Tastes

They should call this whiskey San Diego Storm. In usual times (non El Niño) a storm forecast in San Diego will bring a few light winds, a light sprinkle of rain and it’s gone in a couple hours, if it even arrives at all. In a similar vein, despite the threatening clouds and lashing seas on the label, this whiskey is tame on arrival. However, despite everything being mellow, it’s all good too. Sweet peat, smoke, lemon, orange peel, honey, malt, pepper and short bread cookie notes all make an appearance. Finish doesn’t last. Very tasty and drinkable. But not memorable, just like a San Diego storm.

Lemon is prominent on the nose, palate and finish, there’s lemon zest, lemon bars, lemon juice even, there are also sea salt, sea shore, sweet peat and a small malt note. Slight viscosity. There’s an explosion of pepper and peat on the long finish. It’s pretty simple and straight forward, but enjoyable none the less.

Oh man, the nose on this is intense spiced prunes and raisins at first. After a good 10 minutes vanilla, caramel, tropical fruits, apple cider, toasted oak, tobacco, browned butter and perhaps turmeric? and cumin? Very complex. The palate is viscous, creamy and semisweet with raisins, prunes, caramel, vanilla, tobacco, malt, dried tropical fruit and Indian spices. The finish is lengthy and warming with vanilla, dried fruits, baking and Indian spices.

Neck pour leaves a favorable impression. Rye spices balanced against fruity notes on the nose, rounded, lightly viscous, semisweet palate with more rye and dried fruit notes, caramel and citrus too. Finish is lengthy and spicy. I say this is a win for Kentucky Owl.

Smells like rum cake with vanilla, apples, honey, butter and winter spices. Tastes like a really light Glenmorangie egg nog, it’s semisweet, relatively thick and buttery for a whiskey with spiced rum, vanilla, honey, tropical fruit and winter spice notes. Finishes bitter-sweet with almonds and winter spices.

This bottle caught my eye tonight and I thought why not taste it again. Glad I did. Perhaps my taste buds have matured to the point where I can appreciate this whiskey, perhaps years open has benefited this bottle, perhaps it could be the old fashioneds talking, I think not, but this is so much better than I remember. Rich and regal oak, vanilla, caramel, malt, tobacco and baking spices tempt the nose and tantalize the palate, and combine with spices and creme brulee to make truly satisfying finish.

Vanilla, caramel, gentle ethanol and day old banana bread on the nose. Somewhat dry, creamy and semisweet on the palate with oak, vanilla and rye spices on the palate. Finish is medium length with a mixture of sweet vanilla and bitter walnuts. Although rated the same I give the Full Proof a slight edge.

Somehow this review got deleted, not that it matters much. Not a very good whiskey. Ethanol, astringency and bitterness overpower any of the good, sweet, honey, cinnamon and apple notes. Rough finish puts the nail in the coffin.

Awesome juice! Batch 127, bottled Dec. 17, 2021, 57.56 ABV Nose: Creme brulee, Whoppers malted milk balls, caramel and baking spices with hints of dark fruits, strawberries and licorice. Palate: Viscous, coating, semisweet, welcome amount of heat, caramel, dried dark fruit, rye spices, baking spices and vanilla with hints of chocolate and anise. Finish: Long and warming with vanilla, caramel and rye spice notes.

After tasting the MRC 01, this seems to be better integrated. Open less than a week. Aggressive peat, a little hot, bbq meats, tropical fruits, honey, vanilla and restrained red fruit, medium length, spicy finish. Liked it better with a splash of water.