Tastes

Even though Chivas Regal is quite a 'commercial brand' as I call it, they make damn good whiskies. As a bourbon lover, Chivas belongs to my favourite Scotch brands. This one smells very promising, with a milky-chocolatey kind of sweetness in the nose, i smell marshmallow, fresh hazelnuts and clotted cream with scones. I expected it to be fruity when entering my mouth, but this was not the case. Light and creamy, rich and sweet. Kinda fruity at front but mostly mellow and sweet. I taste licorice root, thick sweet cream and vanilla. Burnless and smooth aftertaste of licorice root again. Hint of ginger. Very sugary. I love it. The Oloroso casks do their job. Excellent choice, especially for this amount of money! A favourite.

Well, what can I say. Probably the cheapest bottle I've had the chance to taste. Smells like a typical bourbon, sweet and chocolately, with a hint of vanilla and honey. Nice, I am a bourbon drinker and can't get enough of that opening. Suprisingly tasteful for it's price. Little wry, though. Notes of ripe dark fruits, sweet apple and honey. Kinda sharp in the throat, aftertaste is a bit watery en slightly bitter. A pinch of chocolate and fresh flowers. I'd have to say: it's amazing for it's price, but overall it's a mediocre bourbon. That's +0.25 for the suprise :-)

Nice, smooth and floral 18yo blend. I don't understand why this whisky is so criticized here, maybe because of the commercial brand? Exactly the kind of Whisky I like. Nice light amber colour. On the nose a pinch of cinnamon, dark chocolate and a bouquet of tulips. Lightly bitter on the tongue with hints of ripe blueberries, vanilla and winter spices. Soft mouthfeel. Very mellow aftertaste, barely any burn, bit dry, some tannins, lightly floral, not unpleasant. But: taste dissapears quickly and takes al the saliva with it. That means: one star reduction.

Suprisingly mellow and sweet, this Japanese blend. A nose of ginger and vanilla, smoked salmon (but in a good way) and a hint of 'an old vinyl record case'. Extremely soft on the tongue, but lacks a bit of taste when still in the mouth. Slight hint of liquorice and ginger, topped of with vanilla sugar. Very smooth. No burn at all. The flavour comes later: nice aftertaste of light beer, vanilla and pancake. Very easy to drink, great for every day.

Wow, as a Bourbon lover this is way to Scottish for me. Sharp en smoky on the nose with hints of vanilla and honey. Smooth flavour in the beginning, but a little wry and with loads of wood, tobacco and yesterdays BBQ cole. Soft and smooth finish. Overall way to smoky and not enough layers for me.