Tastes

Tried this at The Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh Scotland. Picked up a bottle there and then after it stood out so well from a whiskey flight. Very complex whiskey! Smoky and subtle at the same time. Palate had a perfect harmony of classic Islay whiskey, with hints of bourbon caramel & vanilla accompanied by a touch of sweetness that wasn’t overwhelming. This review is off memory so will have to revisit after I crack open my bottle but I remember thinking how amazing it tasted. Very smooth and unexpected deliciousness considering typical Laga peaty smokiness. A solid 4 stars in my book and possibly a bit more. Plan to collect each release from here on out.

Meh

Correction tried July 4th 2018

Tried at Jackson Hole bar July 4th 2016. Didn’t have any of the classic bourbon profile. So much so I was wondering whether I was drinking bourbon. Finish is a combo of sour medicinal aftertaste. I remember thinking this was horrible! My ghetto have been a bad batch but this is the first bourbon I tried and did NOT like. Very disappointing especially since I’ve heard some good things about the brand, and have the double-oaked bourbon on my collection list.

2 - 2.5 ⭐️. Couldn’t quite bring myself to give it a 3. So so for a straight rye whiskey. Nose and palate a bit on the ethanol side. Slight bite in mid-palate and finish. Definitely came across like a bottom shelf bargain Rye but I’ve had better for about same price point (enter Ezra Brooks Rye [Green label] & Rittenhouse Rye). Maybe my expectations were set too high 😊

3 - 3.2 ⭐️. Vanilla, light chocolate and caramel on the nose, which follows through on the palate. A little hot mid to late palate but had some sweetness to balance out the heat. Also picked up very light oily touch when drinking neat. Medium finish. Overall nice “rough & tumble” bourbon and great value for the price (<$18 from Total Wine). Great back-up/fall-back option in between longer relationship bottles :)