Kavalan Taiwanese Whisky Distillery Select

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Enjoyed it, though I expect other expressions of Kavalan to be better. The aroma is great, the flavor is a little bland for my palette & the finish lacks smoothness and is non-lingering. 

Occasion- Fathers Day

SJ's Pro tip- "Do not judge a book by its cover". Attractive packaging doesn't necessarily mean good whisky. 😉

Alternates- Hibiki Harmony. It has the same ABV and similar pice

Cocktail- I would use it as a base for any whisky-based drinks or on the rocks. 

Food Pairing- Traeger smoked meat(pork & chicken)

Feel(Feeling after tasting)- Tropical(🌴🌞)

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)

Reads the product label "Since 2006 Kavalan distillery has crafted rich and elegant single malts on the northern east coast of Taiwan known for its inimitable style". 

The website claims that this expression Kavalan Distillery Select has been aged in quality casks to lock in rich layers of butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla that intensify into a long, encored finish. I disagree, except for some hint of vanilla, the finish lacks a punch. 

Vital Stats- Kavalan Whisky Distillery Select

Price- $51.99 for 750ml

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 43%

Region/Country- Taiwan

Distillery- King Car Kavalan Distillery, Yilan, Taiwan

Awards won- 2021: Won Best World Distillery title in Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat then on the rocks

Appearance- Dark amber

Aroma- Tropical(fruity), smokey, chocolate

Flavor- Smokey, peaty, vanilla, fruity

Body- Medium-bodied

Finish- Non-lingering

"One World, Many Malts". Uncovering one bottle at a time 😁. This was a wonderful experience because I got to try Taiwanese Whisky for the first time. Give it a shot! Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Smartly.

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

Maker's Mark 101

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Maker's Mark on steroids 😀. A truly unique expression derived from an already amazing regular Makers Mark. 

Occasion- When you need a strong drink on a casual evening

SJ's Pro tip- Go for on the rocks to lessen the ABV and make it more enjoyable

Alternates- Jack Daniel's Single Barrel is higher proof and delivers a similar punch

Cocktail- A mean Manhattan

Food Pairing- Chicken Jhol Momo

Feel(Feeling after tasting)- Overwhelmed 😊 

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)

Details about the distillery in my previous blog Maker's Mark Distillery Tour

Maker's Mark 101 (named because it contains 101 proof or 50.5% ABV).  The product label says it all "Our signature red winter wheat bourbon whisky batched for a higher proof". What this means is their regular Maker's Mark is bottled at a higher proof which creates this magical aroma and imparts unbelievable flavors. This expression is simply superb. 

Vital Stats- Maker's Mark 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

Price- $34.99 for 750ml 

Age- NAS 

ABV- 50.5%

Region/Country- Kentucky, USA

Distillery- Maker's Mark Distillery Inc, Star Hill Farm, Loretto, Kentucky

Awards won- Several top awards including "Great value " San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark amber

Aroma- Heavy oak, vanilla, spices, chocolate

Flavor- Oh wow! robust oak, spices, vanilla. Beautiful!

Body- Full

Finish- Long, warm, lingering & spicy. 

I simply enjoyed this as it opened up a treasure trove of senses :-). I highly recommend it. Enjoy smartly. 

Cheers! 🥃🥃. 

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

Don Julio Reposado Tequila

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

Occasions, tips, alternates, cocktails, food pairings, SJ's Rating, Feel. I enjoyed sipping it neat after dinner. 

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Superb Tequila, refreshing and flavorful.

Occasion- Casual, dinner

SJ's Pro tip- Have it chilled on the rocks on a hot summer day 🌞

Alternates- Aha Yeto Reposado . For a similar price and amazing refreshing flavor like Don Julio.

Cocktail- Margarita

Food Pairing- Pork Burrito

Feel(Feeling after tasting)- Refreshing & light

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)

Founded by Don Julio Gonzalez, La Primavera Distillery was built in 1947. It was in 1987 that the tequila was branded as Don Julio. It has quite the history and a legacy of a man who had a passion for producing quality tequila. Its website has all the details about it! The passion shows when you sip one :-) Also, the bottle is shorter and unique. The reason is that it could be kept on the table and still allow people to see each other, compared to taller traditional tequila bottles.

The product label says it is aged for 8 months in American White Oak Barrels. This is where the magical flavor comes from. 

Vital Stats- Don Julio Reposado Tequila

Price- $45.99 for 750ml ($5.99 for pictured 50ml sampler)

Age- 8 months

ABV-40%

Region/Country- Mexico

Distillery- La Primavera, Mexico

Awards won- None found but hats off to it!

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Light gold

Aroma- Spearmint, vanilla, chocolate, citrus

Flavor- Sweet, spices, citrus, chocolate, fruity notes

Body- Medium

Finish- Smooth, short linger

I had a great time sipping this golden liquid. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃. Enjoy Responsibly! 

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

The Hakushu 12 Single Malt Japanese Whisky

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Highly refined Japanese single malt. Just as expected smooth, fruity, slightly peaty and so tasty. It is so light and smooth you don't feel like you are having a 43% ABV golden liquid 😀

Occasion- Casual

SJ's Pro tip- Great as an after-dinner drink because it is smooth, light & sweet

Alternates- Hibiki Harmony fits the bill as an alternate. 

Cocktail- N/A

Food Pairing- Nepali food (Spicy chicken curry, pickle, beaten rice)

Feel- Light & enlightened 😇

The second segment(Technical details that are mostly available on a google search)

The Hakashu distillery was established in 1973 as stated in it's website. It is one of the highest distilleries located at an elevation of over 700 meters. The magic happens when the pure air, water and unhurried distillation process meet that making this golden liquid. 

The website states that The Hakushu 12 is a green and fresh whisky. It lives the four seasons in high altitude where its flavor comes from. This whisky truely libertes your senses from its beautiful aroma to fruity, smokey aroma and silky smooth finish. 

Enough talk! Let's get to my tasting notes. Enjoy😃

Vital Stats- The Hakushu Single Malt Japanese Whisky 

Price- $139 for 750ml

Age- 12 years

ABV- 43%

Region- Japan

Distillery- Hakushu Distillery, Japan

Awards won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn whisky glass

Serving style- Neat & also on the rocks

Appearance- Light golden

Aroma- Fruits, smokey, orange

Flavor- Light floral, smokey, orange

Body- Full

Finish- Long, lingering, spicy smooth

I loved it, try it is all I will say 😆. Cheers! 🥃🥃. Enjoy Responsibly!

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