Tastes

Everything that's good about the standard 10 year, but turned up to 12! Peat is surprisingly not the predominant flavor, although it dominates the nose. Remarkably easy to drink neat, but better with a few drops of water and a bit of time to open up. After 10 minutes it's not nearly as hot on the tongue and the sea salt, grass, and brine make a stronger appearance. The finish is smoke and peat, and lasts seemingly forever. If you like peat and/or smoke, this is a must try from Islay.

BIG! Rich, creamy and mouth-coating, with a mild burn on the tongue and gums. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold up through the middle where you get a bit of plums, but then a novocain-numbness precedes the finish which is short, hot and gritty. Worth trying if you like hot sherried whisky, but for the money there are much better choices.

Not as good as a few other longer aged bourbons like Elijah Craig or Evan Williams Single Barrel, but much easier to find, and very affordable. Initial sweetness is offset almost immediately by a bite of alcohol, then a mouth-coating warmth precedes the finish which is again sweet followed by a lingering alcohol burn. Mixes great, and works great neat or with a few drops of water. Beam has a winner here in an affordable, tasty bourbon for those on a budget.

Not a lot happening. A bit of fruitiness, then astringency and some drying on the fairly short finish. Not bad, but there are better choices in the same price range, and much better 12 to 15 year whiskys to drink.