Tastes

Ok actual notes now: it’s campfire smoke and Sharpie on the nose. My wife smelled it and picked out kerosene, which I can see. It’s a bit much for me still, but I’m not deterred. The palate is brine, barley, smoke, apple. I can appreciate it more than last year, so I’ll bump it up, but I still don’t love it. Don’t hate it, don’t like it either. Still can’t do the peat, but will definitely try again in the future.

Meh. It’s scotch. Not bad. Not good.

Second taste edit: lots of citrus sticks out among the earthy backdrop. Can’t get tired of this guy, classic of classics. For all the novelty malts that Glenmorangie puts out, their original is worth having around as well. Good weeknight dram, could drink it one after another.

A good weeknight dram. Classic of classic scotches. Well-rounded, smooth. Good go-to.

Rich flavor from the port casks, lingering on the tongue with a pleasant oiliness. It has a slight bitterness that I've seen in some wine-finished scotches that detracts from the experience slightly. Drink it slow, and allow each sip to stay a while. Rich dark fruits are most forward, but not overly sweet. I love it.

Edit: I’m bumping him up to 3.5 from 2.75, I’m having it again after experiencing more peat, and I am appreciating the hint of smoke in this guy more now. Very smooth, good sweetness, hint of smoke sets it off. Good stuff. It’s definitely peaty, but not much. I would drink a full pour for sure, but I was just able to have a sip.

Less bland than the Cardhu, but still not one I would drink if I had a choice. Not smooth.

Not as robust or nuanced as the cheaper 12yr doublewood. The latter is notably smoother too. Good scotch, but not one I need to keep on hand.

Meh. It’s scotch. I might rather have some Ballentine’s.

Edit: still a good classic, but I’ve had a bunch of extraordinary scotches this year and this guy, for all his merits, deserved to be bumped down just a smidge. Good weeknight dram. Complex, yet simply enjoyable. As of now, I’ll strive to have it on hand regularly.