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:
José Lopez Portillo Blanco Tequila
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Review Date: June 22, 2009
Category Info: Tequila :: Blanco - 100% de Agave
Distilled From: Agave
Retail Price: $$$ ($30-$40) per 750 ml Bottle
Strength: 40%
Origin: Mexico
Tasting Notes:
Big, pretty tropical fruit nose of pineapple with a hint of flinty pepper.
Slightly sweet agave hits you on the front of the palate and leads into a big, dry, peppery tequila.
Some nice tropical notes on the finish as well.
Good value.
Harushika "Tokimeki" Sake Happo Junmai Sparkling
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Review Date: April 29, 2008
Category Info: Sake :: Sparkling
Distilled From: Rice - (Type Not Listed)
Retail Price: $ (under $20) per 300 ml Bottle
Origin: Japan, Nara
Tasting Notes:
Smells like boiled peanuts. A fair amount of sweetness but not overwhelming. Very pretty. Great complexity of nutty and fruity flavors.
Tequila 374 Blanco
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Review Date: January 30, 2009
Category Info: Tequila :: Blanco - 100% de Agave
Distilled From: Agave
Retail Price: $$ ($20-$30)
Strength: 80
Origin: Mexico
Tasting Notes:
Big citrus & pine nose with subtle vanilla. More mellow on the palate than expected. Slightly butane-like. The finish is light-to-medium spice.