83: Belfour Spirits Ed Belfour

We're exploring whiskey on ice. Hockey Hall of Famer, Ed Belfour, has launched his own whiskey brand and we had the opportunity to sample two of their whiskies.  We were honored to have the opportunity to interview 1999 Stanley Cup Champion, Eddie the Eagle. 

During this week's podcast we discuss:

• Ed's Canadian roots, his love for Canadian Rye Whisky, and these being the inspiration behind Belfour Spirits
• How Ed's hands on approach to hockey has bled into the whiskey craft.  Ed has studied whiskey, the craft of distilling, selecting barrels, and oversees each batch from start to finish.
• Insight into each whiskey profile, including the Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood.
• Where Belfour Spirits is currently available and sneak peek into future markets 

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About Belfour Spirits: 
Belfour Spirits – a recently launched (Oct. '19) ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits' unique character and stunning packaging, led by Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympian, Ed Belfour. 

There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice. In this, his second landmark career, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour has teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting ultra premium spirits that honor legends, warriors and everyday heroes. From generational lessons to stories of underdog triumph, there's a legend in every glass. 

From On-ice Intensity to Distillation Precision:  Since 2014, Ed and Dayn have been on an endless pursuit to learn all things whiskey, attending schools in Kentucky and Canada, exploring the finest ingredients and equipment, and talking with industry veterans and rookies alike. Today, these Founding Distillers are hands on in every aspect of the business, from creation of the Belfour family mash bill to blending, and from label design to consumer tastings.

Future Growth: Belfour Spirits has created more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey, and more are slated for production in 2020 and each year beyond.With corporate headquarters in Dallas, Belfour Spirits plans to lay our distilling roots in Kentucky, growing the business in bourbon country. The distillery, tasting room and gift shop are expected to open to the public in 2022. For Ed Belfour, hockey is just the beginning of the legacy he wishes to leave. This is more than a job for him; it's a second dream come true. And he's all in.

Belfour currently has three premium whiskeys in its profile:

• Rye Whiskey
• Bourbon Whiskey Finished w/ Texas Pecan Wood
• Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey
  
  
• Rye Whiskey 47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML. Aged min. 18 mos.  A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and lures you in with every sip. A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma is followed by a warm sweet taste and soothing finish. You'll want to pour this unexpected spirit all night.
  • Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber
  • Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel  aroma, leather
  • Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, tobacco
  • Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish
  • Mash Bill: Rye, corn, malted barley
• Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood 46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML.  The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, over sized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. Born out of one of the natural wonders of the Lone Star State, this 92-proof Bourbon Whiskey aged beautifully in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood. These imparted subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan.    

• Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
• Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee
• Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses
• Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich  mouthfeel layered with vanilla
• Mash Bill: Corn, wheat, malted barley

Photo Credit: Belfour Spirits