I was honestly a little nervous about this Kavanagh 16 Year Old Irish Whiskey after having to pour out a bottle of regular Kavanagh Whiskey for scoring 3/100. At the same time I was interested to see what 16 years of additional aging would do for this whiskey.
Kavanagh 16 Year Old Irish Whiskey
So how did it hold up?
I have to be honest and say that this is a budget whiskey and the 16 year age statement is very deceiving. Why? I feel like these are the rejected barrels for something else they are selling. Sure it has a 16 year age statement, but its still not as good as Tyrconnel Single Malt which is the same price (for me) and no where near being even close to Redbreast 12 Year.
The Score – Kavanagh 16 Year Irish Whiskey
I did finish the bottle, but I kept finding myself licking my lips and kind of “puckering up” against the strange aftertaste. I am ranking this at a 66/100, but there are much better options for the price, and this is not a bottle that I will be buying again.
Pros
Budget 16 Year Old Irish Whiskey. Where are are you going to get a 16 year old bottle for $50 bucks.
Nice honey and butter cookie notes. (At least until the funky aftertaste hits.)
Cons:
Doesn’t really hold up to other bottles at the same price points that don’t even have an age statement.
Maker’s Mark is one of those bourbons that is available in every store and almost every bar I’ve ever been in. It is a staple bourbon. That means that if you order a Manhattan in most of those bars the “house” bourbon is going to be used. That “house” bourbon is likely to be be Maker’s. At least in 80% of the bars I’ve been in.
now let’s see how it performs.
Maker’s Mark Manhattan
Straight Maker’s Mark scored 60/100, putting it into the Mixed Drinks only category. How does it fair as a Manhattan?
The sweetness of the vermouth brings out that subtle sweetness in the Maker’s Mark and highlights a sweet cherry note, which I really enjoy. The Vermouth washes out the little bit of wood char the bourbon might have had on the finish though.
The Score – Maker’s Mark Manhattan
This Maker’s Mark Manhattan scored a 65/100. That puts it at the upper end of the “If I Had Limited Choices” category. It’s a solid, entry level bourbon in my opinion. It is worth having on your shelf – but I save it for mixers. I also save it for new drinkers. There is no point pouring the good stuff into a glass until the drinker can appreciate it.
I’ve honestly had a lot of Maker’s Mark cross my lips. It is the most common bourbon I find at restaurants and bars when I order a Manhattan. A Manhattan is my go to drink at most establishments that don’t have a great whiskey selection. Of course I had to try it as a sipper to start!
Maker’s Mark Bourbon
So I picked up a bottle and and figured I’d try it out.
The truth is that this is a great mixer. It is subtle, smooth, but not very complex. There is a very soft sweet vanilla note that quickly gets overpowered by wood char. You can sip it, there just isn’t a lot there when it comes to depth or complexity.
Maker’s Mark is a good starter bourbon if you are just starting to sip. It doesn’t have a strong flavor, so it will be good for new drinkers. If you are more experienced, this is a bourbon for mixed drinks only.
The Score – Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Maker’s Mark scores a 60/100, putting it firmly in the Mixed Drinks Only category.
Pros
Can find in pretty much every bar across the land.
I picked up my bottle of Jameson Triple Triple Travel Exclusive in the airport in Jamaica. This would have been no problem when I had a direct flight home, but due to Covid, that flight was cancelled. So after paying for the whiskey and finding out I would need to exit security, check a bag with the whiskey in it, and then pick it up at my destination, I was seriously thinking about throwing the bottle out a window.
Frustrated
I never check luggage, and when I land I just want to get to my car and get home. So instead of my normal routine I took my backpack, wrapped my whiskey in a travel blanket and cushioned it with my neck pillow, and checked the backpack.
I figured I had a 50/50 chance of the bottle arriving intact.
Did I mention I hate checking luggage? I was honestly going to leave my backpack at the airport and go home, because my son’s girlfriend was flying in the next day, so I figured if it was still there, I’d just pick it up the next day.
But…
I’m an idiot who left his car keys zipped into the little pocket at the top of the backpack, so I had to wait at luggage pickup anyway.
I half expected my bag to be soaking wet when I got it off the belt. Thankfully it was dry, and when I got home the only damage was to the bottle cap:
Banged up Jameson Triple Triple cap.
Jameson Triple Triple Travel Exclusive is made in Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Irland. It is now on my bucket list to visit before I bite the big one.
Jameson Triple Triple is triple distilled and then blended from a selection of whiskey aged in bourbon and sherry casks. They then throw in a few hand-selected casks that have been seasoned with fortified wine from Malaga. This is what adds those hints of citrus, fruit, and that delectable sweet spiciness.
I am so glad my bottle of Triple Triple survived. I’m also sad that I’m going to have a hard time getting more. The nose will remind you of regular Jameson for obvious reasons, but it adds more depth and complexity. The time spent in the Malaga casts adds a nice dry spice to the finish that I find really enjoyable.
If I can find it, this is a bottle I will put in my Whiskey Safe. Jameson Triple Triple scored an 85/100, making it very Sip Worthy.
Color
Deep golden yellow.
Proof
40.0% ABV | 80 Proof
Pros:
Sweet nose ends in fruit and spice.
Incredibly smooth.
Takes regular Jameson and kicks it up a notch with more depth and complexity.
Cons:
Can you find it?
I’ve looked at several of my usual online stores, and none of them carry this. It appears that I really am going to have to buy an international ticket if I’m going to get another bottle anytime soon.
Monkey Shoulder is a blended Scotch created by blending three famous Speyside single malts. Monkey Shoulder is made by William Grant & Sons, who also makes Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore Dew, and Hendrick’s Gin. It is an interesting mix of brands, and that variety of skills really shows through in this Monkey Shoulder.
Monkey Shoulder
Those of you who are regular readers of Whiskey Dreams know that I’m not usually a huge fan of Scotch. I’m not a lover of the smoke as it were, so I tend to steer my selections towards Irish Whiskey and American Bourbon. So how did I get this bottle of Monkey Shoulder? I have to thank Steph!!! She was originally a girlfriend of one of our boys (still is) who became a family friend in the process. My wife and her went out for lunch last weekend and Steph grabbed this bottle of Monkey Shoulder as a present. It’s amazing how life works out. I wouldn’t have picked a Scotch off the shelf in all likelihood, and I would have been missing out if I hadn’t tried this Monkey Shoulder.
The Nose
The nose has a nice wood char mixed with spice that transitions into vanilla and end on orange peels. It has a great nose that I could honestly sniff all day.
The Palate
The palate is smooth and easy to sip. The smoke is there, but its soft and blends well with the vanilla, orange zest, and just kind of trails off on the back of your throat as it finishes.
The Score – Monkey Shoulder
For me, this is the perfect Scotch. There is smoke, but its soft and not overpowering, making this Sip Worthy with a score of 79/100.
Color
Light golden yellow.
Proof
40.0% ABV | 80 Proof
Pros:
Amazingly affordable.
Great introduction to a smooth, mildly smoky Scotch.
Nice mix of wood smoke, spice, and orange zest that gently fades on the back of the tongue.
Accessible in both taste profile as well as in availability. A quick search shows the major liquor stores carry it.
Cons:
If you really don’t like smoke, this does have a nice, mellow smoke that just kind of trails off gradually.
I gave straight Wild Turkey a score of 63/100 so I was curious how it would rank when mixed into a Manhattan. I’m hoping the Vermouth will help tame the burnt marshmallow I didn’t really like in the base bourbon as a sipper.
I used my normal formula to start.
2 Ounces Bourbon
1 Ounce Sweet Vermouth
After I finished my first Manhattan I remade my drink but added in two drops of Orange Bitters. This Wild Turkey really benefited from the Orange Bitters, giving it a little more complexity where it was flat.
Overall this is what I’d call a classic mixer. It’s not out of this world, but its very sippable and its a perfect drink for parties and gatherings when you want to save the “Good Stuff” for those who will appreciate it.
A Wild Turkey Manhattan ranks 73/100.
Wild Turkey Manhattan
Color
Amber and yellow. A little blood in the pee?
Proof
40.0% ABV | 80 Proof
Pros:
Affordable way to make lots of mixed drinks.
Great option for parties and gatherings of people who like Whiskey, but don’t Love Whiskey.
Cons:
If you don’t like toasted marshmallows, this may not be for you.
Wild Turkey Bourbon is a staple at most bars. I actually challenge you to go into any bar that you can wear jeans into and find one that sells bourbon where this isn’t on the shelf. As a young man, I remember when a single bottle of Wild Turkey was enough to keep four of five of us good for a night. Those were the days.
Wild Turkey Bourbon
Wild Turkey has a long history, and has been in production for over sixty years. The interesting part, is that it was started in New York in 1940 and wasn’t bought by a company in Kentucky until 1972.
The Nose
The nose on this Wild Turkey is flat to me. I can smell the wood char and a hint of sweet, but its very basic.
The Palate
The palate opens with burnt marshmallow that continues through the finish with a mix of char and burnt sugar. The flavor reminds me of Hudson’s Baby Bourbon. Its much milder than Hudson’s Baby Bourbon, but its there, that burn marshmallow that ends in a hint of leather.
The Score – Wild Turkey Bourbon
The good news is that this Wild Turkey is a lot milder than Hudson’s Baby Bourbon. While I can drink Wild Turkey straight if I have to, for me this is really a bottle that should be saved for Mixed Drinks Only, scoring a 63/100.
Color
Amber and yellow. A little blood in the pee?
Proof
40.0% ABV | 80 Proof
Pros:
Cheap.
Easy to find.
Affordable way to make lots of mixed drinks.
If there aren’t other options, this can be sipped, which makes it a good backup that is easy to find.
Cons:
If you don’t like toasted marshmallows, this may not be for you.
Tullamore D.E.W. is named after Daniel E. Williams. Williams was the distillery’s general manager, and is credited with crafting the brands distinctive flavor profile and characteristics. Mr. Williams sadly passed in 2007. I however lift a glass in appreciation every time I crack a bottle of Tullamore.
Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey 12 Year
Tullamore D.E.W is a blended whiskey, created by combining pot still, malt, and grain whiskey.
The Nose
The moment I started to poor a dram into a Glencairn Glass I was hit with lovely notes. The nose is floral, sweet, and quite nice. I could spend all day appreciating the carefully created balance.
The Palate
The front of my tongue is awash with the sweetness and floral notes I love from the nose. I wish I could hold that initial touch for longer. As the whiskey moves to the mid tongue we get spice that quickly turns to wood char. That spice and wood char is nice, but it tends to overpower the sweetness on the finish. The aftertaste lingers, overpowering the sweetness and the softness of the initial sip. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy this dram. I just wish the finish was slightly more between the front of the tongue sweetness and the spice and char on the back of the tongue and swallow.
The Score – Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey 12 Year
This Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year scores 73/100, making it Sip Worthy. What cost it some points? It was the shift between the initial notes to the finish. I really enjoy Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year and pick up a bottle whenever I see it below $45. I just wish that transition from start to the long finish was a tad bit smoother. My solution to that is to just have a few more glasses. Oddly enough that transition doesn’t bother me after three or four drams. Go figure.
Color
Light yellow and straw.
Proof
40.0% ABV | 80 Proof
Pros:
If you can find it around $40, that’s a buy.
Lovely, sweet floral nose.
Smooth and easily sipped.
Sweet, malty notes that swirl with spice.
Long spicy finish that lingers long after the swallow.
Readily available.
Cons:
This cost me $55 locally, which is too much for this bottle.
The sweet notes are quickly overpowered by the spice and oak.
The initial swallow is sweet but the aftertaste quickly wipes that out with spice and wood char.
One of my older boys brought this Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year for us to drink on Thanksgiving and while I’m more of an Irish Whiskey, American Bourbon guy, this was on my list of bottles to try, so I was happy and excited to open it and take a sip.
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year
The Nose
The first thing you will appreciate bout this Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year is its well balanced nose. The nose is floral and sweet but mixed with malt, It’s a really intoxicating scent.
The Palate
The first sip was a pleasure to drink, which really surprised me. I’m not a huge fan of most Scotch, but this Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year is a treat. The flavor opens with sweet and malt that slowly transition into a touch of smoke that blends with sweet fruit and maltiness for a smooth ending.
The Score – Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year
This bottle is one of those rare bottles of Scotch that I enjoy. I’m not a fan of smoke. Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year scores a very respectable 82/100.
Color
Light yellow and straw.
Proof
43.0% ABV | 86 Proof
Pros:
Intoxicating nose. I could breathe in this floral, slightly sweet dram all day long.
Smooth and well rounded sip that ends with malt, sweet, and just a hint of smoke.
Cons:
If you love oily, smoky Scotch, you will find this too light for your taste.
If you are lucky enough to have a spouse who appreciates good whiskey, these Hubby and Wife Hand Etched Whiskey Glasses are a gift for both of you. They are also a great gift for weddings and anniversaries because they look so nice as show pieces.
Sadly, my wife enjoys beer and some mixed drinks. When I describe the differences between two whiskeys and try to get her to appreciate those differences, it just doesn’t happen. She does however like a ton of other mixed drinks – so she can still enjoy a drink with me out of these glasses.
Quite frankly, you don’t have to like alcohol to appreciate this gift. I gave a set to my buddy when he got married. Neither he nor his new wife drinks but they loved these Glasses and have them on display in their dining room cabinet.
Hubby and Wifey Hand Etched Whiskey Glasses Scoring
