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Slyrs Bavarian Single Malt Whisky

Slyrs Bavarian Single Malt Whisky

April 11, 2019

Name: Slyrs Bavarian Single Malt Whisky

Color: Gold

Nose: Light vanilla, candy, nuts with barley

Taste: Toffee taste with grain barley and slight vanilla oak. Very light with no burn finish.

Review:

Germany is well known for beer and bratwurst but they should be recognized for producing quality whisky’s. In the southern part of Germany called Bavaria, the Slyrs Distillery is following the country’s long standing tradition of creating high quality-engineered products. I’m fan of German engineering being a engineer myself.
The first time I had Slyrs Whisky was in the Hotel Sofitel Bayerpost in Munich, Germany. My friend recommend I try it and I was immediately impressed with the balance, lightness and the overall taste difference when I compared it to my experience with other whiskys. There is something unique about Slyrs that is very German to me. Aged for 3 years in American Oak barrels with German barley creates its own independent flavor. Slyrs is not limited to just this whisky, it also produces a 12 year old, single cask, 51% Single Malt, Marsala and Rum barrel whisky along with vodka, gin and snapps.
I have not seen Slyrs in the bars or in the stores here in NYC but I have not been to every bar and store. There are online suppliers you can look into or you can take a trip to Germany to enjoy a dram. The price online is around $50 but I would think shipping and currency rates may increase the price significantly.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

 

ChrisSlyrs Bavarian Single Malt Whisky
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Deanston Decennary

Deanston Decennary

April 10, 2019

Name: Deanston Decennary

Color: Copper

Nose: Vanilla, orange zest, red wine

Taste: Orange, spice, madeira sweet sugar

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 Decennary was the fourth sample I tasted.

Decennary was created to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Deanston Distillery. The word “decennary” is the old British word for decade (10-year time period). Not sure why they picked this one when they were celebrating their 50th. From my research I have learned the whisky is finished in a multi-vintage vatting of four casks; 1977 ex-bourbon, 1982 American Oak,1996 Port Pipe, and 2006 Pedro Ximenez. The flavor is very nice and well balance but a bit on the sweet side. It is worth trying, but for me, it is a one and done due to the sherry sweetness.

Price around $150 and is a limited run of 1400 bottles. If you like the flavor profile it is worth it, but $150 can get you a lot of other whiskies.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

 

ChrisDeanston Decennary
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Jack Daniels “Gentleman Jack”

Jack Daniels “Gentleman Jack”

March 21, 2019

Name: Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack

Color: Light Brown

Nose: Caramel, citrus, orange

Taste: Vanilla, pepper, with softened Jack Daniels base flavor

Review:

As a subscriber to Joe Rogan’s Podcast, I have listened to him and his guests enjoy Gentleman Jack or the Jack Daniels Frank Sinatra Edition. I am not sure how Jack and Weed go together, but it does sound like they are having more fun in the studio than I do in my cubicle.
In general, I do not drink regular Jack Daniels. It is not a bad whisky, but I find it too rough of a taste and finish and the overall flavor is not to my liking. I also have the same opinion of Jameson Irish Whiskey but that is for another review.
I was at Whisky Live NYC last week and I sampled Gentleman Jack to remind myself of the flavor. I was pleasantly surprised while tasting the whisky. It has a smoother taste that comes from a twice filter charcoal process used during distillation. It has an easy finish and I found myself enjoying it, but it would not be my daily drinker or oddball spirit to mix things up. However, I will be adding it to my bar just in case a serious Jack Daniels drinker drops by my apartment.
Priced around $45 it is a good value if you like Jack Daniels flavor.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisJack Daniels “Gentleman Jack”
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Glenmorangie 18 Single Malt

Glenmorangie 18 Single Malt

December 25, 2018

Name: Glenmorangie 18 Year Old

Color: Amber

Nose: Honey, fruit, cream, and spice

Taste: Citrus peel, cream honey, oak

Review:

My last few reviews of Glenmorangie have not been too favorable, but this whisky I really enjoyed! Boxed and bottled in an upgraded package the presentation sets the tone for what is to come in the flavor. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old “Extremely Rare” Single Malt is aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon casks, finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The scotch is smooth, there is no burn or harshness on the finish, and it has a great flavor profile. This Scotch is more of a summer than a winter, but you can drink it in any season.

When it comes to Scotch the title, “18 Year Old Single Malt” is not just a legal description, to some it is a brand name. It is a brand name in the sense of expected quality and can drive a buyer’s decision when making a higher end purchase. I am a big fan of 18-year single malts and I cannot think of any ones that I have tasted that I did not like. I will admit, I like some brands more than others, but that is just personal preference. A big issue for people is the cost when it comes to 18-year-old single malts. For example, Talisker 18 will cost around $200 and Macallan 18 will cost around $250+ and that might be too much money for you. For the lucky ones it is lunch money. As I like to say, if you like it, drink it, but do not limit yourself or break your wallet in the process. Make sure you try the non-aged stated or blended whiskeys. You do not want to be that person who only drinks 18-year-old single malts because everything else is inferior. Nobody likes “that guy”, he (or she) is a dick and is no fun to drink with.

Glenmorangie 18 is priced around $125. It is a very good Scotch at a very good price. I recommend you try it!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

 

ChrisGlenmorangie 18 Single Malt
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Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

December 16, 2018

Name: Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Color: Light amber/gold

Nose: Vanilla, nuts, spices and light grains

Taste: Light grains and spice vanilla with a smooth but light finish.

Review:

My first introduction to this whisky was at Robin Robinsons Irish v. Japanese Whisky Smack Down at the Astor Center in NYC and I was impressed. I had heard of Japanese whisky before and seen it in movies but this was the first time I was tasting it. I was impressed by the flavor and balance of this spirit. The whisky’s made in Japan have multiple levels of quality and cost but for someone who wants to try on for the first time this would be the starter in my opinion. It is smooth and stands on and is a great value.

I highly recommend this one on taste and value. Price ranges $60-70.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

 

ChrisNikka Coffey Malt Whisky
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Flaviar Tasting Sets

Flaviar Tasting Sets

December 11, 2018

If you like to sample a variety of whisky’s but do not want to spend money on a full bottle, or if there are no tasting events near you then www.flaviar.com is worth checking out. The Flaviar Tasting Box Samples sent to me as a birthday gift (not from Flaviar) and I enjoyed the samples I received in the mail. It was not necessary for me sample whisky this way since NYC has many tasting events and whisky bars. However, I started to think maybe some people would not have as much access to samples and would like to taste more so I figured I do a quick review of www.flaviar.com tasting sets.

In last tasting set, I received the following:

Glenkinchie 12 Year Old. This Scotch is fresh, light, barley, and fruit taste. Easy to enjoy. Approx $55.

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old. This Scotch is clean tasting, barley, fruit, and light smoke. Medium-bodied compared to Glenkinchie. Approx $50.

Talisker 10 Year Old is a full-bodied, Isle of Skye, peaty, smoky Highland Scotch. Full and strong compared to Glenkinchie and Dalwhinnie. Approx $65.

These samples had a good flavor profile range and full bottles are affordably priced if you wanted to purchase one after tasting. The three samples come in a 1.5 oz, 4 inch long glass cylinder topped with an aluminum screw cap. The bottles are sealed with a red label to ensure the sample has not been opened. The glass is strong enough for re-use and I find them very convenient to give samples of whisky to friends.

I recommend you order these samples if you are looking to try a variety without breaking your wallet. At $42 a month, that is good price for wide variety of samples. Go to https://flaviar.com/sample-tasting set to learn more.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

 

ChrisFlaviar Tasting Sets
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The Macallan 18 (2018 release)

The Macallan 18 (2018 release)

December 10, 2018

Name: The Macallan 18 (2018 release)

Color: Amber brown

Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, light citrus fruit

Taste: Spice orange, light wood and smoke

I received this bottle as a gift and it was a very good gift indeed! I have had this whisky before in the half bottle version to celebrate a coworker’s first-born child and I carefully rationed it out at the office. My coworkers all had the same look on their faces of satisfaction upon tasting, however, I had the look of “Chris, next time you are on the way home from happy hour do not stop by the liquor store on 37th & 3rd.” The whisky evaporated within 5 minutes, but it was worth it.

Macallan 18 is a wonderful Scotch, well balanced, and has a delicious taste and finish. It is for sipping, not slugging and at 18 years old it comes at a higher cost than other Macallan’s. I feel it is worth the price, but it is slightly out of my comfort price zone. Personally, I would prefer spend the money on 2-3 bottles ranging from $75-115 each. Committing so much money to one bottle is hard for me when I want to experience various tastes each time I open up my bar.

I recommend this one for special celebrations or treating yourself.

Price around: Half Bottle at $130.00 and Full Bottle from $225.00-260.00.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

 

ChrisThe Macallan 18 (2018 release)
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Johnnie Walker – Black Label

Johnnie Walker – Black Label

December 1, 2018

Name: Johnnie Walker Black Label

Color: Amber Brown

Nose: Spice, barely, wood, smoke

Taste: Malt, wood, smoke

Review:

Got a party tonight? Are you going somewhere?  You may need to show up somewhere NOT EMPTY HANDED, that is a dick move. Bringing a $10 bottle of shitty chardonnay is only slightly less dicky. Fear not, Johnnie Walker Black Label has got your back!

This is a good all around scotch to give/buy/bring to someone/somewhere at a fair price. Lee Marvin drank it in the Dirty Dozen during the holiday celebration. It is the kind of scotch that makes family holidays or office parties better.

Even though JW Black is produced at a industrial level and is on every liquor store shelf it is good. From small nips, to small bottles, 375ml, 750ml to 1 Liter and larger. Whenever you are in doubt on what to buy, and do not want to spend too much money, buy Johnnie Walker Black.

A 750ml bottle will run you $35 in the NYC.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

 

ChrisJohnnie Walker – Black Label
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IW Harper Straight Bourbon

IW Harper Straight Bourbon

October 31, 2018

Name: IW Harper Straight Bourbon

Color: Light brown

Nose: Sweet corn, vanilla, cinnamon, honey

Taste: Light citrus, nuts, and spice

Review:

IW Harper Straight Bourbon was founded in 1890 by Isaac Wolfe (IW) Bernheim who immigrated to America from Germany in the mid 1800’s. He originally started with a liquor business and later purchased a distillery in Louisville, KY.

The “Harper” name was added strictly for marketability and is connected to a horse owner who he knew and/or liked. This was a smart move on his part for a future of the world he could not see coming. As IW Harper grew and developed there were times over a century it is was not fashionable to be German. Bernheim story is interesting and worth a read elsewhere online.

On the first nose of the whiskey I got a sharp alcohol burn. However, when I tasted it I experienced a light taste with little to no burn. I believe this is because of the mash bill which is 73% corn, 18% rye, and 9% malted barley. The whiskey is finished in new charred American oak keeping with cooper requirements to make bourbon.

IW Harper Straight Bourbon does not taste very complex which is a nice way of saying it is a bit on the cheap side, but it gives you an idea of what they can produce. I feel this expression gives a good preview of the other expression that are available. I stand by my theory that if the base line (basic) whiskey is decent it should only get better as you move up. This is not always true, but it in most of my tasting experience it has worked out this way.

Price around $35 and is ok on the rocks but better for a mixer. It is a decent bottle to bring to a party if needed. 

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

ChrisIW Harper Straight Bourbon
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Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009

September 19, 2018

Name: Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009

Color: Gold

Nose: Fresh barley, white fruit, pears, vanilla

Taste: Oak, malt barley, sweetness

Review: 

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009 Scotch Whisky was distilled in 2009, bottle in 2015 and I am drinking it now in 2018. If you follow my reviews (which I hope you do) you will know I am fan of Bruichladdich. The name is hard to pronounce, the whisky is easy to drink and you look very cool ordering it at the bar.

Barley 2009 is aged for 6 years in oak casks, is non-chilled filter and naturally colored. The nose and flavor of the Barley 2009 is a strong barley with a different, almost odd, type of barely taste. This whisky expression has two types of barley used that are grown at three different farms. The barley is Publican and Oxbridge and the farms are: Claggan, Cruach, and Island & Mulindry. In short; 3 farms + 2 barleys = 1 scotch. The differences between the barleys are too much to go into in a short review but the terroir assist the barley with the flavor. When you have three types of barley in the distillation process you are going to get a much more unique flavor profile instead of one. I have no doubt someone just read that sentence and thought, “No shit Chris”.

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009 is not peated like many Bruichladdich whisky’s. It is smooth and has an interesting flavor that captures your attention without being overbearing or too much in your face with flavor. It tastes simple when you first try it but it has a lot going on at the same time. It is tough to explain but try it and let me know your thoughts.

The tin can cylinder (not pictured) is a nice add on from Bruichladdich when you buy a bottle. I like the protection of the bottle when I travel with it in my backpack around then city.

Price around $65 and well worth the money. 

If you like it, drink it!  – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

ChrisBruichladdich Islay Barley 2009
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