Tastes

Overall: I prefer the regular cheaper Amarac finish (“the Herald” edition) Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: tobacco, dry wood 🪵 Mouthfeel: neutral Palate: tannic, white wood. undertone: dark honey, brandy Finish: dry/astringent Rating: 8/10 - I prefer the regular cheaper Amarac finish Price paid: $73 Value rating: 7/10 Would I get again? No, better value elsewhere

Details: Smoother/mellower than a 15 at twice the price. Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: green apple peels Mouthfeel: succulent heavy Palate: Too mellow for me to detect. No fruits or relatable note. Finish: radiating warmth Rating: 8/10 Price paid: $150 Value rating: 6/10 Overall Notes: Smooth, slight fruity, sweet neat sipper. Would I get again? Maybe. Smoother/mellower than a 15 at twice the price.

Green apple on the nose. Mellow palate Toki is more interesting.

Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: cherry sherry, wispy smoke , walnuts  Mouthfeel: neutral Palate: cinnamon christmas basket, citrus Finish: pepper  Rating: 5/5 Price paid: $45 Value rating: 10/10 Overall Notes: zero faults. smoothest tamed peaty 10 Would I get again? As a smooth tamed 10, yes

Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: ripe red apples, pears Mouthfeel: neutral (water) Palate: apple peels, citrus vanilla Finish: hint of spice. peppery Rating: 8/10 Price paid: $80 Overall Notes: Smooth while retaining apple notes (vs the mellower Glenfiddich 15) Would I get again? It’s a tossup between this and Glenfiddich 15 (exceptionally mellow/smooth). This has a hit more character (apple and peppery) - but I would still choose Glennfiddich 15 just for the smooth mellow reference.

Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: sherry, caramel, soft vanilla, Fuji apple Mouthfeel: smooth water. neutral density Palate: fruity. ripe orchard (Fuji apple), pears, Finish: smooth (not crisp, not oily - clean) Note: feels like a 15 (mellow, no harsh afterbite). Whereas Toki feels like a 8-12 year Rating: 9/10 Price paid: $98 Value rating: 6/10 Overall Notes: balanced, mild floral blend. IMHO Toki is harsher but more interesting Would I get again? At this price point not my preference. The bottle is beautiful though.

Glennfiddich 15 Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: yellow apple, ripe pear. Subtle sherry tone (this is not a sherry bomb) Mouthfeel: bitter but not astringent. No tannin (very mellowed out) Palate: bitter wormwood, leather, wisp of smoke Finish: a tinge of bitterness. Otherwise none it is very smooth Rating: 8/10 - it’s nice but I prefer a whiskey with more expressive character (Laphroaig). Price paid: $80 Value rating: 10/10 the equivalent cognac cost $200+ Overall Notes: bitter, mellowed fruity notes. It is very smooth but I prefer something with more character. This would be an excellent gift to introduce whisky a cognac lover - this has all the characteristics of higher end XO cognac. This is the whisky version of a $300 cognac . Would I get again? It’s interesting and I would definitely keep this style on hand. Edit: this is a wonderful neat sipper. For only $80.

Tasting Methodology: Neat in a Canadian Glencarin glass. Rested 10 minutes. Nose: yellow apple, ripe pear Mouthfeel: bitter but not astringent Palate: bitter wormwood, Finish: a tinge of bitterness. Otherwise none it is very smooth Rating: 8/10 - it’s nice but I prefer a whiskey with more expressive character (Laphroaig). Price paid: $80 Value rating: 10/10 the equivalent cognac cost $200+ Overall Notes: bitter, mellowed fruity notes. It is very smooth but I prefer something with more character. This would be a great entry whiskey to give to someone that appreciates cognac. Would I get again? It’s interesting and I would definitely keep this style on hand