Aug 10

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon – Review

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof BourbonColonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

134.5 Proof

Price Point: $70 – $80 for 750 ML

Distiller: Old Fashioned Copper Distillery

 

Background

There’s just something about barrel proof bourbons that make me happy.  And not just because of the alcohol content (I know some of you were thinking that).  It’s usually because there’s more flavor packed in each sip than the average 80 proofer.  I’ve rated both George T. Stagg and Abraham Bowman very high, mostly because of their complexity.  The Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. collection includes a Small Batch, a Single Barrel, and a Barrel Proof.  Why not start with the biggest and boldest?

 

Review

The nose starts out with dark cherries and big, strong charred oak.  Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is potent but still nice to nose in moderation.  There’s also toffee and vanilla to add some sweet notes.

This dries out your mouth in an instant, if sipped without adding any water.  This is obviously a high proof whiskey, but very, very tasty.  There’s caramel and honey in Colonel E.H. Taylor, as well as more charred oak.  There’s a nice little “zing” of rye, but nothing overpowering.  This is a very sweet bourbon.

A little bit of burning on the outside of the tongue seals in the flavor for a long and satisfying finish.  The rye makes its way back to cap off a very nice whiskey.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is yet another high proof whiskey that earns a high rating from me; score it a 90 out of 100.

This bourbon packs a punch with a burst of flavor.  You’ll be sweating after a sip or two, for sure.  A very good bourbon in small portions.

 

-Ryan

Aug 03

Auchentoshan Classic Scotch – Review

Auchentoshan Classic ScotchAuchentoshan Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $30 – $40 for 750 ML

Distiller: Auchentoshan Distillery

 

Background

Auchentoshan (pronounced Aw-khen-tosh-an, according to Wikipedia) Classic is the entry-level expression from a Lowland distillery known for its unique triple-distillation process.  This technique is commonplace in Ireland, but very rare in Scotland.  My first thought when seeing “triple-distilled” on a label, is that most of the complex flavors have been sucked out, creating a too-smooth, boring whisky.  Auchentoshan isn’t shy about marketing how “gentle” and “smooth” their whisky is, but they also talk about how flavorful it is.  Let’s see whether my instincts or their marketing wins this battle.

 

Review

This whisky is golden in the glass; almost like a Chardonnay in color and opacity.  Auchentoshan is a fruity whisky if I’ve ever smelled one before.  Lots of apples and pears, with subtle pineapple.  There’s also a hint of malt and a dash of cinnamon spice on the nose.

This is a light and tasty whisky with a little more citrus fruits (oranges and grapefruit) on the tongue.  Auchentoshan is slightly spicy bringing back that cinnamon mentioned earlier, with just a touch of malt.  This is quite tasty for a whisky that was triple-distilled in the same vein as its Irish counterparts.

There’s definitely more malt on the finish.  Also existent is a slightly unpleasant, bitter taste – tough to describe.  This is my only major complaint with Auchentoshan.

 

Rating & Recommendations

For an entry-level whisky, Auchentoshan Classic is surprisingly good, earning an 84 out of 100.

For 80 proof, there’s a lot going on here.  This is a good value whisky, and I will definitely be looking to try the next level up.

 

-Ryan

Jul 27

The Glenrothes Scotch – Review

Glenrothes ScotchThe Glenrothes Select Reserve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $45 – $55 for 750 ML

Distiller: Berry Bros. & Rudd

 

Background

Just as I stated in my review of Cragganmore 12 Year Old, there are many whiskeys I see time and time again in the store that I never get around to purchasing.  It can be for any number of different reasons, and often does not relate directly to the quality or taste of the whiskey itself.

I’ve seen ads for the Glenrothes for a long time, seen their bottles in the store, and even followed them on Twitter.  But I never had a good reason to spend $50 to buy a bottle.  A few extra bucks found their way to my bank account, so I sprung for a bottle of the stuff I had seen so many times before.

 

Review

The nose on the Glenrothes starts out with malt and yeast.  It then transitions to zesty spice and plenty of citrus.  There’s plenty here on the nose for 80 proof.

This is a light and refreshing whisky (never thought I would say that about a Scotch).  It’s very heavy on citrus flavor with a touch of malt.  The Glenrothes has a bit of the Glenlivet 12 Year Old pineapple flavor – tasty.

The finish is nice, sweet, and malty.  But it fades rather quickly, which is somewhat disappointing.

 

Rating & Recommendations

The Glenrothes is a good entry level whisky, earning a rating of 83 out of 100.

This is a light and tasty whisky to be enjoyed outside on a warm day.  Perhaps a little overpriced, but nice for a change.

 

-Ryan

Jul 24

What’s on Your Shelf? (Part 1)

Whisky Collection July 2013Last week, I unexpectedly received a nice little bonus at work.  That, in combination with my birthday being this past weekend, was motivation enough for my wife and I to go out and purchase a few new bottles to add to our shelf.  Our collection may be small, but I believe in quality over quantity.  Here is what we have for the time-being:

What’s on your shelf right now?  Let me know in the comments below.

 

-Ryan

Jul 20

Jameson Irish Whiskey – Review

Jameson Irish WhiskeyJameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

80 Proof

Price Point: $20 – $30 for 750 ML

Distiller: The Bow St. Distillery

 

Background

Step into virtually any bar in the world, and you’ll likely see a bottle of Jameson on the shelf (and likely more in the back).

This is by far the most popular Irish whiskey worldwide.  Does that mean that it’s the best Irish whiskey available worldwide?  I wouldn’t go that far.  But it’s certainly one of the easiest to drink for people whose taste buds aren’t necessarily adapted to whiskey.  And it lends itself to cocktails by mixing with anything from soda to a pint of Guinness.

But will Jameson hold up against the other Irish whiskeys I have reviewed thus far?  Let’s find out.

 

Review

Jameson starts out with a classic pot still Irish nose.  The nose is very light and grainy (not necessarily a good thing).  Jameson is heavier on alcohol than it is pleasant aromas.

This whiskey has a “paper taste” according to my dad, and I don’t disagree.  It’s light and sweet, and not much more that that.  Grain is the star of the Jameson show, contrary to what the back of the bottle will tell you.  I really don’t detect much malt or oak.

There’s not much flavor on the finish, although what do you expect for a triple-distilled whiskey?

 

Rating & Recommendations

Jameson Irish Whiskey is a staple for bars around the world, but earns a somewhat average rating of 76 out of 100.

If you’re serious about Irish whiskey, do yourself a favor and buy Powers or Connemara.  If you still want to give Jameson a chance (and don’t mind spending an arm and a leg), try the 18 Year Old.

 

-Ryan

Jul 13

Cragganmore 12 Year Old Scotch – Review

Cragganmore 12 Year Old ScotchCragganmore 12 Year Old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Cragganmore Distillery

 

Background

I’ve reviewed a lot of whiskeys on this blog.  Ninety to be exact.  Most of them are whiskeys I saw in the store that I had heard something good about.  And maybe not even good; just something.  Others I was drawn in by the label, the bottle, its proof, or sometimes just its geographic origin.

Cragganmore 12 Year Old doesn’t fit any of that criteria.  Its label isn’t that exciting and neither is the bottle.  It drinks at an 80 proof which usually isn’t that enticing for me.  And it is a Speyside, which is great, but nothing exotic.

In other words, I never had a good reason to try Cragganmore, until I started running out of whiskies to try that are available in my state.  I suppose that’s as good a reason as any to pick up a bottle and write a review.

 

Review

Cragganmore 12 Year Old has a classic Speyside nose, with plenty of nutmeg and other spices.  This seems a little similar to Amrut, only not as intense.  A higher proof may bring out a little more on the nose.

The taste is spicy and malty.  Cragganmore is not as thin as I expected at 80 proof, but certainly not at my ideal strength.  There’s a little smoke on the back end to add a little interest to this whisky.

This one has a tasty, malty finish, although not all that long lasting.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Cragganmore 12 Year Old is an okay whisky, earning a respectable rating of 81 out of 100.

This isn’t a bad whisky by any means, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the price.

 

-Ryan

Jul 06

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Scotch – Review

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old ScotchDalwhinnie 15 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

86 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Dalwhinnie Distillery

 

Background

I first had a chance to sample Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old from a miniature bottle that was given to me about a year and a half ago.  Typically when I have the opportunity to try something, and it leaves a mark on me, I’ll purchase a bottle myself shortly thereafter.

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old did not leave that kind of mark on me.

After a string of emails back and forth with a fan of the blog, I was convinced to give this whisky another shot (proof that word-of-mouth is still the strongest form of marketing).  I found that, like many whiskies, this one grew on me after my second tasting.

 

Review

The nose on Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old is really nice – a classical Highland nose.  This one reminds me of Glenfarclas 17 Year Old; very malty.  One of those whiskies you can spend twenty minutes nosing before taking your first sip.

This is a very tasty whisky.  Lots of flavor for the relatively average proof.  Dalwhinnie is dark and leathery, tasting very mature.  It is sweet but slightly smoky.  A very interesting mixture of flavors.

This has an incredibly malty finish (much to my liking), with hints of leather.  This stuff finishes very well.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old earns a very good rating of 86 out of 100.

If you’re in the market for a very enjoyable whisky that can be savored by the nose alone, give this one a try.

 

-Ryan

Jun 28

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Scotch – Review

Caol Ila 12 Year Old ScotchCaol Ila 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

86 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Caol Ila Distillery

 

Background

It’s been a little while since I reviewed a good old fashioned Islay whisky (the most recent was Bunnahabhain which is a little different than most whiskies sharing its island of origin).  I really enjoy these whiskies since, for whatever reason, I can find distinguishable differences between them despite such a strong pedigree of shared characteristics.  They can be so subtly different, yet that slight variation can mean the difference between a mediocre whisky and a great one.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old has a pretty decent repuation.  Then again, so do many of the Islay whiskies out there.  So let’s give a try and see how it holds up.

 

Review

The nose is a beautiful mixture of smoke and peat.  There’s light iodine followed by some creamy vanilla.  This is a salty and sweet mix of the very best that Islay has to offer.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is one of the few whiskies that tastes very much like it smells.  It’s peaty and smoky, salty and sweet; well aged and nicely balanced.  This one sort of reminds me of Laphroaig Quarter Cask.  It stains your palate at the first sip, so don’t drink this if you plan on sampling another whisky afterward.

The finish is very pleasant; one of those that will hang around for a little bit.

 

Rating & Recommendations

This is a really nice whisky, earning a rating of 85 out of 100.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is a more manageable Islay expression compared to the Ardbegs of the genre.  A must try for fans of peat and smoke.

 

-Ryan

Jun 22

Amrut Indian Whisky – Review

Amrut Indian WhiskyAmrut Single Malt Whisky

92 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Amrut Distilleries Limited

 

Background

I always enjoy trying whiskies from different regions around the world, from the French Bastille to the Japanese Yamazaki.  When I had the chance to buy a bottle of Amrut, I jumped on the opportunity.  When you open a bottle of bourbon or Irish whiskey, you more or less know what you’re getting yourself into.  When you crack open a bottle of Indian whisky for the first time, who knows what’s in store for you?

 

Review

The nose on Amrut is very fruity and florally, similar to fellow Asian whisky Yamazaki 12 Year Old.  There’s also some pears and a hint of malt.  A little bread-like, reminiscent of Bruichladdich Rocks and Sheep Dip.  This is a very nicely balanced whisky on the nose.

The taste on Amrut starts out with a burst of cinnamon.  This is very malty in the mouth, and the fruit notes become way toned down.  This is a very mature tasting whisky and full-bodied for a 46%, which is a major plus for me.

There’s a surprising leather-influenced finish on Amrut.  A nice little bit of bite rounds out a very good whisky from India.

 

Rating & Recommendations

This is a really good, well-rounded whisky, receiving a rating of 86 out of 100.

Amrut is a surprisingly tasty and complex whisky out of a region not known for their aqua vitae.  I would recommend purchasing this if you have the opportunity.

 

-Ryan

Jun 15

Elmer T. Lee Bourbon – Review

Elmer T. Lee BourbonElmer T. Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

90 Proof

Price Point: $30 – $40 for 750 ML

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Background

Elmer T. Lee is named after a previous Master Distiller from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.  His namesake whiskey is a single barrel bourbon, honoring the man who created the “first modern single barrel bourbon“.  We all know of the quality that has come out of the Buffalo Trace Distillery for many years, and this bourbon is surely a testament to the hard work that Mr. Lee invested during his time there.

 

Review

Elmer T. Lee has the typical “sour mash” nose – buttery and sweet.  It is a little harsh if breathed in too quickly.  Not the best nose here; pretty standard.

The taste is really very good.  It has a sweetness reminiscent of Eagle Rare, with a very nice balance, including vanilla and honey.

The finish on Elmer T. Lee is long and warming.  Perfect for a bourbon on a summer day.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Elmer T. Lee is a solid bourbon earning a rating of 82 out of 100.

There’s nothing overly exciting with this whiskey; just another solid bourbon with no major problems or flaws.

 

-Ryan