Chris | Page 14 | NYC Whiskey Review

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Tamdhu 12

December 5, 2023 Scotland

Name: Tamdhu 12

Color: Copper

Nose: Malt, honey, heather, oak, sherry

Taste: Malt, honey, vanilla, sherry sweet finish

The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles ready!?!

The Tamdhu Distillery was founded in 1896 and located in the village of Knockando in Banffshire, Scotland. Tamdhu was/is mainly used for the production of popular blended whisky’s such as The Famous Grouse, J&B, and Cutty Sark. Currently the ownership of Ian McLeod Distilleries is producing it as a single malt expression. The name “Tamdhu” in Gaelic and translates to “little dark hill”.

Tamdhu 12 is Speyside single malt bottle at 43% abv. It is a lighter tasting whisky which is more on the sweeter side due the sherry cask finish. It has a nice balance and at first taste I would have guessed it to be a Lowlander instead of a Speyside. It is smooth drinker and comes off as more of a summer than a winter scotch. I believe I had tried this whisky once before in The Potstill Bar in Glasgow and from my hazy memory I enjoyed it so picked up a bottle to reconfirm my experience. It’s a little sweet for me, but very solid dram.

Expressions currently offered: NAS, 8,10,12,18,50, Batch Strength No. 001 & 2, Limited Edition, 1990 Cask Strength, and Signatory Vintage 1994.

Priced around $65-75 and worth the price if you like the flavor profile. I will be trying more expressions hopefully this month when I am in Scotland, which is tonight!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Stranahan’s Bushmills Cask

December 3, 2023 America

Name: Stranahan’s Bushmills Cask

Color: Copper

Nose: Light malt, light oak, white fruits

Taste: Malt, spring water, butter-cream, apple

The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles ready!?!

Stranahan’s Whiskey was founded in 2004 and it is located at 200 S. Kalamath St. Denver, CO. The distillery and visitor center is in an industrial park and has a simple outdoor seating area with a nice view of the mountains. The inside bar area has a modern rustic wood design with seating for around 75 people. The bar serves whiskey, flights, cocktails, and the retail store sells bottles and merchandise.

Stranahan’s Bushmills Cask is aged for four years in new American oak barrels with a No. 3 char. It is then is transferred to Bushmills casks to age for another year and then bottled at 47% abv.

This expression has Irish cream notes with a lighter finish. When water is added it opens up, but does not have any amazing taste profile. It tastes like an experimental whiskey, which form my research, it is. This expression is part of the “Distilleries Experimental Series, and I would be very surprised if it went into full production. I bet it was created just for St. Patrick’s day to keep people buying local Denver whiskey than the standard Irish bottles.

Other expressions: Original, Blue Peak, Mountain Angel 10 Year, Snowflake, Diamond Peak, Sherry Cask, Single Barrel, and various special releases.

Priced around $70 and good, but not amazing. Not sure where you can find it in the NYC as it is a limited release.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

New Riff Single Barrel Rye

December 2, 2023 America

Name: New Riff Single Barrel Rye

Color: Copper

Nose: Rye, wood, leather

Taste: Rye, dark fruits, caramel, light wood

The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles ready!?!

New Riff Bourbon Single Barrel Rye is produced by the New Riff Distillery which is located in Newport, KY on the Ohio River adjacent to Cincinnati. New Riff was founded by Ken Lewis who used to own The Party Source next door in the same plaza. Ever year I make my annual trip to Northern Kentucky and New Riff is my first stop. OKBB is second, Jeff Ruby’s third, and Graeter’s (if am still standing) is fourth. The next day I go to Skyline Chili with regrets on my previous day’s decisions. It’s been pretty much a standard operating procedure for over 10 years.

The Single Barrel Rye Barrel #10724 was distilled in May 2018 and bottled in August 2022 at 54.2% abv. This rye has a strong nose and hot taste on the lips, but surprisingly does not have a burn on the finish when drank neat. When water is added it opens up nicely, but I believe this rye is best used in a cocktail. I find high proof ryes too strong and spicy neat. Served on the rocks it still is too much for me. I like my rye in my cocktails.

Many thanks to St. Matthew, one of my oldest friends for bring me this bottle on his last trip up to NYC. Also, at the end of this month and I am doing “Opinions Vary: Old Fashioned v. Manhattan” and New Riff Single Barrel Rye will be the basis for the cocktails.

Priced around $65 and worth the money if you like a high proof Rye and so far, New Riff is yet to disappoint!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

December 1, 2023 America

Name: Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Corn, vanilla, dry wood, dark fruits, pepper spice

Taste: Corn-rye blend, wood, vanilla, dark cherries, cinnamon

The Christmas countdown has begun! Do you have all your bottles ready!?!

Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey has been created by Victor G. Harvey, Sr. and produced by Palm Beach Distillery. It is the first produced whiskey by a black owner in Florida and honors the history of the underground railroad that helped slaves escape and the Spanish who helped them to secure their own free place to live. It is named after the first free town established in 1738 in St. Augustine, Florida.

My good friend from Kentucky was in Fort Lauderdale with his son and he struck up a conversation with Victor as they were both ordering Old Fashioned’s at the bar. He mentioned me and I was sent this bottle for review. I was surprised to hear Palm Beach County has a distillery as I lived there for many years and there was no breweries or distilleries during my times. I am happy to see that the locals are creating their own stuff.

Fort Mosé is blended whiskey, aged for 4 years in oak barrels, and is bottled at 42% abv. The whiskey is sourced from Indiana with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. In my experience Indiana high rye mashes yield a much sharper taste on the tongue which leads to a snappy cocktail.

Thanks again for the bottle Victor! I will drop by the distillery in the Spring when I am back in South Florida. Fort Mosé currently only available in FL, OH, MI, GA, AZ, KY, VA, with DC, MD, IL, TX, CA coming February 2023.

Priced around $50 and makes a hell of an Old Fashioned that has a great punch to it!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Opinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts

November 29, 2023 Opinions Vary

Opinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts

It’s that time of the year again! Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is 26 days away, so its time to gift shop!

Each year I post the top 25 whisky’s for the previous year so please be on the look out this December 2023.

For Christmas gifts of whisky, I recommend the following:

Whisky for parties: Johnnie Walker Black or Woodford Reserve ($35)
Whisky for people you like: Anything 14+ years older ($65+)
Whisky for cocktails: FEW Bourbon, The Singleton, Sagamore Rye Cask Strength ($40-$65)
Whisky for people you really like: 18+ year old Single Malts ($130-$400)
Accessories: Large Ice Cube trays, Crystal 8oz glasses, cigar cutters. (price varies)
No idea what to buy: Gift card to a Total Wine (or equal) and the person can buy what they want. ($50)

Remember, it’s the thought that counts. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to everyone. Wishing everyone a happy & healthy end of 2023 and a better 2024!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

The Macallan 12

November 23, 2023 Scotland

Name: The Macallan 12

Color: Light brown

Nose: Light oak and sherry

Taste: Medium bodied, sherry, orange citrus, sweet oak finish

As you can see from the picture, my former coworker is a very patient man. They say, “some things are worth waiting for”, personally, I had a bigger glass at my desk.

Macallan 12 is a very good and well-marketed brand of Scotch whisky. It is lighter in body and flavor which is easier to drink but a bad idea in a cocktail as the flavor will be lost among the mixers. If you would like to “up your Scotch game” or need arrive somewhere with a nicer bottle in your hand, Macallan 12 would be an excellent choice.

I always recommend Macallan 12 as an introduction Scotch for non-whisky drinkers due to the lighter flavor and balanced taste. The vast amount of whisky from Scotland can overwhelm you and you would not want to start out too strong or too complex in flavor such as Laphroaig or Dalmore.

Macallan 12 will be easier and more enjoyable on your palate as opposed to full-bodied whiskeys with ice or water.

Priced around $65+ and worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

WL Weller Special Reserve

November 16, 2023 America

Name: WL Weller Special Reserve

Color: Light brown

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, light oak

Taste: Sweet, vanilla, caramel

I got the opportunity to try WL Weller Special Reserve a couple of weeks ago when I was visiting Kentucky. After a good day of losing money at Keeneland Race track on the pony’s, it was time to relax with a drink. My friend channeled his Tom Cruise from the movie Cocktail and made me a “Southern Gentleman” with Weller. Prior to my cocktail I set myself up outside on the deck with a big cigar and enjoyed a dram neat as he made the drink.

The bourbon is good, but nothing mind blowing. Not sure how special this “Special Reserve” really is but it tastes good, however, it is not special. As usual, a little marketing on the bottle is needed by the distillery. Weller is affordable bourbon to keep on your bar if you need one for sipping or cocktails.

The receipt for the “Southern Gentleman” by Saint Matthew Barker (The Patron Saint of West Palm Beach, circa 1994-98):

Rocks glass & one large ice cube/ball
3-4 oz Weller
Splash of fresh Ice Tea
Splash of Pure Maple Syrup
Stir and serve over ice

The cocktail was very refreshing and helped with the 80F weather, which was a surprise for October in Kentucky. One other note, the deer in the background surprised me as I was taking the bottle picture. It just stared at me for a few minutes with the look of “what the fuck are you looking at?” and then ran off. I could have had venison for dinner.

Weller Special Reserve is a good example of a whiskey that does not have to be expensive to be good and drinkable. As I say, if you like it, drink it. You do not have to always spend big money on your whisky.

Price in NYC is around $50+ and in Kentucky is $19.99. (Note this review was posted in 2020, prices have increased)

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask

November 9, 2023 Scotland

Name: The Balvenie Caribbean Cask

Color: Yellow

Nose: Malt, sugar cane, vanilla, light wood

Taste: Malt, tropical fruit, cream vanilla, honey, flowers

The Balvenie Distillery is located in Dufftown, Scotland which is the Speyside region. It was founded in 1886 by William Grant & Sons and I have not yet had a bad experience with their whisky but get what you pay for in life and with their expressions.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old is bottled at 43% abv, aged in 14 years in oak barrels, and finished in rum cask from the West Indies. It is a medium body whisky with a good balance of malt and rum and a light oak finish. The color looks natural, but I could not confirm. It is very easy to drink on ice or neat. I think a slightly higher in abv would be better as the flavor profile would last longer when enjoyed on the rocks.

I purchased this expression last summer when I had to travel to Florida due to my Mum passing in July of 2021. She had been suffering for a long time and I was glad she was finally at peace. My Mum was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and she taught me many things. One thing she taught me even before I was into whisky was, “There is slipping whisky and then there is slugging whisky.” I was slugged a few glasses of this sipping whisky.

Priced around $90+ and worth the money to enjoy in warm weather or to raise a glass to your Mum.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Lagavulin 16

October 26, 2023 Scotland

Name: Lagavulin 16

Color: Caramel Brown

Nose: Smoke, peat and brine

Taste: Smoke, peat, orange iodine, smooth seaweed brine notes

Originating from the region of Islay in the Highlands of Scotland this single malt 16 year old whisky is in the realm of “Laphroaig” but has been smoothed out very nicely and finishes easy while still being a “big boy” Scotch. Do not misunderstand me, this is still a full-bodied peat smoke styled Islay Scotch but it is softer than others I have tried while maintaining its character. Most will still find it to be an acquired taste.

When you compare it to Laphroaig 10 you are getting 6 more years in the barrel and a much smoother finish so it’s going to cost you more but I feel it is worth it. You may also recognize this whisky if you watch “Ray Donavan” on Showtime as this is the one he seems drinks the most next to Blue Label. (Note: He is all over the map in what he drinks)

Priced between $80-90 it is a good value for those who love Islay whisky or are entering the heavier bodied smoke peat flavor spectrum.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

October 19, 2023 Cigars

Name: Oliva Connecticut Reserve

Size: 6 x 50

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Oliva Connecticut Reserve Cigar is blended with Nicaraguan fillers and binders and is finished with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper.

This cigar is an easy, enjoyable smoke with no bitter taste. The draw is smooth and burn time is approximately 45 minutes. This cigar would work well with a coffee, light whisky or even a white wine if you are inclined.

Connecticut wrappers get their name from tobacco leaves sourced from the Connecticut River Valley. They are known to have a lighter gold brown color to them and softer flavors. The name may give the location away, but most people are not aware that the Northeastern Region of the United States grows tobacco as the majority of tobacco comes from the Southern States.

NYC area price is around $15+. Prices vary when you buy cigars from state to state or online.

I am going to work more on adding cigars to my reviews in the next year so the format and information may change so please bear with me.

If you like it, drink it! (or smoke it!)

Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Tamdhu 12

Stranahan’s Bushmills Cask

New Riff Single Barrel Rye

Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

Opinions Vary: Christmas Whisky Gifts

The Macallan 12

WL Weller Special Reserve

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask

Lagavulin 16

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

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