Christian Brothers VS Brandy

 

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Quite enjoyable for the price. Since I drink scotch there is not much of a finish though. 

Occasion- Casual, movie night

SJ's Pro tip- Great for Sangria & as an after dinner drink

Alternates- E & J Brandy X.O. Similar price & taste profile

Cocktails- Sangria

Food pairing- Pasta, grilled chicken

Feel(After tasting)- Elevated 

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

The Christian Brothers was founded in 1882 and has earned a reputation of one of the most popular brandy in America. 

Reads the product label "The Christian Brothers is made from the finest grape varietals and incorporates the same time-honored copper pot still production perfected over 75 years ago. The process is similar to that of fine Cognacs that create a rich flavor and full body, enhanced by slow ageing in hand-selected bourbon barrels for at least two years. During ageing the Oak Barrels imbue the brandy with layers of well balanced fruit flavors and a warm lingering finish. Finally the brandy is carefully blended to create a soft subtle texture ". 

I do not agree that is has layers of fruits or the lingering finish. Enough said! Time to drink it and know for sure 😆. Enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- Christian Brothers Brandy VS(Very Smooth)

Price- $8.99 for 750ml

Age- Minimum 2 years but has NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 40%

Region- Kentucky

Distillery- The Christian Brothers Vineyards, Bardstown, KY

Awards won- None found

Tasting info-

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark amber

Aroma- Fruits, somewhat medicinal smell

Flavor- Fruits, Sweet, syrupy, cinnamon, spices

Body- Medium 

Finish- Short, non-lingering

Had a great time sipping this brandy. Cheers! Enjoy Smartly. "Take an Uber if not sober"

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

Canyonlands Confluence whiskey review & Moab Distillery/Brewery visit

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Bottom Shelf 

It is a shame they call it single malt whisky because it isn't! Absolutely the worst most expensive whiskey I have ever had. Has no smell, feels like you are putting gasoline in your mouth. Threw it away after a couple of sips. 

Occasion- Moab brewery & Distillery visit 

SJ's Pro tip- Terrible, avoid this 

Alternates- Jack Daniels, cheaper price-wise yet more flavorful

Cocktails- Don't ruin a cocktail with this terrible liquor

Food Pairing- N/A

Feel(After tasting)-Disgusted 😑

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

Reads the product label "Our whiskey is made with pure Colorado plateau water and 100% barley, then aged in a variety of new and used charred American oak barrels for a two-year minimum. Like the confluence of the rivers, we straight blend our barrels to make a spirit that is bold and complex with notes of malt, warm caramel, and spice ". This product story is entirely rubbish, yes it might have come from colorado river but I doubt 100% barely tastes so bad! 

Vital stats- Canyonlands confluence Single Malt whiskey 

Price- $16 per shot (1oz)

Age- NAS

ABV- 45.5% ABV(91 proof)

Region- Moab,UT

Distillery- Moab distillery, Moab, UT

Awards won- I give it the worst local whiskey award 

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Shot glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Light golden

Aroma- Neutral, no aroma

Flavor- Burning, too strong, terrible taste

Body- Medium

Finish- A layer of petroleum-like liquid fills the mouth, with bad after taste

There are good whiskies and there is Canyonlands Confluence. 😀I am still happy to sample it and inform my readers to avoid it. It's a tough job but someone needs to do it 😉. 

For better-tasting whiskies, check out my other top-shelf liquors in my blog. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

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

Oban 18

 

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

As expected, smooth & delicious.  Loved it! Some things are worth the money, Oban 18 is a fine example of that. 

Occasion- Special occasion Moab visit

SJ's Pro tip- Have it neat to get its in-depth flavor 

Alternates- Glenlivet Archive 

Cocktails- N/A

Food pairing- Chicken momo

Feel(After Tasting)- Delighted 😇

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

I have already covered Oban 14 in my previous blog. Please refer to that for distillery info. 

Link- https://www.singlemaltlives.com/2019/03/oban-14-year-old.html

Reads the product label "An elegantly matured single malt that balances opulent fruit flavors with rich peat smoke and spicy wood, culminating in long, smooth finish." Nothing more to be said here 😆. Highly enjoyable single malt scotch. 

Vital Stats- Oban 18 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Price- $156.99 for 750ml

Age- 18 years

ABV- 43%

Region- Highland

Distillery- Oban Distillery, Stafford Street, Oban, Scotland

Awards won- 2020 SIP Gold Medal and innovation star award winner among multiple others

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Whisky Tumbler

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Beautiful dark amber

Aroma- Flowery, hits of smoke, spices, vanilla, dark chocolate

Flavor- Smokey, sweet, some spices like cinnamon, chocolate

Body- Full bodied

Finish- Smooth, long, lingering & warm

Single Malt Lovers you need to try this! 😃Period. Enjoy Responsibly. Cheers!🥃🥃

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

Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey Single Barrel

 

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

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

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Amazing Rye whisky from Jack. I loved it, must be the most balanced rye whiskey I have ever had. The aroma and flavor are simply out of this world and it comes in attractive decanter-like packaging. 

Sampled with my friend Sway , he simply adored the bottle and was blown away by the amazing taste. 

Occasion- Dinner with friends 

SJ's Pro tip- 1. Add some club soda if you don't like higher ABV

                      2. It's attractive bottle makes a great gift

Alternates- Whistlepig Rye Whisky

Cocktails- Rye old fashioned

Food Pairing- Nepali food, Dal bhat Khashi ko masu, chicken sadeko

Feel(After Tasting)- Enlightened😇

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

I have already covered Jack Daniels Distillery in my previous blog.

Link-https://www.singlemaltlives.com/2021/04/jack-daniels-single-barrel-barrel-proof.html

Reads the product label " This historic creation marries the smoothness of Jack Daniels with a unique 70% Rye grain bill. Complex flavors of ripe fruit mingle with light toasted oak notes to create a taste rich with spice and a pleasant lingering finish. Big, bold but does not overpower ". This is the best product story I have ever read because it is accurate and not just made up by an ad agency copywriter ! 😆

Vital Stats- Jack Daniel's Rye Whiskey Single Barrel 

Price- $43.99

Age- NAS(No Age Statement)

ABV- 47%

Region/Country- Tennessee,USA

Distillery- Jack Daniel's Distillery, Lynchburg, TN

Awards won- None found but I give it my personal gold medal 😆

Tasting info-

Serving glass- A whisky glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber

Aroma- Rye, spices, cinnamon

Flavor- Sweet/spicy, rye, honey, chocolate

Body- Full bodied

Finish- Smooth, warm & lingering

Good company, good whiskey, and great food. I had an amazing time with this Jack Daniels, give it a shot to find out what I am talking about 😉. Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃. Enjoy Responsibly. 

Not in the mood to read?

Listen to my SingleMaltLivs Podcast instead. 

Glenmorangie 14 Port Cask Finish

 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 found it somewhat bitter-sweet and not as smooth so does not get the top spot. I have tried their 12-year-old expression but I liked 10 year old the most. The color, aroma of this whisky is simply out of this world though. 

Occasion- Dinner with friends

SJ's Pro tip- Add a few cubes of ice to mellow down the high ABV

Alternates- Glenmorengie 10 Lesser age statement, lesser price. On my Top Shelf 

Cocktails-N/A

Food Pairing- Pork burrito

Feel(After tasting)- Amazed ☺

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

I have already covered Glenmorangie Distillery in my previous blogs. 

Link-  Glenmorengie 10

Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban(Quinta means wine estates, Ruban means Ruby) Go figure! 😉 The whisky has spent 10 years maturing in American White Oak Casks before being transferred into specially selected ruby port pipes from the Quintas of Portugal.

Vital Stats-Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Sherry Cask Finish

Price-$47.99

Age- 14 years

ABV- 46%

Region- Highland

Distillery- The Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland

Awards won- NYISC 2020 Gold among others

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Whisky Tumbler

Serving style- On the rocks

Appearance- Rich dark amber

Aroma- Grapes, spices, citrus, coffee,dark chocolate

Flavor- Grapes, coffee, cocoa, spices, bittersweet

Body-Medium

Finish- Not the smoothest, spicy,non-lingering, warm

I had an exciting time reviewing this whisky with my friend and hope you have a great time with it as well. Cheers! Enjoy Smartly 🥃🥃🥃. 

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