Tastes

Review #025 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 18 years, ex-sherry and ex-bourbon Tasted after: Bowmore 15 Year Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 17/20 Vanilla, strawberry jam, rubber, and oranges. It’s hard to smell the peat smoke but you can tell it’s there. Palate: 36/40 The palate is surprisingly smokey given that it’s nearly non-existent on the nose. There’s also red currents, orange marmalade, a touch of honey, and a light saltiness Finish: 36/40 Nice long finish. Oak spice gives way to cinnamon and baking spices, a mild alcohol burn carries the spice along a long slow transition to ashes and smoke. With Water: A drop of water really brightens it up a bit by bringing out more citrus flavors. Total: 89/100 Final thoughts: Radically different than the 12 and 15 year but in a very good way, the bourbon casks seem to dominate the nose but the Spanish sherry influence rules the palate. Price: $160 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 #024 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 15 years, ex-bourbon maturation and finished for three years in oloroso sherry casks Tasted after: Bowmore 12 Year Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 17/20 Oranges, raisins, apricots, vanilla, and a hint of cedar layered in also. Palate: 34/40 Comes out swinging with bold baking spices and black pepper to start, quickly fades to a fruity sweetness of plumbs and black currents, maybe some dark chocolate also. The smoke is subtle and ever present in the background throughout. Finish: 34/40 Nice long finish. It commences with a second round of spiciness, different though and more akin to oak spice, maybe ginger also. A prevailing ashiness morphs into chalk and then to salty campfire smoke. With Water: A drop of water really dials back all the spice flavors I tasted, it helps the sweet fruitiness shine through but makes it a little too one-dimensional. Total: 85/100 Final thoughts: Big jump in complexity over the 12 year, but it’s a shame that it’s chill filtered and artificially colored. I imagine this could be fantastic at a slightly higher proof and with all the natural oils intact. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle 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 #023 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 12 years, ex-bourbon Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form moderately quickly. Nose: 16/20 Very soft peat smoke and sweetness on the nose, vanilla, and a whiff of barbecue. Palate: 32/40 Silky and moderate flavor on the first sips, almost to the point of being watery. Primarily I get honey and citrus. Finish: 35/40 Surprisingly long finish, smooth and not wildly exciting, it takes its time. A very subtle alcohol burn brings more lemon and gradually increasing saltiness, ends with subtle smoke and campfire char With Water: A drop of water brings out a little additional honey sweetness. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: First time trying Bowmore, the last of the Islay distilleries I’ve yet to sample, it’s not as bold and intense as many of the others in this region, but it’s so easy to drink and very delicious all the same. I could very easily envision a bottle of this being a daily sipper. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle 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 #022 Type: rye Proof: 60% Comments: NAS, finished in Japanese umeshu barrels, sixth edition of the Boss Hog series Tasted after: WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Surprisingly mild on the nose, typical rye spice, butterscotch, and little fruity sweetness from maybe pears Palate: 37/40 Very smooth and deliciously complex, rye spice forward, orange zest, ripe syrupy plumbs, and burnt caramelized sugar Finish: 35/40 Nice long finish. Medium alcohol burn accompanies the arrival of baking spices. The fruity flavor is still here but more akin to sour hard candies now, slowly turns from spicy to peppery and every so mildly salty at the end, just enough to make you thirsty for the next sip With Water: A drop of water didn’t do much of anything, a second drop increased the rye spice on the palate and upped the fruity flavors in the finish. Total: 89/100 Final thoughts: I’m no stranger to WhistlePig, but this is the first edition I’ve tried of the Boss Hog series. It’s very very good but not sure I’d spring for a future release myself. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle 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 #021 Type: rye Proof: 53% Comments: aged 10 years, American oak barrel maturation, from barrel 50112 Tasted after: WhistlePig 6 Year Piggyback Rye Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 14/20 Rye spice dominates, but there’s also apples, mushy bananas, vanilla, and a little must that reminds me of cardboard boxes. Palate: 33/40 Rye spice, cinnamon, a little cayenne pepper heat, orange zest, and a hint of honey. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. A medium alcohol burn accompanies molasses, big floral and pollen notes, and black pepper that slowly changes to salt. The ending flavors in my mouth remind me of having just swallowed cough syrup. With Water: A drop of water turns up the cinnamon and spice flavors, and decreases some of the botanical notes in the finish. Total: 77/100 Final thoughts: The best part of this dram is the palate, the finish is complex to be sure but I personally don’t love the way the flavors meld together. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.