Tastes

2.5 stars - Very nice; many pours Cinnamon and oak. This is high quality at a great price, but not my style. If you like the cinnamon profile, try Old Granddad and Larceny. Both taste very similar to Wild Turkey.

2.5 stars - very nice; 750 ml bottle What could have been. My emotional reaction to this whiskey is melancholy. Time provides perspective. Childhood is filled with strong personalities and unlimited potential. History reveals who succeeded, who struggled and who endured. Often the outcome is far removed from the prediction. This should be a great whiskey. But it just does not get there. The bottle, the heritage, the flavor, the aroma. The potential is all there. I wish I could find one of the old, age statement Hibiki’s. I can only imagine. For the same category and price, I would recommend the Nikka Whiskey From the Barrel.

3.0 stars - Good; 750 ml bottle Glendronach 12 year is a rock band and this is a string quartet. First opened, this has a spectacular aroma. Flavors were a beautiful bourbon caramel mixed with rich sherry fruits. Why have I ignored Macallan for so long? Rich and elegant. Time did not treat this well. Discordant flavors and off rhythm. This is in the same category as Balvenie Double Wood. Both are excellent, just drink them within 3 months of opening and you will be fine.

3.5 stars - Very good; two bottles If Macallan is a string quartet, this is a rock band playing their greatest hits. Dirty, grungy, aggressive and a great time. Even better if you have an opening act to warm up your palate. First bottle was a 5 star masterpiece; second was a solid 3 star. Freshman album was better than their sophomore effort. Expect some batch variation. Oxidation really opens this one up and reveals new flavors. Drink this over 12 months for the full experience.

4.0 stars - Excellent; 750 ml bottle This is a single barrel, so your mileage may vary. The flavor was a great combination of classic Heaven Hill (ex: Elijah Craig) but also a lot of dusty peanut that I normally get from the better Jim Beam products. The finish reminded me of a 14 year Scotch in body and mellowness. For less than $30. Epic! The only question: Who ruined this for the rest of us? What award did it win or what podcast gave it whiskey of the year? This has disappeared from every liquor store in my metro area for the past 12 months.

3.5 stars - Very Good; 2 bottles I feel guilty every time I buy a bottle of Rittenhouse. It feels like when a restaurant forgets to add the appetizer or second cocktail to your check. Do you say something? Did they do it on purpose because you were a polite and patient customer? What is my obligation? This is one of the best rye whiskies and is consistently $17-22 in my area. Wow. Heaven Hill is the master of high quality and low cost.

3.5 stars - Very good; 750 ml bottle I was surprised at how much Heaven Hill DNA this one had. I bet if I tasted this blind, the aroma and flavor would be a dead giveaway. Excellent product, rich taste and a little hot. Personally, I prefer the garden herb MGP ryes and sweet Heaven Hill bourbons. I would actually give a slight edge to its younger brother Rittenhouse Rye at half the price. Glad I could find a bottle, this is still very rare in my area, but this will not be part of the rotation.

3.0 stars - Good; 750 ml bottle The metrosexual version of Johnnie Walker Black. Johnnie discovers self-care.

3.0 stars - Good; 750 ml bottle This reminds me of a highly aged rum. If you like this, try Panama Pacific 23 Year Rum. Many similar characteristics but adds a little rum funk. This is a crowd pleaser. I recommend sharing and seeing what a mind bender this is for anyone’s preconceived notions. “I don’t like whiskey” or “I only drink single malts” or “Scotch is too smokey” or “I only drink wine”. Almost everyone will leave rating this their favorite of the night.

2.5 stars - Very nice; 750 ml bottle Cinnamon Toast Crunch in vanilla almond milk served in a wooden bowl. With a shot of brandy. Not quite my thing. In this category, I much prefer Glenfiddich 14 yr Bourbon Barrel and Compass Box Spice Tree.