Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10 Heard of it, reviews claim all other Rye's are measured against it
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9 Beautiful, Dark, Garnet, Jewel like
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 vanilla, oak, caramel, butterscotch? Rye bread
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9 looks good, smells great
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 7 good, coats the mouth, stays on the tongue, feels thick
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32 caramel, slow burn, complete, with ice opened up beautifully burn
gone just peppery, a little sweet, smooth.
Raw Score: 76 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9 great price point 23.95 a fifth
Total Score: 85 points
So they tell me this is the THE STUFF! It's one of the oldest Rye whiskies bottled and most reviewers use it to measure all new Rye's they try. It's a benchmark if you will. I think most of these reviewers are bourbon and scotch drinkers and that's why this Rye seems magic in a bottle to them. You can't blame them it's very good. Rye isn't that popular and it's very hard to find in some areas. This one in particular is difficult to find even in this area where Rye never truly went away. This is actually the first bottle of it I had ever seen and I was eager to try it. So what's all the fuss about? Flavor. It's got burn, it's complex and it's peppery. 3 things you don't necessarily get in bourbon or scotch. These reviewers seem in awe of it because they are very used to having a flat tasting bourbon or scotch at this price point. I don't know if it's the marketing machine or the fact that there are so many bourbons and scotch's out there, but to get a good one you usually have to spend a decent amount of money. Maybe they're snobs and they don't think anything inexpensive can taste good. If you think that way too you'd be very wrong.
Rittenhouse Rye is the taste standard for Pennsylvania style rye whiskey. Oh wait do I sound like one of those other reviewers? No. What do I mean? Hey what's Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey supposed to taste like? Here, taste this (hands you a glass), that. That is what it's supposed to taste like. It can be better or worse, but that's generally what you are supposed to get. It's the nature of Rye that it tastes so different from bourbon and scotch. It inherently has more flavors going on and it's not always going to taste as complete or smooth. I guarantee you will not like this whiskey if you drink it neat, very soon after you pour a glass. It's burny, it's got too much muddled mish mash of flavor going on. You might equate it to a Michael Bay action sequence. POW! BANG! jump cut, EXPLOSION! Holy shit! This stuff is awful. Exciting, but awful. Let's try this again. Pour it on the rocks, or add a little water. Let it sit a minute or two, now try it. Eh? what did I tell you. The profile completely changes. It's smoother, the burn is almost gone, there's flavors you can pick out. Pepper, spices, caramel, sugary, vanilla, fruit and it got smooth. What's going on here? I was watching Transformers and you switched it to Blade Runner. That's the nature of Rye whiskey.
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
(Review) Bulleit Rye Whiskey 90 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 7 New, No ads I've seen, two extra points for their bourbon's reputation
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8 nice, amber with a hint of orange
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 vanilla, oak, deep
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8 looks great, neat bottle, smells great
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 slick and oily with a tingle
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 smokey, peppery on the front, flowery on the back
Raw Score: 77 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 8 good price point 21.95 a fifth
Total Score: 85 points
I realized as we get closer to July 4th that even though I must have 8 different bottles of Rye Whiskey in my liquor cabinet I haven't posted about a single one. It's my favorite whiskey with a long American traditon. Unfortunately unless you live on the East Coast you've probably never seen it until recently. Fortunately it's enjoying it's own rebirth and revolution. Thanks to this, there are several good American Ryes with nationwide distribution now availible.
Why does rye go with July 4th? Because until prohibition it was the America's whiskey. Enjoyed and produced in the colonies. When you ordered a whiskey while debating life liberty and the pursuit of happiness you got a glass of rye. American Rye is produced using a majority of rye grain in the mash. By law it has to be 51% rye. This makes a whiskey that's peppery yet smooth. Like bourbon it's aged in charred oak barrels. Straight Rye is aged at least 2 yrs. During and after prohibiton American Rye became confused with Canadian Rye whiskey which was referred to as just Rye Whiskey and the name became forever muddled and confusing. Canadian Rye Whiskey can be 90% corn and only 10% rye and has a completely different flavor profile than it's American counterpart. I'll touch on a true Canadian Rye in another review. American Rye Whiskey is further broken down into 2 styles. The Pennsylvanian style, which is more dry and peppery and the Maryland Style whis is just a little sweeter and less peppery. Luckily of the surviving brands there was 1 example of each, Old Overlholt (Pennsylvania) and Pikesville Rye (Maryland) so you could still see the difference.
Now getting back to Bulleit Rye, it's the first example of an American Rye whiskey that's right in the middle of the two styles that I have tried. Of the new offerings in rye, they seem to lean one way or the other, but Bulleit nailed it right down the center. It's got some peppery burn in the beginning and a sweeter finish in the end. This is why I recommend that if you're new to rye, try this one first. It's a tasty and even introduction. Straight out of glass it's got a slow burn like the idea of the American Revolution. Like the colonists it's got that charred oaky ruggedness, but somehow seems a little green at the same time. It's rough pepper and fiesty yet somehow refined and smooth by the time it hits your stomach. If you add ice or a little water it opens up a bit of sophistication. Plum and flowers are hiding in that glass. At it's 90 proof bottling it allows more hints of flavor and complexity without the distiller having to water it down to the standard 80. Bulleit is well crafted, smooth and tasty, a fine exapmle of American Rye Whiskey. Try it in a classic cocktail that originally called for rye like The Sazarec, The Manhattan, or even the Mint Julep. As rye got more scarce and the American palate craved the sweeter bourbon these cocktails had their main ingredient replaced. They're very good with bourbon, but different with rye. No other spirit gives the flavor of America like rye. It's bold and brash while complex, crafted and a little naive all at the same time. Try a glass of history while celebrating our nations birth and think of how the spirit in your glass tastes a bit like freedom.
Score: 7 New, No ads I've seen, two extra points for their bourbon's reputation
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8 nice, amber with a hint of orange
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 vanilla, oak, deep
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8 looks great, neat bottle, smells great
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 slick and oily with a tingle
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 smokey, peppery on the front, flowery on the back
Raw Score: 77 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 8 good price point 21.95 a fifth
Total Score: 85 points
I realized as we get closer to July 4th that even though I must have 8 different bottles of Rye Whiskey in my liquor cabinet I haven't posted about a single one. It's my favorite whiskey with a long American traditon. Unfortunately unless you live on the East Coast you've probably never seen it until recently. Fortunately it's enjoying it's own rebirth and revolution. Thanks to this, there are several good American Ryes with nationwide distribution now availible.
Why does rye go with July 4th? Because until prohibition it was the America's whiskey. Enjoyed and produced in the colonies. When you ordered a whiskey while debating life liberty and the pursuit of happiness you got a glass of rye. American Rye is produced using a majority of rye grain in the mash. By law it has to be 51% rye. This makes a whiskey that's peppery yet smooth. Like bourbon it's aged in charred oak barrels. Straight Rye is aged at least 2 yrs. During and after prohibiton American Rye became confused with Canadian Rye whiskey which was referred to as just Rye Whiskey and the name became forever muddled and confusing. Canadian Rye Whiskey can be 90% corn and only 10% rye and has a completely different flavor profile than it's American counterpart. I'll touch on a true Canadian Rye in another review. American Rye Whiskey is further broken down into 2 styles. The Pennsylvanian style, which is more dry and peppery and the Maryland Style whis is just a little sweeter and less peppery. Luckily of the surviving brands there was 1 example of each, Old Overlholt (Pennsylvania) and Pikesville Rye (Maryland) so you could still see the difference.
Now getting back to Bulleit Rye, it's the first example of an American Rye whiskey that's right in the middle of the two styles that I have tried. Of the new offerings in rye, they seem to lean one way or the other, but Bulleit nailed it right down the center. It's got some peppery burn in the beginning and a sweeter finish in the end. This is why I recommend that if you're new to rye, try this one first. It's a tasty and even introduction. Straight out of glass it's got a slow burn like the idea of the American Revolution. Like the colonists it's got that charred oaky ruggedness, but somehow seems a little green at the same time. It's rough pepper and fiesty yet somehow refined and smooth by the time it hits your stomach. If you add ice or a little water it opens up a bit of sophistication. Plum and flowers are hiding in that glass. At it's 90 proof bottling it allows more hints of flavor and complexity without the distiller having to water it down to the standard 80. Bulleit is well crafted, smooth and tasty, a fine exapmle of American Rye Whiskey. Try it in a classic cocktail that originally called for rye like The Sazarec, The Manhattan, or even the Mint Julep. As rye got more scarce and the American palate craved the sweeter bourbon these cocktails had their main ingredient replaced. They're very good with bourbon, but different with rye. No other spirit gives the flavor of America like rye. It's bold and brash while complex, crafted and a little naive all at the same time. Try a glass of history while celebrating our nations birth and think of how the spirit in your glass tastes a bit like freedom.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
(Review) The Kracken, Black Spiced Rum 94 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 10 new, big ad campaign, cool, mysterious
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 black as night, as advertised, squid ink
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 mixed spices, vanilla, pepper
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9 looks great hope its not a letdown
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 slick and oily as expected
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 Caramel, molasses, big pepper burn but goes away quick
Raw Score: 83 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 8 good price point 19.95 a fifth
Total Score: 91 points
Like the cryptozoological monster from the deep, The Kracken broke the surface with a lot of noise and a unique look. With a 2 jug-handled bottle and a pirate map like label It looks different, but is it up to snuff? A true black rum, dark with a mysterious exotic flavor? That's what the huge marketing campaign for this new product promised. Did they deliver? Absolutely. The Kracken is on par with Gosling's Black Seal and Cruzan Black Strap. It's a real Navy Rum. Black as it's namesake's ink with a flavor that's big molasses, caramel and spices. The pepper taste is strong, but disappears into the briny deep leaving an oily slick. It doesn't quite have the flavor depth of the competition, but it's bolder up front and doesn't disappear in a mixed drink. It's great as a flavor addition to other rums in a variety of cocktails, Like adding just a tiny bit of chili pepper to spice up a meal. It's future may not be in standing on it's own, but as one of those mixers you can't do without. Either they made this rum while thinking of the name or the name came first and they tried to embody it in rum, either way it's spot on, and a welcome addition to my collection of Black Rums. It gives us a little more choice in this small niche. Hunt The Kracken!
Score: 10 new, big ad campaign, cool, mysterious
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 10 black as night, as advertised, squid ink
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9 mixed spices, vanilla, pepper
Initial impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9 looks great hope its not a letdown
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9 slick and oily as expected
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36 Caramel, molasses, big pepper burn but goes away quick
Raw Score: 83 points
Bonus: Value 1-10 points
Score: 8 good price point 19.95 a fifth
Total Score: 91 points
Like the cryptozoological monster from the deep, The Kracken broke the surface with a lot of noise and a unique look. With a 2 jug-handled bottle and a pirate map like label It looks different, but is it up to snuff? A true black rum, dark with a mysterious exotic flavor? That's what the huge marketing campaign for this new product promised. Did they deliver? Absolutely. The Kracken is on par with Gosling's Black Seal and Cruzan Black Strap. It's a real Navy Rum. Black as it's namesake's ink with a flavor that's big molasses, caramel and spices. The pepper taste is strong, but disappears into the briny deep leaving an oily slick. It doesn't quite have the flavor depth of the competition, but it's bolder up front and doesn't disappear in a mixed drink. It's great as a flavor addition to other rums in a variety of cocktails, Like adding just a tiny bit of chili pepper to spice up a meal. It's future may not be in standing on it's own, but as one of those mixers you can't do without. Either they made this rum while thinking of the name or the name came first and they tried to embody it in rum, either way it's spot on, and a welcome addition to my collection of Black Rums. It gives us a little more choice in this small niche. Hunt The Kracken!
Friday, June 3, 2011
(Review) Ezra Brooks Straight Kentucky Bourbon 90 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 8
been around a while
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
dark amber, red tinge
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 10
oakey, smoke, vanilla, floral
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
hopeful
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
slight oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
little burn, pepper, vanilla, wood short aftertaste
Raw total Score: 80 points
Bonus: Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
dollar more than Evan Williams and its better
Total Score: 90 points
Part of this endeavor was to get us trying new things and after assessing my bourbon consumption I realized I was stuck in a rut. I don't have unlimited funds and when I buy something new my money usually goes to whatever shiny bottle of Rye Whiskey I haven't tried yet. I have not tried many of the high end Bourbons and with the sort of renaissance that it's enjoying there are plenty. I decided to find a really decent one in the middle, a best bang for the buck. Could another mid price bourbon dethrone Evan Williams as my old stand by? I'd been aware of Ezra Brooks as my grandfather had a bottle of Old Ezra behind his bar that came in its own coffin. A little wooden box with a bottle in it. I remember looking looking at it when I was a kid and thinking why would you want to drink something that comes in its own coffin. I saw my grandfather drinking it one day and asked him. He said it wasn't a coffin, it was a treasure chest. He was right, but I was never able to find that particular treasure again after I became of legal drinking age. Lucky for me, I spotted regular Ezra Brooks bourbon hidden among all those black labeled square bottles on the shelf. Once again, note to bourbon makers GET SOME NEW BOTTLES AND LABEL DESIGNS. I wasn't sure what to think. It's was priced right and was new to me. That made it perfect to try. The color was very good, just a little red tinge to the amber and when I poured it in the glass I was surprised to smell all those different aromas out of such a reasonably priced bottle. Sipped neat I experienced a smooth, peppery burn with a vanilla and woody flavor that didn't stick around too long. Very pleasant for such a reasonable price. My bourbon of choice is Wild Turkey which is a little on the peppery side so this was similar in experience and suited to my taste. I tried it on the rocks, in an old fashioned and a mint julep. It was great. I think the higher proofing really brings out that extra flavor and adds a contrast between the flavors and the burn. I found out Ezra Brooks Bourbon is made for the owner by the Evan Williams people and that it might even start from the same mash ball. How the rest of it's birth differs I am not sure and was unable to find out. I am assuming it's aged a little longer to obtain the higher proofing. This was a great find for me. I like it a bit better than Evan Williams for everyday use and have made it my new house Bourbon at home. If you like Wild Turkey or Evan Williams I think you'll like this. At a very reasonable price I can safely say this is a best bang for the buck
Score: 8
been around a while
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
dark amber, red tinge
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 10
oakey, smoke, vanilla, floral
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
hopeful
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
slight oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
little burn, pepper, vanilla, wood short aftertaste
Raw total Score: 80 points
Bonus: Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
dollar more than Evan Williams and its better
Total Score: 90 points
Part of this endeavor was to get us trying new things and after assessing my bourbon consumption I realized I was stuck in a rut. I don't have unlimited funds and when I buy something new my money usually goes to whatever shiny bottle of Rye Whiskey I haven't tried yet. I have not tried many of the high end Bourbons and with the sort of renaissance that it's enjoying there are plenty. I decided to find a really decent one in the middle, a best bang for the buck. Could another mid price bourbon dethrone Evan Williams as my old stand by? I'd been aware of Ezra Brooks as my grandfather had a bottle of Old Ezra behind his bar that came in its own coffin. A little wooden box with a bottle in it. I remember looking looking at it when I was a kid and thinking why would you want to drink something that comes in its own coffin. I saw my grandfather drinking it one day and asked him. He said it wasn't a coffin, it was a treasure chest. He was right, but I was never able to find that particular treasure again after I became of legal drinking age. Lucky for me, I spotted regular Ezra Brooks bourbon hidden among all those black labeled square bottles on the shelf. Once again, note to bourbon makers GET SOME NEW BOTTLES AND LABEL DESIGNS. I wasn't sure what to think. It's was priced right and was new to me. That made it perfect to try. The color was very good, just a little red tinge to the amber and when I poured it in the glass I was surprised to smell all those different aromas out of such a reasonably priced bottle. Sipped neat I experienced a smooth, peppery burn with a vanilla and woody flavor that didn't stick around too long. Very pleasant for such a reasonable price. My bourbon of choice is Wild Turkey which is a little on the peppery side so this was similar in experience and suited to my taste. I tried it on the rocks, in an old fashioned and a mint julep. It was great. I think the higher proofing really brings out that extra flavor and adds a contrast between the flavors and the burn. I found out Ezra Brooks Bourbon is made for the owner by the Evan Williams people and that it might even start from the same mash ball. How the rest of it's birth differs I am not sure and was unable to find out. I am assuming it's aged a little longer to obtain the higher proofing. This was a great find for me. I like it a bit better than Evan Williams for everyday use and have made it my new house Bourbon at home. If you like Wild Turkey or Evan Williams I think you'll like this. At a very reasonable price I can safely say this is a best bang for the buck
Thursday, May 26, 2011
(Review) Georges DuBoeuf 2008 Beaujolais Special Selection
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 8
always heard it was good
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice red maroon
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
grapes, wine, flowers
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice and light no coating
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
fruity/grape light tannin, pleasant
Raw Score Total: 78
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
9.99 a bottle
TOTAL SCORE: 87 points
I certainly am not pretending to be a wine connoisseur, but I drink wine fairly often, usually with meals and I do know what I like. I liked this wine. I purchased it to have with dinner and guests that didn't really like red wine. I don't often subscribe to the this goes with red, that goes with white as I feel you should really drink what you like, but I was trying to give them a choice. I was in search of a lighter red that they might actually drink. After a bit of searching on "the google" I found that Beaujolais is usually called into service for just this function. It has a nice history about being the first wine of the year and being raced to market every November from France to points all over the world. A tradition, that was made more public by the Georges DuBoeuf winery and their reputation. Hence my choice. The wine is a nice maroon color and looks like a real red wine not like one of those rose colored things they try to pass off to non red drinkers. It nose is very floral and grapes. So far so good. It felt light on the tongue like a white and was very fruity and just pleasant in general with just a hint of tanin. It has a clean finish and dosen't stick with you very long. It's a very nice light red. I was surprised as were my guests that they were even considering and enjoying a red wine. It went with the beautifully cooked steaks I prepared and accented the pasta. A great choice for dinner and at 10 bucks what's not to like. Keep it in mind if you don't like red wine or you are looking for an alternative to offer guests.
Score: 8
always heard it was good
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice red maroon
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
grapes, wine, flowers
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
nice and light no coating
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 36
fruity/grape light tannin, pleasant
Raw Score Total: 78
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 9
9.99 a bottle
TOTAL SCORE: 87 points
I certainly am not pretending to be a wine connoisseur, but I drink wine fairly often, usually with meals and I do know what I like. I liked this wine. I purchased it to have with dinner and guests that didn't really like red wine. I don't often subscribe to the this goes with red, that goes with white as I feel you should really drink what you like, but I was trying to give them a choice. I was in search of a lighter red that they might actually drink. After a bit of searching on "the google" I found that Beaujolais is usually called into service for just this function. It has a nice history about being the first wine of the year and being raced to market every November from France to points all over the world. A tradition, that was made more public by the Georges DuBoeuf winery and their reputation. Hence my choice. The wine is a nice maroon color and looks like a real red wine not like one of those rose colored things they try to pass off to non red drinkers. It nose is very floral and grapes. So far so good. It felt light on the tongue like a white and was very fruity and just pleasant in general with just a hint of tanin. It has a clean finish and dosen't stick with you very long. It's a very nice light red. I was surprised as were my guests that they were even considering and enjoying a red wine. It went with the beautifully cooked steaks I prepared and accented the pasta. A great choice for dinner and at 10 bucks what's not to like. Keep it in mind if you don't like red wine or you are looking for an alternative to offer guests.
Friday, May 20, 2011
(Review) Gordons Vodka 80 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 5
none really
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 Points
Score: 8
very little slight alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8
decent not really sure
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
really none not good or bad
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
no real taste clean smooth
Raw total score: 67 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10
Score: 8
$12.99 a 1.75 in my area
Total Score: 75 points
There's not much to say about this. Gordon's web page is all about their gin and no mention of the vodka. No one else seems to have much to say about it either. A few mentions here and there about it's low price and that's about it. I'm not a heavy vodka drinker. Vodka is the one liquor that is judged by it's lack of flavor and smell. This neutral-ness indicates higher quality. In order to market that nothingness they've come up with fancy bottles and names. Making a swing through the vodka section is a treat for me to look at all the pretty glass. Gordon's gives up the pretty to give you a good value. A plain bottle almost exactly the same as the gin with different colors on the label. The smell is OK, and not overpowering, the taste is almost non existent there's no oily aftertaste either. there's something there, but it's definitely not like some of the even cheaper vodka's that make you think of rubbing alcohol or brake fluid. Now I wouldn't want to drink it straight or on the rocks, but it makes a fine mixer and is a perfect candidate for making your own infusions. Gordon did a good job at making a inexpensive neutral spirit, perfect for a rail standard issue. Good job Mr. Gordon.
Score: 5
none really
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 Points
Score: 8
very little slight alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 8
decent not really sure
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
really none not good or bad
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
no real taste clean smooth
Raw total score: 67 points
Bonus Points: Value 1-10
Score: 8
$12.99 a 1.75 in my area
Total Score: 75 points
There's not much to say about this. Gordon's web page is all about their gin and no mention of the vodka. No one else seems to have much to say about it either. A few mentions here and there about it's low price and that's about it. I'm not a heavy vodka drinker. Vodka is the one liquor that is judged by it's lack of flavor and smell. This neutral-ness indicates higher quality. In order to market that nothingness they've come up with fancy bottles and names. Making a swing through the vodka section is a treat for me to look at all the pretty glass. Gordon's gives up the pretty to give you a good value. A plain bottle almost exactly the same as the gin with different colors on the label. The smell is OK, and not overpowering, the taste is almost non existent there's no oily aftertaste either. there's something there, but it's definitely not like some of the even cheaper vodka's that make you think of rubbing alcohol or brake fluid. Now I wouldn't want to drink it straight or on the rocks, but it makes a fine mixer and is a perfect candidate for making your own infusions. Gordon did a good job at making a inexpensive neutral spirit, perfect for a rail standard issue. Good job Mr. Gordon.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
(Review) Patron Silver 100% Agave Tequila 80 Proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Currently the douchebag drink of choice
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Barely agave / No smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Nice Bottle / douchey reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
No oil /disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 20
Woody Cedar? / No Burn / bad aftertaste
Raw score total: 54
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 3
$40 for a 750ml overpriced for lack of flavor there are much better premium tequilas
Total Score: 57 points
It appears this Tequila is very popular with the Jersey Shore crowd and while I like that tequila is gaining a little popularity I can't say I like the Douche-bag Patrol being associated with it. I do understand why they like it though as it has almost no flavor and smell. I expect as much from the crowd that drinks premium vodka as a mixer. In short, this is Tequila for Sissies, over-refined and laking flavor. To be less harsh I could say that if you don't like tequila or you don't like to taste your alcohol in your drink then this tequila might be for you. To me it’s only flavor is like the cedar chips you put in a hamster cage. After checking their website (which is very nice and full of pictures) I see they ferment the Agave in wooden barrels which is probably where it picks up that taste. I hope their anejo is tastier and ill have to try that at a later date. If you're looking for a premium tequila look elsewhere as this is one I don't think can stand on it's own on the rocks. As a shooter with lime and salt it loses all flavor completely. Maybe it's the lack of flavor making it popular, or maybe its just that name is a bit easier to pronounce.
Score: 6
Currently the douchebag drink of choice
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
perfectly clear
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Barely agave / No smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Nice Bottle / douchey reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
No oil /disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 20
Woody Cedar? / No Burn / bad aftertaste
Raw score total: 54
Bonus Points: Value 1-10 points
Score: 3
$40 for a 750ml overpriced for lack of flavor there are much better premium tequilas
Total Score: 57 points
It appears this Tequila is very popular with the Jersey Shore crowd and while I like that tequila is gaining a little popularity I can't say I like the Douche-bag Patrol being associated with it. I do understand why they like it though as it has almost no flavor and smell. I expect as much from the crowd that drinks premium vodka as a mixer. In short, this is Tequila for Sissies, over-refined and laking flavor. To be less harsh I could say that if you don't like tequila or you don't like to taste your alcohol in your drink then this tequila might be for you. To me it’s only flavor is like the cedar chips you put in a hamster cage. After checking their website (which is very nice and full of pictures) I see they ferment the Agave in wooden barrels which is probably where it picks up that taste. I hope their anejo is tastier and ill have to try that at a later date. If you're looking for a premium tequila look elsewhere as this is one I don't think can stand on it's own on the rocks. As a shooter with lime and salt it loses all flavor completely. Maybe it's the lack of flavor making it popular, or maybe its just that name is a bit easier to pronounce.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
(Review) Beefeater Gin 94 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 7
It’s always been rail gin
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 7
hard to say its clear like gin should be
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 4
alcohol, overpowering, medicine-y, juniper and fennel
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
established brand, cool bottle, history
Mouth feel: 1-10 points
Score: 7
feels light like it evaporates in your mouth
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 24
instant burn / overwhelming botanicals
Raw score total: 58 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 5
It's priced too high right under premium gins
Total Score: 63 points
I received this as a Christmas gift because I wanted the really cool red glass shaker it came with, but I'm sure I must have tried it before and don't remember. This gin has been around since 1820 and for a lot of people it may be the bottle they think of when they think gin. It a distinguished looking square glass bottle with the English Beefeater on it, you know the guys in the red suits with the funny hats that stand guard at the towers of London. It has a reputation of being an example of what London Dry Gin should be, but If you only ever tasted this as an example of gin I think you'd be doing gin a dis-service. Even though the company claims it to be thoughtfully blended and crafted it has no refinement or smoothness to it. It smells like rubbing alcohol with something mixed in it. This may be due to the high proofing. It doesn't have a smooth combined nose, one sip and it overpowered my sense of smell. The taste is harsh and overpowering. I tried it straight and that was awful my mouth was totally overpowered by burn and botanicals. In a g&t I still found it too strong, even overpowering the quinine and lime. I finally mixed it in a Singapore Sling and it worked. The aroma was blended in with the other ingredients and it kept a refreshing snap. I would use this for rail gin only in mixers and strong flavored ones at that. I think the company is trying to market this as a top shelf product. Pricing is just below premium gins and it's just too high in my opinion. I won’t be keeping this as my rail gin, but if you like very strong flavors or drink very sweet mixed drinks by all means try it.
Score: 7
It’s always been rail gin
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 7
hard to say its clear like gin should be
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 4
alcohol, overpowering, medicine-y, juniper and fennel
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
established brand, cool bottle, history
Mouth feel: 1-10 points
Score: 7
feels light like it evaporates in your mouth
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 24
instant burn / overwhelming botanicals
Raw score total: 58 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 5
It's priced too high right under premium gins
Total Score: 63 points
I received this as a Christmas gift because I wanted the really cool red glass shaker it came with, but I'm sure I must have tried it before and don't remember. This gin has been around since 1820 and for a lot of people it may be the bottle they think of when they think gin. It a distinguished looking square glass bottle with the English Beefeater on it, you know the guys in the red suits with the funny hats that stand guard at the towers of London. It has a reputation of being an example of what London Dry Gin should be, but If you only ever tasted this as an example of gin I think you'd be doing gin a dis-service. Even though the company claims it to be thoughtfully blended and crafted it has no refinement or smoothness to it. It smells like rubbing alcohol with something mixed in it. This may be due to the high proofing. It doesn't have a smooth combined nose, one sip and it overpowered my sense of smell. The taste is harsh and overpowering. I tried it straight and that was awful my mouth was totally overpowered by burn and botanicals. In a g&t I still found it too strong, even overpowering the quinine and lime. I finally mixed it in a Singapore Sling and it worked. The aroma was blended in with the other ingredients and it kept a refreshing snap. I would use this for rail gin only in mixers and strong flavored ones at that. I think the company is trying to market this as a top shelf product. Pricing is just below premium gins and it's just too high in my opinion. I won’t be keeping this as my rail gin, but if you like very strong flavors or drink very sweet mixed drinks by all means try it.
(Review) Canadian Club 6 year 80 proof
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Everything about it is classy and classic
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Crystalline Amber catches light like a jewel
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Smells smooth and well blended hint of oak
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Classic with an excellent reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Even / Wet / Slightly Oily aftertaste
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 38
Very Smooth Slight burn on the back end mellow taste stays with you
Raw Score Total: 80 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
$16.99 for 1.75
Total Score: 90 points
What is there to say about this classic whiskey? A lot actually if your into cocktail and spirit history. The short review is that you will not find a better whiskey in this price range. Even for 10-20 bucks more you're not going to find a smooth, tasty, perfectly blended whiskey like this. It's been a top selling brand for 150 years for a reason. It has received the Royal Seal from Queen Victoria, Invented the Manhattan for Lady Churchill, and been bootlegged by Al Capone during prohibition. The tale of the American entrepreneur that went to Canada to make whiskey sounds like movie script. If you go to the very in depth CC web page they'll tell you the whole story, and you'll see they are quite proud of their history and heritage. You pour it in the glass and you’re faced with an amber jewel. The smell is mellow. A hint of vanilla, and oak. The taste is smooth, but not too smooth. A perfectly blended experience of warm wet oakey flavor. It stays with you like a security blanket. The one problem with CC is it may seem a little old fashioned or boring. The new ad campaign emphasizing manliness and cool may change that view with the younger crowd. I can see hipsters latching on to it, to have with or instead of their PBR's and Millers. It's gong to make me laugh though watching unmanly skinny jeaned kids drinking it though. This whiskey is cool like the rat pack and James Bond (btw it's what he drank in the books not vodka martinis). It's not cool like that apartment your mommy and daddy are paying for is. Instead I like to picture Sean Connery and Earnest Hemingway drinking it while arm wrestling alligators and discussing the finer points of how great that broad's tits were that walked by. I think I'll leave you with that image. :)
Score: 9
Everything about it is classy and classic
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Crystalline Amber catches light like a jewel
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Smells smooth and well blended hint of oak
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Classic with an excellent reputation
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 9
Even / Wet / Slightly Oily aftertaste
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 38
Very Smooth Slight burn on the back end mellow taste stays with you
Raw Score Total: 80 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
$16.99 for 1.75
Total Score: 90 points
What is there to say about this classic whiskey? A lot actually if your into cocktail and spirit history. The short review is that you will not find a better whiskey in this price range. Even for 10-20 bucks more you're not going to find a smooth, tasty, perfectly blended whiskey like this. It's been a top selling brand for 150 years for a reason. It has received the Royal Seal from Queen Victoria, Invented the Manhattan for Lady Churchill, and been bootlegged by Al Capone during prohibition. The tale of the American entrepreneur that went to Canada to make whiskey sounds like movie script. If you go to the very in depth CC web page they'll tell you the whole story, and you'll see they are quite proud of their history and heritage. You pour it in the glass and you’re faced with an amber jewel. The smell is mellow. A hint of vanilla, and oak. The taste is smooth, but not too smooth. A perfectly blended experience of warm wet oakey flavor. It stays with you like a security blanket. The one problem with CC is it may seem a little old fashioned or boring. The new ad campaign emphasizing manliness and cool may change that view with the younger crowd. I can see hipsters latching on to it, to have with or instead of their PBR's and Millers. It's gong to make me laugh though watching unmanly skinny jeaned kids drinking it though. This whiskey is cool like the rat pack and James Bond (btw it's what he drank in the books not vodka martinis). It's not cool like that apartment your mommy and daddy are paying for is. Instead I like to picture Sean Connery and Earnest Hemingway drinking it while arm wrestling alligators and discussing the finer points of how great that broad's tits were that walked by. I think I'll leave you with that image. :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
(Review) Borsao Red Wine 2008 (Bodegas Borsao Spain)
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 2
never heard of it extra point for Spain, I like Spanish wines
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
nice ruby red with good legs
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
average dry wine grape smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 7
Unassuming Abstract art in dark colors on the bottle
Feel: 1-10 points
Score 6
unimpressive standard wine consistency
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 28
smooth slightly dry with a lot of tannin
Raw Score Total: 56 points
Bonus Points: 1-10
Value 1-10 points
Score 9
$8.99 a bottle
Total Score: 65 points
I had never heard of this wine. It was recommended to me by one of the Sommeliers at the fancy wine store I go to based on my liking of a similar Portuguese red table wine. I like wine, but I'm no connoisseur. I generally look for something that tastes good with food and is fairly inexpensive. This was surprisingly enjoyable. It had an even, smooth taste that was a little dry but not too dry. It would pair perfect with red meat or pizza. It's fairly average as red table wines go, fine with dinner and that's about it. I didn't enjoy it as much as other wines I have had in it’s class, but I bet I could make a pretty good sangria out of it.
Score: 2
never heard of it extra point for Spain, I like Spanish wines
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
nice ruby red with good legs
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 7
average dry wine grape smell
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 7
Unassuming Abstract art in dark colors on the bottle
Feel: 1-10 points
Score 6
unimpressive standard wine consistency
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 28
smooth slightly dry with a lot of tannin
Raw Score Total: 56 points
Bonus Points: 1-10
Value 1-10 points
Score 9
$8.99 a bottle
Total Score: 65 points
I had never heard of this wine. It was recommended to me by one of the Sommeliers at the fancy wine store I go to based on my liking of a similar Portuguese red table wine. I like wine, but I'm no connoisseur. I generally look for something that tastes good with food and is fairly inexpensive. This was surprisingly enjoyable. It had an even, smooth taste that was a little dry but not too dry. It would pair perfect with red meat or pizza. It's fairly average as red table wines go, fine with dinner and that's about it. I didn't enjoy it as much as other wines I have had in it’s class, but I bet I could make a pretty good sangria out of it.
(Review) Gambarelli & Davitto (G&D) Sweet Vermouth
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 1
Grandma’s secret Stash!
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 6
burnt amber
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 4
grapey/alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
hobo wine alright!
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
thin slight oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4
Score: 24
strong grape flavor / fruity
Raw Score Total: 45 points
Bonus Points:
Value 1-10
Score: 7
Total Score: 52 points
This isn't Campari with a twist. This stuff comes in a half gallon green jug as big as your head for 7 bucks. It's the kind of fortified wine you expect to see empty bottles of lying in alleys where hobos frequent. The surprising part is it doesn't taste bad or smell like fortified wine. It has a strong very sweet grape flavor, and a fruity aroma. You drink it and get a slight oily residue in your mouth, but it mixes well. I wouldn't drink it with club soda and a twist - but in a Manhattan its pretty good. You're definitely not going to beat the price. If it was a chick I'd hit it.
Score: 1
Grandma’s secret Stash!
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 6
burnt amber
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 4
grapey/alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
hobo wine alright!
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 5
thin slight oily
Taste: 1-10 x 4
Score: 24
strong grape flavor / fruity
Raw Score Total: 45 points
Bonus Points:
Value 1-10
Score: 7
Total Score: 52 points
This isn't Campari with a twist. This stuff comes in a half gallon green jug as big as your head for 7 bucks. It's the kind of fortified wine you expect to see empty bottles of lying in alleys where hobos frequent. The surprising part is it doesn't taste bad or smell like fortified wine. It has a strong very sweet grape flavor, and a fruity aroma. You drink it and get a slight oily residue in your mouth, but it mixes well. I wouldn't drink it with club soda and a twist - but in a Manhattan its pretty good. You're definitely not going to beat the price. If it was a chick I'd hit it.
(Review) Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (86 proof)
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 2
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
Raw Score Total: 61 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
Total Score: 71 points
Evan Williams Bourbon, a good solid bourbon at a great price. I like this bourbon. It's my everyday brand at home, but I have to say it needs it's own identity. The label and bottles are touted on the website as being proprietary and they seem quite proud of the gold foil script, but lets face the facts. When you think black label bourbon in a square bottle and you think ‘Jack Daniels’. It's the marketing. I can't find a reason that the bourbon labels are black or why you would want to look like your major competitor. If you look at Evan Williams website you get the feeling that this bourbon is older, more established and maybe they had the black label first, but I can say they lost the marketing war. They are the number 2 selling bourbon and they need to look different. I think this every time I buy a bottle and look at it on the shelf. I'm not sure if they have more dominance in the deep south, but that looks like where their marketing is aimed. They sponsor bass fishing and they seem to gear their marketing toward the American outdoor lifestyle.
I'm only waxing on about this because I feel bad about the low score on a very good bourbon. It's aged 7 years and tastes smooth and buttery with a very prominent spice and a slight burn on the back end. It's not for sweet bourbon drinkers. If you think Makers Mark is the best ever you probably won't like this, but try it and see if I can change your mind. It's that spicy taste on the back end. It reminds me of my favorite rye whiskey and matched with that buttery-ness up front it smooths out to a mellow and tasty whiskey. If you pour some in the glass you'll notice a rich amber hue and nice bourbon smell. It's kinda buttery and a little sugary with a waft of vanilla. You take a sip and notice it goes down smooth with that spice and slight burn on the back end but it has no oily type residue. You can enjoy this on the rocks but it really shines in a Mint Julep. If you prefer, try it with coke and see if you don't switch to it for everyday use. Lastly. the price: It's the best bang for the buck. A handle, if they had those will run you under 25 bucks and your getting a quality bourbon that will taste better and more true to form than some bourbons costing 3 times as much. I'm sorry for the low score for such a great bourbon, but in the words of a sage from my childhood Be someone important, be yourself.
Score: 2
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 5
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 6
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
Raw Score Total: 61 points
Bonus Points:
Value: 1-10 points
Score: 10
Total Score: 71 points
Evan Williams Bourbon, a good solid bourbon at a great price. I like this bourbon. It's my everyday brand at home, but I have to say it needs it's own identity. The label and bottles are touted on the website as being proprietary and they seem quite proud of the gold foil script, but lets face the facts. When you think black label bourbon in a square bottle and you think ‘Jack Daniels’. It's the marketing. I can't find a reason that the bourbon labels are black or why you would want to look like your major competitor. If you look at Evan Williams website you get the feeling that this bourbon is older, more established and maybe they had the black label first, but I can say they lost the marketing war. They are the number 2 selling bourbon and they need to look different. I think this every time I buy a bottle and look at it on the shelf. I'm not sure if they have more dominance in the deep south, but that looks like where their marketing is aimed. They sponsor bass fishing and they seem to gear their marketing toward the American outdoor lifestyle.
I'm only waxing on about this because I feel bad about the low score on a very good bourbon. It's aged 7 years and tastes smooth and buttery with a very prominent spice and a slight burn on the back end. It's not for sweet bourbon drinkers. If you think Makers Mark is the best ever you probably won't like this, but try it and see if I can change your mind. It's that spicy taste on the back end. It reminds me of my favorite rye whiskey and matched with that buttery-ness up front it smooths out to a mellow and tasty whiskey. If you pour some in the glass you'll notice a rich amber hue and nice bourbon smell. It's kinda buttery and a little sugary with a waft of vanilla. You take a sip and notice it goes down smooth with that spice and slight burn on the back end but it has no oily type residue. You can enjoy this on the rocks but it really shines in a Mint Julep. If you prefer, try it with coke and see if you don't switch to it for everyday use. Lastly. the price: It's the best bang for the buck. A handle, if they had those will run you under 25 bucks and your getting a quality bourbon that will taste better and more true to form than some bourbons costing 3 times as much. I'm sorry for the low score for such a great bourbon, but in the words of a sage from my childhood Be someone important, be yourself.
(Review) Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum (92 proof)
Mystique: 1-10 points
Score: 8
hyped / maybe more if i was into tattoo culture
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Deep gold / this is not navy rum it's gold rum
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9
vanilla bean / sugar cane / mace spice / whiff of alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
No way this is Navy Rum, but it's got a Hula Girl
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
no aftertaste / disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
blended / little vanilla / tiny burn / buttery aftertaste
Raw Score Total: 74 points
Bonus Points:
Value 1-10 points
Score: 7
It's priced right in the middle of the pack
Total Score: 81 points
I drink a good bit of rum and this came highly recommended by friends so I was looking forward to reviewing it. It's got some hype about it and appears that is especially so if you're into the tattoo culture because of it's namesake. I held the bottle up to the light and thought it has a nice color, but this is the lightest ‘navy rum’ I've ever seen. It looks like a gold rum and is about the same color as Captain Morgan so I was feeling a little less than full on pirate.
It tastes pretty good with almost no aftertaste or oily-ness. A little vanilla with a buttery finish. I smelled the spices but really didn't taste any of them. Perhaps they were looted by pirates! It has a strange taste that it's blended, like it's not smooth enough or something. I really couldn't put my finger on exactly what that weird taste was. I wouldn't drink this stuff straight so I tried it in some coke. Mixed with soda the flavor almost completely disappears. It just leaves a sweet buttery hint. Not bad for people that don't want to taste the alcohol in their drinks. There are plenty of other rums I like better than this one. It's good, but there are better choices out there around the same price. If you don't want to taste alcohol in your cocktails or you have guests that don't, try mixing up something with this instead of that vodka drink next time.
Score: 8
hyped / maybe more if i was into tattoo culture
Color: 1-10 points
Score: 8
Deep gold / this is not navy rum it's gold rum
Scent: 1-10 points
Score: 9
vanilla bean / sugar cane / mace spice / whiff of alcohol
Initial Impression: 1-10 points
Score: 9
No way this is Navy Rum, but it's got a Hula Girl
Mouthfeel: 1-10 points
Score: 8
no aftertaste / disappears quickly
Taste: 1-10 x 4 points
Score: 32
blended / little vanilla / tiny burn / buttery aftertaste
Raw Score Total: 74 points
Bonus Points:
Value 1-10 points
Score: 7
It's priced right in the middle of the pack
Total Score: 81 points
I drink a good bit of rum and this came highly recommended by friends so I was looking forward to reviewing it. It's got some hype about it and appears that is especially so if you're into the tattoo culture because of it's namesake. I held the bottle up to the light and thought it has a nice color, but this is the lightest ‘navy rum’ I've ever seen. It looks like a gold rum and is about the same color as Captain Morgan so I was feeling a little less than full on pirate.
It tastes pretty good with almost no aftertaste or oily-ness. A little vanilla with a buttery finish. I smelled the spices but really didn't taste any of them. Perhaps they were looted by pirates! It has a strange taste that it's blended, like it's not smooth enough or something. I really couldn't put my finger on exactly what that weird taste was. I wouldn't drink this stuff straight so I tried it in some coke. Mixed with soda the flavor almost completely disappears. It just leaves a sweet buttery hint. Not bad for people that don't want to taste the alcohol in their drinks. There are plenty of other rums I like better than this one. It's good, but there are better choices out there around the same price. If you don't want to taste alcohol in your cocktails or you have guests that don't, try mixing up something with this instead of that vodka drink next time.
(Review) JAGERMEISTER
Mystique: 1-10
Score: 10 points
cool bottle, stag on the label this shit is METAL!
Color: 1-10
Score: 6 points
black?
Scent: 1-10
Score: 7 points
mouthwash
Initial Impression: 1-10
Score: 10 points
interesting
Mouthfeel: 1-10
Score: 8 points
blood
Taste: 1-10 x 4
Score: 8 x 4 = 32 points
Cough Medicine
Raw Score Total: 72 points
Bonus Points
Value: 1-10
Score: 3 points
Total Score: 77 points
Jagermeister. You say the name and it sounds tough. This is a mans drink. Or is it? It's German (you know the Germans always make good stuff) and its made in a place called Wolfenbüttel. Can that name be any more metal? Throw up your devil horns and slam one down. This stuff is pounded down by bro’s and ho's at bars across America. It's used as a challenge and a rite of passage, but never for it's creators intention. “Yea man, and I heard it has elks blood in it too!” (it doesn't, this was a rumor started some time ago).
How does that happen you ask? What was it's intended purpose? Well a long time ago some German dude created a new digestif. WTF is that you ask? A drink designed to help you digest your dinner, meant to be taken in a dainty stemmed shot glass and sipped. Hardly metal, but the stuff worked. The combination of herbs and spices uses some holistic medicine approach and it helps you digest your dinner. No, not really, what it does is stops the formation of gas therefore making you feel better after a big meal and seemingly digest your food better. It's ‘snake oil’, like in the old western movies. “Doc Browns cure all will cure what ails you, only a nickle.”
The stuff is legit as I can attest, it does make you feel better after a big meal. So it's billed as a kind of medicine. Did it at one time have a legit purpose? Yes, it was issued to the German army as a field anesthetic. What! “Hey that Yank blew your arm off, here put some Jager on it!”
Yes folks, that's metal!
So you own a drink recipe that tastes like cough medicine, has a high alcohol content and looks like blood. What do you do with it? You market the hell out if it. Get it’s name out there and sponsor tons of stuff like car and speedboat racing and make it manly. But it's too sweet and tastes funny. Well you recommend that it only be drunk at below freezing temperatures. Yea man, perfect! Just think, we'll name it tough, put some religious symbolism on the bottle and sponsor a metal concert tour!
All kidding aside I like the stuff, it does get rid of gas and its fun to pound a few. I would not recommend it at room temperature because it takes on this weird pancake syrup flavor and it'll coat a glass like paint, but frozen and chased by a beer it's a fun evening. I cannot say it's a great value. It's fairly expensive, but no more so than other specialty liquors. Save it for that after dinner shot or make a Jagerbomb with some Redbull at the bar (that’s the most popular form of mixer - it always has the word bomb in it). When you drink it always remember to make up some extra shit about it's history or ingredients to scare or impress your friends with and you can't go wrong. Whatever it is not, what it is, is fun! Hells yea!
Score: 10 points
cool bottle, stag on the label this shit is METAL!
Color: 1-10
Score: 6 points
black?
Scent: 1-10
Score: 7 points
mouthwash
Initial Impression: 1-10
Score: 10 points
interesting
Mouthfeel: 1-10
Score: 8 points
blood
Taste: 1-10 x 4
Score: 8 x 4 = 32 points
Cough Medicine
Raw Score Total: 72 points
Bonus Points
Value: 1-10
Score: 3 points
Total Score: 77 points
Jagermeister. You say the name and it sounds tough. This is a mans drink. Or is it? It's German (you know the Germans always make good stuff) and its made in a place called Wolfenbüttel. Can that name be any more metal? Throw up your devil horns and slam one down. This stuff is pounded down by bro’s and ho's at bars across America. It's used as a challenge and a rite of passage, but never for it's creators intention. “Yea man, and I heard it has elks blood in it too!” (it doesn't, this was a rumor started some time ago).
How does that happen you ask? What was it's intended purpose? Well a long time ago some German dude created a new digestif. WTF is that you ask? A drink designed to help you digest your dinner, meant to be taken in a dainty stemmed shot glass and sipped. Hardly metal, but the stuff worked. The combination of herbs and spices uses some holistic medicine approach and it helps you digest your dinner. No, not really, what it does is stops the formation of gas therefore making you feel better after a big meal and seemingly digest your food better. It's ‘snake oil’, like in the old western movies. “Doc Browns cure all will cure what ails you, only a nickle.”
The stuff is legit as I can attest, it does make you feel better after a big meal. So it's billed as a kind of medicine. Did it at one time have a legit purpose? Yes, it was issued to the German army as a field anesthetic. What! “Hey that Yank blew your arm off, here put some Jager on it!”
Yes folks, that's metal!
So you own a drink recipe that tastes like cough medicine, has a high alcohol content and looks like blood. What do you do with it? You market the hell out if it. Get it’s name out there and sponsor tons of stuff like car and speedboat racing and make it manly. But it's too sweet and tastes funny. Well you recommend that it only be drunk at below freezing temperatures. Yea man, perfect! Just think, we'll name it tough, put some religious symbolism on the bottle and sponsor a metal concert tour!
All kidding aside I like the stuff, it does get rid of gas and its fun to pound a few. I would not recommend it at room temperature because it takes on this weird pancake syrup flavor and it'll coat a glass like paint, but frozen and chased by a beer it's a fun evening. I cannot say it's a great value. It's fairly expensive, but no more so than other specialty liquors. Save it for that after dinner shot or make a Jagerbomb with some Redbull at the bar (that’s the most popular form of mixer - it always has the word bomb in it). When you drink it always remember to make up some extra shit about it's history or ingredients to scare or impress your friends with and you can't go wrong. Whatever it is not, what it is, is fun! Hells yea!
(Review) Gordon's London Dry Gin
Mystique: 0-10
Score: 6 points
Color: 0-10
Score: 10 points
Perfectly Clear
Scent: 0-10
Score: 8 points
evergreen
Initial Impression: 0-10
Score: 9 points
refreshingly tasty
Mouthfeel: 0-10
Score: 9 points
thicker than you'd think
Taste: 0-10 x 4
Score: 36 points
Tastes like Gin is supposed to
Raw Score Total:
78 points
Bonus Points
Value: 1-10
Score: 10 points
Total Score: 88 points
Ahh! Gordon's Gin, I know it well. It's unassuming sitting there on the shelf in it's clear plastic bottle. Jealous; yet smug towards those fancy bottles on the top shelf. If you have never tasted this gin and know nothing about it you might pass it by as just another bottle of cheap hooch. It's only eye catcher is it's very classic looking label. The yellow label with the red boar's head might look familiar if you're a classic movie buff. You see, Gordon's gin is often cited as one of the the first examples of product placement in motion pictures. Cases are stacked between Bogie and Hepburn on that ragged old boat The African Queen - Hepburn, the tea teetotaler, throws several cases of the stuff in the river. What a shame to treat such a great gin with such disrespect. You see it's a little smug at those fancy top shelf gins not only because its a little famous, but it's the only gin to receive the Royal Warrant from the Queen of England shortly after it's production began in 1769. Did I also mention Gordon's has given permission for use of its logo by the Red Rippers US Navy Fighter squadron since the 1930's? Why has it been around that long? It's the quintessential London Dry Gin. A picture of it's label should be in the dictionary next to the definition.
Gordon's is clear as crystal, it's nose is all juniper and spices and it immediately reminds you of Christmas. The first taste is dry and complicated with a mix of juniper, coriander and botanicals with a smooth but slight snap at the finish. It's one of the few straight alcohols that actually seems refreshing when you drink it, and it tastes equally good in a martini or a gin and tonic. It's mixed, but always there, and lends a cool taste to anything you decide to put it in. In my area you get all this for $11 per 1.75 liters bottle. A great value with taste that's half or less than the price of the fancy bottled gins. It should score higher on the mystique but I don't think anyone knows about it's history anymore. Sure your gin has a nifty bottle, but this is a cool classic that never goes out of style.
Score: 6 points
Color: 0-10
Score: 10 points
Perfectly Clear
Scent: 0-10
Score: 8 points
evergreen
Initial Impression: 0-10
Score: 9 points
refreshingly tasty
Mouthfeel: 0-10
Score: 9 points
thicker than you'd think
Taste: 0-10 x 4
Score: 36 points
Tastes like Gin is supposed to
Raw Score Total:
78 points
Bonus Points
Value: 1-10
Score: 10 points
Total Score: 88 points
Ahh! Gordon's Gin, I know it well. It's unassuming sitting there on the shelf in it's clear plastic bottle. Jealous; yet smug towards those fancy bottles on the top shelf. If you have never tasted this gin and know nothing about it you might pass it by as just another bottle of cheap hooch. It's only eye catcher is it's very classic looking label. The yellow label with the red boar's head might look familiar if you're a classic movie buff. You see, Gordon's gin is often cited as one of the the first examples of product placement in motion pictures. Cases are stacked between Bogie and Hepburn on that ragged old boat The African Queen - Hepburn, the tea teetotaler, throws several cases of the stuff in the river. What a shame to treat such a great gin with such disrespect. You see it's a little smug at those fancy top shelf gins not only because its a little famous, but it's the only gin to receive the Royal Warrant from the Queen of England shortly after it's production began in 1769. Did I also mention Gordon's has given permission for use of its logo by the Red Rippers US Navy Fighter squadron since the 1930's? Why has it been around that long? It's the quintessential London Dry Gin. A picture of it's label should be in the dictionary next to the definition.
Gordon's is clear as crystal, it's nose is all juniper and spices and it immediately reminds you of Christmas. The first taste is dry and complicated with a mix of juniper, coriander and botanicals with a smooth but slight snap at the finish. It's one of the few straight alcohols that actually seems refreshing when you drink it, and it tastes equally good in a martini or a gin and tonic. It's mixed, but always there, and lends a cool taste to anything you decide to put it in. In my area you get all this for $11 per 1.75 liters bottle. A great value with taste that's half or less than the price of the fancy bottled gins. It should score higher on the mystique but I don't think anyone knows about it's history anymore. Sure your gin has a nifty bottle, but this is a cool classic that never goes out of style.
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