Tastes

The nose presents what you would expect from a bourbon.. you get the vanilla, caramel, orange and oak. But you instantly notice that it smells more refined, with far softer edges then it’s Turkey brethren, but not any less rich or aromatic. The palate is initially sweet and fruity, almost like marmalade, which is very refreshing. It rolls into a rich herbaceous flavor, but not like the herbal in rye however...this is unique. It continues to evolve and ends in the baking spices and oak that you were expecting to be there eventually. The finish is medium in length.. with just a little bit of warmth (but still great flavor) showing up just at the very end. This is one of those whiskeys that while you’re drinking it you can’t believe it doesn’t cost more money, and you’re afraid to tell people to go buy it in case someone figures out they could charge 20 dollars more. .... so don’t buy it... just keep coming back here to read about me drinking it.

Close your eyes nose this glass you will get some common rye notes like peppery spice, leather and just a hint of herbal essence.. but keep digging and you’ll start to pickup some familiar bourbon notes too, like orange and toffee. Palate is a little thin but full of flavor, not trying to be different from the nose.. leading with rye spice and rolling into tobacco and woody oak notes. The 100 proof begins to show up on the finish, lingering and giving off great heat.. which puts a smile on your face because you just remembered that you only paid 50 dollars for this underrated enjoyable whiskey.

The nose on this reminds me of Redbreast 12... not jumping out of the glass shouting look at me but rather subtle and rich. Dried fruits and sherry floating in cream is what it initially presents. If you keep with it you’ll get just the slightest metallic ethanol layer. Palate is rich and grain forward, but dances back and forth between nuttiness and malted barley. Great legs on the glass which is backed up by the great mouthfeel. Finish lingers, adding some warmth and spice to the malt.. almost reminiscent of a rye.. and adds a nice longevity to the sip. Great expression of a sherry seasoned Irish at an affordable price. On a side note as I sit here on my deck tasting this, several fruit flies have come and dove straight into the elixir.. so it appeals to more then just me.

When pouring this dram, you read single malt islay, and you think you know what to expect... this 12 year old elixir will surprise you though. The nose presents with the friendliness of a Speycide, with soft edged fruit, surrounded by flowers and just a hint of peat smoke. Stay with it and a sweet vanilla makes itself known. The palate is also light, but not overly simple or lacking mouthfeel. A beautiful malt is at the front, which rolls into soft spices and a little bitterness that could be construed as cocoa. Finish lingers but is gentle, presenting the smoke that you were originally expecting and had to check the bottle to make sure it was an islay. A delicious and affordable single malt pour, as friendly as a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich... perfect to share with others who are new to the segment. If you are looking for more people to enjoy ardbegs and laphroaigs with (like me) but those scare them away, this is absolutely where you start.

As with all islay, the nose is initially unmistakable with peaty smoke and a medicinal iodine smell. Don’t give up though, if you keep exploring it brightens up with the sweetness of green grapes, reminiscent of a white wine. Initial sip on the palate is soft and sweet, but you instantly recognize the different flavors as they evolve. As the name suggests, a rich peat starts the show, then rolls into an ashy smoke, and then that is extinguished by brine from the sea. The finish is long, bringing with it a little spice as well and a little heat.. as if the piece of firewood you just made out with still had some embers on it. A delicious blend for a reasonable price.

The nose on this whiskey is very subtle, giving you vanilla cream, caramel corn, and if you stay with it long enough, just a hint of over ripe banana. Palate is equally gentle and welcoming, but doesn’t offer anything different than the nose. Sweet caramels roll into warm baking spices with just a hint of barrel. The great mouthfeel you get from the fullness of each sip leaves too soon on the finish however. Looking at the legs in the glass it’s surprising how quick it’s gone. Perhaps with a higher proof this may change slightly. This really is a good American whiskey, a great example of what the category offers, but is almost too soft and friendly.. reminding me of a Canadian whiskey. For the price I would explore other options.

Finally a Canadian whiskey that doesn’t smell or taste like every bottle of Crown that came before it. The nose is super subtle and doesn’t feel the need to try and get your attention with sickly sweet notes. There is some complexity here, with layers of corn, tree nuts, maple and caramel coming out of the glass. The palate backs up the nose, refusing to give in to that classic Canadian sweetness, instead delivering more grain, spice and barrel tannins, wrapped in a rich oily mouthfeel. Unexpected and greatly appreciated. The finale doesn’t disappoint, with a long finish that brings more wood and mild warmth then most other things you’ll find on the Canadian shelf. For the price, I can’t believe people are buying anything else, but please don’t mix this, neat pours only.

The nose presents those classic bourbon smells like cherry, vanilla and citrus with some mild ethanol and oak. The palate is slightly sweet as expected initially, but disappears quick, moving into a caramel corn flavor and then that too disappearing before you can enjoy it. Very light & smooth, but lacks any body or richness. There isn’t much of a finish to speak of, but perhaps that is the plan here.. take more sips to keep the flavor going and then.. well time buy to another bottle cuz it’s not too much money. Overall a good budget bourbon, but for the price I prefer buffalo trace or makers mark.