This bourbon and rye are named after Queen Califa's mythical army of 500 gryphons, which was believed to guard treasure and valuable items. In this mythology, "California" is derived from the name Califa. A gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion, and the head, wings, and talons of an eagle. The nose is filled with aromas of brown sugar, toast, grain, and dark fruits, while the palate offers flavors of peanut brittle, vanilla, and leatherbound books, finishing with notes of almond and cola. This full and chewy beverage comes off as nearly sweet, but is beautifully balanced. It has a powerful yet gracefully gentle taste, reminiscent of Muhammed Ali gently petting a kitten. It is a perfect accompaniment for an elegant and sultry evening.