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Davin Turns Canadian Whisky into Gold!

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 13, 2013

Davin de Kergommeaux

Davin de Kergommeaux

Davin de Kergommeaux, like myself, is a true devotee of our great Canadian Spirit, whisky!  He has created his own website (Canadian Whisky) where he publishes various articles about our mutual passion and of course his fantastic reviews of the Canadian Spirit. 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 award special achievements by Canadian Whisky Distillers in areas of innovation, brand extension, and media/advertising.

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, and review here on my website.

When I announced my verdict that Davin’s Book, “Canadian Whisky: the portable expert ” is the most complete story of Canadian Whisky ever written, and a wonderful read to boot; even Davin thought I was being perhaps a little generous.

But once again, the Arctic Wolf was right on track, and a couple of days ago I got the word. Canadian Whisky: the portable expert” won gold at the 2013 San Fransisco Spirits Competition as the Best Wine, Beer, or Spirits book of 2012.

Davin, you are a great friend, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations towards your success. (Success you have certainly earned by the way!) CW GOLD

And for those who are curious, here is a link to my original review:

Book Review: Canadian Whisky: the portable expert

Posted in Awards, Books, Extras | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Screech Wins Gold!

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 13, 2013

ScreechVindication is nice. Two years ago, when I reviewed The Famous Newfoundland Screech, I openly questioned the other online reviews which indicated the rum was harsh and unappealing because my own experience was the opposite. In fact I liked the Screech Rum so much that in my 2011 Rum Howler Awards, I declared it the Best Rum Bottled in North America! Then in 2012, I gave Screech the Runner Up Award in the same category (Rock Spirits other great rum George Street Spiced barely edged it out in 2012), and an honourable mention in the Best Amber Mixing Rum Category. For two years I have been howling about how good this rum is, (and for two years people have been openly questioning my sanity).

But, as I said, vindication is nice! A few days ago I received word from Greg Kerr of Rock Spirits that Screech won double gold at the 2013 San Fransisco Spirits Competition, and was declared the Best Gold Rum in the competition.

As my way of congratulating Rock Spirits (a subsidiary of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation) for this recent success, I thought I would republish my original review from 21 months ago.

You may click on the following excerpt to read my original review!

Review: Famous Newfoundland Screech Rum

“…  As you fist sip the rum you will find that it full of molasses flavour with those typical Jamaican Rum flavours of banana and orange peel heating the palate alongside that molasses. As the rum sits in the glass, the heat subsides and you can notice charred caramel and baking spices beginning to build …”

Congratulations to all the folks at Rock Spirits!

Posted in Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Review: W & J Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve Port

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 12, 2013

SAM_0699 Graham's Six GrapesThe subject of this review, is a bottle of Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port Wine. Six Grapes is one of the original Port blends (or marques) from Graham’s. It is, you could say, the flagship Reserve Port Wine produced by the company (or lodge). According to the Graham’s website, only the grapes from the finest vineyards are used to produce this marque. The distinctive depiction of grape bunches on the bottle is taken from the identification symbols long used in the Graham’s lodge to identify the wines destined to make up the Six Grapes blend. The wine is sourced from the same vineyards (essentially Quinta dos Malvedos and Quinta das Lages) that contribute to Graham’s famed Vintage Ports in ‘declared’ years. This means that it will resemble Graham’s Vintage Port in that it has a similar rich and full-bodied style. However unlike the Vintage Port, Six Grapes is a blend of different Vintages which have been aged a relatively short period of time (between 3 and 4 years).

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

Review: W & J Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve Port

“… The Six Grapes Port Wine looks luscious in the glass. It carries deep red tones at the center of the glass, and a rich plum coloured crest at the top. The aroma has depth, full of the smells of sweetened ripe dark fruit. I am thinking dark ripe BC cherries, wild blackberries and plump purple plums. Subtle notes of raisin, dates and cocoa lurk underneath …”

Please enjoy my review of this dandy Port wine.

Posted in Dessert Wine Review, Ruby Port, Wine Reviews - Port | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Review: W & J Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve Port

Review: Whaler’s Vanille Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 11, 2013

SAM_0690 Lemon Vanille CocktailToday I am continuing my trek through some of the line-up of Whaler’s Rums. A few weeks back, I received a few bottles from the local importer here in Alberta, Diamond Estates. They were hoping I would taste some of the different rums and perhaps write a review or two. I didn’t really know a lot about Whaler’s Rum so I accepted the samples of  these “Hawaiian” style rums. I say Hawaiian style, because Whaler’s takes great pride in letting everyone know that Whaler’s Rums are blended from old Hawaiian recipes. Their line-up of rum includes three traditional rums, and five flavoured rums.

You may click on the following excerpt to read my review for Whaler’s Vanille Rum:

Review: Whaler’s Vanille Rum

“… I catch sweet sugary notes alongside a firm vanilla aroma. There is also more than a bit of an almond scent riding in the coat tails of the breezes as well as a rather indistinct fruitiness which reminds me of canned peaches …”

Please enjoy the review which includes a nice cocktail at the end, the Lemon Vanille Cocktail.

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Flavouerd Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Whaler’s Vanille Rum

Review: Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 9, 2013

12337A 022The Glen Garioch Distillery (pronounced ‘Glen Geery’) is located in the town of Oldmeldrum, approximately 20 minutes from Aberdeen. It is the Eastern-most distillery in Scotland, in the Valley of Garioch, which is apparently one of the best barley growing regions of Scotland. The distillery was established in 1797.

The Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve is the distillery’s signature Highland malt. The whisky is blended to achieve a specific taste profile which features the Glen Garioch characteristic taste profile of honey sweetness with hints of heather and just a touch of spice. This whisky does not have an age statement specifically because it is blended to have that signature profile rather than to be of any specific age.

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

Review: Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve

“… The initial scents remind me of a grassy meadow surrounded by willow thicket with clumps of heather here and there. Light butterscotch and vanilla scents waft through the meadow giving the scene a relaxed atmosphere. Soon some spicier scents drift in over the willow thickets, light oak spices with hints of cinnamon and faint puffs of clean white pepper …”

Enjoy the review which includes a recipe for the traditional Polly’s Cocktail.

Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve