Tastes

Second taste edit: this is much better than I remember. Undrinkable previously, but I guess I’ve acclimated to the smoke world a little. It’s got Earth and oak, and I can definitely tell that Talisker is the base. The nose is smokier than the palate. I still wouldn’t go out of my way to order it, but I don’t hate it like I used to. Nah. It’s peaty and thin.

Edit: Having it again after years off. It’s nuanced. It’s got some good smoke on the nose, it’s a little jagged, and the finish is fairly quick, but in between, you get grain, smoke, and light butterscotch. Each part of it stands out on its own and nothing is drowned out. Good stuff that’s still overpriced in my opinion, but I’ll never turn it down. Had it years ago. ‘Twas nice, but I didn’t really know anything about whisky back then. Who knows, I might still like it today. I do remember it fondly.

I like it. Easy to drink, affordable. Vanilla explosion, but not so sweet that it replaces dessert tonight.

Me: Surely the Gentleman has to be better than the no. 7. Also me: Yeah, in the same way that warm fart is better than mustard gas.

I avoided it for obvious reasons, but learning the science behind the Lincoln County Process intrigued me, so I bought a sample and tried it. Presumptions confirmed. It tastes like burnt tortilla chips.

Perfect for cleaning the toilet.

Second taste edit: this is cinnamony and leathery and delightful. I’m tasting alongside the Weller Antique and it’s not as robust as that, but still a solid 4.0. At first, the nose was nothing but ethanol, but it developed into not just wood, but the aroma of fresh-cut wood from the lumber section at Lowe’s. Odd to say, but very enjoyable. This is a heck of a dram. Had it years ago. Rich and robust. Expensive but worth every damn penny.

It’s definitely more pleasant than Jameson’s basic blend, but not much better. It’s basically Jameson with a few chocolate notes thrown in. Still too sweet.

I avoided it for obvious reasons, but felt I should give it a chance, and so I got a sample and tried it. Presumptions confirmed. It’s super sweet and otherwise bland. It may be palatable with plenty of Coke.

Oh boy. What complexity in this Irish! Full of flavor, nice fruit and sherry, cinnamon and spice. A nice flourish at the end of something pleasant I can’t put my finger on. Tops in the Irish category for me right now, and very affordable!