Tastes

This one is interesting. The bartender described it as a “mix between scotch and bourbon”. Having a single malt matured in an American fashion (new charred oak for 18 mos) results in something unique that you can’t quit put your finger on. On the nose, I get the praline and cocoa other users have noted, though on the palate it has a particularly malty character, common (at least for me) among small craft distilleries. The chocolate hits big time, and the aftertaste is loaded with molasses and vanilla. The bartender also mentioned that the distillery used hops during distillation, but I’m not sure how true that is. It is definitely interesting, but I probably won’t be ordering another glass if I’m being honest. A little too weird for me.

I can never figure out why so many hate on Dewars White Label. For me, it has been and continues to be of my go-to “table whiskies” - one that I don’t mind sipping on throughout the week while my finer whiskies wait for the right occasion. This is one of the sweetest scotch blends on the market. It’s light, friendly, silky on your tongue and checks all of the boxes that you want in a blended scotch. The price point is a major perk and frankly, it’s been a mainstay in the scotch world for a reason. Sure, it’s no Johnnie Walker Black, but then again it isn’t trying to be. It’s unpretentious, which many people feel scotch (and perhaps scotch drinkers) tend(s) to be. Other than the sweetness you get up front, there is also delicate cereal, vanilla, cream, apples, and just a hint of smoke. The White Label is not going to knock your socks off, but then again it is not trying to. So open your hearts, open your palate, and sip on a dram that has been and will continue to be around for years. Let it be your humble friend on Tuesday night. Slàinte!

Picked this up as a special bottling release at a local liquor store. Supposedly the owner had bought the barrel and had it bottled exclusively for his store. What we have here is a quintessentially Irish whiskey. The best one I think I’ve had, to be completely honest. Nose: apple, honey, sweet pastries, even a teency bit of the cantaloupe I read in some other reviews. Stings the nostrils in a glencairn glass. Taste: honey and sweet grains, apple but less prominent than it is on the nose. Burn only comes at the very end. Finish. Lightly smoky and the burn from the alcohol lingers. Medium oil character that coats the mouth and tongue (thanks pot still!). Overall: I’m honest surprised this isn’t more expensive. Great value for the price and an entire experience in the glass. Each sip takes you for a ride and doesn’t let go. Left me wanting more!

Nose: Pear, Honey, Dried fruit, Breakfast pastries Palate: Starts sweet, builds with a very mild burn and then a pleasant light smoke sets in Finish: Somewhat oily and leaves a numbness feeling on the tongue along with that light smoke. Overall: Pleasant, reminds me of a smokier Glenmorangie that is complex yet delicate

The first thing that struck me on the nose was the orchard fruit and white wine. I thought apple, though others say pear. I immediately got an image of warm apple strudel with the little swirl of icing on top. Vanilla, caramel, all of that. The taste is less orchard fruit and more vanilla, oily on the finish. Reminded me quite a bit of Glenfiddich but not quite as light.

I’m just starting to get into Scotches but I love this. Light and fruity and drinks like a silky white wine. I immediately picked up green apple on the nose and a little bit of dried fruits. The taste is nowhere near as sweet as the bourbons I’m used to drinking but this is mellow and less harsh due to the low alcohol content. It finishes so quickly and leaves only an oily residue behind. Virtually no bite in this Whisky. Love it!

Dear Jesus I love this Scotch. This is perfection in a glass.

First thing that hits your right off the bat is caramel, and then you get a rush of leather and woody sweetness. Very pleasant aftertaste with just a little bite on the back end. Picked up leather and little bit of cherry on the nose.

This whiskey has a rich amber color, and is surprisingly dark for its age, presumably due to the high wheat whiskey it’s mixed with. Nose is sweet, with some dried fruit and light vanilla. Sips smoothly, not too much of a bite. Not as grainy tasting as you would think. Overall, a solid bourbon.

Sweet, smooth, quite oily and delicious. This is a very easy drinking whiskey with a slight burn on the back end that lingers. Smells like brown sugar with a little bit of oak mixed in.