Tastes
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Straight Edge Bourbon
Bourbon — Tennessee and Kentucky (Finished and Bottled in California), USA
Reviewed June 22, 2020 (edited April 10, 2021)Had I been told this was a wine makers bourbon ahead of time I may have skipped this dram. But I liked the simple bottle, and well I can't say no to a bourbon. Surprisingly smooth, sweet corn and vanilla throughout, this almost evokes feelings of nostalgia in me and I wonder how such a relative newcomer could have nailed my idea of "bourbon" so well! I would like to rate it higher but in Canada it is hard to get and costs a pretty penny, at times near the $100 CAD price point.72.0 CAD per Bottle -
If you haven't read any of my other reviews I'll warn you I don't focus as much on the tasting notes as much as things like my feelings and price point. Had this been a blind taste test I would have rated this lower. But Pastote has spectacular bottles. Sitting on my shelf I admire this and ask why doesn't it taste like sweet, sweet clase Azul. I'll admit I purchased this bottle based on looks and extremely high NOM rating. There is agave and then bitter minerals, while it is still interesting it is not my favorite. I got the googlepod out and looked into the terroir and origins of this tequila and see that it uses rainwater as the primary source of water. This explains the minerality of it and I can't help but increase my feelings/rating for this reposado and brand in general. An interesting use of the environment to influence the product.85.0 CAD per Bottle
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Aberfeldy 21 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed June 22, 2020 (edited November 27, 2021)I rate this scotch so highly because in my opinion there is no better option for a 21-year on the Canadian market. From the box, to the bottle, to the actual tasting of this, I love it. Picked up at the local Costco for $139 CAD this sits on my top shelf in the box. And at that price I don't have to hoarde it until the queen visits, I am happy to share it. The sweet malted barley is the star of the show, coupled with honey this is a dram anyone can drink not just the aficionados. It is that smooth. Update: More recently this scotch has disappeared from costcos shelves and I fear the label may have been telling the truth that it is a "limited release". I will have to stop being so generous with this spectacular scotch.139.0 CAD per Bottle -
Casamigos Mezcal Joven
Mezcal Joven — Oaxaca , Mexico
Reviewed June 22, 2020 (edited October 15, 2020)I really wanted to like this mezcal, the bottle is beautiful alongside the casamigos tequila trio. But alas it is harsh and hard to drink on its own. Very medicinal, rubber, ash... much akin to mezcal and I'll admit I'm new to this spirit but I have had much smoother applications of the flavors (koch el). The harshness of this mezcal could be forgiven on an entry level Espadin, but at this price point I would prefer Sombra at half the price. I do give it a higher score for beauty, this bottle looks great on my shelf, it speaks to me and says MEZCAL!90.0 CAD per Bottle -
One of the more affordable 21-year scotches available, at least in my area. Retails for $149 CAD, I was able to get it for $103. As a fan of the 12 year, I was a little surprised this wasn't light years ahead. I have never been a big "water guy", but this is one of the drams I do add a few generous drops of water too. Prior to the water I feel it almost tastes like the 12, tasty but unrefined (after 21 years?!). The water turns it into an elegant and delicate dram, sweet roasted barley with a delicate but decent finish. I rate this high due to the value, but if you can get your hands on the aberfeldy 21 which is similarly priced here I would recommend that above this.103.0 CAD per Bottle
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I am still new to mezcal, I am getting used to the ashy taste. My only comparisons are Sombra and Casamigos. This is definitely softer and easier for me to drink, albeit it carries the highest price tag. I picked up a bottle on sale for $100 CAD. Mezcal has a nose and taste I can't really compare to anything else on the planet. It kind of feels like the scotch of agave, I prefer scotch in the winter. This has that kind of comfort feel, I want to enjoy it next to a woodfire.100.0 CAD per Bottle
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Auchentoshan 12 Year
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed May 26, 2019 (edited August 17, 2021)Overwhelming raisins, I will revisit this later but for now it is going in the back of the liquor cabinet. Regular price around $50 CAD, I much prefer the American Oak for the same price.38.0 CAD per Bottle -
I'm really trying to like this one. The label says it is an exclusive bottling for the Willow Park liquor store in Calgary, AB. The cask strength of 66% is giving me a little difficulty. If the sip is too small it evaporates in your mouth leaving nothing and if the sip is too big I have to cough out the burn and miss the flavours. Every now and then I get the perfect amount and get a wonderful mouthful of vanilla oak and sherry that goes down smooth. Like I said I want to like it, I am just not used to a temperamental sipper like this. it has Regular price of $110 CAD.90.0 CAD per Bottle
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Macallan 12 Year Triple Cask Matured
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed May 7, 2019 (edited August 17, 2021)This was my entry into the famed macallan distillery and I cant say I am impressed. Like another reviewer said, acrid and slightly off putting with some sort of funk in there. The double cask appears to be a very popular scotch, I'm not sure where they went wrong in the triple. Two friends also had the same reaction as me to this one and turned up their noses and made funny faces. Can't win them all.83.0 CAD per Bottle
Results 11-20 of 38 Reviews