Tastes

This is a superior Scotch, if you like the Islay peat with an almost bourbon-like vanilla flourish. I love the smoky texture of your Islay standard-bearers (Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Talisker, etc.), but the extra burst of flavor in this bottle is notable and a welcome surprise. The peat smoke is what sticks with you at the end, but the flavor explosion on first sip is both surprising and pleasant. I got this for about $10 more than the standard Laphroaig, and it's definitely worth the extra cash. Very happy with this Scotch.

It's definitely different from the smoother, sweeter bourbons I've tried over the past couple of years. Man, that spicy kick of nutmeg and cinnamon at the end really packs a punch! I was not a fan of the leathery nose, but the taste is peppery and rich. The mouth feel is thick and creamy, which is why the spicy kick at the end came as a surprise. I had this on my wish list for awhile, and I finally jumped on an Internet sale on the PA liquor control board site to get it. I like it fine and it was definitely worth the cost, but it's not my favorite bourbon. I prefer Willett's Rowan's Creek to this one, but if you like a spicy, thick bourbon with a knock-you-on-your-butt 114 proof, this is the one for you.

I remember trying this for the first time and feeling like it was outrageously smokey and peaty. It definitely still hits those notes but I'm noticing the complexity the second time around, rather than being overwhelmed by the smoke and peat. I still prefer the Lagavulin 16 but I'm glad I revisited this bottle. If nothing else, it reconfirms my love of the Islay peat set.

It's like drinking campfire marshmallows dipped in a sugary butter. It's soft on the nose, with a sugar/spice mix, but bites hard with some heat on first sip. Texture is buttery smooth, with a very sugary finish. Tastes like cake, butter cream frosting and marshmallows, and it lingers in a good way. Of note, unlike other bourbons and ryes in my experience, this one tastes better neat. Dilution seemed to take away some of the impact of the flavor profile for me.

I don't regret getting this bottle. As whiskey goes, this feels like a "greatest hits" compilation of my favorite flavors. There's peat, sweet, earthy, and peppery, and each one stands out at different times from nose to aftertaste. Problem is that it tries too hard to be everything that it doesn't stand out on its own. I'd prefer the smokey goodness of Lagavulin or the mellow sweetness of a solid bourbon alone over the combination here. But that's not an indictment of this bottle's overall goodness. I don't hate this and will see that this bottle has a prominent place on my whiskey shelf, but it definitely is not an all-star.

Whenever I find a smooth finish on a potent whiskey, I know I'm going to love it. This one is superb. That faint hint of cherry really stands out against a full textured mix of toffee, caramel, and cinnamon. For a 100 proof bottle, it's so silky smooth at the finish, as that initial burn gives way to a mellow finish that's sugary sweet and sticks with you for awhile. This one has earned a spot on the top shelf among my bourbon collection. Though it's so good it won't be there for very long!

I had this delicious Scotch at a Brazilian steakhouse and it paired perfectly with my meal. The smoky flavor was counterbalanced with a smooth texture, and among the peated Islay set, it's easily one of my favorites.

I like it fine. My palate has been refined toward bourbon, so tasting a traditional rye is a different experience. As such, I'm not used to the spicy, almost minty kick of this rye, but it's still pretty tasty on the finish. I can taste the cedar/woody flavor and the heat on the finish is strong but surprisingly enjoyable. For now, I rate it somewhat high but need to dive into some more rye offerings to see how it measures up. But it's tasty and, I think, worth the cost.