Sunday, February 9, 2014

Review #63: Glenlivet 12yr, Clear Creek Distillery Apple Brandy, Skyy Citrus


some minis

somehow, after Christmas, I ended up with a more or less random assortment of minis. It's time to get rid of them.


Glenlivet 12yr Pure Single Malt Scotch Whisky, OB, 40% abv

I believe this is the most popular (in some sense) single malt in the world. I don't know why: it smells like fermenting cider when it hits the glass, then a blast of vanilla and some wood that's been left out in the rain. The vanilla's even a little weird -- like the artificial flavor in a cheap pastry. On the palate: might as well be water. A little bit of lager and some deciduous fruit on the finish, and a nicer vanilla. I'll have to try this again sometime -- it can't really be this bad.

score: 60 (the gentleman's D-)


Clear Creek Distillery Apple Brandy, 40% abv

It says "golden delicious" on the label, so it's a varietal. Has a kind of tinny new carpet smell alongside the apple. The apple is tart and interesting, but a little one-dimensional. A little hot on the palate, but the fruit flavor is intense and persistent. Has a spicy, almost raisiny note next to the tartness, but generally a very lean profile. This isn't their best spirit; I don't know why. Go for the pear or the grappa instead.

score: 78


Skyy Cirtus, citrus flavored vodka, 35% abv

According to the label it contains "all natural essence of orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and tangerine." I can't think of any other way to introduce citrus flavors into drinks, so I'm glad they provided this service. I like the smell, actually. It is a nice citrusy smell. I have some orange bitters that smell a little like this. On the palate it seems medicinal (not in a good way). Finish really, really lasts. I'm not sure that I want it to. I like it better than the Glenlivet, though. A few points for the nose.

score: 65


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