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SPIRIT REVIEWS

Brown spirits remain one of the hottest categories in the beverage alcohol business . Whether spelled “ whiskey ” or “ whisky ,” these products currently enjoy a growing audience , as more consumers dive into the category .

But which whiskeys represent the best quality-to-price ratio ? Which are actually good deals , as the market for brown spirits continue to rise ?

For answers to those questions — and reviews of the best bottles — we again turn to the annual New York International Spirits Competition . Our sister competition utilizes judges who are trade professionals : retailers , bartenders , buyers , etcetera . They blind-taste products based on price tiers . Thus , these reviews and ratings recognize spirits that represent both quality and value .

Elijah Craig Small Batch . A fine mix of oak , citrus and hints of vanilla in the nose . Vanilla is more prominent when lying on the tongue , with soft medium layers of licorice and dried fruits on top of it . Honey and dried citrus accompany the medium-to-long finish for this bourbon .

Garrison Brothers Laguna Madre . Bottled at 50.5 % ABV , and the oldest whiskey from this Texas distillery . Aged in two different style casks . The many years in the barrel is present with its oaky vanilla nose . White chocolate and vanilla lie in the mouth with a wonderful , long , soft , vanilla finish .

Glenmorangie Signet . Dr . Bill brings his dried-orange chocolate malt vision to fruition with a blend of aged whiskies and virgin oak casks . Spices and orange peels are in the nose , with chocolate orange layers and dried fruit on the edges of your tongue , followed by a long creamy finish .

Laws Whiskey Bonded Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey . An interesting bourbon in a good way that is outside the normal bourbon sweetness , but represents the ruggedness of Colorado . Golden in color with warm notes of cinnamon and honey . Spices of pepper , tobacco

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Ardbeg Uigedall . A classic Islay whisky bottled at 54.2 % ABV , with a lovely amber color with beautiful legs . Tobacco and oiled leather fill the nose with the underlying wave of peat smoke . It coats the tongue with a fine medley of tobacco , burnt citrus and marshmallow , encased by smoke peat as it travels down your throat for a long finish .

Balcones Mirador . An annual release that is a blend of malt whiskies in used barrels aged in the heart of Texas , where it simply gets hot . Oak and light smoke is in the nose . Leather and vanilla lay on the tongue with a light lingering tobacco and soft leather finish .

Bear Fight . Bear Fight comes from Next Century Distillery , which positions itself as a supplier of bulk spirits for new brands to purchase . This American single malt shows its value in the bottle with its vanilla and oak nose . It lays properly in the mouth with light tobacco and vanilla on the edge of the tongue , and a medium finish at the end .

Bushmills Black Bush . A well-balanced Irish whiskey with light fruit and citrus medley on the nose . The time in the sherry and ex-bourbon casks is apparent with a light sweetness and sherry presence in the mouth . The finish is soft and long , leaving a fine coating as it travels down your throat .

Doc Swinson ’ s Alter Ego Solera Aged Rye . A unique blended rye using the Solera method of aging ex-bourbon casks . Deep dark brown sugar is most prominent in the nose . The spice is there for a rye , but the rum finish brings a subtle dried fruit medley with a light tobacco finish .

Templeton Rye 6 Year . This is a rye from when you lift the glass to the finish . Rye fills the nose with hints of vanilla and oak . The rye forms a light base on the mouth with vanilla and baking spice softly on top . The almost-long finish is a continuation of rye and baking spices . templetondistillery . com /

32 Beverage Dynamics • September / October 2021 www . beveragedynamics . com