Tastes
-
2007 Foursquare is one of the finest rums that I have tried. I have heard 2008 is better, but I hate hype so let's see how it lives up. The aroma here isn't all that enticing. It is heavy on the alcohol as you might expect at 60%. Maybe a hint of sweetness on the edge, but hard to get passed the fumes. Hopefully it goes down more smoothly. First sip is much better than the nose. There is a LOT going on here. There is almost a peanut brittle sweetness on the front end as the sugar washes over you tongue and the 120 proof heat rolls in. The finish is a pretty significant burn. Overall this isn't quite as nice as 2007. That dram sold me on Foursquare, but this 2008 edition may have reached too far on the punch. It is still a damn fine rum that stands far apart from most of the stuff on the local store shelf. Just falls short of the hype in my book.80.0 USD per Bottle
-
Basil Hayden's 10 Year Rye (Discontinued)
Rye — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 10, 2020 (edited March 19, 2021)Basil makes some great "sort of Whiskeys" with the Dark Rye and Caribbean offerings. Purists will give 2 thumbs down to these, but who cares what the snobs think? This is my first straight BH so let's see how it holds up. Nose comes off interestingly with a very faint rye playing over a more traditional bourbon makeup. First sip is very subtle with light brown sugar, caramel hints, and a just a touch of rye pepper. Interestingly I sense a bit of golden almond that I normally only taste in Scotch. The finish is soft at the lower proof with no heavy burn. I can see why some dislike this at 10 years. They want an in your face bold rye while this comes along as a more mature and subdued offering. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I may not seek it out, but I would happily accept a dram any time!90.0 USD per Bottle -
Maker's Mark 46 Cask Strength
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 8, 2020 (edited December 2, 2020)Being a big MM46 fan I was thrilled they released this cask strength outside of the tasting room. Nose is heavy on caramel and vanilla. First sip doesn't disappoint with a classic brown sugar sweetness and caramel that morphs into a sweet cocoa powder burn. Overall this is a fantastic bottle from MM. If I didn't have to drive to the tasting room to get it in a regular basis this would very easily fall into the go to category for me.60.0 USD per Bottle -
Not a huge tequila fan, but was given a pour from a close friend so who am I to say no. The nose on this is really quite nice. Sweetness without the smoke of most tequilas. Taste is significantly less tequila mainstream than many brands. There is a little sweetness of the agave with a hint of tequila smokey funk. Overall this is ok, but definitely not extra anejo quality.
-
Knob Creek 12 Year Small Batch Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed August 10, 2020 (edited October 22, 2020)I haven't been a huge KC fan, but have heard really good things about the 12 year so I found a bottle to bring home to the collection. Here's hoping it was worth it. Nose is defintely nut heavy with just a hint of brown sugar. A slight ethanol note, but not too strong to be off putting. First sip is light caramel and peanuts (Snickers anyone?). This is followed by a warming toasted almond burn that slowly fades. Be warned though that this one has a heavy alcohol burn if you don't take it slowly. This dram needs to be loved like a good woman so proceed with measured caution and enjoyment. A nice offering from KC, but still hasn't sold me any further on the brand in general.65.0 USD per Bottle -
Have heard mixed reviews on the Old Hickory brand, but thought I'd give this one a go since it was a more limited release. Nose is unmistakably rye here. I almost get a pine forest scent on the edges. First sip is somewhat lacking of a strong flavor to be honest. Some classic Rye pepper starts to come through, but without any strong bite. The finish is somewhat short with a mild burn. This one is interesting to me. If you like a classic Rye, but find many to be overly harsh you might really enjoy this dram. One might even say it is quite smooth for a Rye blend. Personally I prefer a little more flavor and full body to my pour, but you could certainly do much worse than this in your glass.60.0 USD per Bottle
-
Ok. First we must recognize this is not straight whiskey so if that is your only bag put the bottle down and walk away. This one is for the home bartender that just can't figure out how to mix up a good drink, but still wants to enjoy a bar special in their own comfy abode. Taste here is nice, but nothing special. A little pepper from the Rye comes through, but the bitters are almost too strong here with the vermouth almost lost completely. I appreciate the concept on this bottle, but highly suggest a cocktail book and some trial and error to reach true home cocktail happiness!
-
This bottle seems to have appeared overnight in every shop around town. My sister picked this one up at the recommendation of her local shop, but I am a bit skeptical so let's see where this trip down the rabbit hole takes us.... Nose is a bit rough with heavy ethanol fumes. There are some hints of sweet corn trying to come through, but the ethanol keeps beating them back like an old surly boxer kicking a rookie's ass in the ring. Let's move on to the taste. Well.... I have to be honest here and say that I feel this is what gasoline might taste like if I ever decided to take a swig. It is a bit oily and heavy on the ethanol. I am honestly having a hard time finding a kind word on this dram. Hard pass if I see this on the shelf and recommend you do the same!40.0 USD per Bottle
-
Booker's Bourbon Batch 2019-03 "Country Ham"
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed June 30, 2020 (edited November 18, 2020)I have had this one for a bit and just realized I never added a review so let's correct that oversight! Booker's certainly has curb appeal in the wooden box with clear facing. The wax and seal add a little flare, but it is what is inside that counts so let's go. Nose is nice with a maple syrup backbone and brown sugar highlights. First sip packs a punch declaring its 120+ proof with a heavy cinnamon heat. Brown sugar and vanilla seep out of the edges of the heat and maybe a touch of pecan pie peeks through. Let me say this dram is not for the faint of heart. It packs a punch and I wouldn't call you out for adding a bit of ice. Overall this one is flavor and fire packed!100.0 USD per Bottle -
Powers Three Swallow Single Pot Still
Single Pot Still — Ireland
Reviewed June 29, 2020 (edited December 3, 2020)Found this recommendation from my readings. My shopkeeper said it was an underrated gem. Let's see about that. Nose is subtle, but sweet. Apples and cloves seem to peek through. The taste brings more apple pie notes with a slight cinnamon burn. The burn seems to linger more on the tongue than the throat as most whiskey. I have generally been drawn to more of the finished Irish Whiskeys, but this is a very nice pour. At the price point it is a decent value as well.45.0 USD per Bottle
Results 91-100 of 229 Reviews