Tastes
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On the nose, there is a soft, velvety approach, with some red berry essences along with a fair amount of caramel and milk chocolate. Flavorwise, it leads with a sweet touch and quickly opens up into a spicy and cask driven powerhouse. Flavors are toward the low end of the spectrum, with a lot of wood and rye setting the pace. A long, long finish ends with a peppery vivaciousness we hoped for.
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A light, high, fine nose with a soft amount of wood and even less char. Very delicate and inviting. The flavor matches the nose in quietude. A reticent mouthfeel with some notice given to the rye, but overall, a very even tempered straight bourbon. A welcome and even fade to the finish, ending with a touch of dark pie crust.
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The rum comes through loud and clear, while the peat is ethereal. A warm, rich and welcoming approach on the nose. On the tongue, some of the peat smoke comes through, but with a shy approach. The bourbon itself is quite fulsome and pronounced, with a hefty chewiness and medium-dark flavor bill of fare. Overall, a strong and (mostly) standard Barrell expression that has just a touch of both Jamaica and Islay.
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Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Amburana (Release 001)
Bourbon — USA
Reviewed October 5, 2023 (edited October 17, 2023)Pumpkin spice move over, this is the new scent of autumn. A remarkably complex and spice forward nose. The Amburana cask does its work well here, adding a festive scent to the bourbon. Flavorwise, the wood adds a nutty, tropical sweetness, making it in some ways akin to a spiced rum in character. The towering proof keeps the package tight and brings out some of the high esters that might be lost in a lower proofed expression. With a long finish, ending on a cinnamon note, this release pleases from start to finish. -
This beverage’s bright orange color is quite festive for the autumnal season and offers a noticeably different flavor profile compared to their traditional chocolate flavors: clove, cinnamon and pumpkin. The bright color is eye-catching, although it does look rather artificial compared to a more natural deep pumpkin orange. The light creamy mouth feel is consistent with their other products. Although caramel and chocolate are listed as flavor notes, those flavors are quite mellow compared to the pumpkin spice medley. Cinnamon, vanilla and pumpkin are at the forefront while still being subtle and light. The clove tends to overwhelm everything else, leading to a heavily spiced cream liqueur. This is best served over ice or mixed with an equally spiced rum.
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Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed October 5, 2023 (edited November 20, 2023)We can tell right off the bat that this release has some similarities to a blended Scotch. Perky, woody, high notes, with a hint of smoke, and a rich, thrumming bass line of malt. On the palate, there is a sweetness and a softness which comes from the corn and the wheat addition. A bit of rye spice kicks in at the tail end of the initital tasting. The body is medium-light, with an overall warming and relaxed mouthfeel. Nothing amiss here. The finish is extra long, gently ending on an oaky note. Exceptionally well blended, and the kind of whiskey that begs for just one more sip. Kentucky Owl continues to impress. -
Grappa poli cleopatra moscato
Grappa/Marc — Veneto, Italy
Reviewed September 20, 2023 (edited September 21, 2023)Let me start by saying that the bottle is one of the most remarkable we’ve ever seen. It has an autumnal sensibility and makes for a great talking piece on the bar. But it’s the liquid gold inside that is really the point. A rich gold color (hence the name Oro) in the glass; the nose has a perfume akin to the season of fall, with a woody, fruity richness. The flavor is surpisingly floral, with a flowery character that overlays a rock solid grape distillate base. Intense, warming and a perfect after dinner digestif, this spirit also calls for experimentation in bespoke cocktails. All in all, this grappa is truly unique and one of a kind. -
A perfect blend of juniper and lemony citrus on the nose, with some softer floral and herbal notes. Flavorwise, the gin is quite brisk and lively with juniper, cheery with citrus, peppery with herbs, and all wrapped in a powerful and clean 94 proof spirit. This makes a remarkable Martini, but also works well as the base in any number of gin cocktails and punches. A true beauty of a gin.
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Excellent nose with a cavernous depth of toffee, baking spices, barrel stave and slight woodfire. On the tongue, it hits unexpectedly with a lightness uncharacteristic of the high proof. An almost effervescent effect on the tongue and the top of the mouth leave a tingling, slightly herbal sensation. Flavors are pronounced and run the gamut from dark fudge to toasted pecan to chicory to brown bread and the faintest ghost of yesterday’s campfire. An adventure in a glass. The finish is extra long and self assured. A remarkable and surprising whiskey.
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Bright lemon-lime citrus, vanilla and a solid orange base make for an enticing nose. Sweet entry leads to a slight citrus tang, softening the typical intesnity of the orange flavor. The body is viscous, heavy and round, with a coating effect on the palate. The flavors are long lasting, with the yuzu leaving a somewhat dry finish. We like this one a lot, as it is perfect for creative new cocktail experimentation.
Results 41-50 of 305 Reviews