The Leaf and Libations Lifestyle Syndicate

09/16/2025

Nosing and Tasting Smoke Session featuring James E Pepper Barrel Proof gifted by my client near in my NEAT glass of course. Given what I tasted in the 106.+ beauty.... I strategically selected the Ashton VSG first and baby this hit on all cylinders!!!

JMT (Just My Take)
James E Pepper Barrel Proof tasting notes. First off... average age of the juice is over 5 years old; bottled straight from the barrel, uncut & unfiltered. Based on price point I searched....BIG BARGAIN bases on the taste, legs, color and the DECANTER BOTTLE!

Nose aroma: caramel, apple, oak, vanilla and cinnamon
Palate: Apricot, raisin, pecan, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon and orange peel.
Finish: Long lingering warmth with a creamy vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel, oak and a punch of pepper.

Ashton VSG
One of my full bodied favorites that NEVER DISAPPOINTS with the
cedar, espresso, earthiness and black pepper complimented by a subtle sweetness from raisins.

My pairing experience.....since I choose a strength on strength philosophy...this one created a complex balance with AVSG's robust, earthy notes and JEP's sweet, spicy profile...these full bodied options each held their own!!

The combo unleashed notes of dark chocolate from the fruit and caramel notes of the bourbon and the spice and pepper provide a sharp contrast to the AVAG's earthy notes. Not one-dimensional at all!! This combo , coats the palate exquisitely. Do NOT take this on with a meal on your tummy!

Add a beautiful weather day and my playlist....BRAVO!!

06/15/2025

I hope that all of the amazing men who FATHER--albeit youth, young adults, adults--by birth or bonus were honored as deserved. 💕

05/31/2025

Relaxing Patio Nosing and Tasting Smoke Session featuring Ashton VSG paired with Pinhook The Loyalty Small Batch #1 neat in NEAT with one of my bomb playlists providing the soundtrack..... Perfect!!!

04/19/2025

"Productive Friday" Nosing and Tasting Smoke Session featuring some of my FAVORITES that I had to put back in the rotation....

12/25/2024

08/25/2024

Whiskey Bar Alert!! A MUST for all my whiskey people!!! What could be better than such a selection....THE PRICES!!!

Seldom do I run up on selections I've yet to enjoy and South Dakota has delivered!!!

A new one for me...Old Pepper Distillery Single Barrel Rye 124.8p. Delish neat in my NEAT Glass!

08/16/2024

BOURBON ALERT! A NEW ONE FOR ME thanks to Walmart Spearfish South Dakota!

Rebel Distiller's Collection.
This is a wheated bourbon and at 113p...IN THE NEAT GLASS ..very nice and not an overwhelming bite as one would expect!

The nose...very noticeable sweet aroma.. cherry butterscotch! The palate continues to experience cherry, vanilla and lots of spice! The long finish...cherry, oak and clove..... tingling the tongue!

08/14/2024

BOURBON ALERT! A NEW ONE FOR ME! The BOURBON and The STORY...BRAVO to HORSE SOLDIER BARREL STRENGTH!

While doing a Walmart run in Spearfish South Dakota, I come across their liquor section and see this display of some signed unknowns. Naturally curious I seek the insights from my trusted bourbon and whiskey groups considering the $. Well based on the feedback I went with the HS Barrel Strength since I tend to favor higher proof. At 117.4 neat in my NEAT Glass ..this is the ONLY WAY I'm sure I could enjoy as much as I am! The nose is quite deceiving as it is packed with vanilla and floral sweetness. However on the palate the spice and ginger heat is a force to be reckoned with. The finish is clearly charred oak which makes for a very nice pairing with my full bodied cigar.!

As if this wasn't pleasant enough, I read the story and I am really a fan!

IF you are a fan of high proof, spice and charred oak....this is a very nice pick...in a NEAT GLASS....I.M.O.