The Velvet Cloak Room And Mahogany Fox Whiskey

The other day, Susan Reigler hosted our BARDS (Bourbon And Rye Drinkers Society) meeting at the Velvet Cloak Room, a private whiskey club in Louisville created by Sherri Carter. Sherri was a co-founder of Kentucky Owl and Old Carter whiskeys. She has since gone independent and has created a new line of whiskeys that she calls Mahogany Fox. These whiskeys are only available at this time through the club membership.

We went to the club on Saturday afternoon. It is located on Main Street just down the road from Art Eatables. It is in the basement of the building and Susan met us outside and showed us where to go. It is very much like a speakeasy in that there is an unlabeled door near the elevator. We knocked, were let in and there were several members already in the room. We picked up a Glencairn glass and some water and found a seat. The seats were comfortable couches and chairs at the back of the well-appointed room that was decorated with Sherri’s paintings. After everyone arrived, we started the tasting. We tasted two rye whiskeys Sherri blended from barrels that she owns. The first was a blend she had bottled for Bourbon Women and the second was a rye she blended for general sales. Both were bottled at barrel strength and were about eight years old with older whiskey in the blend. Both were very good rye whiskeys and she is selling them for $250.00 a bottle.

The Velvet Cloak Room And Mahogany Fox Whiskey

We then moved on to two Bourbons. These were also bottled at barrel strength and were very good. We finished the tasting with two American whiskeys. These also sold at $250.00. They are American whiskeys because she put the whiskey into used cooperage for the aging process. They were bottled at barrel strength and contained some whiskey over twenty years old. They sold for $350.00 for a 750 ml but she also bottled 375 ml bottles for sale at $175.00. They were both very good whiskeys.

I liked the whiskey, but in my opinion, they were better when I added water and reduced the proof to about 100 proof. I would like to see 100 proof versions of these whiskeys offered up for sale. The tasting was very good and everyone enjoyed the whiskeys. The group favorites were the second rye and the first American whiskey with some of the other whiskeys getting a few votes here and there. I decided that I would get a 375 ml of the first American whiskey and I will post the tasting notes at a later date.

Membership in the Velvet Cloak Room has two levels, with a less expensive membership costing under $100.00 a month, and a full membership that includes a locker for storing bottles at the club costing more. I wish Sherri success in the club and with her whiskey. It would be nice if the bottles were more easily obtained and at a lower price. However, the whiskey is excellent and she should do well with this endeavor.