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:
Chauffe - Coeur Rum App. Rhum Cont. (Clear)
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Review Date: April 2, 2009
Category Info: Rum :: Agricole
Distilled From: Sugar Cane
Retail Price: $$$ ($30-$40)
Strength: 92
Origin: Martinique
Tasting Notes:
Earthy nose of fresh cane juice. Big backbone of rich sugar with many layers of spice.
Plantation Rum Panama 1997
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Review Date: February 28, 2008
Category Info: Rum
Distilled From: Molasses
Retail Price: $$$ ($30-$40)
Age: 9
Strength: 90
Origin: Panama
Tasting Notes:
Banana and eucalyptus on the nose and a oaky nuttiness. Richly sweet on the front of the palate with a big fruit mid-palate and a soft oaky finish.
Lombard Jewels of Scotland Balmenach 1979 25 Year Cask Strength
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Review Date: October 14, 2009
Category Info: Whiskey / Whisky :: Single Malt Scotch
Distilled From: Barley
Retail Price: (10x)$ ($100-$200) per 750 ml Bottle
Year Produced: 1979
Year Produced: 2004
Age: 25 year
Casking: Oak Non-Specific
Strength: 50%
Origin: Scotland - Speyside
Tasting Notes:
Light amber center with pale golden fringes.
Sherry influence on the nose honey and sweet malt.
Rich barely with big nutty sherry notes and nice toasty oak.
With Water:
The nose is still sherry-dominant but with a bolder nutty character and slightly less flinty alcohol.
Medium-to-full bodied and oily with a big bold malt profile and a finish of nutty sherry.
Great whisky in a bold malty sherry-finished style.