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Archive for May, 2012

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Introducing: Crown Royal Limited XR LaSalle Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 16, 2012

Crown Royal has just unveiled their new Crown Royal XR® LaSalle Whisky. The previous edition of Crown Royal XR®, (click here for my review) was s a unique bottling of Crown Royal Whisky, which included in the blend, the last aged stocks from the Crown Royal Waterloo Distillery which burned down in 1993. This latest Crown Royal XR® blend includes select remaining whisky stocks from the renowned LaSalle Distillery in Quebec, Canada. Apparently the Crown Royal XR® will be an on-going series, with each Crown Royal XR blend created with the inclusion rare batch whisky stocks and distributed for a limited time only.

This present edition, Crown Royal XR® LaSalle, was ‘handcrafted” by Crown Royal Master Blender, Andrew MacKay. Mr. MacKay actually began his apprenticeship with Crown Royal at the LaSalle Distillery. The creation of this new XR whiskey was therefore a uniquely personal experience for the Master Blender who stated:

“LaSalle holds a historic place in the whisky world and is incredibly special to me, because it’s where I first learned about creating memorable blends. To be able to incorporate these Extra Rare LaSalle whiskies into the new Crown Royal XR is an honor, and I hope loyal adult Crown Royal drinkers enjoy it responsibly – whether toasting to a monumental anniversary or simply gathering with friends and family on the weekend.”

The LaSalle Distillery is significant to Crown Royal, as it was the first distillery opened by the Bronfman Family (a legendary name within the spirits industry). The Bronfmans were responsible for the creation of the original Crown Royal Whisky in 1939 to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Canada.

The new Crown Royal XR Limited LaSalle’s packaging continues the original presentation theme established with the first installment in this ‘Extra Rare’ Whisky Series. The uniquely shaped bottle which resembles a crown, the deluxe glass stopper, and the iconic velvet bag will remain the same in shape and design; but, the new display box and velvet bag now reflect a royal blue color to echo the regal history of the product.

Crown Royal XR will be available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $129.99 per 750 ml bottle (bottled at 40 % abv.) beginning in early June. As was the case with the inaugural installment in the ‘Extra Rare’ series, the new Crown Royal XR will be available for a limited time only.

Although I have not yet tasted the new Crown Royal Limited XR LaSalle Whiskey, I shall be sure to provide a comprehensive review as soon as I do.

Here are some links to my previous Crown Royal Whisky Reviews:

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Whisk(e)y | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Introducing: Crown Royal Limited XR LaSalle Whisky

Book Review: Canadian Whisky: the portable expert

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 15, 2012

I love Canadian Whisky! It is smooth and tasty, and (in my locale at least) extremely well priced compared to the other whisky offerings on the store shelf. This means that even the premium brands sell at prices which allows me to mix them in cocktails without guilt, and some of the super premium brands are cheaper than the average price of a single malt scotch (Last month I purchased 3 bottles of a 25-year-old pure rye whisky for less than 90 bucks combined!)

So when I found out that my whisky reviewing friend, Davin de Kergommeaux, had written a book devoted to Canadian Whisky; I was very eager to give it a good read. Davin, like myself is a true devotee of our great Canadian Spirit. He has created his own website (Canadian Whisky) where he publishes various articles about our mutual passion and of course his unrivaled reviews. He has also been instrumental in launching the first ever fully independent Canadian Whisky Awards! These awards have highlighted not only the best tasting whiskies made in Canada, but they also awarded special achievements by Canadian Whisky Distillers in areas of innovation, brand extension, and media/advertising.

I received my copy of Canadian Whisky: the portable expert about three weeks ago, and I thought I would share my thoughts on Davin’s scribblings here on my website.

Here is a link to those thoughts:

Book Review: Canadian Whisky: the portable expert

Note: The book should already be in your local bookstore as it was released on May 8. I believe it is available through Amazon, Chapters/Indigo, McNallyRobinson, and several other on-line booksellers.

Posted in Books, Canadian Whisky, Extras, Howls, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Book Review: Canadian Whisky: the portable expert

A Lamentation for Value Whisky Reviews

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 14, 2012

It was with some sadness that I read the March 28 posting on Ryan’s website, Value Whisky Reviews. (As far as I know Ryan never posted his last name on his website, so I shall not do so here.) Value Whisky Reviews was an apologetically honest website, where Ryan, a self admitted amateur, posted his mix of views and reviews regarding whisky, blogging and how these two passions of his affected his spirituality.

I said Ryan’s website was apologetically honest, and it was. His reviews were accurate and his reflections on the relative value of the spirits with relation to  cost versus scoring were always well thought out and worth reading. But what I liked about Ryan was his reflections on not the spirit of whisky, but rather his own spirit. The angst he felt with respect to how his hobby was affecting his relationship with God clearly came out in his writing. His articles, What the Bible says about drinking and Whisky: a golden calf? were each very well thought out and in particular the latter article was extremely heartfelt.

This is Ryan (hopefully he doesn’t mind me borrowing his picture from his website).

Ryan seems to have no problems writing about his own spirit, and in fact he unabashedly placed his own Christianity on his website for all to see. While other spirits writers would use the side columns of their website to promote articles on their site, Ryan first placed this quote from Romans 10:9:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

and then this one from Luke 24:47:

“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.”

He wanted to be true to his own beliefs and ensured he exalted God and Christ before he exalted himself. Yet, it was this conflict between his love of Christ an his love of his website that led to the his decision to shut things down. I was saddened. I felt that Ryan was contributing something special, and I don’t think you had to be Christian to appreciate the message he was trying to promote or to appreciate the angst that he felt when he found himself guiltily checking his web stats everyday to see how his website was fairing.

In the end, Ryan decided that he was too close to putting his own personal satisfaction ahead of his spirit. I cannot judge that, I am incapable. But I can say, that it is unfortunate to see such an honest person leave the blogosphere. I hope he comes back!

Good Luck Ryan
My heart is with you!

Posted in Howls | 2 Comments »

Review: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 13, 2012

The Glenfarclas Distillery is located on the Recherlich Farm at Ballindalloch in the heart of Speyside. The Distillery was purchased by the Grant Family in 1865 for a total sum of £511.19sd. It has remained in the control of the Grant Family for six generations up to the present day. In fact, Glenfarclas is one of only a few distilleries remaining in Scotland which is independently family owned and managed.

This review continues my series of examinations of the Glenfarclas Single Malt line-up. I have previously reviewed the Glenfarclas 12 Year, the Glenfarclas 21 Year, the Glenfarclas 30 Year and the Glenfarclas Cask Strength 105. These reviews have been facilitated by Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc who have provided samples for me to assess, and who kindly invited me to a tasting event hosted by George Grant, the Sales Director for the Glenfarclas Distillery where I was able to sample the entire core range of Glenfarclas Whisky. Mr. Grant is part of the 6th generation of the Grant Family who originally purchased the distillery in 1865.

Here is an excerpt from my review”

“…The initial aroma from the glass reveals the scent of old oak tainted by the dry fruity smells of the sherry cask. I like how the two distinct aromas have blended together such that it is hard for me to decide where the oak ends and the fruity sherry begins. There is also a nice herbal quality that reminds me of woodland meadow full of heather and willow thicket…”

You may read my full review here:

Review: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky

Please Enjoy the Review!

Posted in Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky

Review: Patrón Silver Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 10, 2012

Patron Silver Tequila is a pure 100% Agave Tequila made from agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The Agave is 6 to 7 years old when harvested, and the heart of the plant or the piña is all that is used. These piñas are cut and slowly steamed in masonry ovens for 79 hours. The steamed piñas are then shredded and placed into a traditional stone pit, where they are broken (or shredded) into finer pieces with a large stone milling wheel called a Tahona. The resulting juice is then fermented for 72 hours in a wooden fermentation vat, and distilled twice in copper pot stills.

As a highland tequila,we can expect the Patron Tequila to exhibit strong fruity citrus notes and to have a little hot pepper in the delivery and the finish. The company was created in 1989 when John Paul DeJoria, and Martin Crowley formed The Patrón Spirits Company with the stated singular goal of producing “the best tequila in the world.”

I received a 375 ml sample bottle of the Patron Silver Tequila from Diamond Estates Wine and Spirits, who are the local distributor Patron Spirits.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… I think it is safe to say that the Patrón Silver has a traditional highland tequila finish filled with spicy white pepper and hot citrus. It is not overly harsh considering the spice; but, neither is it smooth. Some of the earthy agave is present in the exit, but the citrus and the pepper are definitely much more abundant than the earthy herbaceous agave. …”

You may read my full review here:

Review: Patrón Silver Tequila

Please enjoy the review and my new cocktail suggestion, The Long Lavender Look.

Cheers!

Posted in Blanco Tequila, Cocktails & Recipes, Tequila, Tequila Review | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Patrón Silver Tequila

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