USA/Canada

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength

February 19, 2013

I do like the spicy notes quite a bit, but there is a certain mustiness (probably the blue corn signature) that I am not a fan of. I much preferred the smoked Brimstone. – Rating: 80/100

High West Double Rye

February 16, 2013
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This is a massively spiced rye, and a very complex one as well. Blending 2 and 16 year old whiskies proves to be a brilliant idea here. – Rating: 90/100

Masterson’s Straight Rye 10 yo

February 13, 2013

A very mellow rye whisky with a velvety mouthfeel, quite delicate but still rather complex.- Rating: 84/100

Still Waters 1+11

February 8, 2013
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A rather straighforward and enjoyable Canadian whisky. It does not boast a great complexity but for casual sipping it is just about right.- Rating: 80/100

Gibson’s 100th Grey Cup

February 8, 2013
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The nose of this is quite nice, but on the palate it is a disappointment. The promised maple is present almost only on the nose. – Rating: 74/100

Alberta Premium 30 yo

February 2, 2013
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A very nice nose is followed by a rather watery palate. Certainly a decent whisky, but a bit disapponting for this age. – Rating: 82/100

Highwood 25 yo “100 Years Calgary Stampede”

February 2, 2013
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This is an excellent older Canadian whisky at a very attractive price (if you can find it), very creamy on the palate an only mildly spicy – Rating: 85/100

Balcones Brimstone

January 27, 2013
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This whisky just shouts “Barbecue” at you. Its marvelous nose and unique smoky palate take you right along to Hill Country where the brisket is slowly smoking in the pit. – Rating: 88/100

Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky

November 2, 2012
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A rather sweet blend with very little fruity aromas, it is quite enjoyable but does not leave a lasting impression. – Rating: 78/100

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 yo

September 12, 2012
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This is a big bold bourbon that does not hide its age. The other flavours are potent enough to keep the strong wood notes in check.
– Rating: 87/100

Comparing Three Forty Creek Whiskies

September 2, 2012
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Some Canadian whiskies are virtually impossible to find in Europe, but a sample swap made it possible to review three different samples of Forty Creek,

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

August 14, 2012
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The nose is massive, the palate a bit more subtle but far from bland and boring. Overall a surprisingly delicate but delicious bourbon. – Rating: 85/100

Canadian Club 1909

June 15, 2012
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This lovely old-time whisky tastes suprisingly unsurprising. Rating: 89/100

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

May 15, 2012
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Rather strong flavours in this special bourbon, but there is a bitterness that puts me off somewhat. The finish is a bit weak as well. – Rating: 73/100

Charbay Hop Flavored Whiskey Release III 1999/2011

May 4, 2012
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I could nose this forever. The beer provenance is very noticeable on the palate, the density of flavours is stunning. But Distilling bottle-ready beer makes this whiskey hideously expensive. – Rating: 91/100

Crown Royal Black

February 21, 2012
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How to judge this? This whisky performs a constant decrescendo from the moment you start sniffing it. Until mid-palate time it is very good, but it’s all over so soon. – Rating: 80/100

W. L. Weller 7 yo

September 4, 2011

For a wheated bourbon, this packs qute a punch. A decent dram and a good value. – Rating: 81/100

Mellow Corn

July 29, 2011
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The flavour profile is not too different from a maize based Scotch grain whisky. There is a youthful sharpness that is a bit too dominant for my taste. – Rating: 78/100

John B. Stetson

July 3, 2011
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A mild and obviously rather young bourbon. Driness and color hint on lightly charred barrrels. It is not very complex but nicely sippable. – Rating: 78/100

Eagle Rare 10 yo

April 22, 2011
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A massive bourbon nose is supported by a strong and dry palate. This whiskey proudly shows its age. It is quite dry and mildy spicy but not overly woody. – Rating: 85/100

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