Tastes
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Method and Madness Single Grain Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak Casks
Single Grain — Ireland
Reviewed February 23, 2023 (edited July 16, 2023)Rich oak nose with sweet malty perfume. Nice body with a warming, quite sweet and round mouthfeel. After a few seconds, the oak comes into play, creating a dry, tannic envelope that moves quickly into a slight bitter note at the end of a medium-long finish. Although there isn't a lot of unusual character here, this is a very solid Irish that is perfect for sipping or in a traditional Irish Coffee. -
Ramazotti Aperitivo Rosato
Fruit Liqueurs — Milano, Italy
Reviewed February 21, 2023 (edited July 16, 2023)Lovely color. Light fruity and floral nose, leaning toward the sweeter side. The palate is an interesting mix of sweet, and semi-bitter. We especially enjoy the hibiscus flavor which lends a tropical note. The orange plays a supporting role, but doesn’t overwhelm, which sometimes happens. A refreshing, light, bright and perfect aperitivo that will bring a bit of springtime into your life year round. Try it with a few cubes in a rocks glass, or add a few ounces of tonic water or sparkling mineral water to a Collins glass and garnish with an orange twist. -
Light gold color. Nose is softly smoked, with a fair amount of oak and a chocolate/cherry essence. Flavor is easy going, balanced and with more of that chocolate/cherry on the palate. The flavors hit all areas of the mouth, with high tannic notes, low malt, ethereal smoke, and a touch of malty sweetness. There’s even a touch of brine. The finish is long, with a spicy tinge at the end. A very interesting blend, and one that is really an amalgamation of whisk(e)y culture, than a typical Japanese style. This is a fine sipping whiskey that would also make for an excellent Manhattan, Old Fashioned or even a Sazerac.
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Nice, toasty, woody nose with a buttery top note. The initial impression upon tasting is of a dense, intertwining of flavors. Elements of heavy tannin, dark caramel, walnut, hazelnut, bittersweet cocoa, medium roast coffee bean, and ginger cake are all here. The body is medium-heavy with a comprehensive mouthfeel. The finish is extra long with softer, fruity notes of baked apple, banana bread and praline coming out to wave goodbye. Quite the expression, and quite the experience.
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Lovely high notes of vanilla, wood, and cinnamon overlay a canvas of dark, rich rum spirit on the nose. On the palate, it at first seems light and sweet, but quickly morphs into a dry and semi-prickly spirit full of vivacity and depth. Plenty of baking spice to go around. The body is medium heavy, with a lot of the peppery notes kept toward the the back of the mouth. Up front are the more woody flavors, leaving an extended dry and succinct finish. A luscious sipping rum, this is a testament to the skill inherent in barrel aging.
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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Historic Barrel Entry
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed February 14, 2023 (edited February 16, 2023)Low and sweet caramel/molasses nose, with some higher wood coloration. Upon the palate, the wood is quite apparent, with a hefty dose of oak playing master to the level of char. Flavors are pojnted and in keeping with a traditional bourbon, no surprises here. Yet, a very deep flavor that seems as if this is at least bottled-in-bond proof, and yet it is barely above 45% ABV. The body is medium and the finish is medium-long with a hint of spice and cinnamon at the tail. A strong and focused whiskey. -
Bowmore x Aston Martin Masters' Selection 22 Year (Second Edition)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed February 11, 2023Richly appointed, peat-forward nose, with a leathery aroma. The tasting is exquisitely balanced with a viscous, warm and encompassing mouthfeel. Flavors burst on the tongue of sweet malt, deep wood, mild creosote, warm honeyed toast, light treacle, baking spices, and clotted cream. Absolutely delicious. The finish is medium long with some of the sherry notes clinging on to the end. A masterpiece of distilling, aging and blending. -
Kentucky Owl 11 Year Rye Mardi Gras XO Cask Edition
Rye — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed February 11, 2023 (edited June 25, 2023)A nice, tight nose of high rye intertwined with a low rumble of rum funk. On the palate, this is liquid gold, with a heavy mouthfeel quite unlike a typical rye. Round, spicy and yet sweet with rich caramel sauce, brown bread, pear tart, sugar icing and rum cake notes. The finish is long, with more wood coming out towards the end and leaving on a ginger-like spice note. We've always been impressed with the quality of Kentucky Owl's limited edition releases, but this one is perhaps the epitome of blending and barrel aging skill. There is no better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than to enjoy a sip or three of this excellent release this holiday season. -
Heaven Hill 20 Year Heritage Collection Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey (Spring 2023)
Corn — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed February 11, 2023Sweet creamed corn on the nose with notes of vanilla bean. On the palate, the initial impression is light body, juicy corn and young oak. Elegantly smooth and refined, the flavors are friendly, approachable and near dessert-like. Some butteriness and light spice is apparent, but overall there is a tight solidarity here that can only come from the high corn mashbill. This is a pure sipping whiskey that will keep you coming back. A very good release in this young series of two releases thus far. -
Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Bottled in Bond Rye (2023 Release)
Rye — Virginia, USA
Reviewed February 11, 2023 (edited June 9, 2023)Nicely heavy rye nose with a lot of dark char. As the palate opens after the first tasting, a slight maple sweetness quickly moves into rye spice, caramel, oak, nutmeg, green apple and tobacco leaf. Medium body with a lot of low end. The few high notes are on the back of the tongue, leaving a peppery brightness that lingers for a long finish. A very nice sipper that is a celebration of all things rye.
Results 121-130 of 305 Reviews