Category Archives: James Davidson

by | April 29, 2014 · 1:47 pm

Review: Crown Royal XR

crownby James Davidson

Gregor Cattanach the Senior National Master of Whisky (a title I’d love to hold) for Diageo was giving a presentation Monday night at the Sigels Elite on Fitzhugh about Crown Royal and it’s varying expressions.  It cost $30 and was worth every penny.  Below are my impressions of the Crown Royal line up.

Crown Royal Deluxe taste like whiskey (Surprise!).  After rolling the dram around in my mouth, other flavors did come to light: sweet, caramel and mixed spice.  It wasn’t a bad experience, but it didn’t blow my mind.  Crown is walking a fine line between subtle and boring.  I haven’t decided which side of that line it’s on yet.   Continue reading →

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by | February 28, 2014 · 1:03 pm

Scotch & Malt Whisky Tasting & Festival 2014 Highlights

nikka_yoichi_15yo_small_boxby James Davidson

This year at the Scotch & Malt Whisky Tasting & Festival, I focused on sampling the special additions and the single malts I haven’t run across in the wild.  Below are some of my reactions to the Scotches and single malts available.

One of the first single malts on my goal list was the Nikka Yoichi 15 year.  Japanese whiskies are known for subtle flavors with slight complexities.  Sadly, the peat flavor overpowers the fruit notes to early in the drink to really say it’s balanced.  It wasn’t awful, but there are many other 15 year old whiskies that are better.

While we are talking about 15 year old whiskies, let’s mull over the Linkwood 15 year I sampled.  The bottle wasn’t impressive to look at but the golden spirit wasn’t to bad.  Sweetness gave way to a smokey flavors that were not peaty.  As far as finishes goes, this one was long.  Smokey notes sat on the back of my tongue well after swallowing.  Depending on your inclination, this may be a good thing.  Overall, the Linkwood 15 year is a good whisky.   Continue reading →

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by | December 16, 2013 · 1:33 pm

Ser Steak+Spirit+Bubbly = Good Times

P1010908by James Davidson

Steven couldn’t make the Veuve with a View at Ser Steak+Spirit dinner, so the burden of eating amazing steak and sipping fine champagne fell on my shoulders.  You have to be a team player here at CraveDFW.  Below is how my dutiful evening went.

Mahogany aromas greeted me when I stepped off the elevator on the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole.  The area I was seated had an intimate feel like the rest of the restaurant.  Stephanie a superb waitresses served me a glass of the Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut as I appreciated the Dallas skyline.  Lights from commuters on 35 reflected of the atrium of the hotel as I enjoy my appley champagne.  It’s going to be a good night.    Continue reading →

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by | December 10, 2013 · 10:05 am

Alamo Drafthouse: Wicked Cool

P1010889by  James Davidson

Finally, Bid D got an Alamo Drafthouse, now I would have my chance to go to the theater.  Calling Alamo Drafthouse a theater is kind of like calling the mall a clothing store.  Alamo has an impressive list of local beers and a pretty decent whiskey list.

Besides awesome drinks and a wide food menu, Alamo hosts special events often.  On December 5th, they hosted a Prohibition celebration and I decided to go.  There was 1933’s music playing when you entered the lobby of the theater and they were showing Lawless.  Matt Bondurant was there to talk about his book, Wettest County in the World and his family in which Lawless was based off of.

.      Continue reading →

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by | November 20, 2013 · 1:09 pm

The Rise of the Tullamore Phoenix

tullamore1by James Davidson

The fine gentlemen at Trinity Hall opened their doors and tables to Mossie Power, brand ambassador for Tullamore DEW and us sods who love whiskey.  Tullamore DEW just launched a limited release (only 2,500 cases) of Phoenix.  The Phoenix is inspired by the resilience of the people of Tullamore, Ireland which is covered here.

The night started with some tasty appetizers and jovial conversation.  After we got our first dram of the night, Tullamore DEW, Mossie Power got on stage and lead us in the Sláinte Gaelach Irish Toast:    Continue reading →

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by | November 12, 2013 · 10:28 am

The Glenlivet 18 and 21 Year With a Side of Cheese

glen1by James Davidson

The Glenlivet Guardians teamed up with Paula Lambert, owner of Mozzarella Company to host a Scotch and Cheese pairing event at Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery(PDNB).  The expressions The Glenlivet focused on were the 18 and 21 year.  The Glenlivet Guardians is the club you join if you want to receive news on The Glenlivet and get information about events like this one.

After the lovely wife and I checked in, we headed over to the bar to get a dram of The Glenlivet 18 year old.  The 18 year old Scotch spends about 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels with the last 6-ish months in sherry casks.  With a darker amber then some Scotches, the dram gave off aromas of flowers and sweetness.  At first, fruity and rich notes tantalize the taste buds, then floral notes start to blossom and last into the finish.  Spicy notes end the finish and stick with you for a minute or so after swallowing.    Continue reading →

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