USA/Canada

Bourbon Dusty Shootout: Early Times vs. Old Grand Dad

March 21, 2014

I got hold of a miniature of Early Times, probably from the late 1960s, and a full bottle of Old Grand Dad from the early 1970s. A perfect setup for a head to head tasting, if you ask me.

Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry with Ginger & Lime

February 4, 2014
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I don’t usually write in-depth whisky reviews, mainly because of time constrains but also the for reason that so many other bloggers do it. But the product I recently discovered in our local supermarket made me change my mind.

Willett Pot Still Single Barrel

January 13, 2014
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A powerful and complex bourbon, it is quite dry but the strong flavours support it. – Rating: 87/100

Wasmund’s Copper Fox Rye

January 8, 2014

The nose is rather strong and pleasant while the palate lacks a bit of the power you would expect from a rye. Overall quite a nice dram. – Rating: 80/100

George Dickel No. 12

December 29, 2013
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A rather light Tennessee whisky that is on the dry side of the spectrum. It has some nice flavours but the finish could be a bit more pronounced. – Rating: 81/100

Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash 1

December 28, 2013
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This is not more than a novelty and it cannot match a decent single malt newmake. – Rating: 55/100

Balcones Texas Single Malt Batch SM 8-12

August 28, 2013
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Quite an unusual flavour profile here with strong emphasis on wood (in a good way). It’s a very nice whisky overall, apart from the slightly shortish finish . – Rating: 84/100

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

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