Whiskey Review: Rowan's Creek Bourbon + Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

Whiskey will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first drink Michael and I ever shared together as we got to know each other last Spring. Bourbon - whiskey made from at least 51% corn and produced in Kentucky - also reminds me of my Southern roots. My Dad was born and raised just outside of Louisville in a town where the rest of my extended family resides to this very day.

When Michael and I first met, the only whiskey he had ever really tried was Jack Daniels. He claimed that he disliked the sharp taste that often accompanies low-grade whiskey or any cheap liquor for that matter. But the more he sampled higher-quality whiskies, the more he started to discover the rich, bold flavors of what I would consider the best hard liquor in the world. Needless to say, whiskey has since become one our favorite alcoholic beverages.

Michael and I do not really drink all that often, but when we do, we make a point to try different types of whiskey from around the world. Our highly undeveloped palettes make us newbies to the realm of whiskey culture, but we would still like to share our personal reviews on the different types of whiskey that we sample. We would also like to start developing our palette for wine as well.

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Review No. 1 - Rowan's Creek


Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 100 Proof

Chelsea's Review
Nose: Strong oak, maple syrup, faint pine, vanilla frosting
Palate: Spicy oak, fruity, caramel, faint honey,
Finish: Warm vanilla and soft oak undertones 

Overall rating: 8/10
Chelsea's Final Thoughts: Very warming in the belly. This whiskey is rather spicy at first, but immediately "cools off" and melts into a warm honey / vanilla flavor. Definitely one of my favorites so far.

Michael's Review
Nose: Strong oak & maple
Palate: Oaky
Finish: Strong at first, but then warm and oaky

Overall rating: 8/10
Michael's Final Thoughts: I suck at this, so it's going to take me a few more tries. But it is very warming and generally pretty good overall.

Source: http://www.b4men.nl/
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Review No. 2 - Tullamore Dew
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 80 Proof

Chelsea's Review
Nose: Banana peel soaked in rubbing alcohol
Palate: Strong rubbing alcohol kick with unripened pear, soda syrup
Finish: Tongue feels syrupy, very thick 

Overall rating: 03/10
Chelsea's Final Thoughts: I don't really like this one. It has a very strong astringent kick that lingers for FOREVER. Feels very thick and syrupy at the end. Kind of like when your face gets really oily if you haven't washed it for a week. Michael finds this easy to drink, but I think the initial kick is too in-your-face.

Michael's Review
Nose: Rubbing alcohol, apples, and over-ripe banana
Palate: Syrupy, overripe banana
Finish: No kick, very short, thick and oily 

Overall rating: 05/10
Michael's Final Thoughts: Light and smooth, but oily and slightly astringent. The taste is not good, but it is overall very smooth and easy to drink.