Tastes

The last of the three main isay heaven hitters left for me to try, and it didn’t disappoint. Living up to its name the laphroiag 10yr leads with big peat and is carried by seaweed and salt and pepper and leathery notes throughout. Nose: peat and leather Palate: peat, salt and pepper, leather Finish: bitter leather, seaweed, and leather $13/pour, $40/ bottle

A sweet and full dram that hits the spot with light peat, vanilla, nuts, and salt. Not exceedingly complex but full and long lingering with a delicious taste. Nose: simple vanilla and nuts. Surprisingly no trace of peat Palate: nuts and salt first then vanilla and followed by a very pleasant peat and spice. Finish: slow and nice just like the Jazz I listened to while drinking. 16/pour 70/bottle

My first Rye a good one at that. I loved the spice and vanilla notes that demanded attention with this 100 proof whiskey. Probably the spiciest whiskey to date for me, but pleasant. Oak and vanilla notes throughout. Medium finish. $6/pour

A sweet and easy entrance from scotch to bourbon. Strong corn sweetness with grassy notes. Pleasant, short finish that I wish would stay longer.

A phenomenal Islay peat bomb! The peat of lagavulin with the spice and bold fruit flavors that warm the body and bring a satisfied smile. Nose: Smokey, with light sweetness Palate: bold, spice comes, then fruit, then peat. Finish: pleasant, Smokey, and medium to long length. $12/pour $50/bottle

A sweat and salty, peaty Islay that hits the spot! Inviting and not overwhelming despite the high peat (40ppm) Nose: sweet green apples, smoke, citrus Palate: complex and interesting. Smoke and peat playing nicely with spice, citrus, and light vanilla. Finish: beautiful slow and warm. A light citrus note combines with the smoke to leave you peaceful. $15/pour, $60/bottle

A simple and satisfying dram. Nose: dark fruit, lots of sweetness. Palate: sweet and spice. The flavor is not quick but seems to hide until the a light spice kicks in. Finish: medium and peaceful. Easy to drink and enjoy without distracting from the conversation. $12/pour, $60/bottle

"A pleasant honey/vanilla spice dram that is easy to sip and share! Nose: green fruit and vanilla Palate: spice first then vanilla. Honey becomes more apparent as you sip. Finish: lightly spiced and honey. A very nice finish"

A classic simple sipper. Nothing shocking or extreme, but pleasant and inviting. Nose: sweet vanilla Palate: Vanilla followed by apple sauce and fresh cut grass, and I tiny spice. Finish: short, light, and vanilla

A great Islay scotch, mildly preated. Nose: sweet, vanilla. Palate: smoke, peat, and a nice spice on the back end. Subtle fruit. Finish: medium length with a peaty finish.