Must Try

Jameson 18 Year

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve
43% ABV/86 Proof
$85 to $95
Widely available in limited quantities

What the Distillery Says:
A true original, Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve is an exceptionally balanced whiskey and is the elder statesman of the Jameson Family. Its mellow, complex taste and lingering finale of wood, spice and toffee have been deftly created by the Master Blender; his hand-picked selection of no fewer than three exquisitely poised whiskeys serving as the light, shade and foreground used to craft this unique blend.

Dutifully matured for no less than 18 years in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, it’s given a final finish in fresh fill American bourbon barrels. Since its debut in 2002, stocks of Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve have been, as its name suggests, limited. So any opportunity to enjoy this connoisseurs’ choice whiskey, in its individually numbered bottles, should be savoured.

Nose – Aromatic oils with a touch of wood, spicy toffee.
Palate – Wonderfully mellow and smooth, a mouthful of complex flavours – fudge, toffee, spice, hints of wood and leather, vanilla and a gentle sherry nuttiness.
Finish – A long, lingering finish carries the theme of the wood, spice and toffee right through to the end.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Honey, fresh grass, and sherry notes. After letting it sit I find it a bit oily with a buttery sweetness.
Palate: Very rich and slightly oily. Spice, vanilla, and delicate oak.
Finish: Slow and soothing. A little spicy with some of that buttery sweetness from the nose.
Comments: Jameson doesn’t monkey around too much with their range from expression to expression. By that I mean it’s easy to connect them and find an overall Jameson profile. That’s comforting and refreshing with the explosion of small runs and new finishes that while good, can sometimes mask the true nature of the whiskey. This particular express is insanely drinkable stuff. You really need to try it.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses 100th Anniversary

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, 2010 Release
Bottle 395 of 2359, Barrel No. 24-2 B
54% ABV/108 Proof
$100
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
It only seems right to witness the 100th anniversary of our unique distillery building with a perfectly aged, one-of-a-kind limited edition single barrel selected from on of our 10 Bourbon recipes. After 17 years, this uncut, non-chill filtered work of art has matured into a Bourbon of uncommon character and taste. The aromas of brisk cloves and candied fruits preview the bold, jammy flavors of peach and cherry that meld seamlessly with creamy, spiced vanilla and antique oak. And the very long, velvety finish is, of course, the perfect tribute to a remarkable building – in itself so exquisitely aged.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and creamy on the nose. Creme brûlée and cloves.
Palate: The richness continues on the palate. It’s very spicy and fruity with a lot of vanilla and oak but I get very little of the sweetness from the nose.
Finish: Even at a high octane proof this is quite smooth. There’s an almost medicinal note that I don’t usually find in Four Roses bourbons. Spicy with hints of cherry.
Comments: First of all, for the whiskey geeks out there this bottling is a 17 year old from the OBSV recipe. I’m not quite sure if I like this more or less than the 2010 Small Batch Limited Edition. You really can’t go wrong with either. If you find the opportunity to get a glass of this you really should try it.
Rating: Must Try

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Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010 Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
55.1% ABV/110.2 Proof
$75
Available in select US markets

What the Distillery Says:
Four Roses is the only distillery that gently ages 10 distinct Bourbon recipes. Form time to time, our Master Distiller selects a few exceptional barrels and marries them by hand to create an exquisite Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon like this one. Three recipes aged between 10 and 15 years have been artfully mingled at barrel strength, creating a rich, complex spirit defined by soft oak, caramel and honeysuckle aromas. Subtle flavors of cherries and apricot are well balanced with whispers of light spice, honey and raspberries. And the cream smooth finish is satisfyingly long and mellow, making this a Bourbon you’ll not just savor, but long remember.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Interestingly, the nose isn’t that alcoholic given the barrel proof and surprisingly delicate. Orchard fruit and some spice hide in the background.
Palate: Sweet, spicy, and oaky on palate. It also reminds me of a honey drizzled fruit cup like the one your mom put in your lunch as a kid.
Finish: The finish is very long with plenty of oak. It leaves cinnamon in the mouth long after the drink is gone.
Comments: Oddly enough the first thing that struck me about this whiskey was the name. I believe, to date 14 words is the longest official name of anything we’ve reviewed. For you whiskey geeks out there, the actual recipes used in the limited edition are a 15 year old OBSV, an 11 year old OBSK and a 10 year old OESK. They stopped calling this annual release “Mariage” so that they could use more recipes instead of just two. If this year’s release is any indication I’ve not problem with the change.
Rating: Must Try

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Wild Turkey American Spirit

/ / Bourbon, Review, The Collector's Cabinet /

Wild Turkey American Spirit 15 Year Old Bourbon, Bottled in Bond
50% ABV/100 Proof
Originally – $100
Collectible

What the Distillery Says:
Created by legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, associate distiller Eddie Russell, American Spirit is bottled at bond proof, in a super premium package, and limited to just 24,000 bottles globally. Bourbon is a true American innovation and the US Senate passed a resolution officially declaring September 2007 National Bourbon Heritage Month. Our American Spirit was released to coincide with this momentous occasion.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose is very rich and smooth with lots of cinnamon and vanilla. Water opens up the oak on nose.
Palate: I get a lot of molasses cookies and mint sprigs with vanilla. A little water really makes this one sing. The palate turns very creamy.
Finish: The finish is amazingly smooth given the BIB proof.
Comments: This is sadly the last of my bottle. It was almost gone and so Matt and I had to hurry up and review it. No more to be found around me. I challenge anyone who says they don’t like Wild Turkey to try this if they can. Plus, it’s bottle in bond! You just don’t see enough of those anymore.
Rating: Must Try

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Johnnie Walker Gold

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Johnnie Walker Gold Label, The Centenary Blend
40% ABV/80 Proof
$65
Available Worldwide

What the Distillery Says:
Johnnie Walker Gold Label was blended to celebrate the first 100 years of the House of Walker in 1920. A well-kept secret, it’s only been available outside the company since the 1990s. It has a distinctly smooth, sweet and luxurious character, with a stylish elegance and refined quality.

Gold Label is crafted using whiskies such as Clynelish for a honeyed flavor and creamy texture yet still retaining the signature Johnnie Walker smokiness.

With its rich gold color and old-gold glints, it reveals a full, round, deep nose. There are notes of soft raisins and toffee, fresh malt and light cream – Gold Label is as enticing as it is sensuous.

Its palate is rich and broad with full malt flavors and honeyed spices with almonds and marzipan, which leads to a distinctive creaminess.

Cardhu provides strong yet smooth malt and oak flavors. Extra-mature grain whiskies deliver some of the lingering sweetness, while Clynelish from the northern Highlands is responsible for the unusual aromatic creaminess. The finish is multidimensional and satisfyingly long.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fresh woodchips added to a fire.
Palate: Slightly sweet with hints of shortbread cookies and mild oak. No water with this one.
Finish: Short and crisp. This is a whisky that gets the heck out of Dodge.
Comments: Gold Label is actually recommended by Diageo to be served out of the freezer. I guess given the muted flavor the chill doesn’t have much to hide. I know this is Matt’s favorite of the Johnnie Walker blends but I’ve never really taken to it. It’s very mild and easily approachable but there’s nothing there to make me specifically want a glass of Johnnie Gold. I do think that overall it stands out because it’s not offensive and shows a great balance similar to Dewar’s Signature. On a side note, I find Gold Label to be a great palate cleanser to prep me for tasting other whiskies.
Rating: Stands Out

What Matt Says:
Nose: caramel, smoke, orchard fruit, light zesty citrus
Palate: Heavier sherry influence than younger Johnnies; dark berries, smokey sweetness
Finish: Lingering traces of peat smoke and brine
Comments: Wow!  Richard and I could not disagree more.  Perhaps its because the sample I sent over was the last drops of a bottle that was open for a while.  I think this is the best JW has to offer.  It’s complex and bold, but smooth.
Rating:  Must Try

Overall Rating:  Stands Out

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