Tastes
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St. Rémy Signature Brandy
Other Brandy — France
Reviewed September 6, 2022 (edited December 22, 2023)This is a very light and smooth spirit that is a perfect introduction for the new brandy enthusiast. Mild and easy going, there are no rough edges here. Gently oaky, and with warm caramel notes, this is an ideal brandy for cocktails or holiday punches. -
A tasty and traditional amaro that has just the right amount of bitterness. Somewhat viscous, with a heavy mouthfeel, there is a good balance between the sweet and bitter, with rich notes of foraged forest floor herbs and garden herbs. We like this in a Manhattan in place of sweet vermouth, for a darker take on the classic. We’ve also been enjoying it on the rocks with an orange wheel. Quite refreshing and a great opener to the evening’s festivities. Alla Salute!
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Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C922
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 6, 2022 (edited November 11, 2022)Sweet and nutty right out the gate with a nose like you’ve just walked into a candied nut shoppe. Flavors of praline, cinnamon toast and pleasant woodiness are wrapped in a high proof expression that begs for some water to put out the fire. The finish is fairly long with a dry and crisp ending. No big surprises here, but with such a high ABV, you’d do well to temper this down to truly enjoy it. -
A solid Irish with malty sweetness, supported by the secondary sherry cask finishing. Medium light in body, the overall effect is of a friendly and somewhat breakfast-like whiskey. Notes of oven baked pancake studded with almond slices and drizzled with a touch of honey greet the palate, yet are balanced by a slight tannic and oaky tempering. The finish is medium-long with some baked apple and dark cherry at the end. A great whiskey that definitely deserves a wider audience.
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Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon (2022)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 6, 2022 (edited February 3, 2023)Sweet on the nose, with berry fruits taking the lead, followed by more traditional caramel and vanilla bean. The initial tasting is quite spicy, with a heat reminscent of freshly minced ginger, or a really vibrant rye. The flavor palette is quite dessert-like with a plethora of baked good characteristics. Very smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a mellow roundness that you often only find in 18+ year old expressions. This is a solid Four roses release that would appeal to just about any bourbon aficionado, but for the hefty price tag. This is a must have for the bourbon collector, but perhaps an impulse buy for those who are hoping for the next Pappy to “cellar” for investment. -
High West Campfire
Blended American Whiskey — (bottled in) Utah, Multiple Countries
Reviewed September 2, 2022 (edited September 7, 2022)A heavy mouthfeel with a lot of body. Spicy, with notes of campfire, roasted coffee, dark caramel and baked apple. Long finish, ending on a bittersweet cocoa note. The blend works well, with all three whiskies working in tandem to create a unique whole. The smoke definitely livens things up and adds a mysterious note. Our favorite whiskey of the week, and for a good cause! -
Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Single Farm Origin: Hope (Boulders/Cain)
Other Sugarcane — Grenada
Reviewed August 29, 2022 (edited April 28, 2023)A fresh, grassy nose with a bright sugar cane patina. Upon tasting, the entry is crisp and warm with a somewhat sweet character, but the cane and water source used to bring the spirit down to proof are the showstoppers here. There is an initimacy and immediacy that carries you to the sunshine of the island. A very long finish leads to a slightly dry and chalky ending. Overall, this is exceptionally elegant, while at the same time authentic to its origins. Great for mixing in rum forward cocktails. -
Renegade Rum Pre-Cask Single Farm Origin: Lake Antoine (Upper Crater Lake South/Purple Tallboy)
Other Sugarcane — Grenada
Reviewed August 29, 2022 (edited November 6, 2022)Somewhat smokey entry, with a deeper, more earthy character. The sweetness is more rounded here, with a mid-palate juiciness, balanced by tight, high notes of vegetal cane. A more introspective rum that has an almost wood-like tannic edge. Quite a different experience from the Hope expression. We would tend to slowly sip this one, or add a splash of cocount water. Again, a fantastic expression that showcases the terroir and hard work that went into creating a gem of a rum. -
The cherrywood comes through immediately, adding a fruity, cobbler-like character. Very flavorful, but light in body. Curiously, the rye spice is almost subversive to the cherry and sweetness of the sugar maple barrels, coming in only towards the beginning of a long finish. Elements of baking spices, candied nuts, cinnamon toast and brown bread carry through the experience. A very easy to drink Rye that doubles as a great talking piece on your back bar.
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Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 118.4
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed August 1, 2022 (edited September 13, 2022)As with all Woodford Reserve Batch Proofs, this one is solid. Great wood influence along with stellar distillation. Rich, evocative notes of oak, tobacco leaf, young leather, dark toasted bread, baking spices and a hint of apple cider all come together in a cohesive whole. The flavors tone down with a splash of water, but they each retain their prescence. A really nice bourbon that is a welcome addition to the annual WR portfolio.
Results 201-210 of 305 Reviews