Tastes
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No overt crime was committed with this gin, but it doesn't do anything all that well either. The lime flavor is overdone and has a bit of chemical aftertaste to it. Makes martinis taste fruity, and if I'm making gin and tonic, or gin and juice, I'll use fresh juice to get a much cleaner, less chemical flavor.
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In a word: Don't. In more words: It's very soft, very mild, no distinctive flavor profile as it all seems to run together. I tried to make martinis with it, and the vermouth and brine overpowered the gin. I don't know if this is indicative of the style or not, but I do know I won't be buying it again.
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Finally found a bottle from a store that doesn't think everything from Frankfort is a gold mine of profit just waiting to happen. Anyway...whisky politics aside: The nose is alcohol burn, with an undercurrent of simple syrup and vanilla...not much happening here. The palate is better, with a big hit of sharp spices (black pepper, clove, ginger, cinnamon) that quickly moves to a much smoother, sweeter profile with caramel, molasses and vanilla. The hot spice never really reappears, and the finish is like a well-used stick of Big Red; you can tell it wants to be cinnamon, but it's not quite getting you there. Overall, I was a bit surprised, and had hoped for more. It's better than Old Overholt (and at double the price, I should hope so), but it's not nearly as complex and interesting as the Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Rye. I'm glad I tried it, but in this case I feel the limited availability and the Buffalo Trace allure have created a drama that tires quickly once a glass is actually in-hand.
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Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac
Cognac — Cognac, France
Reviewed August 29, 2016 (edited September 17, 2019)I'm not going to murder a review with my non-cognac verbiage, so I'll stick to the basics: This is a great spirit for those looking to make the step from whisk(e)y to the more genteel spirits. Many whisky-like notes (wood, vanilla, apple, caramel), all wrapped in a very warm blanket of sweetness. Quite tasty, and a great after-dinner drink. If you like Irish, Bourbon or Scotch, give this a go. It's not as challenging, not as in your face with the flavor presentations, but it's interesting enough to keep me coming back for more. -
Crown Royal Noble Collection Cornerstone Blend
Canadian — Canada
Reviewed August 21, 2016 (edited July 28, 2017)Nose shows a lot of wood and spice, with just a bit of heat and a hint of vanilla. After a few minutes in the glass it takes on just the very slightest bit of mint. On the palate, it's fairly rich and creamy, but surprisingly hot for the ABV. My notes are almost a carbon-copy of Jake's pro review; Spice (nutmeg, clove, anisette, cinnamon) followed by brown sugar and vanilla, then just the faintest hint of dark cherries. Wood is present from beginning to end, but it's more of a background that ties things together rather than its own distinct flavor experience. Finish is medium, with a bit of heat giving way to caramel and vanilla before leaving a clean, just swished with Listerine feeling, that lingers for a minute or two. I liked my first bottle of CR Hand Selected better than I like this, but it's close. I prefer this to my second bottle of Hand Selected, and I'd imagine with it being a blend that it will be far more consistent than an individual barrel bottling. Whether that guaranteed flavor profile is enough to sway you from the potential for an incredible experience is completely up to you. As for me, I'm going to find more batches of Hand Selected. And when I find another winner that matches my first, I'm going to buy a case.
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