Tasting The Glenlivet

Recently The Glenlivet Distillery generously delivered two bottles of their fine single malt whisky to sample and write about the experience.   There is no better way to enjoy a fine drink such as The Glenlivet than with a friend.  The opportunity presented itself, and during the course of the evening, a good friend shared in the event.

As mentioned in an earlier article,  Getting to know Glenlivet, the distillery has a long a rich history.  This history is echoed in their product, from the packaging to the whisky itself. 

The Glenlivet 12 arrived in a lightly gold-colored box.  Inside the box a package wrapped in similar colored paper revealed the bottle itself.  The presentation is impressive.

Upon opening the corked bottle, a small amount of whisky was poured into a clear, clean glass.  Aromas of vanilla, fresh grains and flowers play about the nose.  The color reflected the packaging and reminded this author of bright morning sunlight.  The taste was clean, honey-like with a hint of oak and a citrus sweet finish. Refreshing would be one way to describe it.

The Glenlivet 18 arrived packaged in similar fashion, with a darker color box.  Again, The Glenlivet delivered impressive presentation, which speaks of the dedication to their craft.

Upon opening the bottle, again, pouring a small amount of the whisky into a new glass, aromas of oak and dark fruits.  The color was that of antique gold, certainly darker than the 12 year from the additional time in the oak casks, and a slight burgundy hue.  Upon first taste, the whisky is smooth and sweet, with great mouth feel.  The sweetness gives way to bolder flavors of spice, oak, and strong, hearty fruit.  The taste lingers in the mouth with notes of smoke and oak.

Since this tasting, The Glenlivet has afforded the author to speak with Ricky Crawford, it’s U.S. Brand Ambassador.  A concluding article will feature a summary of that conversation, as well as some of Ricky’s insights into the brand he proudly represents.

Both The Glenlivet 12 and 18 can be found in local liquor stores, such as Hokus Pokus on Jackson Street Extension.  The Glenlivet 12 can be found at several area  supermarket liquor and wine beverage sections around town.

View this post on Examiner.com, as well as my other articles here.

 

Read Full Post »

Mom, I had Ron Jeremy and I liked it….

Relax, Mom.  What I meant to say was I had Ron de Jeremy RUM.  An interesting play on words, considering ron is Spanish for rum.   A clever name for the rum branded with the former special education teacher turned adult film star and multi-faceted entertainer, Ron Jeremy.    Ron isn’t the first celebrity to endorse a brand of spirit, thinking immediately to Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka.    While I can’t speak for Dan’s product, I can say that a celebrity endorsement can make or break a product.  However, Ron “the Hedgehog” Jeremy seems to have the gift for getting those endorsements and having them pay off.

I have to admit I have a cynical attitude towards celebrity-endorsed products.  By that I mean, their particular endorsement of a product does not automatically make me reach for my wallet.  However, I am a fan of certain musicians, actors, etc….and if celebrity endorsements didn’t mean anything to people like me, the advertising agencies would have a their work cut out for them.  I said all of that to say this….it’s not THE factor to get me to buy anything.

Ron de Jeremy is marketed as The adult rum.  I am not sure what that means, but the bottom line for me as a spirits enthusiast and amateur cocktailian, is taste.    Imagine receiving a sample of Ron Jeremy…uh, I mean Ron de Jeremy for your opinion.  Admit it…it brings either a smile to your face or something’s wrong with you.  Anybody who has seen an adult film in the last twenty years or so has probably seen Ron’s work.  If not, you know the name.  What I want to know is the RUM.

A Panamanian blend of  seven-year-old rums by Cuban Master Distiller Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez, the color of Ron de Jeremy is deep amber.  The aroma is very rich and strong, containing notes of vanilla, cane sugar and spice.  The taste…very rich and long lasting, with a smooth, slightly spicy finish.  I feel this rum would stand up well with fruit and cream-based drinks, coconut, etc.  It would also be a great addition to cola, or simply sipped neat or with ice.  Could you imagine a rum from Ron Jeremy being anything else?

Read Full Post »

Diving Into The Realm Of Forgotten Cocktails (with Dr. Cocktail, that is)

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, there’s a new revised edition of the collectible Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh aka Dr. Cocktail.  The book contains some of the same recipes as the original edition, but adds twenty or so new cocktails to test your mixology skills and liquor cabinet.   If you’re not a cocktail geek already you will be after thumbing through this wonderful addition to any library.  Stunning photos found therein of finished cocktails and cocktail memorabilia, made famous over at CocktailDB.com, are the makings of cocktail porn in all its shining glory.

Relax! Take a cold shower guys.  This book is available everywhere.  I even saw it in a local bookstore in podunk, louisiana. So if I can get it you obviously can.  Of course, there is the land of the internet, where all things are true and above reproach…ok, so maybe I’m blowing too much smoke your way.  Really, it’s online at Amazon.com.  I wholeheartedly recommend this book.  It is the first book in a long time that’s had me really really excited about delving into the classics, trying new recipes and new ingredients.

So let’s jump right in and do something that has obviously been done before.   I worry about this being a knock off of the movie Julie and Julia, but it’s a model worth following.  What better way to sit and reflect on oneself than over a nicely prepared cocktail?

In the upcoming months, we’ll being doing just that…diving into one of the most influential books of our day in cocktail geekdom, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails, From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie and Beyond by you know, that Dr. Cocktail guy.  Get your mixing glasses out, because first up is of course, The Alamagoozlum Cocktail.  Don’t worry.  I’m going to give you a couple of days to get the book, so you can mix right along with the rest of the cool people.

Cheers!

Read Full Post »