Tastes

Gentleman Jack is a fine mixer for me. It’s simple which isn’t a bad thing. I get a sweet banana candy from the taste and nose. On its own it is a bit pedestrian for me but it enhances a Coke well.

The flavors are definitely kicked up over the entry 80 proof. There is a sweet caramel nose to this one. On my first sip I got the tart cherry juice right away. It was a nice addition I hadn’t found in the yellow label. There were some other fruits led by pear. A very solid bourbon. This was also my first single barrel and I see why it is well regarded.

Very good sipping bourbon. Classic caramel and vanilla notes. I get candied nuts on some of the finish. I get a little of the apple fruitiness after a couple sips. The finish lasts a little longer than most entry level bourbons. I get a little brown sugar sweetness and oak on the finish after a few sips. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to trying its barrel strength counterpart.

Got this in my advent calendar. Very sweet and caramel nose. Really pleasant. I could tell there was a higher malted barely and wheat since this is a nice sweat whiskey. This one was my first whiskey from the advent calendar my wife got me and I am looking forward to the rest even more now.

A good Irish blend. Creamy and butter taste with a slight butterscotch. Very pleasant on its own or mixed.

Good for a mixer for me. It may be a fine scotch but I can’t get past the leather and malt notes.

I was preparing and trying to look forward to this scotch. I knew it was my first venture into peat. The nose gave me some fruit to begin. Then caramel and I got a band aid smell. On the taste there was campfire ash, leather and a meat stick flavor. My palate did not find this pleasant. I kept trying sips wanting to enjoy this but this is my first whiskey I couldn’t finish my dram.

This is a good daily sipper bourbon. Vanilla, oak, caramel and a hint of leather on the nose. On the first sip I got apple, floral and honey notes. The finish definitely has some drying spice feel. I get a lot of corn on the finish. For a budget bourbon this is a nice whiskey that could be enjoyed in a lot of ways.

Great nose of vanilla, caramel and cherry. I could nose this bourbon all night. Such a nice vanilla caramel. Reminds me of an ice cream sundae once it melted. The first few sips are sweet and follow the nose. Then some of the floral notes come through. The rye spice took several sips to come through for me. Overall I’m really pleased with this bourbon and will keep it for a Friday special.

Very standard Irish whiskey. Pear, apple and honey up front. I caught the bread note which I’m relating more to sourdough bread than to a shortbread cookie. Taste follows the nose for me with a quick finish.