Tastes

Dang. So much bourbon tasted this Christmas. Some may worry that I'm switching sides, but those who know my heart know better. Nonetheless I'm enjoying this. On the nose: maple, tobacco, and apricot preserves. The palate brings incredible spice and heat; vanilla extract, charred oak, pepper, decaying leaves, hazelnut, praline, and the taste of the musty air in an old barn. The mouthfeel is resinous and boasts a mouthwatering minerality; you're licking it off your teeth for the next minute. The aftertaste is of tobacco ash and rich oak. Paired with some wonderful Johnson company and a marvelous bowl of... guacamole.

Maybe a decent standard bourbon, but for me just a reminder of why I can't get into bourbon more. Red cinnamon candy, cherry Tootsie Pop, spicy wheat, cough syrup, cough syrup, cough syrup.

Kory and Ashlyn surprised me with this for my grad school acceptance. (Tears, crying, warmth.) On the nose I find butterscotch, nutmeg, vanilla, light mint, and barrel spices. On the palate there's melted butter, vanilla buttercream frosting, red velvet cake, and fresh herbs such as tarragon, basil, and crushed mint. The finish is wispy, light, and pleasant, while the aftertaste is of maple and spices. This is my first bottle of bourbon, and I couldn't imagine a better one to have on the shelf. This whiskey is light and straightforward, but it's sure of itself. Four stars for value and craft that speaks for itself.

Leathery mouthfeel, amazing palate, drying finish, lasting caramelly aftertaste. My first Japanese malt. From tasting event, 12/17/16. Update, 11/5/22: Brazil nut, vanilla, and candied yams on the nose. Ether(eal) vanilla bean on the palate, with warm notes of toasted sesame. On the palate Coffey Grain feels green, estery, and evaporative. The finish is light, evanescent, and lightly sweet (think confectioner sugar), leaving a dreamy aftertaste.

Glenfiddich might lack in the palate, but the nose and the finishes never disappoint. The marriage of the casks here makes for a complex finish, while peaches and light spice dominate the palate. From tasting event, 12/17/16.

Had this right after a Balvenie so I can't really review it well. In comparison, was I drinking water? I found the 15 more interesting, however. From tasting event, 12/17/16.

The nose is piney and spicy, and the underlying malt matches that tone with its youth and vigor. I'm not sure I'd pay the price though, given its age and despite its intrigue. From tasting event, 12/17/16.

Even with only a few sips poured, it looks like maple syrup with a rosy red hue—one of the darkest whiskies I've seen. It actually reminds me in some ways of the Oamaruvian: winey, punchy, drying, and spicy. It differs in that it has a wonderful leather note and sports that incredible Balvenie maltiness. Truly phenomenal. I'd have bought this one if it weren't for the budget. From tasting event, 12/17/16.

What the hell. The most amazing nose: nutmeg, rain-soaked temperate woods, white pepper, sea salt. All this and more on the palate: fresh baked sourdough bread, smoked honey, shortbread. The finish is the most spectacular of any single malt I've ever had. I can't describe it but I hope I can recall it for years to come. From tasting event, 12/17/16.

On the nose, a true Speysider. Beeswax, red fruit, slightly winelike. On the palate it reminds me of an Irish. There's more fruit, and some citrus comes along bringing lemon tart to mind. However, it's a bit thin. A good everyday drinker but not at that price point ($60). From tasting event, 12/17/16.