Tastes
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El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Laphroaig Edition (2023 Release)
Tequila Añejo — Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed November 10, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)Surprisingly, the scent of peat smoke is very reticent on the nose. Only a slight air of creosote is apparent after several inquiries. On the palate, sweet agave flavor leads the charge, followed by a touch of salinity. Only at the tail end of the flavor journey does a light smokiness come through, reminiscent of a cigar malt. The body is medium, and the finish is extra long. As the younger sibling in the Mundial Collection, this one is a bit shy, but will warm up to you quickly. -
El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Knob Creek Edition (2023 Release)
Tequila Añejo — Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed November 10, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)The rye adds a piquant perfume, but still very much agave forward on the nose. Upon tasting, agave sweetness greets the tongue with a smooth and nigh creamy mouthfeel. Very much in line with a well aged tequila. After half a minute, the rye spice comes through, adding a festive and lively punch to the tequila spirit. A long finish that ends on a dry and somewhat tannic note. A total success in a novel barrel aging. Highly recommended. -
El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition (2021 Release)
Tequila Añejo — Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed November 10, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)Surprisingly, the scent of peat smoke is very reticent on the nose. Only a slight air of creosote is apparent after several inquiries. On the palate, sweet agave flavor leads the charge, followed by a touch of salinity. Only at the tail end of the flavor journey does a light smokiness come through, reminiscent of a cigar malt. The body is medium, and the finish is extra long. As the younger sibling in the Mundial Collection, this one is a bit shy, but will warm up to you quickly. -
Tequila Ocho Puntas Distiller's Cut 2023
Tequila Blanco — Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed November 10, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)A remarkably lively nose, with elements of sour cream frosting, vegetal grassiness, birch beer, and dark cherry preserves. On the palate, the higher proof brings a heavier take on the Blue Weber, giving it a deeper and richer assurance. The flavor is rich, evocative, and somewhat rustic, but ultimately clean and expressive. The body is medium-heavy, and the finish is quite long, with a slightly smokey finality. Overall, this is a uniquely flavorful tequila unlike any that you may have tasted outside of Mexican destileria. -
Knob Creek 18 Year Bourbon 30th Anniversary
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed November 10, 2023 (edited November 12, 2023)Rich, full, and mouthwatering nose in the tasting glass. For an 18yo bourbon, this hits all the marks. Warming, smooth, flavorful, balanced and totally confident. Loads of sweet malt is offset by a healthy dose of woody goodness, creating a liquid that has a depth of personality far beyond its years. Knob Creek has been doing this for so long, that the results always live up to the hype. A world class expression, we easily recommend this release for yourself and those on your gift list this holiday season. -
Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac
Cognac — Grande Champagne, France
Reviewed November 2, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)Vibrant nose of grape spirit enhanced with a polish of oak. Wonderful opening on the palate, showcasing a rich and expressive flavor of deep grape eau de vie, tight and well aged oak barrel, and a lightly floral mid-range adding a zestiness to the overall presentation. Warming, eminently drinkable, and perfect for enjoying on its own or used in classic cocktails calling for a rock solid foundation. -
A tasty, sweet corn perfumed nose with enough oak to let you know this has some fairly middle-aged whiskies in the blend. The flavor is pretty straightforward, with a lot more wood on the tongue than expected. A dry and tannic character leads the journey, with more high notes than low rumblings. Medium-light body, and a medium-long finish. A solid bourbon designed for mixing flavor forward cocktails.
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Widow Jane The Vaults 15 Year Bourbon (2023 Release)
Bourbon — USA
Reviewed November 2, 2023 (edited November 26, 2023)Lovely nose of rich caramel, baking spice, toasted meringue, pralines and brown bread. A light touch on the entry which is filled with high notes and a semi-dry character courtesy of the barrel. More wood than char, and a peppery, prickly warmth towards the back of the palate. The flavors hit on all sides, with the roof of the mouth getting a major portion of the flavor. After a few minutes, a dessert-like sweetness creeps in and stays for well over ten minutes, adding a sweetness which hadn't been hinted at at the beginning. There's a lot going on in this release that benefits from the Chinquapin Oak. An extra long finish ends on a pleasant note, leaving you begging for one just one more contemplative sip. -
Rich nose of high corn percolated with rye spice and a penumbra of darkling red wine. On the tongue, the wine comes to the fore, adding a pointed grapey quality that entwines itself into the mash bill creating a unique blend. The flavors are self assured, forthright and presented in a balanced portfolio. Loads of the Petite Sirah come through in varying waves, while the bourbon itself remains steadfast. It's an interesting journey. We especially like the fruit driven character of this release. A perfect pairing after a Thanksgiving meal. Chicken Cock continues to impress with their innovation.
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High West A Midwinter Night's Dram Act 11 (All Scenes)
Rye — USA
Reviewed October 17, 2023 (edited November 11, 2023)A compact nose bomb of sweet and spicy in equal measure. Exactly what we had hoped for. On the palate, the flavors burst forth with a rush of sweet port, lively rye and and warming, near dessert-like joviality. None of the high rye kick has been lost, but rather has been wed to the inherent depth of the ex-Porto barrels. A clean, round and only slightly woody mouthfeel, leads to a spectacular finish which takes several minutes to complete. Truly exceptional and the epitome of distilling and creative aging. A classic for a good reason.
Results 1-10 of 285 Reviews