Review - Ardbeg Ardbog Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
We would put this up as the best Ardbeg yet and Josh has now made it his personal quest to find a bottle of this almost extinct release.
Josh was fortunate to enjoy this dram over at the Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library. Check out our experience by clicking here...
Rating 4.5 Glasses
- Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 104.2
- Local Price (USD): N/A - Auction Only
- Availability: Rare
- Local Price (USD): N/A - Auction Only
Tasting Notes
- Color: Dark amber
- Nose: Butterscotch, peat & smoke
- Taste: Heaven on fire. Smokey & sweet.
- Finish: Delicious, earthy peat & doesn't linger leaving you wanting more
Conclusion: "Like the Cadbury bunny and a block of peat moss had a love child conceived in a burning candy shop." - Josh. He basically left me to finish up this review alone as he was slightly preoccupied with slowly licking the inside rim of the glass, moaning quietly and garnering awkward looks from the fancy folks across from our table.... Coming back to reality, we would put this up as the best Ardbeg yet and Josh has now made it his personal quest to find a bottle of this almost extinct release. He would like to put next to his bottle of Ardbeg 21 (looking impeccable and never to be opened). Final thought: Ardbog contains the very essence of Islay.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2016 Barrel Strength
... it was like mixing a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's and rubbing alcohol....but in a good way.
I was fortunate to enjoy this dram over at the Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library. Check out our experience by clicking here...
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: Four Roses Distillery LLC
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 111.2 (55.6% Abv)
- Local Price (USD): $65.00
- Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
- Color: Light amber
- Nose: Vanilla, Maple & Citrus
- Taste: Orange rind, iodine & heavy on the alcohol
- Finish: Bitter wood (insert joke here)
- Conclusion:
Josh made a comment to the fact that it was like mixing a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's and rubbing alcohol. This particular selection doesn't hide its origins and contains all of the characteristics you would expect from Four Roses. Another great iteration of their yearly release, 2016 is definitely more complex than 2014 (we still have to review 2015) but looks to be on par with the legendary 2013 release. Bravo.
10 individual custom wood finishing staves were hand selected by Troutdale Liquor in Troutdale, OR creating this kick in the pants….It isn’t for faint of heart at 109.8 proof and is definitely not in the price point for just anyone either. This is top-shelf hand-crafted Kentucky Bourbon and fits the bill.
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.
…The main component of what makes the profile of this whiskey unique is the proprietary dual-charcoal filtration process…that makes you want to fire up the Traeger® with every sip.
Longbranch is a good value for an 8 year small batch and a great whiskey for someone being introduced to Bourbon and American Whiskey.
Bottled at 108.4, this particular selection from barrel No. 18F829 is truly a wonder to behold. Familiar but with a depth of flavor and ABV punch that you won’t get from Michter’s std US-1 Rye.
…Wanderback's second release sets itself apart by first aging in new American oak barrels then finishing its last 6 months in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels. In our opinion Batch No. 2 is a notch above its older sibling and delivers a smoother, more balanced and flavorful experience overall….
The first release from Wanderback Whiskey, Batch No. 1 was made in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, WA….This solid whiskey is full of oak and smoke and perfectly at home enjoyed neat in a Glencairn.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 is a solid barrel proof bourbon that is readily available and reasonably priced. Steadily increasing in proof over the years, this most recent release at 116.8 is the best yet… Rare Breed delivers a flavor packed punch that can hang with the other big boys in the category …
…Old Grand-Dad uses a mash bill of 62% Corn, 28% Rye & 10% Malted Barley. This unusually high Rye content and high proof makes this pour an especially potent one. Basically like pouring 10lb of sugar into a bucket of kerosene and setting it ablaze…
Light oak and vanilla that wants to stay for a while. Somewhere in between your brother-in-law jetting out before the end of the 1st quarter …and your great uncle just hanging around long after the final buzzer, watching re-runs of The Price Is Right and reciting for the 26th time the story about how he was “that close” to making it on the show…
…Tuthilltown ages their Baby in “special small American Oak Barrels” which explains how they achieve such a dark color and heavy oak influence from such a young whiskey. The other unique thing…is their use of sonic maturation by playing loud music to agitate the whiskey inside the barrels....
The oak is really the front man of the band…Definitely makes a killer (albeit expensive) whiskey & coke and would feel right at home in an old fashioned…
Review - Glengoyne 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Good but I would look to compare other sherry forward scotch before jumping on this one based on the price.
Rating 3.5 Glasses
- Distillery: Glengoyne Distillery (Ian Macleod Distillers Limited)
- Years Aged: 18
- Proof: 86
- Price (USD): $113.95
- Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Light caramel & thick legs that slowly develop
- Nose: Caramel, Vanilla & Apple
- Taste: Smooth, slightly oily, citrus & iodine
- Finish: Sherry, decent low heat, stays on the tongue a while like melted butter
- Conclusion: Good but I would look to compare other sherry forward scotch before jumping on this one based on the price. This particular selection is slightly underproof for my taste and could use just a little more kick. There also is just something in the finish, a slight bitterness and tannin-ish aftertaste, that was slightly off-putting.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon
We would call this your Triple B... Bread & Butter Bourbon. Liken it to a better version of Port Chilkoot with all of the oakiness.
Rating 3 Glasses
- Distillery: Rebel Yell Distillery
- Years Aged: 10
- Proof: 100
- Price (USD): $49.95
- Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: If Oak trees could bleed. Finally understand what AC/DC meant when they sang "Knocking me out with those American thighs"
- Nose: Imagine a carpenter covered in sugar wating to be seen in the ER at the local hospital
- Taste: Marginally smooth but akin to a random coctail with Irish whiskey and a hint of Fireball
- Finish: Tangy, perfume & short
- Conclusion: We would call this your Triple B... Bread & Butter Bourbon. Liken it to a better version of Port Chilkoot with all of the oakiness. Definitely makes a good mixer but none of us shed a tear when Josh accidentally knocked his glass over. Jeff initially wanted to mix it with pop rocks for whatever reason and after what seemed an eternity of silence apparently mulling over his thoughts on the matter simply stated, "Tastes like Bourbon."
10 individual custom wood finishing staves were hand selected by Troutdale Liquor in Troutdale, OR creating this kick in the pants….It isn’t for faint of heart at 109.8 proof and is definitely not in the price point for just anyone either. This is top-shelf hand-crafted Kentucky Bourbon and fits the bill.
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.
…The main component of what makes the profile of this whiskey unique is the proprietary dual-charcoal filtration process…that makes you want to fire up the Traeger® with every sip.
Longbranch is a good value for an 8 year small batch and a great whiskey for someone being introduced to Bourbon and American Whiskey.
Bottled at 108.4, this particular selection from barrel No. 18F829 is truly a wonder to behold. Familiar but with a depth of flavor and ABV punch that you won’t get from Michter’s std US-1 Rye.
…Wanderback's second release sets itself apart by first aging in new American oak barrels then finishing its last 6 months in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels. In our opinion Batch No. 2 is a notch above its older sibling and delivers a smoother, more balanced and flavorful experience overall….
The first release from Wanderback Whiskey, Batch No. 1 was made in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, WA….This solid whiskey is full of oak and smoke and perfectly at home enjoyed neat in a Glencairn.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8 is a solid barrel proof bourbon that is readily available and reasonably priced. Steadily increasing in proof over the years, this most recent release at 116.8 is the best yet… Rare Breed delivers a flavor packed punch that can hang with the other big boys in the category …
…Old Grand-Dad uses a mash bill of 62% Corn, 28% Rye & 10% Malted Barley. This unusually high Rye content and high proof makes this pour an especially potent one. Basically like pouring 10lb of sugar into a bucket of kerosene and setting it ablaze…
Light oak and vanilla that wants to stay for a while. Somewhere in between your brother-in-law jetting out before the end of the 1st quarter …and your great uncle just hanging around long after the final buzzer, watching re-runs of The Price Is Right and reciting for the 26th time the story about how he was “that close” to making it on the show…
…Tuthilltown ages their Baby in “special small American Oak Barrels” which explains how they achieve such a dark color and heavy oak influence from such a young whiskey. The other unique thing…is their use of sonic maturation by playing loud music to agitate the whiskey inside the barrels....
The oak is really the front man of the band…Definitely makes a killer (albeit expensive) whiskey & coke and would feel right at home in an old fashioned…
Review - Lagavulin 2000/2016 Distillers Edition Scotch Whisky
The goal of The Distiller's Edition seems to be showcasing the ability of Lagavulin to produce and present a reserved yet broad and rich flavor profiled dram
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery
- Years Aged: 16
- Proof: 86
- Price (USD): $105.95
- Availability: Rare
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Dark amber. Its curvaceous sauntering legs show the age of this whisky
- Nose: Beachside candy shop, peat & smoke
- Taste: Slightly bitter, caramel, oak, earthy with a hint of salt
- Finish: Nutty, low heat, nutmeg, smoke that fades quickly
- Conclusion: Lagavulin is traditionally a powerhouse when stacked up against others in its category on the merits of flavor profile, smoke and sheer strength of body. This particular selection of the Distillers Edition is more refined in its smokiness than say an Ardbeg or Laphroaig but falls slightly on its face in terms of strength. 2000/2016 has a very young mouth feel and most likely could have benefited from bottling at a slightly higher proof say 90-92. That being said, the lower alcohol content does allow you to enjoy the myriad of flavors presented without cutting it with water.
- The goal of The Distiller's Edition seems to be showcasing the ability of Lagavulin to produce and present a reserved yet broad and rich flavor profiled dram. The only thing that brings the rating down for us is the longing for a bit more alcohol to help cut through and balance out the rich flavors. This is definitely one that we would buy again.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.