Spirits of Choice: Drink What You Enjoy

As part of a new show idea, Jennifer and I have recently done a blind light rum tasting. Many people have been surprised at some of the early results in which Bacardi Superior has done extremely well in the "competition." This tasting is extremely risky as it both builds builds respect and credibility with the viewers and potentially hurts relationships with brands and viewers alike. Most brands whom have contacted us have been sad at losing but have taken it very well, they understand that every palate is different.

Bacardi is a big brand with heavy marketing and many people, like myself, are rooting for the little guys. Some don't like what the brand stands for and feels smaller brands have better quality spirits with more attention to detail. But, in a blind tasting you lose all perspective for the heritage of a brand and vote with your palate, not your perception. One viewer on youtube commented saying, "I would score a bucket of a Vietnamese dog's piss over Bacardi." They followed up the comment with, "I have completely lost faith in your opinion of what's good and what isn't."

It's fairly easy to defend ourselves, especially when the show you're watching is titled "Common Man." I would guess we represent 80% or more of the audience that purchases alcohols today. We're not rum snobs, we're the average joe and jane that would purchase a product in the store. I've talked and learned from some high profile master blenders and distillers, some off the record and some on our audio show. I've learned a great deal about rum from master distiller Richard Seale (Tommy Bahama Rum) and feel I can take that knowledge into a rum tasting. I believe our judgement is sound, honest and targeted towards the majority of consumers, and if you're offended by our scoring, than perhaps you should sit down and do your own blind tasting.

I encourage everyone to take the time to remove the brands and labels from the equation and compare similar products in a blind tasting (if you've got two or more brands at home of course!) Really challenge your palate to choose the winner that's most right for you.

Latest Announcements

We're working on a new show idea, as mentioned above, which will focus on the spirit itself, no the the cocktail. We'd like to taste test new brands as well as old brands and share our opinions. Sometimes it might be a taste-off competition while other times it may just be a more intimate look at a brand. Both Jennifer and I will host the show to gather two separate opinions. Any thoughts?

Also checkout a few of our latest audio podcasts. We sit down with a few friends and talk about the heritage of the BBQ and, in a later episode, interview both Kevin Karl for Inniskillin Ice Wine and a master blender from Diageo Keith Law, who has worked with brands like J&B and Johnny Walker scotch.

Spirit of the Month Winner

We've started a new little segment on our show, Spirit of the Month. This spirit will represent one that we're fascinated with and have found ourselves using many times on our own (not always on tape). It represents truly discovering a brand (new or old) that has impressed our senses and we'd be happy to request at the bar.

This months spirit of the month is Veev Açaí Spirit. We're not voting based on marketing hype or the fact that we may or may not have paid for the bottle; this is based on taste and pleasure. VeeV brought something new to the table, a spirit flavor and taste profile that is unique and flavorful. I urge you to seek out the VeeV Açaí Spirit label and taste it for yourself, let us know what you think!

Latest Spirit Reviews

If you're looking for new spirits, checkout some of our reviews: