Tastes

NAS 46,4% No chill-filtered No coloring Nose: Fresh, youthful with notes of brine, lemongrass, pickles, minerals, and dry dark fruits, including prunes. The presence of peat is noticeable, though its intensity varies depending on your exposure to and experience with peat. From the aroma alone, you can tell that this is an island whisky. Palate: Features oak and spices, presenting a not sharp but distinctly youthful profile, complemented by the sweetness of ripe peaches. Little bit of oak at the background. Finish: A combination of minerals, white pepper, and honeycomb creates a unique closing note. The casks used are quite interesting: "Two Isle of Raasay spirits – peated and unpeated – are matured separately in first fill Rye whiskey, fresh oak and first fill Bordeaux red wine casks. These six recipe casks marry together to create the perfect dram with real elegance, complexity and depth of character." Love the proof level. I wouldn't recommend this whisky as an introduction to peat for newcomers. I'm pleased with the experience and would happily accept a bottle as a gift.

40% ABV Not colored, Not chill-filtered. It has a super dark and intense color, considering it's not colored. Nose: Cherry, dark chocolate. Palate: Light, oily, silky-smooth yet rich at the same time, with notes of raisins, a slight bitterness of fruit skin, and biscuits. It tastes way above its stated age of 10 years. Finish: Relatively short, with dark fruits, wood, and a hint of persimmon effect. Very pleased with the experience, but wish it would be higher proof... I'm glad to discover that little distillery. I have also tried their Caledonia, which is on another level of excellency. Definitely will buy again... if I manage to find one.

NAS 48% abv Colored I'm a huge fan of Laphroaig 10, especially its signature iodine, bandage, and cigar ash notes. This one is much lighter on the peat/ash character and heavier on fruits. Nose: Seasoned and smoked meat, dried fruits, musty attic, dark chocolate. There are a lot of things happening... Palate: Very light and fresh, "velvety". The famous Laphroaig notes are definitely there, but wrapped in a warm and cozy fruit cashmere. Finish: Sugar ash aftertaste, sweet fruits. Another great product from Laphroaig.

12 yo 46.3% No chill-filtered No colored Ex-bourbon & ex-sherry casks Nose: It evokes the essence of a cold, century-old chimney and wet wood, paired with a light smoke—not peaty, yet unmistakably Islay. A bit of mustiness. The presence of sherry and dry fruits adds to its complexity, eventually unfolding into notes similar to Glendronach 12. Palate: easy going with no harsh bite, featuring a light spiciness and an oily texture that finishes dry, highlighted by hints of orange zest. Finish: is pleasantly dry, with a vanilla sweetness that lingers. Overall, this whisky offers a very nice experience—tasty, easygoing, balanced, and quite complex, especially when considering its value for a 12-year-old expression without added color or filtration. It far surpasses the Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair I've tried before. I would purchase it again.

NAS 40% First fill American Oak Casks (similar to those used for bourbon) Colored Filtered This whisky is remarkably common, often overlooked due to its ubiquity and presumed mediocrity. Yet, it delivers a pleasantly simple experience, ideal for beginners or as a party accompaniment. Nose: Vibrant, with a sweet fruit soda aroma that tantalizes the senses. Notes of grapes, canned pears, and candy mingle with a subtle barley backdrop. Palate: Smooth and syrupy sweet, concluding with a touch of wood tannins. Reminiscent of juice from a Dole Diced Fruit Bowl. Finish: A dry yet sweet finale. Overall, the Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is super easy going, not overpowering. Sweet but not in bourbon way. While it lacks complexity, it's still enjoyable for what it is. However, with the current price at 75 CAD (previously around 60 CAD), there are other noteworthy options to consider. Nonetheless, it's perfectly acceptable to appreciate its straightforward charm.

NAS Blend 46% vol No coloring No chill filtered Nose: Fresh, fresh cut grass, green apples, little citrus acid. Salt. Wet grain. Not harsh, no ethanol. Not too complex. Barely noticeable peat. Remind me JW Black. Palate: Definitely gives my Johny Walker vibes. Citrus zest. Soft for 46 vol. Peat is definitely there. After: medium, begins as warm, butter cookies, pleasantly sweet at the end. Some tannins. Really appreciate 46 abv, no coloring and no chill-filteted. It is an interesting option for someone who tired from all the Speysides and Highlands. Not sure i will byu it again. There are just too many to explore

It is 10% mezcal and 90% whiskey... and it's legal in Canada. It's not a mix or cocktail in bottle, it's Canadian Whisky... Is it good or is it bad? Doesn't matter, it is what it is. Nose: sweet with the citrus pinch, there's no dominant tequila aroma, but agave is there. White sugar, floral, vanilla. Ascorbic acid. Palate: you can fill the mix, and I don't like it. Lime peal, light smokiness, spices. Grass, oak bitterness. Some more smoke-dried notes, but different from peat Finish: not a pleasant for me. This type of sweet alcohol feeling that just meh... It's just not "noble" in a way. Some smokiness smoothes the overall experience. It's cool that they experiment. It's good that they went little beyond and made It's 42.5 vol. Love the company spirit but this dram is just not for me. Will not buy again

Nose: raisins, caramel candy, rich, heavy and warm, oily. Complex, not sharp Palate: dry and warm, air dried wood, full bodied. Spice pinch. Finish: raisins Love 43% vol. Nose is more complicated then Red Breast 12 and Glendronach. But palate is to sharp and not so complex as in Glendronach 12. I'll pick Glenmorangie Lasanta nose, Glendronach 12 palate and Red Breast 12 finish. And Lasanta is more expensive than other two. Overall I'm happy about experience but still ill rather pick Glendronach 12.

12 y.o. 40% vol. Colored, chill-filteted. Bourbon and Sherry casks. Nose: what would you expect the fine scoth to smell. Light cream, fruits and apples. Some wood notes after some time breathing . Taste: light and easy going. Finish: sweet pear, nut shells Lacks comlexity, little bit too basic for me. But overall very friendly drum for an entry malt. Would like it higher strength, not filtered and no coloring.

NAS 40% vol. Colored, chill-filtered White Oak barrels Nose: Simple, gentle, sweet with hints of vanilla. Possible notes of maple? Palate: Diluted, sweetness, mild spiciness. Overly smooth and soft for my preference. Lacks character. Finish: Subtle, almost non-existent, light and sweet. It's as polite as all of the Canadians. It's both colored and chill-filtered. A fine introductory whiskey for beginners. Nothing negative, but I wouldn't become overly enthusiastic about it.