybe that's not too surprising. The taste also features new make alcohol, but the hops are the highlight. Similar to the nose, the hops are floral and almost spicy at the start, but offer a more citrusy, honey-like note towards the finish. The mouthfeel has a pleasant spiciness and a bit of heat. Perhaps that's just my sensitive palate, as all whiskey has a bit of harsh heat for me. Overall, this is a fascinating whiskey. The hops are present, but not quite in the way I expected. Nevertheless, I enjoy drinking this and am very pleased with the purchase (even with the fairly high price). Beer Nerd Musings: Besides several other Charbay variations on this theme, there are many other spirits distilled from beer. One is called Son's of Liberty, which claims to start as an IPA (it's unclear if it's a commercial version or their own) that is distilled, aged, and then dry-hopped with Citra and Sorachi Ace (excellent choices). This seems to be mostly a small distillery endeavor, and I do wonder how more mature whiskey would react. Apparently, a 12-year-old distilled pilsner was made for the LA Whiskey Society, and according to some reviews, the hop character has diminished somewhat (or been overpowered by the oak, or both), though it's still described as excellent whiskey. I'd be interested to see what other beers could serve as a good base for this type of treatment. For hoppy beers, I'd consider something like a Tired Hands or Hill Farmstead IPA. They both offer very citrusy, juicy versions of the style (likely due to their yeast and use of newer aroma hops). Would that character survive distillation? Or would that bright citrus turn into dank pine over time (which I wouldn't mind either)? Anchor produced a spirit from their well-known Christmas beer called White Christmas, where I assume the spices would come through in the final product. I suspect the barrels used for this whiskey would not be ideal for beer. The subtle hop character would be overwhelmed by strong, assertive stouts, or would get lost in a hoppy barleywine, and new make whiskey doesn't quite blend with beer as well as moderately aged spirits. That being said, there's only one way to find out. I'm certainly not an expert on this.

Purchased on sale for $9 or $10, originally $79, which speaks volumes. The nose is very fruity, with a taste that's more like peaty smoke than hops. I personally find it undrinkable.

Available at Ramirez Liquor for $69.99 and Liquor Mart for $79.99.

It has an IPA-like quality, with hop flavors emerging at the finish. Quite interesting.

Pleasant, but the hops come across as medicinal.

The hops are lemony, but with a slightly unpleasant skunky quality.