Friday, March 29, 2019

Suntory Whisky Toki- Japanese


"For Relaxing time, make it a Suntori time". This is a famous line by Bill Murray from the popular movie "Lost in Translation". It accurately portrays the message of this Japanese Whisky. It is not surprising anymore that the Japanese have claimed their stake on the Whisky Domain. They have given the Scott's their run for their money. The good thing is that we the consumers get to enjoy fine quality liquor because of this competition and I have no complains about it :-). 
As luck had it , this bottle was on sale so was a good opportunity for me to sample Japanese Whisky. This particular one is not as popular as the higher end Hibiki but does have its niche.I was looking at the bottle and noticed that Suntory Distillery was established in 1923. This shows that they are not new to whisky making and have perfected their art for a long time. 

Vital Stats
Suntory Whisky Toki Japanese Whisky
Price - $27(Sale Price) for 750ml. Regular price is $40
ABV- 43%
Age- No age statement
From- House of Suntory Whisky,Japan
Established- 1923
Awards won- None I could find

Tasting info- 
Serving glass- Glencairin glass(Pictured). Available in Amazon. (The reason I choose this glass for new whisky tasting is because it has a narrow end which captures the aromas properly. It helps me conduct a proper tasting.)

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Light gold
Aroma- Fruity, honey, hints of raw alcohol
Flavor- Apple, peppermint and thyme
Finish- Sweet and spicy short finish. Does not linger in taste buds for long

SJ's rating- Middle shelf 
My impression of this is it is a fruity and fun drink most suitable during summer. It is light and does not have strong complex flavors which you find in regular scotch whisky. However, it does have its unique charm. I can imagine myself drinking it in a highball glass as a cocktail or with lots of ice on a hot summer day. It is not a winter drink which I prefer to be stronger and much more flavorful. 

What is your opinion about this whisky or any Japanese whisky you have tried? Please leave a comment below. 
Also,Full disclose to readers.Some of the links in my blog are Amazon affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. If any funds collected it will be for the maintenance and betterment of the blog. 



Friday, March 22, 2019

Aha Yeto Artesanal Anejo Tequila


Aha Yeto- who knew tequila could be sipped and not just used as shots to get drunk quickly. It has a bad reputation of a party hard get drunk image. This one is however a showstopper, a gem among regular tequilas. It demands full attention to be appreciated by sipping slowly. Presenting Aha Yeto Anejo, one of the smoothest tequila my taste buds ever encountered. A rare find, unique in flavor and bottling.  It is a humbling experience to enjoy the subtle flavors of this artisan tequila. This particular bottle wasn't available in any local stores so hats off to my friend Brian who hunted for it online and found one for this tasting. He was more than happy to share this liquid treasure. Never had planned to get my hands on such a rare liquid but my lucky charm worked for me and I am proudly writing about our experience drinking this delicious pour.

Vital Stats
Aha Yeto Artesanal Anejo Tequila
Price- $57.99 for 750ml bottle(Extra for shipping)
ABV- 40%
Age- Aged in barrels for at least a year
From- Mexico
Awards won- None I could find but sure did win my heart :-)

Tasting info-
Serving glass(s)- First in Shot glass then tumbler

Serving style(s)- As shots with lemon wedge/salt and then neat
Appearance- Light golden color, darker than reposado
Aroma- Brown sugar, chocolate, fruits
Flavor- Cedar wood, nougat
Finish- Smooth and long finish. Just like a well aged fine Scotch. Very strong and lasting aftertaste.

SJ's Rating- Top shelf
What can I say about this smooth pour of tequila. It goes on my top shelf because it is a perfect alternate for single malts as a sipping drink. This is top of the line since it has been aged in barrels for at least a year. Kudos to the skill of the artisans in Mexico for crafting such an extraordinary liquor. Given the hard work and dedication needed to create this tequila, it is well worth the price. 

As a part of my ever-going cause for responsible drinking, I have come up with a few one liners of my own. Here is one of them; 
Drive when sober,
or else get  Uber. 
Hope you enjoyed reading this one. What tequilas do you think are worth sipping? Let me know in the comments below. 

Cheers to good times and more to come! 

Friday, March 15, 2019

St.Patrick's Day- Lets talk Liquor

St. Patrick's Day is around the corner so there would not be a more auspicious occasion to talk about liquor and my collection.I wish everyone Happy St.Patrick's day weekend and as always to enjoy responsibly. Technically it is on Sunday but still wishing all an early one. Today I am sharing pictures I took in various points in time, no reviews just dedicating this blog to the joyous and fun experiences created by fine liquor.There are many that I did not not take pictures of so I will remember from now on whenever I have a new bottle 😃. Kick back and enjoy the picturesque journey. Pictures are self explanatory but I have written the name in cases where you are unable to read the label. 



Woodford Reserve, Geroge Dickel Tenessee, Patron silver Whisky, Glenlivet 12


Patron Anejo, Jameson Cakmates, Suntori Japanese whisky, Ardmore Highland Scotch

Back row- Vantage Australian spirit, Reposado taquilla, Evan williams 

Silver presentation tray available in Amazon

One shaped like a dagger is Khukuri Rum from Nepal

Back row- Patron silver and Jonnie Walker Platinum







I hope you guys have tried some from my collection. What is a must have whisky in your cabinet? Please share your opinion in the comments below. Again,I reiterate the importance of responsible drinking and Do not drink and drive ever. There are lots of promo codes and discounts offered by Lyft and Uber so please utilize it.
Cheers..Happy St.Patty's Day and Enjoy your green Beer🥃

Friday, March 8, 2019

The Manhattan- Classic bourbon cocktail



Hello Single Malters, today its time to unleash The Manhattan. It is another classic bourbon drink. I simply love it with Maker's 46 bourbon which so well blends with the other ingredients. There is a certain sophistication about this drink and also comes in a fancy glass. An ideal Manhattan is served in a chilled glass with good bourbon and quality ingredients whipped together by expert hands. Sitting on the other end and enjoying is me as I have never made this at home but will do so and share it with you guys in my future blogs. Now get ready to take your senses for a ride with this adventurous and classy drink.  For those with energy and passion, I have put together a simple recipe below. For the lazy ones like me,  there are some eye candy pictures of the drink for your eyes to feast on. 

Vital Stats
The Manhattan 
Ingredients
2 parts Maker's 46 Bourbon
1 part sweet vermouth
2 dashes of aromatic bitters
Cherry to garnish

How to make it 
1.Combine the ingredients over ice in mixing glass
2. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass  neat or on the rocks
3. Garnish with cherry


The Manhattan Gallery 
( Pictures of The Manhattan drink I had in different places) 

Same drink different occasions @ Lazy Dog, Euless, TX. My Go-To hangout spot.

Having Manhattan @ Manhattan 😃( Tanner Smith's, NY) 

Classic Manhattan @ Thirsty Lion, Euless,TX

 Gran Hotel, Costa Rica ( Ticos have their own version of Manhattan, simply delicious) 

I had so much fun putting this together. Hope you enjoyed reading it as well. What bourbon do you have your Manhattan with? Let me know in the comments section below.

Cheers and Enjoy the fine art of drinking responsibly!

Friday, March 1, 2019

Oban 14-Year-Old

Today I am reviewing Oban 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is one that a friend of mine suggested as it happens to be his favorite. It has a slightly higher price point just like any premium product or service costs higher because of its superior quality. And what quality and craftsmanship has gone into making this fine liquor. This is one of the heavy peated Whiskies for those who like smokey flavor. 
According to Wiki this Western Highland Malt is said to have been originally founded in 1794. A bustling seaside resort has grown up around the distillery in the two centuries since it was first built in the fishing town of Oban. 

Vital Stats
Oban 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Price- $69.99 for 750ml bottle
ABV- 43%
Region- Highland
Awards won- Gold Outstanding , 2013 Island -Single Malt Scotch-International Wine and Spirits Competition

Tasting info- 
Serving glass- Whisky glass

Serving style- On the rocks(Pictured above, Rounded ice cube available in amazon) 
Appearance- Olive gold
Aroma- Robust aroma of citrus and peaty smoke
Flavor- Smokey with hints of honey-sweet spices
Finish- Short smooth finish. Taste lingers in mouth long just for a short time

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
I was a little disappointed with this one because I thought it would be more smoother and flavorful.  Even though it is a delicious pour, my taste buds would rather have Balvinie 14 as it has much more flavor and character than Oban 14. Taste is completely a subjective experience so there might be some like my friend who like it because of its smoky flavor. For them it is worth it. 

The same Whisky can have different impressions on drinkers. Its like opening a Pandora's box of flavors,aromas , preferences and differences. What has been your experience with Oban? Please share your opinions below. Thanks for visiting my blog and Cheers🥃