My Handcrafted Opinions on Whiskies, Distilleries and Other Related Stuff
These notes are from a 20cl sample taken from my personal cask of maris otter single malt and is approximately 5 years old and at a cask strength 63% ABV. The nose has lots of fruit cake, orange peel and of course strong alcohol! Imagine someone left a Chritsmas cake in a garage overnight. Taste was hot and spicy with some nutty and grain spirit notes. More citrus peel and some sweet caramel and butterscotch notes. Finish is blast of black pepper and then green chilli seeds hangs around for a while. Overal a wild ride of fruit, heat and sweet. With a little water (even a lot) more toffee and creamy notes but also a quickly gets a little one dimensional and washed out. Needs some more time in oak and the complexity that further maturation will bring,
Location: Fortnum and Mason, London, UK
Date: December 2021
Price: $38 for 300 ml
Recipe: As per bottle: English Malt, sweet vermouth, bitters
Garnish: None
Served: Rocks
Comments: In house version of Rob Roy with English whisky hence the name Robin Roy. Not my favorite.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Centurion Lounge, Bush IAH, Houston
Date: December 2021
Price: Free
Recipe: Rittenhouse Rye, Bianco Vermouth, Cocchi Rosa Vermouth, Cherry Sangue, Campari
Garnish: Black Cherry
Served: Rocks
Comments: Listed as an "Our Pal" on menu but very "perfect" Manhattan like with bitter Campari notes replacing the usual bitters
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Homemade
Date: December 2021
Price: Free
Recipe: Usual "house recipe" with Makers Mark, Dolin Vermouth, Angostura Bitters and splash of Triple Sec
Garnish: Bada Bing Cherries
Served: Rocks
Comments: I was given these pitted cherries as a gift... love the stem is attached for easy extraction after drinking
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
The nose on this is salty and fruity, with some seaweed, a hint of rubber and a prick of alcohol even at 43% ABV. The taste is rich with toffee, burnt coffee, caramel at first then some more acrid camp fire notes and along with bitter fruit peels and spices. The finish is gentle hum of heat and peppermint along with some smokiness. At 43% ABV it can take a drop of water and still hold up, but it doesn't need it. Overall a delicious expression from one of my favourite distilleries.
Location: The Marsh Tavern, Manchester, Vermont
Date: August 2021
Price: $18
Recipe: Listed as Black Manhattan with Basil Hayden's Port Infused Dark Rye, Averna Siciliano, Black Walnut and Vanilla Bitters
Garnish: 1 x black cherry and orange peel twist
Served: Rocks
Comments: Interesting flavor that was rather led by the vanilla bitters. A great drink but quite pricey and I am not 100% sure it was manhattan.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Copper Grouse, Manchester, Vermont
Date: August 2021
Price: $15
Recipe: None given, ordered off menu with Sazerac Rye
Garnish: 2 x black cherry and peel slice
Served: Rocks
Comments: Solid all rounder... classic recipe with both classic garnishes. Something's are classic for a reason.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Simon and Seaforts, Anchorage, Alaska
Date: July 2021
Price: est $12
Recipe: None given, ordered off menu (hence no price listed)
Garnish: 1 x glace cherry
Served: Rocks
Comments: recipe did not stand up to being on the rocks. Washed out and not enough sweetness.
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Carters, Wind Crest Senior Living, Littleton, CO
Date: July 2021
Price: Free (actually included in dinner)
Recipe: None given
Garnish: 1 x glace cherry
Served: Up
Comments: Pretty good for "free"... a little muted maybe, light on bitters and perhaps a generic spirit?
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii
Location: Strato 550, Houston, Texas
Date: June 2021
Price: $12.00
Recipe: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters
Garnish: 2 x black cherry
Served: Up
Comments: Great classic option at the bar on 43rd floor in my new office building
What is this about? Check out http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii