Vistamar Brisa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Vistamar Brisa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 from Chile is on my BOTTOM SHELF. Terrible bitter taste, watery finish. I did not enjoy it and do not recommend it to anyone. Maybe some of their other expressions are drinkable, which I will review in my upcoming blogs. In today's blog, I intend to cover the following

1. Brief history behind this wine

2. Tasting notes

3. SJ's Rating & review

4. SJ's Pro tips

Vistamar was established in 1999 in Chile. With an estate situated at the foothills of Andes in the Cachapoal Valley very close to Vistamar winery. The region is colder which makes the grapes grow slower which in turn gives them flavor is what this company claims. 

Now about Brisa Cabernet Sauvignon. The product label says "It presents a red color with violet highlights. In the nose, the outstanding aromas are blackberries, plums, and black cherries blended with hints of vanilla and toast. In the mouth, there are smooth, rounded tannins and flavors of red and black fruit, enhanced with notes of caramel and smoke. "

Apart from the hint of berries, I do not agree with their product story. It is not enjoyable and does not taste like what is mentioned in the description. 

Now for the best part, my tasting notes. Enjoy!

Vital Stats- Vistamar Brisa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Price- $5.99 for 750ml

Vintage- 2020

ABV- 13%

Country- Chile

Region- Valle Central

Produced & bottled- Vina Vistamar Ltda, Pelequen, Chile

Awards won- None

Tasting notes-

Appearance- Dark red like any other red wine

Aroma- Red grapes, berries

Flavor- Bitter

Body- Light

Finish- Watery, bitter, not smooth

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf

This is not a drinkable wine. It is bitter, bland taste and has a watery finish. Everything makes it go in my bottom shelf. 

Occasions- None, this will ruin the party

SJ's Pro tip #1- Santiago Station Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is far better than this and cheaper.

SJ's Pro tip #2 - Chilling it in the fridge for half an hour makes it a little palatable 

Even though I did not enjoy this one, I am glad to share this information with others who can make a sound decision to purchase this one or not. If you want to savor Top Shelf wines, check out my blog for those & Enjoy!. 

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

Ole Smoky Tennessee Whiskey -Salty Caramel

Ole Smoky Tennessee Salty Caramel Whiskey is on my Middle Shelf. It would be on my bottom shelf if it wasn't for the cocktail I made with it. In today's blog, I intend to cover the following-

-Brief history behind this whisky

-Tasting notes

-SJ's Rating and review

-SJ's Pro tip

There is really not much on its website with information on when this distillery started. It claims "We are Appalachian born and bred" and that they have been making superior mountain moonshine for generations. 

About Salty Caramel expression- It is made with natural flavors with artificial caramel color added. Basically, it is like liquid candy with just a silent hint of salt at the end. There is nothing more to it. Now it is time for the most interesting part-the tasting. Enjoy my notes! :-)

Vital Stats- Ole Smoky Tennessee Whiskey, salty caramel mountain made

Price- $20.49 for 750ml ($2.79 for 50ml pictured sampler)

Age-  NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 30%

Region- Tennessee,USA

Distillery- Ole Smoky Distillery LLC, Gatlinburg, TN

Awards won- None

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn glass

Serving style- Neat & Mint Julip cocktail

 

Appearance- Dark gold

Aroma- Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, spices

Flavor- Very sweet, caramel, medicinal alcohol taste

Body- Medium

Finish- Non-existent, not smooth, terrible

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Way too sweet for my palette. But of course, it is caramel flavored so just what is expected of it. If sweet is your cup of tea then go for it!

Occasions- Outoddor parties 

SJ's Pro tip- Using it for cocktail will balance the sweetness and make it more enjoyable

Cocktail- Mint Julip

Food Pairing- Chicken momos(Again!) :-) because the cocktail combination went well with it. 

I had a great time reviewing this whiskey and hope this information is useful to make a sound decision spending on a bottle or not. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

Abasolo Mexican Ancestral Corn Whisky

Abasolo Mexican Ancestral Corn Whisky is on my Middle Shelf. I enjoyed this pour from Mexico. In today's post I intend to cover the following;

-Brief history behind this whisky

-Tasting info

-SJ's Rating 

-SJ's Pro tip

-Food Pairing

This whisky is produced by Destelieria y Bodega Abasolo. The website claims "It is the first and only distillery built from the ground up and dedicated since its inception to capturing the millenary Mexican culture of corn in whisky". It further says "Here on the distillery grounds, the past and present exist side by side just as they do in our bottle and work hard to maintain the Alma de la Tierra(which means the soul of the earth) ". Quite a passionate and rich history of this distillery.

Now about the product itself. It is a rich and smooth whisky crafted using the finest cacahuazintle corn. This type of corn is said to be tender and of the finest quality available. I believe this is where the magic of this whisky lies. Now, it is time for the world-famous tasting! Enjoy!

Vital Stats- Abasolo Mexican Ancestral Corn Whisky

Price- $40.99 for 750ml($3.79 for 50ml sampler)

Age- NAS

ABV- 43%

Region/Country- Mexico

Distillery- Destileria Y Bogeda Abasolo

Imported by- Casa Lumbre Spirits, Manhasset, NY

Awards won- None found 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Light gold

Aroma- Corn, caramel, bourbon

Flavor- Sweetness from corn is dominant, citrus, a hint of toffee

Body- Medium

Finish- Medium linger, corny finish

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Though it is top-quality imported whisky made from the highest quality corn, it lacks the aroma and finishes to be on the top spot. Comes in a very attractive and unique rectangular bottle. 

Occasions- Outdoors bbq

SJ's Pro tip- Great as a gift because it gives an exotic appeal 

Food Pairing-  Grilled corn & chicken bbq

This was a completely new experience for me since it is a corn whisky. Absolutely enjoyed it and I see it has a place on casual occasions and goes well with food. Check it out for yourselves, Enjoy! Consume Responsibly!. 

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

John Barr Reserve Blend Scotch Whisky

John Barr Reserve Blend in on my TOP Shelf. Exceptional for the price & amazingly smooth and pleasant whisky-loved it. In today's blog, I intend to cover the following-

-Brief history behind this whisky

-Tasting notes

-SJ's Rating

-SJ's Pro tip

-Food pairing

-Cocktail using this whisky

Reads the product story on its website "James White and Charles Mackay began their career as whisky merchants in Glasgow in 1881. Today White & Mackay is one of Scotland's most esteemed whisky houses earning the title of UK spirits producer of the year by the international wine and spirits competition". Now, this whisky does have quite a legacy since it started more than a century ago. 

Now, who is John Barr? Says the website "John Barr was widely known in his homeland as a first-class whisky man. Born into a whisky-making family in Speyside Scotland,Barr rose through various positions to become Managing Director of the leading scotch whisky business of the day"

John Barr Reserve blend marries single malt and grain whiskies from Speyside & Highland regions. Each component is carefully selected and expertly blended by a third-generation master blender. There is truly some magic that happens which makes it such a well-rounded whisky. 

Vital Stats- John Barr Reserve Blend Scotch Whisky

Price- $21.99 for 750 ml($35 for 1.75L Big bottle with handle)

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 40%

Region- Blend of Highland and Speyside

Distillery- John Barr Company, Glasgow, Scotland

Awards won- 2016, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Great value & Chairman's award

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn glass then whisky tumbler

Serving style- Neat, Scotch Sour, On the rocks

Appearance- Dark gold

Aroma- Well rounded pleasant sherry, oak, toffee, apple

Flavor- Sweet, little smokey, sherry, oak, toffee notes

Body- Medium

Finish- Smooth, long, and lingering

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Because it is such a pleasant, well-rounded, and refined whisky for any occasion. Also, loved the versatility of this one since I enjoyed it in almost all variations possible on the rocks, neat, and a cocktail. All tasted fantastic!

Occasions- 4th of July

SJ's Pro tip- Compare this with Johnnie Walker Black. I prefer this because it is higher quality at a lower price(Very rare to find such a combination but it is still possible) 

Cocktail- Scotch Sour(Mix 1.5oz John Barr & 3/4oz freshly squeezed lemon juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Enjoy!) 

Food Pairing- Mutton bbq. The sweet and light whisky balanced the heavy and spicy texture of goat bbq. 

I am delighted I tried this not-so-popular whisky and found it amazing. Give it a shot! Cheers & Enjoy Responsibly 🥃🥃🥃. Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead.