Colombo Marsala Dry wine

With a mission of uncovering one bottle at a time, Today I am reviewing Colombo Marsala Dry wine. It is fortified wine which means cognac has been added during the maturation. This makes it higher in ABV of 18% and I love it. Enjoy some background about this wine, tasting notes and food pairings in this blog. 

Reads the product label "Colombo Marsala is unique, versatile wine made only on the island of Sicily on the Italian Coast. For centuries, Marsala has been enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal or during desert. More recently top Chefs use Colombo Marsala for their finest recipes when absolutely top-quality ingredients are required". Well I am no top chef but I will test out if this statement is true or not by using it for cooking Marsala Chicken and of course reviewing the wine. Enjoy!

Vital Stats

Colombo Marsala Fine Dry Wine

Price- $8.99

Vintage- N/A

Age- Aged for over 2 years(minimum 1 year by law) in Slavonian Oak Barrels

ABV- 18%

Region- Marsala,Sicily, Italy

Producer- Bagio Curatolo Arini

Awards won- None

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Wine glass

Serving style- Chilled

Appearance- Dark Red

Aroma- Grapes,sherry

Flavor- Semi sweet, oak, sherry,chocolate,grapes

Body- Medium

Finish- Short,Non-Lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Very versatile wine for cooking & enjoying by itself. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Higher ABV as well which is what I like. It lacks the tannin, leathery mouthfeel so not in my top shelf.

Occasions- Dinner with family & friends

SJ's pro tip(Food Paring)- Use it to cook Marsala Chicken & enjoy alongside.

I simply enjoyed cooking with this wine and pairing it with my food. Try it out and feel the magic. 

Cheers! Enjoy responsibly. 

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Jose Cuervo Especial Gold Tequila

"Recipient of more Gold Medal Awards than any other tequila" states the product label. Today I am reviewing  Jose Cuervo Especial Gold. It  is a golden style joven(young) tequila which is a blend of reposado (aged) & younger tequilas. Their website suggests mixing this tequila with margarita but I believe such a flavorful tequila should be sipped and not mixed. You can use other blanco(unaged) tequilas like Patron silver for that.

Upon some research I found that La Rojena that produces Jose Cuervo is the oldest distillery in South America. Wow! quite the golden liquid with a legacy.

Vital Stats

Jose Cuervo Espeical Gold Tequila

Price- $14.99 for 750ml bottle(Pictured -$1.49 for 50ml sampler bottle)

Age- 1 to 2 months

ABV- 40%

Region- Jalisco,Mexico

Distillery- La Rojena Distillery

Awards won- Gold, World Tequila Awards 2015

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Pale Golden

Aroma- Pleasing aroma of blue agave, lemon grass, citrus, honey, vanilla,oak

Flavor-Sweet blue agave, vanilla, oak, orange, cherries

Body- Full bodied

Finish- Long & smooth. Flavor lingers & flirts in palette forever

SJ's rating- Top Shelf

It is a hidden gem, very smooth sipping tequila. I enjoyed it and loved every drop. I am surprised how well crafted this 100% blue agave tequila is. Highly recommended.

Occasions of use- Sipping, connoseur tasting

Cocktails- None, sip it neat , maybe as a shot as well

SJ's Pro tip- If you are looking for a sipping tequila on a budget, this fits the bill perfectly. 

I enjoyed it thoroughly & know for sure you will as well. Check it out for yourself and find out. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

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Handley & Sons Gin

Today I am reviewing Hadley & Sons Gin.TerrePURE spirits, the company that produces this gin, also produces Winchester whiskey. This is worth researching so SJ put on his researcher hat.  

Terrentia Corporation is the company that owns TerrePURE spirits. I was fascinated to find that they produce different spirits under their brand and gin is one of them. They are revolutionary in spirits making and use TerrePURE process to mature whisky in  days not years using ultrasonic technology. Now I do not want this blog to turn into a science class :-). In short, they mature whisky using ultrasonic technology which makes it quicker and more smoother is what they claim. It is up to SJ to reveal the truth lol. Can technology actually change this ancient whisky making process into a better whisky tasting experience? I will find out. Enjoy my tasting notes.

Vital Stats

Hadley & Sons Gin

Price- $11.99 for 750ml($1.99 for 50ml sampler bottle)

Age- N/A

ABV- 46%

Product of- USA

Distillery- TerrePURE Spirits, North Charleston,SC

Awards won- 2016 Bronze, San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style-

Appearance- Colorless(white)

Aroma- Light breezy aroma of juniper, flora,citrus & grassy

Flavor- Light sweetness from Juniper , hint of citrus,lemon grass,floral & tangerine 

Body- Medium

Finish- Short,Non lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Not the best gin apparently. However a decent one for the price.

Occasions- Day parties, casual drinking

Cocktails- Gin & Tonic

SJ's Pro tip- For those trying to cut calories, skip the sugary tonic & go neat. Try other gins like Bombay Sapphire Vapor infused and observe what your palette likes.

Bell's Blended Scotch

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Hi everyone, I had an amazing memorial day with friends, great BBQ and of course drinks. Today, I am reviewing Bell's Blended Scotch and sharing some "memorial" pictures of that day. Enjoy. 

Turns out Bell's is the best selling whisky in UK. Established in 1851 originally produced by Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd is now owned by Diagio. SJ seeks to find out if this UK's best seller is worth drinking or not. Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats

Bell's Blended Scotch- Original

Price- $20.99 for 750ml 

Age- No age statement

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin- Scotland

Manufacturer- Diageo

Awards Won- 2017 Silver, Deluxe Blend International Wine & Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber

Aroma- Fruits, oak & smokey aroma

Flavor- Sweet, slight smokeyness, grain, fruits

Body-Medium

Finish- Medium, lingers for just a short time

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

For a mass produced Scotch, this is not bad at all. Definitely not comparable to a single malt whisky but it holds its place as a decent blended Scotch for it's price. 

Occasions best enjoyed- Casual outdoor settings

Cocktails- None, sip it neat or on the rocks

Food pairings- Pork Ribs, Chicken gizzards

SJ's Pro tip- Great party favorite for the price

Overall, it was an amazing weekend and a decent drink to go with it. Bell's Scotch was highly enjoyable, try it out for yourself to find out. Cheers ! Enjoy Responsibly & stay safe. 

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