Paul John Brilliance- Indian Single Malt Whisky

Today I am reviewing a very unique whisky- Paul John Brilliance Single Malt from India. I call it unique because it is the first time I am trying an Indian Single Malt. In today's blog I will share the following information-

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

Reads the product story " The brilliance of Goa is captured at its best to delight your senses. It is a non-chill filtered, non-peated Indian Single Malt". They use six row barley which is sourced from across the vast lands of Rajesthan & Haryana to the foothills of the Himalayas. With the higher husk content the barley produces an oilier wash which results them bottling the spirit with  at least 46% ABV. Add to that a robust and rich source of Goa water, it is a match made in heaven. 

 

Vital Stats-  Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky

Price- $43.99 for 750ml

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 46%

Country of Origin- Goa, India

Distillery- John distilleries, Goa, India

Awards won- 2016 Silver, The World Whisky Masters

Tasting info- 

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance-  Rich Amber 

Aroma- Very nice glenfiddich profile aroma, fruity ,vanilla, oak, spices, chocolate

Flavor- Fruit, citrus, vanilla, honey, Not too matured as it is a NAS

Body- Full 

Finish- Smooth, slightly lingering, spicy 

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Very high quality Indian Single Malt but does not make it in my top shelf because of it's finish. However, it is a highly enjoyable whisky

Occasions- Casual, whisky flights

Cocktail- None, Enjoy neat 

SJ's Pro tip- Leave it in the glass for a few minutes and add few drops of filtered water for the flavors to really open up

I enjoyed sampling this unique single malt from India and so  will you. Cheers! 🥃🥃. Enjoy Responsibly! 

Not in the mood to read? Check out my Single Malt Lives Podcast insted!

Jagermeister herbal liqueur

Imagine drinking the most healthiest juice(alcohol infused 🙂 ) with the best quality of herbs & fruits extract. You are sipping this in an aromatic garden! This is how it felt like when drinking Jagermeister. It is a very popular herbal spirit that is known for it's medicinal properties as much as the famous Jagerbomb drink. 

In today's blog I will share the following information about this very special drink-

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

The product story goes "Nature made it, we put it in a bottle. The highest quality herbs, blossoms, roots & fruits around the globe are crafted into 4 distinct macerates(soften by soaking) then combined in modern day alchemy into our herbal spirit. The full ingredient list is a closely guarded secret, but raise a glass to your lips and you will taste all 4 corners of the world". 

With this statement, the analogy is that they must have sourced their ingredients from all over the world. This is the beauty of drinking it and imagining what could have gone in it. Overall it is an amazing drink for good health. Now it is time to find out ! Enjoy my tasting notes 😊. I call it the most fun part. 

Vital Stats- Jagermeister herbal liqueur

Price- $30.07 for 750ml( $2.99 for 750ml for pictured sampler)
Age- Up to 1 year 

ABV- 35%

Country of Origin- Germany

Bottled by- Mast-Jagermeister SE, Wolfenbuttel

Awards won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat 

Appearance- Dark 

Aroma- Very pleasant botanicals, herbs, juniper, berries, fruits so aromatic like stepping in garden, chocolate, raspberries

Flavor- Exactly like how it smells, full of herbs, cinnamon, cloves, juniper, berries

Body-  Full 

Finish- Spicy, warm, lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

It is top quality German crafted herbal liquor. Great as a digestif or for overall health but not meant for sipping like a single malt whisky.

Occasions best enjoyed- Casual, after dinner digestif

Cocktails- Jagerbomb(shot of Jag with energy drink)

SJ's Pro tip- Serve ice cold

This is a classic German beverage that has a huge following all over the world, I enjoyed reviewing. Enjoy one for yourself! Cheers to good health ! 🥃🥃

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

Monopolowa 1782- Austrian Whisky

Hello Single Malters, reviewing Monopolowa 1782 whisky from Austria. Who knew Austria produced fine whisky and not just fine superstars like Arnold Schwarzenegger. In today's blog I will be sharing the following information-

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

There is a long history behind this legendary whisky but is more known for its vodka. J.A. Baczewski companies enjoys centuries old world wide reputation for producing the highest quality alcoholic beverages. It roots tying back to the 17th century. Back then the company was supplying the entire Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy and all the corners of the Empire. I have to say however, there is not much information readily available on the internet wiki page about this. Now enough of the legacy, what we really care is if it is good or not. Enjoy my tasting notes!  

Vital Stats- Monopolowa Whisky 1782

Price- $23.97

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV-  43%

Country of Origin-  Vienna,Austria

Produced & bottled -  J.A.Baczewski

Awards won- Gold Medalled product of Austria

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Pale Gold

Aroma- Oak, pear, chocolate, honey. Similar to Buffalo trace bourbon(strange but true)

Flavor-  Sweet, Oak, honey ,caramel, lemon zest, dark chocolate, spices. 

Body- Full 

Finish- Long, smooth, warm, spicy, lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Reason is because it quite does  not hit the mark in aroma & flavor compared to top shelf bourbon or scotch. It is an excellent quality whisky, amazing for the price

Occasions- Whisky flights, casual drinking

Food Pairing- Chicken sandwich & fries. The higher ABV of this whisky needed a hearty meal like this one.*

Cocktails- None, enjoy neat or with club soda

SJ's pro tip- Fantastic addition to any bourbon or scotch lover's collection. Extra bonus is I felt literally "NO HANGOVER" in the morning. 

I absolutely enjoyed reviewing this fairly new kind of whisky from Austria. Check it out for yourselves to find out. Cheers!🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. 

Not in the mood to read? Listen to mySingleMaltLives Podcast

* Food Pairing- By this I am only informing what I ate while sampling this. It is not necessary a recommendation but merely a suggestion that I enjoyed it with that food. Whisky & food pairing is a very complex subject on it's own and I continue to find out what food best compliments a particular liquor. 

This is what I follow in my tasting

When tasting single malts- No food pairing is needed because single malt is a taste in itself and food will interfere with the real flavor and also the aroma. 

Palate cleanse- After having dinner , I cleanse my palate with either black coffee or club soda like Top chico or canada dry. It gets my palate in neutral so that is can absorb the most flavor. I have written about this in my previous blog Palate clenser

As a rule of thumb pair food with the flavor of the whisky for example if you taste vanilla in your whisky pair it with vanilla ice cream. 

Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum

Today I am reviewing Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum. It goes in my Bottom Shelf & I will be sharing the following information in my blog. 

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

Very interesting Rum. It is named after the fictional, sultry, seductive pirate-Blackheart. She was strong and independent, passionate & fun, fierce & loyal. Lets see if this character comes to life with the rum. Enjoy my tasting notes! 

Vital Stats- Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum 

Price- $12.29 for 750ml($99 cents for 50ml pictured sampler)
Age- NAS( No Age Statement)

ABV- 46.5%

Country of Origin- Puerto Rico

Bottled by- Blackheart Rum Company, Bardstown,KY

Awards won- Consumers Choice award 2019, SIP awards 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat 

Appearance- Medium Amber 

Aroma- Floral, artificial coloring medicinal smell, some vanilla & spices 

Flavor- Very clinical, medicinal , sugary, overwhelming spices 

Body- Light 

Finish- Not smooth, watery , short & non-lingering

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf 

Occasions best enjoyed- Casual drinking

Cocktails- Rum & coke

SJ's Pro tip- Use this rum as a mixer

I would  steer clear of this flirty pirate no matter how templating it looks! Check it out for yourselves and find out. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly 🥃🥃🥃. Not in the mood to read?

Listen to my Single Malt Lives Podcast instead. 

El Padrino Anejo Tequila

Hello single malters, in today's blog I am reviewing El Padrino Anejo tequila. I will share the following today- 

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

This is another big box alcohol brand. There is no website, wiki page or anything to refer to for proper information. I picked it up because of the cool looking square bottle with leather tags which is the only thing I like about it. Based on the taste and aroma it should be a reposado not an anejo. Check out my tasting notes below & enjoy!

Vital Stats- El Padrino Anejo tequila

Price- $31.99 for 750ml($5.99 for 50ml pictured sampler) 

Age- At least a year

ABV- 40%

Country of origin- Jalisco,Mexico

Produced & bottled by- Destiladora delValle de Tequila

Awards Won- None, the only award it deserves is disappointing taste

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance-  Light, pale yellow

Aroma- Light pleasing agave hits the nose, honey, vanilla, spices

Flavor- Mildly sweet, fruity notes of citrus, spices, pepper, hint of dark chocolate. It feels like a reposado

Body- Medium

Finish- Smooth, warm, spicy & lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

It lacks the intensity & flavor to call itself an anejo, it feels like a reposado because of its light color & flavor. I have had way better anejos than this. 

Occasions- Casual drinking

Cocktails- None, meant for sipping neat

Food Pairings- Popcorn chicken, & spicy peanuts complemented the taste of this tequila

SJ's Pro tip-  Though anejo's are meant for sipping, this does not fit the bill. I recommend other anejo's like Aha Yeto for a truely enjoyable experience.

I enjoyed the tasting like always. Even though it is not in my Top Shelf, the process of finding out the reality inside the bottle is very satisfying. Cheers 🥃🥃🥃! Enjoy Responsibly!

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

Glen Ness Highland Single Malt Scotch

Today I am reviewing Glen Ness Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. There seems to be no information about it since it is a big box whisky brand. The only information I could find on the bottle is the importers Saranity Imports,Stamford CT & a company named Alistar Forfar ltd. No information is found on the web about any of these companies. 

Here are my few guidelines for choosing a quality single malt 

1. It has a distillery name- Ones like Glen Ness does not have a distillery name which keeps us guessing where the contents of the bottle came from. 

2. Tasting notes- A quality single malt will have tasting notes like nose, taste,finish in the product description.

3. Higher ABV- This is a grey area. While many well known brands like Glenlivet have 40% ABV, a good rule of thumb is ABV of more than 43% should have better quality to it. 

Now let's get down to business, my tasting notes and find out this origin less whisky is worth it or not!. Enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- Glen Ness Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Price- $21.99 for 750 ml($3.49 for 50ml sampler pictured) 

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin- Glascow,Scotland

Company- Alistair Forfar ltd 

Awards won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving glass- The Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Medium Amber

Aroma- Well rounded, citrus, vanilla, oak, honey, cinnamon, cloves, peppermint

Flavor- Very neutral, slightly sweet, some light oak. Similar profile to Spey River or Glenlivet, cinnamon, spices, pepper

Body- Medium

Finish- Non existent, very short. Slightly warm and spicy but fades away quickly

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Not much going on as expected. Just a neutral cheap single malt that is not too bad either. It would be unfair to compare this $20 single malt with some other outstanding single malts. At this price range, it is a fair bargain. 

Occasions- Casual drinking

Food Pairing- Goat gravy & spicy peanuts

Cocktails- None, Enjoy neat or with club soda

SJ's Pro tip- Good for parties because of the value for money

I enjoyed reviewing this whisky, try it yourself and find out. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

Absolut Vanilia vodka

Today I am reviewing Absolut Vanilia vodka. In this blog I will include the following information

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

Reads the product label "Vanilla. The magnificent flavor that can pretty much enhance everything from cookies to ..well you name it.Perfect for those with a sweet tooth or the ones that are into experimenting with contrast flavors". Absolut is a part of French group Pernod Ricard. The unique thing I found out from wiki is that 

1. Absolute practices a one source production philosophy which means all their production happens around the village of Ahus,Sweden.

2. The water and wheat both are sourced only from the village. 

I believe this strict dedication to quality produces a smooth & creamy vodka like Absolut. Now enough said, check out my tasting notes to find out the verdict ! 

Vital Stats-

Price- $19.46

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin- Ahus,Sweden

Bottler/Distiller by- The Absolut Company now owned by Pernod Ricard 

Awards Won- None found 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat 

Appearance- Clear(No Color) 

Aroma- Like stepping into a candy store, vanilla, chocolate, tangerine, honey

Flavor- Sweet vanilla, dark chocolate, crisp & clean, honey

Body- Full 

Finish- Incredibly smooth, long, lingering , sweet & warm

SJ's Rating-  Middle Shelf

Though it is smooth,it is way too sweet for me. I might enjoy it occasionally. At this price point it is an amazing vodka. 

Occasions Best Enjoyed- Casual gathering, day parties 

Cocktails- None, meant for sipping neat or club soda

Food Pairings- Pair it with light meat like chicken 

SJ's Pro tip- Anyone with a sweet tooth would appreciate this drink 

I absolutely enjoyed sipping Absolut vodka and reviewing this category for the first time.  Give it a shot you might enjoy it as well! Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃. Enjoy responsibly as always. 

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

Jonah's Curse Black Spiced Rum

Today I am reviewing Jonah's Curse Black Spiced Rum. It goes in my Middle shelf & I will be sharing the following information in my blog. 

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

There is really not much information about this rum except that it is botted by a company called K.D Distilling. This is clearly rum that has been brought from unknown source and bottled at this facility. It is not to bad for a rum without much of originality. I think this is some house brand of Total Wine store. There really is not much information about the source. 

Vital Stats- Jonah's Curse Black Spiced Rum

Price-$14.99 for 750ml($0.99 for 50ml sampler pictured)

Age- NAS(No Age Statement) 

ABV-47%

Country of Origin- USA

Bottled by- K.D. Distilling Co, Louisville, KY

Awards won- None

Tasting info-

Serving glass-Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber

Aroma- Spices, vanilla , pepper, oak

Flavor- Sweet, spicy, vanilla, oak, cinnamon, medicinal, pepper

Body- Full

Finish- Warm, spicy, long & lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Except for it's high sweetness level, it is a decent spiced rum for sipping. Recommended to try at least once. 

Occasions best enjoyed- To warm up on a cold winter night

Food Pairings- BBQ pork ribs with umami fries complimented the sweet & peppery dark rum.

Cocktails- Mohito,  Enjoy neat or with club soda 

SJ's Pro tip-  If you are suffering from a cold drink rum with hot water.

I enjoyed tasting this rum and presenting my findings. Give it a shot yourself to find out. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

Gold Bar Premium Blended Whiskey

Today I am reviewing Gold Bar Premium Blend whiskey. I will share the following in today's blog- 

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

Lets find out if all that glitters is truly gold or not. Reads the product label "Outstandingly smooth, gold bar is made for moments worth celebrating. A mash bill of 3 quality grains Rye, Corn & Barley. Barrel finished in French Oak wine casks from the idyllic Napa valley. Gold Bar is matured outside by the sea, in the San Francisco Bay. The result is  a traditional American Blend. 

So there is a lot of good stuff going on here. First, they source the best spirits for their blend so it could be any whiskey from Makers Mark to Woodford Reserve(Just my guess). Then they put it in wine casks from Napa valley and let it mature outside in the San Francisco Bay. What could get better than this? Throw in a gold bar packaging, it is simply irrestible. Now it's time to enjoy it and see if the liquid gold actually is worth it or not. 

Vital Stats- Gold Bar Premium Blend Whiskey 

Price- $52.99 for 750ml ($7.49 for 50ml sampler pictured)

Age- 3-6 years 

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin- USA

Distillery/Company- Gold Bar Bottle Company, San Francisco, CA

Awards Won- Double Gold, 2016 among other awards ,San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber 

Aroma-  Oak, plenty of sherry. Similar to Makers 46. Vanilla, caramel, honey, citrus, all the good stuff poured in one.

Flavor- Amazing just like it looks. Oak, vanilla, sherry, honey, chocolate, creamy nutmeg

Body- Full

Finish- Short, medium, slightly lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

The finish is not strong but presentation and flavor is pretty good. The liquid inside of the shiny gold bar is equally flamboyant as the packaging. 

Occasions best suited- Celebrating big moments like anniversary, graduation

Cocktails- None, enjoy neat

SJ's Pro tip- Give this to a loved one to make them feel special. 

I had an absolute blast exploring this whisky - from it's mind-blowing presentation & equally good flavor. Check it out for yourselves & find out if you like it or not. Cheers! 🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

FAQs 

1. Is gold bar whisky good? 

Just like the packaging, Gold Bar Whisky has a great flavor to match

2. Is Gold Bar whisky good as a gift? 

It makes an amazing gift for a loved one to make them feel special. 

Teacher's Highland Cream

Hello Single Malters, today I am reviewing Teacher's highland cream. Expect to get some information on the following- 

1. Reason why I chose this whisky

2. Legacy behind this whisky

3. Vital stats

4. Tasting Notes

5. Occasions best enjoyed

6. Food pairings

7. FAQs 

First things first, I chose this whisky out of the many blends available for these reasons

1. High single malt content from Ardmore distillery. It claims to have a majority of its malt whisky(45%)  from the distillery which is quite rare to find in a blended scotch. 

2. High ABV - 43%. I have not seen many blends that are higher than 40% 

3. Peated- Nice pettiness for a blend. Again except for Johnnie Walter Double Black I do not know of any other blends that are peated. 

The product label explains it best "Highland cream- There is a distinction in every bottle of Teacher's Highland Cream because we add more peated malt. All blended Scotch is a mix of two kinds of whisky-malt and grain, but Teacher's Highland Cream includes a high percentage of peated malt from Ardmore distillery. More peated malt adds flavor and quality. Genuine quality you can taste it, can you can see it in the golden glow of the liquid" Enough said, it is time to enjoy some and let the whisky prove the genuineness behind this story. Enjoy my tasting notes! Cheers 🥃🥃🥃

Vital Stats- Teacher's Highland Cream Blended Scotch Whisky

Price- $29.99 for 1.75ml pictured($16.99 for 750ml bottle) 

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 43%

Region- Highlands

Distillery- Ardmore Distillery, Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Company- Beam Suntory 

Awards won- None found but I give it a Gold medal. 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Medium Gold

Aroma- Faint peat smoke, oak, vanilla, honey, nice creamy toffee, nutmeg, orange. Not much aroma.

Flavor- Smokey peat is omnipresent from the first sip, light sweetness from oak, citrus, cinnamon.

Body- Full 

Finish- Very interesting, though it starts light the finish is smokey and lingering with some bitterness

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

It exceeds all expectation in terms of flavor for a cheap blended scotch. Once again flavor beats price. It is quite rare to find this combination in any other competitors higher single malt content, higher ABV & high in peat. It is a bargain deal for smokey lovers & people new to whisky. 

Occasions Best Enjoyed- Casual gathering. I enjoyed playing cards with friends.

Cocktails- None, Enjoy neat, on the rocks or club soda

Food Pairings- Khasi fried, Rice, Veggies, mula ko achaar. Heavy goat meat complimented the peaty flavor of whisky

SJ's Pro tip- Perfect as a light summer drink with ice. Normally peated whisky is suitable for winter but since this is light on the palette, I recommend it for summer time as well.

FAQs

1. Is Teachers's Highland cream whisky good? 

Teacher's Highland cream is an excellent blended scotch whisky. It has higher content of single malt than most blended scotch & peaty flavor 

2. What can I mix with Teacher's Highland Cream? 

Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or with a splash of club soda. 

I enjoyed this relatively new Scotch and the surprisingly awesome flavor for the price. Check it out for yourselves and find out. Cheers 🥃🥃. Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

The Shin Mizunara Japanese Malt Whisky

Hello single Malters, want to take your taste buds on a tour to Japan? Reviewing The Shin Mizuanara Japanese Malt Whisky which will do exactly that in the comfort of your own home. . I will share the following in today's blog- 

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

When I picked up this bottle, I had no idea what to expect which is part of the fun I have with my reviews. I wanted to try Japanese single malt but did not want to break the bank so selected this one based on a few things 

1. New brand of Japanese whisky

2. High ABV of 48%

3. Non-chill filtration

4. Reasonable price 

What I did not like about it is the plastic bottle cap, it makes it look cheap for a single malt. I highly recommend the makers to use a cork bottle cap and not cheap plastic. Drinking single malt whisky is an experience, don't cut costs on silly things like this. (Picture below says it all)

Reads the product label "Shin Malt Whisky is crafted by master distiller, Mr.Ken Usami who selected best malt whiskies and finish them in casks made of Japan's prized Mizuarna Oak". The interesting thing is it could be sourced from anywhere including Scotland of course. Sounds intriguing already doesn't it. Shin stands for integrity which is one of the core principles of samurai tradition. Now its time to put my judgement to the test by doing the fun part- tasting it :-). Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats- The Shin Malt Whisky Mizunara

Price- $59.99 for 750ml bottle 

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 48%

Contry of Origin- Japan

Distillery- Shinbou Distillery,Niigata, Japan

Awards won- 2020 Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber 

Aroma- Japanese Mizuarna Oak, sherry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, honey, very pleasing

Flavor- Similar to  Glenlivet Nadurra, amazing full of sherry, oak, pepper, spices, honey, cloves

Body- Full

Finish- Smooth, long, warm & lingering

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Exactly what I had thought it would be so it met my expectation. High 48% ABV gives it a strong personality and non-chill filtration gives that extra flavor. If you are looking for an exotic change of pace from the regular Scotch , this is perfect. 

Occasions of use- Celebrate special occasions like anniversaries, milestones

Cocktails- None, Enjoy neat

Food Pairing- Spicy burrito bowl from Chipotle complimented the bold strong whisky

SJ's pro tip- Try it on the rocks as well. I found the taste very flavorful after a couple of ice cubes. 

FAQs

Is The Shin Malt Whisky Mizunara good? 

For the price point, it is an absolutely good Japanese blended malt whisky.

Who makes The Shin Malt Whisky? 

The Shinbou Distillery 

What is The Shin Malt Whisky Mizuarna? 

It is a blend of malt whiskies finished in Japanese Mizuarna Oak

Absolutely enjoyed shopping, sipping and reviewing this whisky. Check it out for yourself and find out. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃Enjoy Responsibly.

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

1800 Reposado Tequila

Hello single malters, in today's blog I am reviewing 1800 Reposado tequila. I will share the following today- 

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

The product label proudly claims "1800 Reposado was the first super premium 100% Agave tequila exported to the U.S". The tequila is crafted using 8-12 year old 100% blue Agave and is matured in American and French oak barrels for no less than six months. Now I wonder what magic goes on in the American & French oak barrels and what difference there is in between the two barrels. I did a little bit of digging- Flavor wise French oak barrels are typically more subtle & spicy offering textures of satin & silk. American barrels tend to be stronger in flavor often described as cream soda, vanilla or coconut giving that creamy body. That is enough background, now for the real fun- Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats- 1800 Reposado Tequila 

Price- $24.99 for 750ml bottle ($2.99 for pictured sampler bottle)

Age- 6 months

ABV- 40%

Country of origin- Mexico

Distillery- Ex Hacienda Las Camichines, Jalisco,MX

Awards Won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Light golden

Aroma- Blue agave, light oak, hint of honey, vanilla

Flavor- Very light, oak lingers for a bit, vanilla, honey & spicy notes

Body- Medium

Finish- Very short, slightly lingering aftertaste of spices & honey but does not last too long

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Just what you expect from a reposado, it does the job. Can't expect too much flavor wise as it is not aged as much as an anejo. Decent tequila for the price. 

Food Pairings- Chicken C momos was a match made in heaven. The light spiciness of the tequila complimented the spicy momos. 

Occasions best enjoyed- Tequila flights, casual gatherings

Cocktails- Margarita

SJ's Pro Tip- Excellent value for money and a decent gift

I enjoyed sipping this one & presenting the facts to all the tequila enthusiasts. Hope this is helpful , take a sip(or two) and find out. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy responsibly 

E & J Brandy X.O

Today I am reviewing E&J Brandy X.O. It goes in my Middle shelf & I will be sharing the following information in my blog

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

E& J brandy is quite a popular American made brandy which got me by surprise. I was not expecting much from it but it turns out the opposite. Marketed as a suave, bold drink it makes a mark with it's attractive bottle. And the most important part , the flavor matches it's bold personality. 

Aged for 2 years in oak barrels, It was launched in 1970 and became an instant classic. According to it's website, E& J's roots stem back to Gallo family tree. Ernst & Julio Gallo , two brothers with passion for brandy and 30+ years of experience crafting fine wine decided to bring a little bit of California magic to the brandy game. After five years of testing and tasting in their Fresno distillery, the duo finally came across E& J's signature smooth process used till this day. 

Enough with the history, lets get to the real deal! Enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- E& J Brandy X.O

Price- $12.49 for 750ml($1.29 for sampler bottle)

Age- 7+ years

ABV- 40%

Country/Region- California, USA

Distillery- E & J Distilleries, Modesto, CA

Awards won- Double Gold, 2018 San Diego Spirits Festival

Tasting info-

Serving glass-Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Beautiful dark amber

Aroma- Fruity, oak, grapes, vanilla, faint chocolate in background, spearmint

Flavor- Very smooth, fruity, some spices, mild botanicals like lavender & hibiscus

Body- Medium

Finish- Slightly lingering, spicy & warm

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Pretty good brandy for the price. I liked the smoothness & flavor of it. Don't be fooled by it's cheap price. Let flavor be the judge of your palate not your wallet. For the price, it is exceptional and very stylish looking. Amazing value for money, it seems like affordable luxury for everyone. 

Occasions best enjoyed- After dinner 

Cocktails- Lemon juice or Orange juice pairs well with Brandy

Food pairings- Fried goat meat went well with the sweetness of this drink

SJ's Pro tip- Nice digestif after dinner

This was truly a pleasant drink & dinner, enjoyed even more researching and presenting my findings to you. Check it out for yourself and find out. 

Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. Stay safe. 

Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Poscast insted. 

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