Mark Garbin

About Mark Garbin

Mark Garbin is more than his career as a financial asset risk expert might suggest. He’s a five-star novelist, former radio DJ, past bartender and constant whisky connoisseur. He's always on the lookout for outstanding spirits and the most alluring bars. His current book, "Whisky and Romance Manhattan" is also 5-star Amazon rated. For decades he’s tasted thousands of whiskies, lived overseas and visited hundreds of places around the world. He’s a whisky omnivore from single malts, to ryes, bourbons, gins and tequilas and is now thrilled to share his experiences with you. For a free e-book of reviews, join his list at www.tinyurl.com/Drammers-Craigellachie or send an email for feedback (LOVE IT!) at whiskeyevents@outlook.com

Posts by Mark Garbin:

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Highland Park 18 Year Viking Pride

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Balanced Single Malt for Enthusiasts Neat Before or After Dinner

Photo: Courtesy of Highland Park

Whisky Reviewed: Highland Park 18 Viking Pride
Distiller: Highland Park (Edrington)
Region:  Islands (Orkney)
Suggested Retail Price $150
ABV: 43%
USC Rating: 97
The Dramble Rating: 89

Mark’s Review

You had your time; you had the power
You’ve yet to have your finest hour – Queen

Edinburgh, a long time ago in a memory far, far away. The Charlotte Square hotel had an open bar and I spotted Highland Park 18. With no guilt, I took a wee pour (ok, more than a wee…). One of best value for rating single malts, HP18 is an icon. Maybe the inn felt proud to share such top class whisky with a free heart.

You might guess the tale ends here, but it’s only the start. Over the years, this Scotch kept a constant place in my glass. A sweet smooth sherried Island nose bursts from the crystal with a promise of what’s coming. That image stayed with me through many of life’s stages.

Then in the past few weeks, through some magic, it once more showed up in my Glencairn.

They changed the bottle and, like the twelve-year, called it something or other Viking-esque. Sometimes, brands over think this label thing. In my mind, I saw nothing wrong with either the old 12 or 18. We all get the idea though: life moves on and breaks with custom are trades made by the suits.

But lucky for me, the product I inhale and taste is the same balanced spirit I knew. Neat pre or post dinner, it never fails. But, I found out this Orkney gem has a secret. Add a few drops of water and wait for the flavors to explode in your mouth with a final tinge of leather smoke on the finish. For some, that’s sacrilege. For me and others, we enjoy waking new traits from their slumber.

Relish a prized dram any way you want. The Enthusiast finds their classic benchmark at a price point that won’t put you on Poor Street. You’ll find Queen’s finest hour when you do.

ps: BTW, there’s a travel version at 46% ABV. I didn’t try it yet but I’m sure the high proof gives you the same joy with perhaps more heat.

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

USC Rating: Bold and impressive nose of heather honey, nougat, cocoa nibs, smoke and stewed cherry. Malted chocolate titillates the tongue, with a kick of peat smoke pleasantly drying out the palate before hints of salted almond butter and coffee liqueur come forward.

The Dramble Rating: Highland Park 18 is commonly regarded as a classic–for good reason–it’s refined, complex and with plenty of HP distillery character. The balance of fruit with heathery peat is both enticing on the nose and palate and exceptionally accomplished throughout the whole development. It’s a whisky, which every single enthusiast should try, and just as delicious as the day I tried it.

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Glenmorangie Signet – Soft and Gentle Ease

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Soft and Gentle Ease After Dinner With a Cigar

Photo: Courtesy John DeMato

Whiskey Reviewed: Glenmorangie Signet
Distiller: Glenmorangie
Region: Highlands
Suggested Retail Price $200+
ABV: 46%
Distiller Rating: 93
USC Rating: 91

Mark’s Review

My watch read 8pm on the FIDI roof of the Club Quarters; FTNYC’s meet up for cigar and whisky fans. Our fearless leader, Matthias, bamboozled Food and Bev manager Nicholas into sharing Glenmorangie Signet. His kind heart meant the crowd owed both of them, big time.

As we drank, a group of folks shared views. Carol led our discussion, dauntless in her love of a good stick coupled with fine spirits. At once the silky nose of sweet sherry forged the path. It also was a tad confusing. We smelled a single trait without other scents. But the mouth feel gave us soft and gentle ease. Nothing rude rose to the top and, in fact, Signet charmed one and all.

The palate had those same Spanish oak flavors; uni-dimensional but balanced. The mid-length finish mirrored all aspects up to that point resulting in a pleasant sample… errrrr… three samples. We didn’t realize we refilled our glasses so many times. No after burn attacked, no smack upside the head. Just a Scotch gift that kept on giving.

It didn’t hurt that our chief’s wisdom picked the evening’s featured smoke, (Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro). More than a few wrote down notes to recall the pairing.

You’ll find this even handed dram is a great way for the Apprentice to begin their slide to Sherryland. The Enthusiast who detects that unique flavor will relish the memory. This label does what it’s designed to do and that very well.

Enjoy this non-age statement spirit after supper. A mixed drink would crush the smooth effects and such richness before a meal is unfair to the menu. Your senses want the ride to go on forever. Don’t interrupt the trip with food. Wait till dinner’s end and bring out the decanter. It won’t surprise you and your friends if you polish off the contents before the night’s done.

Where’s Carol? What did she do with the rest of the bottle?

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

Distiller rating: Freshly zested orange peels, dark malt, and winter spices take over your senses on the nose. The whisky is sweet and chocolatey and continues on the sweet side with dried fruits. The finish ends dry and not cloying. Skip the espresso; this is the whisky you want at the end of your meal.

USC Rating: A seductive nose filled with roasted cherries, french vanilla, and wisps of smoke lifts from the glass. The mouthfeel is opulent and smooth with complex flavors of cloves, marzipan and hot clay being revealed in waves. The finish is persistent.

Balcones Texas Rye – When Is a Rye NOT a Rye?

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A Chameleon for the Enthusiast
Great With Almost Any Cigar, in Cocktails or as/with Dessert!

Photo courtesy of Balcones Distilling

Whiskey Reviewed: Balcones Texas Rye
Distiller: Balcones
Region: Texas
Suggested Retail Price $45
ABV: 50%
Distiller Rating: 85
Drink Me Mag Rating: 96

Mark’s Review

When is a rye NOT rye?

When it’s made from layers of different rye species (like chocolate rye). It’s a blend that creates a melange of flavors unlike the spicy pepper spirit you’re used to. Combine all those grains and store the whisky in new charred oak barrels and you now have many scents booming from the glass.

Then as you taste, vanilla to chocolate and dark sugar all try to impress your palate. The swirling nature of flavors make this and ideal spirit to sip. You can also add a few drops of water to enhance the chameleon aspect.

This whisky entices you to expand your cocktail art. Try a new twist on an old fashioned instead use chocolate bitters and molasses! Go easy on the later (1/2 Tsp) and a bit heavier (2-3x the usual) on the former. The 100 proof (50% ABV) will ensure that this alcohol forward drink retains a balanced flavor profile.

An after dinner Irish Coffee with Balcones Rye will bring “wows” to your guests faces. You can even adjust their sweet/strength ratio to fit personal palates. Try doing this with other ryes!

This unique spirit changes the standard belief on how to use/enjoy rye. It will impress any Enthusiast. It’s also one of those rare ryes that pars well with a mild or strong cigar. Whether straight, with or without water or in a pre/post dinner mixed drink, enjoy this however you want!

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

 

Distiller.com Tasting Notes: The nose offers apple pie topped with a cinnamon crumble crust. Also find mushy overripe apples with green oak, spice, & pumpernickel bread. The palate is somewhat hot on entry & showcases cacao nibs, tobacco, dark chocolate, and malt. A fleeting but robust finish brings dry oak, cedar, sawdust, menthol, brown sugar, & more malty dark chocolate. – Jake Emen

DrinkMeMag Review: This new addition to the Balcones line offers a sumptuous nose, rich in aroma. Freshly cut leather, tobacco and cracked black pepper are held together by a fragrant Ceylon tea and sweet cedar oak. The palate offers toffee popcorn, sugar coated macadamia nuts and a touch of white pepper. As the nuttiness fades, a dark chocolate and charred caramel find their way onto the palate for a long harmonious finish.

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Elmer T. Lee Bourbon – Balance and Grace

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A Top Rated Bourbon of Balance and Grace for an Apprentice or Enthusiast
Neat Before Dinner or in a Cocktail

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery

Whisky Reviewed: Elmer T. Lee
Distiller: Buffalo Trace
Region: Kentucky
Suggested Retail Price: $35-$300
ABV: 45%
Distiller Rating: 91
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 97
USC Rating: 91
Whiskey Sidekick Rating: 4.5/5

Mark’s Review

From the depths of Buffalo Trace rises a single barrel ideal for sitting in front of the fire with Harry the cat on your lap.

What? No pets and you’re telling me the season changed?

Don’t worry. This bourbon is a suave, smooth delight anytime with or without an animal companion.

Aromas

Scents waft to your nose full of fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts. It’s as if you baked apple and pecan pies, then distilled, aged and bottled them together. The soft easy-going flavor was rich, complex and as comfortable as your favorite couch. I added some water, but it didn’t add or subtract any value.

In Cocktails

With a high rye content, you won’t think Elmer T. Lee is 45% ABV. Yet this whiskey is so balanced that a Manhattan “up” cocktail works well. I suggest you cut back on the sweet vermouth at 50% of the usual recipe. In fact, try the “perfect” version using ¼ oz. bianco and ½ the standard red. One challenge is the cost. You must conduct a detailed search to find a price on the low end; if you can even find a bottle at all.

 The moral of the story is patience pays and glory awaits. Ask my furry friend Harry. It’s worth the trip.

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

Distiller.com review: Once the nose opens a little, the spice flows freely. It’s warm with an inviting baked apple crisp with vanilla ice cream aroma. The palate finds more oats, apples, cinnamon, caramel and oak. The finish is long and spicy with the cinnamon prevailing note. –Rob Morton

Wine Enthusiast review: Complex and addictive. Scents of cinnamon, hazelnuts, and dried fruit precede big flavors: cinnamon spice, raisinated and plummy, like Madeira or Sherry. Long finish, with a bit of a bite. –Kara Newman

USC review: This is a tour-de-force of a bourbon that overflows with aromas of brown butter, toffee danish, & charred cinnamon. The palate is expansive and delicious echoing the earlier flavors and adding sweet corn puree, baked pear, and roasted oak sweetness.

Whiskey Sidekick review: You can’t beat Elmer T. Lee for the flavor and value. This particular barrel that we sampled gave us quite a different profile than what would be considered “standard” but still was exquisite. ETL is pretty darn rare so grab it when it’s available as you won’t find a better or more consistent single barrel bourbon for the price. Earned all of its 4.5 glasses and we will definitely be picking up every bottle we come across.

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Aultmore 12 Year

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Subtle Balance for the Apprentice and Enthusiast
Enjoy it Neat Before Dinner or with Dessert (Maybe as Dessert!)

photo courtesy of Bacardi Ltd.

Whisky Reviewed: Aultmore 12 Year
Distiller: Bacardi
Region: Speyside
Suggested Retail Price: $80
ABV: 46%
Distiller Rating: 90
Whiskeyreviewer Rating: B

Mark’s Review

Gazing into your (not so) distant memory lives a special person. You never had to “try” or fake it. Friendship came easy. Even slight gestures or their chosen words never ceased to amaze or impress you. To others present then, they might only be wisps in the wind. But to you, looking back, the recall is sharp and poignant

It’s the same with Aultmore; soft, sweet and subtle, with a color of the finest Meursault. The light, airy and honeyed scent sends you on a voyage of graceful peace. Your nose smells floral, fruity vanilla bean rising on a bed of clouds. Then, toasted honey wheat bread devoid of sherry smoke greets your mouth as the smooth finale goes down with a deft touch of pepper. It’s not hot, in fact a mild after taste gives way to a mid-length, gentle, citric finish.

Skip adding water to this. You don’t want to change your mental image into something it isn’t or shouldn’t become. A balanced complexity dwells here. Like that human bond, a psychic flavor grows and stays with you.

Enjoy this faerie of a Speyside neat before dinner. You could also tempt fate by having a dram side-by-side with a dessert. Its innate docile nature pairs well with lemon pound cake and cream or Linzer Torte.

An Apprentice will use this Scotch to ease into the new world of single malts. But the Enthusiast can cite this tasting as a rare chance to learn and teach. They’ll show their friends that some whisky, as with life itself, is not always about what’s in front of you. Sometimes hidden details matter. Just as you noticed those traits about someone unseen by most people, you now found a twin spirit.

Unwind and savor its delicate style. With or without your friend, drink and revel in the past’s beauty.

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

 

Distiller rating: Everything is arranged quite deftly, much like a dessert at a white table cloth affair. A whiff of caramelized bananas, green apples, and shaved dark chocolate on the nose. Creamy vanilla-bean ice cream upfront soon evaporates in a poof of smoke leaving white pepper and dry peat on the finish. Grab the proper spoon, lift your pinky, and dig in! –Sam Davies

Whiskeyreviewer rating: This Aultmore is a nice, easy drinking release. It’s not overly complex (that crown goes to the Craigallechie release, especially their 23 Year Old, which is one of the best whiskies I’ve ever tasted), but it would be a great dram to welcome you home from work and to kick back with. –Kurt Maitland

 

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