Tastes

I enjoy the Noble series from Crown and the different expressions. This one ranks in the upper middle. Not a lot of strong notes, but a little mix of everything from the sweetness, to spice, to toasted French cask on the finish. Very pricey at over $100. I love the 13 year bourbon mash at a much lower price point.

Smells like crème brûlée. Vanilla and pepper also on the nose. Rum cask on front palate followed by peppery spice and some heat throughout. Medium finish and smooth for a high proof.

Huge vanilla blast on the nose. Rye spice shows up immediately but fades pretty quickly. Doesn’t deliver much else on the backend for a bourbon. Fairly smooth finish for a barrel proof.

Good dark caramel color and long thick legs. Initial nose was a hint of cinnamon candy and vanilla with a very slight hint of ethanol like you find in many craft bourbons. The rye was present throughout on the palate. Some vanilla, oak and flowery notes to finish. A few drops of water or ice may bring out other notes.

Very good for the price point. The Aberlour 12 yo and 16 yo double casks give a lot bourbons a run for their $$$. This is coming from a bourbon lover!

Nice dark rich color. Vanilla and herbal spices on nose. A dark chocolate and intense spice on front palate with leather, dark chocolate bitterness and barrel char on back end. Very nice and drinkable neat, but at 52 abv can stand up on ice and open up more without losing intensity of flavors.

Purchased this on the recommendation from a retailer to replace a Arbelour 16 double cask that was out of stock. This was my first Japanese whisky experience. For a single grain it was not bad, but did not meet my expectations for the price point. Too much single note and no depth of flavor that I look for as a bourbon fan. Nothing on the back end that really made me want to come back for more or purchase this bottle again.

The best non-bourbon scotch bourbon! Of all the scotches I’ve tried this one is by far the best I’ve ever had. Exceptional for a bourbon lover. The double cask matured liquid produces a dark caramel color, sweet tobacco nose. The double cask oak stays with you throughout the finish, but some fruitiness come though upfront.