Tastes

It’s definitely more flavorful than I’d think for a 90 proof. Pretty classic bourbon, it’s like a fairly rich vanilla-iced spice cake with brown sugar. Well-made.

It certainly has its sharp edges, but the bourbon flavors that I prefer stand out. Brown sugar, clove and oak. Vanilla is overshadowed by these more preferable notes, and it’s better for it. Pretty rich, moderately long finish. Damn solid bourbon.

Rich, creamy, moderately long finish. The big flavors that hop out are barley, buttercream, honey and subdued oak. Evidently, Glenmorangie grows some pretty stellar grain, and it’s the star of the show here.

Nose is extremely similar to the Highland Park 12, which I’m having side-by-side with this guy. Light smoked meat and light fruit. On the palate, it’s a little smokier than its nose would indicate, and it’s more iodic than the HP. Whereas the Bowmore 18 is a cranked up Lag 16, this is a Lag 16 toned down a bit. Delicious, but a little thin. Still has that nice medicinal note, and lightly smoked meat. Not as much fruit as the HPs. It’s good, man.

It is pretty dang good. Not much on the nose, but I’m enjoying this pour. Not oversweet, not harsh. It’s closer to Redbreast or Balvenie than a Jameson, which is what I expected.

Soft, sweet, candy. Not very complex, but easy drinking and accessible.

The nose is ceramic, smoky, grilled pear and apple. The palate offers more complexity still. Strawberry notes, along with strong smoke, pear and apple again, and orange marmalade adding to a viscous mouthfeel. It lingers a long time with the peaty oils.

Second taste edit: after the bottle opened up some, it got miles better. It’s still intense, but I can at least taste the rich brown sugar and almond butter that dominate the palate. Worthy of bumping up to 4.0 if only because it reminds me of my Booker’s Kitchen Table. Accidentally deleted my entry. Don’t remember exactly what I wrote, but it was extremely hot and I couldn’t get far past that. Took my breath away. Wood spice, cherry and corn sweetness are what I remember.

Vanilla icing on the nose, and slighting spicy. This is reminiscent of the Woodford Double Oaked, but not as rich and milder on the finish. The spirit disappears instantly when swallowed. Easy drinking, and very obviously double oaked. Wood spice with caramel and velvety vanilla, plus a little fresh menthol, are what I get.

Specs pick. It’s a little thinner overall than the original, but it has a vibrant vanilla cream aroma and flavor. Cinnamon and oak round out the palate. Damn good for the $16 price tag on a 375ml bottle.