Review: London Dock Rum (Favell’s 70 Proof)

Favell’s London Dock Rum is (according to the label anyways) is blended and bottled in Canada for White Favell (Vinters). The Canadian agency responsible for blending and bottling this rum is the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC).

The label tells us that London Dock is a Demerara Rum produced in Guyana; therefore I can deduce that the rum was distilled on the East Bank of the Demerara River at the facilities of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL).  (This information was confirmed to me by both the NLC and Demerara Distillers.) It is apparently produced from original marques of rum which in the past would have been shipped to England to mature in the London Docks, hence the name London Dock Rum. Of course, the rum no longer travels to England to mature, rather it travels from Demerara County in Guyana in bulk to St. John’s Newfoundland to be blended bottled by the NLC. London Dock is an old style Demerara rum, with strong flavours of molasses and treacle.

(I was given a sample bottle by the NLC for the purpose of a review here on my website.)

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The London Dock Rum has a strong aroma of molasses and burnt caramel, and there is only a light essence of ‘woodiness’ rising from the glass. (My general impression from the aroma is that the rum has been aged somewhere in the range of two years or so.) Other smells drift up from the glass, a bit of orange and banana peel, some indications of vanilla and some  medium sweet baking spices …”

You may read my full review here:

Included with the review are two cocktail suggestions for this rum, the Mandeville, and Baron Bliss.

Please enjoy the review and the cocktails suggestions that follow, Cheers!

Review: Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Whisky

The Auchentoshan Distillery is somewhat of an anomaly amongst Scottish Distillers. It is the only Scottish Distillery that triple distills their entire core range of whisky. Triple distillation is common amongst Irish distillers, but very uncommon for a distillery producing Single Malt Whisky. The result of the triple distillation is a more laid back easy-going style of whisky which perhaps carries more floral elements, but which also may be a little less robust in character than traditional single malts.

The Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Whisky is a recent addition to that core range of Auchentoshan Single Malts. It is (of course) a triple distilled whisky which has been matured in three different styles of Oak. These are in order: American Bourbon, Spanish Oloroso Sherry, and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. This unique aging process leads to a complex whisky with flavours from each style of oak imprinted upon the whisky. I recently received a sample bottle of the Auchentoshan Three Wood from the Regional Manager of Shiralli Agencies who are the local importer and distributor of Morrison Bowmore products. (The Auchentoshan Distillery and its brands are owned by Morrison Bowmore.)

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“…  The whisky is rich with the aroma of oak which has firm stains of the sherry cask  influence (dates, raisins and prunes), as well as some sweet toffee (brown sugar, vanilla and butterscotch) overtones. As the glass breathes, I sense a bit of a woodland aroma with scents of  elderberry and willow thicket rising into the breezes with perhaps a bit of heather as well. Fruity tones are growing which remind me of blackberries and saskatoons …”

You may read the full review here:

Please enjoy the review as well as my new cocktail suggestion, The Autocrat Cocktail.

Cheers!

Review: Cruz del sol Reposado Tequila

According to the website information, Cruz Tequila contains no chemicals, additives or flavorings. It is produced from pure 100% blue agave grown in the Mexican State of Jalisco. After harvesting this agave, it is steamed in traditional hornos (or brick ovens) for two days. The cooked agave is then allowed to cool after which the juice is extracted and then fermented. The Cruz Del Sol Reposado is double distilled and aged in oak barrels for five months. All of the Cruz Tequila is packaged and bottled using recycled materials. This includes the blown glass bottles and the aluminum caps as well as the aluminum cross on the front label.

This product is being brought into my home market of Alberta by local the Importer PB Beverages who arranged for me to receive a sample bottle to review here on my website.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The initial aroma from the glass is lightly sweet with the mild punky aroma of agave combining well with the muted scent of white pepper. There is a mild vanilla which rises into the air above the glass, and a mellow fruity citrus scent which winds through the breezes… “

You may read the full review here:

As well I have constructed a nice new recipe I recommend for this spirit called, The Lonely Silver Rain.

Please enjoy the cocktail and the review.

Cheers!

Review: El Dorado Spiced Rum

I was privileged recently when I received an invite to visit the facilities of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in Guyana, South America. During this visit I was given a complete tour of the Diamond Distillery where DDL’s famous El Dorado Rums are produced. This included a tour of the old plant which houses the heritage stills (famous stills from various estates in Guyana some as old as 250 years, all working and still producing rum), and I saw DDL’s new high-capacity four-column distillation plant which is now in operation.

During this trip, I also was able to taste the entire line of El Dorado rums including the new El Dorado Spiced Rum. In fact at the guest house where I was staying, a full bottle of the El Dorado Spiced (and a few others as well) were left for our small Canadian group to enjoy each evening. I snapped a nice picture of the bottle while I was there and spent a little time gathering some tasting notes.

Here is an excerpt from the resulting review:

“…. As the glass sits, I receive firm indications of allspice and cloves rise as well as a nice updraft of cinnamon. A brief appearance of oak also reaches the breezes above the glass coinciding with some quiet notes of orange peel and citrus. I was expecting more of a molasses push from this spiced rum, but the El Dorado Spiced seems to be a lighter style of rum than what I was expecting …”

Here is a link to the full review:

As well you should try my great punch recipe at the end of the review, Georgetown Punch!

Cheers Everyone!

APPLETON ESTATE BARTENDER CHALLENGE (CANADA)

I was sent an interesting press release yesterday, Apparently Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is having a nationwide contest to find the best bartender in Canada as part of their Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge. I love cocktails so I thought I should throw up the essential details from the presser here on my website.

If you think you can mix a mean cocktail, then maybe you should head over to the Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge Canada Facebook page to obtain all of the rules and regulations of the contest which is open until June 30th (the contest is available to all Canadian Bartenders and Wait Staff). The winner will be announced on August 12th, and (this is the good part) will be awarded an all expense paid trip to Jamaica to represent Canada in the Appleton Estate Jamaica International Bartender Challenge in October 2012. Those interested in participating must submit a video entry of themselves mixing an Appleton Estate V/X and an Appleton Estate Reserve cocktail, using Angostura Bitters as an ingredient in one of their original creations. Four finalists will be notified on July 15th and their respective cocktail recipes will go on to be judged by a panel of local experts and media on the basis of flavour, originality, creativity, presentation, technique, style and knowledge of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

To get you in the mood here is one of my original Appleton Estate Rum Cocktails!

Cheers!

The Appleton Celebration

2 oz Appleton Reserve Rum
2 oz  Fresh Squeezed and strained Pink Grapefuit Juice
3/4 oz  London Dry Gin
2 dashes Angostura bittlers
1 teaspoon Grenadine
ice
1/4 oz Sloe Gin
lemon slice for garnish

Combine the first five ingredients into a metal shaker with ice.
Shake until the metal shaker chills.
Strain into a cocktail glass (with or without ice).
Float the sloe gin on top
Garnish with lemon slice

Review: Old Pulteney 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

When I first heard that Old Pulteney 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch had won the accolade of World Whisky of the Year in this years (2012) edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, I was intrigued at Jim Murray’s selection. Of course I, like many other persons, began to think that perhaps I should find myself a bottle. I have never had an occasion to try any of the Old Pulteney range, and it appears I have been missing out.

Just when I was beginning to get serious about finding that bottle, I was contacted by Woodman Wines and Spirits Inc. who let me know that they were sending me a lab sample of the award-winning whisky to sample at my leisure. They informed that the Old Pulteney 21 Year Old had just arrived in Ontario, but with an allocation of only 50 cases (6 per case) for the entire Province.

I decided to put the lab sample through the paces of my review methodology and share the results with everyone here on my website. Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The initial nose is quite spicy. Within the spice, I sense butterscotch and heather, and a ripe fruit filled presence (green apples and green grapes; some raisins; and light impressions of dates). Over time oak and willow aromas evolve from the spice, and the darker fruit (the raisins and the dates) gain a little momentum …”

You may read my full review here:

Please enjoy my review, and if you get a chance to grab one of these bottles, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of the review.

Cheers!

Review: Herencia de Plata (Blanco) Tequila

Herencia de Plata Blanco Tequila is a 100% Blue Weber Agave Tequila produced by TEQUILAS DEL SEÑOR, S. A. DE C. V.,  a mid-sized, fourth generation family company located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The company was founded in 1943 and currently produces a number of tequila brands which include, Reserva del Señor, Sombrero, Tekali, Herencia Histórico, and of course Herencia de Plata.

A sample bottle was provided to me by Westway L. LTD., who is the importer of this spirit in my home province of Alberta, and it was presented at a Tequila tasting event which I held for several friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon in March. Of course after the tasting event, I put the bottle through the paces of my review methodology to provide a review here on my website as well.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The aroma from the glass is somewhat soft and earthy with hints of honey caressed by a very light smoke and even lighter vanilla. A smattering of white pepper and of zesty lime has risen into the breezes, and that punky agave scent we know so well has melted nicely into the citrus and pepper. The overall impression I receive from the glass is a clean, fresh, almost floral spirit which seems to entice me to have a sip …”

Here is a link to my full review:

I have also created a nice recipe for this spirit called The Turquoise Lament.

Please enjoy the review and the cocktail recipe I have provided, Cheers!

Review: Havana Club Selección de Maestros Rum

Havana Club’s new Selección de Maestros Rum is an authentic Cuban rum that has recently replaced the Havana Club Barrel Proof in the portfolio of Havana Club Rums. It is my understanding that the Selección de Maestros is produced in the same manner as the Havana Club Barrel Proof, and any differences between the two rums are more a matter of normal variations in batch production than any real difference between the rums.

The rum undergoes a rather unique maturation process where it is first aged in old white oak barrels, and when the final rum is blended, it is then finished in specially ‘selected’ younger finishing casks. I have heard of this ‘Double Barrel’ approach with whisky, but the Havana Club Barrel Proof and now its replacement, the Selección de Maestros, is the first rum that I know of which uses older white oak maturation casks and then younger fresh oak finishing casks.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The immediate nose is of sweet toffee, with a nice complement of cinnamon. Nutmeg and cloves work their way into the breezes along with a little oak, some hot orange peel and a touch of green tobacco. As the glass sits, the aroma of toffee intensifies making the rum seem very attractive, which of course leads me to steal a sip …”

You may read the full review here:

As well I have added a Cuba Libre’ Style cocktail for your enjoyment called, Cuban Cane Harvest.

Please Enjoy my review!

Introducing: Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

Captain Morgan Rum has just expanded their range of spiced rums to include a new “Black” spiced rum. I suspect that the recent success of  the Kraken Black Spiced Rum has motivated a move in this direction in order to garner a segment of this market. Of course the launch of the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum was accompanied with a slick media campaign which you are probably aware of already, but in case you are not, I shall relate a little of the information here.

The newest addition to the Captain Morgan Brand was apparently inspired by the story of Captain Morgan’s burial on the shores of Port Royal Harbour, Jamaica in 1688. As it was related to me, an earthquake struck Jamaica, just after the good Captain was buried. His casket was dislodged from its tomb and washed out to sea. It was never recovered, and to this day it has been suggested that perhaps his spirit lives on haunting the seas of the Caribbean searching for his lost remains. The imagery of the background story is captured in the bottle presentation. As the bottle empties, images of Captain Henry Morgan’s casket and skeleton are revealed inside the bottle on the backside of the front label.

In addition to the background story, the promotional information sent to me by the PR firm for Captain Morgan Rum tells me

  “Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is a mature and carefully crafted spirit that is meant to be savored like a fine whiskey or enjoyed in a classic cocktail. We believe this bold, interesting and unexpected new offering has the potential to make Captain Morgan the preferred spirit among a segment of consumers we don’t currently reach with our existing portfolio.”

In keeping with that claim, the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum was constructed from a base of Caribbean Blackstrap rum and selected ingredients which include clove spice and cassia bark (cinnamon). The rum was also finished in double charred blackened oak to add additional smoothness and character.

I have been told that this black spiced rum has a bold, edgy look and feel, and is considered to be a complete departure from the Original Spiced Rum. The marketing campaign and the rum are designed a to bring to life the darker, more mysterious side of the real-life brand icon, Captain Henry Morgan. Of course, I cannot confirm nor deny any of the claims as to the quality of the spirit or whether this rum is truly something different…, yet.

However, samples are on the way, and you can expect a detailed review soon after they arrive. In the meantime, perhaps you could enjoy my reviews of the rest of the Captain Morgan line-up:

• Captain Morgan’s Original
• Captain Morgan 100
• Captain Morgan Private Stock
• Captain Morgan Deluxe Dark Rum

BTW: Although I have not received my sample as yet, Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is apparently already in stores now. If anyone has tried some, feel free to give me feedback.

Cheers everyone!

Review: Plantation Original Dark 73 % Overproof Rum

Cognac Ferrand has long a history of providing Cognac Casks to various Caribbean rum producers based upon the rum producer’s need for quality oak casks to age their rum. Because of this long history Cognac Ferrand has over time developed solid relationships with many of these producers. Based upon these relationships Cognac Ferrand has been able to acquire certain unique batches of rum from various Caribbean sources. Typically these rums are brought back to France to be finished in their own warehouses and of course their own Cognac Casks.

The Plantation Original Dark 73 % Overproof Rum  is Cognac Ferrand’s Tiki style overproof rum. The base rum is a column distilled rum from Trinidad which was aged in oak barrels in Trinidad before being transported to France.

Here is an excerpt from  my review:

“… Sipping the rum at full strength is a bit challenging to say the least. Yet when I did so, I was almost fond of the experience. I admit, I had to take it extremely easy as this rum carries an intense alcohol sting and assertive hot spices in its wake. The rich caramel toffee I noted on the nose was just as strong in the mouth, and the marmalade aroma I had sniffed earlier seems to have a lot of orange peel bite coming along with it for the ride. I spite of my admiration for the intense flavour, I decide that adding an ice-cube to the glass is probably a good thing …”

You may read my full review here:

As well I have included my latest recipe creation, Zombie Plantation! (pictured to the left)

Enjoy the review and the cocktail!