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Posts Tagged ‘Review’

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Review: Captain Morgan White Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 15, 2016

CM White

Admiral Sir Henry Morgan (aka Captain Morgan) was a Welsh ‘privateer’ who attacked and plundered the Caribbean on behalf of, and with the written consent of (in the form of an English Letter of Marque), the Governor of Jamaica, Sir Thomas Modyford. Privateers at that time in history were essentially ‘legal pirates’ who were allowed to attack and loot enemies of the state reaping the rewards from their plunder in lieu of pay. Researching Sir Henry Morgan, I learned he was a skilled naval captain, a ruthless buccaneer, and one of the most successful ‘privateers’ in the history of piracy (oops I mean privateering) earning a Knighthood for himself in 1674.

Captain Morgan Rum is one of the most successful spirits brand in the entire world. Their Original Spiced Rum is perhaps the most successful spiced rum in the entire category, and it has pretty much set the standard for sales and marketing for all other spiced rums to follow. However, Captain Morgan is no longer just spiced rum. The company now also produces a full line of flavoured rums,  CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum, CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum, and CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum (click the links to read my reviews). As well they recently launched the subject of this review, CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum. 

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Captain Morgan White Rum

“… The initial nose surprised me too as there was an ever so light mustiness rising the from the glass, as well as very apparent aromas of a mild caramel, green banana, peppery zest and light sandalwood spices. I was expecting the ‘5 times distilled’ white to have more of a ‘vodka-like’ nose, and am pleased to be completely wrong on that count …”

Please enjoy my latest rum review, which includes a new daiquiri-style serving, the 11 A.M. Daiquiri, Chimo!

 

 

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Review: De Kuyper Genièvre

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 9, 2016

De Kuyper SAM_2454De Kuyper Royal Distillers is a Netherlands based company which produces several lines of flavoured spirits and liqueurs. The company was founded in 1695 by Petrus De Kuyper, and by 1752, the family owned a distillery in Schiedam which was at the time the leading center for the production of Dutch Gin or Genever. In 1911, a new distillery was built in Schiedam and the company began to produce liqueurs and flavoured spirits as well. By the 1960s the production of flavoured spirits and liqueurs had overtaken the production of genever. In 1995, on the occasion of its 300th anniversary, the company received the title “Royal” from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. This led to the company changing its name from Johannes de Kuyper & Zoon to De Kuyper Royal Distillers.

Although there is no mention of De Kuyper Genièvre on the Dutch Company’s website, I have learned that this dutch gin is produced under license for the Canadian market (particularly Quebec) via De Kuyper Canada. The recipe was developed in the 16th century and has since been handed down from generation to generation. The Genièvre is apparently produced from three grains (barley, corn and rye) which have been distilled 4 times on a pot still. The distinctive flavour is created from an infusion of Juniper berries (and perhaps other botanicals).

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: De Kuyper Genièvre 

“… The initial aroma is lightly vegetal with both grain spices and juniper reaching out to greet my nose. There is a muted malt-like sweetness and a few impressions of both sharp citrus peel and mushy banana and grilled plantain …”

Please enjoy my review of this traditional Dutch Genièvre.

Chimo!

 

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Review: Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 6, 2016

Defender Island SAM_2364Legends Distilling is a small craft distillery in Naramata B.C. (the heart of Okanagan Wine Country). Owner’s Dawn and Doug Lennie moved there 11 years ago and witnessed the progression of the wine business happening all around them. They were already running their own businesses, but had a dream of working together to build a new company they could share. Dawn and Doug had been watching what was going on with craft distilling in the USA, and they decided that distilled spirits would be a great business to bring to their community as a compliment to all the great wines available around them. Offering something new in the area was key. This included their unique location along the Naramata Bench, as other distilleries were being located in more industrial areas.

Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin is made from a wheat based spirit which was produced upon Legend Distillery’s main still (which comprises of a pot and 20 plate column). The gin features juniper, wild Okanagan sage and a host of other botanicals which are vapor infused through their copper still. Following distillation, flame charred locally grown rosemary is added, giving the gin a unique smokey flavour. The spirit is bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Defender Island Smoked Rosemary Gin

” … The breezes above the glass are appealing. I receive a firm piny juniper scent which is softened by the very apparent aroma of smoked rosemary. Light impressions of poultry seasoning, treacle, orange liqueur, and a light coriander-like spiciness comes forward as well …”

Please enjoy the review which includes the suggested recipe, the Sour Defender.

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Review: Sonoma County Rye Whiskey

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 2, 2016

Sonoma Rye SAM_2393The Sonoma County Distilling Company is located in Sonoma County, California. The company was founded in 2010 with the intention to bring spirits to the market using a ‘Grain to Glass’ philosophy. The production is done in-house including mashing and fermentation of grains, direct-fire copper pot distillation, maturing the spirits in American oak barrels, as well as bottling and labeling.

Several of their whiskey spirits have hit Alberta store shelves including their Sonoma County Rye Whiskey. According to the information provided to me the whiskey is produced from a mash bill of 100 % Rye, the primary grain being Canadian unmalted rye (80%) with a smaller proportion being malted rye from the UK (20%).

The Sonoma County Rye Whiskey is bottled at varying alcohol proofs depending upon the blenders decision for that bottling. My sample bottle is showing me a full 98 proof on the label.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Sonoma County Rye Whiskey

“… The aroma is full of thick rye notes mingled with woody tones of fresh-cut planks. This is followed by both honeycomb and sweet caramel as well as some bittersweet treacle. There are also firm impressions of baking spices (allspice, vanilla nutmeg, and cinnamon) with a few of chocolate-like notes drifting alongside, and a growing push of damp cigar tobacco. I am impressed …”

Please enjoy the review, Chimo!

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Review: Coruba Imported Dark Jamaican Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 31, 2016

Coruba Dark Rum SAM_2449Coruba Rum is produced by J. Wray and Nephew who trace their history back to 1825 when company founder John Wray set up ‘The Shakespeare Tavern‘ in Kingston, Jamaica.

When I did a little research, I was surprised to learn that the Coruba brand encompasses a range of rums which includes not only the familiar Original Dark Rum (which is the subject of this review) but also Coruba Spiced Rum and Coruba Coconut Rum. As well Coruba Rum’s New Zealand website also refers to a Coruba Gold Rum which may be in production as well. According to all of the different company websites, all of the Coruba branded spirits are 100% Jamaican Rum.

Only one of these brands is available in Canada, the Original Dark Rum (which in Canada is labeled Coruba Imported Jamaican Rum). The dark spirit is produced from is a blend of pot and column still rums that have been aged for at least two years in American oak barrels.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Coruba Imported Dark Jamaican Rum

“… The breezes above the glass are full of molasses, candied caramel and orange peel. Menthol, cinnamon, cloves, wood spice, mocha coffee and cola also taint the air above the glass with their presence. Allowing the rum time to breathe reveals additional accents of orange marmalade and rich vanilla …”

Please enjoy my review, Chimo!

 

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