In 2009, Sazerac purchased a company called Barton Brands which had a large line mostly of "affordable" spirits like Fleischmann's Vodka and Gin, Ten High Bourbon and the wonderfully named Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian (the mind reels). Also in the line-up is Lauder's Blended Scotch Whisky, which according to the incredibly brief amount of information given, … Continue reading Bargain Bin Fridays #8, Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky
Scotch
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
(Thanks to the good folks at Gemini Spirits & Wine for the sample.) Inspired by Glenfarclas' independent, family owned tradition (and Wisconsin public employees), I was going to start this post by spouting off on the U.S.'s pathetic tradition of codifying and protecting the über-rich and the giant, mean-spirited corporations that take all the tax … Continue reading Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Kilchoman Winter 2010 Release
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. "If you speak to older people on Islay who have worked in distilleries they will generally agree that the best whisky is made in cold weather . I would agree with that but preferably without going to the burst pipes stage." - John MacLellan, … Continue reading Kilchoman Winter 2010 Release
Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Thanks to Glenfiddich's Mitch Bechard and Chris from WhiskyWall for making sure I got to taste this one. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's been a while since I've put something new up, but like the proverbial Phoenix of old, rising from its own ashes, I'm back. Emerging from an ever-mounting pile of newborn baby … Continue reading Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
Ol' John Dewar Sr. founded his eponymously named whisky company in 1846, and while it did well enough in those early years, it was really after his death in 1880 that the brand took off internationally thanks to his two sons, John Jr. and Thomas. Thomas ("Tommy" to his bowling buddies) in particular travelled the … Continue reading Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – Review
It's hard to mention Cardhu and not think of the Single Malt/Pure Malt fiasco that pretty much wiped it off the map for a few years. It's sort of the Scotch whisky version of the new Coke debacle of the mid-80's. Actually, come to think of it, the mid-80's were pretty much a debacle in … Continue reading Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – Review
Ardmore Traditional Cask Peated Highland Single Malt Whisky – Review
Before I bought this one, I'd asked a salesman what he thought of it and he just shrugged his shoulders, grunted primally, and said only "I think you can do better for the money", which I found fairly surprising because one, I'd heard very good things about it, and two, it's a $38 bottle of … Continue reading Ardmore Traditional Cask Peated Highland Single Malt Whisky – Review
Springbank 15 Year Old – Review
I don't know who Saint Andrew was, I've never met the guy. He apparently was one of the 12 disciples, brother to Saint Peter, a fisherman, and could, in a pinch, play third base because he had a decent throwing arm. Like many saints of the day, Saint Andrew spent a lot of time travelling … Continue reading Springbank 15 Year Old – Review
Notes from the 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round II
Signatory 1997 Cragganmore 13 Year Old A darling of Speyside, Cragganmore was long known as an indispensible malt for blends until becoming part of Diageo's Classic Malt series in 1988. It still seems to fly under the radar a bit, though the distillery's 12 Year Old is a highly regarded, complex dram. This independent edition … Continue reading Notes from the 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round II
Notes from The 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round I
Notes from Round I of the recent Signatory tasting with Ed Kohl at San Francisco's City Club. This was a great evening with excellent malts, tasty appetizers, and good company. I owe a big thank you to Sam Filmus of Impex Beverages and JVS Imports for the invitation! ---------- Signatory 1991 Highland Park 18 Year … Continue reading Notes from The 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round I
THE CASKS 