Dad Dimes

On this episode of DadDimes on the Rocks, we pour a bourbon that represents heritage, craftsmanship, and one of the most respected wheated whiskey traditions in Kentucky — Old Fitzgerald Bourbon. With roots dating back to the late 1800s, Old Fitzgerald has earned its place among bourbon royalty, delivering a smooth and refined profile that continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts generation after generation.From the moment the bottle is opened, Old Fitzgerald announces itself with elegance rather than intensity. The nose offers rich aromas of honey, vanilla custard, and caramelized sugar, layered with baked apples, cinnamon, and soft oak. As the whiskey opens up, subtle notes of toasted nuts, butterscotch, and delicate floral sweetness emerge, creating a beautifully inviting experience.The palate showcases exactly why wheated bourbons have developed such a devoted following. Creamy vanilla, brown sugar, and toffee lead the way before transitioning into flavors of fresh baked bread, light fruit, and seasoned oak. The wheat in the mash bill softens the spice profile, allowing the sweetness and texture to take center stage while maintaining exceptional balance and complexity.As the sip evolves, notes of caramel, baking spice, and gentle oak continue to build before giving way to a long, smooth finish. Hints of honey, vanilla bean, and toasted oak linger comfortably, creating an experience that feels sophisticated yet approachable.Throughout the episode, we explore the rich history of the Old Fitzgerald name, discuss the influence of wheated bourbon on flavor development, and examine why these highly sought-after decanter releases have become favorites among collectors and enthusiasts alike. We also break down value, rarity, and whether Old Fitzgerald's reputation matches what's actually in the glass.Pour yourself a dram and join DadDimes as we celebrate a bourbon built on tradition, patience, and timeless Kentucky craftsmanship.Because at DadDimes on the Rocks, every great bourbon carries a legacy—and every legacy deserves a toast.#DadDimesOnTheRocks #OldFitzgerald #WheatedBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonPodcast #WhiskeyReview #HeavenHillDistillery #BourbonLife #WhiskeyCommunity #BourbonCollector #DecanterSeries #AmericanWhiskey #DrinkResponsibly

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today we’re saddling up with a bottle that’s as rugged in its story as it is neat in its bottle design — Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Let’s see if this bourbon is more cavalry charge or gentle trail ride. 🥃🐎🏇 The Backstory — Story First, Spirit SecondHorse Soldier puts its history front and center: this brand was founded by a group of U.S. Special Forces veterans who rode horseback into Afghanistan after 9/11 — hence the name Horse Soldier. Their philosophy blends tradition and intensity: a bourbon for those who appreciate history, grit, and flavor.But what’s in the glass?Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhiskeyProof: 90 (45% ABV) — approachable but not timidMash Bill: Corn-forward with rye and malted barley (typical bourbon formula — high corn base, moderate rye)Age Statement: NAS (No Age Statement) — aged in new charred American oakDistillery Source: Likely sourced from established producers (often MGP or similar), then bottled under the Horse Soldier labelThe brand leans into its character, telling a story of bravery and purpose — and that story often becomes part of the reason people try it. But on this podcast, we’re here for flavor and experience first.👃 The Nose — What You Smell FirstRight away, Horse Soldier gives you:✔ Caramel and vanilla — classic bourbon sweetness up front✔ Honeyed corn and oak — nothing too aggressive, but inviting✔ A little baking spice — like cinnamon and a touch of nutmegIt’s unpretentious — warm, familiar, and easy to dive into. This isn’t trying to be elusive or niche; it smells like bourbon should.👄 The Palate — What You TasteOn your first sip:🍯 Sweet caramel and brown sugar — the backbone of classic bourbon🥃 Light oak spice — enough to remind you you’re sipping aged whiskey🌾 Rye spice whispers — pepper and mild baking spice, not too assertive🍌 Subtle fruit sweetness — maybe a hint of dried fruit or orchard fruit🔥 The Finish — How It EndsThe finish on Horse Soldier is:Medium in lengthWarm and pleasantA gentle drop-off of oak, caramel, and mild spiceNo aggressive burn, no sudden bitter clench — it just fades with familiar bourbon notes. Perfect if you want a bourbon that sips easy rather than throws punches.🍹 Sidecar Talking PointsHere’s how Horse Soldier stacks up in some common bourbon moments:Neat:A great place to start — soft, familiar notes with clean sweetness and approachable oak.On the Rocks:A cube or two smooths things even more and lets the caramel and grain notes bloom.In a Cocktail:Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or even a Whiskey Sour — Horse Soldier is versatile enough for classic bourbon cocktails.🧠 Who This Bourbon Is ForPerfect for:✔ New bourbon drinkers who want something smooth and easy✔ Fans of classic, balanced bourbon without sharp edges✔ A versatile pour for cocktails and sipping alike✔ People curious about the story behind the bottleMaybe skip it if:✖ You want bold, barrel-proof intensity✖ You’re chasing massive oak depth or spicy complexity✖ You prefer heavy rye kicks or craft barrel nuance⭐ DadDimes Rating — Final Score⭐ 3.8 / 5Why this score?🎯 Final ThoughtsHorse Soldier Straight Bourbon isn’t the wild stallion of the bourbon world — it’s more like a seasoned trail horse: reliable, smooth, approachable, and ready for the next campfire story. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it gets the job done with dignity and charm.Whether you’re new to bourbon or looking for an easygoing pour to serve at gatherings, this bottle makes a solid case.That’s it for today’s episode of DadDimes on the Rocks! Until next time — keep your glass poised, your stories loud, and your bourbon neat. 🥃🇺🇸Cheers!

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Tonight we’re crossing into mezcal/tequila territory with a bottle that’s as intriguing as its name: Tears of Llorona Añejo Tequila. This expression is beloved by sipping fans for its oak influence, smooth richness, and story-worthy mystique. Let’s open the bottle and see if this ghost lives up to the legend. 🥃👻🧙‍♂️ The Backstory — Myth Meets MaturationThe name Tears of Llorona draws from a haunting Latin American legend about a weeping spirit. The brand leans into the narrative, but the real magic is in the craft:Type: Añejo TequilaBase: 100% Blue Weber AgaveAging: Aged in French oak barrels and then finished in ex-Cognac casksProof: ~80 (40% ABV) — typical for añejo tequila bottlingsMaker: Produced by a distillery in Jalisco with traditional methodsIntent: A sipping tequila that bridges tequila, mezcal, and whisky finishing stylesThis is not your classic jalopy Old No. 7 — this is crafted, aged, and influenced by wood more like a fine sipping spirit.👃 On the Nose — What Greets YouRight out of the glass, Tears of Llorona shows depth and nuance:✅ Cooked agave: Sweet, vegetal, fresh — not sharp, more mature.✅ Oak & vanilla: Aged notes are evident before you swallow.✅ Cognac influence: Light fruit (think dried apricot, fig), a touch of raisin.✅ Honey and caramel: Warm, inviting, and layered.This is an aromatic invite — it’s not shy or one-dimensional. The French oak and Cognac cask influence adds a winey, rich edge that tequila enthusiasts appreciate.👄 Palate — The First SipHere’s where it delivers:🔥 Warm agave core: Earthy sweetness with that classic Blue Weber brightness.🍯 Oak-driven vanilla and spice: Not over-oaked — just enough to add structure.🍒 Rich fruitback: Dried cherry, orange peel, and faint fruit compote notes.🍫 Buttery caramel: Sweet, smooth, and comforting.It’s rich but balanced — you’re getting classic agave flavor with aged spirit complexity layered on top. You can almost think of it as tequila meeting cognac meets bourbon — but all still undeniably tequila.🔥 Finish — Warm & LingeringThe finish is:Medium to longWarm, with oak spice and vanillaA light pepper note that doesn’t stingGentle oak tannin that fades into sweet agaveThis is a sippable finish — not harsh, not abrupt — just persistent and easygoing.🥃 What Works — And What Might NotWhat Works✔ Smooth & layered — Excellent for sipping neat.✔ Fruit & oak balance — Cognac cask finishing adds nuance.✔ Approachable — No harsh alcohol burn.✔ Great storytelling bottle — Name + flavor = memorable pour.What Might Not Suit You✖ If you only like blanco tequila, you might find it too oak-centric.✖ Not a “party pour” — this is contemplative, not casual.✖ At its price point, it’s meant to be savored — not mixed away in margaritas.🥇 DadDimes Rating⭐ 4.3 / 5Here’s why: Tears of Llorona takes the best qualities of an añejo tequila and amplifies them with oak and finish complexity. It’s smooth, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying for those who appreciate sipping spirits with nuance.🥂 Best Ways to Enjoy🍸 Neat: This is how it shines best — slow sips, no distractions.🧊 On a large rock: Opens up subtle fruit and oak notes.🍊 With a twist of orange peel: Accentuates citrus undertones.🍫 With dark chocolate or orange rind on the side — elevates dessert-like qualities.Avoid sugary mixers — you’ll mute the very nuances that make this tequila special.🍾 Final ThoughtsTears of Llorona Añejo isn’t just a tequila — it’s a wood-matured, heartier spirit experience. If you’re used to plain silver tequilas and want to explore what aging and finishing can do, this is a great bridge between agave and oak-driven spirits.It’s smooth, rich, and memorable — perfect for a special evening, fireside sip, or tasting with friends who appreciate nuanced spirits.That’s it for today’s episode of DadDimes on the Rocks!Slow your sip… savor that story… and until next time — cheers! 🍷🥃🎙️

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today we’re exploring something a little off the beaten path — Koval Bourbon Whiskey, a craft expression from Chicago’s own Koval Distillery. This bottle isn’t about age statements or barrel proof heat — it’s about approachability, unique craft character, and a different take on American bourbon.Let’s dive into the glass and find out what Koval is all about. 🥃🏙️ The Backstory — Craft Meets GrainKoval Distillery was founded in Chicago with a simple idea: make whiskey using traditional techniques, diverse grains, and no shortcuts. Unlike most bourbons, Koval often incorporates less conventional mash bills and uses lighter-toasted barrels, giving its whiskey a distinctive voice in the American craft world.For this Bourbon specifically:Type: Kentucky-style bourbonMash Bill: Corn-forward with non-traditional grain additions (often including millet, quinoa, wheat, or rye depending on batch)Proof: Typically around 80–92 proof (40–46% ABV) — softer and more approachable than many high-proof bourbonsAging: Young to medium-aged — no big age statement, which is normal for craft runsKoval doesn’t chase the big, bold profiles of Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig. Instead, it’s about clarity of grain, nuance, and a lighter touch.👃 Nose — What Meets the SnifferOn the nose, Koval Bourbon leans bright and fragrant:🍯 Sweet corn & honey🍎 Fresh orchard fruit (apple/pear)🍌 A touch of banana or tropical fruit🍞 Biscuity malt characterThere’s elegance here — it smells inviting and clean, not weighed down by heavy oak or char. If you’re coming from big, heat-forward bourbons, this might feel delicately expressive rather than punchy.👄 Palate — What You TasteThe sip is smooth and accessible:Soft vanilla and honey sweetness up frontGentle caramel and baked bread notesA dash of spice — but not peppery rye heatLight oak and toast, with a mouthfeel that’s easygoing and drinkableKoval’s bourbon isn’t about brutal wood impact. Instead, the grain shine comes through, giving it a clean, almost European grain-spirit character, with the warmth of bourbon but without the barrel-dominant punch.🔥 Finish — How It Wraps UpThe finish is:Mild to moderate in lengthSweet and smooth with lingering vanilla, mild caramel, and a whisper of oakNo big burn — just a pleasant warmth that invites another sipIf you want a big, fiery bourbon finish that grabs you by the collar — this isn’t it. But if you want something soft, balanced, and mellow, it fits beautifully.🥃 ComparisonsIf you’re familiar with bourbon classics:Koval is lighter and fruitier than Maker’s MarkNot as oak-forward as Knob Creek or Elijah CraigMore craft-forward and grain driven than most mainstream bourbonsIt’s almost like bourbon meets craft rye ethos in a smoother package.🧠 DadDimes VerdictRating: ⭐ 3.8 / 5Best For:• New bourbon drinkers• Craft spirit explorers• Those who prefer smooth over spicy• A great cocktail baseMaybe Skip If:• You want heavy char, high proof heat, or deep aged wood flavor• You’re chasing deep, layered complexity🥂 Final ThoughtsKoval Bourbon is a unique twist on the traditional bourbon template. It’s not a heavyweight champion — it’s more like the smooth, technical player your lineup sometimes needs. It’s refined, easygoing, and surprisingly flavorful for its lighter style.If you love craft spirits that break the mold of “standard bourbon,” give this a pour. Neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail — it’s versatile and friendly on the palate.That’s our review for Koval Bourbon on this episode of DadDimes on the Rocks. Until next time — keep your glass full, your palate curious, and your pours generous. Cheers! 🥃✨

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today we’re diving into a craft bourbon that’s been turning heads on shelves and in bars — Coppercraft Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey — a single-barrel expression from Coppercraft Distillery in Holland, Michigan. Here’s how this bottle stacks up in the glass.🥃 What Makes It SpecialCoppercraft Single Barrel Bourbon isn’t your run-of-the-mill blended bourbon. As the name implies, each bottle comes from one individual barrel — which means no two barrels taste exactly the same. That’s the beauty of single-barrel bourbon: unique flavor profiles and personality from barrel to barrel. According to the distillery, this version is aged at least 11 years in traditional new American oak barrels — longer than their standard small-batch releases — contributing to deeper wood influence and richer complexity. Many bottles tend to be sourced from Indiana distilleries like MGP — which is widely respected for high-quality whiskey bases — and then selected and bottled by Coppercraft. 👃 Nosing ItRight out of the glass:Expect rich caramel and vanilla, with hints of toasted oak and deep sorghum-like sweetness — typical hallmarks of older barrels. Many batches also bring dark chocolate, dried fruit (think plum or cherry) and warm baking spice — particularly if the barrel has spent extra time maturing. Because each barrel is unique, some single barrels lean more fruit-forward and dessert-like, while others show classic bourbon spice, leather, and tobacco on the nose. That “only one barrel” story is part of the magic. 👄 On the PalateSip by sip, this bourbon often shows:Caramel and rich vanilla, the backbone of many bourbons. Toffee or brown sugar sweetness with hints of spice — cinnamon, nutmeg or even light pepper depending on the barrel. Some bottles show a layered, chewy feel with dark fruit or dried stone fruit notes — especially older barrels (9-13 years+). A medium-full mouthfeel with oak in the mid-palate — smooth but definitely mature. Because this is a true single barrel and not a blend of many barrels, the spice, sweetness, and oak interplay can vary significantly, which is part of the fun for enthusiasts who enjoy discovering barrel-specific quirks. 🔥 FinishMost versions finish:Warm and lingering, with oak tannins and spice carrying through. Some bottles fade gently into earthy or leather notes, while others leave you with a longer-lasting fruit-and-wood sweetness. Because of its age and barrel influence, the finish is often smoother and more complete than many budget craft bourbons. 🧠 DadDimes VerdictCoppercraft Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey brings a compelling story and real barrel character to your glass. It’s craft at heart — expressive, unique from bottle to bottle, and a great way to explore what single-barrel bourbon can be outside the usual big-name Kentucky offerings.Rating: ⭐ 4.0 / 5Why?✔️ Unique character: Every barrel tells its own story — from rich caramel and spice to dark fruit and oak. ✔️ Aging shows: Extended oak time adds depth versus many everyday craft pours. ✔️ Worth trying neat: Great sipping whiskey and conversation starter.Notes:Bottle flavor will vary — check tasting notes if buying a specific barrel. At ~$90–$100 (many retail listings), flavor often rivals bourbons at higher price points.For best experience, choose a barrel with an age statement (e.g., 9+ years) if available.🥃 How to enjoy: Neat or with a splash of water — give it time to breathe and let those barrel nuances open up. A large ice cube brings out a little more chocolate and toffee, if you like mellow.That’s a wrap on Coppercraft Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey — one of the craft world’s unsung barrel treasures. Until next sip, keep your glass generous and your palate curious. Cheers!