Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch


"One world, Many Malts!" Evan Williams 1783 is on my TOP Shelf. My goal is to help you find the best whisky for the occasion. I realized that most people are looking to celebrate an occasion but don't know where to start. Hence, I am dividing the blog into two segments-

First segment(Mostly not available on google search)
Occasions, tips, alternates, cocktails, food pairings, SJ's Rating, Feel.

FAQs(SingleMaltLives has the answer)

1. I feel good and need a drink but don't know what I am looking for. Can you help?  
2. I want to surprise my significant other who loves whisky. What do I buy?
3. I need the best bottle of whisky for an occasion. Where do I start? 
4. Are there any alternates if this bottle is not available?
5. Any tips to make the best use of this particular bottle?
6. Is there any food pairings?
7. Are there any whiskies that are better for specific weather like summer or winter?


SJ's Rating- TOP Shelf
Even Williams continues to amaze me with its high quality yet affordable price. I am highly impressed by this small batch and recommend everyone to try it. 
Occasions- When you feel you need a robust bourbon
SJ's Pro tip- I used it for barrel aging 


Alternates- Buffalo Trace(similar ABV and taste)
Cocktail- Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Classic Evan Sour
Feel- Like I hit the jackpot 
Food Pairing- Don't go with too spicy food, that will interfere with the taste of this robust whiskey.

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
Vital Stats, Tasting info
FAQs
1. How does this whisk(e)y taste like?
2. Any information about the distillery? 
3. Where does it come from? 
4. What is the ABV?

The product label reads says Evan Williams earned the title of Kentucky's first distiller in 1783. Of course, it has its own place in the cutthroat world of Kentucky Bourbon. This is where the name comes from. 
This particular small batch is blended by choosing some barrels after a few years of maturation. I believe the magic happens at this stage. Now, please enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon
Price- $16.97 for 750ml
Age- NAS but must be aged at least 2-5 years
ABV- 45%
Region- Kentucky, USA
Distillery- Old Evan Williams Distillery, Bardstown, KY, USA
Awards won- Gold,2019 SIP Awards among a host of others


Tasting info-
Serving glass- The Glencairn glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Dark amber


Aroma- Fruity, oak, chocolate, robust vanilla
Flavor-Creamy, fruity, sweet, oak, chocolate
Body-Full
Finish- Not the longest yet warm, spicy & lingering

If you have any specific questions that are unanswered, shoot a comment & I will be happy to help out.
Just provide the following information & I will have the answer
What is the theme/occasion? 
What is your budget?
What is the number of people celebrating this occasion?
What activity have you planned around this occasion? (Games, movie, singing, dancing or simply drinking)
Bottle size required? 750ml or larger?

Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

The Balvenie 12 American Toast


The Balvenie 12 American Oak is on my TOP Shelf. This amazing whisky is extra special because it is finished in virgin oak barrels from Kentucky. I felt special drinking this very sophisticated scotch. In today's blog, I intend to cover the following
-Brief history behind this whisky & distillery
-SJ's Rating & Review
-Occasions best enjoyed
-SJ's Pro tip

The Balvenie Distillery was established in 1892 & is one of my best. This amazing whisky is extra special because it is finished in virgin oak barrels from Kentucky.
Now enough talk, I am a man of action so enjoy my tasting notes. :-)

Vital Stats-The Balvenie 12 American Toast
Price- $77.99 for 750ml
Age- 12 years
ABV- 43%
Region- Speyside
Distillery- The Balvenie Distillery, Banffshire, Scotland
Awards won- Bronze IWSC 2020

Tasting info-
Serving glass- The Glencairn whisky glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Dark Amber


Aroma- Oak, fruity notes, light chocolate
Flavor- Sweet, spicy, oaky
Body- Full
Finish- Spicy, smooth, long & lingering
SJ's Rating- Top Shelf
Hits the spot for me with robust flavor and aroma. Just what is expected of this sophisticated drink.
Occasions- To celebrate something special to make it extraordinary(I was celebrating a personal achievement:-))
SJ's Pro tip- Try Balvenie 14 and the regular Balvenie 12 as a whisky flight 
Food Pairing- Jhol momo(Everything goes well with momo)


I am beyond joyful to present my review and hope this helps in choosing your next bottle. 
Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly! 🥃🥃🥃🥃
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SIngleMaltLives Podcast

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Russian vodka-Platinum


Russian value vodka-Platinum is on my MIDDLE Shelf. Cheap yet smooth, not bad at all.In today's blog, I intend to cover the following :
-Brief history behind this liquor
-Tasting notes
-SJ's Rating & Review
-SJ's pro tip

There is really nothing much about the distillery on the internet. Russian vodka has been known to be well crafted and has a great image. The product label says it is made from the finest grains. 
Now its time to find out how well it is made :-), check out my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats-Russian Value Vodka Platinum
Price- $9.99 for 750ml($0.99 for pictured 50ml sampler)
Age-NAS
ABV-40%
Origin-Russia
Distillery- JSC Tatpirtprom, Kazan, Russian Federation
Awards Won- None found

Tasting info-
Serving glass- The Glencairn glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Clear


Aroma- Typical neutral vodka smell, some vanilla
Flavor- Slightly sweet, natural, fine grains
Body- Medium
Finish- Smooth, Warm, Spicy, lingering
SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
It is quite good for such a cheap price. However, not the best for sipping of course. 
Occasions-Casual
SJ's Pro tip- I would go for Absolute Vanilia vodka since it is much smoother & enjoyable. Use it for cocktails instead since it's cheap and good. 

This very popular vodka is omnipresent and I enjoyed sampling and reviewing it. Hope you find this useful. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibility. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLIves Podcast instead. 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

My picks for the holidays

 


Making this blog short and useful. There are my TOP Shelf picks for the holidays. Why these recommendations? Because I personally have tasted and enjoyed it on many occasions! Hope you enjoy my picks! 

Scotch-Single Malt
Macallan 12 Double cask
The Balvenie 14 Carrabean cask 

Scotch-Blended
John Barr
Dewars 12 

Japanese
The Shin Mizunara Malt Whisky

Bourbon
Buffalo Trace
Four Roses Small Batch 

Irish
Jameson Caskmates
Tullamore Dew

Check out my blog and search by name for many other recommendations. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLivesPodcast