Tastes

Review #061 Type: bourbon whisky Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, made with unprocessed spring water from the Adirondack mountains Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs start forming quickly. Nose: 14/20 Although this is a bourbon, the first thing I notice on the nose is the sent of rye, which (aside from the name) leads me to guess there’s a decent amount was used in the mash bill. It’s also sweet, with notes of apples, dates, and gingerbread. Palate: 28/40 Orange rind, almonds, baking spices, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a bit hotter than I would have expected given the ABV but light overall, none of the flavors really pop. Finish: 26/40 Medium-short finish. The rye I picked up on the nose really makes itself known here, accompanied by dry oak tannins and a hint of orange marmalade before ending on a mildly bitter note. With Water: A couple drops of water does wonders. It adds a buttery shortbread note on the nose. On the palate, it dulls the heat a bit and brings out some sugary pastry notes. That sweet and tangy orange marmalade on the finish is also amplified a bit, and these two really tie in very nicely together. Total: 68/100 Final thoughts: This is the first high-rye bourbon I’ve tried. It’s definitely drinkable, especially with a couple drops of water, but probably makes a better cocktail than a neat sipper. Price: gift Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #060 Type: Indian single malt whisky Proof: 45% Comments: NAS, matured in ex-bourbon barrels then finished in European oak ex-sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs start forming moderately quickly. Nose: 15/20 Yellow pears, apple cider, grain cereal, and apricots. Overall it’s subtle but the aromas mingle nicely together. Palate: 33/40 Dark chocolate, honey, more grain cereal, raisins, and vanilla. Like the nose, it’s simple but enjoyable. Finish: 28/40 Medium-short finish. Burnt toast alongside something that’s almost but not quite fennel, which gives way to a dry earthiness, and a bit of wintergreen coolness ending on the mouth. With Water: A few drops of water brings out some cinnamon and nutmeg notes on the palate and finish. Total: 76/100 Final thoughts: This is an easy sipper with a unique flavor profile versus other single malts I’ve tried. The finish was especially unique, and while I didn’t love it on the first few sips, it grew on me over the course of my dram. It’s a nice summer night as I write these words, and I re-filled my glass a couple times while my dogs and I were sitting out on my back porch. If it were half the price, I’d likely replace replace this bottle once I finish it off, but at the current price I can’t justify another buy. There’s other easy sippers that are easier on my wallet. Price: $85 Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #059 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 18 years, matured in American and European oak, finished in 1st-fill PX and Olorosso sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are very slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Dark chocolate stands out most. I also get notes of licorice, raisins, and coffee. Palate: 33/40 The mouthfeel is a little watery. Bitter and spicy oak tannins lead, accompanied by black pepper, well done toast, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. The flavor of toast persists, gradually it turns more into a buttered burnt toast, before ending on mild nutty and milk chocolate notes. With Water: On the nose, I get the addition of the missing stone fruit, with plumbs and cherries making an appearance. Unfortunately the addition of water doesn’t do any favors to the palate and finish, they remain largely unchanged. Total: 78/100 Final thoughts: I think my favorite part of this whisky is the color, and I just wish I knew if it’s natural. The sherry cask influence here is interesting, I was expecting more sweetness and stone fruit influence I suppose. Instead I was surprised by how the oak cask dominated the flavor profile, in a blind tasting I likely would have guessed this to be an older whisky based on how much this stood out. It’s a shame they diluted it to 43%, I feel like at 46-48% it would be a remarkable whisky with a very interesting flavor profile. Instead it’s a nice easy drinker, but for the price I’ve seen it retail for I’m not sure I’d buy a bottle of it. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #058 Type: bourbon Proof: 45% Comments: NAS, distilled from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, then infused with Vermont maple syrup that was aged in ex-bourbon barrels Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla, cinnamon, graham crackers, maple syrup, and an interesting musty, woody, oak aroma. Palate: 30/40 Very smooth. Cinnamon sugar and charred oak are most prevalent. There’s oak tannins also, and hints of chili peppers and maple sugar candies. Finish: 28/40 Medium length. Once again, more smooth than remarkable. Vanilla to start, which slowly morphs to black pepper, and ending on a charred wood note. With Water: There’s a distinct flavor of apricots on the palate after a couple drops of water. The finish seems to be a bit extended also, there’s a hint of applesauce at the beginning to accompany the vanilla, then it’s mildly salty for the remainder. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: This is a very very easy drinking bourbon. It’s not overly sweet, which is something I was worried about initially, rather just subtlety hints at the maple influence. For me this balances out the typical bourbon spice imparted from the charred virgin oak nicely, but it’s just not exciting. Every phase brings on more of the same 3-4 flavors, so while enjoyable it just doesn’t rank for me. Price: $45 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #057 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 61.2% Comments: NAS, matured in Spanish oloroso sherry butts, this bottle was from batch no. 70 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, begins to bead quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Raisins, milk chocolate, nuts, raspberries still on the vine (subtle aroma, a bit sweet, but grassy and floral also), and a hint of an earthy, oaky aroma lingering in the back. Palate: 34/40 I’m never prepared for how hot this one hits, you can taste all of the 122.4 proof. My taste buds acclimate after a couple sips though, and I first notice bitter oak tannins and leather. It’s subtly sweet also, and a few more sips starts to reveal plumbs, red berry fruitiness (can’t quite pinpoint a specific type), and dark chocolate. Finish: 32/40 Medium length. Big tobacco notes to start with, then it becomes almost harshly bitter for a moment and I can’t help but think of grappa here. The bitter flavor subsides slightly but carries forward with lemon and orange peel. Ends on a mildly salty note with a subtle earthy flavor lingering in the background throughout. With Water: A few drops of water bring out sweet caramel notes on the nose. The sherry bomb explodes on the next sip now, way sweeter! Juicy honeycrisp apples and red currants on the palate. The bitterness of the finish has been significantly reduced, replaced by a honey sweetness. The semi-bitter citrus is still here but now leaving behind a semi-sweet chocolate flavor on the end. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a whisky that doesn’t just love water, it needs water. I went back and re-scored every category adding points after adding four drops. For me that was when it really started opening up as I wasn’t getting a ton of sherry influence prior. It’s too bad the finish isn’t longer, but overall this is a yummy one! Price: $77 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #056 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 16 years, matured in ex-bourbon American oak and sherry butts, this bottle was from batch no. AB16 2-21 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 The nose is subtle, but hands-down the best part. Vanilla and sugary caramel are most evident. Also picking up orange zest, nuts, and fruity pastries. It’s not complex, but I rather like how inviting it is. Palate: 26/40 The first thought that crossed my mind upon taking a sip was how watery this is. Like someone drank half the bottle and refilled it with water. What’s discernible is mildly floral, with hints of red delicious apple, orange peel, oak tannins, and brown sugar. Admittedly my palate is adjusting to this as I sip it more, but it’s still very underwhelming. Finish: 24/40 Medium-short finish. More dry oak tannins, actually noticeably drying out my mouth, accompanied by mild chili pepper heat and cinnamon. With Water: I almost skipped this step as I think the distiller already checked the box, but diligence calls for a few drops. The chili pepper heat on the finish is kicked up a notch, now more noticeable in the back of my mouth. There’s a new salty flavor introduced as the finish unfolds also. Total: 67/100 Final thoughts: I’ve lamented when reviewing bottles before about low ABVs and wished some had been left a few percentage points higher, but this so muted that it’s something else entirely. This bottle is criminally under-proofed. That being said, this isn’t a bottle that I disliked. The flavors that are here are good and play nicely together, they’re just incredibly stifled to the point of being almost dull. If this was a $50 bottle I would have given it a higher rating, but for the price it’s just a mistake I made with my credit card. Price: $102 Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #055 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 54.9% Comments: single cask bottling, distilled in 2009 and bottled November 2021 so either 11 or 12 years old, olorosso maturation, hand filled at Deanston Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown Sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Chocolate covered cherries, raisins, baking spices, and a rich dank earthy aroma. Additional time resting also revealed some roasted malty sweetness. Palate: 34/40 The initial taste is very spice forward, but opens up with additional sips. Orange peel and lemon citrus, milk chocolate, and vanilla. Finish: 36/40 Nice long finish. Mildly salty, starts with notes of charcoal (especially notable in the back of my mouth), gives way to black tea, then oak tannins and cinnamon, ending with a raspberry jam sweetness. With Water: A couple drops of water brings out rich toffee and vanilla notes on the nose. The spice is also scaled back some on the palate revealing some raspberry sweetness. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: This bottle is what put Deanston on the map for me as a great distillery. It taught me that this spirit takes well to sherry casks and can be exceptional at a higher ABV. I picked this bottle up about two years ago during my first trip to Scotland while visiting the Deanston, and while it represents some great memories, it has reached a point where I need to resentfully finish it up. Price: Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #054 Type: rye whisky Proof: 47% Comments: NAS, 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash, finished in Plantation Caribbean Rum casks Tasted after: Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Very rye forward, but it’s got a subtle sweetness that rounds it out. Molasses, brown sugar, a generic citrus that I can’t quite pinpoint, and maybe graham crackers. Palate: 32/40 Sweet honey and brown sugar lead. There’s a subtle mint flavor that’s interwoven with black pepper, nutmeg, and vanilla. With the exception of these sweet flavors being amplified, it’s hard to discern any distinct influence from the rum barrels. Finish: 33/40 Medium long finish. Bold and spicy here with loads of rye and cinnamon, but more honey balances is out. Towards the end there’s a brief appearance of something that hints of being metallic, and reminds me of holding a nail in my mouth while working on some project. Then there’s a pop of milk chocolate sweetness in the last moments. With Water: A couple drops of water brings out vanilla on the nose. The palate has more spicy rye and oak flavors which nicely balance out the sweetness. On the finish I notice some caramel with mild salt and pepper throughout. The momentary pop of milk chocolate is gone unfortunately, and interestingly the new ending flavor reminds me of having just chewed through a green banana. Total: 80/100 Final thoughts: I rather enjoy how this rye has a comparatively minimal rum influence, as compared to some other “rum bombs” I’ve tried, like Pike Creek and Angel’s Envy. Rye is not among my favorite types of whisky, but this one is well balanced and enjoyable to sip. Price: $49 Would recommend: yes Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #053 Type: Canadian rye whisky Proof: 42% Comments: aged 10 years, white oak ex-bourbon maturation, finished in rum barrels Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla and spicy rye notes are most notable on first pass. Letting it sit for a minute and continued nosing makes me think of bananas foster. The fried fruit, the brown sugar, the cinnamon, and the vanilla ice cream are all here. Very sweet, the more I nose it the more I’m finding and enjoying it. Palate: 29/40 Nice mouthfeel but a little watery flavor wise. It’s sweet and very mellow, almost a complete lack of any alcohol burn. The first thing that comes to mind is rum raisin vanilla ice cream. Searching some more I can discern a mild cola flavor, honey, and some rye bread also. Finish: 27/40 Short finish. Rye spice and oak are most noticeable but they don’t exactly pop. I get hints of molasses and black pepper also, but it’s mild throughout. With Water: Water makes this a much more interesting dram. A couple drops further enhance the vanilla on the nose. On the palate, the rye spice pops and rounds it out very nicely, and the finish takes on a little bit of a lemon citrus edge. Total: 71/100 Final thoughts: This one is such an easy sipper. It’s not a bottle I frequently reach for but usually goes over well with friends who are just getting started with whisky. I stacked some promos together to buy this bottle at an incredibly discounted price, and am very glad I had the opportunity to try it. It’s an awesome value buy and good example of how sweet rum and spicy rye can work well together, but I don’t think I’ll be replacing it once it’s gone. Price: $22 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Review #052 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 51.4% Comments: aged 15 years, matured 11 years in bourbon barrels followed by four years in fresh pinot noir barriques from Grant Taylor’s Valli vintage in Central Otago, New Zealand. One of 9,400 bottles. Tasted after: Springbank 10 Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Raisins, charcoal, and leather stand out most. The more I nose it the sweeter it becomes, also now picking up red currants and strawberry jam. It has a creamy smoothness to the nose that makes me think of frosting, maybe vanilla? It’s absolutely mouth-watering. Palate: 35/40 Nice oily mouthfeel. Here the wine influence is very noticeable. The predominant taste is of smokey wine tannins and salt, but just the right amount. Digging beyond that I get a little bit of orange zest and dark chocolate also. Finish: 36/40 Medium long finish. Meaty and sooty and savory. Immediately I get a peppery and tannin rich flavor that makes me think of taking a sip of Cabernet Sauvignon as I’m chewing smoked pork. Some of that Springbank character comes though also as I catch faint hints of hay, wood, and metallic flavors. It’s mildly salty throughout which plays nicely against the ending grape sweetness. With Water: Do not add water to this whisky. It’s very seldom I come across a dram that doesn’t love water, but this here is one. Even just a drop will transform the entire glass to brackish salt water. Total: 88/100 Final thoughts: Great combination of peat and wine, very enjoyable. The wine influence is substantial on this one, which is alright by me. I’m looking forward the trying the next annual release I’m able to find. Price: $140 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.