There are few feuds recorded in American history more legendary than that of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. Movies, documentaries and even TV shows have been produced to tell the tails of these two families and their differences. For more than a century the Hatfield and McCoy feud has been a part of American folklore. They have historically disagreed on almost everything. Well, until now.
After feuding for more than 150 years, the descendents of the Hatfields and McCoys have finally agreed on something: “This is what American whiskey tastes like.”
Their goal; to make a top-quality whiskey inspired by family recipes, that every workingman can afford and be proud to drink. Over the past several years both the Hatfield and McCoy families searched the country for a partner who could take their 150 years of moonshine and whiskey tradition and do what their ancestors never could—distill it legally. To make it happen they penned a deal with Local Choice, an award-winning distiller out of Charleston, South Carolina, to partner with them to make a whiskey worthy of their legendary names.
Call it a money grab if you want, but the Hatfield and McCoy names hold outlaw clout. Separate they aren’t much, but you put them together and you’ll catch a lot of attention. The younger generation of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s understand this very well and (as good business people should) are taking full advantage of it. Making moonshine has been passed down in both families for generations. It only makes sense that they’d get into the whiskey business now when it’s hotter than a fire cracker lit on both ends.
“Our families have been blending and distilling American spirits in the Appalachian tradition since before the feud began. Now, all those recipes that we’ve been writing in the backs of bibles and in the backs of our minds for centuries are coming together in a way that our ancestors could never have imagined.” -James “Big Jim” McCoy
While the bottles are handsome to look at and the sortied feud is truly legendary what we’re concerned with is the aged amber liquid within. Is it good? Is it worth the nearly $50 asking price? Recently we sat down at the tasting table to explore what this unique whiskey had to offer. After sipping, sniffing and mixing our way through a few samples we’ve come to our conclusion and here’s what we discovered…
- Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
- Age: Blended
- Appearance: Dark amber, golden
- Nose: Vanilla, wood, spice floral
- Flavors: Wood, smoke, spice, vanilla, dried fruits
- Price: $46.99 USD (750ml.)
If you’re a fan of whiskey we think you’ll like this one. The H&M bottle is pretty damn cool, the story is legendary and the spirit within is pretty good too.
On the nose it is somewhat aggressive, with notes of spice, oak and floral hints present. Upon first sniff you are greeted with intense alcohol vapors that will make your nose tingle. Some people don’t like that, we think it’s good, because you know it has some kick to it!
Beyond the sniff test, this whiskey is quite drinkable. Don’t expect a ton of character or smoothness from this whiskey though. After much discussion we feel that it drinks like a 3 or 4 year old whiskey. We think it could use a couple more years in the barrel to be perfectly honest, but that doesn’t mean its not good. Overall, our tasting panel preferred this whiskey mixed in a cocktail above sipping it neat or on the rocks. More than anything it is a real cool talking piece/ice breaker. Hatfield & McCoy Whiskey is stand out bottle in our collection when friends come over for a drink. Everyone wants a taste!
Mix It Up with – H&M Hot Toddy
Ingredients: 1 tsp honey, 2 oz boiling water, 1.5 oz Hatfield & McCoy Whiskey, 2 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 lemon wedge, 1 pinch ground nutmeg.
Directions: Pour honey, boiling water, and Hatfield & McCoy whiskey into your favorite mug. Spice it with the cloves, cinnamon, and a slice of lemon. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then top off with with a pinch of ginger. Enjoy!
Buy Now: $46.99 or go to: Legendaryatfieldandccoy.com
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