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Review: Tanqueray No.10 Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 16, 2012

Tanqueray Gin was originally produced by Charles Tanqueray in London, England in 1830 at the Bloomsbury Distillery. The distillery prospered through the nineteenth century; but after being in production for over one hundred years, it was almost destroyed in the bombing raids of World War II by the German air force. One still survived, and this still affectionately called “Old Tom” was moved to the new facilities in Cameron Scotland where Tanqueray Gin is currently produced.

Tanqueray No. 10, is produced through a quadruple distillation process with the botanicals infused prior to the fourth distillation. Rather than using only the citrus peel for their infusion, Tanqueray 10 is instead made with the whole fruit. Thus entire grapefruits, oranges and limes are used along with juniper, angelica, coriander, licorice and chamomile in the production of the No. 10 Gin. It is named for the “Tiny Ten” still, from which all of the No. 10 Gin is distilled, and is considered the most premium gin in the Tanqueray line up.

I recently revisited Tanqueray No. 10 and here is an excerpt from my new review:

“… The initial nose is light juniper and alpine forest. It reminds me of what I sense when I go camping in the forests of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are some sweet floral notes which are hard to identify (probably some chamomile in there); but the floral character combines well with the citrus flavours of lime and grapefruit (especially the grapefruit). I also sense a light ribbon of orange liqueur and the subtlety of other mixed botanicals. Nosing this Tanqueray gin is relaxing and enjoyable, as everything seems well balanced with no sharp notes and no single element causing disharmony… “

You may read my full review here

Review: Tanqueray No.10 Gin

This is such a nice gin that instead of one recipe, I found myself recommending three, the Key Lime Gimlet, the Key Lime Slushy, and one of my favourites, the Pink Rocket.

Please enjoy the review, and do try a few cocktails, Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Gin, Gin Review | Tagged: Cocktails and Recipes, Gin, Gin Review, Tanqueray Gin | Comments Off on Review: Tanqueray No.10 Gin

For Father’s Day – Avoiding my 10 Whisky Regrets

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 15, 2012

Yesterday I shared a few of my rum experiences which were, let me say, less than enjoyable. The list was meant to help you avoid similar pitfalls in your search for a suitable rum to buy Dad for Father’s Day. Today, I think it is only fair, that I also list a few of the whisky decisions I have regretted as well. The list I came up with, isn’t really a list of horrible whiskies that left me gasping (although a couple are). It is more of a list of whiskies which in some way tainted my enjoyment such that I kind of wished I had never succumbed to their charm in the bottle.

They made me run to them, and then they made me run from them, kind of like that Gloria Jones song covered by Soft Cell:
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These are my regrets, and I publish this list in hopes that I can help you avoid a regret or two this Father’s Day. (Just for the fun of it, I think I will count them down in reverse order starting with a few minor regrets, working my way to my biggest whisky regret.)

My 10 Whisky Regrets

Happy Father’s Day Everyone!

Posted in American Whiskey, Canadian Whisky, Howls, Irish Whskey, Japanese Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Whisk(e)y | Tagged: American Whiskey, Canadian Whisky, Father's Day, Irish Whiskey, Scotch Whisky, Whisky, Whisky Review | Comments Off on For Father’s Day – Avoiding my 10 Whisky Regrets

For Father’s Day – Ten Rums You Should Avoid

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 14, 2012

Earlier this week I gave everyone a few recommendations for their Father’s Day purchases; I thought it only fair that I also list a few of the rum purchase decisions you should avoid. This is a list of sugar-cane based spirits which will help to empty your wallet, but will leave your Dad scratching his head in bewilderment. I have posted this list before, and it proved to be somewhat controversial. It seems that some of my choices are actually well-loved by some of my readers. If I have slighted one of your favourites please chime in with a comment to defend your rum of choice. But, having said that, I must confess, that these are anything but my rums of choice. These are my regrets, and I publish this list in hopes that I can help you avoid a regret or two this Father’s Day.

And so without further ado, here are…the Ten Rums you should avoid.

These Rums Ain’t Pretty… They just look that way!

Here is the video that inspired the original posting…..

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Posted in Dark Rums, Flavouerd Rums, Howls, Rum, Rum Reviews, Spiced Rum | Tagged: Father's Day, Rum | Comments Off on For Father’s Day – Ten Rums You Should Avoid

Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 13, 2012

Recently, I was asked by some of my readers to revisit my review for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. It was after all written almost three years ago and was quite cursory in nature. So I contacted the PR company for Sailor Jerry Rum and they were quite happy to send me a sample bottle for a more complete review.

Sailor Jerry Ltd. was formed when Ed Hardy and Mike Malone partnered with a small Philadelphia clothing store to make running shoes, t-shirts and other assorted products featuring the tattoo artwork of Norman Collins (Aka Sailor Jerry). Collins, who was also a writer and a poet, as well as a radio show host, is best remembered today as one of the great pioneers of tattoo art and culture.

In fact, Larry Collins has become legendary in North America tattoo culture. He practiced his art in Chicago as a young man learning his craft from well-known tattoo artist Gib “Tatts” Thomas. Later, when working as a sailor aboard a steamer vessel, he went to Japan to study the techniques of the far east. When he settled in Honolulu, Hawaii in the 1930s, he opened his own shop, and word of his distinctive style was spread around the globe as the naval ships came and went, carrying upon them the sailors who has stopped by his shop for an original “‘Sailor Jerry” tattoo.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum was created in 1991 as a logical extension of the Sailor Jerry brand, and like the tattoo artwork of its namesake, word of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum has slowly spread around the world. In fact, it is now one of the best selling spiced rum brands in the world.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

“… As I sip on the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, I am again reminded quite firmly of Dr. Pepper soda. I taste a lot of caramel, black cherry and vanilla. The other spices are laid further back in the flavour profile, but I can taste cinnamon, and nutmeg, a few scattered cloves, and hints of allspice… “

Here is a link to the full review:

Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

You might also enjoy my new cocktail, the Metro Swizzle.

Cheers Everyone!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Rum, Spiced Rum | Tagged: Rum, Rum Review, Sailor Jerry, Spiced Rum | Comments Off on Review: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

For Father’s Day – Great Rum on a Budget

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 12, 2012

Yesterday I posted a great list of budget-priced Canadian Whiskies suitable for Father’s Day. Today, I am posting a similar list, for those who would prefer rum over whisky. Again, the list is qualified as being only those rums which can be found for under $30.00 in my locale, and those which I personally would love to receive as a Father’s Day Gift.

And so in no particular order, I give you my list of 12 great budget priced rums suitable for Father’s Day. Beside each rum is the approximate price here in Edmonton.
(You may click each selection to read my reviews of each particular rum if you wish.)