Oct 13

Glenlivet 15 Year Old Single Barrel Scotch – Review

Glenlivet 15 Year Old Single Barrel ScotchThe Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $50 – $60 for 750 ML

Distiller: Glenlivet Distillery

 

Background

Before I was happily married, I was a bachelor.  Hard to believe, right?  I know.  Anyway, before I lived with my wife, I had a roommate.  Although we had many differences, there was one thing we could agree on – our mutual love for Scotch.  His brand of choice was Glenlivet, a preference passed down from his godfather.  Although my collection of whiskey had more variety, he always had a bottle of Glenlivet 12 Year Old handy.

A couple months after my wedding, my old roommate came through with a “better late than never” wedding gift.  It happened to be a bottle of Glenlivet 15 Year Old.  Needless to say, our friendship has improved with little gestures like this along the way.

 

Review

This is what I call a nosing whisky!  The aroma is sweet and woody, a nice mixture of perfected distillation technique and aging.

Glenlivet 15 Year Old is stunning, and I don’t use that word lightly.  There’s a lot going on here, but I’ll try to narrow it down.  The oak is by far the most dominant force here, followed by a lot of fruit.  And I don’t mean the typical undertones of fruit.  This stuff packs in strawberries and cherries.  Really amazing!

I’m typically less worried about the finish of a whiskey compared to the nose and taste, but this one is remarkable.  It’s a lengthy finish with even more oak.

 

Rating & Recommendations

I can’t say enough good things about Glenlivet 15 Year Old.  I give this whisky a very high rating of 92 out of 100.

Glenlivet 15 Year Old is an extraordinary whisky that nobody calling themselves a fan of Scotch should miss out on.  Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

 

-Ryan

Oct 10

Caribbean Boozin’

Caribbean Boozin'About a month ago, my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary by recreating our honeymoon and flying back down to the Dominican Republic for round two.  We stayed at an all-inclusive and were (once again) quickly swept up by the Caribbean culture of rum – and lots of it.

Being immersed in a culture with such a strong identity behind a specific spirit is interesting to me as an American.  In Punta Cana, you simply cannot go anywhere without seeing an advertisement for either of the major players in the rum game; Barceló and Brugal.  When you’re in a bar down there, they certainly cater to Americans with vodkas, gins, wine, and beer.  But they much prefer to hand out rum (and maybe some Mama Juana, if the mood feels right).

What I find so fascinating about this is the national unity behind that spirit.  As an American, there is not a specific spirit that we stand behind as a group.  As an optimist I’d love to say that bourbon is our drink, but as a realist I know and understand that other spirits such as vodka reign supreme when looking at sheer volume of consumption.

What do you think?  If you’re American, do you agree with me or do you think that there is a spirit that unifies us?  If you’re not American, is there a perception that I am missing?  Let me know in the comments.

 

-Ryan

Oct 06

Glenlivet 12 Year Old Scotch – Review

Glenlivet 12 Year Old Scotch

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Glenlivet Distillery

 

Background

You walk into a bar and sit on a stool.  As a whiskey drinker, you survey the selection available to you.  You recognize that you are not in a “whiskey bar”, and you have a grand total of four whiskeys to choose from.

Inevitably, one of those will be the Glenlivet 12 Year Old.  This is a whisky that is synonymous with Scotch to some people, which makes it readily available in your neighborhood bar.  You likely order it because it’s your best option and (usually) reasonably priced.  Below is what you can expect…

 

Review

Glenlivet 12 Year Old’s nose is very light and florally.  Of course, the classic Glenlivet pineapple note is apparent right from the start.  This is a nice nose for an entry-level expression.  A little malty yet no peat at all.

The taste is smooth and velvety.  There’s plenty of flavor in the Glenlivet 12, but it’s pretty thin at 40%.  An interesting pineapple/pear combination shows up to set this one apart.

The malt really shines here with a nice smooth finish.  This is a very good after-dinner whisky.

 

Rating & Recommendations

I enjoy Glenlivet 12 Year Old, but I cannot rate it higher than an 83 out of 100 due to how thin it tasted.

If you enjoy this whisky but are looking for something a little bolder, you should definitely check out Glenlivet Nàdurra which is a cask strength, 16 year old version of this stuff.

 

-Ryan

Sep 29

Sazerac 6 Year Old Rye – Review

Sazerac 6 Year Old RyeSazerac 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey

90 Proof

Price Point: $20 – $30 for 750 ML

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Background

If you recall (it’s okay if you don’t), I posted a review of the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye back in January.  This still ranks among my favorite whiskeys that I have reviewed thus far.  Of course, that particular whiskey is an annual release, and a little out of my price range for an everyday type of beverage.

Luckily, the 18 Year Old has a younger brother – Sazerac 6 Year Old Rye.  If your’e ever looking to make a cocktail and there’s rye in the recipe, this should be your go-to. But, it’s also very good by itself, which (hopefully) my review will explain…

 

Review

When you bring a glass of Sazerac to your nose, you’ll be greeted with the aromas of a classic rye.  There’s a slight burn and then well-aged oak, with a hint of orange.  Pretty straightforward but interesting enough to stand alone.

In the mouth, this is a very nice rye!  There’s some bourbon inspired corn, which is a definite plus for me (a bourbon drinker’s rye).

The finish is creamy and dry all at once, with a touch of pepper spice.  There’s a decent length on the finish, especially for a mid-range proof.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Sazerac 6 Year Old is a rye that you need on your shelf, whether it’s for cocktails or to sip neat.  This versatility earns it an 86 out of 100.

This is a very even-keeled rye, absolutely perfect for all types of whiskey drinking.

 

-Ryan

Sep 22

Sheep Dip Blended Scotch – Review

Sheep Dip Blended ScotchSheep Dip Blended Scotch Whisky

80 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Spencerfield Spirit Co. Ltd.

 

Background

I’m really not into blends.  Take my review of Johnnie Walker Red, for example.  I truly believe that often, you’re paying for the label not the whiskey.  Which is why when my wife pointed out Sheep Dip on the store shelf, I dismissed it as yet another sub-par, blended Scotch.  Well, I gave in anyway and bought a bottle – the price wasn’t too steep and she seemed to like the package.  What came next was very surprising…

 

Review

Wow, what a unique nose!  The first thing that comes to mind is heavy sourdough bread (and I mean heavy!).  There’s a touch of malt, along with sea salt, honey, and a little bit of sweetness to round it off.

Once in your mouth, you’ll quickly realize that this is not your average blended Scotch (it is a blended malt, after all).  Sheep Dip is heavy, yet slightly refreshing.  It has the complexity of a Speyside with the maritime qualities of an Islay.  Truly unique.

The finish is lengthy and malty – very nice!  There’s even a hint of smoke at the end.

 

Rating & Recommendations

I was really surprised by the quality of Sheep Dip which is why it earns solid rating of 85 out of 100.

This is far and away the best blended malt I have ever tasted, and I would recommend that you try it if you haven’t already.

 

-Ryan

Sep 15

Connemara Irish Whiskey – Review

Connemara Irish WhiskeyConnemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

80 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Cooley Distillery

 

Background

I first had Connemara maybe three years ago.  Without studying the label carefully (this was before whiskey was such a passion for me), I assumed it was a Scotch based on its peaty aroma and flavor.  Looking back, it seems foolish, but then again, Connemara is a very radical expression coming from the Emerald Isle.  Most Irish whiskeys are triple-distilled with no presence of peat, while this one is double-distilled with a distinct peat character.

I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again – variety is what makes whiskey so interesting.  Certainly the people behind Connemara share that philosophy with me.

 

Review

You guessed it – the nose has a fair amount of peat.  In addition, there is some smoke as well as a medicinal quality (almost like Vick’s).  Connemara’s nose is also slightly creamy.

The first taste that I picked up was burnt rubber.  Not the best flavor in my opinion.  Afterwards, I picked up a little bit of mint.  Connemara is slightly sweet, but a little bit thin.

It’s a little bit bigger on the finish with a good deal of smoke.  The peat will stay with you, which is one positive to take out of this whiskey.

 

Rating & Recommendations

If you couldn’t tell by the tasting notes, I’m not quite as keen on Connemara as some of my fellow bloggers are.  It earns a rating of 82 out of 100.

This whiskey is over-hyped in my opinion, perhaps gaining popularity from the novelty of a peated Irish.  It’s certainly a nice change from some of the monotonous expressions from the Ireland, but leave peat to Islay!

 

-Ryan

Sep 08

Dad’s Hat White Rye – Review

Dad's Hat Pennsylvania White RyeDad’s Hat Genuine Small Batch Pennsylvania White Rye

100 Proof

Price Point: $25 – $35 for 750 ML

Distiller: Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC

 

Background

Trends come and go.  Pogs, Furbys, and snap bracelets all had their time, but where are they now?  Either in the back of the closet of your childhood bedroom or in a landfill decomposing for another decade or two.

Just like popular culture, trends in whiskey are abundant.  And just like JNCOs, many of them fade away over time.  “White dog”, or unaged, whiskey is a big trend right now in the industry.  It’s cheap to produce and it’s being sold at a premium.  But, if you were to take away the fancy label and the hip marketing buzz, would you still drink this stuff?  I’m betting that you wouldn’t.

 

Review

Dad’s Hat has the classic white dog nose, although this one barely resembles whiskey at all.  There’s a strong aroma of rubbing alcohol, with an almost earthy quality attached.

The taste is just plain offensive – not much else to say.

Dad’s Hat burns on the finish, but not in a positive or pleasurable way.  Ouch!

 

Rating & Recommendations

Sorry Dad’s Hat, but you have earned my lowest rating ever with a 40 out of 100.

This stuff is undrinkable, repulsive.  Why would anyone spend money on this garbage?

 

-Ryan

Sep 05

Abraham Bowman Bourbon – Review

Abraham Bowman BourbonAbraham Bowman Virginia Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey

138.6 Proof

Price Point: $70 – $80 for 750 ML

Distiller: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

 

Background

For the past two weeks, I have been reviewing expressions from the A. Smith Bowman distillery, one which I had toured back in December of last year.  The first to be reviewed was the small batch expression, called Bowman Brothers.  Last week I reviewed the single barrel, also known as John J. Bowman.

This week I will be reviewing the big daddy, the cask strength, limited edition bourbon known as Abraham Bowman.  Before Truman Cox took over as master distiller, Abraham Bowman was a limited edition rye whiskey, not a bourbon.  I haven’t had the pleasure of trying that iteration, but this one is just fine the way it is.

 

Review

Wow!  The nose on Abraham Bowman is big and bold.  It almost has a Sharpie pen quality to it.  It can make you feel a bit tipsy from the fumes by themselves!

The taste tells the story here.  It seems very well aged, further than most other bourbons.  The oak is very prevalent, still sweet like the small batch and single barrel, but toned down.

The finish is very long due to its high proof.  It will make your eyes water and clear your sinuses right up!

 

Rating & Recommendations

Abraham Bowman is an excellent bourbon, but too high proof to enjoy regularly.  I rate it a 91 out of 100.

Use caution when drinking this bourbon as you can get yourself into a lot of trouble very quickly.  Consider watering it down or simply cutting your portion in half.

 

-Ryan

Aug 25

John J. Bowman Bourbon – Review

John J. Bowman BourbonJohn J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

100 Proof

Price Point: $60 – $70 for 750 ML

Distiller: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

 

Background

Last week, I reviewed the “entry-level” craft expression from the A. Smith Bowman collection – Bowman Brothers.  If you read the review, you will know that I enjoyed it, but there was some room for improvement.

John J. Bowman is the single barrel whiskey from the same distillery, which kicks the proof up to 50%, and in my opinion, the flavor as well.

 

Review

The nose is a little more intense than the small batch.  There’s less corn sweetness and substantially more oak.  You can tell that you’re in for a treat!

Once you take a sip, you’ll realize that this is a significantly better bourbon than Bowman Brothers, and I really liked Bowman Brothers!  It’s less sweet, but more big, bourbon flavor.  Truly excellent!

This whiskey has the perfect bourbon finish; long and very enjoyable.

 

Rating & Recommendations

John J. Bowman is easily one of my all-time favorite bourbons, earning a 92 out of 100 rating.

It’s a little pricey for a bourbon, at least here in the States, but I think it’s worth every penny.  If you can swing the price, pick up a bottle (or two!).

 

-Ryan

Aug 18

Bowman Brothers Bourbon – Review

Bowman Brothers BourbonBowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

90 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

 

Background

Back in December of last year, I wrote a blog post about my first trip to a distillery.  If you recall (or you just clicked my link), my travels brought me to the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  This was truly an enlightening experience as I had seen the tip of the iceberg that is whiskey knowledge.

Of course, I had to pick up a few bottles while I was down there.  The first I will review is A. Smith Bowman’s “entry-level” craft expression, Bowman Brothers.  Next week I will review the single barrel expression (John J. Bowman), and the week after that will be the limited edition barrel proof bourbon (Abraham Bowman).

 

Review

The nose opens up with a familiar bourbon sweetness.  There is a fair amount of rye, along with a nice oak balance.

Sweet corn bourbon taste comes out in full force.  Fair amount of oak here – a very tasty bourbon.  Hard to believe this stuff comes from the same distillery as Virginia Gentleman.

Pretty decent length on the finish.  A little charcoal smoke to round out a fairly standard bourbon.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Bowman Brothers is a very nice entry-level bourbon from A. Smith Bowman, earning a rating of 85 out of 100.

It can be a little pricier than other opening expressions from other distilleries, but this one is certainly worth trying.

 

-Ryan