Having worked at Surdyk’s for as long as I have (this is my 20th year), I can say that there aren’t that many perks to liquor retail. We work nights, weekends, holidays. But of the few, I can honestly say that the chance to taste beers, wines, and spirits on a regular basis is by far the best. There are weeks that go by where I taste over 50 different products. My favorite tastings have to be the Surdyk’s bourbon barrel picks. I’ve been a part of pretty much all of them. It’s fun work but we take it seriously. Over the past 10 years or so, store picks have become very popular for retailers, and for good reason; they’re items that we can recommend with confidence. They also provide a great value to the high quality of the product, which brings me to my staff pick: the Hirsch Surdyk’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon. This whiskey has been aged for 4 years and 8 months with a mash bill consisting of 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley and bottled at 103.6 proof. Don’t let the younger age statement fool you; the barrel has definitely influenced this bourbon. It is copper in color and has the classic bourbon aromas of caramel, sweet vanilla, and toasted nuts. But it's also lightly floral with baking spices, too. On the palate the whiskey is medium to full bodied with flavors of peanut, roasted pecan, chocolate covered cherry, and Snickers candy bar. Rich, flavorful, and complex – that’s how I like my whiskies, and it’s all here. The finish is long and balanced with sweet vanilla and spice flavors. I hope you have as much fun drinking this single barrel as I did picking it. Cheers! (122235)