Tastes
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Starts with an alcoholic burn of smoked vanilla and bright citrus (like orange essence). I then fixate on tar-like peat in this rich bouquet. The palate boasts seaweed paper, light salt, peppered capicola, caramel, and cherry tobacco. The finish is smoky, woody, and leathery, leaving an aftertaste of mint leaves and more citrus. Certainly this is a tempestuous dram; there's much to consider. Another winner from the Isle of Skye.
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Springbank 10 Year
Single Malt — Campbeltown, Scotland
Reviewed June 26, 2016 (edited November 30, 2019)The bouquet is definitely that of a Springbank: bright and fruity, with grove fruits like sweet orange and nectarine; sherry playing the upfront role; smoked walnut as it lifts up. The nose hides it well, but the palate's brininess is discernible even before it hits the tongue. The most striking first impression of the overall rich palate is kipper and peat, while spice bread and candied pecans form the foundation. The finish is lasting, tart, drying, and refreshing. It eventually diminishes into a nutty, woody aftertaste of salt and pepper and ash. The empty glass smells like a mild cigar (Macanudo Portofino?) before it's been lit. Easily one of the best 10-year-olds I've ever had. -
Highland Park 18 Year
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed June 17, 2016 (edited November 16, 2019)Captivating with its deep amber hue, this dram is an elixir that clings to the glass like resin. The nose blooms enticingly slowly, and I sense tart cherry preserves, aromatic tobacco, and banana tarte tatin; as it continues to open up a sweet oiliness becomes apparent. The palate features so many qualities at once, and the mystery is that each note you find plays seamlessly together, not distracting you from one that you'd think would be out of place. Among these are raspberries and cream, polished leather, gentle brine, an unreal woodiness, and mellowed peat. These are discovered in the midst of a leathery mouthfeel. The opposites keep attracting in the finish, where the burn is intensely tannic yet delicately suave, spicy like chili powder yet refreshing like mint. This was accompanied brilliantly by a My Father Nicaraguan cigar rolled exclusively for Federal Cigar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. All in celebration of Mitch's wedding. Cheers. -
El Jimador Reposado Tequila
Tequila Reposado — Tequila Valley, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed June 11, 2016pimienta blanca, tirabeque, y pitaya. 9/6/16 -
Herradura Reposado Tequila
Tequila Reposado — Tequila Valley, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed June 11, 2016 (edited April 24, 2018)agave, lozano, y cedro del desierto. 30/5/16 -
Espolòn Añejo Tequila
Tequila Añejo — Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Reviewed June 11, 2016 (edited April 24, 2018)frutas tropicales, miel de agave, y vainilla especiada. 21/5/16 -
Connemara Original Peated Single Malt
Single Malt — Ireland
Reviewed June 4, 2016 (edited August 3, 2021)Oily, marine scent with an unassuming floral character on the palate. The finish is also maritime, and the smoke wisps into salty air. Sweet aftertaste. Light, youthful, easy, pleasant.
Results 91-100 of 144 Reviews