Tastes

0.5 stars - Terrible My father-in-law brought me back a bottle of whiskey and a shirt from Elkins following a visit to Colorado. Aroma - Malfeasance Taste - Misanthropy Finish - Despondency I do not recommend the whiskey. I highly recommend the shirt, fits great with a nice design.

3.5 stars - Very good Thank you for going full banana. No other rye tastes like this. There must be the same yeast Brown Forman uses for Jack, Woodford, and Old Forester. Will I see the same for Benriach and Glendronach? While I assume “no” part of me is slightly terrified yet excited. There is something so original and so simple with this whiskey. I cannot get it off my mind. After trying a few hundred whiskies, I appreciate someone making something truly memorable.

3.5 stars - very good This is the equivalent of a gentleman from the 1800’s. Muscular, refined, well schooled, yet slightly oily and sweaty. Letting this breathe does this bottle justice. Second half,months later, is very nice. The packaging is 10 out of 10. Well played, sir, well played.

4.0 stars - Excellent Some of my friends are intelligent and well read. Some are sophisticated and well travelled. Some have a great sense of humor and impeccable timing. Elijah Craig is like that friend I have known since second grade and who will show up at 9 AM on a Saturday to help move my furniture. Dependable, enjoyable, with no fuss. I have purchased 5 bottles, which places it in rare company since usually I am looking for that next new whiskey. Love the taste profile, love the price and availability, and I even love the bottle. Tastes great neat, with one cube, or on the rocks. Only complaint is the finish is a little hot.

3.5 stars - Very good Black licorice and old library books. Tastes like a high rye. Bonus points for a unique and memorable taste profile. I am sure this is a love it or hate it bourbon. Watch for the new “distilled, aged and bottled” by Willet logo. This tastes very similar to the sourced version from two years ago, although it seems like the finish is less viscous now.

2.5 stars - Nice, but… First half of the bottle: Tastes like someone served Glendronach 12 in a red wine glass from last night they forgot to rinse out. What I love about Glendronach is fighting the port and has a very tannic bite. Second half, months later: Pure gold and a wonderful delight. However, the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 gives me the same ride for half the price.

3 stars - Good I am getting a serious “2 AM Nightclub” vibe here. Body odor, sweat, alcohol, sickly sweet, ginger ale. Enjoy the party while it lasts.

2.0 Stars - OK My sensory perception must be missing something. I have had this three times (2 times in a bar, 1 time 50 ml sample). Super boring and nondescript. No off flavors or flaws. For 25% less money the Balvenie Double Wood runs circles around this one.

4.5 Stars - Most excellent This is the masterpiece of the Maker’s Mark portfolio at an awesome price. Instead of disappearing from the shelves, this has actually come down in price. Which is the opposite of every other good Bourbon. Rich, complex, enjoyable. Maker’s gets bonus points for having a real history, consistency, and a true understanding of who they are.

5 stars - Fantastic Is the porcupine the most delicious woodland creature? I don’t know, it comes in a package that says ‘Do not eat me”. This whiskey looks like it belongs in a 1970s auto parts store. Luckily the reviews convinced me to give this a try. This is an absolute shapeshifter. Every pour, every sip tastes different. Supposedly this was made from 100 different batches of whiskey and I feel like I have tasted at least 67 of them. Beautiful, balanced, and original flavor. Well done!