Tastes

So this is pricey for sure. $110 for a 375 ml bottle. At this price it should be liquid gold. First sense on the nose is really nice caramel and dried fruit. The taste does not quite live up to the nose or the price. It is definitely an incredibly smooth Scotch. The characteristic smoke is softly rounded out and the burn is slow and low. I will say this is probably the nicest bottle of Scotch I will ever buy, but not sure I would splurge on it again.

You know this is a smokey Scotch before the first sip. It noses of a crisp fall evening campfire. Initial taste is a smoke filled, but as you allow it to develop there are some sweeter honey or caramel notes. Overall a very pleasant sipper if you take some time with it.

Tasted as a set with the 12 and 15 year. This one noses of cherries right from the start. The Sherry casks round the sharp edges of the 12 year and bring a spot of fruit to the party while still showing the honey and vanilla notes. Overall a very nice Sherried option.

Tasted as a set with the 12 year and Lustau. You immediately notice a difference in the sweeter nose of this vs the 12. Prominent honey and vanilla flavors. Lingering mellow burn at the finish. Definitely prefer this over the 12 year. This may be my favorite Irish Whiskey to date.

Tasted as a set with the 15 year and Lustau. This came off a little sharp compared to the others. Honey notes with a mellow burn. A nice sipper after it sat out for a few minutes.

This was a bit of a surprise. A very young bourbon out of a northern distillery that rivals the bourbon trail. Very enticing smell leads to a vanilla laced spice. A fantastic match of sweet and spicy.

I tend to find the sherry casks hit or miss. This one definitely hits the mark. Cinnamon and caramel apple notes with a nice light burn finish. This may be a go to in the future, but in any case a definite winner.

Weller has developed a cult like following. The wheat flavor is quite prominent and adds a level of sweetness. The burn however is much sharper I find compared to my regular sippers. Overall an enjoyable enough glass, but not something I would travel through the Temple of Doom to find.

Overall flavor profile can vary a bit, but these pack a punch at 109 proof. Exhibit a strong brown sugar sweetness from the 46 line, but with a nice burn. The RC6 is still my favorit from Maker's, but the private selects are much easier to find and make great evening enders.