The Rum Howler Blog

Review: Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 31, 2013

Bulleit Bourbon is produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The brand traces its heritage back to 1830 when tavern keeper Augustus Bulleit (after a few experimental trials) created the brand and began to market it locally and eventually to areas outside of Kentucky. As misfortune would have it, Augutus Bulleit disappeared while transporting some barrels of his bourbon to New Orleans, and the brand disappeared for over 100 years. In 1987, Tom Bulleit revived the brand which bears his great grandfather’s name. Today the brand is owned by the Diageo Conglomerate who market the product throughout North America and into Europe.

The sample bottle of Bulleit Bourbon which I received was bottled at 45% alcohol by volume and is the standard bottle sold in North America. Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… There is a bit of a spicy swat that tickles the tonsils, but there is also a nice maple and caramel sweetness which accompanies that spicy swat and makes you want to take another sip. I can taste oak planks which are seeping just a little fresh sap from the wood pores, some delightful rye spices, and of course that rather sweet impression of maple and caramel …

Here is a link to my review which includes a recipe for the Old-Fashioned Cocktail:

Review: Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Please enjoy the review!

Posted in American Whiskey, Cocktails & Recipes, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: American Whiskey, Bourbon, Bulleit Bourbon, Cocktails and Recipes, Diageo, Whisk(e)y Review, Whiskey | Comments Off on Review: Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Review: Centennial Honey Canadian Rye Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 29, 2013

Highwood Distillers is a Canadian spirits manufacturer in the town of High River, Alberta, which is situated 40 minutes south of Calgary, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A few years ago, I visited this distillery, and watched first hand as they turned the local prairie grains into whisky, vodka. and gin. They make their spirits one batch at a time in a family style atmosphere which could not help but make me a fan. Recently I received a sample of their Centennial Honey Canadian Rye Whisky. The spirit represents a fusion of Highwood’s 10 Year old Centennial Rye Whisky with the decadent sweetness of natural honey. No artificial flavours or additives (except caramel for colour) have been used in the production of this whisky liqueur which is bottled at 35 % alcohol by volume.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The theme of light and appealing continues with a flavoured whisky which is both smooth and delicious. I was fearful that the honey flavor (which might have been too intense) would overpower the subtle nuances of the Centennial Rye Whisky. However, I am pleased to report that although the flavour of the natural honey is obvious, the flavour of good old Canadian rye whisky also shines through…”

You may read my full review which contains my new recipe, Cool Honey, here:

Review: Centennial Honey Canadian Rye Whisky

Please Enjoy the review!

Posted in Canadian Whisky, Cocktails & Recipes, Flavoured Whisky, Whisk(e)y | Tagged: Canadian Whisky, Centennial, Cocktails and Recipes, Flavoured Whisky, Highwood, Honey, Whisky | Comments Off on Review: Centennial Honey Canadian Rye Whisky

Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 27, 2013

Smirnoff Vodka has become more and more popular such that now (according to brand owner Diageo) it is the number 1 selling Vodka in the entire world being sold and distributed in over 130 countries. It is not only sold in many countries, it is also produced in many countries. My understanding is that Smirnoff 21 is a triple distilled spirit, produced on a large multi-column still from North American prairie grain. The particular sample of Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka which I am reviewing was produced here in Canada for the North American Market and bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… I always serve Vodka in a shot glass, and in that shot glass the spirit demonstrated a very obvious scent of balsam, grain, and a sweep of lemon zest. When I took a sip, I found the flavour matched the scent. I tasted the spiciness of grain with that very light, somewhat earthy lemon/balsam flavour … “

Here is a link to the full review which includes two cocktail, the Vodka Cooler, and the Vodka Darby:

Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Please enjoy the Review!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Vodka, Vodka Reviews | Tagged: Cocktails and Recipes, Diageo, Smirnoff, Vodka, Vodka Review | Comments Off on Review: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

Heat Things Up “With a Taste of Rum”

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 24, 2013

2013 rum tasting For the second year in a row, I have been invited by the guys (and gals) at Vines in Riverbend to be the guest host for their annual Rum Tasting. This year the event is called:

Heat Things Up “With a Taste of Rum”

We will begin with a flavoured rum to serve as an aperitif, and then we will dive into a selection of rum which I have selected to be presented and tasted:

Aperitif : To Be Announced

Havana Club Selección de Maestros Rum
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados Rum
Ron Zacapa Centenario (23 Solero)
Dictador 12 Year Solera
El Dorado 12 Year Old Special Reserve Rum
Rum Nation Panama 18

I think (although I admit I am biased because I selected the rums) that the line-up is solid, and represents a good cross-section of geographical styles of rum production. You can experience the rich flavour and diversity of rums from South America, from Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.

(Note: If we have any problems securing a particular rum, I will make sure that a suitable replacement of equivalent quality will be found.)

So come join me for a great selection of rum.

(Note: This event is sold out!)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(In case the poster is hard to read)

The Day of the Tasting is: Tuesday, February 12^th, 2013 (at 7:00 PM)

The cost will be: $39.95 Prepaid

There will be only Limited Seating Available so to make sure you get a seat please contact my friends at Vines. (Actually it is already sold out!)

Vines – Riverbend Wine Merchants (Edmonton)
Telephone: 434-9444
Email: info@vineswinemerchants.com

(PS: I have been told that only 36 Tickets are available and that they are going fast!)

Posted in Extras | Tagged: Rum, Rum Tasting | Comments Off on Heat Things Up “With a Taste of Rum”

Review: Bowmore Tempest Batch No. 3

Posted by Arctic Wolf on January 22, 2013

tempest

The Bowmore Distillery is the oldest of the Islay Distilleries in Scotland, (and it is one of the oldest distilleries in all of Scotland). It has sat at the edge of the sea on the craggy coastline of the Hebridean Island since 1779. This location close to the sea and of course close to the rich Islay peat has been linked to the distinctive floral and smoky character of the Bowmore Whisky. This character is a result of rich peat flavours being absorbed by the barley as it dries under the peated fire of the malt drying kiln, and of the whisky aging in the famous Bowmore seaside vaults (which are below sea-level) as the briny seaside air is allowed to mingle with the oak aging casks.

The Bowmore Tempest is a relatively new 10-year-old peated whisky aged in first-fill bourbon casks. (A first-fill cask is one which has only been used once before usually for either bourbon or sherry). This whisky has seen three separate releases to this point. Small Batch Release No. 3 which is the subject of this review is non-chill filtered and bottled at a full 55.6% alcohol by volume.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The nose is full of phenolic peat smoke with plenty of rubbery smells rising into the breezes above the glass. Within this menagerie of peat smoke are some welcome scents of orange peel, lemon grass, and hints of floral woodland (heather, lavender and wood spices) …”

Here is a link to the full review which includes a new recipe of mine, What Rough Beast.

Review: Bowmore Tempest Batch No. 3

Enjoy the review!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: Bowmore Whisky, Islay Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Tempest, Whisky, Whisky Review | Comments Off on Review: Bowmore Tempest Batch No. 3

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