Tastes

Smooth is the best way to describe this whisky. On the nose this is a very unassuming scotch. If I was blindfolded I would have guessed an Irish, as it’s very clean, with a buttery, caramel sweetness. The front palate is sweet and smooth, and rolls into rounded butterscotch notes which then themselves are rolled into a warm malt flavour. The finish comes quick but stays longer then you expect, with a tiny bit of spice that must come from the extra time in oak. If I was trying to introduce someone to scotch or even whisky in general, this is where you start.. it’s friendly and approachable, but not boring either. A classic to have in the house.

As soon as you take your first sniff you know there is something delicious coming. Nose is warm and musty, full of orange and malt, making me wish I could spread it on a piece of buttered toast. First sip brings light notes of pepper and spice, with some of that warmth from the nose. Palate then transitions into malted barley with wisps of vanilla and orange, but less sweet then you expect. Finish comes back how it started, with pepper and spices and soothing heat. It’s not crazy complex, but the wholesomeness you get from the malt and spices makes up for it. For the price it belongs in your collection as a go to blended scotch.

Nose is warm and inviting, with malt and caramel, followed by sweet dates and figs. It’s so gentle you wouldn’t even assume it has any alcohol in it. At first taste it reminds you that indeed it is a scotch, with that undeniable Speycide smoke, but not heavy, in fact only at the front of the palate. By midway it’s retreated to more malt and honey and citrus. The finish is friendly and smooth, not overly sweet nor overly warm. Overall this is a very enjoyable whisk(e)y that anyone would be pleased to have poured for them. Would purchase again.

The nose on this is very subtle.. you get a little hint of those smells you expect in a bourbon; vanilla, caramel, and some spice from the 17% rye mash. However they are very muted, and just when you think there is not much there, a red wine scent makes itself known. Palate starts off sweet, with brown sugar and a very pleasant mouthfeel. Oily and smooth, yet light. Mid palate continues into familiar territory, more vanilla and caramel, some oak, dark fruits, and something that reminds me of dark chocolate. Finish then does a 180 from palate and it’s wine all day long. You expect it but once your in it it’s like your having another drink. Overall I think this is a bit overpriced, but I’m also in Canada so getting something like this from a smaller maker from California is bound to cost more. I had already finished my glencairn before I remembered I was doing a tasting so yes it’s quite good.

Nose starts and ends with spice and menthol, but in between there is quite a lot of citrus fruit and vanilla. Palate starts off soft and sweet, with more of the same flavours as the nose. While not very complex, it builds some layers of heat and and spice with a finish that sticks around longer then you expect. If you like their bourbon, you will probably like this as well. Amazing how even though the mash bill is wildly different there is a profile here that is distinctly Bulleit. Maybe that’s positive feedback for MGP too. For the money this is a good basic rye that tastes how rye should taste and gets the job done.

Nose is fresh and bright, super fruity with aroma of peaches & pears for days, followed by some honey and apples. Palate starts off sweet, then transitions into buttery apples with a hint of citrus. Finish is quick and dry with not much else going on. A fine Irish whisk(e)y for the money... I like to start with this to prime the system before getting into something more substantial.

Right from the beginning you can tell this is slightly higher proof than the average bourbon. Nose is full of caramels, dark fruits and baking spice, with a noticeable ethanol smell as well. Palate starts off as alcohol burn, but immediately takes a back seat so that you can enjoy the spice, with just the faintest hint of sweetness. Mid palate is full with lots of legs and finishes with a mild but consistent heat. A very good bourbon which can hold up to water or ice but doesn't need it. When drinking it I feel like I should be sitting in front of a fire in an old leather chair at Christmas time.. but every other night will have to do.

Nose is classic blended scotch.. quick fruitiness that vanishes into ethanol & smoke with a hint of brine and oak. Palate starts with sweetness, then moves to a light peaty smoke, then goes to a warm caramel. Finish is unremarkable, in fact I've had to take 3 more sips while I type this just to remember it... you will see I still don't have anything to add. For the price I actually don't mind drinking this neat, but it definitely is meant to be enjoyed after you've had a few nicer drinks first.

Nose is heavenly, lots of banana, and juicy fruit gum.. could smell it all day. Palate is initially sickly sweet with those same flavours but then flattens out mid palate with some corn, oak and heat. Finishes quick and dry. The nose is better then the palate, and the palate is better then the finish. For the money a decent whiskey.

An easy, non offending blended scotch whisk(e)y, but nothing special. The nose is iodine with light peaty smoke with a tiny bit of floral. Not an overly appetizing start. Palate is light and thin with those same nose flavours and not initially very enjoyable. Midway through there is a little sweetness and whisper of smoke. This does improve the overall drinkability however, and the finish is very dry with some bitter wood notes. It does not hold up well to water or ice, but with this proof you probably wouldn’t go there anyway. Even though this is a budget scotch that is cheap and plentiful, this is not what you want to buy if you are trying to explore or get your friends into the segment. It will probably turn them away.