Two of my favorite things collaborated to make a product I’ve been waiting to get my hands on: Slipknot and whiskey.
I won’t get into the history or background immensely, but Slipknot is a heavy metal band derived from Des Moines, Iowa that puts on phenomenal shows and even better albums. The band, specifically one of their percussionists and producer of most of their music videos #6 Clown, worked with Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Distillery to come up with two kinds of whiskey. Iowans supporting Iowans.
One is their regular whiskey: 90 proof corn and rye blend. Another is their reserve whiskey: 99 proof batch of a similar blend.
I consider myself a fan of drinking whiskey/bourbons of the such; but far from an expert when it comes to “notes” and “hints”. I made it through college by going to my local liquor store and picking up a fifth of R&R or Black velvet (whatever was cheapest) and a two liter of Faygo Cola for $10 out the door. I love Slipknot, and I love whiskey. I knew I had to at least give this a taste. I was fortunate to take a shot of the regular whiskey a few years ago at one of their concerts. But I was also several beers deep, and couldn’t provide an accurate review of it. All I remember that night was the shot was delicious, the show was amazing, and I somehow developed a deep cut on my eyebrow.
These bottles have been sold out almost everywhere I can find them. I don’t see these in stores around here, and all websites were out of stock. Until recently, they came out with a fresh limited release of both bottles with a perk. Every purchase will have the bottle signed by Clown (real name Shawn Crahan) himself. I managed to snag a bottle of each before this batch sold out the same afternoon. They came in this morning and I was eager to try. I poured a glass of each nest at first. Then added a large cube to try it on the rocks.
The regular whiskey was first. Friendly reminder my whiskey standards were already low. But this went down like water. Mild flavor bite at first, and smooth going down. An ice cube brought out the spice a little bit more. Either way, this is 100% drinkable without any mixers.
The reserve was next. Sipping this neat was world changing. This was the best whiskey I’ve ever tasted. The flavor is aggressive, but not painful. Little more sweet tasting than the regular batch. An ice cube has the same affect as the previous whiskey: emphasized the flavor. Tingles the tongue a little bit, but doesn’t burn you. Both of these whiskeys can easily be drank neat or on the rocks. I don’t even want to try it mixed with anything. I did read that blood orange soda is a delicious mixer for these. I may try an old fashioned with one of these.
I wouldn’t take my review or advice serious, since my tasting experience is minimal. But this is a delicious whiskey that I want to drink every night. Definitely buying another bottle or two next time they are in stock.