Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Sadashi Japanese Whiskey


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

SJ's Rating-  Bottom Shelf 
Worst Japanese Whiskey I have ever had. Tastes like bad tap water.
Occasion- Movie night(Watched "Blackthorn", an excellent modern-day western movie!)
SJ's Pro tip- Use it for cocktails
Cocktail- Highball
Feel- Bitter

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
Yes, I know most things can be found on the internet but not this one. I cannot make heads or tails out of the description. The bottle label says "Made in Japan" and also says "Bottled in Spain". Go figure πŸ˜‘. This is a whiskey that is made for big box stores like Total Wine just for the sake of it. 
This expression claims to have been finished in Mirunara oak. This is a type of oak tree found exclusively in Japan and itself takes about 200 years to grow. Does not capture the essence of Japanese whisky which should be smooth, flavorful, and long finish. 

Vital Stats- Sadashi Japanese Whiskey Mizunara Oak
Price- $34.99 for 750ml
Age- NAS(No Age Statement)
ABV- 43%
Region- Japan
Distillery- No information
Awards won- None

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn Whiskey Glass
Serving style- Neat
Appearance- Medium gold
Aroma- Very faint oak, citrus, chocolate
Flavor- Powerful start but nothing stands out, spicy & bitter
Body- Medium
Finish- Short, bitter, non-lingering

For recommendations on your upcoming event, reach me via my portal. Cheers! πŸ₯ƒπŸ₯ƒ. Enjoy Responsibly πŸ€“
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum


Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum is on my Middle Shelf 


The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

Occasions, tips, alternates, cocktails, food pairings, SJ's Rating, Feel. 

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf
I did not enjoy it as much so it is on my Middle Shelf.  I have a love/hate relationship with rum. On one hand, I like the aroma of this rum but I found the taste somewhat medicinal and syrupy(maybe it's just me). If you find yourself in my position, try it in different ways like in cocktails, with club soda, or on the rocks. 

Occasion- After dinner
SJ's Pro tip- Use it as a mixer if you do not prefer sipping neat
Cocktail- Hot toddy, Sazerac, Old Fashioned & Manhattan(recommended on its website)
Feel- Medicinal
Food Pairing- N/A

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
Established- in 1953, the Diplomatico Distillery lies at the foot of Andes Mountain in Venezuela according to its website. It is chosen strategically close to the main sugar processing plant and has access to the purest of waters. 
This expression, Reserva Exclusive is a blend of exclusive rum reserves that were aged up to 12 years. 

Vital Stats- Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Price- $37.99 for 750ml ($5.99 for 50ml sampler)
Age- 12 years
ABV- 40%
Region/Country- Venezuela
Distillery-The Diplomatico Distillery, Venzuela
Awards won- 2018, Spirit Brand of the Year, Wine Enthusiast among others

Tasting info-
Serving style- Neat
Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass 
Appearance- Rich dark
Aroma- Orange zest, Chocolate, honey, spices, oak
Flavor- Sweet(Of course from the sugarcane πŸ˜†)
Body- Medium
Finish- Short, non-lingering

For recommendations on your upcoming events, reach out to me via my blog. Cheers πŸ₯ƒπŸ₯ƒπŸ₯ƒ. Enjoy Responsibly. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Monday, March 14, 2022

Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky


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

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 
It is quite a robust drink at 45% ABV. The appearance is really dark and beautiful. I found the flavor a little bitter and on the artificial side, somewhat medicinal but still better than Ensign Red Canadian Whisky. However, did not meet my expectation to be in the top spot. The packaging is very good and great for a gift. 
Occasion-  When you need a warm, robust drink
SJ's Pro tip- Add a little bit of water or club soda to get rid of the bitterness
Alternates- Whistlepig is a Canda sourced whisky but it's higher price-wise. For a royal feel go with Chival Regal. 
Cocktail- Whisky sour
Feel- Warm
Food Pairing- Unsalted Peanuts(by default its the perfect choice)

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
The product label says it all "Crown Royal blended Canadian whisky was first created as a gift for the king and queen of England, to honor them during their visit to Canada in 1939. To this day, every bottle of Crown Royal whisky is crafted to meet that same uncompromising standard"
Crown Royal Black is matured in charred oak barrels and blended at a higher proof for a richer texture. 

Vital Stats- Crown Royal Black Canadian Whisky
Price- $25.99 for 750ml
Age- NAS
ABV- 45%
Region- Canada
Distillery- The crown royal Distilling Company, Toronto, Canada
Awards won- None found

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass
Serving style- Neat, then with a splash of water
Appearance- Rich amber
Aroma- Green apple, vanilla, oak
Flavor- Bittersweet, mouthful, robust oak, apple, vanilla, chocolate, spices, tastes medicinal 
Body- Full 
Finish- Warm, spicy, medium linger

Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. If you would like recommendations for your next occasion, reach out to me via my blog. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my Single Malt Lives Podcast

Monday, March 7, 2022

Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey




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

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf
Exceptional! This rye whiskey is magical, loved the flavor and aroma. Simply the best, highly recommended. 

Occasion- Casual
SJ's Pro tip- Add a few cubes of ice since it is a higher ABV of 45%
Cocktail- Rye Old Fashioned
Feel- Warm πŸ”₯
Food Pairing- Sausage & spicy potatoes on a stick with spicy achaar




The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
I have covered the distillery in my past blog. 
This Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey expression is great for rye lovers. I myself have started to like the spicy taste. 

Vital stats- Jack Daniel's Rye Tennessee Whiskey 
Price- $21.99 for 750ml($2.49 for 50ml)
Age- NAS(No Age Statement)
ABV- 45%
Region- USA
Distillery- Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg, TN
Awards won- None found

Tasting info-
Appearance- Dark amber
Aroma- Honey, rye, vanilla
Flavor- Robust rye, vanilla, spices
Body-Full
Finish- Long, warm, spicy

If you would like my recommendation on an upcoming occasion, reach out to me via my portal. 
CheersπŸ₯ƒπŸ₯ƒπŸ₯ƒ, Enjoy Responsibly! 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead. 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Yuengling Lager


The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

Occasions, tips, alternates, cocktails, food pairings, SJ's Rating, Feel.

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf(Of the Fridge :-) )
The oldest distillery in America needs no introduction. Crisp, clean & tasty. A very well-balanced beer with a distinct robust personality. 
Occasion- Casual
SJ's Pro tip- Light beer suitable for hot summer days
Alternates- Shiner Bock
Feel- Thirst-quenching good πŸ˜€
Food Pairing- Chicken momo



The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)
Established 200 years ago Yuengling is America's Oldest Brewery.  A salute to that :-). 
This traditional lager was born from a historic recipe that was resurrected in 1987. Enough said, enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- Yuengling Lager
Price- $13.49 for 12 pack (12oz bottles)
Age- N/A
ABV- 4.5%
Region- USA
Brewery- Yuengling Company, Forth Worth, TX
Awards won- None found

Tasting info-
Serving glass- Tall Beer glass
Serving style- Chilled
Appearance- Amber
Aroma- Hops, spices
Flavor- Sweet, roasted caramel
Body- Medium
Finish- Short, crisp 

If you would like any recommendations for a particular occasion let me know via my portal. 
Not in the mood to read? Listen to my SingleMaltLives Podcast instead.