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Reviews of a few brands of whisky (whiskey)including some favorites and some of the newer brands available on the market. After reading my reviews and finding a brand of interest, search for a whiskey cocktail and give it a taste for yourself.
5 Great Canadian Whiskies
Canadian whiskies don’t always get the respect they deserve. In certain circles, Canadian whiskies have achieved a reputation as a light, fruity and one dimensional spirit. In spite of that view, there are some very high quality Canadian whiskies on the market. Here are the top five available now.
5 Great American Whiskies for under $20
Luxury does not have to cost a lot. American whiskies are one segment of the whiskey market that offers great bargains. While there are plenty of great quality American whiskies at $20+, we’ve uncovered some hidden gems that are both affordable and high quality whiskies.
American Whiskey Legends
One of the most memorable seminars for me at the 2009 Tales of the Cocktail was the one titled “American Whiskey Legends.” The line up included four of the who’s who in the modern whiskey industry (all bourbon) and it was quite the entertaining and informative discussion despite the fact that I have heard a few of the stories in previous interviews.
(rī)1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
(ri)1 (pronounced rye one) is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey produced by Beam Global Spirits. This rye whiskey is a quite a bit different from the traditional rye in that it is lighter and sweeter but retains that spicy snap.
Ardmore Traditional Cask Scotch Whisky
Ardmore Traditional Cask Scotch is the recent release of the Ardmore distillery of Aberdeenshire, Scotland and is a great Highland single malt Scotch whisky.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey
With over 400 years of distilling tradition behind it, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is one of the best known and oldest names in distilled spirits. The portfolio is comprised of six Irish whiskies.
Canadian Club 30 Year Old Reserve Whisky
To celebrate 150 years of producing Canadian Club Blended whisky, the distillery has released a limited edition bottling. This Canadian whisky was blended before spending 30 years in the barrel to age and is a delightfully smooth whisky and one to try before it's gone.
Canadian Mist Whiskey
Distilled in Collingwood, Ontario, Canadian Mist is the second largest producer of Canadian whisky. This photo gallery includes images of a recent trip to the distillery, a cocktail mixing session with the whiskey and a review of the spirit and drinks that work with it and those that don't.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch is a reasonably priced premium whisky that is a delightful sipper and in this review I have compared it to Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which sells for three times the price.
Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Review of Chivas Regal 25 YO Scotch Released in October of 2007, Chivas Regal 25 YO Scotch is a tribute to the original and to the entire Chivas line of fine Scotch.
Compass Box Scotch Whisky
The Compass Box Whisky Company is new in the old-world of Scotch but they are certainly making an impact in boutique whisky. While the standard bottlings of Compass Box are all impressive but it is the reserves that push the limits of Scotch as you may know it, sadly many of these are very limited releases.
Compass Box Orangerie, The Scotch Whisky Infusion
Compass Box Scotch Whisky is known for creating unique and extreme bottles of Scotch and one of the seasonal favorites from the blender is Orangerie. As of 2009 this orange, cassia bark and clove infused blended Scotch is available year round and has the potential for some fascinating cocktails.
Highland Park Scotch Whisky
Highland Park has a fine sampling of Scotch whisky that spans in age from 12-40 years and all are an excellent experience for any whiskey lover. This review includes three of the expressions, including the mixable 12 year old, renowned 18 year old and the newest, yet oldest, 40 year old.
House Spirits Distillery releases three new whiskies
House Spirits Distillery, one of Oregon’s premier craft distilleries and makers of Aviation gin, Krogstad Aquavit, and Medoyeff vodka are releasing three whiskey expressions simultaneously at the distillery on December 12th, 2009.
Jameson Irish Whiskey
There are a few Irish whiskies that almost immediately come to mind and Jameson Irish Whiskey is one of them. This is a brand that you can rely on, one that you know won't cost a fortune and one that tastes pretty good with its full flavor and smooth character.
Jim Beam Bourbon Distillers Series Bourbon 2008
At the end of 2008 Jim Beam released a limited edition Distillers Series of their signature bourbon. This whiskey is aged for 7 years and only available for a couple months
Jim Beam, Booker's and Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey
Producers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, the Beam family has one of the longest bourbon producing legacies in Kentucky. Fred Noe, the 7th generation Beam distiller, speaks about the significance of National Bourbon Heritage Month, the family of bourbons he produces and growing up in one of the famous distilling families.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch
Johnnie Walker is known for the premium line of blended Scotch whiskies the world over. The Black Label is a complexly flavored, reasonably priced benchmark that most will find a somewhat gentle introduction to Scotch.
Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky
To finish off the first National Bourbon Heritage Month (September 2007) I traveled to the Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky distillery to meet the people and see the operation behind one of my favorite bourbons. This image gallery is filled with the picturesque scenes of the distillery along with all the details of creating such a distinguished distilled spirit.
Old Pulteney 17 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Old Pulteney 17 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a full-bodied Scotch released in 2007 and is priced under $100. It is a fine example of traditional Scotch whisky.
Scapa 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
To replace the 14 year old expression of the Scapa distillery, an older 16 year old has been release and this elder Scotch whisky is better than its predecessor, even worthy of the few great Scotch cocktails.
The Macallan 1824 Collection of Single Malt Scotch Whisky
In 2009 The Macallan released a special series of single malt Scotch whisky called the 1824 Collection and it includes some fascinating bottlings that have a range of characteristics and prices, though they are only available in global airports.
The Red Stag by Jim Beam Bourbon
Red Stag by Jim Beam Bourbon is a black cherry infused whiskey that is unique and quite tasty for the right individual. It may not become a favorite sipper, but makes an excellent round of cocktails.
Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey
Tullamore Dew is a smooth and malty Irish whiskey that has been distilled in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly since 1829. It is tagged as "The Legendary Irish Whiskey" and is a favorite for many whiskey drinkers for a good reason: it's a fine Irish whiskey.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Woodford County, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is a fine, well-balanced bourbon with an ideal flavor profile for mixing into cocktails. On the occasion of the first National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, 2007, I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Morris, Master Distiller, about the bourbon he produces and the significance of this new national designation.
Woodford Reserve MC 'Seasoned Oak Finish' Bourbon
In 2009 Woodford Reserve added to its Master's Collection of limited edition bourbon whiskies with the release of a unique bottling called Seasoned Oak Finish, which is a great sipping bourbon.

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