Chris | Page 40 | NYC Whiskey Review

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

The Macallan 18 (2018 release)

December 10, 2018 Scotland

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 37^th & 3^rd.” 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!

Johnnie Walker – Black Label

December 1, 2018 Scotland

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

IW Harper Straight Bourbon

October 31, 2018 America

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

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009

September 19, 2018 Scotland

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!

Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Whiskey

May 10, 2018 America

Name: Jack Daniels Old No. 7

Color: Brown

Nose: Sweet, light smoke, spices

Taste: Banana peels, nuts, caramel

Review:

Jack Daniels a popular whiskey that you might have heard about in your life time. Jack Daniels, aka “JD” or “Jack” as it is sometimes known is not a bourbon. It is a Tennessee whiskey made up of 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malt. The whiskey is filtered through sugar, maple and charcoal which gives it unique taste profile. The label is iconic and is replicated for numerous type of products other than whiskey. It is said that no one knows what Old No.7 really means on the label. I say, who gives a shit. It is just romancing marketing.

Jack Daniels and Frank Sinatra are together in the photo because this week marks the anniversary of the passing of Frank Sinatra. I once heard, “Frank was never without Jack” or something along those lines. Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, NJ and started his career in NYC. Due to Sinatra’s great love of Jack Daniels the company makes a Jack Daniels Sinatra Edition Whiskey. I have not tried it but I have been told it is much smoother than the basic Jack Daniels, but it comes at a high price.

Jack Daniels is good for mixing or cooking but I find unpleasant to drink straight or on the rocks. The last time I drank it was on a flight to Florida. I had the choice between Jack or Jameson. I chose the lesser of two evils.

Priced around $30 and I do not like it very much.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Robert Burns Whisky Tasting at The Astor Center 2018

February 14, 2018 NYC

The yearly Robert Burns Tasting at Astor Center was a couple of weeks ago. I have been now 3 years running and I always have a good time. This year there was plenty of haggis and drams to sample. If you don’t know, Robert Burns is a Scottish Poet and in short, wrote the song we all sing on New Year’s Eve.

The Astor Center is the 2nd floor of the Astor Wine and Spirits Store in NYC. It has a sit down class room and a walk around area that have tastings and events throughout the year. This year there were approximately 40 scotch whiskies and I was able to sample 22 scotches I had not yet tried. This tasting was a “walk around”, which is what it states, you walk around and taste. Not my favorite style as you have to bump elbows with people.
The haggis was good but it was more American Kentucky Getta styled. The haggis in Scotland is much better. If you are not familiar with Getta, it’s the same thing as haggis but for some reason no one in Kentucky believes me.
This year’s Burns Tasting seemed to have less people and be missing a few key whisky’s. There was a lower amount of higher end scotches this year. That was fine, but something felt a bit off with the entire event. What was good was there were whisky’s I hadn’t tasted yet and I made a point to try them.
ARBERLOUR 18 YR OLD $160

GLENLIVET 18 YR OLD $125

THE MACALLAN AMBER SINGLE MALT SCOTCH $80

HIGHLAND PARK VALKRYRIE SINGLE MALT $90

BOWMORE DARKEST 15 YR $75

AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAK $35

WHISKIES OF SCOTLAND BLENDED ISLAY – 1997 $125

WHISKIES OF SCOTLAND MORTLACH SINGLE MALT – 1995 $150

WHISKIES OF SCOTLAND CLYNELISH 18 YR- 1995 $135

THE BENRIACH CLASSIC 10 YR. SINGLE MALT $70

THE BENRIACH CURIOSITAS 10 YR. PEATED SCOTCH $75

GLENGLASSAUGH REVIVAL SINGLE MALT $70

GLENDRONACH 12 YR. HIGHLAND $70

ARDBEG AN OA SINGLE $65

ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN $90

ARDBEG UIGEADAIL $80

DUNCAN TAYLOR OCTAVE BENRIACH WHISKY – 2011 $125

DUNCAN TAYLOR OCTAVE GLENTAUCHERS WHISKY – 2008 $125

NAVAZOS PALAZZI BOTA #12 OVERSEAS MALT WHISKY $100

WOLFBURN AURORA SINGLE MALT SCOTCH $60

WOLDBURN MORVEN PEATED SINGLE MALT $60

WOLFBURN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY $60

Nothing on the list blew my mind, and a couple were very disappointing for the price. However, I got educated on new whiskies and that is what counts. One thing I like the most about whisky (other than the taste) is the learning process. Just because its new, old, aged, non-aged, odd, etc. doesn’t mean anything until you taste it. Once you taste it, you learn something new and that to me is the most important part. Anyone can go to a store and buy expensive whisky and feel special, but not everyone wants learn.
If you like it, drink it and keep learning! Reviews on each whisky will be posted over the next few months.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Laphroaig Cairdeas – Madeira Cask

January 25, 2018 Scotland

Name: Laphroaig Cairdeas

Color: Orange brown

Nose: Sweet sherry, citrus with peat and wood

Taste: Sweeten “Big Boy Laphroaig” taste with orange flavor

Review:

Since the picture was taken when the Patriots were making the comeback last Super Bowl I thought this post was worth sharing again!

This Islay whisky is finished 8 yrs in American Oak and then 2 yrs in Madeira (Portuguese Fortified Wine aka “Port”) hogshead barrels. Laphroaig blends the traditional flavor and sweet port flavor to make something different from their standard whisky. Unfortunately, the first sip is a mixed bag of flavors and immediately reminded me of a beverage from my college days. My first dram reminded me of when Sam Adams Lager started making flavored beers. They are good, but I can only drink one or two because the additional flavor(s) muffled the taste of the wonderful lager. I was in my early 20’s when I started drinking Sam Adams and I did not want cherries, cranberries, lemons, pumpkin, etc. in my beer. Years later, I still stand by that decision. I do not like things mixed together than ruin the base flavor. Have you ever had French Italian Fusion Food? It sounds like it tastes, bad.
This whisky is not bad and there are a lot of whiskies on the market using sherry barrels but most of them are not as full bodied as Laphroaig. For me, this bottle is somewhat gimmicky and might have been created to keep up with the competition that using sherry/port barrels to create after dinner Scotch. I struggle to see how this would work as an after dinner drink or daily drinker with peat and wood as the baseline. It is not bad stuff, it is just strange blend of flavors for my plate.

Priced around $65-70 and worth the money

If you like it, drink it!

Robert Burns Day Tasting – Astor Center NYC

January 17, 2018 NYC

It’s that time of year! Astor Center’s Robbie Burns tasting is coming! It is a large walk around tasting of over 40 Scotch Whiskies. This is a great event but be warned: I’ve seen a few people go down after too many drams.

Tickets and info here.

The Burns Tasting will be on January 27^th, 2018 at Astor Wine and Spirits on the 2^nd Floor. Enter at 399 Lafayette Street through the black gates to the right of Astor Wine & Spirits. You then take the elevator up to the 2^nd floor and check it. The tasting is from 2pm-4pm. There is a coat rack but no coat check so hold on to your bag. I have left my empty backpack on the floor each year and it was there when I returned so I could carry home my bottles.

Robert Burns was a Scottish Poet born on January 25^th, 1759. He is Scotland’s national poet. Writer of Auld Lang Syne which means “Old Long Since” which sounds like “Should all acquaintances be forgot, and never brought to mind…” which is the New Year’s Eve song we all know and love. Each year the Burns Supper is had to honor home and the “Address to a Haggis” is read aloud as the Haggis is cut into and served. If you haven’t had Haggis yet I recommend you try it. The modern Haggis is very tasty.
I have attended the tastings for the last 3 years, including the one during the blizzard. A fair amount of whisky, food, and fun will he had by all but recommend you eat a few slices or a large sandwich before attending. All regions of Scotland will be covered by various reps. Ages with run from 8-21+ years and their is some food served as well. After the tasting ends, or when you decide to leave, you will find all scotches (minus some of the high ends) at 15% off in the store. If you like or love Scotch, you need to make a point to get to this tasting. I attend every year and really enjoy this particular event.

Well priced at $79 and worth the money. I’ll be there so hit me up or send me an email. I’d love to chat with fellow whisky lovers in NYC.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!$100

Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

October 19, 2017 America

Name: Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

Color: Brown

Nose: Caramel, sweet corn and oak

Taste: Caramel, vanilla, oak, slight burn on the finish

Review:

I’m off to Kentucky today and I was wondering;

Do you need a 375ml bottle? Perhaps something small, easy to transport with a little kick in it… Maybe you require some whiskey for train ride home, the office after a hard week, a day at the beach, a tailgating party, or a camping trip? Look no further, this is the bottle is for you!

Ok, that was my clever opening but it holds some truth. This is not full size bottle but I like this bourbon. Its good, well priced and packs a punch and fits well for all the ideas suggested.

Jim Bean produces Knob Creek and it is not the best or the worst Bourbon out there but it can go neat, on ice or in a mixer. At 100 proof you are getting a strong bourbon and it will get you feeling relaxed and good. I find this bourbon to get good for a mixer or a nip from the bottle. The price is good but the taste is not amazing but is decent.

Approximately $40 and a good value because a couple of bar cocktails in NYC are almost the same price.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Nikka Pure Malt

October 4, 2017 Japan

Name: Nikka Pure Malt Whiskey

Color: Medium Brown

Nose: Light fruits, peat, and malt

Taste: Apples/pears, spice, peat, and smoke

Review:

The first sip of Nikka’s Pure Malt reminded me of Scotch Whisky from the Highlands. The flavor profile is smoky, peaty, but well balanced and on the lighter side. I found this to be a lovely combination if you are a fan of Scotch and Japanese styled whisky.

The exact fruit is a little difficult to detect among the peat/smoke/malt profile, but after a few sips it comes out. The fruit profile is more white fruits such as apples and pears. I would have expected more exotic black fruits, but when I think about it the combination of black fruits, smoke, peat and malt sounds like a tough receipt to get right.

Pure Malt is a blended non-aged stated (NAS) whisky. Nikka Distillery states that the average age of their whiskies is 10 years. I believe this because I choose to believe it, but to be very honest, marketing it where the “truth lies” as they said in Mad Men. The blends are stated to be Miyagikyo malt whisky and some Yoichi whisky with Miyagikyo making up a high percentage of the blend. Pure Malt is aged in sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new America oak casks.

“Pure” means “balanced” with respect to flavor when it comes to Nikka’s standards of production. As mentioned in previous reviews, Japan makes great whiskey. It is your choice to enjoy this spirit neat, dash of water, or on the rocks. I would not recommend making cocktails out of Pure Malt. Good whiskey does not need to be mixed to be creative in your glass. The master distiller was already been creative, it is your turn to enjoy

Priced around $65 and worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

christopher.dias.nyc@gmail.com

The Macallan 18 (2018 release)

Johnnie Walker – Black Label

IW Harper Straight Bourbon

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2009

Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Whiskey

Robert Burns Whisky Tasting at The Astor Center 2018

Laphroaig Cairdeas – Madeira Cask

Robert Burns Day Tasting – Astor Center NYC

Tickets and info here.

Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old

Nikka Pure Malt

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