Booze Reviews
Beer Reviews
It’s that time of year when beer fests and beer drinking have officially taxed my palate. While some may see that as an opportunity to take a breather and lay off the sauce for a bit, I press on for you, the reader. With that in mind, the most logical step is the highest point of the higher points: craft spirits. This set of reviews includes the local big boys of the distillation game.
High West Silver Whiskey: OMG Pure Rye
Distillery: High West
Proof: 134
Bottle Size: 750 ml Bottle
Description: This spirit pours clear and opens up with aromas of dark fruit and apples, and finishes with an herbal rye spice finish. The taste is fruity, with more of that herbal influence peeking through with a clean, citrus finish.
Overview: First off, “OMG” references Old Monongahela, a river and region in western Pennsylvania which has a deeply rooted history of rye whiskey production. That aside … OMG, this is an intense bottle. For a clear whiskey, it is surprisingly packed with flavor and is aggressive enough that I’d recommend trying it out before you buy. On the other hand, if you’re the experienced drinker that I like to assume my readers are, I say buy this now.
Campfire
Distillery: High West
Proof: 80
Bottle Size: 750 ml Bottle
Description: Off the pour, Campfire opens up with a complex blend of aromas, starting with deep fruits, caramel, rounded smokiness and a hint of tobacco. Off that first sip, you pick up the delicate flavors of vanilla and fruit, then you’re led into dark cherries, spice, toffee and finally to a clean, smoky finish.
Overview: As weird as this may sound, Campfire is a blend of a straight rye whiskey, a straight bourbon whiskey and a blended Scotch whiskey. While the proportions of this amazing blend will not be divulged to the public, I can comfortably say, after drinking a healthy amount, they are just right. The smoke and tobacco notes give it just the right amount of character to balance the sweet and spicy. Overall, this is a complex and enjoyable drink that will keep your palate happy with every sip.
Five Wives Vodka
Distillery: Ogden’s Own
Proof: 80
Bottle Size: 750 ml Bottle
Description: Crystal clear in color, this vodka pours smooth into the glass. There are plenty of aromas tucked underneath the initial sniff. You’ll get a healthy amount of wheat and light berry notes in there. The sip is easygoing, sweet wheat off the get-go, then a boozy fruit that coats your tongue on the finish.
Overview: Fresh off a ban, then an un-ban from the state of Idaho, this bottle seemed to be a rough one to track down. I suppose all the hype got buyers’ attention, as it was pretty damn hard to find a liquor store that still had some in stock. Hey DABC, get this shit stocked. The vodka itself was simple and smooth, and got better with every sip I recommend drinking it neat to start. At $20 a bottle, it was a worthwhile spend for a stand-alone vodka or even a mixer with a heavy vodka influence.