Tastes

Wild Turkey 101’s more mature, less bombastic, older brother. Yes, the proof is 11 points lower, but all of the flavors are still there. Vanilla, caramel, oak, orange peel, leather, and burnt toast come together for a gratifying sip. The flavors are deeper than Wild Turkey 101, the mouthfeel is richer, and the finish is longer. At $30-$40 a bottle, this may very well be the best value in double digit age stated bourbon. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

Sometimes the tasting notes on the bottle don’t line up with what’s IN the bottle, but in this case the bottle notes are spot on: allspice, pepper, and almond. The Russells never fail to get vanilla and oak into the mix and they’re a welcome addition. There’s also a bit of citrus in the form of lemon peel. The flavors work well together and the whiskey is smooth at 45% ABV. It would probably get lost in a cocktail, but as a neat sipper it’s enjoyable, though it lacks a wow factor. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

American single malts have come a long way and this whiskey is a case in point. A big, malty ale backbone supports tropical fruits, vanilla, citrus, and honey. It’s fruity and sweet without being cloyingly so, and at 45% ABV, this whiskey still maintains a decently full mouthfeel. Westward should be proud of this flagship whiskey and we should be excited about the future of American single malts. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

The Three Swallow whiskey from Powers is a decent value for a category that has seen prices increase lately. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey can be amazing. This particular whiskey is alright. The whiskey itself is elegant, but subdued with hints of apple and vanilla. There’s a vague European oak spice, but the most prominent flavor is cream. It’s pleasant enough, but it may not do enough to stand out in a category that is quickly growing. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

Some would tell you that this is just glorified Wild Turkey 101 for twice the price… and they’d be right, mostly. It’s just that the connotation shouldn’t be negative. Wild Turkey 101 is one of the great values in bourbon, and Kentucky Spirit builds where 101 leaves off. Of course, you’ll find the usual Wild Turkey notes: vanilla, burnt toast, caramel, oak, and that Wild Turkey funk. But, they’re turned up here. The finish is longer and the flavors are richer. In this particular single barrel I get a little fruitiness in the form of orange peel and apricot. This may be glorified Wild Turkey 101, but it’s still delicious. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

This standard offering from Angel’s Envy is nice. There are no apparent flaws, but it also doesn’t blow one away with big flavors or complexity. The port finish is recognizable, and honestly doesn’t mask the bourbon. The two are integrated well. The port wine casks offer berries, nuts, honey, and cocoa powder, but in a vague way. It’s difficult to discern whether the berries are raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc. Are the nuts almonds, cashews, pistachios, or something else? There’s nothing wrong with this bourbon, but it leaves me wanting more. The flavors are good, they just need to be amped up and brought into focus. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

Weller Special Reserve is smooth and sweet with a well rounded flavor profile. The first and strongest note is caramel, but softer notes of vanilla, walnut, apple pie spice, and cherry harmonize with it. The oak is light, but it’s there. As with many wheaters, this bourbon maintains a nice, round mouthfeel. The proof point may also help keep this bourbon smooth, but I’d love to taste this with the flavors turned up at a higher proof. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

This wheat whiskey is balanced and restrained. The wheat is identifiable, and as with other wheat whiskies, it allows the barrel to shine through. In this case, the oak is present in a very straightforward, if subdued, manner. Accents of maple syrup, unripe banana, and a gentle vanilla play as overtones on top of the wheat toast flavor. The mouthfeel is smooth and rounded. The subtlety of this whiskey would probably be lost in most cocktails, but it’s a nice sipper neat. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

This was my first Indian single malt, and for better or worse, you always remember your first. In this case, it was for the better. There is so much going on in this dram: peat, spice, fruit, herbs, sweets, etc. For those who don’t like peat, this may still be tolerable as the peat smoke is dialed back to allow the other notes to come through. Spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are present. Apples and pears lead the fruits. An herbal note like fennel or anise makes a tasteful appearance. Very light leather and a decent helping of honey provide savory and sweet notes. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.

This whiskey is smooth and sweet, almost to a fault… almost, but not quite. The vanilla note that comes across in a lot of Wild Turkey products is present here as frosting or icing. To some, the use of mesquite filtration lends a smoky quality to the whiskey. I don’t detect that, but I do think the filtration and low proof point smooth out this whiskey tremendously. There is a faint nutty note that presents as pecan, but it’s buried under the vanilla frosting and white sugar. The lack of depth and balance keep this from being an above average whiskey. *Note: I score from 0-5 with 0 being the worst whiskey possible, 2.5 being average, and 5 being the most sublime nectar of the gods.