Tastes

Haven't had this in a while so I picked up a bottle to refresh my memory. Better than the green label by a long shot. Butterscotch, oak, some pepper. This bottle has an odd "soapy" taste on the finish. Rinsed and dried glass thinking that might be the cause. No change. Tried a disposable clear plastic wine tumbler. "Soapy" finish still there. The only two products from Heaven Hills that I dislike so far are the Evan Williams green and black label. For the same or less money, and from the same distiller, I much prefer the Henry McKenna or the Heaven Hills Old Style 80 proof. You can also get Benchmark from BT. All superior IMHO. Don't See another bottle of this in my future.

Really wanted to like this since I support local distillers when possible. Aged by "chipping" or inserting wooden staves into the base spirit to speed up the aging process. Had some hope since another local distillery, Defiant Single Malt is able to pull it off very well. Very harsh, with brown paper bag taste. I hope I can mix it with something, or else I'm stuck with a $30 bottle of drain cleaner. Worst bottle of whiskey I've purchased to date.

None of the standard Dirty Birds (81,101, or Rye) reside in my bar. I just don't care for Wild Turkey's finish. Middle of the road bourbon. Pay th e couple extra bucks and get the 101. Or better yet, splurge every once in a while on the Rare Breed which is a solid 5 star.

This is not my favorite neat or on the rocks, but it has a certain "oaky" character that I really like that punches through in cocktails that are not spirit forward. For this reason I always keep some 50 Mls on hand to pour into cola, 7up or ginger ale.

Even though my taste in whiskey has evolved, I will always have a soft spot for MM as it was my first bourbon. Soft vanilla and caramel with a pleasant grassy undertone. Great neat, rocks or mixed. When my wife wants to surprise me with a bottle, she may have trouble finding Elijah Craig 12, Evan Williams Single Barrel or Old Weller Antique on the ever expanding bourbon aisle, but she can always spot the trademark red wax of Maker's and know she's getting me something I'll enjoy. 3.5 stars.

I've been generally unimpressed by Canadian Whiskies. I picked up a couple 50 mls of this to see if it could change my mind. First impression? Love the color on this one. Dark, robust, almost coffee-like. Pleasant nose. Definite caramel with a smoky note as well. Neat, it Enters the palate with a sweetness that stays throughout. Bold oak and char definitely present. Pleasant burn on the finish. I usually find Canadian whisky "thin" with very little complexity. While this is not as complex as a good bourbon, it is very enjoyable and offers a great "heavy" mouth feel with several discernible characteristics. Way ahead of Crown's standard offering. the only thing that keeps this from earning a 4th star is when I think about dropping $30 on this one, I look at the Bourbon aisle and see Elijah Craig 12, or Buffalo Trace or Old Granddad BIB. All less money and all better whiskies IMHO.

You get a bold nose with this one. Caramel heavy with big oak in the background. Not real complicated or sophisticated. Neat it enters the palate with caramel sweetness followed by peppery rye and dry oak. A pleasant warming burn with a great sweet oak lingering on the finish. An ice cube or two really mellows it out and brings more of a "blend" of the flavors. The oak and rye play a little nicer together. If this was $20 instead of $30, it would get an extra star, but it just doesn't stand out enough in this price range. Still a solid choice.

A good "beginners" Scotch. It has hints of vanilla and leather with apple and pear. For a few dollars more, try the Scratched Cask Edition for a little more depth and nuance.

Not a fan. My first foray into scotch was almost my last. Lots of peat and smoke that overpower any other notes. Gets 2 stars instead of 1 because it became much more palatable on the rocks. If you're looking for a scotch in this price range, pick up the Dewar's White Label instead. Much more balanced.