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Archive for March, 2019

Review: Writer’s Tears Cask Strength

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 13, 2019

Recently (February 7, 2019), the LCBO Whisky Shop launched a 7 brand Walsh Whiskey feature which included the 2018 bottling of Writer’s Tears Cask Strength (Irish Whisky).

The 2018 vintage is the 8th annual release of Writers’ Tears Cask Strength from Walsh Whiskey. It is a vatting of aged Single Pot Still and Single Malt Whiskey, triple distilled, aged in Bourbon barrels, non-chill filtered and bottled at 53% alcohol by volume.

According to Bernard Walsh:

“This whiskey displays a complex nose of toasted cereal, almond oils, creamy chocolate and sweet floral notes. On the palate it reveals wild honey, summer fruits, fresh ginger, all underpinned by a spicy single pot still base. It has a delicate, warmth and lingering finish. I hope the lucky few who acquire this year’s release enjoy every moment.”

The 2018 release is limited to just 5,175 individually numbered bottles each signed by Walsh Whiskey Founder and Chief Executive – Bernard Walsh. The super-premium whiskey is for sale across selected markets worldwide (including of course at the LCBO in Ontario).

Here is a link to my final review in my Walsh Whiskey review series:

Review: Writer’s Tears Cask Strength (Irish Whiskey)

“… Interestingly enough, I have felt no desire to add ice or water to the whiskey. The balance of heat and flavour has seemed to be just about perfect, and I do not want to do anything to upset what is seemingly an almost perfect whiskey …”

Please enjoy my review of this wonderful new Irish Whiskey!

Chimo!

Posted in Irish Whskey, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Writer’s Tears Cask Strength

Review: Writer’s Tears Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish (Irish Whisky) 

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 6, 2019

Recently (February 7, 2019), the LCBO Whisky Shop launched a 7 brand Walsh Whiskey feature which included the 2018 bottling of Writer’s Tears Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish (Irish Whisky).

According to the information sent to me Writer’s Tears Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish is a unique blend of Single Malt and Single Pot Still Whiskey. It is distilled 3 times and aged in American Oak bourbon casks. After this first maturation the whiskey is then finished for nine addition months Cognac Casks from the family cooperage of Allary. These casks have been seasoned for up to 15 years with Deau XO from the Legaret family.

Here is a link to my latest Irish Whiskey Review:

Review: Writer’s Tears Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish (Irish Whisky)

“… Oak and toffee scents deepen with obvious scents of fresh grain and malted barley. The fruity notes have intensified as well representing green grapes, pears and canned apricot. There are hints of cherry and underlying smells of cedar and poplar …”

Please enjoy my review of this wonderful new Irish Whiskey!

Chimo!

Posted in Irish Whskey, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Writer’s Tears Deau XO Cognac Cask Finish (Irish Whisky) 

Bitter(s) Review: Old Forester Smoked Cinnamon Bitters

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 4, 2019

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the longest continuously produced Bourbon in the retail market today having begun production in 1870. Additionally it was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles. As well as making whiskey, Old Forester produces a line-up of what they call ‘cocktail provisions’ which includes a two syrups, a tincture and three brands of Cocktail Bitters.

Their Smoked Cinnamon Bitters were apparently inspired by Old Forester Master Taster, Jackie Zykan’s paternal matriarchs. As related on the company website,

My grandmother’s den always had a faint smell of sooty, wood burning fireplace. She used to make “whiskey cookies” every Christmas (which were just baking spice packed fruit cake cookies she added a generous helping of whiskey to), which as a child made you feel like you were getting away with something by being allowed to have one.

According to the ingredients list on the bottle, the bitters contain Old Forester Bourbon, Black Tea Cherries, Cedar Smoked Cinnamon, Wild Cherry Bark, Gentian Root and Clove.

Here is a link to my latest Bitter(s) Review:

Bitter(s) Review: Angostura Aromatic Bitters

” … When I put a couple drops on my tongue it was easy to taste the smoky cinnamon flavour which was accented by clove, There was quite a bitter backbone to the flavour which I suspect was a combination of the gentian root and the wild cherry bark as this bitterness carries a similar flavour to wood tannin …”

Please enjoy my review which includes three cocktail suggestions.

Chimo!

Posted in Bitters | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »