Tastes

Picked this up at a local liquor store while traveling out of town. Everything in the store was over-priced, so grabbed this as a “safe” and relatively affordable option. It delivered as being a safe and enjoyable pour, while not being remarkable. Very pleasant to drink, sufficently flavorable, while not being particularly memorable in either a positive or negative way. Will happily drink again if available while out, but probably won’t stock at home as I have other Irish whiskeys l like better at a similar price point.

This is a good, but not great, bourbon. Consistent, reliable. I’ll happily drink and enjoy if offered. But to me it is over-priced. Priced well above the Bulleit, which I like much better. Even priced at or above the JW Black, which is my standard. So I probably won’t keep on my bar, as I can usually get more value for my booze budget.

Grabbed the 1.75L bottle at Costco. Enjoyed it enough that I bought a replacement bottle on my next stock-up. Good flavor that holds up even when enjoyed on the rocks. Happy to stock this on my bar as a wallet-friendly daily pour, and even to share with guests without hesitation.

Picked up the 1.75 L bottle at Costco, with pretty high expectations. My last recent Knob Creek experience was very good, so I was looking forward to enjoying this bottle. But my last Knob Creek must have been a different brand than this 9-year, as I recalled it being much better. This is a decent bourbon, at a very good price for the big bottle. But not special. I’ll happily drink it if offered, but probably won’t replace the empty bottle on my shelf with the same.

The thought that immediately sprang into my mind at my first sip of this BIB was “Dammit, I should have bought more than one bottle.” Having tried several of the other Kirkland label whiskeys, and having been slightly underwhelmed by them, my expectations for the BIB were not too high. But they were massively exceeded! Such a burst of intense, complex favors, with a very nice lingering finish. I usually take my whiskey on the rocks, so the higher proof is very nice to maintain some character despite being a little watered down. This is the first of the Kirkland brand whiskeys where, If I was offered some at a party, I’d be genuinely pleased about it. Will definitely stock up on more next time I go to Costco. Great value.

Clearly this is Costco’s attempt at a JW Black - styled scotch. And they have done a decent job of creating a drink that’s clearly in the same ballpark as the Black. But it’s an imitation, not a duplication. Smooth, with some character. I enjoyed for a month. But the following month I went back to Costco and bought the JW. If I’m feeling on a particular day that I shouldn’t she’ll out $50+ for the JW, I could easily buy this as a cost-conscious substitute. But most of the time I’ll be willing to pay the premium for the real deal. This was “fine”, in a good way. Very competent blend. But nothing to get excited about.

Not bad, though certainly not special. Has enough flavor to make it a little interesting. I’m definitely open to keeping some in stock as a very affordable night cap.

As I’ve worked my way through the 1.75 L bottle for the past few weeks, I’ve had a hard time deciding whether I actually enjoy this Irish just a little bit? Or am I just tolerating it? I’ve concluded that I have just been tolerating it. Granted, I drink a generous pour over ice and sip through the evening, but there is just very little actual flavor in it. Essentially inoffensive and bland, once in a while you get a hot sip that in my mind unconsciously screams “lighter fluid.” I would never serve to guests I actually respected. I might buy again as purely an economics play - that’s a lot of drink for $25. But I hope I would find a better option for a similar price.

I first heard of JW Black when reading a biography of Winston Churchill that noted that it was his regular daily (all day!) drink. I must say Winston had good taste. This is the cornerstone of my bar, and is my preferred daily if I’m not being too budget-conscious. Enough peat to get your attention without inducing heartburn. Smooth, without becoming bland or forgettable. I like it on the rocks. Classic, and deservedly so.

$23.99 for the handle. This is a “Spirits Direct” offering from Total Wine & More. I find it to be a fairly mild and smooth Scotch at a good price. More flavor than some of its peers. For me, a good, more affordable, option as a daily night-cap. Very interested to read what others think.