Tastes

First time getting a bottle. This is a vanilla bomb, especially on the nose and palate. There is also a bit of caramel sweetness. The finishes on the oakier side, and a little short. Overall, I would say the strong vanilla flavor is the highlight, but the finish is a little disappointing. Still, enjoyable throughout, and definitely a distinct flavor profile.

First glass of a new bottle, neat. Nose is apple, cinnamon, and vanilla; some more fruits too when you hunt, including a little lemon. Flavor is sweet, spicy and rich (the proof adds a lot of the heat and depth, but it doesn't burn). Oak comes through in the middle and hangs around till the end. Finishes with the richer, darker fruit notes. Maybe, a well caramelized apple pie, that's gotten a little brown on top. Definitely more of a classic bourbon than something unique, but a very, very good classic bourbon.

Ordered this at a bar, so not ideal tasting conditions. But it left an impression. This is the most citrusy Whiskey i think ive ever tried. Some typical single malt flavors too, but the lemon flavor pushes everything else to the back. Very interesting, but also reminds me a little of a cleaning solution. Not bad, but not a favorite. Gets extra points for uniqueness.

First glass of a new bottle. On the nose, I get iodine, brine, and ocean air, with some caramelized meat behind that. On the palate, caramel sweetness leads, followed by a pretty sharp turn towards smoke when the high proof hits. The finish is smokey and peppery. Definitely complex, and maybe well balanced, but I wouldn't call it well integrated - That's not a complaint by any means, but just to say it has a very distinct beginning, middle, and end. Maybe think of it like a dialed up Ardbeg 10. So maybe the best Ardbeg. High-proof, well-made peated scotches are very hard to beat.

Last glass of the bottle. Nose is more sweet than smokey. Palate combines a nice, rounded, caramel note with ample smokiness, with some interesting stuff behind that: I always get a little mint. Finish is long and smokey, with a little ash. Obviously, if you like the Isaly scotches, you will love this. But I think what's so amazing about th lagavulin is that it manages to be both bold and approachable. You don't need to have a crazy palate to think that this is delicious. Its just a smoked, bbq sandwich with a little fancy slaw - who wouldn't like that! Compare that with some other islay scotches (which i also love), where you use words like "iodine," "vegetal," and "seaweed."

Second glass of the bottle. In general, Pleasant but mild. A little honey and wet rye on the nose, along with a tiny bit of mint maybe. Flavor builds on the palate toward vanilla and cinnamon sweet, followed by a little barrel char. Everything is nice and smooth, but I wish the flavors were a little bigger.

First glass of a new bottle. On the nose, a lot of cinnamon, a little caramel, and a little candied cherry. Overall, very nice. The pallet continues with the cinnamon and baking spices, with more cherry, and almost a little red wine/nyquil (this is a compliment) flavor, with some dark chocolate at the end. Finishes shorter, with oak coming through. Very good throughout. The french oak will never be my absolute favorite, but its nice here and sets it apart from other good, reasonably priced bourbons. Great to have in rotation.

First glass of a new bottle. Nose is really nice, but a little light: baked apple and spices. Palate is one of the more balanced whiskeys I've had, as in it seems to have all of the classic bourbon flavors, and an equal proportion: caramelized sweetness, baking spices, a little vanilla, and the perfect amount of oakiness. Finish might be my favorite part: All the virtues of the palate, in a nice, well-rounded, lingering form. Really enjoyed this. Never had the old Heaven Hill bonded, so I can't compare it. But this is good.

First glass of a new bottle. Nose is light, but i get wet oats, honey, and occasionally a little citrus/floral and a little toast. A lot of honey and malt on the palate, with some darker chocolate to balance the sweet - simple but good; definitely Irish. Finsh brings some nice spice. Pretty flavorful, nicely composed, and very inexpensive. I also really like the bottle, otherwise a cheap, good whiskey like this would be a good candidate for a decanter. Easy to recommend.

If you asked me to identify this without knowing anything, I would be certain it was an Irish whiskey. Nose is malt and wet grass, with maybe a little crusty bread in the background. On the palate, I get malt and chocolate. Finishes short with just a little bit of spice. Light throughout. Very different from my first impressions, where the pine was super pronounced. Now, with an open bottle, no pine and a lot of malt (I'm always surprised to see how little malt there is in the actual mash bill). I've definitely warmed to it, but given how vegetal it is, I think some bourbon drinkers will be unpleasantly surprised.