Spirited Reviews August 2015

Words by Simon Difford

Spirited Reviews August 2015 image 1

The following are new products we've received and other products reviewed during August 2015. Products are listed according to the diffordsguide rating awarded to them. Please click on product names for tasting notes and further information.

diffordsguide rating 5+/5 [outstanding]

Del Maguey Pechuga Single Village Mezcal
Described as being slightly scotch whisky-like and it is. Lightly smoky and meaty with herbal and floral notes.

diffordsguide rating 5/5 [exceptional]

Jefferson's Reserve Groth Reserve Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bitter black tea and oak tannins balance sweet maple with pecan toasted nuttiness, cinnamon and black pepper spice.

diffordsguide rating 4.5/5 [excellent]

Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold Highland single malt Scotch whisky
Honeyed and citrusy with fruit cake, rounding waxiness and mild spice. I enjoyed my tasting sample then realised I should have tried some frozen as recommended by its makers. Seems a shame though.

Carlsberg Jacobsen Saaz Blonde Ale
It's high alcohol content holds this Saaz Blonde together with pine, clove and coriander, white bread and ripe pineapple fruit.

Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvee Brut NV Cava
Beautifully presented in a very shapely bottle, on the palate this 'branded' sparkling wine is equally attractive, as its price. Lemon freshness, buttery bakery notes and pineapple feature throughout.

Bottlegreen Naturally Light Classic Tonic Water With Quinine
'Light' in terms of sugar but also mouthfeel - not syrupy. Clean and dry with mild quinine bitterness.

diffordsguide rating 4/5 [recommended]

AnCnoc 2000 Bottled September 2014 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Heavily sherry influenced with grassy, chocolate and mild spicy notes.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Gran Selection Cava
Fresh and citrusy in character, Freixenet Cordon Negro is a good value, recognisable, widely available sparkling wine brand.

Bushtea Spiced Rum
An English distilled spiced rum is something to applaud, especially when so simply but beautifully presented and boasting a premium alcohol strength. As for the flavour, some will appreciate the combination of fruity esters and spice while others, including the mass market of spiced rum drinkers may find challenging.

Carlsberg Jacobsen Velvet Ale
Fruity and spicy - white fruits and grapefruit with clove and coriander.

Herencia de Plata Reposado 100% agave tequila
Leathery vanilla and a dairy creaminess balance pronounced cracked black pepper spice. A middle of the road reposado.

Herencia de Plata Añejo 100% agave tequila
Buttery butterscotch, sweet vanilla, caramel and marshmallow set against dry oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper spice.

The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold blended scotch whisky
Honeyed and rich with vanilla fudge, butterscotch, sherry and sweet Christmassy spice.

Bottle Green Mango & Coconut Sparkling Pressé
Subtly flavoured, well-balanced and lightly carbonated with ripe mango, faint toasted coconut flesh and floral notes.

diffordsguide rating 3.5/5 [commended]

Herencia de Plata Blanco 100% agave tequila
Earthy with white pepper spice and faint smokiness.

The Wild Geese Untamed Irish vodka
Clean and fairly neutral with cracked black pepper and very faint green apple skin.

diffordsguide rating 3/5 [mediocre]

Old Mout Pomegranate & Strawberry Cider
This red berry fruity 'cider' is sure to please many younger consumers but will equally offend some older cider enthusiasts.

The Exiles Irish Gin
'London dry' in style - indeed we believe this 'Irish Gin' to be distilled in London.

Click here products reviewed in July 2015

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