Tastes
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WhistlePig 6 Year PiggyBack Rye
Rye — (bottled in) Vermont, Canada
Reviewed April 7, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #020 Type: rye Proof: 48.28% Comments: aged 6 years, American oak barrel maturation Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Very sweet on the nose, caramel apples, cinnamon, orange juice, and vanilla. Palate: 26/40 Rye spice, brown sugar, and mild honey. Finish: 28/40 Medium alcohol burn, the spice fades to black pepper, almonds, and okay wood. With Water: Didn’t try with water unfortunately. Total: 69/100 Final thoughts: A nice sipper on a cold day, this would make a great cocktail and I’d drink it if offered, but not something I’ll likely ever seek out. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle 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. -
BRUICHLADDICH THE TERNARY PROJECT
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed March 30, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #019 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 52.1% Comments: NAS, ex-sherry, ex-bourbon, and ex-wine casks Tasted after: Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 01.2 (Fèis Ìle 2022) Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 18/20 Smokey but not overpoweringly so. Oddly blueberries stand out the most, also ripe bananas, vanilla ice cream, and oat cereal. Palate: 39/40 Wow, this is one of those special ones, when you take your first sip it just has so much going on, you just need to sit back and let yourself be consumed by it. Orange zest, crispy bacon, a little alcohol burn, dark chocolate, sea salt caramels, cloves, and ashes. I’m sure there’s more flavors here, it’s so delicious, but these are just the ones I can wrap my taste buds around. Finish: 40/40 Nice long finish. The peat smoke softens and becomes more subtle, accompanied by big red wine flavor and black pepper. Enter a little lemon citrus, then a momentary sweetness (peaches maybe?) before turning salty and ending with your mouth tasting like a campfire. With Water: A drop of water adds a brighter and fruitier flavor up front on the palate, also a hint of mint. Total: 97/100 Final thoughts: I’m lost for words on this one, it’s just remarkable. They did a tremendous job combining some of my favorite expressions (Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore) in some terrific maturations and finishes, and it’s a true work of art. Price: £275 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.275.0 GBP per Bottle -
Bruichladdich Rock'ndaal 01.2 (Fèis Ìle 2022)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed March 30, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #018 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, ex-sherry and ex-wine casks Tasted after: Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 01.1 (Fèis Ìle 2022) Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Mixed berries, raisins, orange zest, brown sugar, and just the faintest hint of leather. Palate: 35/40 Big fruity profile up front, plumbs and raisins dominate. There’s dark chocolate and caramel too, as well as some grilled/charred fruit that I can’t quite identify. Finish: 33/40 Medium short finish. The sweet fruit quickly gives way to salt, and then dark tannins and black pepper, the final taste is akin to having just sipped a glass of Syrah. With Water: A drop of water brings forward a gentle smoke on the palate and increases the saltiness of the finish. Total: 84/100 Final thoughts: Given that this blend was supposed to contain Port Charlotte and Octomore I was surprised by the total lack of peat smoke when sipped near. It’s always fun to try the Fèis Ìle releases, and while this is a great dram, I wouldn’t buy the whole bottle again at this price point. Price: £105 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.105.0 GBP per Bottle -
Bruichladdich Rock'ndaal 01.1 (Fèis Ìle 2022)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed March 30, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #017 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, ex-bourbon Tasted after: Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007 Appearance (no score): Burnished color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 18/20 Very sweet on the nose, vanilla, pineapple, birthday cake, and hay. Palate: 34/40 More vanilla, subtle smoke, oak spice, and some orange citrus. Finish: 31/40 Medium finish. Some black pepper joins the citrus, slowly fades to salt and wood. With Water: A drop of water ups the sweetness on the palate, though it’s difficult to discern exactly what is making that sweetness pop. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: The ABV is so well balanced, it’s enough to bring out the great flavors without an overpowering alcohol burn. It’s always fun to try the Fèis Ìle releases, and while this is a great dram, I wouldn’t buy the whole bottle again at this price point. Price: £105 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.105.0 GBP per Bottle -
Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed March 30, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #016 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: aged 6 years, ex-bourbon maturation Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Amber color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Green apples, oat cereal, lemon zest, and honeydew melon. Palate: 34/40 Not overpoweringly flavorful and moderately sweet, some honey, oak spice, grain cereal, and caramelized sugar. Finish: 36/40 Nice long finish. It has just the right amount of heat, intensifying flavor of vanilla, interrupted by a momentary dash of salt which quickly fades to buttered bread. With Water: A drop of water made it a little more fruity on the nose but didn’t add any new flavors, if anything it diluted the existing palate significantly. Total: 86/100 Final thoughts: Glad I grabbed this bottle when I saw it collecting dust in a tiny liquor store off the beaten track. Probably the only Jim McEwan Bruichladdich I’ll get a chance to try. Price: $70 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.70.0 USD per Bottle -
Arran 1997 24 Year Old Single Cask (Vintage Bottlers)
Single Malt — Scotland
Reviewed February 9, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #015 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 51.6% Comments: aged 24 years, single sherry cask maturation Tasted after: Bladnoch Adela 15 Year Appearance (no score): Treacle color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, and it just sits there, legs are very slow to form. Nose: 19/20 One of the most interesting sherry bombs I’ve nosed, full of pineapple and oranges, also some caramel and vanilla here as well. This one definitely excites and gets your mouth watering. Palate: 39/40 Wow, there’s just so much flavor here, where to start? Tart cherries, green apple, pineapple, and kiwis… It’s like taking a bite of fruit salad, but it’s also got the perfect amount of a hot peppery heat to it. Finish: 38/40 Nice long finish, starts with the pepper burn kicking it up a couple notches. After a moment dark chocolate bitterness and red currents make an appearance slowly adds a hint of salt, and ends with your mouth watering for the next sip. With Water: Water wasn’t beneficial here. I found it depletes the pepper burn and without that flavor to balance out the sweetness it’s less remarkable and unique. Total: 96/100 Final thoughts: I can understand why this bottle won silver at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards, it’s truly remarkable and an instant favorite. Price: $275 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.275.0 USD per Bottle -
Bladnoch Adela 15 Year
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed February 9, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #014 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46.7% Comments: aged 15 years, ex-oloroso butt maturation Tasted after: Bladnoch Vinaya Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Raisins, almonds, and honey dominate. When I put the glass down there’s a fleeting smell of rich soil that lingers for a moment in my nostrils. Palate: 36/40 So smooth on the palate with so much red fruit flavor. Cherries and red currents mostly, but there’s raisins, dark chocolate, and baking spices here too. It’s sweet but not overly so, and well balanced. Finish: 33/40 Medium long finish, there’s a nice low-key ethanol burn accompanied by candied ginger and black pepper, then ends with a mild salty flavor. With Water: A drop of water is beneficial here, it makes the palate brighter, crisper, smoother, and a little sweeter. The ethanol burn in the finish is mildly diminished also. Total: 86/100 Final thoughts: A really enjoyable sherry bomb, purchasing this bottle makes me very happy to own a cask of Bladnoch maturing in an ex-olorosso hogshead. Price: $135 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.135.0 USD per Bottle -
Review #013 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46.7% Comments: NAS, ex-sherry and ex-bourbon Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Chestnut color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Apples, honey, buttered bread, and vanilla. Palate: 33/40 Black pepper hits hard up front on the first sip, a little less on the second. By the the third sip it’s creamier, I can notice a really nice mouthfeel, and I’m tasting vanilla, figs, clove spice, and dark chocolate. Finish: 32/40 Nice long finish, a bit of an ethanol burn kicks things off, then it gets a bit sweeter and crisper with peaches and pears, which slowly fades away to some salt in the ending. With Water: A drop of water adds some chili pepper spiciness to the finish. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: Purchased to expand my understanding of Bladnoch expressions, not especially remarkable but a great value and good buy all the same. Price: $50 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.50.0 USD per Bottle
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Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed January 22, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #012 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 14 years, ex-bourbon maturation, finished in new American oak Tasted after: Glenfiddich IPA Experiment Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 16/20 Green apple, vanilla, apricot, caramel, and toffee. Palate: 30/40 Charred wood, apples, vanilla, and caramel. Finish: 33/40 Medium-long finish, opens with some moderate oak spice, then I get dark chocolate, molasses, and maybe a hint of raisins, final taste in my mouth is that of leather and spices. With Water: Cinnamon now on the nose, increased oak spiciness on the palate and finish. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: Probably one of the better single malt scotches I’ve tried for the price. Interestingly I’ve shared this with some friends who are very into bourbon and they did not care for it. It’s definitely a scotch, and while the bourbon influence is heavy and enjoyable, this is still a very different animal. Price: $55 Would recommend: maybe 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.55.0 USD per Bottle -
Glenfiddich IPA Experiment
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed January 22, 2023 (edited May 13, 2024)Review #011 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, finished in ex-IPA casks, experimental series #01 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Chestnut color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Green apple, honey, more green apple, a hint of fresh flowers, did I mention green apple (because yeah, there’s a lot of that). Palate: 25/40 Lemon and lime zest, ripe pear, and oak spice. Finish: 29/40 Medium finish, introduces a very mild salty undertone, more oak spice and a small ethanol burn, ends on a bitter note of grapefruit and walnuts. With Water: A drop of water enhances the oak spice and grapefruit flavors in the finish. Total: 69/100 Final thoughts: Impulse buy on my part when I saw it on sale as it looked unique. Glad I had the opportunity to try it, but I won’t be rushing out to buy another IPA finish once the bottle is empty. Price: $45 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.45.0 USD per Bottle
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