Tastes
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Despite a 100+ proof, this expression is eminently drinkable, even straight from the bottle. With warm fruity notes laden with caramel and vanilla bean on the nose, it has a friendly approach. As with much of the Baker’s portfolio, this is a solid boubon hitting all of the usual marks of cask, mashbill and sweetness. The finish is medium-long with semi-dry and vanilla/toffee notes on the fade. A really nice product and one we recommend.
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Expresiones del Corazón William Larue Weller Añejo (2021 Release)
Tequila Añejo — Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed April 3, 2022 (edited May 11, 2023)What a truly lovely tequila. We were expecting a great spirit, but this one is more than simply great. It is remarkable. The nose is delicate, with notes of vegetal agave intertwined with the sweet corn of a bourbon. Light spiciness and oak add a patina of warmth. The flavor is masterful, yet with a similar delicateness. Notes of mild agave, vanilla, caramel, wood, toast and praline bring a self-assured and friendly welcome to the palate. The finish is medium-long with a nutty sensation that lingers for a few minutes after the fadeout. We would love to try the others in this series, but as for the Weller expression, it has won our hearts. -
Barrell Bourbon Batch 031
Bourbon — (bottled in) Kentucky, USA
Reviewed April 3, 2022 (edited September 19, 2022)Quite oak driven on the nose, with nutty and creamy notes. The flavor is fruit forward, with a mincemeat pie spicy-sweetness. Rich, elegant and very drinkable. At the finish line, there is a lasting impression of pepper, and some char; but all ends well on a sweet note similar to a house-made grenadine. As with each of the Barrell Bourbons we’ve reviewed, this is another lovely addition to their portfolio or numbered releases. -
The rose is apparent on the nose, adding a soft floral character to the botanical mix. But, the juniper is the dominant feature. Flavorwise, the rose adds just enough intrigue and floweriness to add a unique twist. After a few sips, it settles into a comfortable familiarity. We like this one straight up, or in some non-citrus gin cocktails. Quite interesting, and a successful expression.
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Loads of juniper on the nose, with a somewhat malty base. The palate is crisp, and very much wintery, piney and intensely botanical. After some seconds, the malty flavor comes into play, giving a hefty body and round mouthfeel. The finish is long with the juniper outlasting all the rest. A great gin for a traditional Martini.
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A malty, slightly rustic Irish, that has body, depth and chewiness. The flavor is rich with brown sugar, caramel, oak stave and tannic char. What at first leans sweet, finishes dry and toasty. There’s a definite heft and intensity to the flavor that makes it a perfect dram for a chilly winter’s eve. Try it in an Irish Coffee.
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What is amazing about each of these expressions, is just how different they are from one another. Yes, you can see the similarities of pedigree, but just like children, each one has their own unique characteristics. Of the three, we felt that Barrel No. 1275 was the winner, with a sweeter entry and a luscious finish. The Barrel No. 1216 and Barrel No. 1529 were pretty much neck and neck in terms of flavor profile, but the latter had a slightly more cohesive edge. Overall, these are excellent ryes, and are well crafted. If you are lucky enough to try some of these single barrel releases, you will become an immedaite fan.
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Dexter Three Wood Straight Bourbon
Bourbon — Indiana (aged further in Ohio), USA
Reviewed April 3, 2022 (edited April 29, 2022)A nice vanilla forward nose with fragrances of baked apple crumble, maple sugar, and cherry cola. The flavors explode in an array of honeycomb, caramel cream and baking spices. Quite peppery and tantalizing on the tongue. The finish is medium length ending with a touch of cracked peppercorn. All in all, and really friendly and approachable whiskey that has a nice portfolio of woods. -
The nose is appealing, with the usual hints of oak, vanilla and some char. On the palate, we were struck by the very light flavor of a young, toddler-like whiskey. Not a lot of heft or body, and the flavor sings with only one mid-range note. Some tinges of maple, black pepper, and cinnamon tease the tongue, while the finish has a slightly bitter tannic edge. A perfectly serviceable spirit which will work well in a Mint Julep or a highball. We’d be interested to see how it would fare under longer aging.
Results 251-260 of 305 Reviews