Shieldaig Islay Finest Old

Fellow Single Malters, my quest to unravel single malt whisky one bottle at a time continues.Today I am reviewing Shieldaig Finest Old. It comes from Islay-one of the smallest whisky regions in Scotland. Upon some research I found out that the same bottle comes from Speyside region as well. This is quite fishy & there seems to be no information about the distillery. Moral of the story "If you are skeptical don't buy".Reads the product label "The loch of herring, The fishermen, traders and travelers who have inhibited Shieldaig, the loch of herring over the centuries have rightly considered themselves lucky in life. A taste of this good fortune can still be enjoyed today with every measure of Shieldaig fine scotch whisky".  SJ seeks to find the truth. 😃 . Enjoy my tasting  notes

Vital Stats-
Price- $18.99
Age- Not aged
ABV- 40%
Region-Islay
Company- William Maxwell & Co Ltd
Awards Won- None, I can see why

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass
Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Light Amber
Aroma- Nice whiff of vanilla, citrus,pear, fruity notes
Flavor- Very light & fruity, pepper, vanilla,light oak. Similar to Glenlivet Founders Reserve Profile
Body- Light
Finish- Very light,watery,non lingering
SJ's Rating- Bottom
I did not have much expectations from $18 scotch. It is very light bodied & the finish is non-existent. You can use it for parties as it is value for money & not for sipping.
Occasions Best Enjoyed- Summer time
Cocktails- Highball , lots of ice
SJ's Pro tip-  Highland Queen Majesty Sherry Cask is an alternate to Shieldaig. Same price but much better flavor.

No need to thank me for saving your buck 😉 Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly!
Tune into my SingleMaltLives Podcast if you prefer listening

99 Brand Whiskey

Hello Singe Malters.Today I am reviewing 99 Brand Whiskey. It is unheard of and is as cheezy as it sounds. Appropriately named because it is 99 proof or 49.5% ABV(Alcohol By Volume). Let me uncover the tasting notes of this unknown brand. Enjoy!
Vital Stats
99 Brand Whiskey
Price- $0.99 cents for 50ml sampler bottle
Age- N/A
ABV- 49.5%
Region- USA
Produced by- Polynesian Products Co, Louisville,KY
Awards Won- It gets my Worst tasting Whisky Award

Tasting info-
Serving style- Neat, On the rocks

I simply could not drink it neat so added a few cubes of ice. Even that didnt work! Lol

Serving glass- Whisky glass for on the rocks, Glencairn glass for neat
Appearance- Pale
Aroma- Grassy,raw grain , pungent
Flavor-  Sweet syrupy taste with a burning sensation, highly unpleasant
Body- Medium
Finish- Short, non existent, not smooth at all

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf
This is not a palatable whiskey for 99.99% of the population. Tt is a blended grain sugary syrup with high ABV. I had to throw away after a couple of sips.
Occasions best suited- None
Cocktails- N/A
SJ's Pro tip- Evan Williams Bottled in bond is a better alternate lower priced bourbon

Now you know 99 Brand is something that you "DO NOT BUY". Hope this helps and enjoyed my review. Enjoy responsibly &Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
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Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

"Wine to me is passion. It's family and friends. It's warmth of heart and generosity of spirit."

-Robert Mondavi

Very well said..Today I am pivoting a little from my regular whisky & reviewing wine.It happens to be Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon by Robert Mondavi. The product story reads "In 1979, Robert Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery near his childhood home of Lodi, California to craft fine wines for everyday enjoyment. Our Cabernet Sauvignon displays aroma and flavors of blackberry and dark cherry, with hints of toast and spice. "
Let's see if Mondavi's promise lives up to his name. Enjoy there my tasting notes!

Vital Stats
Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon by Robert Mondavi 2017
Price- $5.76 for 750ml bottle
Vintage- 2017
ABV- 13.5%
Region- California
Awards Won- None

Tasting info-
Serving Glass- Stemless wine glass
Serving Style- Chilled
Appearance- Dark red
Aroma- Red grapes, grassy,fruity
Flavor- Red grapes, dark cherry, hints of spice & toast
Body- Medium
Finish- Warm & lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
Do not judge this wine by the cheap price. If you ask me it tastes as good as any other Cabernet Sauvignon. Good for all occasions to relax & enjoy.
Occasions- Over dinner with friends & family
Food Pairing- I paired it with goat meat I made.

SJ's Pro tips- 
1. Use this wine for cooking goat meat.
2. Pair dark meat(beef,mutton) with red wine & lighter meat(chicken,seafood) with white wine

I am sure you all are enjoying your time at home with family drinking fine liquor & savoring great food.
Cheers & Enjoy Responsibly🥃🥃
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Jim Beam Black- Extra Aged Bourbon

Today,I am reviewing Jim Beam Black- Extra Aged Bourbon. Reads the product label "Our premium 86 proof, double aged bourbon spends 8 years in new charred white oak barrels, that's twice as long as our original Jim Beam". Found it quite interesting so am giving it a shot...enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats
Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon 
Price- $17.99 for 750ml bottle, $1.39 for 50 ml sampler bottle(pictured)
Age- 8 years
ABV- 43%
Region- Kentucky, USA
Distillery- James B.Beam Distilling
Awards Won- Gold, 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass
Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber
Aroma- Vanilla, Oak,Fruits, citrus
Flavor- Bite of cinnamon, vanilla, oak, spices, clove, extra aged in barrel brings robust flavor
Body- Medium
Finish- Smooth, long,lingering, warm, sweet, smooth

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
This is one of the refined higher end products that Jim Beam offers comparable to Makers Mark 46. I however like MM 46 as it has more as it has better flavor and finish. It is still a decent drink & would enjoy once in a while.
Occasions Best Enjoyed- Casual Drinking
Cocktails- Manhattan, Old Fashioned, with club soda

I am sure you enjoyed my review. Choose to enjoy responsibly! Cheers 🥃🥃
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Kraken Black Spiced rum

Hi all, Today I am reviewing Kraken Black Spices Rum.Reads the product label "As seen through the eyes of imagination Bizzaare & Fierce Sea Creatures" . I have never seen such unique branding of any rum. It sure does sound intriguing and exotic.  It comes in an attractive bottle and looks unique. Apart from the branding lets find out if it really lives up to my expectations. SJ's on tackling the sea creatures..here I come Kraken..Enjoy my tasting notes.

Vital Stats
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Price- $17.99 for 750ml bottle & $1.49 for 40ml sampler(pictured)
Age- N/A
ABV-  35%
Country of Origin- Trindad & Tobago
Bottled by- Kraken Rum Company, Cocoa,FL
Awards won- None

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Dark (Almost pitch dark)
Aroma- Spices, toffee, pepper, clove, caramel
Flavor- Creamy coffee, fruits, vanilla,honey, ginger
Body- Medium
Finish- Warm,clean & non-lingering
SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
Nothing special about this rum.The taste does not match up to the bold marketing it has done. Compared to other rums I have reviewed like Khukuri Rum from Nepal, it lacks the flavor and finish. It is still a sipping rum and I enjoyed it.

Occasions Best Enjoyed-  To cure cough & cold and on a cold winter night
Cocktails- Classic Rum & coke
SJ's pro tip- The unique packaging makes for a great gift idea

I am sure you found this review useful. Try it out yourself and have fun. Cheers 🥃🥃🥃 & choose to Enjoy RESPONSIBLY.
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