Review

Innis & Gunn Independence Day 2012

/ / Other Spirits, Review /

Innis & Gunn Independence Day 2012 Oak Aged Beer
7% ABV
$12.99/4 Pack
Website

What the Brewer Says:
We are delighted to present this Limited Edition Innis & Gunn beer which has been brewed, matured and bottled to mark American Independence Day, the 4th of July 2012.

Scottish and American culture has been celebrated throughout the centuries, and has helped to shape the modern world. From the Declaration of Independence, which was influenced by our nations’ shared dedication to liberty and freedom, to modern day musicians, explorers and pioneers.

One of America’s National Symbols, ‘Uncle Sam’ is a real man of Scots decent. Samuel Wilson’s parents sailed to America from Greenock, Scotland. Samuel supplied the army with meat in barrels during the War of 1812-15. The barrels were prominently labelled “U.S.” for the United States, but the soldiers joked that the letters stood for “Uncle Sam.”

This beer, then, celebrates the Heritage, the Spirit and the Character of the people of America and the people of Scotland. It is a great collaboration of full-flavoured Scottish malted barley and mouth-watering, zesty American hops, all slowly matured in our brewery in Scotland.

Above all though, it celebrates our shared love of great beer!

Nose: Apple
Colour: Golden
Palate: Big hits of biscuit malt and citrus hops. Vanilla and oak come through, and become more pronounced as the beer warms.
Finish: An unusual balance of refreshment and complexity. Malty sweet with lingering fruit and oak.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Malty and fruity. It has some of that classic oak aged smell.
Palate: A round creamy vanilla sweetness jumps in first and then is chased out by a savory beef broth woody note.
Finish: A little fruity sweetness balances with oak but it’s surprisingly clean and short on the finish.
Comments: Admittedly, I’m not much of a beer guy. Most of my focus is in the realm of distilled spirits. That said, I really like this beer. I’m most pissed that it’s a limited edition. If I could find it regularly I’d be having these year round.
Rating: Must Try

I would like to thank Shannon Fischer with Handcrafted PR for sending a few of these beauties over for review. I’ll also be passing some along to our designated Whisk(e)y Apostle Beer Guru Sam the next time I’m in Atlanta. When I hear back from Sam I will post his thoughts too.

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Jameson Select Reserve

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Jameson Select Reserve Single Distillery Irish Whiskey
Small Batch (International)/Black Barrel (U.S.)
40% ABV/80 Proof
$40
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Whiskeys like Jameson Black Barrel don’t just happen by chance. Years of experience and skill go into the precise selection of whiskeys used in this intense and intriguing addition to the Jameson family.

The Jameson Masters carefully select a high proportion of single Irish pot still whiskey and a rare small batch grain whiskey, all matured in flame-charred bourbon barrels and toasted sherry casks.

The trademark Jameson notes of toasted wood and spice develop while the rich pot still whiskey matures in the dark, aromatic warehouses of our single distillery. The rare, sweet grain whiskey – not found in any other Jameson Whiskey – is triple distilled in small batch quantities on just one occasion each year.

This bold combination of charred barrels, deepened spices and exotic fruits, results in a dark and full-bodied taste experience that is completely unique and unmistakably Jameson. It took 232 years to get here, but we think you will agree that Jameson Black Barrel was worth the wait.
Tasting characteristics

NOSE – Rich and full, developing into the succulent sweetness of exotic fruits like nectarines, apricot and papaya.

TASTE – A burst of flavours combine to produce a creamy, luscious taste experience. The special fruity sweetness from the grain remains consistent, while the waves of vanilla, toasted wood and spices roll through from the pot still whiskey and flame charred barrels.

FINISH – An incredibly long finish with fruit and wood spices lingering in perfect proportion, delivering an extremely rich and luxurious taste experience.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy and lightly sherried with lots of dried straw.
Palate: A richer mouth feel than regular Jameson. A little sweet at first and then you can see the pot still character shining through. I get stone fruit during the transition into the finish. Apricots for sure but others too. I just can’t pick them out.
Finish: Hot and woody at first. Bits of mint and a little nutty as the finish lingers.
Comments: Jameson with more pot still component? Yes please! Jameson only better would be the best description. For some reason this is “Small Batch” everywhere but the U.S. and “Black Barrel” here. I’m guessing it has to do with bottle labeling regulations put in place via bourbon but I don’t really know. I bought mine overseas and it says small batch but they are both the “Select Reserve.” I don’t know that it’s quite worth twice as much as regular Jameson but it’s worth trying if you’re a fan.
Rating: Stands Out

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Jameson Distillery Reserve

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Jameson Old Irish Whiskey
The Old Jameson Distilery Reserve, Aged 12 Years

40% ABV/80 Proof
$50 to $55 depending on exchange rate
Only available at The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin or The Old Midleton Distillery in Cork

What the Distillery Says:

John Jameson would be justly proud of this exclusive Distillery Reserve Whiskey that commemorates his famous Old Dublin Distillery.

What Richard Says:

Nose: There are little wisps of sulfur right out of the bottle but they fade quickly after pouring. From there it transitions into honey, cream, fresh cut grass, and pine cones.
Palate: Creamy with lots of butterscotch and dried straw. There’s also something in there that reminds me of honey drizzled unripened pears.
Finish: The finish here is surprisingly woody. It’s also a little hotter than I expected. Deep into the finish there’s an aftertaste reminiscent of canned pineapple juice. I’m talking about the cheap stuff they use to make pina coladas with in San Juan.
Comments: I’m a little underwhelmed with this. I wanted something more or something special. What this really tastes like is an older version of standard Jameson. For the money I would tell you to pick up the Special Reserve if you want a 12 year old Jameson. I guess the Distillery Reserve is “special” if you get a bottle personalized at the distillery but then again you have to pay extra for that.

Rating: Average

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Jameson Signature Reserve

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Jameson Signature Reserve Irish Whiskey

40% ABV/80 Proof
$45-$55/Liter
Website

What the Distiller Says

What’s in a Signature? Well, over the centuries the Jameson signature has been recognised as a stamp of authenticity and assured quality, and has played its part in building Jameson’s worldwide reputation. Long before distilleries began bottling their own whiskey, Jameson insisted that their own labels, each bearing the John Jameson & Son signature, accompany every delivery of casks to the whiskey bonders. And so it was that the Jameson signature became synonymous with the characteristic taste and superb quality of Jameson.

Jameson Signature Reserve celebrates this fine tradition, with its high pot still content and a significant taste contribution from oloroso sherry casks. Aged in the best quality American bourbon barrels and Spanish oloroso sherry casks, this is a whiskey as sophisticated as it is well-balanced.

Available when you are on your travels in airport shopping outlets only, this Jameson family member is sure to become a favorite for people on the move.
Tasting characteristics

NOSE – Sweet, floral, light perfume notes are followed by underlying spice. Some nuttiness, apples and dried fruits.
TASTE – Initial impression is a mouth coating of heather honey sweetness. This is closely followed by the some smooth spicy notes. Additional complexity is added with cedar wood and vanilla notes from the American Oak. There is a touch of citrus and rich dried fruits.
FINISH – A long, warm, sweet finish.

What Richard Says:

Nose: Apples, pears, southern ambrosia lay the groundwork then are followed by a light sherry character.
Palate: Sweetness reminiscent of orange blossom honey flowing into classic Jameson with a little extra sherry kick.
Finish: There is more oak than usual for Jameson. It mellows into fresh straw and apple extract.
Comments: I would not consider this a “better” Jameson. Rather, it’s like a riff on the Jameson foundation. The Jameson songbook played in a different key. I picked up three new Jamesons on my travels to Ireland and this is my least favorite of the three. Their website still says this is travel retail only but you can also get it at The Whisky Exchange and The Celtic Whiskey Shop.

Rating: Average

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Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 20 Years
Fall 2011 Release
45.2% ABV/90.4 Proof
$100 to $130
Website

What the Distillery Says:
They really don’t say much. Like most Buffalo Trace whiskeys they refer to review PR.

This is the #1 rated Bourbon Whiskey in the world—Rated 99 out of 100 by the World Spirits Championship. This bourbon is aged 20 years and bottled at 90.4 proof. This whiskey is wonderfully smooth and rich. No other bourbon today can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. “Pappy” Van Winkle was a true character. This bourbon, like “Pappy”, is full of character that makes it a very special whiskey. It has been put in the class of a fine after dinner cognac.

What Richard Says:
Nose: On the 20 year old I get a lot of nutty and leathery notes. It also shows some of the dark fruit I found on the ORVW 10/90 but missed in the 15 year old. The nose finishes out with something at reminds me of a mix of cloves and Aunt Jemima syrup.
Palate: Creamy and viscous in the mouth with lots of cinnamon and dark chocolate. Then there is a smack of vanilla so big it’s like taking a little hit of vanilla extract.
Finish: The finish is surprisingly less oak than the finish of the 10 and 15 year olds. This one is a very refined older southern gentleman.
Comments: I miss being able to find this for $85 a bottle. Now you regularly see it for $125 to $130. Despite my previous rantings on the Van Winkle hype machine this is still a great bourbon and I’d happily pay $130 for it. Buy it if you can find it.
Rating: Must Buy

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