Tastes

I have to admit I was skeptical on Michter's, but I am quickly becoming a convert. I have enjoyed the rye and small batch so when I saw the unblended I grabbed a bottle without hesitation. Nose on this dram is just pleasant. Vanilla, brown sugar, maybe a little nuttiness, but all in all just an enticing aroma. First sip is really quite nice with some brown sugar and peanut. A little cinnamon kicks in to bring the dram to a mild close. Overall the proof is relatively low and it lacks the fullness of a heavier proof pour, but it is very smooth and a great everyday drinker. This one leaves me wanting to find more of the Michter's range!

I have found finished whiskey to be a bit hit and miss. Some are great like Angel's Envy and others have taken a bit flat. TC Whiskey is a local place so I am hoping it is a winner. Nose is mildly sweet. Defintely get some fruitiness in there with some classic whiskey backbone, but the ethanol is a little high on the sniff. On the tongue the first sip is relatively mild. The port finish is quite noticeable and plays the leading role. A few subtle brown sugar notes come through followed by a more classic cinnamon burn finish. The burn is pretty mellow though and fades quickly. Overall I don't love it it or hate it. It's a nice pour that departs from the traditional dram and goes down smoothly. The barrel proof version is double the price, but I am intrigued to give it a try.....

The stories behind Saint Liberty bottles are based on historical women. Overall a nice tribute and marketing touch, but the juice is what matters so let's give it a try. Well the nose is damn funky. Like some 70's B-reel movie score funk. I am truly at a loss on this one. No brown sugar or vanilla here, just funk. First sip is muddled to be honest. Some vanilla, some leather, some charring, but no stand outs here. Finish is a bit lackluster and leaves a slightly burned flavor. The overall pour isn't worth the price of admission in my book, but hey at least the bottle is cool!

This was recommended by my local shopkeeper based on his acquaintance with the brand owner so I figured at $35 it was with a gamble. Nose is light and buttery. First sip follows suit with a light complexity of almonds and butter. The dram is very smooth and light with almost no burn at all. Do I love this? No, but it would be a nice entry point to Irish Whiskey for a newbie. Worth the $35, but not much more.

The barrel proof offerings from TC Whiskey are significantly better than their standards. Hoping the Rye follows suit. Nose is light on burn with a hint of sweetness to the classic Rye notes. First sip packs a punch at nearly 120 proof, but not in an alcohol forward burn. There is some Rye sweetness in there with some cardamom edges. The finish is the star though with a lengthy smooth habanero burn. Overall not quite as nice as the BP Whiskey. At $80 I will probably not buy another when this runs dry.

This is my first go at the ocean going whiskeys. Cask strength seems to be my sweet spot lately so we shall see where Voyage 21 fits in. Nose is of the seven seas on a mighty pirate ship.... just kidding. Nose is actually quite light to me with mild brown sugar and caramel notes. First sip is a wash of flavor across the palatte. Deep brown sugar and vanilla syrup and a warming cinnamon heat. Also taste some toasted almonds on the edge of the sip. The finish is not overpowering and closes with a touch marzipan. A nice dram to close the day, but not sure it is worth the heavy price tag.