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Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge & Whiskey Cocktails

/ / Cocktails, Other Spirits, Review /

While here at Whisk(e)y Apostle we’re focused on whiskey/whisky, that isn’t the only thing we drink. Sure, all but 30 of the 650+ reviews on our site are whiskey, or cocktails which include whiskey. But from time to time it serves the palate well to appreciate other well crafted spirits.

Grand Marnier is a liqueur which includes cognac with orange essence, but the label “liqueur” could be misleading.  Most liqueurs are 15-30% ABV, so coming in at 40% ABV already sets Grand Marnier apart from that pack.  They also have quite an upscale line-up in the Grande Cuvée Collection which use some really exceptional cognacs (as well as a higher percentage of cognac; we’ll examine one of these more closely shortly – check back!)

I’ll examine Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge by itself in our traditional review format, and then have a go at some of their recommended cocktail recipes which include whiskey and share my thoughts and recommendations!

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge

40% ABV
$28-$30
Website
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
We would like to thank HL Group for sending us a sample to review and play with!

What the Blender Says

THE BLEND
Created in 1880 by founder Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, Grand Marnier® Cordon Rouge is a premium blend of cognacs with wild tropical oranges from the Caribbean. Louis-Alexandre’s vision of blending the essence of wild tropical oranges with cognac from France was unconventional and truly the earliest form of spirits innovation of its time. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat, yet exceptionally delicious in cocktails.

TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Brilliant topaz tones with amber hues.
AROMA: Pleasant orange notes with hints of candied peel, light aroma of vanilla fragrance from the cognac.
TASTE: Fragrant orange flavors enhanced by the cognac with nuances of orange essence and hazelnuts.
FINISH: Lingering and harmonious finish.

Enjoy neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Orange (but not just ‘orange’, a toasted orange zest), honey with a hint of exotic flora.
Palate:  Orange creamsicle with a sharp allspice note on entry before syrupy honey and orange sweetness take over.
Finish:  Moderately long, soft and sweet.
Comments:  Full disclosure, this may have been the first time I sat down and thoughtfully sipped Grand Marnier.  I’ve had it on hand for years for cocktails, but never examined it neat before now.  I enjoyed it more than I would have expected!  If you’re a whiskey fan looking for this to taste like whiskey – it doesn’t.  It is most definitely a sweet liqueur, but if you haven’t tried sipping it like a whiskey – and approach it with an open mind, you may be surprised!

Rating: Stands Out

Now – let’s look at some cocktails!  They list several recipes on their website, so I decided to try two that are whiskey-based classics.

Grand Old Fashioned

½ oz Grand Marnier
1 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon
1 dash aromatic bitters

Combine  the above in a rocks glass, add some ice and stir.  Press an orange peel across the top/edges of the rocks glass, and garnish with an orange peel and a brandied cherry.

I followed their recipe above . . .almost exactly.  I expounded a bit and used Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit (shamefully because I’m fresh out of the standard-bearer Wild Turkey 101!)  I also skipped the garnishes – but did rub an orange peel around the glass rim.

I wanted to contrast this with a “traditional Old Fashioned”.  I know there are different recipes,  so this is what I used:

2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon (same Kentucky Spirit I used above)
3 dashes of Angostura bitters (same I used above)
1 tsp of simple syrup

Same process – combine in a rocks glass with a few cubes, stir, and rub an orange peel around the rim.

What Gary Thought:

The Grand Old Fashioned clearly had a lot of orange influence, and it was more sweet than the standard Old Fashioned.  If you’re a fan of Grand Marnier more so than whiskey, but wanting to test the waters with a whiskey cocktail, the recipe as written might be right up your alley.  If you’re a whiskey fan looking to change up your Old Fashioned, but not make it too sweet – I’d offer the following tweak to their recipe:
½ oz Grand Marnier
1½ oz Wild Turkey Bourbon (+½ oz from original)
2 dashes aromatic bitters (+1 dash from original)

I tried this variation, and found it a better balance between the bitters, bourbon and Grand Marnier.  For me, this was closer to a typical Old Fashioned with a little more orange complexity.  I liked it quite a bit!

Grand Manhattan

½ oz Grand Marnier
¾ oz Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon
¼ oz Cinzano (a sweet vermouth)
2-3 dashes aromatic bitters

Mix bitters, vermouth, bourbon, and Grand Marnier in a glass.  Add ice, stir, then strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Again – I followed their recipe above . . .almost exactly.  I went back to the Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit and used the sweet vermouth I had on hand (Martini & Rossi).  I used 2 dashes of bitters since the volume (1½ oz) was less than my typical recipe.

To contrast this with a “traditional Manhattan”, I had to make one concession.  I prefer rye whiskey in a Manhattan (and some recipes call for either or, which to many whiskey enthusiasts is a form of blasphemy; you wouldn’t substitute Coke for Root Beer).  But, I wanted to compare with something similar,  so this is what I used:

2 oz Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Same process – combine in a mixing glass, add ice, stir and strain.

What Gary Thought:

The Grand Manhattan was much spicier, which didn’t surprise me due to the ratio of bitters to alcohol.  While spicy (which a Manhattan should be, hence my preference for rye whiskey), the Grand Marnier presence isn’t lost.  Again, fans of Grand Marnier more so than whiskey, this could be great – although I would guess it might be a bit too spicy.  If you’re a whiskey fan wanting a new twist on your Manhattan, I’d offer the following tweak to their recipe:
¾ oz Grand Marnier (+¼ oz from original)
1½ oz Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon (+¾ oz from original)
¼ oz Cinzano (a sweet vermouth)
3 dashes aromatic bitters (make it a solid 3)

Not rocket science, but basically doubled the bourbon, increased the Grand Marnier by half, left the vermouth alone, and with the additional volume (moving up from 1½ oz alcohol to 2½ oz; still less than the 3 oz in my standard) settled on 3 dashes.  This was my Goldilocks; not too spicy, not too sweet, juuuuust right.  I don’t consider myself a mixologist in any way/shape/form, but I was pretty impressed with this bit of handiwork.  Solid balance between the spice and bourbon, and keeps the Grand Marnier shining through.

If you have any different takes on these, or other recipes you’ve found with Grand Marnier and whiskey, please share in the comments below!

Cheers!
Gary

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Teeling Single Cask 9yr Port

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Teeling Single Cask Distillery Exclusive: Cask 11703, 9yr Port Matured
60.1% ABV
€100
Website

What the Distillery (not distiller) Says
This:

I personally filled my bottle at the gift shop on August 17 2018. While the cask head shows a fill date of August 6 2007, I verified with the gift shop folks that this is a 9 yr aged Irish whiskey. It was tanked in November 2016. Also – I don’t mean the emphasis on “not distiller” above as a slight in any way; just fully transparent that this was NOT distilled at the Teeling Distillery where I bought it (they hadn’t been distilling for three full years yet). I assume this is from Cooley, but don’t know for certain.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Strong port, rich dark fruit sweetness with hints of cigar paper and solvent; some water tamps the solvent notes and opens up the sweetness to figs, plums, and caramel; transitions the cigar paper/smoke to oak.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, port sweet, warming with a cinnamon spice kick before softening; some water brings out honey, pears, dates, toffee, and subtle cinnamon and clove.
Finish:  Moderately long, drying with hints of smoke as it trails off.
Comments:  This was my favorite pour in Ireland, and why it was the first (and only one of two) bottles I purchased there. Studying it at home, it isn’t quite as complex and lovely as I remembered, but still a very good whiskey. Port can be heavy handed, and I can see why it is used more for finishing than maturing. I’ve found that this hits me just right around 95-100 proof (basically 4.5:1 ratio of whiskey to water). If you really like port, this could be right up your alley, but it might feel unbalanced with too much of that for others. While less complex than I thought it was in the moment at the distillery, still delicious (and if you’re there for a tour, or can just stop by their gift shop/bar – I’d definitely recommend buying a taste!)
Rating: Stands Out

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Johnnie Walker Blue Label

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Blended Scotch Whisky

40% ABV
$220 – $250
Website

What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivalled masterpiece. It is an exquisite blend made from some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the’ remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. An extraordinary whisky for extraordinary occasions.

FLAVOR
NOSE: Take in the wonderfully mellow, rounded nose – replete with dry smokiness artfully mixed with the sweetness of raisins.
PALATE: Serving a velvety combination of vanilla, honey and rose petals – before broadening out to include a zesty orange flavor with notes of hazelnut, sherry and dark chocolate.
FINISH: Signing off with a rich and luxuriously long finish, which showcases Johnnie Walker’s trademark smokiness in the most sophisticated way.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Nice with a bit of sherry, peat, and nutty spice with dark fruit; hint of pipe smoke while laid back in an old overstuffed leather chair.
Palate:  Creamy rich mouthfeel, fruity (melons and raisins), hints of chocolate with allspice, nutmeg, anise and dark candy.
Finish:  Long, slow and mellowing.
Comments:  This is one of the main reasons I wanted this sample pack.  I’ve been wanting to try Johnnie Walker Blue for years, but not enough to buy a whole bottle (and not wanting to try it in a bar/restaurant where the environment isn’t often conducive to giving a dram my full attention.  In comparison to the Platinum 18 yr, I found this to be only a marginal step up in the line-up. On its own, it is a very nice pour. It is absolutely one of the more intensely flavored drams I’ve had at only 40% ABV. Nothing objectionable either – very well balanced, and I appreciate the craftsmanship that went into blending this.  It too leaves me wanting to try it at a higher proof, and for my tastes, there are plenty of bottles I’d pick over this for the money.
Rating: Stands Out

(Richard and Matt had reviewed this as part of a ‘taste off’ in 2009; below are their notes from that post)

What Richard Says:
Nose:  Peatier and smokier than most blends. You can really smell the Islay in here. Fresh cut wood and non-orange citrus. Limes maybe?
Palate:  An initial sweetness quickly shoved aside for a rich smokiness that settles to brine notes of the sea. Rich, complicated, and ever changing on the palate.
Finish:  A very slow and long finish. It leaves you with a mellow smokiness more subtle than the robust smoke on the palate.
Rating: Must Try

What Matt Says:
Nose:  Peat, chocolate, honey suckle and other sweet florals. Quite lovely.
Palate:  Very smooth, but a little one-dimensional. There are some very light hints of peat, but mostly sweet and fruity.
Finish: Peaty and dry.
Rating: Stands Out

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Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old
40% ABV
$120
Website
Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year
What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old was inspired by the tradition of giving private blends to a close circle of family friends by John Walker & Sons. Blended from whiskies that have matured for at least 18 years, it combines sophisticated and contemporary tastes with classic Johnnie Walker flavours. When you want to make a special occasion truly exceptional, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is the discerning choice.
FLAVOURS
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Initially sweet with a warm vanilla undercurrent and a suggestion of tangerines, it moves smoothly over the palate into a nutty, malty dryness before a long finish brings elegant suggestions of soft charcoal smokiness and a beautifully fading citrus zest.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Sherried smoke with subtle dark fruit behind sea air; bit of allspice, cigar paper and sour oak.
Palate:  Soft entry with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, sweet fruit with savory vegetal notes, hints of peat and smoke.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying.
Comments:  Tasting this as part of the Johnnie Walker Sampler Pack (which includes their Black, Gold Label Reserve, this, and Blue).  If you’re not familiar with Johnnie Walker’s lineup, this is a cost effective way to get a large enough sample of each to spend some quality time with them.  This was a definite step up from the Gold Label Reserve. A nice pour that is well balanced, with a bit of several things (sherry, smoke, peat, fruit). While I enjoy it, it isn’t squarely in my wheelhouse – especially for the money. And again – while quite easy to drink at this proof, I’d love to try this at a higher proof.
Rating: Stands Out

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Glenfarclas 25 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

Glenfarclas 25 Year

43% ABV
$140-$180
Website
Glenfarclas 25yr

What the Distiller Says

100% Oloroso sherry cask maturation.
A great after-dinner whisky so rich and full that it is a dessert in itself, with a finish that goes on forever.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Amber with dark-gold highlights.
Nose: Complex, yet refined, with tempting aromas of marmalade, honey, freshly ground coffee, sherry and nuts. Some oaky tannins.
Flavour: Full-bodied and robust, the sherry and the oak fight for your attention yet neither overpowering.
Finish: Intense, long lasting, dry and malty. A beautiful dark chocolate taste at the back of your mouth to complete the 25 years old.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Herbal, grassy, vegetal with notes of green tobacco and leather; a bit of water brings out a subtle sweetness with peaches and honey.
Palate:  Bam! Sherried almonds in fruits salad with pears, honey, chocolate and nutmeg sprinkled in; a subtle port-like nuance going on.
Finish:  Long, nutty sweetness with a spice kick at the end (when you get there).
Comments:  This is even lighter in color than the 21 yr AND the 17 yr (very odd). The nose was a bit of an enigma; like the 17 yr, it is a departure from the rest of the range – lacking in those sherried dark fruit notes you expect with an aged single malt that’s been in Oloroso sherry this long. But it makes a big comeback on the palate, delivering those sweet fruity notes. I got a port-like sweetness near the end on the palate, which I particularly liked (like the 21 yr, left me to wonder if there was other wood involved – but there isn’t). A delicious dram, although with a beguiling nose.

Rating: Stands Out

(Richard had reviewed this as part of a Whisky Advent calendar; below are his notes from that review)

What Richard Says

Nose: Rich, deep, and refined sherry character with just a little bit of oak and tannins in the back.
Palate: Creamed honey, lighter sherry than the nose would foretell, oak, and a pinch of cracked pepper.
Finish: Lots of lingering cocoa powder and oak.
Comments: This is a lovely example of an older sherried single malt. Glenfarclas also seems to be priced rather attractively for a 25 year old. However, this particular malt is a little less complex than I would expect or hope for. Oak, tannins, and sherry are the predominate notes (understandably) but I’m not getting much else. Even still, this is a very nice dram and one you should consider trying, given the opportunity.

Rating: Stands Out

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