Tastes

Sweet, syrupy, rich, oily, bananas (a little like a banana liquor), vanilla, caramel, chocolate, honey and a vague hint of nuttiness. Spice doesn’t register at first, but it builds over sips. Very enjoyable.

Nose: Lemon, honey, pepper, brine, beach fire, vanilla. Palate: Velvety, intense, complex, umami, vanilla, caramel, pepper, soot, tar, citrus fruits, beach fire, hint of fresh tennis balls, band-aids and burnt rubber, nice burn on the roof of my mouth and sides of my tongue. Finish: Long, very pleasant with smoke, brine and citrus notes. Empty glass smells of clambake on the beach with squeezed lemon. Excellent whiskey and the 120 proof is very enjoyable. I chose this whiskey for my 500th review because I think it symbolizes my journey over the last 2.5 years. Coming into this as a rum and coke guy with a serious sweet tooth, I thought what kind of freak would find fresh tennis balls, disinfectant, iodine, band-aids, burning rubber, tar, asphalt, chimney smoke, soot notes appealing? Yet here I am, a self described freak, I guess. Can’t wait for what the future of my whiskey journey will reveal.

Nose: Mexican chocolate, coffee grounds, vegetable oil, apples and a hint of herbs. Palate: Semi-sweet, rounded, somewhat viscous, chocolate and coffee notes, none of the usual rye herbal notes. Finish: Medium length, chocolate and coffee notes and a strange vegetal note, maybe like the water from steamed broccoli?, idk, it’s a bit strange and not sure if I like it or not. This is unlike any other rye I have tasted. It’s unique, complex, weird, compelling.

Very pleasant rye, on the sweeter side with vanilla, caramel and interesting herbal notes.

I really wanted to like this one but it’s too sweet and way too hot, just burns, can’t find the right amount of water to add before it becomes a muddled mess.

According to the Dewar’s website: “Created in partnership with the USGA to commemorate the 121st US Open at Torrey Pines. Dubbed “The Champions Edition”, this bottle honors the US Open Mantra: “From Many, One”. From many barrels, one champion blend emerges. With a minimum age of 19 years and finished in ex-American Bourbon casks…rich notes of vanilla, honey, toffee and ripe cherries.” Dewar’s notes are pretty spot on. Definitely get rich honey, vanilla, toffee and cherry. Add some barrel spices, black tea and ginger notes to make this a delicious whiskey.

Fruity, younger, lighter version of the 10 year. A bit spirity. Nice little notes of chocolate, vanilla and ginger. Made for mixing, ok for sipping. Makes a great whiskey sour.

Appreciating the lower proof on this one, sweet, toffee, caramel, vanilla, cherry, leather, fantastic whiskey.

I feel the full 133 proof, it’s hot yet sweet with ethanol, vanilla, caramel, pepper and oak notes.

Batch 69, 61.2 ABV Tasted neat: Bold, oily, rich, viscous, extra crispy creme brûlée, dried fruits, caramel, subdued ethanol, the sherry is surprisingly subdued, long, long finish.