Tastes

Nose: Bacon or salted ham was apparent first on the nose. Easy to catch a slight burn on the nose due to the high proof. Tobacco coming through and light cocoa powder. The hue is caramel more than the reddish hue I tend to attach to sherry influenced whisky. Definitely what I’d describe as rich in hue and nose. Like Lagavulin 16 without that - Ooo this is obviously Lagavulin profile. I catch just a hint of a light crisp fruit but the oily smoke scent is much more pronounced. After a few more takes at it, it reminds me of spiced venison sticks. I think this would pair well with salty crackers and salami. Taste: On first sip, my taste buds need to burn and get adjusted to the heat of the proof. Not terrible oily but distinctly Islay as can be expected. Powerful, bold smoke and apparent salted meat. 3 drops of water: Sweetness is more apparent. Maybe oranges? But that’s a bit of a stretch. Not quite as hot but still quite the punch. 15ish drops: At this point it’s cloudy, but closer to the typical proof I tend to drink no doubt. Additional notes aren’t jumping out. Proof still grows through the finish. Finish: Grows in aggressiveness. It’s a bold dram. Not terribly complex. Give it a minute and some subtle sweetness peaks it’s way into the finish. Oiliness a bit more noticeable as the mouth and throat processes the resolution of the tasting.

Nose: Chewy toffee and caramel. Like one of those chews that you get at a parade. Sweeter and more candy nose than other bourbons. Also, no cherry nose like I find with Eagle rare which is a happy find. Vanilla present as well. A little more complexity found if I swirl and take a deeper whiff. Taste: Smooth and very little burn. Most likely due to the 80 proof that is bourbon. Usually drink scotch. Not a lot of complexity. Just a great example of what to expect with a pure bourbon. Slightly oily but insignificant compared to an Islay scotch. Finish: Nothing substantial that is inconsistent with the initial taste. This whiskey gets it’s rave and appeal because it’s smooth, true to the bourbon style, and has a good marketing/bottling approach. Worth the $60 retail but not something to chase at absurd prices like some whiskey groups sometimes hype. Would maybe consider paying up to $100 if you are a true fan of bourbon and have never had it. Near the best I have but remember, bourbon is so restrictive that very little difference exists among products.

Nose: Simple. Cherries. Taste: Cherries. Caramel maybe. Taste like a Manhattan, but obviously not dry. Finish: Smokey, tobacco growing smoke. Give it 10 seconds to expand.

Nose: Sweet caramel Taste: Simple. Sweet. Orange marmalade Finish: Quick syrup sweetness.

Very sweet on the tongue initially. Strong taste of cherries and toasted almonds. The finish is super long and grows in leather notes. It’s ok, but the cherry overwhelms it for me.

I don’t see this as anything to write home about, especially at the price point it’s at. Fruity and smooth.

Very sweet. Tried a glass from my buddy Joel. Much different than I’m use to. Almost candy like sweetness.

Typically peat on the nose. Surprisingly light color. Almost comparable to a Chardonnay. On the palette, quite oily and smoky, but when sweet notes. The oil coats the mouth and gives off a toasted marshmallow flavor. I found this to be a less peaty whisky than Ardbeg An Oa, which I do prefer over the 10 year. Overall, a good peated whisky for $45.