Tastes

Glenmorangie is a household Scotch name for a reason. This beautifully full bodied Highlander is exceptional and easily worth double the $100 price tag. Strong accents of vanilla, orange, chocolate and caramel blend together before a finish of pepper as smooth silk completes the experience.

If you like nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla (essentially eggnog done right) you'll love what my family dubs "Christmas in a Bottle." It's not for everyone, but if you like it, you'll love it.

Perhaps still one of the biggest mysteries is why this blended scotch with strong notes of Islay additions is priced lower than $50 a bottle. While it might push away those who dislike peat and smoke, it is a wonderful addition (some might say basic necessity) for any home bar.

Certainly this bottle needs no introduction. If ever offered, one should never turn down a dram of the good stuff. However consistently pleasing this whisky is, it's overpriced due to the name recognition. It is hard to recommend buying when compared to the joy in discovering more unique single malts for a half the price or less.

An excellent, smooth example of how Rye can be sipped and enjoyed the same as Scotch and Bourbon. Sweet vanilla carries this bottle through with slight caramel and nuttiness. A little pepper on the finish balances this out nicely. However, more a desert drink than anything else. While not a traditional Rye, at the price, there's no reason to pass on it.

Unmistakably Islay, the powerful nose is that of the sea and smoke. The front rises to the pallet like a mighty peated wave. However, the strength of the peat and smoke gives way to subtle hints of leather, pepper, and cherry through to the finish. While the charm of Islay is strong, it never overpowers the senses. This whisky is true to it's region, to be enjoyed by veteran lovers of smoke and neophytes alike.

Notes reminiscent of blended Canadian whisky, but not in a bad way. Simple and easy to drink, without pretending any depth. All at a price point that shouldn't cause a pause if mixed with a drop of soda or ice for an easy cocktail.

Brine and Peat nose, with strong Smoked Paprika throughout. Subtle Mesquite and Leather finish.

Full bodied with peat and brine forward on the nose and finish. Subtle hints of chocolate and fruit.