I was lucky enough to visit Jamaica during the pandemic. The resort we booked was closed due to low volume (thanks Covid) so they put is in a sister resort nearby. The sister resort was Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. It was surreal and a once in a lifetime opportunity at the same time. Unless I hit the lotto I can’t imagine I’m going to have a swim up resort bar basically to myself. There were literally like three other couples in the whole place.
My go to drink after settling into vacation in the Rose Hall Suites was this Appleton Reserve Blend Jamaican Rum. It was the “top shelf” at the all inclusive, and I wasn’t going to spend more money for bottle service.
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Rum
The nose was ripe fruit that ended with just a touch of sharpness. The sharpness on the nose is hard to describe. It’s a bit metallic but also chemically. Like I said, its hard to describe.
The Score – Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Rum
The palate light and smooth. There isn’t a lot of depth to this rum, but it is perfect for sipping by the edge of the pool. Overall, this Appleton Reserve Blend scored a 70/100. That makes it Sip Worthy!
Pros
Smooth.
The more I drank the more they refilled my glass. (I drank this while on vacation at the all inclusive resort Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.)
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.
My original review of Agitator Kentucky Bourbon left me less than impressed. As a sipper it scored a 50/100. That put it in Mixers or On Ice territory. It is only a $35 bottle but I still hate to poor booze down the drain just because it isn’t Sip Worthy.
That is when I break out my Vermouth and see if making a Manhattan will boost the score a little.
I used my standard recipe for a Manhattan, mixing bourbon to vermouth in a 2 to 1 ratio.
I tried this Agitator Manhattan with, and without Orange Bitters.
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon Manhattan
I was thinking the red wine finish on this Agitator bourbon would pair well with vermouth and make an amazing Manhattan.
Boy, was I wrong. What I was hoping would become a nice pairing of red wine and vermouth, turned out to clash, and badly.
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon Manhattan Scoring
I’m giving this Agitator Manhattan a 49/100, put it in Just Bad territory.
Pros:
If you like cheap whiskey with strong red wine notes, this might be for you.
Cons:
The red wine finish from the Agitator clashes with the vermouth.
I’m not sure what audience Agitator is going after, but apparently its the crazy drunks? Wait, how did I end up here? – Oh, never mind.
I guess I’m a rule breaker and a rabble rousers.
According to Agitator’s web site, Agitator starts as a 21% rye whiskey that is aged for two years in new charred white oak before spending a few months in California Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.
Agitator Kentucky Bourbon
Let’s see how that effort pays off.
The Nose
The first thing that hit me on the nose was the alcohol. Swirling the Glencairn Whisky Glass made my eyes water. This whiskey is only 86 proof, but the alcohol on the nose would have made me guess higher. It wasn’t until I added some ice and let it open up that I could appreciate any of the more delicate notes. Once it opened up I could really smell the oak and vanilla. I was expecting to maybe smell something from the time spent in the Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, but the nose is all bourbon to me.
The Palate
The first sip matched the nose. Straight, the alcohol smacks you in the face. Opened up a bit with some ice or water and I can appreciate the oaky vanilla on the sip, and it does finish with a red wine dry, acidic mouth feel that hints at a bit of sweet fruit.
The Score – Agitator Kentucky Bourbon
I’m giving Agitator a 50/100, but because of its red wine roots, I am very curious to find out how it does in a Manhattan, as this is a Mixed Drinks Only bottle from here on out.
Color
The color of dehydrated urine after you’ve been punched in the kidney a few times.
Proof
43.0% ABV | 86 Proof
Pros:
If you like a dry finish, this might be right up your alley.
Opens up with a bit of ice or water.
Red wine finish.
Cons:
The straight whiskey has a very strong alcohol punch.
Is $30 bucks too much for this? The fact that I’m not sure makes it a con for me.
While The Dead Rabbit says its based on five year old whiskey on the bottle, the whiskey itself doesn’t carry an age statement, which means that the blend may have some 5 year old whiskey in it, but we don’t know how much, and the rest of the bottle is a mixture of much more shortly aged alcohol.
The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey
While this whiskey doesn’t have an age statement it does have an epic backstory:
The Dead Rabbits were a notorious Irish immigrant street gang whose sworn enemies were the nativist anti-immigrant Bowery Boys. Their antagonism came to a head in a notorious riot that raged for days in 1857. Up to a thousand gang members were involved before order was finally restored. The leader of the Dead Rabbits was John Morrissey, a notorious figure who would later go on to become a Democratic congressman and senator.
https://deadrabbitirishwhiskey.com/story/
The Nose
The nose sweet vanilla that competes with the ethanol. The nose is subtle and not complex.
The Palate
The palate is clean but there is too much Bourbon Cask to really appreciate what I like about Irish Whiskey. There is just a hint of sweet that might have some malt in it, but it is so overpowered by the time in the Bourbon and New Oak that it leaves me wanting more of the Irish, and less of the American influences.
The Score – The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey
I’m giving The Dead Rabbit a 69/100, making it just a point into Mixed Drinks Only territory. Save it for your coffee!
Color
Light Stray.
Proof
40.0% ABV
Pros:
Awesome backstory that taught me a bit about my Irish roots.
If you love Bourbon with a hint of Irish this might be the bottle for you.
Cons:
At $35 there are better options out there.
If you like Irish Whiskey and butter cookies, don’t come looking to The Dead Rabbit to fulfill your desires.
Natterjack Irish Whiskey is a blended, triple distilled whiskey from Gortinore Distillery in Dublin Ireland. I have to be honest, I didn’t care if this was Irish Whiskey or Bourbon, I was picking up this bottle now matter what because of the distinctive Toad label.
Natterjack Irish Whiskey
Now let’s see how the inside of the bottle compares to the outside.
The Nose
The nose on this Natterjack is hard to describe. Is it acid and leather I’m smelling? I’ve appreciated this note in other blends, and it is not something that I’m overly fond of. It is funky, and not in a good way.
The Palate
That acid and leather on the nose came right through on the first sip. On the second sip my front and mid tongue appreciate sweetness that quickly turns to leather and funk on the swallow.
The Score
The funk cost Natterjack big points. I’m giving Natterjack a 35/100, putting it just into the Mixed Drinks Only territory.
For this price, I could buy almost two bottles of Paddies, and that is a much better sip compared to this bottle.
Color
The color of toad water?
Proof
40.0% ABV
Pros
New Irish Whiskey offerings are few and far between.
This was the only bourbon the flight had when I was heading out to Seattle. I splurged as I had ten hours of travel in front of me, and an Uber ride after that – so I wasn’t going to be driving. What better way to spend a travel day than day drinking right?
Woodford Reserve
Sadly, it is hard to enjoy day drinking when they want $13 bucks for this 50ml bottle. Was it worth it?
The Nose
The nose was underwhelming but for some woody notes. Granted, by this time I was at 30k feet and that may have impacted my olfactory senses, but the nose wasn’t anything special.
The Palate
The palate is where things really fell apart. When I asked if this was worth the $13 bucks, the answer is no, absolutely not. I know I paid more because I was on a plane, and maybe the altitude effected my taste, but I did not enjoy this Woodford Reserve at all. It was all bite and sharpness. It was so rough I had to ask for a can of soda to mix it with, and even then my plan to day drink fell apart because I could not bring myself to order another bottle.
The Score
Overall I’m giving this Woodford Reserve a 29/100. I drank it, and I might again if it is the only thing available, but by god I’m not going to enjoy it.
Color
Toffee colored river water.
Proof
45.2% ABV
Pros
If it is the only bourbon they have on the plane, well, I guess it’s better than nothing.
Cons
Super expensive when bought on a flight.
All sharp edges and hit you in the face alcohol strongness.
Finding new bottles is hard in my little town, so when I found this bottle of Pure Kentucky I was genuinely excited, especially when I saw it had won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Unfortunately the high proof and 12 years in the barrel turned this into something my palate just couldn’t enjoy. I’m scoring this as a 28/100 due to the sharpness this whiskey hits you with straight out of the barrel.
Pure Kentucky
The Nose
Other reviewers have commented on fruit and spice which are really forward on the nose. For me the alcohol was more forward, and while I could appreciate the spice, I could not appreciate any fruit.
The Palate
Pure Kentucky is a bit vicious and oily. Combine that with the higher proof and wood notes and this was just a bit too overpowering for me. I felt more slapped in the face than kissed on the lips by this one.
The Score
Pure Kentucky just wasn’t for me. I like to sip my Whiskey, not get slapped in the face by it. Pure Kentucky scored a 28/100, making it Just Bad. This is not a bottle I will be buying again.
Color
You’ve been punched in the kidneys, are poorly hydrated, and have just a touch of blood in your urine.
Proof
53.5% ABV
Pros
Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Clyde May’s Original Alabama Style Whiskey hails from, you guessed it, Kentucky, New York, and maybe Alabama? According to my research this whiskey is made in Kentucky and aged for five or six years.
Made with a bourbon mashbill of 55% corn, 30% rye and 15% barley, this is aged for five to six years in charred American oak barrels. Then the Conecuh Ridge Distillery, which is in Long Island, N.Y., will process the whiskey before it moves on to Troy Alabama for bottling?
At least that is the picture I’m piecing together from multiple other bits of data. If I’ve got any of that wrong, let me know in the comments and if I can verify I’ll edit the above to be as accurate as possible.
Clyde May’s Original Alabama Style Whiskey
Now on to the whiskey.
First off, I really enjoy the nose on this Clyde May’s Original Alabama Style Whiskey. It is sweet and fruity and awash in caramel that finishes with just a touch of wood and leather. It’s not super complicated, but its simplicity really lets you appreciate what is there more.
The mouth feel is light. This is not a heavy or oily whiskey. The first two notes that hit me are that caramel and the wood char which finishes with a bit of fruitiness on the back of my tongue. Every now and then a bit of pepper creeps in, and I seem to be able to appreciate it more as I continue to sip.
Clyde May’s Original Alabama Style Whiskey scored a 71/100 for being smooth, straight forward, and easily sippable. Now I have go get a full size bottle to keep on my shelf for those times I want to enjoy a nice dram at a reasonable price, or introduce a newbie into the fold.
Color
Light redwood stain.
Proof
46.0% ABV
Pros
Great introduction whiskey for newbies.
This whiskey is very true to itself. Its simple, straight forward, and everything just works. The nose is nice and gives you a good idea of what your going to be drinking. The palate is clean, smooth, sweet, and is an easier sipper.
At $35 this is a great value for a very sippable dram.
Cons
If you are new to whiskey, this might set a fishhook that is really had to pull out.
If your a whiskey aficionado with high brow tastes, this might not meet all your needs.
Knob Creek Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont Kentucky. Jim Beam is in turned owned by Beam Suntory of Osaka, Japan. The whiskey is aged for 9 years in white oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof.
Knob Creek Small Batch
The nose on this Knob Creek Small Batch is strong. Not in a bad way, it is just very in your face, or in your nose I guess. The first note is strong burnt marshmallow and sugar that hides faint hits of vanilla under it. Surprisingly there isn’t really a lot of alcohol on the nose, which I was expecting given that its 100 proof.
The next surprise was on the tongue. I was expecting the same strong notes from the nose to come through on the palate, but it was actually more subdued. There is brown sugar and marshmallow, and I found they did stick to my tongue. From the moment this dark Bourbon touched my tongue there is that sweetness that gets a touch of leather on the finish. I couldn’t taste any of the Vanilla though. It was hinted at on the nose, but I just couldn’t find it on the tongue.
I’m not sure if it is the proof and the sweetness that didn’t seem to work for me. While Knob Creek Small Batch is 100 proof, it wasn’t really the alcohol I didn’t like either. It was just something about how the burnt sugar stuck to my tongue. A nice long finish is awesome, but if it hangs around too long it’s not quite as enjoyable.
I did however find that a few ice cubes really helped to cut down that sweetness and helped to soften the finish. Knob Creek Small Batch earned itself a 49/100.
Color
Dark amber and brown.
Proof
50.0% ABV
Pros
The strong nose is oddly enjoyable.
If you like burnt marshmallow, you will love this.
Cons
The finish leaves something to be desired.
Really just has one note on the palate. The burnt sugar overpowers everything else.
