First Review: Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel Whisky versus Texas Silver Star Spirit Whiskey

 Whisky - Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel Scotch

Overview: Balvenie is a Speyside distillery (don't worry, I will explain more about that later) located in Dufftown, Scotland. I have enjoyed several of their scotches in the past and am looking forward to bringing them to you! In this case, the scotch was from a set of three mini bottles I bought for myself for Christmas.  

Tasting: I quite enjoyed this single malt, although it certainly has its own distinct character. The nose (or aroma) was of vanilla, with a hint of cinnamon. The taste started with honey and then quickly turning into a pleasant cinnamon burn, with just a hint of charred oak. It reminded me of a fall evening, with the light start and the nice dark finish of the oak.

How To Drink: Sipping - Like many single malts, the flavors would be overpowered in many mixed drinks and missed in a shot.

Price: $$

Chance to buying again: *** (Probably... Maybe...)

Overall: A very interesting Scotch from Balvenie, with a stronger than normal burn due to being from a single barrel.

Whiskey - Texas Silver Star Spirit Whiskey

 

Overview: My current home state is Texas and while it is known for a lot of whiskey drinking, it is relatively unknown for whiskey making. There are several small distilleries in state, and this is one of the newest. I was glad I ran into the owners at a local liquor store and was able to sample a very fine spirit!

Tasting: This was a very well balanced American whiskey. It has a mild smell, with a hint of citrus and grain. The taste had a very distinct oak flavor, that was followed up with a mild taste and burn I have come to associate with whiskey's made from corn. Overall though, it was very smooth. Just as the owners claimed, I could really imagine as a cowboy warming myself on a cool night in front of fire after a long day on the trail. For a whim purchase, I was very pleasantly surprised.

How To Drink: Sipping, Shots, or Mixing - This was a true multi-purpose whiskey. It had a nice flavor while sipping, but was mild enough that it could easily be mixed or used for shots.

Price: $

Chance of buying again: **** (Absolutely!)

Overall: It was very enjoyable and I was glad I made the snap decision to pick it up. A great value for a great taste!

 

VERDICT: Why did I pick a tough match up for my first review! As much as I am a single malt lover, I would have to say that Whiskey wins by a hair in this pair. The Texas Silver Star was a great go to drink for many occasions, and for the cost you just can't go wrong. Round 1 to Whiskey!