Virtual Drinking for our well being

So what's the latest trend in drinking? Virtual Drinking of course Well more of a necessity than a trend. This blog is ad-hoc and dedicated to all looking to get an escape(at least virtually) from what the chaos going on.
Guys it is a comma, not a full-stop & we will get back strong. 

Me and my friends needed an outlet to talk, chill & share thoughts during this mind numbing pandemic. Hence one brilliant friend suggested Virtual Drinking. It needs extraordinary will power to keep sane during these times and drinking in moderation for does help :-). As always I choose to ENJOY RESPONSIBLY and advice the same to others. By responsible I mean drinking in moderation & not drinking and driving. I am strictly against Binge Drinking and highly discourage it, have been a strong advocate against it.

The experience- Zoom Virtual Drinking

Even though not physically close to each other, the feeling was still the same.. jokes floating around..pulling each other's legs and just having fun.

The participants- Mikki, Jay, Bishal,Sway, Prajwol, SJ(author), 

The drinks

I had my usual single malt , this time it was Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask that I reviewed last week. Other friends had beer Modelo, Shiner bock, some were having IPA names I don't remember. What I do remember is that 1-2 hours of time just floated by so quickly laughing , chatting drinking. It was definitively an outlet for us like a boys night out.

Topics discussed

Apart from the boring and highly opinionated pandemic, we talked about getting together for a grand party after this pandemic is over among others.

- Vegas trip which has been pending forever

- Cruise to Bahamas
- Movies and TV Series to binge watch
- All of us moving to Tampa, Florida where one of our friend(Jay) lives 😄

- Opening up the most expensive bottle of whisky like a 30 year old Macallan
- Interesting liquor's that are worth trying
- Showing off top shelf whisky that are our prized possessions.
Jokes apart one thing we all shared in common is that we will not take anything for granted, like going to the grocery, walking outside , taking a vacation. Humanity has completely changed its perspective on what is necessary and what is not.

The food
Some yummy food we munched during our virtual get-together. It is mostly Momos 😃😃

 SJ's tips on keeping sane during the pandemic- 
- Remember some things are not in your control, only control the variables that you can
- Exercise in any form(yoga, resistance bands), playing with kids, walking in place, mowing the lawn
- Of course have a drink and connect with friends and family.
- Watch some good TV. Recommended are
Ozark(Series), Marco Polo(Series)The Platform(movie),Blood Father(movie) all in Netflix. Danger close(Movie) in Prime.

Cheers ! Enjoy virtually for now. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast

Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask Finish

One World Many Malts. Hope everyone and their families are safe during this pandemic.When else in the history of mankind did a man(or woman) need drink as much as during these chaotic times. Luckily there are plenty of options and I am here to fulfill one mission which is to review liquor One bottle at a time. Today I am reviewing Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask Finish. I have already reviewed Highland Queen Majesty Sauternes Cask not too long ago & ranked it middle shelf.
Reads the product label "Since 1561, Mary Queen of Scots has embodied the enduring and noble values, history and independent spirit of Scotland. Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask Finish has been carefully selected from the finest malts in Scotland to offer a distinctive and smooth whisky, for the enjoyment of all. "The result we leave with confidence to your judgement"
Not it is time to find out how confidently you can  pick up this bottle with my tasting. Enjoy!

Vital Stats
Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask Finish
Price- $19.99
Age- No age statement
ABV- 46%
Region- Highland
Company-  Alexander Murray & Company Ltd
Awards won- None found however SJ gives it Value for Money award :-)

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass
Serving style- Neat and on the rocks

Appearance- Medium Amber
Aroma- Nice whiff of vanilla, oak , sherry finish, peppermint, fruit,citrus
Flavor- Robust oak, sherry, defined complex flavor of fruits, vanilla, honey
Body- Medium
Finish- Nice crisp, warm, lingering
SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
It is an exceptional value for its price. You will not find a single malt at this price point with so much flavor. It's high ABV and flavor makes it highly enjoyable. If you are on a tight budget but don't quite want to give up the single malt palette then this is for you.
Occasions Best Enjoyed- Casual drinking on a budget, Value for money, good as cheaper gift
Cocktails- None, enjoy over a cube of ice or water. Not in my top shelf because it does does not feel so robust overall.
SJ's pro tip-  Having it on the rocks reduces the burn of high ABV and mellows it down to perfection.
Stay safe and enjoy responsibly. Cheers 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
Not in the mood to read, listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead.

Winchester Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Today I am reviewing Winchester Straight Bourbon Whiskey. I picked up this sampler since I had never heard of this whiskey. The producers are TerrePure based in North Carolina...Interesting. Even more exciting is their approach to producing whiskey. From its website "Terressentia was founded on the idea that technology can radically improve both quality & taste". Now that is some food for thought.

Vital Stats
Winchester Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Price- $24.99 for 750ml bottle, $1.99 for 50ml sampler(pictured)
Age- Minimum 2 years in new oak barrels
ABV- 45%
Produced & Bottled by- TerrePure Spirits, North Charleston,SC
Awards Won- Gold Medal 2017-Bourbon Whiskey, New York International Spirits Competition(Among Others)

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Medium Amber

Aroma- Similar to Makers Mark 46 profile, complex spices,oak lingers. Hints of honey, pepper, lemon, strawberry
Flavor- Smooth oak, honey, vanilla, peppermint, spices, dry fruits
Body- Medium
Finish- Medium, warm, crisp non lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 
It is not bad at all for the price range. There is something about the new oak barrel that gives it a smooth distinctive flavor which I loved.
Occasions best enjoyed-  Casual drinking/large parties since it is value for money
Cocktails- The usual classic bourbon cocktails Manhattan & Old Fashioned. I would also enjoy it with club soda or on the rocks.

                                                 Reading the product story..check it out
Try it out and let me know if it hits your palette. Choose to drink RESPONSIBLY. Cheers!🥃🥃
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast

Making Hot Toddy

Hey Whiskey lovers, today I am making Hot toddy cocktail.. sampling and reviewing my own creation :-). If you all are thinking that I will be biased when rating my own work..the answer is absolutely.Doing it anyway because it is FUN! and most importantly I ENJOYED it.

I had a Hot toddy Cockatail kit from one of the Glenlivet tasting sessions and had saved it so I can share it here with everyone. 

Enjoy the hard work of my labor and make it yourself at home and enjoy with friends and family. It is very easy and fun. 

Vital Stats
Home Made Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy cocktail kit..sweet :-)

Setting the stage..Contents of the kit

 Recipe, Ginger syrup, lemon packet, Bar spoon, Cinnamon sticks,Linen coaster

Step 1. Pour half of the contents(0.5 oz) of ginger syrup bottle into a cup with hot water

Step 2 Add the Glenfiddich and one crystallized lemon packet into the cup 

                    Step 4. Stir for 10 seconds, garnish with a cinnamon stick

Enjoy! the delicious blend of your creation. 

Tasting info-
Serving glass- The Glenlivet Whisky Glass
Serving style- Cocktail
Appearance-  Murky, muddy, translucent
Aroma- Cinnamon stick from hot water, lemon, pepper
Flavor- Cinnamon, lemon, flavors from 14 year old Glenfiddich
Body- Medium
Finish- Warm, non-lingering
SJ's Rating- Top Shelf
It is an excellent balance of proportions, simple yet delicious. I realized that proportion is the most important thing when mixing cocktails. Since it came in a kit the only thing I did was boil some water!
Occasions best enjoyed- For cold winter nights by the fireside to warm up. Also fights cold.

Try it out for yourselves and enjoy with friends & family. It is very simple to make and as always choose to enjoy RESPONSIBLY!
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple Whiskey

Hello all, Today I am reviewing Jack Daniel's Apple Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel's Distillery is a household name and a very popular one which needs no introduction. They have experimented with different flavors and this one happens to be apple. Come join me in this journey to uncover the appearance, aroma and flavor. Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple Whiskey 
Price- $20.99 for 750ml bottle, $1.99 for 50 ml sampler(pictured)
Age- N/A
ABV- 35%
Distillery- Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee
Awards Won- None

Tasting info-
Serving Glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass
Serving Style- Neat
Appearance- Medium Gold

Aroma- Fresh crisp green apple, pair, vanilla
Flavor- Sweet , green apple, caramel from flavoring, honey notes
Body- Medium
Finish- Warm, smooth, sweet & non lingering

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf
It is way too sweet for my taste. Quite smooth and enjoyable as a desert alternate though. It is also suitable for people who prefer a slightly lower ABV like beginners and ladies getting into whiskey.
Occasions best enjoyed- After dinner just like a desert
Cocktails- Neat or Old fashioned cocktail

Choose to enjoy responsibly! Cheers 🥃🥃.
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead.