Review: Aberlour A’bunadh Batch 26
Amazing how impressions can differ over time and given a more leisurely tasting environment. I first encountered Aberlour’s A’bunadh at the Whiskies of the World event earlier this year and absolutely loved what I tasted. I finally bought a bottle this week and, while I still enjoy it, I find it’s not nearly the godsend…
Review: Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum
What is dragon fruit? Known formally as the pitaya, this Asian fruit has red skin and has a flavor described by some as a blend of “kiwi and Concord grape.” Bacardi uses dragon fruit and strawberry to create this “Dragon Berry” infused rum (its eighth flavor), and extremely flavorful concoction. Any notion of rum is…
Review: Celtic Crossing Liqueur
Ireland’s answer to Drambuie, this 60-proof liqueur is a blend of Irish whiskey, Cognac, and honey, intended primarily as a digestif. Quite sweet but not overwhelmingly so, Celtic Crossing has a strong iced tea character that reveals itself in an interesting way, especially when served on the rocks. It’s not exactly whiskey, but it’s whiskey-esque…
Review: Grand Traverse True North Vodka
With its frosted glass bottle, inset with a drawing of a copse of trees, Grand Traverse Distillery aims for super-premium territory with this True North Vodka, and arguably succeeds. Distilled from rye and bottled at 80 proof in Michigan, USA, this is perhaps the most unusual non-flavored vodka I’ve ever encountered. The nose and body…
Review: Glenfarclas 10 Years Old and 12 Years Old (2009)
These two bottles make up the youngest and most commonly available whiskys in the Glenfarclas portfolio (which includes bottlings as old as a whopping 50 years). These Highland malts are quite pleasing, accessible to either the new whisky drinker or the veteran looking for a solid standby. Glenfarclas 10 Years Old is a classically structured…
Review: Deschutes Brewery Red Chair IPA (2009)
At just 6.4% alcohol, this is a wee babe in the world of Deschutes’ high-alcohol brews, which is good because that means you might be able to have more than one pint before you’re totally lit. Considerably less bitter than your usual IPA, Red Chair is a deep amber beer with a hug head and…
Review: Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Anejo Tequila (2009)
Reportedly the first ever “extra anejo tequila” — a new designation recently allowed under Mexican law, established in 2006 for tequilas aged three years or longer — commercially released (others have since followed), Gran Centenario’s Leyenda is as dark a tequila as I’ve ever seen. The oak-brown color is seriously misleading, for this is as…
Original Recipe: Great Prince of the Forest
Inspired by Rich Goldsmith (who asked if the primary two ingredients would work together — they do, and well), innovated by yours truly. I mixed up a bunch of these for our dinner guests tonight and they all went down quick. Great Prince of the Forest 1 1/2 oz. Jim Beam Red Stag 3/4 oz.…
