Tastes

Meh. As a cask strength, it's hard to get much beyond the high proof alcohol by way of taste or smell. A splash of water did wonders for it though. Caramel and honey come through initially though followed by tobacco and chocolate. The taste was overwhelmingly tobacco and pineapple which was fine but nothing more.

Maple syrup, caramel, and vanilla are almost committing an assault on my nostrils with this one. There's a subtle smokiness that's letting you know there's a splash of bourbon in this blend as well as a hint of dark choclate. First taste is rich and quite pleasant on the front of the palate. In the mid-range you find all the spices of a lovely rye but going down she's high octane. Adding an ice cube really helps this one mellow out and become an enjoyable sipper. Would really work well in an old fashioned too though.

What an odd glass. A Japanese whiskey that's essentially their version of bourbon (75% corn and 25% melted barley). A sweet floral bouquet on the nose and an extremely subtle butterscotch that I struggled to pin down for awhile. Not really sure what I can say about the taste here....it's sweet, as one would expect with a bill that's 75% corn. But it took several sips to get any further than that because, to quote a line from the shawshank redemption, this thing "up and disappeared like a fart in the wind". After several sips. I get notes of pear and bit of caramel but beyond that I don't know what to tell ya. It finished fine. Warm, then a bit of bite, and then back to warm. Nothing here to hate on but nothing to make me ask for another glass either.

Wow this was smooth. The nose on this one was dominated by vanilla and spice. After hunting around for a moment, you can also pick up candied ginger and a faint note of pepper. Tasting this was equally as nice a pleasure. I was intrigued to find none of the harshness typically associated with a bourbon but a warmth that lingered about twice as long as expected. New oak barrels instead of charred left me thinking about the noticeably absent but not really missed smokiness as well. As approachable and welcoming going down as it's aroma was. Vanilla dominated the palette here (no surprise) and although this falls slightly on the sweet side for what I'd probably prefer, I find myself wanting another glass. Espresso and a bit of toffee were unexpected here but a welcome surprise. Going to need a bottle of this one.

This one was interesting... initial nose of honey and flowers. Going back in, I'm picking up vanilla, a bit of oak, and a faint hint of dark chocolate somewhere back there. The taste was extremely smooth. A bit surprised by the floral explosion on my tastebuds. Reminded me of an ipa but without any of the bitterness. Once again, dark chocolate on the back end and a subtle warmth that lingered longer than I expected. I'd enjoy this on the rocks any time and would love to share with a few friends as it was my first experience with a single malt out of India.

What can I say, It's a peated scotch. Butterscotch, toffee, and a hint of pecan on the nose. Hint of green apple on tasting and you notice the ex-bourbon barrel aging process on the finish. Not terrible as far as scotch goes but not my thing.

Pretty subtle nose. Vanilla, Caramel, & Charred Oak. Tasting notes are floral, dark berries, vanilla, & a touch of spice. Very mellow initially but that gets punched up as it finishes. Would work well as a mixer for anything that needs a solid rye and could likely stand on its own if you are just looking for a glass on the rocks.

Initially, peach on the nose. Replaced quickly by oak, vanilla, & smoke. First sip was ginger on the front of the palate and all burn on the back while making its way down. The next few sips were very nutty and a little bit of spice(pepper). An interesting bourbon overall but I think it falls more into a category of fun to try rather than a staple to keep on hand.

Extremely subtle. Similar to the 10 year, this spirit offers hints of vanilla and spice. Very smooth and finishes rapidly. Not worth the price hike when compared to the 10 year.

Honey and vanilla nose faint hint of spice. Punches the front of your mouth. Apple apricot and orange with vanilla finish.