Tincup hit the scene in 2014 as an offshoot of the beloved Stranahan’s, taking MGP bourbon inventory, including a small quantity of Stranahan’s single malt to it, and calling it a day.
Since then, the Tincup model has expanded, together with a rye and several other well-aged bourbons — all with slightly tin cup on high as a part of a surprise-and-delight bonus.
This yr, Tincup expands once more, launching a brand new, no-age-statement bourbon (with no malt within the combine) and, gulp, killing off the unique Tincup American Whiskey altogether. Instead: The brand new Tincup American Whiskey, which takes the previous Tincup and provides, in the end, a 6 yr previous age assertion to it. As grasp blender Justin Aden defined to me as we tasted each expressions over Zoom, it’s the identical previous Tincup you understand and love, solely older.
Why Tincup over some other MGP-based product? Says Aden: It’s all within the water, and you may thank Colorado and people well-known Rocky Mountains for all that.
Let’s dive into these two new expressions.
Tincup Bourbon Evaluate
Tincup’s new bourbon is a mix of two MGP bourbon mashbills — one excessive rye and one low rye — however not the identical mix that’s used within the American Whiskey product. As a straight bourbon, it’s a minimal of 4 years previous, however it doesn’t carry a proper age assertion in any other case.
The whiskey is healthier than any worth bourbon has a proper to be, instantly candy and nutty, with light peanut butter aromas abutting cinnamon toast and a lightweight word of charred bbq brisket. It’s easy and understated however elegant, mildly corny however not overwhelming within the slightest, touched with spicy rye as you breathe deeply.
The palate harbors few surprises, chewy caramel and mild vanilla complementing some dusky spice notes, with butterscotch changing into the dominant taste attribute because it evolves in glass. Notes of apple butter, baking spice, and toasted rye bread all drift out and in of a creamy, nougaty expertise.
It’s an easy expertise that can by no means blow your thoughts or flip heads (particularly at 80 proof), however the actual takeaway is the worth: At simply $25, this makes for supreme mixing materials day in and time out.
80 proof. A- / $25
Tincup American Whiskey 6 Years Outdated Evaluate
Nonetheless a mix of MGP bourbon — once more, two mashbills — plus the addition of slightly Stranahan’s single malt. Now six years previous, however nonetheless 42% abv.
Followers of the unique Tincup will discover loads to love right here, the added single malt making for a softer and extra clearly approachable whiskey on all fronts. The nostril is nutty and flippantly lemony, that includes evolving notes of vanilla cream, milk chocolate, and a touch of mint. Loads of caramel on faucet — but additionally a bit extra in the way in which of barrel char than chances are you’ll bear in mind out of your final encounter with Tincup, which is to be anticipated as a result of added age.
Creamy and once more slightly lemony on the palate, the whiskey winds its means into extra milk chocolate and slightly rum raisin, ultimately evoking notes of Andes mints and hazelnut-vanilla syrup in espresso with cream. Tender, so delicate — the added malt actually makes a profound impression in methods which can be instantly evident and which settle the expertise down throughout the board.
If Tincup Bourbon is your easy-drinking cocktail buddy, the brand new Tincup American Whiskey 6 Years Outdated is its soft-spoken wingman.
84 proof. A- / $28
Tincup Bourbon
USD25
Visited 13 occasions, 13 go to(s) at the moment
