Güero Reserve 14 Year is a rare, high-proof American whiskey from Savage & Cooke, the distillery founded by acclaimed winemaker Dave Phinney on historic Mare Island in Vallejo, California. Made from a mash of 99% corn and 1% malted barley and bottled at 128 proof, it was released in a run of just 300 cases.
The name is personal to Phinney. Güero, meaning light-skinned or fair-haired, was the affectionate nickname given to him by his crew at his very first winery harvest job, where he was the only white worker on an all-Mexican team, and those harvest days remain some of his fondest memories. The whiskey belongs to the light whiskey category, which allows a high-proof, corn-rich distillate to develop distinctive, dessert-like flavours over long ageing.
Rich and dense, it offers toasty oak, vanilla bean and baked apple, concentrated by its high strength and fourteen years of maturation.
The bottle carries a weathered, hand-printed label with a bright pink band and comes in a tall tube, a design as bold as the whiskey. It is a striking gift for a collector of rare American whiskey.
At 128 proof, it rewards a few drops of water, which open up the fruit and vanilla.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Toasty oak and vanilla bean.
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Palate: Rich and dense, with baked apple and vanilla.
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Finish: Long and warm, with oak.
Specifications
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Producer: Savage & Cooke (Dave Phinney)
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Style: American Whiskey (light whiskey), cask strength
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Expression / Batch: Güero Reserve, 300 cases
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Age: 14 years
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Proof / ABV: 128 proof (64% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Mash bill 99% corn, 1% malted barley
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Region: Vallejo, California, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Taste it neat, then add water a few drops at a time. It pairs with apple pie, vanilla desserts or a medium cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Güero mean?
Light-skinned or fair-haired, the nickname Dave Phinney's harvest crew gave him.
What is the mash bill?
99% corn and 1% malted barley.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 128 proof, or 64% ABV.
Explore more in our American Whiskey collection.
