Tastes

This is only my second French bottle and I have to say it is significantly better than the Bastille blend I tried several years ago. This is a non-peated blend of whiskies from three regions of France. I’ve struggled to come up with clear tasting notes on this one because there is the added dimension of communicating its unique character. Saying that it has notes of fruit, wood, etc. I don’t think really captures what Bellevoye is like or it’s potential divisiveness among drinkers of Scotch, Irish, or American whiskies. For me, it conjures a seaside picnic of sliced pears, moldy cheese, and sardine tarts. In short, it’s French.

This is made from 100% rice so it is quite distinctive from the typical whisky experience. It’s light, clean, and has a hint of melon. Perhaps one of the more refreshing drams I’ve ever had. But let’s get down to brass tacks: if you enjoy sake, try it! Otherwise, stay away.

This has everything you’d expect from an Irish Whiskey. It’s not at all as refined as the whiskeys that go for double or triple the price but don’t let that stop you from enjoying. Hell-Cat Maggie may be rough around the edges, but she’s full of character and punches well above her weight. Probably the best Irish for the price around.

Sweet, very sippable, but kinda one-note.

Laphroaig drinkers like to dog on this one for not being as intense, it isn't. But I don't think it's lower quality. It's lighter, thinner, and sweeter almost like Laphroaig was going for a bourbon. It may just be because I live somewhere that gets pretty hot in the summertime, but this seems an ideal summer scotch.

This bottle was a funky adventure. It definitely evolved the longer the bottle was open and I recommend letting it breathe a few weeks before really enjoying. The best way I know to describe it is to imagine the strong peaty nose of Caol Ila and a taste of salted focaccia bread with a hint of vanilla.

Sweet, citrus, grass. A subtle, flavorful Irish whiskey. An easy sipper and good quality for the price. Comes in a distinctive bottle (that's a pain to pour from the first few drams).

I fell in love with this bottle as soon as I smelled the freshly opened bottle. This was everything you'd expect from a quality highland: heather, honey, malt combined with an expert use of smoke so that you get all the flavors and smells of smoking honey-glazed meat on the coast.

Underneath the burn and intense spice, I do taste some of the flavors described on the label but the burn and spice does not make it worth the effort. The ginger overpowers everything else on my palate.