The Glenlivet 12 year old First Fill Exclusive Edition

Today I am reviewing The Glenlivet 12 year old First Fill which is an exclusive and rare edition. It is the very first time Glenlivet has released its "First Fill" in the U.S. so it is very special in that sense. The reason it is called First Fill is because it is matured exclusively in the First Fill American Oak Casks. This is what gives them this extra flavor and character.  For a normal 12 year old Glenlivet the old whisky barrels are used for maturation however with First Fill it is matured in brand new ones. 

Vital Stats
The Glenlivet 12 year old First Fill Single Malt Scotch Whisky(Exclusive Edition) 
Price- $49.99
Age- 12 year old
Category- Exclusive First Fill Edition
ABV-  43.2%
Region- Speyside
Awards won- None found 

Tasting info- 
Serving glass- Glencairn glass

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Golden amber

Aroma- Pleasant citrus aroma with vanilla,oak
Flavor- Smooth and silky flavor of oaks, creamy vanilla and marmalade
Finish- Very long and smooth. Taste of oak is lingering in the mouth for a long time.

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

This delicious pour of liquid simply delighted me beyond surprise.It is the best I had so far in the Glenlivet product line. The new oak barrel gives this whisky so much character. Very warm, flavorful and aromatic. This is absolutely a must have because the flavor is so much more complex than its regular 12 year old counterpart which is matured in old barrels.

What First Fill whisky have you tried? Share your experiences in the comments below. 

Always have a designated driver if you plan on drinking. As always Enjoy Responsibly. Cheer 🥃

Grandpa's Grogg IPA

As you guys know I am not a big beer drinker but I do enjoy a nice cold one once in a while and drink it as a chaser with my whisky.This is my first beer review and what a fun way to kick start it. I had a beer sample provided by a colleague to get feedback on a home brew. Thank you Mark for this! Just promoting the good stuff appreciating the hard work that has gone into making it. Who knows this could be a global brand if it picks up quickly..got to give it a shot. Also since summer is approaching it is quite enjoyable to have a cold one to quench our thirst.  Since this beer was tasted by some other friends I am including their comments as well. Interesting to see how everyone enjoyed it in their own way. Different words yet same enjoyable experience. Have fun reading their review as well. 

Vital Stats
Grandpa's Grogg IPA Home Brew 
Price- Free 16oz bottle provided for review, not available in stores yet
ABV- 6.5%
Type- IPA
Awards won- Everyone who sampled it gave it a gold medal :-)

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Beer glass
Serving style- Chilled (No other way to drink beer 😄)
Appearance- Beautiful amber
Aroma- Hoppy with hints of citrus
Flavor- Full of creamy goodness, bittersweet taste
Finish- Smooth long finish( As expected of a good IPA)

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf (In this case top rack of the refrigerator 😄)

I was absolutely taken by surprise as to how well made a home brew could be. Had it been sold in the stores I would have no clue. This beer is outstanding ; its beautiful color, pleasant smell and unique taste makes it a well rounded IPA. I enjoyed drinking this one as I like stronger beer's and IPA's are the perfect ones for my taste buds. This beer need to be out in the market as soon as possible for public consumption and I wish all the best to its makers. 

Here are other friend's experiences and pictures.

I would gladly purchase this if it was available in the store. The brewer has done an excellent job making it taste like a professionally done craft beer. I would love to see this out in the market for public consumption. I also like the name, it is quite unique and witty like the beer itself. I am highly impressed by the packaging as none of the flavor and carbonation had escaped the bottle.

The experience starts with an effervescent POP of the ceramic stopper so you know right from the beginning its going to be fresh. Immediately a pleasant citrus nose wafts up the bottle. At the pour a beautiful amber glow emerges that is consistent throughout. The head is respectable, medium thickness with staying power through the last sip. Upon tasting, the citrus theme energizes the palette and awakens the senses to orange, grapefruit, and possibly a light hint of berry. As expected of a quality IPA the finish is hoppy but not overbearingly bitter.

The recipe is a keeper. Nice fruity tones. And while strong, it wasn't overpowering in taste"

Have you tried any home brew or IPA's? Let me know in the comments. Have a awsome long weekend.
When you have a thirst, think safety first!
Cheers 🥃

Jura-Turas Mara Travel Exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whisky

I am so glad I picked this one at Qatar airport duty free as recommended by the salesperson. Today I am reviewing Jura Turas-Mara Travel Exclusive Single Malt Whisky. I was unaware of the term "Travel Exclusive" that means it is only available exclusively for travel customers in duty free shops at select airports. You won't find this in a local store. The fact that it is not so easy to get made it even more precious. I was skeptical at first since it has no age statement. However, I realized that it is the flavor of the whisky matching one's palette that is more important than just the higher age statement.

Vital Stats

Jura Turas-Mara Travel Exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
Price- QAR 273(Quatari Rial) US$73 for 1 liter bottle( Doha Airport Duty free)
Age- No age statement
ABV-42%
Region- Isle of Jura
Awards Won- Silver, Scotch Single Malt-Island-2017( International Wine & Spirit Competition)

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairin Glass(Amazon)

Serving style- Neat (With two drops of water to open up flavors)
Appearance- Dark amber
Aroma- Pleasant citrus, spices, hint of berry

Flavor- Sweet,spicy and smokey that complements the flavor and doesn't overpower it.The flavor confirms what the eyes see and the nose just smelled.

Finish- Exceptionally smooth and long finish( Flavor lingers in mouth forever)

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

I highly recommend grabbing this bottle when travelling. Jura hits the mark in all angles-beautiful appearance, powerful aroma, intensely rich flavor with long, smooth and slightly smoky finish. This is pure heaven and an exclusive find, a hidden gem. There are rare occasions when I go above and beyond complementing a whisky and this is one of them. It is because a fine Single Malt deserves overwhelming appreciation. 

This was my first travel exclusive whisky. Have you tried any? Let me know in the comments. 

Cheers! Enjoy responsibly.  Life is a gift, use Lyft!
If you are like me who enjoys reading the package as much as drinking the liquor in it, here are some pictures of the packaging with interesting product story 😃

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label

Scotland-Rich and refined, a contemporary and complex blend of single malt and grain whiskies. The luxurious blend harbors deep layers of flavor that is perfectly balanced with diverse character. Enjoy neat or on the rocks for the ultimate experience. Intriguing product story written on the packaging of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label? In the Johnnie Walker extensive range of blends it sits between Johnnie Walker Gold and Johnnie Walker Blue. An impressive thing is it carries the 18 year old age statement.It is also being re-branded as Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Whisky. 

Having tried the Blue label and not Gold Label it was an adventure for me to taste this one as I only had the higher end Blue Label to compare it with. My findings below :-)

Vital Stats
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 
Price- $89 for 750ml
ABV- 40%
Age- 18 yrs
Type- Blended Scotch
Awards Won- Gold; Blended Super Premium-2015, The Scotch Whisky Masters(The Spirits Business)

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Whisky glass

Serving style- On the rocks
Appearance- Rich honey amber
Aroma- I smelled vanilla and hints of almonds. Very light aroma
Flavor- Sweet cream, orange/citrus zest, slightly smoky
Finish- Smooth yet short finish(taste does not linger in mouth for long)

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

This is an interesting blend,smooth but not much flavor and light which is why it goes in my Middle shelf. The reason why it is not so strong is because its ABV is only 40%. I read that the older batches  of this Platinum range had ABV of 42% or higher. Overall it is an approachable and pleasing whisky for newcomers and probably for ladies as well since it is sweet and light in flavor. 

Everyone's taste bud is different. If you have tried it, write a comment below and let us know your experience with this blended whisky. 

Enjoy all and have a great weekend. Cheers 🥃🥃