Tastes

What's that expression about putting lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig? Yeah... THAT. My continuous criticism of Irish whiskies is that they are, for the most part, the chamomiles of the whiskey world: something so dull you should actually have them before going to bed. There was absolutely NOTHING terrible or offputting about this expression. Really not. But it's dull. In fact, with the exception of the smokiness that's on the palate, it's actually quite difficult to tease out any aromatic compound. That said, I recommend trying this whiskey for the sheer novelty of having a peated Irish whiskey, but good luck finding much peat here, or anything else other than smoke for that matter. Cheers!

The nose is complex, and though not exactly sherried, it is quite fruity with an underlying layer of nuttiness. The almonds and clove on the palate play very nice here, with the finish continuing and rounding off a great experience. I like it.

Despite its namesake, this expression turned out to be a little less woodsy than I expected. It was also barely inspiring. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it; vivacity was simply lacking. Having said that, the way in which the green apple, honey and almond aromas came together was extremely balanced. And the finish... remarkably smooth. For a whisky lover who is inclined towards Speyside whiskies, this is perhaps your quintessential dram and definitely should be a part of your core collection. Otherwise, try it once for the experience and move on.

A very nice whisky, with a woodsy and fruity profile. The nose is predominantly sultana raisins raisins with hints of oak. The palate is an extension of the initial aromatic compounds, with a touch of roasted coffee beans (it's surprising and wonderfully complementary). The finish is fairly long and extremely smooth. I'm not gonna lie: it's simple to the point of being weak and dull, but still… I recommend it.

As strange a whisky as I have ever come across. I can't get myself to either like it or dislike it: there's a malty quality I really enjoy here, like drinking beer, but I question their choice of casks - I can't get past this hint of rotting wood. Teasing out the flavors more, there are additional notes of apples and walnuts that I don't find play nice. And while the finish is pleasant and reminiscent of drinking a really delicious white ale, the road to get there was too bizarre.

A very nice whisky, but not flawless. It starts off in a fragile way, with a delicate bouquet of peat. The palate is complex, with notes of black tea and lemon zest, with the occasional burst of salt and freshly ground pepper. It's quite nice, as it transitions into a finish that is long. It's bitter in the end, and that takes away from the overall pleasure. Still good.

Lord Almight! What a dram, what a dram what a dram. It's perfect, people. Just perfect! The color stands out the moment you pour this thing, and it's a reminder that this whisky has aged 23 years old. The nose is possessed by wonderful notes of almonds, butterscotch and pineapples. Remarkably fruity for something that is not sherried, the palate is complex with a body that is full and syrupy. The finish: long and satisfying. Bravo Bruichladdich!

A wonderful whisky with a great mouthfeel. The palate is especially surprising with its strong notes of strawberries. It's only downfall is the finish... It's too short.

It's good, and I dare not say this wasn't enjoyable, but the Islay Barley is a better expression. Here is a much more subdued whisky, with a nose that is regretfully quite weak. Regardless, with enough strain one can tease out hints of honey and phenolic compounds. The texture, body, and finish are unfortunately weak, with a rubbery finish. It all sounds negative, but it gets 4 stars because I did not find myself ambivalent as to its flavor. Rather, I much enjoyed it. Cheers!

The nose here is perhaps the highlight of this dram, with aromas of lemon and wax, like a scented candle. The palate add dimensions of honeyed malt and nuttiness. It's all quite smooth, though the texture is a little flat and the finish short. Still... it's nice.