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Posts Tagged ‘Review’

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Review: Mezcal Jaral de Berrio (Joven)

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 4, 2020

Mezcal Jaral de Berrio is produced at the Hacienda del Jaral de Berrio. The Hacienda is located in the historic borough of San Felipe Torres Mochas, Guanajuato with origins that date back to the late 16th century. According to bibliographic data and historical stock inventories, production of mezcal at the site can be dated to 1764 when it was then known as aguardiente criollo del Jaral.

According to the Jaral de Berrio website:

The family of Mezcales de la Hacienda de Jaral de Berrio is one of the most emblematic among the Mezcal world due to its historical background.

The Mescal produced at the Hacenda is made not from Blue Weber agave, but instead from the maguey species Salmiana (Salmiana Otto Ex Salm SSP Crassispina Trel Gentry). Salmiana is a large maguey (agave) with shades of green which grows twice as large as typical agaves. This maguey varietal has grown naturally in Guanajuato mezcal region of Mexico for centuries.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Mezcal Jaral de Berrio (Joven)

“… When the glass is given some time to breathe, the lightly vegetal agave notes become more distinctive. The breezes bring me impressions of mushy banana, grilled pineapple and a growing impression of white pepper and cilantro. Although I said the impressions were distinctive, it would also be true to say that the overall effect is mild. The maguey is not aggressive, and I do not notice any of the distinctive smokiness which is often associated with Mezcal …”

Please enjoy this review which includes my cocktail suggestion, the Trovador.

Chimo!

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Review: Compass Distillers Daily Ration Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 3, 2020

Compass Distillers is located in Halifax Nova Scotia, where Graham, Josh, and David began their distilling journey with a belief that they could create world-class spirits locally. Their artisan Craft Spirits are not imported, they are not blended with generic ingredients, nor are they pumped out of a factory; Rather, they are made from scratch, with locally sourced ingredients.

Compass Distillers Daily Ration Rum is crafted with Crosby’s Molasses and Brown Sugar that is fermented and distilled in small batches. The rum distillate is placed in oak barrels & aged on site at the Halifax Citadel. From the barrel to the bottle, this traditional-style rum derives its colour, character & complexity from the aging process.

Note: It a fact that for over 300 years it was a tradition of the British Navy that each member of the naval crew was issued a daily ration of rum. This tradition began in 1655, and by 1731, the tradition of the daily ration was in general use throughout the British Navy.

Here is a link to my latest Rum Review:

Review: Compass Distillers Daily Ration Rum

“… Rising into the breezes above the glass were light oak spices combined with butterscotch and hints of almond. Orange peel and banana join in as does a light winding impression of grasses and hay. Some baking spices develop as I allow the glass to breathe represented by scents of vanilla, light cinnamon …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with two serving suggestions, the Brooklynite, and the Eastern Compass!

Chimo!

 

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Review: Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Whisky

Posted by Arctic Wolf on March 1, 2020

Alberta Premium is a brand of Canadian Whisky made in Calgary, by Alberta Distillers Ltd. (owned by Beam-Suntory). The Whisky was released in the fall of 2019 along with a companion release Alberta Premium Cask Strength. Alberta Distillers own the oldest distillery in Western Canada. The distillery is famous for its rich 100 % rye grain whiskies which are bottled under the Alberta Premium label. They also sell bulk 100 % rye whisky to other brand owners.

As indicated Alberta Premium is famous for its 100% rye grain whisky, although it should be pointed out that the brand has also featured releases such as Dark Horse which were not made from 100% rye grain. In the case of this Alberta Premium offering the whisky is not only labeled as a 100 % Rye Grain Canadian Whisky, it is also bottled at cask strength (65.1% abv.).

Here is a link to my review:

Review: Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Whisky

“… the whisky began to show its strength throwing into the breezes rich smells of oak, toffee, maple, grain, leather burlap and almond. There is a healthy dollop of alcohol alongside these initial scents warning me that I had better take this dram seriously and keep my nose out of my glass …”

Please enjoy my review of this new whisky from Alberta Distillers.

Chimo!

 

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Review: Top Shelf Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 27, 2020

Top Shelf Distillers are located in Perth, a town in Eastern Ontario, located on the Tay River, about 80 kilometres southwest of Ottawa. At one time Perth was home to four distilleries, the two most famous, McLaren and Spalding & Stewart, were located in limestone buildings alongside the Tay River catering to the tastes of the early Scottish settlement by producing malt whisky similar to the Scottish style of the day.

Top Shelf Distillers have began to once again bottle spirits in Perth. Vodka and Gin are their core brands, making up most of the distilleries total volume, with their primary market being Ontario. They have also began to sell their spirits in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Top Shelf Gin is presented as a classic citrus forward gin with a botanical selection which includes Juniper berries, fresh & dried Grapefruit peel, faint notes of Cardamom, Angelica and Licorice root.

Here is a link to my review:

Review: Top Shelf Gin

“… Scents of juniper are melded with licorice which softens the piny edge of the spirit making it just a little softer and more earthy. (The angelica may be exerting its influence as well.) Alongside we notice the effect of cardamom and citrus (in particular grapefruit peel)  as they provide a spicy accent. …”

Please enjoy the review which concludes with my recipe suggestion, the Top Shelf Gin and Tonic.

Chimo!

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Review: Pixan 8 Anos Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on February 25, 2020

Pixan Rum is produced at Destileria Espiritus del Norte, a relatively new distillery located in Monterrey in northeastern Mexico. Apparently Pixan comes to us linguistically from the Mayan people and it is a word which roughly means ‘Spirit which gives life’. Pixan 8 Anos is the distillery’s most premium rum.

Here is a link to my recently expanded review for the Pixan 8 Anos Rum.

Review: Pixan 8 Anos Rum

“… The initial nose is full of oak spice, butterscotch and vanilla with hints of almond and walnut. As the glass breathes oak spice continues to pour out, and we sense firmer aromas of butterscotch and vanilla. A fruitiness also develops with hints of sweet and sour fruit, some orange peel and impressions of canned apricot. Their are also herbal notes with bits of menthol and fresh hay …”

Please enjoy the review.

Chimo!

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