Tastes

Very very nice. First taste is smoke, then a sweet rich blend immediately takes over. The epitome of balance. Try some now.

Actually have no complaints. Very light and simple. Fresh. Very easy to sip, and would be a great introduction without scaring someone off. I won't reach for it often, but wouldn't be afraid of it either if that's what they had at the pub.

Actually fairly impressed. Smooth. Light. A splash of character. Not a complex whisky, but has a clear purpose and flavor, which is executed well. Almost exactly what you'd expect from a 12 year fiddich aged for 2 more years with a more distinctive oak profile.

Very very tasty. Dry, toasty flavor, but notably sweet profile. A gentle iodine saltwater for balance. Recommended.

2014-07. Incredible nose. Deep red amber color. Very interesting and uncommon for a bourbon. Enlivens the palate. Light mouthfeel and very unique behavior. An initial bloom of flavor on the tongue that immediately disappears, then slowly rebuilds as it returns with mouth warming spices. Zesty, herbal, citrus flavors dominate. Something to appreciate.

A touch of ethanol but mostly sweet pear on the nose. Clean and light lemon. Mild Mexican vanilla. Immediate flash of burn with light cayenne. A notable rye spice layer over a light and fruity palate.

Kind of crazy delicious. Top marks given the price point. A sweet offering, and so, so smooth. Strong vanilla flavor. Toffee and butter. Playful fruit. A gentle spice and burn on the finish if neat - none with an ice cube. Drink some now.

Dominant sherry profile. I give high marks as a very smooth, very unique offering. This has more in common with a sherried Scotch than most rye whiskeys, but the blend offers a very clearly complex experience, except one that ends up rich, zesty, smooth, and sweet, all in a complimentary and enjoyable balance. Often "complex" whiskies just feel muddled, clashing, or without purpose beyond taking a "man's" palate to appreciate. perhaps benefitting from the freedom of blending, this feels purposeful and well-crafted. It is quite different, but do yourself a favor and see if it's to your liking.

Probably my favorite mass-market "premium" whiskey. It's easy to be dismissive of the big boys, but makers is in its position for a reason. My only knock is that the profile is mostly sweet, but it comes with a number of flavors that meld quite nicely. A very polished product, just missing the more rugged characteristics of a truly balanced whiskey. If you want sweet, smooth, and refined, it's hard to find a better example. Prominent toffee and vanilla flavors.

A great example of wheated bourbon that isn't just sweetness. Unlike the everyday Wellers (Special Reserve), the Antique 107 offers the burn of a noticeably higher proof. There is a nice viscosity as it sits on the tongue, then flashes of heat in the cheeks and sides of the tongue. A bit of wood char, then tart apples come through quite clearly. Most of the sweetness is crisp and bright, especially noticeable if aerated against the palate. A very nicely balanced whiskey that's easy to get into as long as the higher proof doesn't scare you off. Probably a keeper on my shelves.