Tastes

Here, we are getting into heavy sherry territory on the nose, but tinged with a fine edge of aged rum as well. This is almost tropical in character. More of the fruitcake and cocoa are apparent here, with that curious rum character coming out to play. Rich and fulsome, with interesting high notes of berry preserves at the very end. If you like your whisky sweet, this is a masterpiece.

This carries on with the fruitiness, with an apple cake nose. Notes of preserved fruits add a touch of festivity. The flavor is amazingly rich and thick with dried fruit, but also adds some cocoa and cinnamon stick as high notes. The finish has a fruit cake-like fade out.

Quite fruity on the nose with a caramel apple signature. The palate is sweet with still more apple character. The finish has an autumnal quality of raisins and a wood.

Wow! We are thrilled with this release. An absolute smash of a whiskey, it has everything we hope for in a spirit. The nose is delightful with light floral notes, maple sugar, toasted sugar and bitter chocolate. The flavor is immensely expressive, with dates, nuts, berry preserves and caramel sauce leding the parade. At the entended fade, drier notes of orange peel, milk chocolate and granulated honeycomb bring the experience to a dessert-like curtain bow. This is a rye that we keep going back to. Do yourself a favor and buy two bottles. Enjoy the first, and save the second for those ultra special occasions.

As with each of the Waterford whiskies we’ve reviewed, there are similarities, but vast differences as well. In this new expression, there is a definite terroir and rustic edge that belies the sources of its grains and water. The malt is more chewy and has a darker character, with notes of bitter cocoa, burnt caramel and toasted brown bread. The overall effect is chewy with noticable body. The flavor is enhanced by the higher proof and holds up well under a splash of branchwater or a large single cube of ice. What is perhaps the most remarkable is the variety of casks used in the blend. These also bring out a lot in terms of personality. You can taste the tress, as it were. Very expressive and self assured. We applaud Waterford for exporing new territory with their whiskies, and look forward to more of their amazing portfolio.

Here again, the sherry comes into play, along with preserved fruits like fig, prune, and even cherry. Those are at the darker end of the spectrum, while teasing at the high end are spiced hints of cloved orange, candied ginger, and lemon zest. There certainly is more spice at play here, but the sherry keeps things more candy-like, though not to an extreme. There really is a lot going on here and it is our favorite of the trio.

Overall, a much lighter and bread-like whisky than the Vinaya. Some slight notes of berry fruit or kiwi are unusual, but add to the complexity of a fairly tannic spirit. Mild, dry and woody, with a slight spice, this is a Lowland Scotch that represents the style well.