Gentleman Jack Whiskey

In today's blog I am reviewing Gentleman Jack by Jack Daniel's. I will be sharing the following information- 

• My research on the history behind this whiskey
• Vital Stats
• Tasting notes
• SJ's Rating
• Occasions best enjoyed & SJ's pro tip

Reads the product label "Inspired by the original gentleman distiller and our founder, Gentleman Jack undergoes a second charcoal mellowing to achieve exceptional smoothness. Its balanced flavor is perfect for celebrating life's extraordinary occasions, plus any moments along the way". Very well written story, Gentleman Jack is a higher end product of Jack Daniel's & it truly lives up to it's name as a gentleman's drink -smooth, flavorful & full bodied. I enjoyed every drop of it. 

The smoothness of this whiskey comes from double double charcoal mellowing(double drop in bottle cap as seen in picture above). This leaves the whiskey very palatable and pleasurable for a diverse set of drinkers. It is also quite an approachable whiskey starting from the aroma itself all the way to the finish. I am sure Gentleman Jack will find the liquor cabinets of whiskey lovers all over the world. 

Vital Stats- Gentleman Jack Tennessee by Jack Daniel's 

Price- $21.99 for 750ml($2.99 for 50ml pictured sampler bottle) 

Age- NAS(No Age Statement) but my guess is around 5 years since it is older than regular JD

ABV- 40%

Region- Tennessee, USA

Distillery- Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, TN

Awards won- Surprisingly none. I give it the versatile whiskey award

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat 

Appearance-  Dark Amber 

Aroma- Pleasant vanilla, light oak, nice fruity, hazelnut, butterscotch, citrus, honey, marmalade

Flavor- Sweet, mellow, vanilla, oak, honey, dark chocolate

Body- Full

Finish- Smooth, short nice spicy warm finish

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

It hits the spot for me so it is on the Top Shelf. 

-Smooth

-Full bodied

-Flavorful & Aromatic 

-Amazing long finish

-Bonus: Even with a normal 40% ABV it feels stronger & bolder which brings a unique character to this whiskey that makes it highly enjoyable. 

Occasions best suited- Casual, sipping outdoor gatherings

Cocktails- Gentleman's sour

SJ's Pro tip- Great alternate for single malt lovers to sip once in a while

It was a pleasure to explore this fine whiskey & present my findings. Give it a shot to find out. Cheers! Enjoy like a Gentleman! 

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

Tomatin Dualchas

Hello single malters, today I am reviewing Tomatin Dualchas Highland Scotch. In today's blog I will share the following info-

• My research on the history behind this whisky
• Vital Stats
• Tasting notes
• SJ's Rating
• Occasions best enjoyed & SJ's pro tip

Tomatin- the softer side of the highlands reads the product label. The Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897. The settlement in this place was only established after the wealth created by the distillery. Wow! so it has a huge impact on the history of this region. The word Tomatin translates to "Hill of the Juniper Bush". Its source of soft highland water is from Alt Na Firth meaning "Free burn"(Burn implies river). What is interesting is when they opened the distillery there was no workforce; the only inhabitants were cattle drovers & shepherds. Then the company began a project to accommodate its workforce.  So now, Tomatin is one of the few distilleries to provide home for its dedicated craftsmen. This shows the level of commitment both by the distillery and craftsmen in creating an exceptional product. 

Now about Dualchas, the time spend in bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks brings a light sweetness. It has No Age Statement(NAS) so it must be a younger whisky. Apparently more than 3 years by law to make it a single malt, so my guess is it must be between 4 to 5 years. Can you take a guess in the comment section below?

Vital Stats- Tomatin Dualchas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Price- $24.49

Age-  NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 43%

Region-  Highland

Distillery- The Tomatin Distillery Co., Inverness, UK

Awards won- 2016 Icons of whisky-Distiller of the year 2017 Icons of whisky-Brand innovator 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style-  Neat

Appearance- Beautiful light golden

Aroma- Fresh fruity, tangerine, banana, pear.Oak, vanilla,chocolate, marshmallow.

Flavor- Sweetness from pear, banana and new virgin oak barrel. Citrus, lemon, banana.

Body- Light

Finish- Non existent, short dry non-lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Even though it has a pleasant appearance & aroma with decent flavor , the finish is disappointing. Having said that ,it is an amazing deal for this price point $25 with 43% ABV which is way better than a Glenlivet Founders Reserve. 

Occasions Best Enjoyed- Casual drinking, parties. I would call it a summer whisky.

Cocktails- Neat or on the rocks

Food Pairings- Pork Ribs, the fatty pork ribs went well with the slightly higher ABV 

SJ's Pro tip- I enjoyed it with club soda which was a pleasant combination

This has been an amazing experience, I absolutely enjoyed exploring this new whisky & presenting my findings to help anyone looking for some answers. 

Check it out , happy & safe drinking! Cheers 🥃🥃🥃 

Not in the mood to read? Listen to my Single Malt Lives Podcast instead.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Hello SingleMalters,I recently stumbled upon this interesting one called Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum which I am reviewing today. In today's blog I will share the following information-

• My research on the history behind this rum
• Vital Stats
• Tasting notes
• SJ's Rating
• Occasions best enjoyed & SJ's pro tip

Sailor Jerry Rum is a tribute to a tattoo artist Named Normal Collins who was the father of old school tattoo. It is a blend of Caribbean rums infused with spices and other flavors including vanilla & cinnamon.  An interesting character and free spirit Sailor Jerry's adventures took him to Hawaii where he did most of his tattoo work. Sailor Jerry Rum is now owned by Scottish whisky giant William Grant & Sons fairly recently. 

The rum however does not live up to the person it is named after. It is an ok rum, don't see anything too special about it. Nothing in terms of flavor that makes it stand out from the crowd. However, there is an interesting interesting story behind it and that is what I like about it. 

Vital Stats - Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Price- $22.94 for 750 ml bottle($1.99 for 50ml for pictured sampler bottle)

Age- N/A

ABV- 46%

Country of Origin- US Virgin Islands 

Bottled by- Sailor Jerry Rum,Edison,NJ(Owned by William Grant & Sons) 

Awards won- None

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Bright gold

Aroma- Caramelized sugar,green apple, pears,cloves & other dry spices

Flavor- Nothing pleasant like the nose & color. Semi sweet, bitter. Has a medicinal raw alcohol flavor

Body- Medium

Finish- Very short, watery & non-lingering.

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

There is nothing interesting going on in this rum. It is bland in flavor even though it has a pleasant aroma & appearance.

Occasions best enjoyed- Casual parties

Cocktails- Mohito, Rum & coke

SJ's Pro tip- As an alternate Khukuri spiced rum from Nepal is a much better alternate

I enjoyed tasting and getting to do some research on this rum. Give it a shot to find out. Cheers & enjoy responsibly. 🥃🥃🥃

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

Cafecito coffee liqueur by Revolution spirits

Today I am reviewing cafecito coffee liqueur by Revolution Spirits. I was handed a couple of samples during one of the sipping sessions I attended locally in Dallas. Expect to get some information about this distillery & of course the tasting notes. 

Revolution spirits was established in 2013 according to its website. A fairy new player in the liqueur domain. They call themselves craft distillery and roll out Austin Reserve Gin, chocolate cafecito ,cafecito coffee liqueur & amico amaro (I will review in upcoming posts). I support local business and innovative ideas. Lets see how it rates in flavor and other criteria and if it impresses by palette. Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats- Cafecito coffee liqueur by Revolution Spirits 

Price- Free sample provided 

Age- N/A

ABV- 20%

Region- Texas, USA

Distillery- Revolution Spirits,Austin,TX

Awards won- None

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Murky Brown

Aroma- Mild coffee aroma, chocolate, some spices, Madagascar coffee beans

Flavor- Watered down coffee liqueur not much flavor, slight sweetness

Body- Light

Finish- Sweet, slight linger with bitter aftertaste

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf 

This is neither flavorful like other coffee liqueurs nor has enough alcohol to keep you buzzed. I would drink it in exchange of coffee or as a desert after a meal. 

Occasions- After dinner

Cocktails- Irish Coffee

SJ's Pro tip- There are plenty of other flavorful coffee liqueurs worth your money

Food Pairings- With some dark chocolate or piece of chocolate cake

This might be something for you if you are into coffee liqueur but clearly not my thing. Enjoy it yourself to find out. 

Cheers! Enjoy responsibly. 

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

Deanston 12

One World Many Malts..Welcome to Single Malt Lives! where I personally review whisky one bottle at a time.Today,I am reviewing Deanston 12 Highland single malt & will share the following information-

• My research on the history behind this whisky
• Vital Stats
• Tasting notes
• SJ's Rating
• Occasions best enjoyed & other tips

This has to be one of the most fascinating stories that I have every read.According to it's website, Deanston Distillery cotton mill opened in 1785 ( Oh my !). After the cotton industry declined the mill closed it's doors and converted into Deanston Distillery in 1974. Today it has opened it's doors for singe malt enthusiasts and has a worldwide presence. That is quite a history! 

Just like the unique story, the taste of this whisky is quite something that I never experienced before. You will find out this in my tasting notes. Enjoy! Now it is time to find out if it lives up to the name & legacy.  

Vital Stats

Deanston 12 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Price- $54.73 for 750ml($4.99 for 50ml sampler bottle) 

Age- 12 years 

ABV- 46.3%

Region- Highland

Distillery- Burn Stewart Distillers ltd

Awards won- 2017 Gold Medal, World Whiskies Award

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance-  Medium Gold

Aroma- Nice orange, fruity. Some lingering marmalade, vanilla,oak

Flavor- This is something I never tasted before. It is robust dry spice, flavors bursting all at once. Overwhelming spice, oak, vanilla & cloves.

Body- Medium

Finish- Very short dry finish

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Robust character but all the flavors comes in at once & leaves the palette at once very quickly. Tsunami of flavors doesn't build time to enjoy. 

Occasions- Casual drinking

Cocktails- None, Neat or rocks

Food Pairings- None

SJ's pro tip- Not enjoyable as a sipping whisky as it does not smooth.

I enjoyed tasting this whisky as I got transported to a very different world of flavor. Have you enjoyed this lately? Let me know in the comments below. 

Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast