The invitation to a “secret tasting” with James Godfrey was not one Ken Gargett would ever decline. What Godfrey doesn’t know about fortifieds is not worth knowing, and those he has not tasted are probably not worth tasting. Here’s what Ken learned . . .
At the highly respected Chicago Beverage Tasting Institute, the El Dorado 21-Year-Old caught the world’s attention when it was awarded 98/100, the highest score ever achieved by any rum. It was described as “one of the world’s greatest rum drinking experiences.” Does Ken Gargett agree?
Ken Gargett thinks that the 2001 Château d’Yquem is the finest young wine he has ever experienced, red or white, and remains convinced that it will go down as one of the greatest Yquems, if not the greatest of all time. But he was also able to experience something else: drinking “twin” vintages of this amazing Sauternes.
One of the three Limited Edition program releases from Habanos for 2017, the Partagás Series No. 1 has hit the shelves. This cigar is still very young, but Ken Gargett has distinct opinions on it.
There has long been a connection between fine wine and art. But as much fun as the packaging of the Longview Piece Shiraz 2015’s art label is, what ultimately counts is what is in, not on, the bottle. And for Ken Gargett, this shiraz delivers where it counts: taste.
According to Ken Gargett, there is nothing any gin distiller in Australia makes today that has grabbed attention like Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin. If you are yet to jump on board the gin revolution, this would make for a great start.
The real excitement for wine lovers comes when they find something that sings; that drinks well above its pay grade. And so it is with the latest rosé champagne from Louis Roederer, the 2012 vintage. Ken Gargett has a glass (or two) to see if this champagne from the house that makes Cristal lives up to the hype.
The long-awaited, much-hyped, and very much debated line of premium cigars Línea 1935 from the house of Montecristo is finally hitting the shelves. The Línea 1935 range is very much aimed at the pinnacle: these are high-priced cigars for special occasions. But how do they smoke? Ken Gargett has specific opinions on this.
What a wonderful champagne the Bollinger RD 2004 is. It has a glorious level of richness. It is complex with dark fruits, mushrooms, nuts and florals, and notably lemon blossoms. Its impressive length and wonderfully seductive texture make it a wine to search out.
Islay whiskeys may hold pride of place for Ken, but there are many other whiskys he thoroughly enjoys, and the offerings from Glenmorangie, at home in Scotland’s Highland region, are among them. Especially the delightful Signet.