Tastes

A completely different animal than the World Whisky. This is more fulsome, fruitier, sweeter and nectar-like. Round, hitting a full spectrum of the the palate with malt, spice, wood, and a smooth tree fruit essence. Excellent neat, this also holds up well with a large rock. Great showcase for the master blender’s skill.

Slightly sweet maltiness on the entry with plenty of high notes of wood. Light, elegant and approachable. Perfect for a highball with club soda. There’s nothing here that will hit you over the head with flavor, just a rock solid whisky that has a sprightly, approachable character.

More of what we now expect from The Busker. Maltiness, grainy, and a touch of sweet citrus. On the palate, there is a nutty sweetness, cinnamon cracker and a well-rounded viscosity. The finish is medium-long with a cooling effect at the end. Overall, of the four whiskies, this one gets our vote for best expression.

A warm entry on the nose with notes of vanilla pecan and honey lemon. The initial flavor is quite easy going and approachable with a smooth maltiness and touches of s’mores, albeit not as sweet. A fine and friendly Irish which is great as a shot, or used in an Irish Coffee

Breakfast greets the nose with a malty, honeyed, lightly fruited scent. Upon the first taste, the fruit definitely comes through, reminiscent of apple pie. The finish relatively long with a slightly tannic note, and the apple pie sensibility lingering. Very drinkable and a solid performer.

Intriguing nose that has elements of fresh corn, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. In other words, sweet. And the flavor gives you even more of a sugar rush. this is kept in check somewhat by the oaky edge, but still a malt bomb. Short, sweet finish with a baked good essence. It’s a perfect introduction to a novice drinker, but overall, not what we’d expect from an Irish.

Quite oak forward on the nose. A darker tangent of stewed prune adds more balance, lendng a sweet fruit aroma. A first pour gives sparkling rye spice wrapped in a coat of aged cask. A second reveals sweet breakfasty flavors of raisin bread and sugared toast. The finish is long and ends on a tannic and crisp rye note. Overall, things are held together by the wood and are just on the edge of being aggressive. But, poured over ice, it becomes a mellow and friendly bourbon.

The nose effuses fresh baked rye bread married to a sweet, yet char driven element. Wonderfully evocative and luscious. On the tongue, the spirit is sweeter than expectations, giving notes of toffee, vanilla and caramel creams all patinaed by a slight burnt toast edge. The bitterness of the grain and the barrel keeps the focus on the peppery rye. Rye whiskey is always a treat, but when it deleivers as well as this one does, it becomes an experience. Grab a bottle if you can.

Beautiful copper coloration. The nose is somewhat fruity and has a bright oaky character. Some notes of tobacco leaf, malt, sweet corn and burnt caramel on the nose. In the glass, the flavors are compact, slightly spicy and rich with a full range of tastes, from the deep malt and barrel char to the high notes of baking spice and black pepper. The finish is quite long and has a dry, slightly chalky ending. We really enjoyed this bourbon and look forward to more from VGD in the future.