Tastes

Nose is rather malty and barley-forward — almost like a scotch. Hint of chocolate. Palate is a bit thin and not all that interesting, to be honest, but I wouldn’t call it bad. Finish has an unusual bitter note I’m not much of a fan of. I’m not super keen on this, but it’s not offensive. Just not super flavorful or intriguing.

Nose is bigger and bolder than you’d expect at this price point, but that’s probably the proof coming through. A but of ethanol there, but mainly cinnamon and vanilla. Maybe a hint of cherry. Palate is a tad grainy, but it’s got a lovely woody nutiness to it and a buttery mouthfeel. Finish is a bit rye-heavy — very herbal abd minty — which some may not like, but I am a fan. I do wish it hung around longer. The middle of the palate, particularly, is fleeting. But it’s hard to complain at this price point. Can’t believe I’ve been into bourbon for as long as I have without tasting this until now. Under $30 for a whole liter? Absolutely stellar bang for your buck.

Lovely nose with notes of orange, chocolate, and a hint of barley funk. Palate is a little grainy and young, but has a nice, light honey note, too. Big, bold finish with some leather, a touch of smoke, and more oak than you’d expect. Overall, it starts good, ends great, but is a little disappointing in the middle. Not bad, but not amazing. Solid for the price but not for much more.

Big whiff of green apple on the nose. Some pear and light caramel, too. Similar but deeper and darker notes on the palate. A fruity, sugary delight. Long but easy finish full of black pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Nice hug and a warm, lingering sensation in your mouth. Stellar.

Light, sweet nose orange peel, white chocolate, and a hint of baking spices. Palate is very grainy. Tastes pretty young and vegetal. But the finish is nice and bold and spicy. Good but shy of great

Lots of peat on the nose. Slightly vegetal, too. Palate is surprisngly rich and spicy. Cinnamon, honey, and white chocolate. Finish is longer than you’d expect and full of smoke without being overpowering. I’m more of a bourbon guy, but this is great.

Big vanilla and orange zest notes on the nose. Very creamy. Almost like one of those grandma candies. Palate is MUCH darker, with charcoal and oak prevailing. Medium finish, which is kind of smoky and baking spice-y. Nice.

Almost smells like a scotch. I guess that’s the floral notes from the honey coming to play. Honestly, it drinks kind of like a scotch rather than a bourbon, too. Very floral and sweet, but with a darker charcoal note coming in at the finish. Not your normal bourbon, but a cool one.

Delightful notes of cinnamon, candied orange peel, and a hint of leather on the nose. Palate is a little thin and grainy (and surprisingly barley-forward) for me, which is disappointing, because I loved the nose. The finish, however, is pleasantly spicy and gives a good hug for a relatively young, inexpensive whiskey. The nose and finish really take off after letting the bottle sit and open up for a bit, so I like this quite a bit more on a second try than my first.

Nose is a lot richer than I expected for the price and proof point. Brown sugar, clove, and deep vanilla. Palate is surprisingly minty, almost like a rye. The finish is relatively short, as you’d expect from the proof, but it’s pleasant. A little bready. Overall, for the price, I’m very pleased.