Review: Jim Beam Vanilla
Jim Beam Vanilla was just released. It joins a flavored whiskey lineup that includes an Apple, Honey, Black Cherry, Maple and their Cinnamon Flavored Kentucky Fire Whiskey. The bourbon base of Jim Beam Vanilla is made with a secret mix of corn, rye, and barley malt. Limestone filtered water and some “set back” up to 40% of the old mash from the previous distillation, is added to the 10,000 gallon cooker. Since Prohibition ended over 75 years ago the same strain of jug yeast is added. This yeast is used in the fermentation process once the mash is cooked and cooled. It is distilled in a 65 foot tall column still, and then distilled a second time in a doubler, similar to a pot still. The bourbon is aged in brand new charred oak barrels. While no age statement is provided for Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Original is aged for 4 years. Madagascar Vanilla Liqueur is blended with the bourbon base before bottling at 70 proof. Read more 
Review: Crown Royal Vanilla
Crown Royal Vanilla Whisky was just released. It is their fourth flavor infused whisky and comes just 3 months after the launch of Crown Royal Honey. Wouldn’t it be great if we could count on a new Crown Royal flavor every quarter? Crown Royal Vanilla is crafted with corn, rye, and barley with pure water naturally filtered through limestone. After distilling, the whisky is aged in oak barrels and then infused with the rich flavor of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. The trademark velvet bag included in the box is not white like the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla flower or the ice cream flavor, but rather brown like the bean itself. Read more