Chris | Page 36 | NYC Whiskey Review

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Temple Bar Irish Whiskey

March 19, 2020 Ireland

Name: Temple Bar Irish Whiskey

Color: Yellow

Nose: Honey, spices, flower, red fruits

Taste: Vanilla, fruits, sweet cream

Review:

Temple Bar Irish Whiskey is an Irish whiskey named after a historic pub in Dublin, Ireland with the same name. The pub was founded in 1840 and the whiskey comes from the Cooley Distillery which is located in Ireland. Cooley produces a few other whiskeys which are the following; Kilbeggan, Greenore, Connemara, The Tyconnell, and 2 Gingers.

Temple Bar Irish Whiskey is a triple distilled, 100% malted barley (single malt), and is aged in ex-bourbon and port casks. I discovered this bottled because my sister used to be in liquor sales and left a bottle in my mother’s home for me. It should be noted; I usually need it on my trips (stress relief).

The Temple Bar having their own line of whiskey is “cool” but nothing new. Many individuals and businesses have their own brand of whiskey that is named after their bar, business, or ego. A few examples include; Dead Rabbit (NYC Bar), Kirkland (Costco), Total Wine (Grangestone), Proper 12 (Conner MacGregor), and Blackened (Metallica).

Price around $50-65 and ok for a drink on the rocks. Not bad, not good. You be the judge.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

February 27, 2020 Scotland

Name: Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Scotch

Color: Gold

Nose: Peaty smoke, malted barley, fruit

Taste: Smoke, caramel, rum sugar, oak

Review:

Glenfiddich Fire and Cane is a recent and fourth addition to the Glenfiddich Experimental Series which include Glenfiddich IPA, Project XX, and Winter Storm. Fire and Cane is a non-aged stated bottled at 86 proof. It is a peated barley scotch aged in bourbon barrels and finished in Latin Rum Barrels. When I was in Glasgow a few months ago I went to The Pot Still with the plan to try Red Spot Irish Whiskey. Unfortunately, they did not have it. It was a busy at the bar and the Fire and Cane was right in front on me so I decided to try it.

I am not a fan of sweet whisky in cold weather and barely a fan in warmer weather. It is an interested flavor profile, but again, I continue to see more and more sweet/sugary whiskies on the market. I also see young crap tasting ones too. I wonder is the market is oversold on brown spirits and these sugary experimental expressions are being created to keep interest. Fire and Cane is listed under Glenfiddich’ s “Experimental Series” but I don’t think this experiment will last. It is just too sweet. Glenfiddich is a big name so they have the money to try things out, which is a good thing but this scotch was not my thing. It was nice warm up after I left The Pot Still and head to the Horse Shoe Bar in Glasgow, Scotland. Price around $65 and a bit too sweet for my taste. Try it out and let me know what you think.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

February 20, 2020 Japan

Name: Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

Color: Gold Nose: Vanilla, light fruit, honey

Taste: Sweet, citrus, caramel

Review: Yame 10 is blended from whiskies matured in oak for 10-13 years inspired by the mythical Yametsu Hime. Yametsu was said to protect the scenic mountainous beauty of the Yame Region.

Yame 10 is bottled at 42% abv and is designed for American markets. I do not like that “designed for market” statement that I read from some whiskey makers. It reeks of Made Men advertising bullshit. When I hear or read that statement it reminds me of my friend in Madrid, Spain owns a wine shop and is a distributor. She told me once that when it comes to Spanish red wine, “We keep our good stuff here and ship the crap to America”. Yame comes from the Kitaya Distillery form the Kyushu region of Japan. Inspired by a mythology translates to “let’s make some shit up that sounds good”. I would write more but I was not really impressed so I do not want to waste your time or mine. Yame is ok but has been made for a market and most likely for cocktails. Price around $65 and good stuff but I have had better Japanese Whiskeys (Nikka for the price). You be the judge.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Deanston 15-Year-Old Sauternes Finish

February 18, 2020 Scotland

Name: Deanston 15-year-old Sauternes Finish

Color: Brown

Nose: Malted barley, sweet wine, caramel, vanilla

Taste: Candy fruit, sweet wine, caramel, vanilla

Review:

The Deanston Distillery is located on the River Teith, about eight miles from Sterling, Scotland (near Edinburgh) and was founded in 1965. The Distell Group Limited owns Deanston and also owns Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Tobermory, and Isle of Mull whisky. The name “Deanston” is named after the Dean of Dunblane. Dean was connected to the Gaelic term “toun”
meaning farm/settlement to make the name “Deanston”.

I tried Deanston a few years ago but do not remember the taste profile. It was probably around the time when I first started getting into whisky. My cousin who lives in Sterling got me a sample pack. Each bottle contains 3cl (1oz) samples from the distillery and Sauternes was the fourth sample I tasted.

The Deanston 15-Year-Old Sauternes Finish is bottled at 57.3%, non-chill filtered, and has its natural color. The strength of the whisky balances well with the sweetness but the flavor profile is hard to detect without adding a few drops of water.

Sauternes is a sweet wine that comes from the Graves section of Bordeaux in France. It is known for being an after dinner or dessert wine and one of its biggest claim to fame is the famous Chateau d’Yquem. From my brief time as a sommelier in college (a career I should have stayed in) I can tell you that Sauternes wines taste amazing and that the d’Yquem is ridiculously fucking expensive.

Price around $110+ and the balance is good but not too sweet. I look forward to tasting the last sample.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

The Pot Still

February 13, 2020 Scotland

Name: The Pot Still

Location: 154 Hope Street, Glasgow, Scotland

Hours: Monday thru Sunday, 11:00am-12:00am

Style: Scottish Pub

Review:

The Pot Still in Glasgow, Scotland is a pub that is known for its selection of whisky’s and its true Scottish environment. Every time I visit Glasgow to see my family I make an effort to go to The Pot Still for a dram or two. On my last trip over in November I got the chance to meet the owner Mr. Murphy and try something very special whisky.

The Pot still was established in 1981 and has been owned and operated by the Murphy Family for the last six years. The bar is located four blocks from Glasgow Central Station which is in center of Glasgow. The Pot Still has a large selection of whisky’s, beer, and small food bites. In the city it is known for its whisky’s and to be true Scottish pub, full of character and characters. If you find yourself planning a visit, I recommend mid-afternoon so you can sit and enjoy your whisky. As with many places it gets busy with the rush hour crowd heading home.

On my last visit I wanted to sample the new release of Red Spot Irish Whiskey which I believe is still not available in America. Unfortunately, they did not have it in so I opted for Glenfiddich Fire and Cain (holy shit was it sweet!). The next day my uncle introduced me to the Mr. Murray at his local pub the The Old Smiddy in Cathcart. Mr. Murphy recommend I come back the following day to try The “Famous Grouse Glasgow 2014 Glenturret 1986 Cask Strength Limited”. It was a very good and my review is coming soon.

I visit Scotland almost every year and I always like to go The Pot Still for a quick dram. I will be back in May 2019 for a wedding and I will be making a stop at The Pot Still. If you have not been to Glasgow, I highly recommend a trip because “People Make Glasgow!” Cheers!

Prices ranges depending on what you eat and drink!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve

February 11, 2020 Scotland

Name: Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve

Color: Yellow gold

Nose: Smoke, malt, mint, citrus, vanilla, light peat

Taste: Citrus, leafy, spice, peat

Review:

I purchased the Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve after tasting it at the Robert Burns Tasting at the Astor Wines back in January.

This scotch threw me for a loop when it came to comparing nose to the taste. The nose versus taste does not match which I found strange but the taste good. From my research it makes more sense when you realize how they finished the scotch by marrying casks. It has a peaty smoke smell, but fresh and crisp taste. It is an interesting and semi-complex scotch.

This Peated Cask Reserved is from the Speyside Reserve Collection and is a non-age stated (NAS) single malt. It is stated to be 13-14 years old and has been created by marrying 1992 Vintage casks and Finished in casks that previously held peated Islay whisky. The aged sounds like it could be true based on the price point, but you never really know. The Peated Cask Reserve was released to USA markets in April 2016.

I have purchased a few other Glenrothes in the past and I have found them to be a good solid scotches. They are well balanced and worth the price. If you have not yet tried Glenrothes yet I recommend you give it a try.

Priced around $50 and well worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

J. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey

February 4, 2020 America

Name: J. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey

Color: Light brown

Nose: Sherry, caramel, spices

Taste: Light burn, caramel, sweetness

Review:

When I am up in the midtown area of NYC I like to visit Park Ave Liquor Store. Recently I visited the store and samples of Kansas City Whiskey by J. Rieger Distiller were being offered. I had heard of this distillery from the Whisky Cast Podcast and I was interested to sample it.

It is worth a quick mention; I never buy anything at this store. I just like to be absolutely shocked at the ridiculous prices. They do carry some high end stuff and display some impressive bottles in their street window, but their average bottles retail cost is far too high. As for the street window luxury displays, mark my words, there will be a smash and grab job one day.

Kansas City Whiskey is a blend of straight bourbon, light corn, straight rye, and a small amount of 15-year-old Oloroso Sherry. The whiskey is aged at least 4 years. I asked about the age of the whiskey versus the distillery and I was informed they were sourcing the raw product. Since the whiskey is young I asked about other spirits they produced. Similar to other small distilleries who need to keep the revenue coming in as the whiskey ages, they produce gin, vodka, Caffe Amaro (coffee liquor), and specialty releases.

This whiskey has a nice flavor and I would definitely enjoy it in my Old Fashions or Manhattans cocktails when I am out or at home. If you haven’t yet tried increasing the quality of your whiskey for cocktails I strongly recommend it. I realize people think, “What’s the point of spending the extra money?” I used to think the same way. The point is, it’s worth it for the taste! Enjoying a cocktail in the comfort of your own home with higher quality whiskey is worth every penny.

Priced at approximately $45 it is good and I will be adding to my bar at home.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Deanston Virgin Oak

January 30, 2020 Scotland

Name: Deanston Virgin Oak

Color: Light brown

Nose: Honey, fresh flowers, light oak, vanilla, orange

Taste: Oak, honey, floral, vanilla

Review:

The Deanston Distillery is located on the River Teith, about eight miles from Sterling, Scotland (near Edinburgh) and was founded in 1965. The Distell Group Limited owns Deanston and also owns Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Tobermory, and Isle of Mull whisky. The name “Deanston” is named after the Dean of Dunblane. Dean was connected to the Gaelic term “toun” meaning farm/settlement to make the name “Deanston”.

The Virgin Oak name comes from the new oak casks that are used to age the scotch. The barrels originate from Kentucky and the final bottling is at 46.3%. The flavor profile is ok and in line with the price per bottle. On the first taste I got a slight burn and a bit of cream. It opened up a little with some water but was nothing amazing.

Price around $35 and ok but nothing exciting. I look forward to tasting the other samples.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Three Fingers High Whiskey 12 Year Old

January 29, 2020 Canada

Name: Three Fingers High Whiskey 12 Year Old

Color: Yellow straw

Nose: Not much of a nose. Little spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon

Taste: Bull, rye, bitter, sherry finish

Review:

Three Fingers High Whiskey is a Canadian blended whiskey aged 12 years and finished in Amontillado and sherry casks. It is 100% rye, pot still distilled, and bottled at 80 proof.

There is not much online that I could find about the whiskey and there is probably a reason for it. Three Fingers is not a good whiskey. It may be sherry finished, but does not have any real taste or specific flavor profile.

It is boring, dull, no flavor and cheap tasting. Overall, it is shit.

Price around $45 and not worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Deanston 12-Year-Old Palo Cortado Finish

January 28, 2020 Scotland

Name: Deanston 12-Year-Old Palo Cortado Finish

Color: Light Gold

Nose: Sweet, dry sherry, spice, honey wood, flowers

Taste: Sweet dry Spanish sherry, some wood, honey

Review:

The Deanston Distillery is located on the River Teith, about eight miles from Sterling, Scotland (near Edinburgh) and was founded in 1965. The Distell Group Limited owns Deanston and also owns Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Tobermory, and Isle of Mull whisky. The name “Deanston” is named after the Dean of Dunblane. Dean was connected to the Gaelic term “toun” meaning farm/settlement to make the name “Deanston”.

My cousin, who lives in Sterling got me a sample pack of Deanston Scotch. Each bottle contains 3cl (1oz) samples from the distillery and Palo Cortado was the second sample I tasted.

Deanston Palo Cortado is a 12 years old whisky and finished in Palo Cortado Sherry Casks. This type of sherry is somewhere between an Amontillado (darker sherry from Montilla Region of Spain) and Oloroso (darker than Amontillado and dry) sherry and is on the dry side. From my research, only 1-2% of grapes pressed for sherry naturally develop into Palo Cortado. Sherry casks are very popular to finish whisky, but is not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to flavor. Usually the sherry cask creates a very sweet tasting whisky (aka a sherry bomb) which I do not like. In this expression the flavor profile is very dry.

Palo Cortado has a good balance and flavor, but I could see many Americans not liking this expression because of the dry sherry flavor. Sherry is not popular in United States and dry sherry is even less popular.

Priced around $135, and more of an after dinner or one and done whisky. Not sure where you can find it but worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

Temple Bar Irish Whiskey

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

Deanston 15-Year-Old Sauternes Finish

The Pot Still

Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve

J. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey

Deanston Virgin Oak

Three Fingers High Whiskey 12 Year Old

Deanston 12-Year-Old Palo Cortado Finish

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