Embajador Supreme Anejo Tequila

Today I am reviewing Embajador Supreme Anejo Tequila. Embajador means ambassador in Spanish, lets see if it lives up to it's name. It comes in a slick bottle with a wooden cap that gives it a distinctive look. This would be a good idea to give as a gift to tequila lovers. Could not find the distillery but it does look like they have a meticulous process in producing highest quality tequila. Especially with so much competition they better be on their toes. 

Now lets enjoy my tasting notes and find out how it stands compared to other tequilas. 

Vital Stats 
Embajador Supreme Anejo Tequila
Price- $49.99 for 750ml bottle ,$7.99 for 50ml sampler(I got it as a Christmas gift 😃)
ABV- 40%
Age- 18 months
Country of Origin- Mexico
Distillery- Could not identify
Awards won- Gold 2014, Spirits of Mexico

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Pale yellow
Aroma- Faint aroma of blue agave, peppermint,spice
Flavor- Sweetness of blue agave, spice,vanilla
Body- Medium
Finish- Mildly sweet non lingering

SJ's rating- Middle Shelf
It is a decent and balanced sipping tequila. Compared to other anejo tequila like the Aha Yeto it lacks the flavor and mouthfeel. I felt like I was having a reposado and not an anejo.
Occasions best enjoyed- Tequila flights, parties and as a mid range gift.
Cocktails- Anjeo's are meant to be sipped neat but I would use this in  margarina on the rocks as well

Keep the party going, Cheers! Enjoy responsibly. Not in the mood to read, listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast.

Ageing whiskey in Barrel at home

Hey Single Malters,  I have recently picked up a new hobby that is ageing whisky in mini barrels. Well at least I am going to try and see how it goes. I got this barrel/dispenser as a Christmas gift from my lovely wife. I am having so much fun with it and sharing how I am ageing a whiskey in today's post. It has been exactly one month since I aged this whisky and will update you once I do a tasting comparison with non-barrel aged whisky to see the difference so stay tuned for that in my upcoming blogs as well. For now Enjoy!

In today's post I will include
1. Type of barrel used
2. How to age whisky with step by step instructions with pictures
3. Tips on which alcohol to use for ageing

The barrel/dispenser I used in from Sharper image

Setting the stage, the packaging contents 

Instructions  to age alcohol 

Step by step Instructions 

Step 1- Remove the plug from the front of the barrel(remember to keep it safe so it can be used later)

2. Wash barrel with warm water, shake and empty

3. Use the attached funnel to carefully pour your whiskey in the barrel(I used Evan Williams Bottled in Bond) 

Step 4- Carefully screw the sprout into the front of the barrel

Finally all done 

Labelled the ageing start date of Dec 24,2019 and wait to let the magic happen

Some tips on ageing whiskey

I did some research on which alcohol to age so came up with suggestions to go for a higher proof alcohol. Hence, my quest began to find the perfect alcohol. My criteria was higher proof but not so high that it would have no change in flavor. Also, slightly cheaper whisky which means it hasn't  been aged for too long. I found Evan Williams bottled in Bond which fit my requirement. It is 50%ABV and just $13, match made in heaven. It is not too high proof or aged too long that I would not notice the difference when it matured.

Also, I kept 1/4 of the liquor just so I could compare it with the matured whisky when it is ready. Now how long I plan to age it is a big question. Well that I do not know, I will leave it at least a month and sample every month to see the difference. For now my intent is to enjoy the process of aging and reap the fruits of my labor eventually.
So go ahead knock yourself out and age yourself some good whisky. Cheers 🥃🥃🥃 & choose to enjoy responsibly.
Not in the mood to read. Check out my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve

I am reviewing Glenfiddich 14 for today's review. It is a special Bourbon Barrel Reserve,an interesting twist of flavor with Glenfiddich 14 paying tribute to American Bourbon industry in this release. Reads the product label "A celebration of the american spirit. After years maturing in casks that previously held bourbon, our Malt Master Brian Kingsman finishes our Scotch whisky in deep charred new American Oak Barrels from Kentucky for a rich, sweet and vibrant malt". This is why this whisky has the character of bourbon as well. The finishing in new oak barrels wakes it up with a bold vanilla punch, overlaid with notes of fresh oak and velvet caramel.

Vital Stats- Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve
Price- $46.00
Age- 14 years
ABV- 43%
Region- Speyside
Distillery- The Glenfiddich Distillery,Dufftown,Banffshire,Scotland
Awards won- None yet.

Tasting info-
Serving glass-Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Dark gold
Aroma- Fruity,tangerine, vanilla, oak, peppermint
Flavor- Fruity goodness of tangerine with toffee, caramel,vanilla and lingering oak sweetness
Body- Medium
Finish- Smooth,warm & lingering

SJ's rating- Top shelf
Highly complex fruity,deeper & darker version of Glenfiddich. Very well rounded and the new oak barrel giving it that fresh bold personality. Loved it. I am happy I poured myself a dram or two:-)
Occasions best enjoyed- Casual drinking, would be an amazing gift for the price
Cocktails- None, Enjoy it neat or with two cubes of ice

Hope you enjoyed it. Cheers to the marriage Glenfiddich & American Bourbon! & enjoy responsibly. Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives podcast instead.

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond

Hi everyone, Today I have Evan Williams Bottled in bond kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for the review. It is 100 proof genuine sour mash bourbon that is bottled in bond. Are all these jargons confusing to you? so was I. Let me break it down for you. 

100 proof means it has 50% alcohol by volume. 

Sour Mash is a process used in distilling that uses materials from an older batch of mash to start the fermentation of a new batch. It is similar to making of sourdough bread with water. Bourbon made using this process is called sour mash bourbon(From wiki). 

Bottled in Bond status is earned only by meeting strict government standards, originally passed in 1897 to ensure quality & consistency. In accordance with these standards the liquor must but produced in one distillation season (Jan to June or July to Dec) by one distiller at one distillery. It must be aged in federally bonded warehouses under US government supervision for at least 4 years and bottled at 100  proof or 50% ABV. 

Evan Williams proudly boasts its Bottled in Bond status by meeting all these standards in this elegantly while labeled bottle. 

Vital Stats-
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond
Price- $13.93 for 750ml bottle
Age-  At least 4 years
ABV- 50%
Distillery- Old Evan Williams Distillery, Louisville,KY
Awards Won- None found

Tasting info-
Serving  glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving  style- Neat
Appearance- Dark amber ...very soothing to the eyes
Aroma- Pleasant aroma of creamy vanilla, oak, spice, cinnamon, coffee
Flavor- Amazingly sweet & complex, rick oak , vanilla, cinnnamon, pepper
Body- Full
Finish- Warm, smooth lingering

SJ's rating- Top Shelf

I am blown away by this one. A bourbon of this caliber could be sold at much higher price range. It is like that humble wise man who does not boast his knowledge. A robust 50%ABV with a flavor to match at a very cheap price. I know.. it doesn't add up but try it yourself to find out. I loved it.

Occasions best enjoyed- Casual drinking, flight with other bourbons that have lesser ABV
Cocktails- Old Fashioned, Manhattan.
Hope you enjoyed the review. Cheers 🥃🥃🥃 & Enjoy Responsibly. Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead.

The Glenlivet Archive 21 & Happy New Year 2020

Happy New Year 2020 fellow Single Malters. It is a special occasion so reviewing Glenlivet 21 year old archive today. There are some fine things in life that do come with a hefty price tag. The Glenlivet Archive 21 is one of them. I am not saying everything with a higher price tag is good but this certainly is one of them. My general rule is if I like the flavor price does not matter.. expensive or cheap, go with what your palette enjoys and of course your wallet can afford! The special thing about this whisky is it produced in small,bespoke batches where each cask is nosed and approved making every batch unique.

I got to taste this in The Glenlivet Sipping sessions held in Dallas by the Purple Heart Foundation. This is the second time this year that I went to this event and I enjoy it more every time I participate. Indulge in some of the pictures of the event as well! Now without delay lets get to my tasting notes.

Vital Stats- The Glenlivet Archive 21 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Price-$329.99 for 750ml bottle( I got a free sample at the Glenlivet event 😄)
Age-21 years
ABV- 43%
Region- Speyside
Distillery- The Glenlivet Distillary,Moray,Scotland
Awards won- Gold outstanding by International wine & spirits competition(2013 & 2017) , The scotch whisky Masters 2013

Tasting info-
Serving glass- The Glenlivet whisky glass

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Dark Amber
Aroma- Very pleasant dried fruits, dark chocolate and sherry
Flavor- Creamy layered fruity & chocolate goodness, raisins, caramel & spice
Body-  Full bodied
Finish- Lasting warm, toasted hazelnut lingers

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

The Glenlivet archive 21 lives up more than expected of it. It is an archive of flavors upon flavors exploding in your mouth as it has lived in the casks for 21 years. Very smooth of course and incomparable flavor. 

Occasions best enjoyed- Celebrating milestones like silver jubilee anniversaries or big achievements
Cocktails- None. Meant to be enjoyed neat. No exceptions

Here are some pictures of the Glenlivet event that I highly enjoyed

Welcome banner

The whisky flight Glenlivet 12 yr, Glenlivet 14 yr,Glenlivet Founder Reserve(From left to right). Also pictured far left is a Hot Toddy cocktail kit.

Flavor scorecard 

Bartender setting up the state for the event

Yummy appetizers served..pork something very delicious

Your perfect instagram corner 

Very carefully crafted props for pictures to share in social media

Some more products on display

Author SJ (Left) with Glenlivet whisk(e)y Brand Ambassador Robert &  friend Felipe(back)

Wishing all you Single Malers a very Happy New Year 2020. Choose to Drink responsibly. Cheers!!

Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead & relax.