Jameson The Blender’s Dog Whisky Review

There’s always a new whiskey hitting the market. Based on the ever-expanding whiskey shelves in spirits shops, I’d argue there are more whiskies now than ever before. THE biggest perk of being a whiskey blogger is being able to taste many of these new spirits. Hell, it’s the reason I started this blog about four years ago. As you can imagine, my inbox is flooded with press releases announcing the latest and greatest. Some names stand out instantly. Subject lines featuring the word Jameson grab my attention every time. They don’t make the best Irish whiskey. That simply doesn’t exist. However, Jameson makes very enjoyable whiskeys, and you can’t ask for more.

The Blender’s Dog ($69.99) is Jameson’s second entry in their Whiskey Makers Series, after The Cooper’s Croze. Blender’s Dog is all about touting Jameson Head Blender Billy Leighton’s ability to marry whiskeys. Leighton is aiming for “a perfect balance of spirit, wood, and time.” Bottled at 43% ABV and non chill filtered, Blender’s Dog starts off on a positive note. Like all Jameson whiskeys, this expression is triple distilled.

On the nose, hints of cardamom and allspice are complemented by sweet malt, butterscotch, and sawdust. The palate features an initial wave of cream-filled pastry soon punctuated by sprinklings of spice and toffee. Slightly astringent oak tannins appear in the back palate and into the medium finish. A splash of water slightly sweetens things up. The medium-bodied whiskey finishes with spiced cream, sort of like an egg nog.

Not bad. Not bad at all. I’d agree that Blender’s Dog is nicely balanced. It’s quite enjoyable, albeit not too complex. That’s my nitpick. The lack of complexity is what keeps this particular blend from reaching greatness. I’ll happily drink this all night long either neat or in an Irish Coffee. The whisky’s creamy nature makes for a killer Irish Coffee. Another nice job from the folks at Jameson. 8/10

Jamesonwhiskey.com

Thanks to Jameson for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Whisky Review
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare_Bottle Image_3

Photo courtesy: Diageo

In a move likely to enrage malt snobs, spirits giant Diageo has introduced an extension to the Johnnie Walker brand comprised primarily of malt and grain whiskies from closed distilleries. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare, the first in the new series, was created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge.

Ghost and Rare is a blend of eight malt and grain whiskies: Brora, Cambus, Pittyvaich, Clynelish, Royal Lochnagar, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie, and Cameronbridge. The first three distilleries on that list are closed, though Diageo recently announced that Brora will reopen in three years. Official bottlings of Brora, which was closed in 1983, aren’t exactly budget friendly. So, the chance to taste it and other rare whiskies as a blended whisky versus a single malt or single grain at a fair price peaked my interest. Ghost and Rare is bottled at a hearty 46% ABV and priced at $399.99 a bottle.

The waxy fruit character Brora is known for is found in the nose here, along with hints of dark chocolate, creamy vanilla, toasted almonds, and a touch of witch hazel. Ghost and Rare carries a rich mouhfeel with notes of brioche, waxy fruit (apple and pear), and grilled pineapple. Darker and deeper flavors soon develop: dark toffee, Sumatra coffee bean, and subtle smoke. Mild oak tannins appear on the back palate. The long, slightly sweet and smoky finish features hints of cocoa powder and creamy vanilla.

Ghost and Rare is a blend that delivers the characteristics of Brora in a rounded way, thanks to the addition of other malt whiskies. Those same whiskies add nuance. In addition, grain whiskies contribute to the overall richness of the blend. The result is an exquisite addition to the Johnnie Walker lineup. I’ll certainly be looking for a bottle. Highly recommended! 9/10

Johnniewalker.com

Thanks to Diageo for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Entrapment 25-Year-Old Canadian Whisky

image005Entrapment is the latest entry in the Orphan Barrel series, as well as the first non-American whisky.  The 25-year-old whisky was distilled in 1992 in Gimli, Manitoba, where it was meant to be blended into Crown Royal Deluxe.  According to press materials, several barrels didn’t fit the blend.  The whisky continued to mature in those barrels until now.  Entrapment is distilled from a mostly corn mash bill… 97% to be exact, along with 3% malted barley.  It’s bottled at 82 proof and available for a suggested retail price of $149.99.

The Orphan Barrel series has been a bit of a mixed bag, with some excellent releases like Lost Prophet sitting alongside a couple of terrible ones. Whoop & Holler, anyone?  Where on the spectrum does Entrapment fit?  Quite up there, actually.

Though the low proof subdues the nose a bit, rich aromas of vanilla, maple syrup corn bread and light oak abound.  The palate is airy and soft, again mostly likely due to the low proof.  Notes of angel food cake, spice and vanilla mark the beginning of the flavor journey.  From there, rich notes of maple and leather develop in the mid-palate.  The journey continues, as baking spices reappear alongside dried fruits in the medium-length finish.

This is a well-aged whisky.  The development and complexity of flavors is welcome.  My only qualm with Entrapment is its low proof.  What’s delivered in the glass is fantastic, but a few more proof points (45% ABV instead of 41% ABV) may have propelled Entrapment into the stratosphere.  Only Diageo holds the answer to why Entrapment was bottled the way it is.  Regardless, my opinion of what’s currently in the glass remains steadfast.  Entrapment comes with a high recommendation, so long as potential buyers aren’t looking for a bold whisky experience.  8/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.