Tag: whisky

Learning About Whiskey

Glenlivet Nadurra 16 Year Old Scotch Detail

When it comes to whiskey, I am an amateur. Sure, I run a blog about whiskey, I’ve sampled a good amount of them, and I have a higher level of whiskey knowledge than the average Joe.  But, when I step back and think about everything out there that I do not know, it’s pretty humbling. …

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Scotch Lesson #3: Single Malt vs. Blends

Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch

Last time, we focused on the geography of Scotland, and how it affects the taste of the whisky in your bottle.  This time we’ll discuss the definitions, and differences between, single malt Scotch and blended Scotch. Single malt Scotch whisky is very easy to define and understand.  To be considered a single malt, the whisky …

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How to Drink Whiskey

Whiskey Snifter

Welcome to 2012! According to some of the conspiracy theorists out there, this is the year that the world will end.  If that is the case, you’re going to need a drink or two, but you’ll need to know the proper way to consume. Let me start this post by saying that, in my opinion, …

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Scotch Lesson #2: Geography

Scotland Geography

Two weeks ago, we got a little refresher course on the history of Scotch.  This time, we’ll be focusing on the geography of Scotland and how it affects the whisky in your bottle. Scotland is broken up into five main segments; Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown.  Each of these areas carry their own traditions …

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Bastille French Whisky – Review

Bastille French Whisky

Bastille Hand-Crafted French Whisky 80 Proof Price Point: $25 – $35 for 750 ML Distiller: Daucourt Ste   Background Quite possibly the greatest thing about whiskey is its diversity.  Flavor profiles are generated and differentiated by ingredients, distillation techniques, and geographic location.  The culture, knowledge/experience, and personal preferences of the distiller also have a large effect …

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My First Visit to a Distillery

A. Smith Bowman Copper Still

I didn’t really know what to expect driving into Fredericksburg, VA.  I guess I half-expected a backwoods, rural area with a general store and dirt roads.  Contrary to my ignorance, Fredericksburg is a very modern town, with just about any type of restaurant or store you could possibly want to visit. I walked into the …

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Scotch Lesson #1: History

The Macallan 10 Year Old Scotch Label

It’s always important to get your facts straight when discussing something that you are passionate about.  Unfortunately, whiskey seems to be one of those topics that most people think they know, but they are way off.  A few weeks back, I posted a little lesson about bourbon.  Like most things labeled “American”, its roots are …

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How I Review

Whiskey Snifter

Okay, so I’m a little OCD.  Okay, more than a little. I really cling on to habits, and I crave a sense of order in my life.  If you haven’t figured it out yet, this blog is no exception.  I post a review every Saturday and a bit of “Whiskey Trivia” on Wednesday.  My reviews …

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Macallan Fine Oak 10 Year Old Scotch – Review

Macallan 10 Year Old Scotch

The Macallan Fine Oak 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 80 Proof Price Point: $40 – $50 for 750 ML Distiller: The Macallan Distillers Ltd.   Background Sometimes when choosing a whiskey to try, you just have to go with your gut instinct.  You won’t always know every whiskey in the store, but that …

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Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky – Review

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Aged 12 Years 86 Proof Price Point: $45-$55 for 750 ML Distiller: Yamazaki Distillery (Produced by Suntory)   Background It isn’t very often that I’m giddy to purchase a whiskey.  My wife will tell you that the second I saw Yamazaki on the shelf of our local liquor store, my eyes lit up.  …

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