Tag Archives: Banana

Koval, Refreshed

Speed dating… with whisk(e)y! Episode 1: Koval Four Grain whiskey

Chicago, IL – 47% ABV – $50

Picture shown is for the Koval Single Barrel Four Grain Whiskey
Picture shown is for the Koval Single Barrel Four Grain Whiskey

Those regular to my blog (and those that are friends via my Facebook group) know that it’s been a LONG time since I *really* blogged about whisk(e)y.  Heck, lately, I’ve had some good reasons.  In particular, a certain thing has been taking up my time, you know?  Well, this has kept me busy too!

We live in a modern age where I can tell fewer fart and di¢k jokes leading up to my whisky review.  I know this makes you sad and it makes me a little sad too.

Soon I will get back on the longer-review wagon but, until then, I’m launching a new semi-regular series called “Speed dating with Whisk(e)y!”

The idea is that each step in approaching a whisky is like a little mini-date.  I will give you my notes as I move from nose to mouth and then to finish and also give you an idea of how I am feeling about the girl, I mean whisk(e)y, as I am experiencing the hooch.

Moving forward in this series there will likely be less pictures involved…

Let’s go!

Koval-Four-Grain-Whiskey-1On the nose (Date # 1) – She’s really showing me her quality! Melons, big old melons!

I mean, I can smell melons as well as a bit of papaya. Turning now pineapple and cinnamon spice.

This one is quite fruity and most inviting (note: this is very much unlike many American whiskeys I’ve experienced)

Koval-Four-Grain-Whiskey-2On the mouth (Date # 2, I’m hopeful here! She’s not like all those other girls) –  Mouth filling and sticky sweet. Like french kissing a lollypop.

Banana forward here (hey, size doesn’t matter here, put that thing away!).

Tropically-and-fruitily sweet with star-bursting spice.

Koval-Four-Grain-Whiskey-3Finish (Date # 3: The deciding factor)– Short in length but there is an interesting note of hot mint chocolate cocoa.

In sum (The decision)– I think I might have a glug-buddy in this one. Sure, I’m not going to marry her but we’ll have a lot of fun together.

If you enjoy adventure in your whiskey, this one is well worth your time!

Special thanks to the folks at Koval for the sample!

Glenlivet

Exclusive Malts Glenlivet 1976 36yo, 44.6% ABV

 

GlenlivetSpeyside region – 44.6%ABV – $325, US market only

I am about to lose my  Glenlivet reviewing virginity.

I don’t know if I’m ready or what it will do to my relationship with The Glenlivet after we do it I review this whisky.  I just know that I really-really like the Exclusive Malts range and, I think I’m ready to commit.  I’m ready to take this shapely glass into my hands and…

You know, as I typed the above ridiculousness, I realize that it (and by extension I) is no where near as funny an innuendo as Baptize Me from the Book of Mormon Soundtrack.  If you don’t know the piece, you should check it out below.  Seriously, here it is (funny stuff):

I guess it’s time for me to do it.  I’m finally going to review this Glenlivet.  Please think well of me in the morning my sweet, sweet whisky…

This is 40On the nose –  Upon initial sniff I am reminded of that type of woman that lies about her age.  Yes, like Leslie Mann from the new movie “This is 40.”  Sure she’s 40 but she tells everyone she’s 36 and, you know what, she looks it too.

Funny enough, this is a 36yo whisky but I’d never assume it as such.  Sure there are elements of age in here such as wood spice and clean church pews however, there’s a delicate fruity quality and some clotted cream as well that makes it feel younger.

Let’s explore further…

Glenlivet-2
If you want to understand the Hitler with a pineapple image, I suggest you click on the picture to be take to the YouTube video. Sit back and enjoy.

A whiff of smoke in the background adds to notes of over ripe, browning pineapple and some nail polish remover.  Model glue meets white sugar in a honey reduction.

So far, I’m impressed.

On the mouth – Presto-chango-alla-kazam, the flavor profile is quite the different animal from the initial nosing impression.

Step back, take a breath, dive in again, Hatton.

Glenlivet-3Here we go:  An oily start but give it ¾ of a second and it starts dry the tongue.  Popsicle sticks soaked in the aforementioned nail polish remover, wood spice and brown spice and wilting dandelion stems.

Some tart, white wine like elements here as well.  As I try to think of the wine grape I am reminded that I am a whisky reviewer and not a wine reviewer.  I will stop all attempts in guessing the wine grape.

Moving on…

Glenlivet-4And now I am noticing some pepper and hints of artificially flavored banana Laffy taffy.  Better yet, banana chips.

Finish – A long finish with, guess what?  Hints of wine!  This time I *can* tell you that the wine is identifiable by myself and much more dessert like.  I’d liken it to a Moscato.

In sum – A bit on the pricey side but also a rarity to find a single cask of Glenlivet (and a 36yo one at that, too).

Don’t let the nose fool you, this whisky will take you on a bit of a ride.  What a great, great nose!  The flavors were nice as well, I was just not expecting the change.  While I’d not choose this as a celebratory whisky, I’d surely reach for it when I had some “me time” and wanted a bit of a change.

This is a fun whisky to drink when you want to really think about whisky and ponder life a bit.

Special thanks to ImpEx for the sample!!

Be sure to check out Jason’s review from Guid Scotch Drink

Cold Winter, Glen Moray

Glen Moray 2yo peated spirit, Batch #1 Cask #141

 

Speyside region – 60.6%ABV – 20ml bottle – £18 from Royal Mile Whiskies but expect to get a different cask, cask #141 is sold out.

“…if only you applied yourself…”

“…you could do so much more if only you tried harder…”

“…you’re not living up to your full potential…”

“…seriously, why do you spend so much time in the bathroom?”

Many of us can likely identify with some of the above statements.  Just think of your time in middle school, high school, etc… and it might all come back.  Heck, I know my teachers have used at three of the above statements on me (I’ll let you choose which three).

Why do I bring this up?  Well today we’re reviewing potential whisky, AKA spirit.  This juice is only two years old.  Like a student with great potential this spirit is young and raw and gives you a good glimpse (if you spend time with it to try and understand it) as to what it *could be* given a few more years of maturity.

Let’s dive in.

On the nose –  The smoke is insanely obvious on this one so let’s not talk about it right not.  I want to discover what’s ‘neath the peat smoke and there *is* a lot to discover here.

Off the bat I smell candy-style bananas (think Now and Laters).

Salty, green veggies and dirty socks (in a nostalgic way).

Apple skins, burnt as they were.

Now, I think, we can’t ignore the peat influence.  Burning tires and smouldering stuff.  Ivory soap, minus the soapiness (even though it’s full of smoke, there’s something clean in here).

Hay and barnyard (but it’s slight) and unripe red berries.

On the mouth – Yes, this is 60.6% ABV.  Yes, this is spirit and not whisky but it is engaging, satisfying and so full of potential.

It all comes back to that classic Glen Moray mouthfeel.  Luscious and indulgent in its creaminess.

Malt, cream ale, peat smoke galore.

Bananas, butter cream candies and lots of salted apple-y goodness!

More notes to follow in coming years of maturity…

Finish – Apples and peat smoke with a briny edge to it.  A surprisingly long finish!

In sum – I really love the direction of this spirit… let me carry that further, I really love the direction that Glen Moray is going in.

Adding this to their lines of single casks and wine cask fully-matured whiskies, Glen Moray is starting to tell a new story.  They are not just a supermarket malt, there is true character in addition to the known quality.  Hear me now, within a few years, if done right, Glen Moray can and will prove themselves to be a true luxury malt.

Special thanks to IA for the sample!!

Glenmorangie, Let's celebrate!

Glenmorangie 18yo – another whisky in the “let’s open this one, it’s time to celebrate!” column

Highlands region – 43% – $79 – $89 | £77 | €88

After tasting this whisky, for some reason or another (perhaps it’s because my brain works in movie clips) the scene below seemed to sum up my experience.  Invite me over for dinner and offer me some Glenmorangie 18yo and I might act just like Jack Black, Amy Poehler and their kids.

Perhaps you should read the review AND THEN watch the clip.  Enjoy:

On the nose –  Lychee nuts and syrup – pretty amazing how dead-on the lychee notes are!

Lemon citrus nose with an oaky backbone.

Grapes skins and maybe a little chocolate sauce.

This is such a nice juicy nose – ripe peach just oozes out of my glass.

Very inviting and, for me, perhaps one of the nicer noses Glenmorangie has to offer in the standard line.

On the mouth – Oak is more prominent in the taste as is some vanilla bean extract.

Banana skins and actual banana arrives and even a little honey and sugared white plums.

Some more citrus with a focus on the lemons (again) and a bit salty.

Some salted apples (salted apples sounds odd but the notes do hit me side by side) and now lovely butterscotch notes help in flavor and in creaminess.

Joshua is a happy boy right now.

Finish – Fairly long and fruity.  Actually, really long… about 2 minutes later and I’m still experiencing some oak and butterscotch.  Maybe even some of the lychee I got on the nose.

In sum – This really is one to celebrate with.  Very luxurious – you feel like you’re treating yourself to something with this here whisky.  Go ahead, have a baby; graduate college; get married then pour some Glenmorangie 18yo.

Special thanks to David Blackmore for the sample and Mazel Tov to you and your wife on the arrival of your first baby!!

All You Need Is Love, Kavalan, Let's celebrate!, Summertime

Kavalan King Car Whisky – bottled at 46% ABV

Taiwan — 46% – 200ml sample (thanks to Ian Chang of Kavalan for the sample and patience with the post)

Last November I had the good opportunity to taste Kavalan King Car Whisky bottled at 40%ABV.  Kavalan is single malt whisky from Taiwan.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  What’s more, they’re producing some top notch whisky.

As excited as I was to taste this whisky for the first time, I have a strange prejudice against whiskies that are bottled at the minimum 40% ABV so I was a bit apprehensive.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  What’s more is this whisky is also now bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered.

Before we get to the tasting, I thought I should direct you to images of Kavalan’s beautiful faciliety.  Just surf the web (or, just look below) and you’ll find some truly stunning pictures of their distillery:

 

 

 

 

Picture above in the image on the right hand side is Ian Chang admiring the casks in his warehouse.  If I could, I’d bottle one of those casks myself.  I really am a fan of the Kavalan line.  Ok, enough daydreaming.  On to the tasting…

On the nose — Mouthwateringly fruity – think mangos and tangerine, bananas and honey dew melon.

Honey and sugared lemons.

Freshly ground coffee (just like with the 40%ABV version).

Lots of malt, a bit floral and a touch salty.

Here’s one that brings back memories from weekends at my grandparent’s house…Musty Afghans that have been stored in laminated oak cabinets (I’m referring to the blanket-type Afghans, not the people.  This is not a slur against the Afghani people or the Afghan Whigs).

On the mouth — Nice mouthful yet nowhere near as fruity and tropical as the nose lead me to believe.

Highly vegetal and more of the salt I detected earlier.

Leafy greens, cucumber sauce.

Unsweetened lemon chews (if that makes sense).

Finish — Short but with a bit of a lemony zing to it.

In sum —  The wonderfully fruity nose was very promising and got me in the mood for warmer times.  The salty, more vegetal flavor of this whisky took me a bit off guard which could be a good thing.  Yes, I think it was a good thing.  The finish was just a bit to short for me.  I wanted it to stay with me longer.  Maybe that was purposeful.  It just made me want to sniff and taste more!

Gal of Whisky Israel also reviewed this one recently and seemed to like it quite a bit.

Karen & Matt of Whisky For Everyone agrees, this is a fine whisky.