All posts by Brad Raybould

Jameson Whiskey Makers Series – Coopers Croze

To best appreciate Jamieson’s Cooper’s Croze one must pair it with the story of how this light amber spirit journeys from still to bottle. Jameson has released a special trio of spirits inspired by those in the distillery who are masters of their craft (distiller, blender and cooper).

Cooper’s Croze was created under the direction of the distillery’s 5th generation master cooper. It celebrates the influence the choice of casks has on the final spirit we all happily enjoy. This can be seen by the naturally light colour that lets the barrels speak for themselves. Before making it to the bottle this sprit has a long journey through several barrels as it ages for 15 years. It starts n virgin American oak moving to second fill bourbon until finishing in Sherry barrels. The sprint’s journey is elected in is taste, as it starts robust and full up front and mellows as it makes its way past your chest.

It is light on the nose and imparts flavours of toasted wood, dried fruit and subtle sweetness.

At $100 this is not an Irish whiskey to be drowned in coke. It drinks smoothly all on its own and would be a fine addition to anyone who is looking for a more refined bottle of Irish whiskey.

Auchentoshan American Oak

At first glance you will see a beautiful light amber colour and the long legs of this Lowlands spirit. On the nose you will immediately smell the characteristic vanilla that comes from being aged in bourbon casks.

auchentoshan_american_oakThe nose feels heavy and gives the impression you are in for a harsh first sip. However, you receive a pleasant surprise when the dram goes down smooth and has a nice crisp finish. It is this mellow impression that reminds you why Auchentoshan is known as “the breakfast whiskey”. At $60.00 in the LCBO it would be a nice addition to any collection, for those looking for an easy sipping spirit.

Auchentoshan 12 Years Old

This 12 year old single malt is light amber in colour and has very light legs in the glass. Your nose will be treated to a clean citrus smell which gives way to a crisp toffee flavour.

auchentoshan_12_yearThis spirit reminds us why Auchentoshan is known for making “Glasgow’s Malt whisky” as it has a long and yet still smooth finish. Available for $65.00 at the LCBO this simple spirit can help anyone who has discovered a new love for single malts and is looking to begin building a single malt inventory.

Auchentoshan 3 Wood

Here we have a complex dram, which it owes to being aged first in bourbon casks and then being finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks.

auchentoshan_three_woodYour eyes will see light legs of dark amber, almost bronze in colour. Your nose will smell a rich bouquet of spices. Your tongue will enjoy the flavour of these spices along with a touch of rich honey like sweetness. As you finish your dram you will receive a warmth in your chest to remind you of the lovely lowlands single malt you have just enjoyed. At $80.00 in the LCBO this spirit is best suited for someone who has been building their repertoire and can appreciate the complexity of the dram.

Royal Brackla 16 Year

royal-brackla-16-year-old-whiskyAs you swirl your dram you will be struck by the rich molasses colour and your nose will be treated to a symphony of spices. Your first sip will bring the tastes of cinnamon and a fruity flavour that will bring cherries to mind. This will give way to a subtle, but still noticeable, warmth in the chest. This very welcome feeling will linger to remind you of the full flavoured whisky that has been gifted by the Scottish Highlands.