Kirkland Kombucha(organic) Ginger Lemonade

Organic Kirkland Kombucha is on my Top Shelf. Wondering why I'm reviewing a non-alcoholic drink on an alcohol review site? Well, technically. it contains less than 0.5% ABV. but not considered an alcoholic drink.  I occasionally take a weekend off drinking. It gives me a chance to try nonalcoholic beverages that might complement, substitute, or in other ways enhance the drinking experience. Already reviewed Topo chico, which is excellent carbonated water for drinking by itself or adding Scotch. 

The world of Kombucha is quite new to me, I intend to cover hard kombucha & how to make Kombucha at home in my upcoming blogs.

In today's blog, I will cover the following

-Brief history about this product

- My tasting notes

- SJ's pro tip

- SJ's rating

- Kombucha FAQs

This drink is Costo's Kirkland signature brand. Anyone not living under a rock needs no introduction to it. Costco makes excellent high-quality products for wholesale. Even though the choices are not that many, what is available here is all Top shelf. 

Kombucha FAQs

What is Kombucha? 

From wiki "Kombucha is a drink produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria."

Is Kombucha an alcoholic drink?

No, it is not considered an alcoholic beverage. However, it might contain less than 0.5% ABV due to fermentation. 

Vital Stats- Kirkland Kombucha Ginger Lemonade

Price-  About $2 a bottle. $16.19 for 8pack(16oz bottles)

Country/origin- USA

Company/Brand- Costco's Kirkland Signature

Beverage type- Organic Kombucha

ABV- Less than 0.5% but not considered an alcoholic beverage 

Calories- 70

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Even though this is not an alcoholic drink, I still rated this drink based on the following notes. 

Tasting notes-

Serving style- Chilled(only way to have it)

Appearance/Packaging- Top-notch glass bottle, very appealing. Kombucha itself is yellowish and inviting.

Taste- Exactly like the name, ginger lemonade drink

Body/texture- Fuzzy

Occasions best enjoyed- Taking a break from alcohol, in between drinks

SJ's pro tip- Try making it at home, it is very easy

It was a change of pace to take a break from alcohol this weekend and try Kombucha. I am very impressed and will explore more about this drink and try to make it at home as well. Cheers! to good health. Enjoy! 

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

Buchanan's Deluxe 12 Blended Scotch Whisky

Buchanan's Deluxe 12 Blended Scotch- Middle Shelf. 

It does not justify "Deluxe" as part of the name. 

In today's blog, I will cover the following

- Brief history behind this whisky

- My tasting notes

- SJ's rating and overview

- SJ's pro tip

I could not finish the sampler bottle of this whisky so it is on my Middle Shelf. It seems a little watered down with no finish at all. Give it a shot to find out! 

Buchanan was founded in 1884 by James Buchanan. Says in the website "Instead of creating a scotch to be revered, he created a uniquely smooth blend that could be shared and enjoyed by all" While the man did a decent attempt at making whisky, it falls flat on its knees compared to other world-class blended Scotch like Chivas or Black Label. 

Says the product story "Buchanan's 12 one of the world's most iconic and awarded luxury Scotch whisky brands. It has a soft and fresh profile that separates it from other more dense whisky profiles. "

Well, now it is time for the World famous SJ tasting. :-) Enjoy my tasting notes!

Vital Stats-Buchanan's Deluxe 12 Blended Scotch Whisky

Price-  $29.99 for 750ml ($3.79 for pictured sampler)

Age-  12 years 

ABV- 40%

Region- Scotland

Company/Distillery- James Buchanan & Company, Glasgow

Awards won- 2018 World Whisky Awards, Category winner for Taste. ( I don't approve of this award, the whisky is horrible) 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Medium gold

Aroma- Similar to Glenfiddich 12, floral, fruity notes, vanilla, toffee, spices, cinnamon, tangerine. 

Flavor- Tangerine, vanilla, spicy notes. Starts out nice but does not build on flavor. 

Body- light 

Finish- Very short, non-existent

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Because the finish is terrible, feels like a watered-down Scotch. It is just ok, the appearance aroma, and flavor are not too bad but the finish is disappointing. It is way overpriced for the quality. I recommend Teachers blended scotch for a much better alternate. 

Occasions- wallet-friendly basic scotch for parties, great for scotch beginners. 

SJ's Pro tip- have it on the rocks or with club soda for better taste.

I enjoyed reviewing this one, try it to uncover it yourself. Cheers! Enjoy responsibly!. 

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

Jack Daniels Single Barrel- Barrel Proof Whiskey

Jack Daniels Single Barrel-Barrel Proof is on my Top Shelf. Even at a shockingly high ABV of 65.85%, it is smooth and mellow. I do not recommend it for the faint of heart. I loved how every sip of this robust drink tells a story, most beautiful color, amazing aroma, and flavor & finish to match. What else would you need on a quality whiskey? 

In today's blog, I intend to uncover the following-

1. Brief history of this whiskey

2. Tasting notes

3. SJ's Rating

4. SJ's pro tip

Jack Daniels established in 1864 has a legacy of over 150 years so it has superior products not limited to the stereotype of "Jack & Coke". It has some top-of-the-line whiskies that are meant to be savored. This is definitely one of them. I have also reviewed Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, which is another amazing product. 

Reads the product story "Whiskey as nature intended it- bottled straight from the barrel at its full proof. Intense, smooth & remarkably varied, Barrel Proof is bottled anywhere from 125 to 140 proof(62.5-70%ABV), taking Jack's trademark vanilla and toasted oak flavor to bold new levels. Barrel Proof simply means the whisky is bottled straight from the barrel without adding any water. This is very exciting because every barrel is different and has a uniqueness to it. Enough talk, now it's time to for my tasting notes. Enjoy! 

Vital Stats- Jack Daniels Single Barrel- Barrel Proof Whiskey 

Price- $59.95 for 750ml ($25.99 for pictured 375ml half bottle)

Age- NAS(No age statement)

ABV- 65.85%

Region- Tennessee, USA

Distillery- Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg, Tenn

Awards won- None found, I give it a personal gold medal.

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat 

Appearance- Intense dark

Aroma- Vanilla, spice, oak

Flavor- This is golden liquid, creamy full-flavored oak, spices, vanilla, cinnamon & toffee. 

Body- Full

Finish- Long, smooth, warm & spicy

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Hits it on the spot for appearance, aroma, flavor to be on the top spot. Amazing strong whisky. Loved its bold yet complex character.

Occasions- Connoseur tasting.

SJ's Pro tip- Great gift for any whisky lover.

Wow! What an amazing drinking experience. I absolutely loved it. Check it out for sure, you won't regret it. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly! 🥃🥃🥃. Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Mossburn - Island Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

This whisky is Middle Shelf in my opinion. Though value for money for Smokey lovers, the finish and appearance land flat on its knees. 

The Mossurn distillery was established in 1992, fairly new for a Scotch.Reads the product label "One of a range of whiskies that showcase the typical characters of Scotland's regional malts, this is an exemplary expression of the island-style of Malt Whisky, with further influence from our signature cask bill designed specifically to enhance the characteristic we. love in coastal malts. It is bottled without any coloring or chill-filtration. "

This expression is Island which is the mossburn cask bill, smoke & spice.  The product label reads "To enhance the characteristics we love in coastal malts, the mossburn casks were first-fill ex-bourbon barrels with toasted virgin European heads, to provide additional smokey spice". With all the fancy product story, it is not time to find out the truth with my tastings. Enjoy!

Vital Stats- Mossburn - Island Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 

Price- $32.54 for 750ml

Age- NAS(No Age Statement) 

ABV- 46%

Region- Island

Distillery/Company- Mossburn Distilleries, Mossburn House, Camptown, Jedburgh, Scotland

Awards won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance-  Pale, light yellow

Aroma- Medium smokey, pettiness, grassy, caramel, chocolate, spices like pepper & cinnamon

Flavor- Wow! spicy, peaty. Very strong smokey taste if that is your cup of tea

Body- Medium

Finish- Slightly disappointing. Medium lingering spicy warm finish.

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Because the finish and appearance lack behind. Robust smokey non-chill filtered - a bargain for smokey whisky lovers.

Occasions- Casual gathering with friends

SJ's Pro tip- Have it on rocks for higher ABV like these which will make it more palatable to drink. 

Really enjoyed reviewing this new whisky. Check it out and enjoy! Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

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