Posts from What are you drinking right now? Auto-translated

And yet, a proper Long Island has more types of alcoholic beverages. The structure needs to be made more monstrous. Add a dispenser – otherwise, it's not very convenient. And something for adding ice.
Just kidding, Dag. So, it's a decent construction.

Yes, it would be nice to modify the office cooler...

Still, there are more types of alcoholic beverages in a proper Long Island. The structure needs to be made more monstrous. Add a dispenser – otherwise, it's not very convenient. And something for adding ice.
Just kidding, Dag. So, it's a decent construction.

Oh, that Ment...

Polugar 10 (Juniper)
It would be good to write a review of other versions of this Slavic miracle drink first, but I drank them before and have already forgotten the nuances.
Only when poured into a glass, this masterpiece (although 10 doesn't quite fit that description) of Polish distilling thought hit me in the nose with a very strong aroma, suddenly, of juniper. But when you let the drink breathe, its aroma almost replicates the "Baikal" soda with notes of bread sourdough, which is much more pleasant. Unfortunately, this doesn't solve the problem with the taste. First, there is a harsh taste of alcohol and juniper, then the taste of polugar itself is barely noticeable, and it all ends with a banal bitterness. This was the case for the first three sips. Then it is perceived more gently, you can again remember the taste of "Baikal", but still, it is definitely not the best in the line. 1 and 4 are significantly better. 5/10

You, Alex, should better engage in botting... Or write a quest...

This is Count Orlov.

You, Alex, should better stream...

No.

Or write a quest...

Yes. But I need inspiration.

Added 17 minutes later
Glen Grant Major's Reserve
Aroma: the main notes are bourbon tones, especially spices. In the background – dried apples with very faint notes of honey. In the distant background, you can feel meadow flowers if you wish.
Taste: rather unremarkable, similar to bourbon, but not as sweet.
Aftertaste: this is something else. I would describe it as "animalistic" and "rustic." It reminds me of an old wooden barn, untanned leather, peat, perhaps. Probably, a lover of Cuban cigars could describe it in full, judging by what I've heard about them. Perhaps it will seem very repulsive to someone. I have mixed emotions. I await it with fear, but meet it with a peculiar pleasure.
Overall 7/10, an inexpensive and very unusual single malt for those who like it.

it's better to bot...

Better how? What's the point of that?

In the old Kraken bar
There's a drunkard who drinks
And he drinks, and he drinks
And he drinks once again...

Polugar 2 (garlic and pepper)
Polugar is a wonderful invention of the Slavic people, a bread distillate that is milder than vodka and tastier than wine. It's like whiskey, but in a Russian style. I couldn't write something similar about the "Ten," so I'm introducing you to this fact now.
It smells like bread, garlic, and, as it seemed to me, bacon. Probably, the subconscious is working – where there is bread and garlic, you can't do without a slice of bacon. Seriously, I can smell salty fat.
The taste is spicy. The natural aroma of polugar gives way to garlic and pepper. At the same time, the taste is soft, even softer than "pure" polugar. The aftertaste is dominated by garlic, gradually giving way to the rich taste of black bread. Great, much better than the "Ten" and not worse than the "One" and "Four." The Poles are doing a good job, 8.5/10.

Looking for inspiration for a map?

What's so great about it? What's the point?

Well, Alex knows. I've got your quenta ready, Alex. Take a look. *** The One-Eyed Man has lived through many adventures. He was with Tiaria Rheime, then tried to organize the Order of the Last Emperor. Eventually, he got tired of it all and went to a bar for inspiration. There he drank and assessed. "Hmm... Polugar 10 (Juniper) It would be worth characterizing other versions of this Rheime wonder-drink first, but I've had them before and already forgotten the nuances. Only when in the glass, this masterpiece (though not quite a 10) of Akkerwald distilling thought mercilessly hit my nose with a strong smell of, suddenly, juniper. But when you let the drink breathe, the smell almost repeats the "Calvad Lake" soda with notes of bread sourdough, which is much more pleasant. Unfortunately, this does not solve the problem with the taste. First comes a harsh taste of alcohol and juniper, then the taste of polugar itself is barely felt, and all this ends with a banal bitterness. That's how it was for the first three sips. Then it is perceived more gently, you can again remember the taste of "Calvad Lake", but still it is definitely not the best in the line. 1 and 4 are much better. 5/10 Glen Grant Major's Reserve Smell: the first plan is bourbon tones, especially spices. In the second plan - dried apples with very weak notes of honey. In the background, you can feel meadow flowers if you wish. Taste: quite unremarkable, similar to bourbon, but not as sweet. Aftertaste: this is something. I would describe it as "animal" and "rural". It reminds me of an old wooden barn, untanned leather, matted peat, perhaps. Perhaps a lover of Cuban cigars could describe it in full, judging by what I've heard about them. Maybe it will seem very repulsive to someone. I have mixed emotions. I wait with fear, I meet with a kind of pleasure. Total 7/10, an inexpensive and very unusual single malt for the connoisseur. Polugar 2 (garlic and pepper) Polugar is a wonderful invention of the Rheime people, a bread distillate that is milder than vodka and tastier than wine. Like whiskey, only in the Akkerwald style. I couldn't bring myself to write something like that about the number 10, so I'm introducing you to this fact now. It smells like bread, garlic, and, as it seemed to me, bacon. Probably, the subconscious is working - where there is bread and garlic, you can't do without a slice of bacon. Seriously, I smell salty fat. The taste is spicy. The natural aroma of polugar gives way to garlic and pepper. At the same time, the taste is soft, even softer than "pure" polugar. In the aftertaste, garlic dominates, gradually giving way to the rich taste of black bread. Great, much better than 10 and not worse than 1 and 4. Akkerwa, well done, 8.5/10." Having tasted enough, he decided that he needed to join Orion. Characteristics: Skills: Origin: Etc. The end.

Replace the Rhemic people with the Areid people and the Cuban cigars with some Ixia cigars, and it will be perfect.

I was at "Whisky Live" on Saturday. I'm sharing my notes; I didn't write them all evening just for myself. Everything is extremely unprofessional, everything is very subjective – but it’s honest. Here’s how it went: First, I tried Soldshu 12 years – a blend made by one of our compatriots from Scottish aged spirits.
Color: bright gold, reflects light well.
Nose: cream, spices, berries (raspberry/blackberry).
Taste: repeats the nose, very smooth and drinkable, weak flavor intensity, medium-bodied.
Finish: weak, short, fruits (pear, apple), berries.
Rating: 85/100. Smooth, tasty, interesting, unusual, but too weak. But it was perfect to start the festival.

Before moving on to single malts, I had another blend – McGuire 18 years, named after Frank McGuire, a musician and guest at that festival.
Color: bright, reddish-caramel.
Nose: not alcoholic at all, very soft, sweetness, floral aroma, cream.
Taste: ??? Nothing clear, monotonous.
Finish: weak, slightly malty, sweetness, cinnamon(?).
Rating: 78/100. Soft, good nose – but no other merits. I wonder what McGuire himself said about it?

Let's continue, in order of tasting.

Highland Park Russia Cask. Cask strength – 63.8

Color: black tea, matte.
Nose: not alcoholic, cream, dried fruits, oak, maybe caramel, long inhale – bourbon, herbs (???).
Taste: powerful, rich, but not harsh at all. Wood and dried fruit. Full-bodied, "warm".
Finish: short, but powerful. Sharpness, oak.
Rating: 88/100. Everything seems fine – drinkable and intense, but a little too straightforward, completely without sophistication. This whisky is like a heroic knight. Strong in spirit, strong in body, kind in nature – but as simple as a lamppost. In reality, I wouldn’t want to drink it often, but I would like to have such a drink on hand. Unfortunately, there are only 570 bottles, and by the time I save up for it, it will be gone. And you can’t find it now anyway.

Glen Scotia Double Cask

Color: clear orange.
Nose: smoky notes, acidity, dried fruits.
Taste: powerful, nuts, slight smoke, prunes.
Finish: sharp, long, peat, smokiness, fortified wine.
Rating: 81/100. Powerful, rich taste, but a bit harsh. Perhaps not bad, but probably not my style. This was the most basic release from this producer, and it gave me certain hopes, which… well, you'll see.

Glen Scotia Victoriana

Color: bright orange.
Nose: very weak, cream, fruit, slightly bourbon-like, vanilla.
Taste: soft, slightly tart, similar to a very weak bourbon.
Finish: long, "animal" tones, bourbon notes.
Rating: 74/100. Seemed very weak and uninteresting. I decided not to try the last one left at the festival from “Glen Scotia”, although now I kind of regret that.

Highland Park 12 y.o. Viking Honour

Color: light reddish, cheerful.
Nose: vanilla, tea, ???, slightly alcoholic, but pleasant.
Taste: smooth, rich, sweetish, tea, citrus, slight smoke, ???.
Finish: medium in length and intensity, slightly "animal", nothing special.
Rating: 86/100. I didn't describe it quite correctly, but I really liked it – tasty, drinkable, and vibrant. It would probably be an excellent everyday whisky. Considering the reasonable (and if you find it at "Lenta," then record-breakingly cheap) price, it is definitely recommended. I myself would buy it; it also looks very festive, and this Scandinavian design appeals to me personally, but in the end, I bought something else, which I will tell you about later.

Nikka Whisky Pure Malt

Nose: alcoholic, citrus, fresh apples, bourbon spice. Overall, the aroma seemed harsh; my cheekbones even tightened.
Taste: slightly harsh, leather, pepper, fruit (weak).
Finish: caramel, weak "animal" tones.
Overall: 78/100. This was my first experience with Japanese whisky: firstly, I have always been skeptical of any whisky other than Scottish (bourbon doesn’t count), and although I understood that the Japanese were likely trying to do a good job (unlike some others), I didn’t truly believe in them. Secondly, all the Japanese whisky available in our city is somehow very expensive. Before tasting that sample, I certainly dismissed my skepticism, but it didn't save the rating. The whisky is a bit harsh and generally uninteresting. You can drink it, of course, but nothing more. Now, Japanese whiskies are only for free tastings; I don't want to pay for something like this yet.

Highland Park 18 y. o.

Color: dark amber, "shimmers".
Nose: not alcoholic, autumn forest, slight vanilla, sherry cask, ???.
Taste: very smooth, excellent balance, herbs, nuts, ???.
Finish: weak, short, wood, ???.
Rating: 88/100. A wonderful whisky, drinkable and balanced, very rich, but I guess I lacked the education to understand it :(. Very subtle aroma and taste; I couldn't recognize even half of it, but its potential is enormous. Sometime later…

Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair

Color: light yellow, straw-colored, with a greenish tint in bright light.
Nose: not alcoholic, dominant saltiness, seaweed, prunes (weak), sherry cask (long nose).
Taste: very smooth, marine, salt, seaweed, slightly spicy, maybe a little tart. The balance is shifted towards salt, but not as strongly as in the smell. Overall, everything is very pleasant.
Finish: pronounced, but not long, again salt, ropes (O_o), a bit malty.
Rating: 90/100. Subjectively inflated, but I really liked it; I would even call this sample "the discovery of the evening." Towards the end, I even had a couple more drams. "Stiureadair" means "helmsman" in Gaelic, and as they told me, this whisky was supposed to evoke associations with a stormy sea and salty breezes. And it succeeded! Close your eyes, take a light breath, then a small sip – and everything will become clear. A unique whisky with a special character, also a candidate for purchase, but it's difficult to get, and still quite expensive. And another problem – it might get boring if you drink too much or too often. A whisky with soul, a whisky for the soul.

Before I have an overdose of memories about that glorious day, die from suddenly overwhelming emotions, and drool while remembering that taste-aroma experience, I’ll stop on this optimistic note. There will be more soon.

Let's continue with
Edradour, "Caledonia" 12 years old

Color: bright orange
Nose: very alcoholic, unpleasant, didn’t even feel anything
Taste: spice, bourbon notes, a little sherry, relatively mild
Finish: surprisingly mild and pleasant, nuts, wood
Rating 62/100. I expected worse based on the aroma, but it was still bad. I don't know why. People seem to like it, and their descriptions are completely different. I barely managed to finish even a small dram, and this was supposedly already my tenth, when everything should be smoother.

Dalmore 12 y.o.

Color: sunny caramel
Nose: soft, slightly alcoholic, honey, pears, a bit of citrus (orange), meadow flowers
Taste: smooth, complex, clearly distinguished only fruits and leather, although it is not pronounced. Balanced
Finish: medium strength, long-lasting, fruit, wood, honey, pine needles(?!)
Rating: 87/100. Rich nose and finish, drinkable, but the taste is quite weak and undefined. Of course, my lack of professionalism may have played a role again, but if you remember the 18-year-old Park, the problem isn’t just me. Nevertheless, the drink undoubtedly lives up to the brand's reputation. But I probably wouldn't buy it for myself, especially since it's not cheap.

Dalmore Cigar Malt

Color: sunny caramel, bright
Nose: sweet, slightly alcoholic, baking, vanilla, cinnamon, floral
Taste: very smooth, largely similar to the 12, but somewhat richer, with an emphasis on sweetness, fresh pastries, vanilla, and cinnamon
Finish: weak, pastry, leather
Rating: 90/100. Good and unusual. Very easy to drink and sweet, a dessert whisky. It would indeed be good with a cigar (although how would I know...) or after a meal. At the same time, it is very straightforward; even a novice or a woman could handle it. I would buy it, just to have it... but not for 15(!) thousand. The drink is still quite niche, and I prefer whiskies of a different kind.

Glenlivet ???
Nose: not alcoholic, that’s all. Well, maybe there’s a hint of bourbon barrel
Taste: harsh, "animal" notes. Maybe vanilla
Finish: long-lasting, strong, rough, animalistic
Rating: 68/100. Not repulsive, but its merits end here. What was this anyway? They say it's Speyside, the mildest and sweetest whisky in the world, so what is this then? Or am I imagining things, I don't know.

Aberlour 12 y. o.

Color: generic orange. Unremarkable
Nose: alcoholic, dried fruits, perfume, spices, nuts(?)
Taste: somewhat harsh, malty, a little fruit (not apples)
Finish: long-lasting, unpleasant. Period.
Rating: 73/100. Interesting in some ways, but nothing more. Again, Speyside. I really don't understand this region, apparently. I imagined it completely differently based on reviews. In general, I got tired of all this, and I returned to the stand with Bunnahabhain and Dalmore, where I spent almost the rest of the festival.

Bunnahabhain 12 y. o.

Color: golden, very pleasant. Looking at the shimmering golden glow in my glass, I involuntarily remembered the past summer, the best days of my life... Or was it just that the ethanol had already started to affect me, and this was also overlaid with music? But there was definitely some color magic involved. Nose: seaweed, coastal rocks (O_o?), spices, a bit of wood
Taste: not too smooth, not too bright, balanced, marine notes, grass, maybe a little leather and wool, maybe a hint of smoke, something else
Finish: powerful and quite long-lasting, salty, animalistic
Rating: 85/100. Also didn’t fully understand it, but it is a good whisky; there is much to think about. Although it lacks a bit of smoothness and originality compared to "The Helmsman," it is undoubtedly a worthy example. The distillery inspires more and more confidence in me. I would buy it for myself, but it's a bit expensive.

Jura 10 y. o.

Color: golden-reddish
Nose: smoke, sea ​​notes, bourbon barrel (long nose), vanilla (weak)
Taste: soft, unbalanced, sourness, salt, anise
Finish: soft, long-lasting, seaweed, dried fruits, slightly “animal”
Rating: 83/100. Interesting, recommended. But the price seems inflated to me. And many people say bad things about the current "Jura."

Saint Andrew’s Special
Color: plum resin, plays nicely
Nose: peat, bandages, Vishnevsky ointment, Latakia tobacco, autumn forest, notes of caramel (10/10!)
Taste: powerful, medicinal, aged peat, wood
Finish: peat. Long-lasting, smooth
Rating: 89/100. Here I got distracted and decided to have another author's blend because there was no classic Islay at the festival, unfortunately, and I didn't want to leave without tasting some peated whisky. This sample is a mixture of Laphroaig 10 and Highland Park 12; naturally, I couldn't help but like it. In general, the whisky is excellent, but not extraordinary. I returned to the previous stand feeling satisfied.

Jura Seven Wood

Color: sunny gold
Nose: sweetness, grapes, cherry, spices
Taste: tannic, berries, fruits, woody notes, red wine, a little smoke, a little spice
Finish: soft, long-lasting, vinous
Rating: 84/100. Very good, unusual, but not for me. It will probably appeal to wine lovers.

The Irishman Single Malt / Small Batch

Color: golden, pleasant
Nose: not alcoholic, acrylic paint (O_O), cream, ???
Taste: very smooth, sweet, bright, dominant cream, malt, sweet berries
Finish: spicy, short, slightly pungent
Rating: 81/100. "Feminine" whisky. As they told me, this is the best option if you want to treat a girl. The poor girl at the stand could she have imagined that she was talking to a whisky enthusiast and such a situation was almost impossible?... In general, it's definitely not my kind of whisky. But it’s very mild, undoubtedly. It has its place.

By now, the festival had ended, and I was quite tipsy, so here are just some general impressions.

The Irishman 12 y. o.

Not great, 77/100. Boring.

Transatlantic

Seemed okay, but I don't remember anymore.

What's the overall impression of the event? It was great, even though it wasn't without its flaws. It's great that there are enthusiasts organizing such events. Personally, I still have a lot to learn, gain experience, and learn how to taste and accurately describe complex, aged releases, but the direction for my future journey along the winding paths of this magical beverage, mysteriously obtained from simple grain and water, has been set.
First and foremost, I remember Bunnahabhain; it's a very interesting concept, and I hope to try other releases from their line. I liked Dalmore, but it's not in my price range. Highland Park – I think I can safely add any of their releases to my list to try. Speyside – forget it.
It's a pity there was nothing from Islay, except for Bunnahabhain, but Bunnahabhain is unlike anything else. On the other hand, I didn't burn out my taste buds with peat, so I could better appreciate the rest. There weren't enough samples overall. The acoustics were poor. Sometimes, there wasn't enough tasting dram to fully understand. It was a bit cramped. The show component of the festival was a bit weak. I missed the Bunnahabhain masterclass. I didn't try Loch Lomond (or was it the remnants of it that we all so cheerfully and sadly drank at the end of the festival?), I didn't fully explore Glen Scotia, and I didn't pay enough attention to the author's blends. But these are all minor things. The main thing is that it was cozy, fun, interesting, delicious, there was good whiskey, and there were good people. There was also focused sipping, and there were hastily made but heartfelt toasts to the health of new acquaintances, and there was cheerful clinking of glasses among a dozen people, all pouring "just a little more whiskey" into themselves at the last moment – it didn't matter what kind. And at the end, I really didn't want to leave – that's the main sign of a good event. That's the story.

Added 3 minutes later
Oh, almost forgot. On Sunday, I drank sbiten with Ment. I wasn't given the right glass, and I couldn't appreciate the full flavor and aroma, so I'll just say that sbiten with sage is great.

https://coub.com/view/1eekgt