Tastes

It has a lovely nutty quality that reminds me of the older Willett bourbons. It's not straight cashew juice like Noah's Mill (the old 15 year AS is one of my favorites) and the nose/early palate definitely has its own rye-weighted character, but there's definitely a familiar barrel flavor on the finish that this shares with Willet's finer bourbons. No doubt it's a superb rye, but I don't see myself drinking this like other ryes, it's a treat of a sipper for me.

Got a deal on it, and had realistic expectations on the level of quality I think. I enjoy the standard Famous Grouse with a mist of absinthe, but I can't say I'm pleasantly surprised. The "peated" (smokey) quality doesn't agree with me, even though I really have enjoyed the peat forward scotches I've had in the past (Ardbeg, Laphroaig). Perhaps its the salty sweet character that others note that has me thinking it's drinking cheaper than I expected. I need to try this on another day, because I'm slightly sickened by the flavor of this first taste.