Tastes

Dark cherry is the main flavour here, with sweetcorn, vanilla, and oak right behind it. All of that is surrounded by an intense lingering heat from the barrel char and decently high proof. It's difficult to get through at first (at least for a Scotch drinker like me), but quickly becomes very addictive.

I knew this was a light whisky, but I greatly underestimated just how light it would be. To me, it tasted like an even more watered-down Jameson. I wouldn't say it's bad, but it's a poor representation of what Japan has to offer.

As an introduction to bourbon (or whiskey in general), this is quite the experience - bright and hot with notes of oranges, tobacco, and cinnamon. However, once you're used to the heat, it starts tasting quite astringent and becomes a chore to drink. It's certainly not bad, but I wouldn't commit to buying a whole bottle.

This tastes quite similar to the standard Bulleit Bourbon, but with the sweet corn notes swapped with eucalyptus and funky tropical fruit. It's in an awkward spot between rye and bourbon, and tastes very odd as a mixer. I'd pass on this unless you're a diehard rye fan.

Although the first glass or two is pretty harsh, it opens up to become a very solid classic rye. No shortage of spice here, and I doubt you could find anything better at this price point (at least here in BC).

White Owl gets a lot of hate, but I personally don't think it's deserved. This is a very dry and spicy rye, with a vodka note that's stronger on the nose than on the palate. It's certainly worth a try if you like rye spice, or just want to try something unique.

Sweet, woody, and quite smoky - I don't get as many sherry notes as other reviewers seem to. There is a slight dry bitterness I don't enjoy, but otherwise this is a good example of the darker, sweeter side of Islay.

Upon revisiting this whisky, I've come to enjoy it a lot more. It reminds me of a bourbon (allegedly being 100% corn) with the heat turned most of the way down. There's a red wine character on the palate and a spicy finish from the Hungarian oak, all delivered through a mellow, buttery corn type of thing. It's a bit of an oddball that I definitely recommend you try if you can get your hands on it.

The most wonderfully balanced Scotch I've tried so far. It manages to fall right down the middle in many different areas while still maintaining character and complexity. This is a must-try for those who have a bad impression of Speyside malts.

This has earned its reputation as a 'dessert' or 'Christmas' whisky. Rich, nutty, and toffee-like, albeit with a bit of a waxy smell from the sherry cask. This is one you should keep around during the Christmas season (or any season, for that matter).