Tastes
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Talisker Distillers Edition
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed January 18, 2015 (edited January 5, 2019)Talisker, my first love in the world of single malts. Whereas the 10 year might be down-to-earth, soft spoken, but tried and true, this whisky is romantic, piquant, and emotive. The scent is identical to my first impression of Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier: sweet, malty, and bacon. On the tongue - spiced currants, black pepper, dried cherries, a fair amount of sea salt, and a Romeo y Julieta cigar. Intriguing, astringent mouthfeel. The finish redoubles with browning fruit and campfire smoke, burning with pepper and passion à la Smaug's breath. Full of excitement all the way through. -
Bushmills 10 Year Single Malt
Single Malt — Ireland
Reviewed January 15, 2015 (edited January 28, 2016)Smells sweet - the sharpness of vanilla bean with a light honey backdrop; I immediately recognize the floral depth characteristic of an Irish; vanilla stays along in the palate, as well as candied apple and the filling of a cherry cordial - thoroughly malty as well; the finish is interesting and medicinal but diminishes sooner than I'd expect; thanks Mitch - an amazing gift and a great whiskey for the price range. -
The Glenrothes 1998
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed January 14, 2015 (edited January 19, 2017)Scent of lemon zest and light vanilla; taste is definitely tropical - reminiscent of amarillos (Puerto Rican plantains, caramelized and spiced); allspice and marmalade, with a great resinous feel to it. Pleasant in every way, this is simply delicious; perfectly balanced and one of the most wonderful finishes of anything I've tried - mildly fruity but rich and spiceful in its lingering. I must say, more of a 4.5 than just 4 - this one will be on my shelf for a while. -
Deanston Virgin Oak
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed January 2, 2015 (edited August 20, 2018)Rich toffee smell, a pale and youthful look, but still somehow very rich. Acutely spicy - though it's only instantaneously poignant as opposed to deep and rounded. Unexpectedly, the barley comes off as sweet and pronounced in this one. Very woody and oaky, fresh and green - it's definitely a spring dram. At first I felt that it was harsh and overly forward, but it has really grown on me as I've slowly gone through the bottle. Put a single cube of ice in it, and in my opinion you'll unleash the 'virgin' impression that's latent in this bottle. -
Highland Park 15 Year
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed December 22, 2014 (edited December 29, 2015)Smells just peaty enough to let me know that all is well. Wild honey is the first thing I taste, which is also how I'd describe the color in this pub lighting. Lightly smoky, very nutty, and richly woody. Being the oldest single malt I've tried, the bourbon influence is coming through really strongly. Very much enjoyed it. A nice dram! -
This is phenomenal. On the nose, it's sunburnt vintage leather and the Frogmorton oriental blend I smoked recently. Very smoky. Sensate explosion with an oily mouthfeel. The first sip gives you the peat unabashedly but it's actually sweeter than I'd have expected. It's mellow vanilla and tart pear, and there's a lovely tobacco sweetness too. Wispy smoke finish. This is my kind of dram - and I'm glad I chose it to accompany the cold months ahead - but damn, I need the sea. Update: Revisited this one after a year went by. This has to be the best everyday Islay malt. Save Uigeadail for a late winter's night; take a Lagavulin on an October camping trip; sip on Port Charlotte or Kilchoman on a warm spring day or while on the docks; let Bunnahabhainn accompany a philosophy journal; but Laphroaig 10 in its smooth, golden finesse is one to enjoy on any and every occasion, whether in celebration of a milestone or of the simple goodness of the mundane.
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Bulleit Rye
Rye — Indiana (bottled in Kentucky), USA
Reviewed October 19, 2014 (edited December 24, 2016)I like this. Bright and tart berry smell. Spicy and dry. Finished sour but pretty smoothly. Thanks for the introduction to the world of rye, Bulleit. -
Glenmorangie Nectar D'or 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed October 11, 2014 (edited August 28, 2019)Smells tart and lively in comparison to the others in this series; lemon, not-quite-ripe apricot; deep down is the expected sweet-dryness of the barley. I get the vanilla and coconut right away, and a fair amount of grain and spice towards the back. The mouthfeel here is a 'thick sweetness,' such as what I would find in the flavor of papaya or cantaloupe. Nectar d'Or seems more complex than its brothers. It's smooth, and probably my favorite of the series. Second tasting brings honey and dried apricot to mind. Dry finish compared to the other Extra Matured. -
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed October 6, 2014 (edited November 26, 2015)Wonderful color, rich and dark. Nose is full of plum and ripeness. Fruity sweetness is almost overwhelming but the expected malt flavor still delivers. Despite the intensity of the sweetness, there's still somewhat of a mouthwatering fruit-skin tartness. Black cherry and plum finish with appropriate but toned-down warmth. This one is rich and sweet, but a little heavy for me in the sweet area. -
Glenmorangie Lasanta Sherry Cask Finish 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed August 21, 2014 (edited January 27, 2015)Loving the tinge of this one. Sweet and tantalizing smell, and very rich and sweet to the taste. There's a depth to it that offsets the initial raisin-syrup sweetness and makes the maltiness all the more welcome. Nice burn with cinnamon, pepper, and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly named, Lasanta. Second tasting brings cherry preserves to mind.
Results 131-140 of 144 Reviews