Tastes

A gem. Nose is elegantly subdued and mellow, but there is caramel, some oak and touch of smoke. Pallete is where she sings. There is honey, a brine and salt flavor, dark chocolate at times altering with vanilla, some charred oak, a wonderfully balanced peat that complements rather than envelopes in novelty, and an unctuous mouthfeel that is sublime. The finish is very mellow and long, inviting it to be reset. This is one of the most balanced, nuanced examples of scotch that represents an incredible value in my opinion. It's achilies heel is its presentation and its only con. If this was bottled completely void of filtration, color and at a higher ABV instead of its 40%, (no water needed, add at your own risk) it would be close to prefect. As it stands, it is still within a stones throw and an absolute must buy, regardless of your region leanings or prejudices. Hell yes. This is why I love Scotch.

The appeal of this blended Scotch comes down to two things: your thoughts on cinnamon and, quite simply, your tolerance of the idea that a blended malt can be exceptional. Single malt snobs need not apply, but if you can appreciate a blended malt, that is a whisky Blended exclusively of single malts, 3 in this case, all terrific in their own right, then you will probably love this. Great presentation at 46% and no color added. Nose is very herbal with hints of vanilla and oak between the sharp tinge of the spirit. It benefits from a teaspoon of water, which tames the cinnamon slightly, but be careful as it drowns easily. Pallette consists of an explosion of cinnamon upfront melding into vanilla and sharp oak, gram cracker, pepper with a satisfying finish that seems to linger longer than you would expect. I love this whisky but I have to be in the mood for it. Cinnamon is so abundant, that you must be a fan, or like me, someone who appreciates it at times. Overall, a great spirit and highly recommended.

Wonderfully complex. Mouthfeel is legendary, as is the finish. Between is vanilla, honey, oak, cream and some hints of pear consistently. However, flavors frequently dance in and out and often I will taste something I swore I've never tasted before but it is fleeting, in a good way. An absolute gem.