Stands Out

Bushmills Irish Whiskey 1608 Anniversary Edition

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Bushmills Irish Whiskey 1608 Anniversary Edition
46% ABV/92 Proof
$75 to $100
Website

What the Distillery Says:
In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil granted to the Bushmills area, the Bushmills Distillery has released a special, limited edition whiskey, Bushmills 1608.

True to the history of Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery, Bushmills 1608 is a unique blend of tradition and innovation. It combines some classic features of our whiskeys (such as triple distillation, the use of fully malted barley or maturation in the finest quality oak casks) with a pioneering process: it was distilled using crystal malt, a special type of malted barley selected to deliver exceptional smoothness.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Honey, fresh cut grass, dry autumn leaves, sherry notes, and smores (chocolate marshmellow graham cracker sandwiches for our non-U.S. readers)
Palate: It’s very nutty and I also get notes of very high cacao dark chocolate. It’s like an 85% cacao Mr. Goodbar.
Finish: Cracked black pepper and an almost rye-like spicy note. The finish is rather long with lots of oak and chalk. Meh.
Comments: The palate on this one perplexes me. I like what the crystal malt and higher proof do to the viscosity and mouth feel of Bushmills but I’m just not sold on the taste. Combine that with the so so finish and I’m not a big a fan. It is different and tasty in it’s own way but there are other Bushmills expressions out there that are better for the same or less money. I can’t say this is one you have to try.
Rating: Stands Out

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Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky from The Cask of Dreams
48.8% ABV/97.6 Proof
$99 to $105
Website

What the Distillery Says:
To celebrate the achievements and pioneering spirit of our founder, William Grant, Glenfiddich launched its Cask of Dreams program in the United States in 2011. Whisky lovers across the States were given a rare opportunity to participate in the “finishing” of this exclusive expression of Glenfiddich. Special oak casks took a tour of significant US landmarks and those in attendance shared their personal aspirations by writing them directly on the precious wood. These celebrated casks have returned to Scotland to finish this unique Cask of Dreams Limited Edition Release.

To create this rare expression, our esteemed Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, marries Glenfiddich whiskies taken from a hand-picked selection of American oak casks, which have matured for at least 14 years. They are then decanted into the dream-inscribed casks and left to finish peacefully in these virgin American oak casks for 3 months to bring an intense and powerful vanilla sweetness with a perfect balance of oak and spice. The casks are then introduced into marrying tuns and mellowed to perfection prior to bottling.

Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams Limited Edition Release will be available in a very limited quantity of 3,500 bottles at select retailers in the United States starting in February, 2012.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Out of the bottle the nose on this one can be a little coy. It is mostly showing vanilla and a malty, grainy note. Water opens up a much fruitier nose with bits of tangerines, tart apples, and a little pineapple.
Palate: Very, very rich. There is a nice cinnamon tinged oak sweetness with more vanilla showing through. This palate is very delicate regarding water. Add sparingly.
Finish: At bottle strength the finish gives you a quick pop but quickly mellows into honey and oak spice. A little water tames that pop and most of the spice leaving it smooth and mellow.
Comments: Glenfiddich isn’t the most complex dram with layers upon layers of variables but that’s probably a big reason why it’s so approachable and popular around the world. This particular dram is no different. It’s infinitely drinkable and enjoyable but the sherry monster and peat freak crowds might find it lacking. Go into it accepting it for what it is – an excellent mariage of Glenfiddich stock. Enjoy!
Rating: Stands Out

I would like to thank Katie Han with Maloney & Fox for providing me with a sample for review.

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Macallan 12 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old
43% ABV/86 Proof
$40 to $45
Website

What the Distillery Says:
The Macallan Sherry Oak is exclusively matured for a minimum of 12 years in Spanish oak casks, handcrafted and sherry seasoned in Jerez, Spain. This delivers a classic Macallan style, wonderfully rich in colour with dried fruits, spice and chocolate orange.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose on this one is a little meaty with a lot of sherry and savory notes. There’s also a little of an odd rubbery smell to it at times.
Palate: This one is rich with a little fruity sweetness. The malty and sherry notes stand up and make themselves known.
Finish: The finish is a little slow. When it comes in it’s a decent mid length finish with mildly woody notes.
Comments: It’s funny because this is always one of those drams that I always remember liking better. No matter how often I have it the memory is always a little better than the actual experience. Don’t get me wrong, this is easily a stand out 12 year old single malt. It’s popular for a reason. It’s enjoyable, drinkable, and I’ll never turn one down when offered.
Rating: Stands Out

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Macallan Elegancia

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside, The Collector's Cabinet /

The Macallan Elegancia Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old
40% ABV/80 Proof
Collectible (at time of release it was about $55/liter)

What the Distillery Says:
Unfortunately, because this is a retired expression not much is available on it directly from the distillery. I can tell you that it was a duty free exclusive launched in 2002. Also, it was continually available in 1 liter bottles until it’s recent replacement by the 1824 Collection of Travel Retail exclusive offering.

What Richard Says:
Nose: I really like the nose on this. I get lots of oranges and candied nuts. Side-by-side with the standard 12 Year Old it’s more delicate and refined.
Palate: The palate is much more reserved and a little less sweet than the standard 12. I still get the rich, malty, sherry notes of the standard expression but it’s a little more delicate.
Finish: This dram is very short and surprisingly clean on the finish. It leaves behind a little oak and some nuttiness.
Comments: This is like a lighter expression of the standard 12 Year Old. While that plays well on the nose and finish I feel it’s a little too delicate on the palate. I don’t really like one over the other. It’s more like two sides of the same coin.
Rating: Stands Out

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Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel 2011

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2011 Release
Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Warehouse QN, Barrel No. 17-2E, Bottle 2779 of 3900, Recipe OBSQ
54.7% ABV/109.4 Proof
$90
Website

What the Distillery Says:
As the 2011 Single Barrel Limited Edition Release, we have once again selected an uncut and non-chill filtered Barrel Strength masterpiece. We present this exceptional, sophisticated 12-year old whiskey defined by a distinct aroma of fresh rose petals with notes of red apples, ripe pears and gentle nutmeg spiciness. Proof will range between 107.4 – 118.6.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Distinct fresh rose petal aroma with hints of red apples, ripe pears and gentle nutmeg spice.
Palate: Light cinnamon, sweet rye, pear and raspberry fruitiness.
Finish: Smooth, long and mellow with rich, creamy maple syrup flavor.

What Richard Says:
Nose: This one is a little too aggressive out of the bottle to get much off the nose. Water opens it up nicely. Big Red chewing gum comes to mind with a big blast of cinnamon. There is also a good bit of fresh baked yeast rolls and anise.
Palate: Lightly sweet, tart granny smith apples, cinnamon Eggo waffles, and a massive amount of oak.
Finish: Hershey’s cocoa powder, cinnamon, and oak.
Comments: I remember reading recently Master Distiller Jim Rutledge’s opinion against older bourbons, believing they are in their prime under 10 years of age. The more varied expressions of 10+ year Four Roses I have I think the reason may be that Mr. Rutledge’s bourbon seems to take on an inordinate amount of oak in older bottlings. This is just my personal opinion. This year’s release is nice and is a stand out dram but I think that there are better 12 year old bourbons out there. There are also a number 12 year olds available for a fraction of the price. Don’t get me wrong, this is good but compared to last year’s release it is a bit of a disappointment. I much prefer this year’s small batch limited edition release.
Rating: Stands Out

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