Whiskey Review: Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon

In the post Thanksgiving lull, and the pre-Christmas rush, what could be better than another new whiskey to try?  That is my excuse anyways...on to the show.  I came across this bottle while browsing Costco.  I had never seen or even heard of this, so I grabbed it.  

According to the label, the phrase bib and tucker meant your nice clothes, like for a wedding, during the rough and tumble days.  This offering is produced by 35 Maplestreet?  Again I haven't heard of them, however, to be totally honest I haven't really paid much attention to the manufacturer of the whiskies I drink, but I will now.  The bourbon is a nice medium amber color, and not gonna lie, it smells like it is gonna have a bite.  There is also a distinct scent that I can't quite place, but I know I haven't really come across this before.  I want to say is smells like maple syrup roasted nuts or something.  Despite the smell, it is actually rather smooth to start and warms to a nice finish.  The aftertaste is pleasant and does tend to linger.  The second sip will amplify that warm feeling, to the point of almost being spicy.  The flavors are mellow and not too assertive, but it does tend to be on the sweet side, as you'd expect from a bourbon.  Normally I would finish with a meme here, and in wake of the 2016 elections, I leave you with...

The numbers: I purchased this bottle at Costco for $35.  I have seen is for as high as $65 online!!  

It reminds me of...being bundled up on a cold winter night sitting around a fire pit. 

The verdict: I gotta say, this is a good sipping whiskey, especially during the winter time.  I can imagine myself looking out the window on a rainy day holding a dram of Bib and Tucker, and life would be good.  For $35 it is a steal, but I don't really see myself paying more than $45 for it.  

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breakingbourbon.com
drinkhacker.com

Whiskey Review: Hibiki 12 Years Old

I received this bottle of Hibiki 12 Years Old as a gift.  

It seems lately a lot more people are giving me whiskey as presents.  I must be doing something right. 

On to the show.  This bottle is an offering from Suntory Distillery, which has not yet disappointed me.  On the bottle it says "A harmonious blend of handcrafted select specially aged whiskies."  This tells me that it is a blend of 12 year old whiskies, and should then be fairly well rounded.  The color is a nice medium honey amber, and I would say the smell is mellow.  The first taste is very light and mellow, carrying a smoothness that is very nice.  It does have a bit of a burn going down, but it does leave a nice scotchy aftertaste, a little hint of smoke with I am guessing both fine oak and sherry oak matured whisky but full of flavor tending towards the sweet and almost fruity side.  All in all, good stuff!  I am quickly becoming a fan of Suntory, it is no surprise they won the Whiskey Advocate Distiller of the Year Award in 2014.  

The numbers: Once again, this was a gift, so I am not sure what was paid, however, what I can say is that there appears to be an inventory issue at this time, as most places I looked are sold out.  The price range is insane!  I saw anywhere from $69 to $199!!! (edit: apparently this is no longer being offered, and is being replaced by Harmony, which totally explains the inventory problems.  Get em while you can!)

It reminds me of...samurai toasting after a rousing victory!  Kenpai!

The verdict: I like this whiskey, it has a lot of things going for it.  Without being able to nail down a precise price, I can't really say.  If I could get this for under $90, I would be very happy.  Over that price, then I would wonder a bit if it was worth it.  For the Japanese whiskey fan, this is a good mid level selection. 

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thewhiskeyjug.com
masterofmalt.com

Whiskey Review: The Yamazaki 12 Years

I received this bottle as a gift from my technician when he left the laboratory to attend graduate school.  Considering he is the second technician to buy me whiskey when they left for graduate school, I must be doing SOMETHING right.  It is The Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year by Yamazaki Distillery.  

He said this was a very good whiskey, let's see how much he has really learned.  The color is a nice medium amber with a warm and mild smell.  So far so good.  The first taste reveals a nice smooth taste with a hint of smoke, and a warm soothing finish.  I have to say, good stuff.  A couple more sips in and I notice more of an almost floral aftertaste.  No hints of vanilla for the first time ever.  Ha.  I believe I detect hints of both fine oak and sherry barrel aging.  I am gonna look that up.  Yep.  I missed the old bourbon barrel, but got the oak and sherry.  Anyhoooooooo.  What can I say, it's really good.  So to my technician (you know who you are)...

The numbers: This was a gift, so I am not sure what was paid, but I can say it seems to run about $100 or so.  

It reminds me of...having a warm cup of tea by the fireplace on a cold winter night, except that tea is a really good whiskey.  Because seriously, if you had a choice between tea or whiskey to warm you up, is tea even a viable option?

The verdict: This is a solid whiskey.  Very good stuff, certainly not a daily thing at the price, but good enough for special occasions.  I tend to prefer those great bang for your buck buys, so this runs a bit high for me, but I think it is worth the money if you have it to spend.  

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thewhiskyexchange.com
masterofmalt.com

Whiskey Review: The Macallan Rare Cask

I want you to listen to this music as you look at the next series of pictures. 

Listen to the start, the dramatic opening. 

The intensity is starting to pick up. 

The excitement builds!

Crescendo!!!!

Sorry, couldn't contain my excitement.  This was a gift, and it's a Macallan Rare Cask.  As you can see the packaging is just awesome.  The bottle has a regal feel to it.  There are definitely dark caramel tones to the nose and color reflects a dark caramel-ly amber color.  However...

I am not sure if it is because I hyped myself too much (like the movie theme song), or because I have unrealistically high expectations for Macallan, I did not find this particular offering to be that amazing.  Don't get me wrong, it is a great scotch, but I think I would prefer the 18 or 21 year from Macallan over this offering.  That of course didn't stop me from finishing the bottle eventually, because like I said, it is good.  Oh, almost forgot.  The first taste you definitely get strong vanilla and caramel flavors, which are reminiscent of Macallan scotch in general.  Then there is a bite followed by a mellow, but flavorful after party.  Just to note, this is not a single malt, if that is important to you.  This is a blend of sherry matured scotch.

The numbers: I got is as a gift so I am not sure what was spent on it, but at Bevmo this bottle will run you $299 on sale!!  


It reminds me of...Macallan 18 year and the Great Gatsby. 

The verdict: I am not sure what to make of it, simply because it is a good scotch no doubt, but other offerings from Macallan are better in my option.  However, it is a statement piece to a collection given Macallan's standing in the scotch world.  If you have the money, go for it.

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TheWhiskeyJug.com
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Whiskey Review: Kikori

I am not going to lie.  I bought this bottle and pushed it into the back of my liquor cabinet and completely forgot about it.  All I remember is that the bottle looked cool and it was Japanese so it might be worth reviewing.  It might be months ago now, but here it is:

Reading the label is says this is distilled from rice and pure mountain water in Kumamoto, Japan, and apparently aged in barrels for three years.  Rice?  I believe that makes this a sake (whiskey).  This will be a first as far as I know.  Their website indicates that barrels used are: American Oak, French Limousin oak and Sherry casks.  Ok.  That is a good start.  The color is very light, which is expected given that it is distilled from rice. The back label also includes a little story about Visu, an ancient woodsman, who wanders the forest seeking harmony that eluded his life.  I wonder if the Japanese words on the inside of the label are of this story.  Anyways, on to the show.  Even the smell is more reminiscent of sake than of your standard whiskies, but you can definitely detect the oak barrel flavors.  The first taste of it is interesting, it starts of like a dry woodsy sake, but as you wait the spicy and smokey barrel flavors creep up.  There is a slight burn as it goes down, but the finish is sake'ish and sweet.  It also leaves behind a nice warming sensation.  

I am a bit flabbergasted, it both is and is not a whiskey.  Definitely out of the ordinary.  All I can say is:

The numbers:  I vaguely remember picking this up at Costco for less than $40.  However I can neither confirm or deny that statement.   A quick check on the web has it going for $46 at Bevmo. 

It reminds me of...ummmm sake?

The verdict: I am pretty torn about this one.  On the one hand, the uniqueness makes it worth a try, but its non-whiskeyness makes it difficult for me to fully endorse it.  It might be one of those gifts you give to the total whiskey snob in your life just to mess with them.  On the other hand if you are a big fan of both sake and whiskey, buy this, you can get both cravings out of the way at the same time. 


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axisofwhisky.com
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Whiskey Review: Blanton's Bourbon

Blanton's.  That name evokes a sense of bourbon royalty.  Probably pronounced Blon-tonne's, you know, to make it fancy.  My bottle even reads: This Bourbon whiskey dumped on 12-15-15 (in what appears to be handwriting) from Barrel No. 57 Stored in Warehouse H on Rick No 6 Individually selected filtered and bottled by hand at 93 proof.  Each Bottle is recorded with the Master Registrar at Blanton Distilling Company This Registered Bottle No is 68.  

Holy shit that is cool.  You can't see the top in this picture, but there is a guy on a horse.  The Bourbon with a horse on top.  Anyways, I digress.  How I was introduced to Blanton's bourbon was due to being stuck at a conference in the Chicago suburban town of Itasca while attending a conference.  The town was rather sleepy in general and very uninteresting.  While I am normally inclined to explore local bars when traveling, driving into the resort hotel, there really wasn't much to see.  So I resigned myself to a likely very unspectacular hotel bar.  After scrolling through their whiskey list, there was only one that I hadn't tried yet: Blanton's.  I ordered one and apparently it was ordered so infrequently, they had to get a brand new bottle from storage.  In fact the second bartender didn't even recognize the bottle, I had to tell him, the one with the horse on top.  Anyhow, I digress..again, hmm maybe I should take my meds from now on...My first encounter with Blanton's got me hooked.  It has a nice full but not too assertive scent.  I can say I get hints of honey, and almost a sort of...I don't know, burnt sugar smell?  The flavor is complex, there is a lot going on, but smooth, and not overbearing.  There is a sweet quality to it at the beginning, then it ends with a nice bite.  The finish, although somewhat biting, is also warming and leaves a nice aftertaste.  All in all.  This is good, really good.  To the bottle, I said:

As in the next day, and the next, and the next. 

The numbers: I am not going to lie, it is expensive.  I used to see it for about $45 and balked at that price.  However, I have since had a difficult time even finding a bottle to purchase.  I found this one at Whole Foods Market for $49.99, which is $10 less than I saw it for at Bevmo the same week.  

It reminds me of...sitting in a nice restaurant bar with good company and good drinks not caring if we are being seated late.

The verdict: This bottle definitely runs on the expensive side, but for what you get it is worth it if you are an enthusiast, but unless you are rolling in cash, I would reserve this for special occasions.  

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TheWhiskeyJug.com
whiskey.underthelabel.com

Whiskey Review: Angels Envy

Angel's Envy.  What a name.  The words evoke a harp playing cherub looking down upon you, shining a light on your bottle and drooling.  Indeed, if anything can make an Angel envy you, bourbon would be it.  Even the bottle has the classic angel wing pattern on its back, much like the angel wing tattoos you find on people who are most definitely not.  On to the show.

I had seen this offering on several bar menus, but never really ventured to try it.  Then while sitting at a small bar in Picnic Restaurant at Playa Del Rey killing time, I started speaking with the lovely bartender, Jen, who was also a whiskey drinker herself.  She highly recommended Angel's Envy, and although a balked a bit at the $15 price tag per pour, I knew Jen would give me a healthy sized serving so I went for it.  What sold me though is she informed me that it was finished in port barrels.  That peaked my interest, and soon I tracked down a whole bottle for myself.  From the moment you get the bottle you can sense you are in for a treat, the unusual shape, the interesting name, and the hand written batch and bottle number label on the side.  The smell was assertive, including your usual bourbon suspects, but also a hit of something like pastries...with caramel.  I really have no precise way to describe it, but it smells good.  The first sip will start off almost sweet, definitely a tad caramelly, and then the classic bourbon flavors rush in, finishing with a slight but not overpowering burn.  Super.  Good.  I think this has a great blend of sweet, spicy, smooth and burn to appeal to most whiskey drinkers in one way or another.  There is definitely a uniqueness to the flavors. Just be careful though because this is what you get after you finish the bottle:

The numbers: This tends to go for a little more, usually around $55 to $65, I have seen it at Bevmo and Ralphs.  

It reminds me of...angels, duh.

The verdict: It is certainly on the high side in terms of price, especially for a domestic bottle.  However, it is worth it, especially if you have someone to impress or a special occasion. It is so unique that I would probably not mind spending the money just to have a bottle around the liquor cabinet at all times, just in case. 

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TheWhiskeyJug.com
whiskeyreviewer.com

Whiskey Review: Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Larceny is defined as theft of personal property.  Keep that in mind.  Today we are going to talk about Larceny Bourbon. 

I have been Larceny around and about for many years now, but never seemed to be interested in trying it.  Then one day I was flipping through a magazine and saw a 10 bourbons to try before you die list.  I look through that and some of the usual suspects were in there, but one stood out...Larceny.  I though to myself, oh rearrryy.  The next time I was at Ralphs I bought a bottle, and was immediately excited to try it.  On the label it says John E. Fitzgerald (sounds like an old school distiller name if I have ever heard one, apparently there is some other back story that is somewhat interesting if you want to look it up), Larceny, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Very Special Small Batch (in red text).  Well DAMN IT lets try some.  I tried some....and three months later I am finally writing this review.  I'll explain.  First it has an assertive smell to it, kind hits you as you are pouring.  You know you are drinking a whiskey that is for sure.  The first taste, it doesn't really stand out, a fairly typical bourbon.  Then...it burns....IT BURNS...I was worried that maybe I sore throat or something and it wasn't getting a fair shake, so I didn't write the review and came back a couple weeks later.  Same result, but I really wanted to like it...it is supposed to be a top 10??  Today, months later, and most of the bottle, I sadly have to come to the conclusion that is really is nothing special.  In fact it is burns a bit too much for me.  Larceny...my money was stolen!  I could have just bought a number of other bourbons and had a better experiences.  Sigh.  To summarize:

The numbers: Thank god I got it for only $26.  I have seen it for less than $20 at Bevmo.  

It reminds me of...whiskey from a plastic bottle.

The verdict: For those people who like Larceny, sorry, no offense.  This one is just not for me.  At mid 20's I would prefer Buffalo Trace.  If you live in Russia and need the burn, go right ahead.  

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TheWhiskeyJug.com
drinkhacker.com

Whiskey Review: Hibiki Japanese Harmony

We are going on trip, away from the regions of the world normally associated with whiskey, and start a little exploration of Japan.  Yes Japan, the land that brought us such gems as Nintendo, Sony, Dragon Ball Z, and whatever this is...

That is one of the tamer ones too.  Gulp...maybe I should be worried?  Here it goes, I present to you, Hibiki Japanese Harmony by Suntory Whisky Distillery.  

I was reading through Whiskey Advocate and saw that Suntory was selected as the distillery of the year for 2014.  Having very little experience with Japanese made whiskies, I decided to go find out.  Hibiki is a blended whiskey, which I tend to shy away from, however, when done well, blended whiskies can be very good.  At first inspection, there is nothing too special, the color is light and it smells like a scotch.  The first taste is well, amazing if you like complexity.  I could taste your classic scotch flavors such as those of a Macallan's fine oak, as well as the peaty smokiness of a Islay type scotch as well.  The smokey flavor is very prevalent but not overpowering.  Overall, the feel is very light and smooth, with a dry finish.  I also seem to find it slightly spicy and sweet.  Overall, it is a very well balanced whisky.  Well played Japan, well played. 

The numbers: I get it for nearly $80 at BevMo; however I have seen it for $65 or so from online retailers. 

It reminds me of...the end of a long day after you have gone to work, cleaned the house, cooked dinner, finished laundry and you just want to relax with something special to drink.



The verdict: Not gonna lie, it is expensive for what you get.  Don't get me wrong it is good, but definitely not a daily sipper.  I would say this should be reserved for more of an occasion drink.  Not many people will have experienced Japanese whisky, so it is a good conversation starter as well.  

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connosr.com
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Whiskey Review Special Valentine's Edition: Four Roses Bourbon and Single Barrel

With Valentine's bearing down on us, I thought I would do a special review: Roses.  Four Roses that is, both their Bourbon (left) and Single Barrel (right) offerings.  Yeah, I know...the Single Barrel is nearly empty. 

I am going to start off with the regular Bourbon.  Right off the bat I am worried.  It's a twist top.  TWIST TOP??? I can't remember the last time I had alcohol from a twist top.  The smell (nose...whatever) has a kick to it, but otherwise is fine.  First impression is...HEY NOT BAD.  It's not great, but not terrible either.  A spicy aftertaste does linger a bit and get stronger as it goes.  So beware if you don't like that or are eating spicy foods.

Ok now off to the Single Barrel.  Right off the bat, the bottle looks a lot better.  Intricate design, CORK, and some weird pleather strap.  Nothing says classy like pleather. The smell is distinctly less spicy, and very smooth almost sweet.  First impression is...this is gooooddd.  Very smooth and flavorful without the kick.  The after taste is present but not strong and mellows out quickly.  Definitely the superior offering.  

So gentlemen.  You have to ask yourself, what kind of whiskey drinking girl are you trying to impress? 

Yeah, yeah I know, Mila is probably holding a Jim Bean, but let's pretend it something more refined for a moment ok?  I mean really, look at her, does it matter what is in the glass?  Yes it does.  Buy the good stuff. 

Ladies, it doesn't matter, I am sure if you bought your whiskey drinking man either bottle they will be happy, because alcohol.  Just remember to enjoy some with him. 

The numbers: The regular I got on sale at Ralphs for $19! The Single Barrel was purchased at Bevmo for about $42.  

They reminds me of...Valentine's day...duh.

The verdict: The regular is actually kind of nice for that price, I would definitely drink this over Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, however, I wouldn't have an issue tossing some Coke or something in for a mixer.  As for the Single Barrel, the price is a bit on the high side for me.  Don't get me wrong, it's good, but I don't see the price value.  If you want to get "a dozen roses" you might consider the regular bottle.  Another alternative for the non-whiskey drinker is Tequila Rose, which pretty much tastes like a strawberry milkshake when over ice. 

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Professional tasting notes:
Regular
masterofmalt.com
whiskey.underthelabel.com

Single Barrel

masterofmalt.com

thewhiskeyjug.com

Whiskey Review: Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 10 year

It was January 2nd, 2016.  After a holiday season of, well let's just call it in depth research into whiskey, I found myself in the sleepy town of San Juan Capistrano for a mini-vacation.  We were at Vons picking up some water, and despite me having sworn off alcohol for at least a week, I found myself in front of a VERY impressive collection of whiskey.  Several deals were must haves, but I settled on this bottle of Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 10 year.  

I have been waiting to find this bottle for some time, since it is aged for 10 years which is much much more than the 2 year minimum for a straight bourbon.  My two attempts at ordering it in a restaurant have ended empty drammed (I made up that word).  I broke my alcohol hiatus immediately upon returning to the hotel room to bring you this review.  Yes, the sacrifices I make.  

The smell is very simple actually, mainly consisting of vanilla and caramel.  It is not going to burn your lungs if you take a deep breath of it, which is actually really nice.  If I could get an air freshener that smelled like this for my car, I would.  The first taste is interesting, while not very complex in flavor, the bourbon is still assertive, with a slight burn.  It brings a warming feeling to the table as well.  Despite the almost simple flavor, the bourbon is not one dimensional at all.  The finish is smooth, slightly sweet, and not overpowering.  There is a complete lack of smokey flavors, so for fans of that profile, this one may seem a little dull.  

The back of the bottle reads: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-the cornerstones of the birth of a nation, epitomized by the American bald eagle.  That nation has come to represent the freedom, spirit and independence of the individual, giving the world products and innovations that are uniquely its own.  One such innovation was Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Indeed.  

The numbers: I got it for $32 at Vons which is a fair price.  You can probably find it for less online, but remember you will probably pay shipping.  

It reminds me of...simpler and fun times. 

The verdict: This is a good whiskey for the price, and for those who are extra patriotic (you know who you are), you gotta have it!  If you like a simple clean flavor, this is the whiskey for you.  If you are into more complex or smokey offerings, you should consider moving along and looking into a scotch instead.  

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whiskey-reviews.com
spiritsreview.com