Tastes

Right away this whisky presents ripe red fruits, there are layers of strawberry and raspberry. There is a richness to it though in the vein of strawberry shortcake. A spicy undertone is there as a cinnamon and clove mixture almost like a spiced cider. The palate is amazing and delivers on the expectations of the nose. It's rich fruitcake, cinnamon and oak spiciness, ripe raspberries and blackberries. There's almost a floral note that wants to come through as well. All underlined by a nuttiness that presents as walnut skins. Very rich and complex. Spice leads you into a nice oaky and nutty finish. Medium-long and slightly dry and tannic in a very pleasant way. Over all this whisky gets top marks. Being on the rich side I wouldn't particularly want it in warmer weather often, that would be my only negative point. If ever there were a perfect pairing it would be this bottle and and Thanksgiving dinner. I could drink this all winter!

The nose presents the smoke right away in the form of an Applewood smoked bacon. There is a strong sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar and grilled marinated meats. The palate delivers on the barbecue vibe with dry rubbed ribs and teriyaki Jerry. The sweetness stays true to the brown sugar from the nose but it's now glazed over grilled peaches and grilled apple sauce. The finish is medium long with a cinnamon spice to it accompanied by vanilla and a rich almond cake. A light smokiness seems to linger on indefinitely. Cost when purchased was $97 but I have seen it as low as $78 locally. It's worth every penny even at the $97 mark.

The nose initially presents a floral sweetness with some butterscotch or toffee. Then the peat smoke rolls in, which presents as an ashy smoke. The smoke compliments and offsets the sweetness in a very pleasant way. Finally hidden underneath is bit of fresh leather and sweet pipe tobacco. On the palate the sweet and ashy smoke layer is prevalent up front. Followed by more of a dark toffee note than the nose would lead you to believe. There is a salty thread throughout that brings a needed balance like sea salt on caramel. Stewed raisins and cooked honey intertwine with smoked paprika and present a nice light to medium spiciness. The spice of the palate fades into an oaky finish with a light smokiness that leans more toward charred wood. The sweetness lingers along as a scorched chocolate leaving you wanting another sip.

The nose presents ripe nectarines and white peach flesh. Light vanilla and a floral note waft in as well. On the pallette peaches and cream are the big notes right off the bat. A bit of a cinnamon spice is there along with an oaky bitterness. Fairly tannic. The finish is a single long and lingering thread of dry cinnamon spice. It does give way late to a general earthiness that is quite pleasant. Like the after taste of wild mushrooms eaten some time ago. Not overly complex but just the right amount of intrigue to be interesting without demanding too much attention. As my first Speyburn it has definitely piqued my interest to explore more offerings.

On the nose I was hit with a honeysuckle sweetness up front that was followed by marzipan and golden raisins. A dried mango and lemon citrus note cut through to bring an elegant balance. The flavor profile immediately reminded me of almond cake with a light vanilla frosting. Followed by fresh cut citrus which developed into a spicy nutmeg and dried wood chip. The finish is long for me despite a thinner mouth feel. There was a nice lingering oakiness and spice. Whisps of charred wood right at the end left a dryness on the tongue. As if you were tasting a camp fire drifting over from a distant ridge.

Tasted 4 bottles blind. The bourbon cask, sherry cask, rum cask, and 12yr single malts from grangestone. Nosing and tasting notes are from the blind tasting. On the nose you get fresh pear with a light citrus like fresh lemon rind or a just cut lemon. Honey Graham crackers follow that and after it breaths a bit the cinnamon really comes to the front. The taste brings toasted Graham crackers with marmalade and a light oakiness. Then the cinnamon builds into a fireball candy flavor that can't be ignored. Short finish but not to short. A light oakiness lingers on a spicey fireball candy. Overall this was my third favorite of the group though it was very close to taking second. I loved the way the cinnamon developed. Once that note came out however it was hard to ignore and became overpowering. If it had been a tad bit subdued this may have taken second over the 12yr.

Tasted 4 bottles blind. The bourbon cask, sherry cask, rum cask, and 12yr single malts from grangestone. Nosing and tasting notes are from the blind tasting. On the nose there is a light oak up front followed by a pleasant maple syrup. Orange peel and spiced apples round out the nose. The taste is rich like toffee apples, and toasted orange peel. An odd sour grape note comes in at the end that doesn't seem to meld. The finish was the longest of the group but a solid medium length. Cinnamon, an oaky barrel spice, and a pleasant earthiness linger. Overall this was my least favorite. The nose was quite nice and almost reminded me of a bourbon but the sour grape on the taste really threw this out of whack for me.

Tasted 4 bottles blind. The bourbon cask, sherry cask, rum cask, and 12yr single malts from grangestone. Nosing and tasting notes are from the blind tasting. On the nose there is an anise spice over a malty mustiness reminiscent of wine barrels. A light vanilla and burnt sugar lay in the back ground. The taste surprisingly has a light smokiness to it up front which was a surprise. Following that is a maltiness like toasted biscuits with clove and anise. The finish was spicy, short to medium in length, with a vanilla thread running through it. More of that faint light smokiness as well. Overall this was my second favorite of the four though closer to third place than first.

Tasted 4 bottles blind. The bourbon cask, sherry cask, rum cask, and 12yr single malts from grangestone. Nosing and tasting notes are from the blind tasting. On the nose you get cherries and apricot covered in honey with a nice bergamot and lilac thread running through as well. The taste is immediately sweet and the apricot is up front. Following that is a honeyed earl grey tea. The finish is short with the honey getting a bit darker and a light oak note moving in. Overall this was my favorite of the blind tasting. It was my top pick in both rounds of tasting and I considered it the winner by a substantial margin.

The nose presents white grape and vanilla pods over a nice oak. A light toffee and apple follow reminiscent of a caramel apple crisp. The taste delivers that sweet toffee note that deepens into a molasses. There is a strong citrus note but its more dried orange peel than fresh citrus, layered over a light oak and maltiness. On the finish the molasses and oak build into a sweet spice. A semi-sweet chocolate note comes in toward the end of the medium finish.