The B & W Log Roundup #1

As the first summative exploration for the B & W Log, here's what I've been drinking on in the past quarter. (For a full list of previously sampled beverages, head over to the B & W Log.)

Wines:

Chateau La Paws Pinot Noir

Origin: California

Rating: 3.75/5

Price: $13

Notes: The label is what first caught my eye. I love dogs. I love wine. This is a wine that also loves dogs - win! Not bad overall - light, airy, and dry. Slight bitter aftertaste with heavy fruit, vanilla, and oak. More of a summer drink to me. Will try again then.

Blackstone Pinot Noir 2014

Origin: California

Rating: 4/5

Price: $6

Notes: I love some cheap wine especially when it taste decent. This is pretty basic - smooth, balanced, and fruity. Would serve it to people who don't think they like wine.

Penfold's Club Tawny Port (no picture)

Origin: Australia

Rating: 3/5

Price: $15

Notes: It tasted just like a liqufied raisin. I'd have to be the right mood to drink.

St. James Cranberry Sweet Wine (no picture)

Origin: Missouri

Rating: 3/5

Price: $8ish

Notes: Super tart, dry, and sweet all at the same. Wouldn't buy it again but it was an interesting wine to taste.

Barefoot Winter Blend

Origin: California

Rating: 4/5

Price:$7ish

Notes: Medium warm body with heavy vanilla and jam berry flavor. Tastes like the holidays.

Bourbon & Whiskey:

1792 Single Barrel (no picture)

Rating: 3.5/5

Notes: Well this is fruity. Is that caramel or like butterscotch? Either way it ain't bad. Not very complex but definitely worth sipping.

Russell’s Reserve 10 yr (no picture)

Rating: 3.5/5

Notes: It's alright. Heavy warmness but light mouthfeel. Definitely caramel and vanilla with some oaky spice.

Hudson Baby Bourbon (no picture)

Rating: 5/5

Notes: Is this really made of all corn? Smells like corn. Tastes like corn. Love it. No ice needed.

Jefferson’s Ridiculously Small Batch Wood Experiment No. 3

Rating: 4/5

Notes: Well this ain't bad at all. Smooth like clove cola (esp. with ice). Has a full mouth feel.

Jefferson’s Ridiculously Small Batch Wood Experiment No. 6

Rating: 2.5/5

Notes: Definitely light mouth feel. Spicy. Too harsh to be enjoyed straight or on the rocks. Hopefully no one puts this into regular production. B+ for effort though.

Larceny Very Special Small Batch (no picture)

Rating: 1/5

Notes: How the f*** did this win an award? The creator must love punishment. Nasty. Hot and nasty. Makes my mixed drinks taste terrible. This is the kind of bourbon I drink when I can't feel my face. The price is the only saving grace.

Bird Dog Select Stock Batch (no picture)

Rating: 2.5/5

Notes: Why do some people insist on such hot a** bourbon? Who wants to burn their throat for a drink? I mean really? I ain't sick. This will work in a mixed drink but that's it.

Wild Turkey 101 Rating: 4/5 Notes: I had low expectations for this but ended up surprised. Hot nose but the sweetness comes out with ice. The price point is excellent for what it is and it makes a good mixer.

Knob Creek 2001 Limited Edition Batch 3

Rating: 4.5/5

Notes: Sweet nose and sweet taste with fruit deliciousness. Better straight than on the rocks. Toasty finish.

Rum:

Papa’s Pilar 24 Solera Blended

Rating: 4.5/5

Notes: I remember visiting the distillery in Key West but didn’t remember it very well. But I’ll remember this time. Great sippin’ rum. Sweet banana vanilla molasses.