Scotland Stephenson's Spirits Reviews
In my work I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to taste many different spirits from all over the world. I have included this section of my spirits reviews on the site as a reference to anyone who may find them useful.
These notes are not meant as commercial reviews, nor do I include a point scoring system of any kind. They are my personal notes. As such, my only disclaimer is that I know they are not the most eloquent tasting notes in the world. My guarantee to you is that they are always honest.
If there is one thing that I have learned in the wine and spirits industry it is that matters of the taste buds are very subjective. There are also always bad days and bad bottles out there in the world, and I have those too. My palate is only one perspective. The most important lesson I ever learned about spirits and wines is that they are meant to be enjoyed. If you are tasting something and you enjoy it, that is the most important thing, no matter what anyone else thinks about it.
Some Random Reviews:
Prichard's Key Lime Rum
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Review Date: September 15, 2009
Category Info: Rum :: Flavored - Key Lime
Distilled From: Molasses
Retail Price: $$ ($20-$30) per 750 ml Bottle
Strength: 35%
Origin: United States - Kelso, Tennessee
Tasting Notes:
Completely clear.
The nose has a rich underlying backbone of brown sugar with key lime in good balance along with it.
Sweet on the front of the palate but there is a rich spiciness too. Some of the spice is from rum and there is a bit of spicy alcohol (good spice, not overbearing) . The lime flavor is tart and sweet. There is a slight citrus peel bitterness about it but it is far smoother than most lime flavored spirits on the market. Overall the flavor is great and this rum is well worth a try.
Raza Azteca Blanco
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Review Date: April 24, 2008
Category Info: Tequila :: Blanco - 100% de Agave
Distilled From: Agave
Retail Price: $$$$ ($40-$50)
Strength: 80
Origin: Mexico
Tasting Notes:
Earthy and peppery. Good flavor. Nothing off on the finish.
High West Rocky Mountain Rye 16 Year
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Review Date: September 10, 2009
Category Info: Whiskey / Whisky :: American Whiskey
Distilled From: Rye
Retail Price: $$$$$ ($50-$100) per 750 ml Bottle
Year Produced: 1990
Year Produced: 2008
Age: 16 year
Casking: American Oak
Strength: 46%
Origin: United States - Park City, Utah
Tasting Notes:
(mash bill 80% rye 10% barley, 10% corn) Blended with 17 and 18 year old whiskey as well.
Rich amber color.
Extraordinarily balanced nose of fruity apple, leathery cinnamon spice, and creamy vanilla/caramel.
Huge body on the palate. The spice character is rich and very present. Earthy and dark spice with big but not overpowering oak. Fruit and creamy vanilla come through on the finish. This whiskey has huge flavor but with elegance and balance.
Fantastic!