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Ron del Barrilito “Three Star”

/ / Other Spirits, Review /

Ron del Barrilito “Three Star” Puerto Rican Rum
43% ABV
$25-$35
Ron del Barrilito
What the Distillery Says:
Established in 1880 by Eng. Pedro F. Fernandez in the “Hacienda Santa Ana” at Bayamon, Puerto Rico. For over 100 years, the Fernandez family has manufactured “Ron de Barrilito” at the place of origin, using the same name, formula and aging process. This special rum is a blend of rums aged, each undisturbed, from 6 to 10 years in charred oak barrels. Enjoy its unique, smooth mellow flavor by sipping, in a snifter, or enjoy it straight, with a splash of water, over ice, before or after dinner.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich molasses, brown sugar cookies, slightly smokey and organic.
Palate: Chewy with a lovely mouth feel. Creamy, mellow sweetness, in no way cloying. Honey, bananas and nice citrus notes.
Finish: Warm, slightly bitter but not overly so. It’s a lovely counter balance to the sweetness of the palate.
Comments: Lovely Puerto Rican rum. Pass by the more popular Don Q and Bacardi offers and try a nice taste of Bayamon. Despite the PR on the bottle this is actually distilled for Ron del Barrilito by Bacardi but the flavor stands out well against Bacardi’s rums. A lovely, versatile rum that you won’t regret picking up.
Rating: Stands Out

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George Dickel Barrel Select

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select
43% ABV
$35 to $45
Website
524_265_George-Dickel-Barrel-Select
What the Distillery Says:
At George Dickel Whisky, we’ve always been true to our name. The same can be said of our newest whisky, George Dickel Barrel Select. Each year, at peak periods of maturation, Master Distiller John Lunn selects approximately 10 barrels of his best, most mellow whisky to produce an exceptionally fine small-batch Tennessee whisky.

Aged between 10–12 years, this 86-proof gem provides a consistently smooth taste, perfect balance, rich amber color and a hint of vanilla. Aided by charcoal mellowing and the slow aging process, these distinct characteristics create a super-premium whisky in a class of its own.

Designed to commemorate the re-opening of the distillery in September 2003, this handcrafted bottle reflects beautiful craftsmanship, from its elegant shape and cork to the unique label design. It’s outstanding quality has been honored five times since 2006 by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including one Bronze Medal, One Silver Medal and two Gold Medals for Tennessee Whisky.
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What Richard Says:
Nose: Corn and vanilla syrup.
Palate: Candy corns, heavy vanilla extract, mellow oak, and citrus.
Finish: More aggressive on the finish than anywhere else. Heavy on the oak with mint riding out the back of the finish. The age of this shows in the wood influence.
Comments: Tired of Jack Daniels? Do you want to see what else is coming out of Tennessee? Give George Dickel a try. The brand in general makes nice whiskey. The Barrel Select is easily the best of bunch.
Rating: Stands Out

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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 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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