Review

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey
47% ABV
$45 to $50
Website
JD SB
What the Distillery Says:
Single Barrel is matured in the highest reaches of our barrelhouse, where the dramatic changes in temperature cause its color and taste to deepen further. We still hand select each barrel for its robust taste and notes of toasted oak, vanilla and caramel.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, oak and peanut butter on burnt toast.
Palate: Richer and creamier than regular Jack by far. More vanilla, caramel, black pepper, and wood in the mouth.
Finish: The alcohol gives it a little more heat on the finish riding into pepper and oak.
Comments: Not challenging by any stretch but much better than Old No. 7. $50 better? Well, no. I do enjoy this and to me it’s what Jack Daniels should taste like but it’s not a $50 bottle. At least not if it’s my money. That said, if you haven’t tried it and see it at a bar I would recommend giving it a try.
Rating: Must Try

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Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Bottled in Bond
50% ABV
$40-$50
Website
Taylor Small Batch
What the Distillery Says:
As founding father of the bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. left an indelible legacy. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War when he purchased O.F C. Distillery. There, he developed innovative techniques that are still in use today. Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrels are evaluated and selected to create a perfect blend of distinctive character that is like no other. This bourbon is a true sipping bourbon that honors the uncompromising legacy of E.H. Taylor, Jr.

TASTING NOTES:
Tastes of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and licorice. The aftertaste is a soft mouth-feel that turns into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Hot, with notes of maple syrup and mint.
Palate: Caramel, hot peppers (jalapeno like heat, not peppercorns),
Finish: Oak mellowing into rich black tea.
Comments: In the spectrum of of the E. H. Taylor range I would put this second only to the Warehouse C Tornado bottling. It’s a good, well constructed, and moderately aggressive bottled-in-bond bourbon. Fortunately, it happens to be the cheapest in the E. H. Taylor range.
Rating: Stands Out

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Dewar’s Signature

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
Bottle Number A18955
43% ABV
$180 to $200
Website
Dewars_Signature
What the Distillery Says:
There are over 160 years of blending traditions in every bottle of Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky. Carefully layered from the rarest whiskies from each of Scotland’s whiskies regions and double barrel aged to bring out the complex flavor, Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is our richest, fullest, and smoothest creation.

Our Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is Honeyed, rich toffee and velvet

What Richard Says:
Nose: Oranges, smoke, wet hay, floral notes, and vanilla.
Palate: Rich, creamy, and welcoming. More vanilla, caramel hard candies, more hay, and spicy oak notes at the back of the palate.
Finish: Heavy on the pepper, spice and oak. Medium length. Surprisingly robust given the delicate nature of the nose and palate.
Comments: This is possibly the most well balanced dram of scotch I’ve ever had. This is absolutely delightful. The next time you’re thinking about grabbing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, grab a bottle of Dewar’s Signature instead. You won’t regret it.
Rating: Must Try

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Dewar’s 12 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Dewar’s 12 Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV
$25
Website
dewars-12-year-scotch-whisky
What the Distillery Says:
After we blend our Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky, we return it to the vintage oak casks so it can mature a little more. This extra step is called double barrel aging and it makes Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky an even smoother blend with a long, lingering finish.

Our Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky is Warm, buttery and mellow

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fresh hay dipped in honey and vanilla. Green as in vegetal not new or young. Lots of toffee and orange zest.
Palate: Sweet and creamy like a custard with more vanilla and light oak.
Finish: Surprisingly dry and woody.
Comments: If the sum total of your 12 year of blended scotch experience is Johnnie Walker Black and Chivas then you need to get out more. Dewar’s makes some lovely drams. Their Special Reserve is a nice well balanced dram that you shouldn’t overlook.
Rating: Stands Out

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Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 21 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV/80 Proof
$170 to $220
Website
chivas_bottle
What the Distillery Says:
In 1953, Chivas Brothers paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by creating a limited edition of a very special blended whisky. Only 2,500 cases were produced for worldwide distribution. The first flagons, adorned with the royal crest, were sealed on the day of her coronation. The name chosen was considered a fitting tribute to the new monarch. It was called Royal Salute, after the 21-gun salute – the ultimate mark of respect, reserved for tributes to dignitaries and nations alike. Appropriately, each of the whiskies in the blend was at least 21 years old and thus, Royal Salute 21 Year Old was born.

Appearance: Deep, golden amber colour

Nose: Rich, fruity aromas and the sweet fragrance of autumn flowers

Taste: Full, deep fruity flavours wit a subtle smokiness

Finish: Rich, long and lingering

What Richard Says:
Nose: Sherry sweetness, malted barley, heather, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
Palate: There’s the slightest smokiness that is really very pleasant. It’s a silky smooth dram with a little nuttiness and a surprisingly woody note. It’s not oak per se but woody just the same.
Finish: Oak at first but it smooths out into a nutty smokiness. A nice long finish.
Comments: Yummy. I’m not in the habit of dropping $200 on a bottle of scotch. Even less so for a blend. Fortunately, I picked this up for about half the price duty free in Puerto Rico and I’m glad I did. This is an immensely drinkable dram. Are there things I’d rather spend $200 on? Yes but it’s very tasty just the same.
Rating: Stands Out

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