Tastes
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Spirits of French Lick Old Clifty Hoosier Apple brandy
American Brandy — Indiana, USA
Reviewed December 3, 2019I'm going to start my review off by saying that I've seen some derogatory comments regarding this, and I can honestly say that those people either have no palate, or no understanding of apple brandy and its production. Fermented from the fresh juice of Michigan apples and double pot distilled. Aged in 63 gallon once used re-char red wine barrels with a #2 char and new American oak toasted head. The nose is alive with the red apples and some caramel. The mouth-feel is full, with apple pie and spices throughout the palate, with hints of cinnamon. This is right where it should be for 2 YR, and I like how the wood is reigned it. It would be a mistake to compare, or judge this as a Calvados. Will be curious to see how it ages. My score was 85. -
Neeley Family Distillers Moonshine
White — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed December 3, 2019 (edited September 22, 2023)Neeley Family Distillery Moonshine is Kentucky Proud, and Triple Pot-Distilled from sweet corn and cane sugar. The nose is very clean, and not "hot" for 60.1%. The balance of the corn and cane is truly harmonious, and is showcased on the palate, in the mouth-feel, and in the finish. This is a very clean, well crafted moonshine, and not just one to rush on the shelves, or a gimmick. This is the best store bought, or illicit moonshine that I've had! Kudos!!! Kentucky Proud, and made with pride!! My score was 91. -
Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva Brandy de Jerez
Spanish — Jerez, Spain
Reviewed November 22, 2019 (edited November 12, 2020)Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva is created from 100% holandas (distilled in alquitaras, or pot stills, up to 70% alcohol). Aged for an average of 15 YR in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The nose is well balanced with notes of sherry, raisin and prune. The palate is rich with those same sherry, raisin, and prune notes. A lingering mouth-feel and finish. Great stuff!! My score was 90.5. Cheers!! -
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (Discontinued)
Blended Malt — Japan
Reviewed November 20, 2019 (edited February 15, 2020)Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt containing a high percentage from Miyagikyo, with the remainder coming from Yoichi. Aged on average for around 10 YR in different casks, including sherry. Very clean on the nose with fruit and light malt. Rich, fruity, and slight spice on the palate, with a generous and pleasing finish. There is a richness indicating some sherry wood influence. An ideal entry point to Nikka Whisky. My score was 90. Cheers!! -
Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky
Single Malt — Bangalore, India
Reviewed November 20, 2019 (edited June 23, 2022)Amrut Fusion is created from a mix of 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% peated Scottish barley. Separately distilled and aged for 4 years, then "fused" together for an additional 3 months. Fruit, malt and a touch of smoke is balanced nicely on the nose. Fruit, chocolate or toffee, oak spice, and a touch of smoke are all incredibly balanced on the palate, with a long finish. Outstanding!! My score was 95. Cheers!! -
Hamilton Saint Lucia Rum 2005 9 YR
Aged Rum — Saint Lucia
Reviewed October 22, 2019 (edited November 8, 2020)From Ed Hamilton's Private Collection. Pot distilled from Guyanese molasses. The nose gives it away that this is an intense and serious rum! Cane, tropical fruits, some spice and smoke are all present on the nose and palate. This is a true British Style Rum that offers funk, but intense and bold flavors. Not for everyone. Lol. My score was 89.5 -
Barrel 1H, Bottle 146. Distilled from grain and cane, aged in used barrels. Peated Malt is added. The grain, cane, and peat smoke is very well intertwined on the nose, and are all present, with the peat smoke complementing, and not overpowering. The palate delivers some initial sweetness, followed by some spice and smokiness. The finish is both long and powerful. The price is borderline high, but it is a well crafted spirit, and is truly a craft spirit. Would like to try with more aging. My score was 87.5
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Roger Groult Calvados Venerable
Calvados — Normandy, France
Reviewed October 22, 2019 (edited August 21, 2022)A blend of Calvados over 18 YR. Apple and spices are wonderfully balanced on the nose. The mouth feel and palate are alive with fruit, spice, and some gingerbread. Most Calvados, Cognac, and Armagnac spend the bulk of their lifetime in old casks to avoid overtly prominent wood tannins and influence, but this still adds some oaky spice notes, yet minimal. This is just showing the aging potential, and why older Calvados is right there with Cognac!! My score was 92 -
Kentucky Owl Confiscated Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed October 22, 2019 (edited December 8, 2019)A somewhat delicate nose, with mild oak suggesting some aging. The palate is rounded, with some delicate flavors as well, and not on the sweeter side as some Bourbons can be. The finish is lengthy, with some cinnamon spice, and the oak spice being reigned in. This is a nice bourbon, and suggests some age. The lack of information and transparency provided by Kentucky Owl makes the price high, and as a consumer, would pass. My score was 87.5
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