Tag Archives: Honey

A World of Discovery, Autumn, Bruichladdich, Cold Winter, Springtime, Summertime, Takin' It Easy

Bruichladdich 3D3

Islay region – 46%ABV – 750ml bottle – $55 | £40

Another great Bruichladdich came my way.  This time in the form of a sample from my friend “O.K.”  Bruichladdich is one of these lesser known whiskies here in the states – especially when going to a bar (unless it’s a really good one like The Daily Pint that I just went to with a new friend – a post on that later with details of a new reader challenge issued to yours truly!).

A run of the mill bar in the US just does not carry a good selection of Scotch whiskies (or American whiskeys for that matter).  Most bars have the token Jameson, Dewar’s, Johnnie Walker Red & Black label, Chivas Regal 12yr and maybe a 12yr Glenlivet or Glenfiddich.  I’m not knocking these whiskies – they’re all nice and very drinkable.  But, nothing super special.

I would love to start seeing some (at the very least) entry level Highland Park, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Glenmorangie, Balblair, Cragganmore… the list can go on and on.  I’ve been trying to edu-m’cate my local watering holes but, I can’t do it everywhere I go.  Your average red-blooded American does not have access to the finer Scotch whiskies and it’s a damn shame.

Let me get on to my review of the whisky at hand: Bruichladdich 3D3!

On the nose — Sweet peat, honey, green apples, something a bit bitter (can’t quite place it), baby vomit, latex gloves, cheddar cheese (or more like salty cheese crackers, think Gold Fish) – came back for another nosing and found some nice flowery notes popped up and slight grassiness – perhaps lemongrass – Loving this nose – very complex!

On the mouth — Nice peat attach right up front – quite good, I like this at 46%, briny and a little like cocktail sauce (or the lemons from it),

Nice chewy mouth feel, celery salt.  This is really done well – Kudos ‘laddies!

Finish — Long, peaty, smoke, honey and rubber.  The peat has violated every part of my mouth (wow, that sounds a little…dirty) – a Bruichladdich done quite right!

In sum — There are so many great Bruichladdich expressions and while all of them (at least the ones I tried) are quite different from one another, you know you’re going to go on a great ride with these malts.  This being said, you can, for the most part, always count on a delicious fruitiness to be your driver through the Bruichladdich journey.  While I normally go for the peatier stuff during the cold seasons, I would have no problem reaching for this at any time of year.

For those confused by the “Baby vomit” descriptor, check out Guid Scotch Drink’s “Say What!?” post to better understand what I’m really smelling when I say “Baby Vomit”

Also, check out Whisky Israel’s post of the Bruichladdich 3D3, Gal has gone to great lengths to fill you in on who this malt was made for (or is in honor of): Norrie Campbell

A World of Discovery, Autumn, Glenmorangie, Summertime, Takin' It Easy

Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (finally available outside of a Duty-Free Shop!)

Highlands region – 46%ABV – 750ml bottle – $65 | £58 | €68

I have few gripes when it comes to the wide world of whiskies.  To name the top 3:

Gripe #1 — Cost.  Yes, I understand that Whisk(e)y is a luxury item but still…

Gripe #2 — The issue of, or inability to import 70cl bottles into the US.  Why oh why wont the US allow these slightly smaller bottles into the US – we’re missing out on easy access to some fine-ass malts!

Gripe #3 — Duty-Free Shop exclusive whiskies.  Limited editions I can understand.  Limited editions that you can only get in a Duty-Free Shop I can not.  Sorry, from a consumer’s standpoint (a consumer that rarely travels outside of the US) it does not make sense — at least give me (and the thousands of others non-world traveling consumers) a chance to buy these limited edition whiskies.

Well, Glenmorangie did just that.

The Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX started off as Duty-Free 1 litter exclusive bottle.  Being the Glenmo devotee that I am, I was upset right away.  It’s like Dad brought home a new game for my Commodore 64 but only let my older sister play (wow, there’s some fun familial issues coming out – as made up as they are).

Thankfully, Glenmorangie (for one reason or another) changed this approach and released a 750ml bottle to the general public.

So, what in the heck does “Sonnalta PX” mean?  Well, first off, the Sonnalta PX is a fine sherry cask finished whisky.  The “PX” stands for Pedro Ximinez.  If you do not know, Pedro Ximinez sherry is basically the chewiest, richest, most succulent sherry out there (imagine its influence on whisky!).  “Sonnalta”, in Gaelic, means “Liberal”.  In other words, there is a liberal, very generous amount of Pedro Ximinez sherry influence to the Glenmorangie.  Not sure about you but my mouth is watering just writing this review!

So, should we taste it?  Let’s go!

On the nose — Wow, a sherry finish done oh so right!  Banana peels & cinnamon, Banana chips, candied oranges (strange, even orange Jujubees, sort of a soapy quality but good), The nose really reminds me of the palate on the Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey with all of the yummy banana-i-ness to it.  a very un-Glenmorangie nose.  Wait, I sniffed after typing that and I take it back, notes from The Original Ten Years are popping through honey, apples.  It’s all hiding there waiting to sneak up on you!

Palate — Fantastic mouth feel!  Oh, G-d, that’s just so chewy…  Like salted taffy or caramel.  Nuts and root veggies, a touch of chocolate here (sort of like chocolate shavings if you’ve ever had them, a very different taste than a chunk of chocolate), wine soaked raisins

Finish — Quite long.  Chocolate covered leather (oh, so slight with the leather quality), raisins and fresh fruits.  Huh, slight nutty oak after about 45 seconds or so.

In sum — These tasting notes are from the last 5cl or so of my bottle.  What’s strange is, when I first got the bottle my initial reactions to the whisky was that it was a **great** sherried Glenmorangie.  The good news is, that still rings true.  What’s different is that now, as I take my last sip, the spiciness is reminding of a grain whisky.  I know this is a true malt whisky but it’s as if there’s slight grain influence (rye perhaps?).  I’m sure it’s all in my head.  Perhaps it’s just that the warm spring has arrived, maybe my brain is looking for it.  Who knows.

I did love this malt, much more than the Glenmorangie Lasanta Sherry Cask (of course, I’ve liked most malts more than the Lasanta).  Not trying to rub salt in the wound I left from my review of the Lasanta.  Forget what I said about the Lasanta — these aren’t the droids you’re looking for…

A World of Discovery, Balblair, Refreshed, Summertime

Balblair 1991

Highlands – 43%ABV – 750ml (New to the US Market!) –  $124 | Can’t find a source in the UK| €92

“Oh no there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues” – said some guy who obviously never had a Balblair!

If you’re not very familiar with my blog, let me give you the quick, Reader’s Digest version of what I try to do here (other than simply review whiskies): My goal is to try and categorize whiskies by how they would pair with the season we’re in or the mood you’re in.  (E.G. If you looked in the Moods & Seasons section in the top navigation bar of this site,  you may  find that in Cold Winter I might suggest you try some Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist because of the peat and pure body warming effects of that fine whisky.  If it’s a Hot August Night (G-d, I love Neil Diamond!), or the Summertime, you’d find (among other whiskies) the Balblair 1997)

So, in carrying on with this mentality, I will tell you straight away that this Balblair 1991 is quite the Summertime dram.  While it’s only April here in Connecticut, we’ve been enjoying temps of between 70-90deg Fahrenheit – that’s summertime in my eyes regardless of what month it is.

So sit back, relax and enjoy, vicariously through my following review, the newest 18yr Balblair expression – 1991 (then go out and buy a bottle or, read my review of the Balblair 1997 expression and buy that bottle.  Both worth their weight in whisky)

On the nose — Much more buttery than the 1997, the tropical notes are there for sure but there’s something a bit vegetal about the nose (carrot juice?) and quite creamy, strawberries & cream – hints of fresh lemon, freshly mown lawn

Palate — Nice attack (at 43%, it bites a bit more than I had expected), citrus infused butterscotch, a bit sporty and signs of youthfulness (tastes younger than the 18yrs that it is but, in a good way – nice vibrancy)

Finish — Long-esque with some nice vanilla and honey (actually, more like vanilla yogurt with honey, that’s more like it)

In sum — Another great summertime dram from the good folks at Balblair.  This one is very different from the 1997 expression but still quite refreshing.  The extra 6yrs added a nice level of smooth, creamy warmth to it (while still keeping it’s youth; it’s young in spirit I suppose).

A World of Discovery, All You Need Is Love, Ardbeg, Cold Winter, Glenmorangie, Takin' It Easy

I need your help – and you can win a 5cl sample of Ardbeg’s new Rollercoaster!

Sitting on my whisky shelf is a very nice & fancy bottle of the Glenmorangie Margaux Cask.  I bought this fine-ass bottle after reading this stellar review on the Dr. Whisky Blog

It’s been there for about 1.5, maybe 2 years now.  For one reason or another I decided that this will be a whisky for the most special of occasions.  My only problem is I can not think of an occasion that would merit the opening of this bottle!!  I look at it every single day and long for it but alas, I can not bring myself to open it up.

I need your help!

Any suggestions?  The most innovative/smart/clever one will win you a 5cl sample of the Ardbeg Rollercoaster.  Enter your suggestions in the comments below or on my Facebook page.

(Pass it on) Good luck!

This contest ends May 1st, 2010!  Pass it on and, good luck!

L’chayim/Slainte/Cheers!

Joshua (Yossi)

A World of Discovery, Don Julio, Kosher spirits, Summertime, Takin' It Easy, Tequilas

Don Julio Añejo Tequila

Jalisco, Mexico (Highlands Region) – 38%ABV – 750ml – $39 (from the Duty Free shop), normally about $65

WARNING & DISCLAIMER – For those who keep, this tequila is not certified as “Kosher” or “Kosher for Passover” (I am no rabbi but I think, based on their meticulous process and the fact that Don Julio uses virgin American oak casks, that this may be “Kosher by Nature”, not to be confused with “Naughty by Nature“)

For information on Don Julio’s Cooking, Mashing, Fermentation and Distillation Process, check out this link from Drinkblogs.com

I bought this bottle of Don Julio Añejo more than a year ago while on a business trip to Monterrey Mexico.  Supposedly, Monterrey is a very beautiful city – I had no time to enjoy it, I was either in meetings or in my hotel.  The Duty Free shop had NOTHING for Single Malts so I figured I’d pick up a nice tequila.  I opted for the Don Julio.

If you’ve not visited the Don Julio website, I suggest you do.  There are some great videos of their process, history and tasting notes that I think are really well done.  Check it out.

The Don Julio Añejo has been my drink of choice (with the exception of some wines, the Siembra Azul and Slivovitz) for this week of Passover.  This is truly some delicious stuff.  Not to be chilled, mixed or tarnished with a lime:

On the nose – Juicy citrus fruits, Mandarin oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit, lime rind and something a bit creamy.  I also smell a bit of strawberry & melon.  While this is fresh & fruity, there’s a warming quality to the nose, not as punchy or peppery as a “silver” or “blanco” tequila that has not had any barrel aging.

Palate — *Big* on juicy, over-ripe honeydew melon!  Oh, good G-d that’s good!  Oak comes through as does some creamy vanilla.  Smooth, buttery and quite chewy.  Lip smacking goodness!

Finish – Continuation of the melon, spicy but again, not nearly as much as the “silver” or “blanco” type of tequila.  Warming from your tongue to your toes.  Butterscotch notes come back up after the swallow; right on the sides of my tongue.  Perfect at 38% ABV if you  ask me.

In sum – I would reach for this any day.  Quite fantastic and on a level of it’s own.  Oh-so refreshing while warming at the same time.  There’s a reason Don Julio is regarded as one of Mexico’s premier tequilas and I just found out why!