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Archive for the ‘Cocktails & Recipes’ Category

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Review: Herencia de Plata (Reposado) Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 1, 2013

Herencia dpHerencia de Plata Reposado Tequila is a 100% Blue Weber Agave Tequila produced by TEQUILAS DEL SEÑOR, S. A. DE C. V.,  a mid-sized, fourth generation family company located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The company was founded in 1943 and currently produces a number of tequila brands which include, Reserva del Señor, Sombrero, Tekali, Herencia Histórico, and of course Herencia de Plata. The word ‘Herencia’ is apparently related to the english word ‘heritage’, and indeed, the Herencia de Plata has an impressive heritage. The tequila has been served by Mexican President, Vicente Fox to Queen Elizabeth II; it has won awards internationally, and it was originally produced to commemorate wedding of Juan Garcia, the son of the of the company founder, Manuel Garcia.

I originally reviewed the Herencia De Plata Reposado about four years ago, and I decided it was time to revisit this tequila to see how it and my perceptions may have changed.

“…The tequila is rather clean and crisp. The typical flavours one expects in tequila, the somewhat earthy agave flavour, the orange and lime citrus, and the thrust of white pepper are all wonderfully mixed in a crisp, sharp, but very pleasing combination…”

Here is the full review:

Tequila Review: Herencia de Plata (Reposado)

Please enjoy the review and my suggested cocktail, The Lonely Silver Rain!

Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Reposado Tequila, Tequila, Tequila Review | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Herencia de Plata (Reposado) Tequila

Review: Blackheart Spiced Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 26, 2013

SAM_0626 Spiced MandieBlackheart is a relatively new spiced rum from the Blackheart Rum Co, a whole owned subsidiary of Heaven Hill Distilleries. The rum caught my eye, or rather the blackhearted siren on the label  caught my eye at a local trade show, and I decided to investigate this new over-proof offering in the spiced category. The local importer, Diamond Estate Wines and Spirits, was more than happy to accommodate me by providing me a bottle to review as well as sell sheets and pictures.

Those sell sheets give a glimpse of the marketing strategy:

“Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is imported rum with spice, caramel and other natural flavors. Blackheart is a high-proof spiced rum that embodies an edgy, hip lifestyle. It is premium quality rum without the premium price.”

Bottled at 46.5 % alcohol by volume, the rum may indeed have a bit of an edge to it. Although I guess I had better get tasting to find out.

You may click on the review excerpt to read the full review which includes a great new recipe of mine called the Spiced Mandie:

Review: Blackheart Spiced Rum

“… The initial nose is tainted with hints of black cherry, cinnamon, licorice and indistinguishable peppery spices which accent the caramel rum scent. The combination is quite interesting and reminds me of Dr. Pepper soda (but not nearly so sweet which I hope bodes well for the spiced rum) …”

Please enjoy the review!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Rum, Rum Reviews, Spiced Rum | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Blackheart Spiced Rum

Review: Ultimat vs Grey Goose

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 24, 2013

SAM_0621 Polish Diplomat Vodka DaiquiriI was able to meet up with, Burt Stewart, Vice President of Sales for Patron Spirits a few weeks ago who was in town promoting Ultimat Vodka. Ultimat is a Polish Vodka (at the premium end of the scale), produced from the rather unusual mixture of both grains and potatoes. The grains (rye and wheat) are said to supply complexity and smoothness, while the potato spirit is said to lend a richness to the vodka which makes this a new experience for the Vodka connoisseur.

After I met Mr. Stewart, I was told by the representative from Select Wines (the local importers) that they wanted me to have a bottle of the Ultimat to review on my website; there was a catch though, I would have to also accept a bottle of Grey Goose, and taste the two side by side before writing my review. It seemed a reasonable request and so I accepted. Thus my review of the Ultimat will contain references and comparisons to Grey Goose Vodka throughout. Even I am curious as to how this is going to work out.

You may read the comparative review here:

Review: Ultimat Vodka

If you are interested, my original review for Grey Goose Vodka can be found here:

Review: Grey Goose Vodka

Each Review contains a different Cocktail, my new Emissary Cocktail, and the Vodka Daiquiri.

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Ultimat vs Grey Goose

Review: Pyrat Rum XO Reserve

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 19, 2013

Pyrat_Rum_XO_ReservePyrat Rum is owned by Patrón Spirits, a company created in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria, and Martin Crowley. The company does not own a distillery, rather they act as a third-party company sourcing what they believe to be the best stocks for their products and blending them according to their own formulas. Recently I accepted a sample bottle of the Pyrat Rum XO Reserve provided through Select Wines and Spirits.

You may click on the following excerpt to read my full review:

Review: Pyrat Rum XO Reserve

“… The initial nose brings forward a candied orange/tangerine scent which immediately reminds me of Grand Marnier. The rum smells rather sweet and the nose has a light wine-like quality. Impressions of green grapes seem to be underneath. Further nosing of the rum brings reminders of lemons, butterscotch, and something spicy like cinnamon and cloves …”

Please enjoy my review which includes a delicious Orange Daiquiri recipe.

Cheers Everyone!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Review: Auchentoshan Classic Single Malt Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 17, 2013

Auchentoshan ClassicI recently attending a Bowmore Luncheon and Tasting sponsored by Lifford Wines and led by none other than Bowmore Morrison – Master Of Malts, Ian Macallum. One of the whiskies which I was able to taste was the Auchentoshan Classic Single Malt. Based upon my impressions at the tasting, and a few sampling sessions with a provided sample, I was able to produce this review. The Auchentoshan Classic Single Malt Whisky is part of the core range of Auchentoshan Single Malts. It is (of course) a triple distilled whisky which has been produced from stocks matured solely in American bourbon casks, and then bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

I should note that Lifford Wines are the local importer (in Alberta) and distributor of Morrison Bowmore Products. (The Auchentoshan Distillery and its brands are owned by Morrison Bowmore.)

You may click on the excerpt to read the full review:

Review: Auchentoshan Classic Single Malt Whisky

“… When I raise the glass to my nose, I receive delicate scents of honey and butterscotch intermingling with notes of ripening cereal grain. As the glass breathes I also notice fall scents of fresh-cut sawgrass and timothy hay, as well as a willow thicket somewhere in the background. There are light wood spices, a touch of almond, and a light floral essence which makes me think of lavender flowers and clumps of heather …”

The review includes a basic recipe for Scotch & Soda

Please enjoy my review and recipe suggestion.

Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Auchentoshan Classic Single Malt Whisky

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