Opium importer founded distillery in 1839

The Dalmore Distillery’s journey from opium smuggling to Single Malt Scotch distinction will be recognized as the EaDo (East Downtown) neighborhood Houston bar Reserve 101 features The Dalmore’s 12-year, 15-year and Grand Reserva whiskeys at a Tuesday Tasting on July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited. Register for the event at http://reserve101.com/whiskey-tastings-houston.

In 1839, Alexander Matheson invested profits from his illegal opium smuggling business to build The Dalmore Distillery in Scotland’s northern Highlands. There, he produced small batches of single malt Scotch until 1886, when the facility was sold to the Mackenzie family. When a Mackenzie saved Scottish King Alexander III from a charging stag, the regent awarded the family with a 12-point stag’s head for its coat of arms that now appears on the label of every bottle the distillery produces.

“Despite its checkered origins, The Dalmore is one of the most popular and luxurious single malts in the world,” said Reserve 101 co-owner and whiskey expert Mike Raymond. “Their 12-year Scotch is much richer than its age might indicate, containing hints of fine espresso flavor, while the 15-year tastes of winter spices, orange zest and chocolate as a result of maturing in sherry casks. Grand Reserva, matured in sherry and bourbon casks, has notes of tobacco leaf, honey and spices.”

Raymond said The Dalmore’s Brand Ambassador Trent Roberts will conduct the tasting.

Reserve 101, “not your daddy’s whiskey bar,” is located in the heart of Houston’s EaDo entertainment district at the corner of Caroline and Dallas next to Dirt Bar and across from House of Blues. In addition to its best-in-region selection of over 180 premium whiskeys, the bar serves Martinis, Signature Cocktails, beer, wine and special infusions—organic ingredients steeped in spirits right on premises.

“Happy Hour,” with dollar-off beers and wines and half-price signature cocktails runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with specials just about every day of the week, including Sundays.

More information about Reserve 101 and whiskeys is available by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Jim Beam introduces its newest specialty whiskey, Devil’s Cut —absorbed liquor sweated out of oak storage casks — on Tuesday, July 19th, at a “progressive launch party” hosted by Reserve 101 and House of Blues in Houston’s EaDo (East Downtown) Entertainment District.

Whiskey makers call spirits lost to evaporation the “Angel’s Share,” but even when the barrel’s empty, there’s Bourbon left behind that has been absorbed by its oak aging cask.  Jim Beam has developed a proprietary twist on an old technique: barrel-sweating with heat, water and agitation to extract what they’ve named the “Devil’s Cut.”  The six-year-old 90-proof Bourbon has an extra-woody, heavier-on-the-tannins, unique flavor profile.

For Houston’s product launch, Jim Beam and Spec’s have chosen Reserve 101 and House of Blues, located across the street from one another on Caroline and Dallas.  Sample Devil’s Cut at Reserve 101’s First-Pour Happy Hour from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., followed by the Launch Event with live entertainment at House of Blues from 8 p.m.-midnight; then it’s back to Reserve 101 for a Nightcap After Party till 2 a.m.

“With over 180 premium brands in stock, Reserve 101 has the best whiskey selection in the region.   That’s why we’re proud to be part of the launch celebration for Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut Bourbon,” said Reserve 101 co-owner and whiskey expert Mike Raymond.  “Devil’s Cut is an example of the experimentation that’s going on throughout the distilling industry, employing old techniques and new science to produce unique products for today’s whiskey drinker.”

In addition to its unique whiskey collection, Reserve 101 serves other spirits, including beer, wine, Signature Cocktails and special infusions made from steeping organic material such as apples, peaches, peppers and spices in liquor to create new taste sensations.
Reserve 101 is open seven days a week and hosts complimentary tastings most Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., for which participants may register at: http://reserve101.com/whiskey-tastings-houston.

“Happy Hour,” with dollar-off beers and wines and half-price Signature Cocktails, runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with specials just about every day of the week.

More information about Reserve 101 and whiskeys is available by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .