Tastes

NOSE: A campfire on the beach. Hints of bacon. I’d marry a woman who smelled like this. PALATE: glorious. Brine, smoke, meat, with a touch of caramel to finish. This is outstanding. CONCLUSION: one of the best things I’ve ever had in my mouth. Including some ridiculously stellar ex girlfriends and an outstanding wife. More please!

NOSE: red fruit, floral notes, honey and grain. Very pleasant PALATE: Bright cherry fruit, great acidity balances the sweetness. A very nice finish of cherry and spice. CONCLUSION: I’m an old world wine lover who prefers earthy Islay scotch to sweeter bourbons. So, this sherry cask scotch was a big surprise. It rivaled some of the best bourbons I’ve had. If I tasted it blind I would have guessed high-end, single barrel bourbon. Great stuff.

GLASS: Glencairn Whiskey Glass NOSE: Acetone, banana peel, granola and a green (herbal) note. PALATE: Bitter, unripe melon, and petrol. CONCLUSION: Nothing good to say about this. Gift it to an enemy.

The best of the 3 Van Winkles I tasted blind at The Whiskey Society of Central Virginia’s tasting for top level members.

Tasted blind at a Whiskey Society of Central Virginia tasting. Not my personal style. I’m sticking with Scotch.

Nothing remarkable or memorable. Tasted blind and didn’t want to purchase it at any price. Just a meh whiskey.

Had this at a Whiskey Society of Central Virginia tasting. Of the seven Scotches tasted, this one had an awkward finish that put it in the lower half of the field.

Way too much oak.