By Mike Thayer

Blended and flavored whiskeys are red hot right now, consumer demand for brown spirits continues to rise with American Whiskey in particular seeing some phenomenal sales growth.

Regular readers know that I am a fan of flavored whiskey, I’ve always got a bottle of something in my freezer for a chilled shot or flavored specialty in the liquor cabinet to enjoy on the rocks.  My favorite in all this tasting fun so far, has been Yukon Jack Jacapple.

In browsing the liquor store shelves tonight, the flavor of caramel called out to me and so the bottle of choice was Black Velvet Toasted Caramel flavored whiskey.

Here’s the description from the Black Velvet website:  The caramel, toffee, and cream notes accentuate and complement the woody whisky characters. The palate is rich and luscious with a creamy aftertaste that lingers and delights.

I sampled this whiskey in a straight shot and on the rocks.  The nose is a pleasant whiff of caramel and while it’s a tad bit caramel forward, the website description is pretty accurate.  You get toasted caramel in the swirl, the swallow and in the finish.  It’s a bit on the sweet side and as I’ve mentioned in other flavored whiskey reviews before, I want the flavor to compliment the whiskey, not overpower it.  Black Velvet has done a fair job with this flavor.  It’s best as a chilled shot.  Costing me about $12 for a 750ml bottle, the price is very reasonable and it’s worth a repeat buy.  Black Velvet Toasted Caramel Whiskey gets 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap stars. 

$pend Wisely My Friends…..