Tastes

55%, so lots of ethanol on the nose. I smelled dark, ripe strawberry. Not quite as rich as cherry or plum, but dark red fruit. On the taste, light cinnamon, not heavy on the vanilla or oak, which is refreshing. Much more rich dark fruit than most bourbons. Reminds me of Angel’s Envy, but obviously not finished in port barrels. Excellent bourbon, good complexity, but not as rich in mouthfeel or finish as Garrison Brothers or Weller Antique.

The big flavor I get from this is baking spice. I don’t know which baking spice, but it tastes like a spice cookie around Christmas time, without so much sugar. Got a little cherry too toward the end of the dram. Very smooth. Would seek it out if it were available among a handful of American whiskeys.

This bourbon is smooth. Heavy on vanilla, oak and heat. I was honestly surprised to find that it’s 57.5% because of how smooth it is. Others have said they found cherry and chocolate, but I got very light chocolate and no cherry.

This malt is earthy, full, cinnamon spicy, and delicious. The nose has more ethanol than the taste. If I’ve had any dram that’s classic Highland, it’s this. Smooth as butter, but not in the same way as the Glenlivet 18. This butter has more cinnamon, maple, and oak. The only thing that gives the Quinta Ruban an edge is the long, oily, dark red fruit finish.

Definitely some spice prominent on the nose and the palette. Tbh the flavor of rye is growing on me, but this one is a little thin. Definitely makes me appreciate that Sazerac more. This was fun, but I’m good on it for a lifetime.

There’s not much on the nose. This is a smooth rye. My initial impression is very fresh and herbal. Kinda reminded me of how an IPA tastes so fresh and so green green. Nice cinnamon going on here. Maybe might wanna get me a bottle. I enjoyed this a good bit.

It’s good. Reminds me of a standard Irish, but with a bit more body. Definitely oaky. It’s like a marriage between a bourbon and an Irish.

The nose is pleasant and sweet. Goes down so so smooth, very rich, and good oiliness to let the finish linger. Better than the special reserve for sure. Wheat comes through a bunch, which makes me smile. So damn good.

I actually like the 12 year slightly more. This one is a bit thinner and not as dark, surprisingly. Still velvety, still rich, still oily, still fantastic, but not quite as much as the 12 year. A bit more spice and chocolate than it’s younger counterpart.

Classic bourbon burn at first, but once it lays its nest in your mouth, you get nothing but smooth vanilla, oak and spice. Really good bourbon for the money.