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Tasting Notes: Grand Marnier Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:08:45 +0000

Grand Marnier is a blend of cognacs with the essences of bitter orange first introduced in 1880 and continues to be a dominant liqueur in the industry. When it comes down to comparing orange liqueurs, Grand Marnier has to participate but, we believe, it won’t take home first prize when you set your expectations on the “orange” of the orange liqueur.

Smell: Cognac with some minerals, a little “poopy” manure with the muted scents of pulpy orange and alcohols burn.

Taste: Light orange, French oaks, brown sugar with echoing that of a bourbon, not as sweet as other orange liqueurs in the category.

Cost: When it comes down to cost, you better really love the flavors of a cognac because you’re paying for it. At around USD $45, Grand Marnier isn’t the best value for your orange liqueur in a cocktail even with its complex flavors. While the flavors are definitely more varied than a normal orange liqueur, it almost does them all halfway but never hits home in any one.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 2.0 / 5.0
Taste: 2.0 / 5.0
Cost: 2.0 / 5.0
End Score: 2.0 / 5.0

Summary: Oddly enough, we’re not huge fans when it comes down to comparing it against the alternatives, at a cheaper cost. We’ve had better cognacs and we’ve had better orange liqueurs, so where should we place this one? While many reviewers will tell you how awesome Grand Marnier is and how it pairs well in a cocktail (such as the Margarita), I think you’ll find an awesome experience with some of the other options on the market, such as Senior Curacao of Curacao a true authentic orange for half the cost. You may be a huge super fan of Grand Marnier and that’s perfectly okay as everyone’s tastes are different, we just enjoy going outside the typical.

Tasting Note: Senior Curaçao of Curaçao

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:04:26 +0000

The “Golden Orange of Curaçao,” also known as the Valencia orange isn’t known as a very delightfully delicious fruit. While it flourished in California and eventually became the root crop behind the company Sunkist, the Curaçao Island did something much different to the fruit. The climate differences, soil condition and the abandonment of the fruit to grow wild left a inedible product with bitter tastes–not even the local goats would eat it. “It was not till decades later (the exact date is lost in history) that someone discovered that the peels of this orange, thoroughly dried by the sun, contained an etheric oil with an extraordinary pleasing fragrance” (curacaoliqueur.com)

Since 1896, Senior Curaçao of Curaçao has found a use for these inedible fruits, and we’re loving every minute of it at 31% ABV.

Smell: Juicy orange smells, very much a beautiful sweetness with slight zesty attributes and no real alcohol smell.

Taste: Elegantly sweet with a smooth coating that coats the sweetness across your palate without attacking with a fake-candy like experience. This is a sweet spirit without overly fake sweetness–just the right amount of all attributes.

Cost: At the cost of USD $26.99, this is an orange liqueur that cannot be passed by if you find it on the shelf. The most difficult problem may be finding it at the local store. You can definitely pick this up online if your State allows you to ship alcohol to the home.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 5.0 / 5.0
Taste: 4.5 / 5.0
Cost: 5.0 / 5.0
End Score: 4.8 / 5.0

Summary: This may be our highest scoring spirit in any category of tasting. Having tasted a few fine orange liqueurs across many different costs, Senior Curaçao of Curaçao does something no other Curaçao has done: brings authenticity and orange flavor without the artificial sweetness found in the cheap products. This product does everything its expected to do without going outside its specialization. A great cost, great taste and great nose all in a single spirit which makes this a must buy orange liqueur. You can find a clear, blue and orange version of this spirit, we suggesting buying them all. You’ll never want a USD $9 triple sec again.

Tasting Notes: Patrón Citronge Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:28:19 +0000

Patrón calls it the only natural orange liqueur product in Mexico with no artificial flavors or colors. They say it’s excellent straight or in a cocktail like the Margarita. How do we feel it tastes? Actually, not so bad! You’ll find Patrón Citronge running about 40% ABV, pretty potent stuff.

Smell: Not quite delightful, intense alcohols, model paint with a muted orange zest/rind after cutting through the alcohols.

Taste: Quite unlike the scents, there is almost no alcohol burn on the palate. Smooth refined sweetness of orange as you’d expect, with a light alcohol in the finish. Authentic tasting, which is inviting.

Cost: Patrón Citronge arrives at roughly USD $28.99, which isn’t a bad price for the taste but we’ve seen a more competitive cost for such flavors. The cost would be more competitive if the nose matched the taste.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 1.5 / 5.0
Taste: 3.5 / 5.0
Cost: 3.0 / 5.0
End Score: 2.6 / 5.0

Summary: Unfortunately Citronge falls short of our expectations because the cost is simply too high to pay for the overall flavor experience. It’s a good flavor, but it’s not exceptional and to command USD $28.99 or around that price when there are other orange liqueur’s on the market for a few dollars less that have exceptional smells and tastes causes this to fall short. However, if your region doesn’t have some of those more impressive orange liqueurs, Patrón Citronge is something to consider especially considering their market penetration. In our Margarita’s we’d use Citronge over Grand Marnier for the flavors and cost.

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Tasting Notes: Maker’s Mark Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:40:10 +0000

Founded in 1889, Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whiskey distilled in Loretto Kentucky. The Maker’s Mark brand is a fairly well marketed branding which may give new consumers pause, many big market brands spend more money on marketing than product taste. Maker’s Mark, however, breaks the mold by creating a cost effective tasting experience.

Maker’s Mark puts most of their marketing effort into their 90-Proof (45% ABV) bottled bourbon. You’ll also find Maker’s Mark being one of the few American Whiskey brands that utilize the Scotch “Whisky” spelling–often times this tells about the roots of the company (Scottish roots lean towards Scottish spelling).

Smell: Brown Sugar, Oak, Cinnamon with the burn of alcohol mingled in the sweetness.

Taste: Smooth and dry light bodied (a bit watery) with dark charred oaks and an intense alcoholic burn.

Cost: For a brand with lots of market momentum the cost is very affordable at USD $22.99 (in our area). The flavors are well worth the cost in our opinion.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 4.0 / 5.0
Taste: 4.0 / 5.0
Cost: 5.0 / 5.0
End Score: 4.3 / 5.0

Summary: We found, in our blind tastings, that the Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark are at the same level of competitive taste, cost and nose. Thankfully, both bring their own unique flavors so separate them from being too like in properties. The Maker’s Mark brings more charred oaks while the Buffalo Trace takes on a bit more spice so it’s important to taste them both for yourself and make a final decision. The cost is affordable and the flavors are memorable and that’s very much all you need for a good core spirit.

Watch our Whiskey Blind Tasting Now.

Tasting Notes: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:24:57 +0000

Since 1870 it has been known by several names, including most notably, the George T. Stagg Distillery and O.F.C. Distillery. Approximately 30-35 barrels of aged whiskey are selected from the middle floors of Warehouses C, I and K. Samples from these barrels are reviewed by the distillery’s tasting panel. If any one taster rejects a sample, the barrel it represents will not be used for Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Buffalo Trace Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is 90-Proof (45% ABV).

Smell: White pepper, caramel, oak and sugars.

Taste: Initially sweet with a caramel mid-palate transition and a finish of oak mixed with spicy pepper. There are some big alcohols in the first few sips, but your palate gets used to it quickly.

Cost: At USD $23, this is an exceptional deal. You’re getting a balance of flavors that can be sipped straight or built into a cocktail without feeling you’re spending too much money to create the cocktail.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 4.0 / 5.0
Taste: 4.0 / 5.0
Cost: 5.0/5.0
End Score: 4.3 / 5.0

Summary: Buffalo Trace Bourbon really nails the flavor profile for the USD $23.00. You don’t feel ripped off and you’re really not expecting too much additional intense flavors or complexity for the dollar. You’ll definitely be impressed with its impact in a cocktail without having to mortgage your house to make it.

Watch our Whiskey Blind Tasting Now.

Tasting Note: Woodford Reserve Review

Derrick Schommer — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:43:39 +0000

Woodford Reserve is a small batch bourbon whiskey, every bottle is individually numbered with batch and bottle identification. Originally distilled as far back as 1812, Woodford Reserve is considered a “hand crafted” whiskey and will probably cost a bit more money than a mid-tier whiskey.

Smell: Almost a tequila-like smell, brine, sea salts without too much sweetness. Very muted in whiskey-like bouquet.

Taste: Very smooth on the palate, medium body with hints of oak, slight burnt rubber and a bright “cold” burn more akin to a mint cold (without the mint flavor). Clean finish.

Cost: The “small batch” labeling may be what drives the price up to roughly USD $29.99. The price shows this whiskey as a higher end product than a USD $12 whiskey, but the price might be a bit too steep for the small story the taste is telling.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 3.0/5.0
Taste: 3.0/5.0
Cost: 3.0/5.0
End Score: 3.0/5.0

Summary: Not as potent as the Knob Creek bourbon but similar in overall qualities. While it doesn’t bring a ton of burn it also doesn’t bring a whole lot of complex flavors for the price. If Woodford Reserve was USD $7 less, it would be a much more worthwhile purchase for those looking to upgrade from a Jim Beam quality whiskey.

Watch our Whiskey Blind Tasting Now.

Tasting Notes: Knob Creek Bourbon Review

Derrick Schommer — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:00:17 +0000

Bottled at 100-Proof, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a bit more intense than the standard 80-Proof bourbon. Produced by the Jim Beam distillery, Knob Creek’s job is to raise itself to a higher standard of bourbon compared to the Jim Beam line of products.

Smell: Huge sugars, muted scents with big alcohol nose–this is the closest thing to alcohol candy that you’ll find! Subtle oaks do not overwhelm the nose.

Taste: Smooth with great viscosity and a full-bodied flavor which is dominated by potent alcohols. While there is a bit of oak in the finish, the overall spirit is distracted by its fire.

Cost: This product commands a higher price than the Jim Beam product, it seems… almost double the cost. You’ll probably find it for anywhere from USD $25.00 to USD $30 compared to the USD $12 to USD $20 of the Jim Beam. This is a big boy whiskey, requiring you to understand its 100-Proof personality to respect its overall cost.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 3.0/5.0
Taste: 3.0/5.0
Cost: 3.0/5.0
End Score: 3.0/5.0

Summary: Overall, this is an intense spirit that commands a fairly high cost for the fairly basic complexity. While the nose is sweet but brings intense burn to the nasal passages yet maintains a very mature smoothness that’s hard to beat. Compared to Jim Beam or the quality of that standard of whiskey, this is above par in smoothness but does that make it the best on the market? Not exactly. Overall, Knob Creek is more potent than personality.

Watch our Whiskey Blind Tasting Now.

Tasting Notes: Cruzan Coconut Rum Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:40:38 +0000

Cruzan Rum is produced in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Their distillery was founded in 1760 and claims the distinction of “the most honored rum distillery in the world.” What does this buy you in terms of a coconut rum? Let’s break down the numbers and find out. We’re talking about a rum that’s 27.5% ABV–not too strong but not too weak either!

Smell: Suntan lotion, slightly ethanol “burn” on the nose all mingled in coconuts.

Taste: High sweet factor yet smooth with great textures and mouth-fell. You’ll get a candy-like taste with a very slight burn.

Cost: The cost is about USD $11 but we can find it for USD $9.99 at the liquor store in our neighborhood. It’s very hard to compete with the nice flavors of coconut at a low cost value. You’re getting an above average taste and smell for a great deal in the value department.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 3.5 / 5.0
Taste: 3.5 / 5.0
Cost: 5.0 / 5.0
End Score: 4.0 / 5.0

Summary: Hands down one of the best coconut rums on the market today, you’re going to find sweetness as you’d expect in a flavored rum with plenty of authentic coconut flavors that overshadow the sweetness. Great texture and mouthfeel for an $11 or lower cost.

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Tasting Notes: Don Q Coconut Rum Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:27:58 +0000

In 1865, Don Juan Serrallés produced his very first cask of aged rum using a copper still he imported from France and some American oak barrels. The high standard created by Don Juan Serrallés have been used to create the Don Q Puerto Rican rum brand. The Don Q Coco puerto rican rum rings in at 30% ABV, not a weak little spirit!

Nose: Muted flavors, almost no coconut smell on the bouquet.

Taste: Smooth mouthfeel, super candy sweet coconut juice with a light burn but very authentic flavored taste.

Cost: While we initially rated the cost at $17, it turns out you can buy this at a more competitive rate and, once it arrives in NH it will be more competitive with the brands in our area, coming in around $12.50. Cost rating will be adjusted to fit price updates from Don Q directly.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 1.5 / 5.0
Taste: 3.5 / 5.0
Cost: (adjusted rating) 5.0/ 5.0
End Score: 3.3 / 5.0

Summary: While we originally gave it a low value for its USD $17 cost, that cost is a NY based price structure and all costs are higher in NY for all Don Q Coco’s opponents. Given a price estimate of $12.50 for the New Hampshire market, we’re going to have to say that the price really kicks this spirit into high gear. Sure, the smell wasn’t nearly as refined as some of the competitors but the value is good.

Watch the Video Blind Tasting Now.

Tasting Notes: Malibu Coconut Rum Review

Derrick Schommer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:16:27 +0000

Malibu is a coconut rum made with natural coconut extract by the French company Pernod Ricard. They’re product is made in barbados and is 21% ABV here in the United States (that’s 42-Proof).

Nose: Light on smell, almost giving off the aroma of a standard light rum.

Taste: Silky smooth texture, subtle and light on coconut flavor with a mild sweetness; almost doesn’t taste like rum at all!

Cost: USD $14 or around that price, may be higher on some areas but should be competitively priced with other rums.

Combined Rating:

Smell: 1.0/5.0
Taste: 4.0/5.0
Cost: 3.0/5.0
End Score: 2.6/5.0

Summary: The cost seems a bit steep for the lack of overall aroma. While the taste is that of coconut it seems to bring a bit more sweet than actual coconut flavoring making it hard to score it a perfect 5.0. The cost would have been more justified had the overall experience been higher matching aroma with taste.

Watch the Video Blind Tasting Now.