Tastes

My first peated whisky. It has a more pronounciated nose and taste compared to my earlier single malts, but that makes it even easier to describe: smoke and peat, salt and pepper, with a hint of tart and vanilla. Somehow, this 10 year old makes me think of a late-night campfire on a stormy beach... :). Great dram! (Mine's bottled at 40% abv)

After being pleasantly surprised by my first Christmas gift a few days back (Glenfiddich 12 year old), I could hardly wait to sample this one: the Glenfiddich Rich Oak (14 year old). The nose was moderate sweet, and indeed a bit oaky, but very inviting. Rather full on the palate, it was a bit more woody than the 12 year old, and I even imagine that I can taste both the European and American oak, be it nicely blended together with some hints of vanilla/brown sugar, or perhaps honey? The finish lasted surprisingly long, especially the vanilla flavour, and some spices. It's a tough call, but I even seem to like it just a tad more than the Glenfiddich 12 year old, wich I like very much, but was a teeny bit more acidic. Makes me curious about the other Glenfiddich expressions, though... :)

Got this one as a gift for Christmas, together with the Glendfiddich 14 yo Rich Oak. I decided to sample this one first. I had read some notes before, and I'm happy to be able to recognise a lot of the flavours: apple/pear, citrus, some vanilla and some oakiness. The aftertaste lingers the right amount of time. A favourite!

As I wasn't really into whisky, a friend recommended me to try the JD Honey, which I instantly liked. Then he wanted me to try and taste the Gentlemen's Jack, but unfortunately he ran out of it. So, the second pour was this JD Old no. 7. A bit stronger on the taste, perhaps even a bit oaky, but still sweet. Purpose fulfilled though: they (the friend + JD) got me interested in whisky!

Fruity nose, strong, warm taste and a slightly spicy finish, with a hint of honey. Not very complex, but an ok blend for it's price.

As I wasn't very much impressed with their Red Label, a friend recommended that I try the Black Label. Although tasting more mature, and more complex, I'm not yet 100% convinced. It feels like a safe bet, but it's nothing special. I do like it a lot better than the Red Label though.

Had the opportunity to taste this 12 year old Highland Park on a party a while ago, and despite of having to sip it out of a disrespectful plastic cup, i quite enjoyed it. What I remember is a rather sweet nose, that I also found on the palate, but accompanied with a fair amount of smoke and spices. The finish was similar, and lasted just the right amount of time. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance on a second dram, as the bottle was empty. One for my wishlist!