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:
Glenmorangie Signet
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Review Date: May 15, 2009
Category Info: Whiskey / Whisky :: Single Malt Scotch
Distilled From: Barley
Retail Price: luxury ($200+)
Age: up to 30
Casking: Blend of Casks
Strength: 92 proof
Origin: Scotland - Highlands
Tasting Notes:
The packaging on this is very well put together. Dark stained bottle make the whiskey look very dark but the color is light-to-medium amber. They use some malt that is dark-roasted. The nose is rich oak, orange peel, and toasty malt. On the palate there is rich spicy oak, mellow citrus and vanilla, and the palate is slightly smoky with rich chocolatey roasted malt. Nice but pricey.
Brandy 1920
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Review Date: June 8, 2009
Category Info: Brandy
Distilled From: Grapes
Retail Price: $ (under $20) per 1 Liter Bottle
Age: 2 years
Strength: 40%
Origin: Portugal
Tasting Notes:
The nose is hot.
The brandy is mildly sweet and a little spicy.
Very thin body on the palate.
The finish has a slight note of pecans.
Ancnoc 12 Year
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Review Date: March 1, 2010
Category Info: Whiskey / Whisky :: Single Malt Scotch
Distilled From: Barley
Retail Price: $$$ ($30-$40) per 750 ml Bottle
Age: 12 years
Casking: Bourbon / Sherry Finish
Strength: 40%
Origin: Scotland - Highlands
Tasting Notes:
Light amber color.
The nose is light grainy/cereally malt.
Spicy and cereally on the palate. There is a crisp acidity but overall through the mid palate it leans towards a dry profile.
The finish is very smooth and only then does a sweetness show through.
Great light whisky.