Tastes
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Thanks to Matt Rice---I got to try this rum. I'm not familiar with rum as much, had very few experiences. And that's by design...with a penchant for red wine, whisk(e)y, and mezcal....I can't financially afford to grow fond of any other spirit or alcohol. Also, I have no idea whether rum is to be drunk neat or mixed. But, this one here----I'd have a hard time buying that it's meant for mixed drinks. You get a sugar and burnt caramel on the nose, but the mouth I was surprised to get a little bit of grassy elements. I guess it doesn't let you forget that sugar is really a type of grass. Not sure what the price is on this...but, if you're a rum fan, this one is a no-brainer to have on your shelf. On a side note...I don't get the 23 years age...I would've thought that at that age, you'd get more wood, especiallynconsodering the tropical climate. Was surprised that wasn't the case. Either way, it's really good...and thanks to Matt for the sample!
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Mezcales de Leyenda Durango
Mezcal Joven — Durango, Mexico
Reviewed June 25, 2017 (edited February 5, 2018)Opened this up last night with some friends over. While in Mexico City, I attended a class on making mole negro, so I tried it out last night and paired the mole with this Mezcal. It lacks the earthen smoke of your typical Mezcal, but instead makes it up with a unique floral minerality---almost as if you rubbed lavender and chamomile on clay. Quite unique. It especially paired well with a spicy mole sauce. For $50, really a must have for Mezcal enthusiasts. -
This needs to come with a government warning: " for masochistic needs only, please do not use for any other leisure drinking. May also be used as antiseptic for MRSA and other hard to kill viruses and bacteria". My god this gives you a kick in the teeth! It's a little bunny on the nose, fairly a faint wisp of port and sweet bread. But, wow...on the palette, it turns into a chock full of caramel, winterberries, and dark fruits. A bit much for my taste, but I can see this being enjoyed by certain folks. Glad I had a sample only, not sure I'd be buying a bottle. If I did that, I feel as if I need an entire personality overhaul that involves skin tight leather, whips, and chains.
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Cacao Prieto Don Rafael Cacao Rum
Flavored Rum — New York, USA
Reviewed June 18, 2017 (edited July 4, 2017)This is a local Brooklyn rum. It's made by a rather famous NYC chocalatier who happened to find clever use for his cacao pods after he was done extracting what he needed for chocolate. I picked this up some time ago when the wife and I were on a date night, trying local authentic cuisines in Brooklyn (if you want over-priced fake authentic cuisine, go to Manhattan. For cheap, authentic, go to Brooklyn). I have no idea about rums, very little to no experience, so I'll refrain from any stars. Just my take on it---it's bitter sweet. Like baking chocolate. It's as if someone took a bunch of Godiva dark chocolate, melted it, added some water, and sold it in a fancy bottle. I have no idea if this is meant to sip or use for baking. Do I like...? Not my palette, I'll stick to red wine or whisk(e)y. But, I definitely will try using it for baking. Maybe some sort of boozy chocolate molten lava cake. -
You know what would make this better? Not having it forcibly at 6am in Newark Airport. Okay, so---it's Monday morning and I was to catch a flight from EWR to PHX. I took this sample generously provided by Richard@moderndrinking, thinking that I'll have it after a long day in Phoenix in my hotel room. I even put it in its own ziplock bag. Ms. TSA then pulls me aside after scanning my bag, and tell me I can't bring this with me. "But why, I'm carrying bigger liquids like a shaving cream and cologne. Why not this?" Nope...there's no reasoning. But I'd be damned if my Laphroaig was to be destined forever in the bottom of some TSA bin. I stepped out of line, went to a bar, asked for a glass with a sliver of water. And thoroughly enjoyed this fine piece of artistry. Classic Laphroaig, but less punch in the face, some dates and figs, with some astringency at the end. I need to pick up a bottle. Thanks for the sample Richard!
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St. George Baller Single Malt Whisky
American Single Malt — California, USA
Reviewed June 17, 2017 (edited February 16, 2021)I was in Phoenix this past week, and was astonished to see this on the shelf at the hotel bar. Unopened and just sitting there. At $15 /Dram , I gave it a go. It's light and floral, well balanced...almost a cross between an elegant Speysider and Hibiki 17. I think it's a west coast only item, but if you're a fan of Hibiki 12 or 17, this is a worthwhile taste. Not sure I'd buy a bottle (I checked online...quite expensive), but I'm glad I tried a small amount. -
The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed June 17, 2017 (edited July 24, 2017)After a week of traveling to Phoenix, working 14 hours a day on a divestiture, I was looking forward to finally coming home and trying some whisky. This is a Balvenie killer. This reminded me of the Balvenie 12. Soft and delicate, but that doesn't mean it lacks personality or depth. It's heather and honey, loads of beeswax and ginger. Thanks to Ryan for the sample as part of our SDT team, round 2. Solid whisky, worth having around as a regular. -
Two James Spirits Johnny Smoking Gun Whiskey
Flavored Whiskey — Michigan, USA
Reviewed June 14, 2017 (edited September 10, 2017)Generously Paul provided a sample of this as part of a bonus offering in our little Scottish distillery sampling team. This is one of those that either you'll like or dislike. Note I didn't say love or hate---I don't think it initiates the love /hate like a Laphroaig, but a notch or two lower in emotion. Almost like a lighter version of Balcones; campfire smoky but more floral vanilla mixed in. Strangely, I didn't like it on its own, but instead was really good with sushi. For some reason, there was this symbiotic relationship between the two. Thanks to Paul for providing this Michigan local! -
Interesting, but you can do better. I've generally found mezcals at its best when there's a backbone of earthy smoke, with some sweetness or minerality. Another aspect I love about mezcals is that it's purely dependent on two things: skill of the artisan producer and the type of agave. Anything else kinda diminishes the natural flavor of the wild agaves. This one has roasted corn added. It removes the smoky character, but doesn't really do anything more, except add a bit of sweetness. Stick with Del Maguey Chichicapa, might be a few dollars more, but a whole other class
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Laphroaig The 1815 Legacy Edition
Single Malt — Scotland
Reviewed June 10, 2017 (edited September 20, 2018)This reminded me quite a bit of a tamer version of Laphroaig's Quarter Cask, maybe a bit of Lore and 10 thrown in for good measure. I wasn't a fan of the QC (was simply too woody for me), but this has its backbone with the features of 10 and Lore. It's a travel exclusive, and if you're a fan of the QC, this might be right up your alley. Personally, I'd buy the Lore, 10, 18 or Cairdeas series over this. But, given the choice of QC and this, I'd take this. Thanks to Richard@moderndrinking for the sample---it's not available in the US markets or airports, so I'm especially greatful for the experience.
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