Tastes

Another one from my recent visit to Oak and Steel in KCMO area. I have mentioned this place in serval of my other tasting notes so please check those out if you plan to be in the area. Its a whisky lovers haven! Nose: Amber, cream, vanilla, butter, smoke, I am so in love with the aroma of this! It reminds me of a renaissance festival with the aromas of all things amazing. Sweet decadent foods, smoked meats, incense, wooded lands, everything I love and live for. This bourbon just calls out to be enjoyed outside by a fire pit, swaddled up in a cozy blanket, while listening to great tunes! Flavor: Full creamy mouth feel and taste with just the right amount of cinnamon. Actually the flavor is just like the aroma and I have never quite had a bourbon like it before. It is so unique and special I absolutely MUST get my hands on it asap! Such a lovely creamy vanilla flavor but there is so much more, clove, orange peel, woods, smoke, butter but not butterscotch which I find quite excellent! For me its that Amber scent and flavor that grab me and make me go OH YES! No idea where the amber scent or flavor comes from but it is something I love. It is just simply decadent. A rare 5 stars! Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

Woodford Reserve was my gateway bourbon. I first had it on a Delta flight perhaps 15 years ago or so. Not to say I had never had whisky or bourbon before but it was the first time I realized I really love this stuff! Prior to tasting Woodford on that flight I think my main whisky intake was some well brand mixed with coke at a bar somewhere. Anyway this was the one that will always remind me of how I first started my love of whisky. Nose: Very strong alcohol, nostril flaring strong. Hard to get past that to smell anything else really but was slightly getting a sweetness, brown sugar perhaps and some cinnamon and a slight bit of vanilla but had to work to find those notes. I left it to sit for awhile and came back to smell some cherries and oak. Nice! I was starting to fear I was going to be let down by an old friend so letting it sit saved the relationship a bit for me. I continued to let it sit before tasting as I really was concerned about being let down. Flavor: On first sip it was strong alcohol still, flavor filled my throat with a burn. Was not loving that. (wish I could change dates on my tastings. I literally have not had a zillion whiskies today!) Anyway the mouthfeel is full and chewy which is nice. I like a chewy bourbon. Still it was difficult to get past the intensity of the alcohol sting on my palate. I mean I can handle the sting but I do not love it or seek it out. It is very strong on cinnamon. Butter slightly begins to peek through like a shy toddler. So I did what I never care to do.... I added one small ice cube. One of those my fridge makes with a hole in the middle. So half an ice cube just to get some amount of water in it. This did help to tame the alcohol sting a lot. Still I am left feeling this bottle will sit for awhile and possibly be used for mixing with other things - Manhattans anyone? I am grateful however that this specific bourbon gave way to my love and interest in learning more and trying more whiskies. With ice it is far more creamy and more vanilla and even the cherry come out but not enough for my liking. I used to think it tasted like butterscotch but I did not get that in this tasting. I have had way more intense butterscotch flavors in whisky since this. I will absolutely come back to this as I do have a bottle. We will see if I detect something different next time. I am sure that tasting can be influenced by many things from other smells in the air, to if someone you are with is wearing a cologne or perfume, to foods you have eaten to one's mood in general. To me sampling whisky is also a mental game as much as a tasting and nosing one. Time will tell. Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

Another one I tasted at Oak and Steel. Previous tasting notes tell more info of my experience at this local (KCMO area) whisky bar. This specific Markers Mark bottle is 21-01 Proof 110.6 ABV 55.3% I learned a lot about Makers Mark (and whisky overall) at Oak and Steel. It sure was nice to sit and talk to the owner who knows far more about whisky than I. As for this specific bottle... Nose: Honey, Cinnamon and Apple Mouthfeel was thick and creamy. Super leggy in the glass. Flavor: Sweet, apple, cinnamon, cream and vanilla. This was my first sampling of cask strength Maker's Mark and I was quite pleased with it. It is both enlightening and frustrating to learn that finding that perfect bottle of Makers Mark means I may never find it again so I either have to buy several right away or risk only having it once in a lifetime. Its cool though because every run can be so different and unique in flavor. I really liked this one but it could take a long time or no time at all to find one I like more. This one probably would not be a run out and purchase but I sure would not turn it down either if I found it or saw it at a bar. Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

One of the best out there at the price point although my rating usually has nothing to do with price point. More so my overall enjoyment of the whisky. Yet, one can not deny for the price and enjoyment level this one is a winner! Granted it is getting harder to find Michter's in my area than once before so I am happy to snag it anywhere around 50.00 or less if I am lucky. Nose: Butterscotch with mid level alcohol burn in the nose. Smoke, vanilla peeks through. Leggy glass. Flavor: Vanilla, cream, cinnamon makes the sides of my cheeks tingle. Vanilla on backend. The flavor lingers into an almost lime taste, very tart. The mouthfeel is super thick. Cherry peeks through in the background given time. If you let it sit awhile, about the time it takes for a quick shower, as did I, you will come back welcomed to a super sweet flavor! It was beautiful. Caramel honey and brown sugar explode on the palette. Sweet cream corn presents on the backend after it sits for a bit. Love it! Always one to have in my stash, as long as I can get my hands on it at a decent price, if at all.

This is another that I tasted when I was on bed rest due to a sprained calf last weekend. I had my fiance source a few drams for me to try while laid up. I wish we could thread our tasting notes here to give you the backstory but I will spare the details and get right into the notes: Nose: Strong alcohol and not a lot more comes through Always a little disappointed when that happens as I really want to be able to nose out some notes but alas, this one just had alcohol burn. Flavor: Very creamy mouthfeel with notes of apple, vanilla, and smoke. VERY smokey. Slight cinnamon and clove on the aftertaste which lingers a little. Pretty good stuff but not something I would seek out to purchase although if the price point were good I would keep it on hand. I did appreciate the full creamy mouth and that it had some nice distinct flavors where the nose was seriously lacking. Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

What fun to taste a wine barrel whisky! Another great one from Oak and Steel. Oak and Steel - a wonderful whisky, craft beer, and wine bar here local to me in the KC area. They have over 50 different whiskies and only serve neat, or with one hand cut ice cube on request. No drink mixers. Just the way it should be! Here is what I thought of Straight Edge... Nose: Red Wine comes straight out like a shot to the senses and it was wonderful. Low alcohol burn which I prefer, peaches, cream and banana. Flavor: A bold cream presents first followed by butter, spice and then a surprising amber resin! How interesting! Finish is raisin. This is an oily and heavier body which also added to the full mouthfeel. I truly enjoyed this one and am glad I tried it on the recommendation of the owner of the establishment. I asked about it as I had checked their whisky menu and reviews here on Distiller prior to going in. Yet this one was on my MAYBE list. He could tell from my feedback on the other whiskies I had tried and loved that this one was for me and he was dead on! Will buy this one. (Edit: BOUGHT IT) Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

As mentioned in an earlier tasting note I went to a local place called Oak and Steel - a wonderful whisky, craft beer, and wine bar. They have over 50 different whiskies and only serve neat, or with one hand cut ice cube on request. No drink mixers. Just the way it should be! The prices were so reasonable as well. Before going into Oak and Steel I studied their offerings and decided what I would try based on reviews here on Distiller. I had to have a plan of action! I am so glad I listened to the reviews on here and went for Lip Service! While I do not have a lot of experience with Rye I am finding it is to my liking. Let's get to it... Nose: Melon, Peach, Apple, and a light vanilla aroma. Mostly fruit all the way around Nice legs on the glass. Flavor: A lovely full mouthfeel of sweetness, baking spices, Caramel, and Fruits, specifically and most outstanding were peach and berries! This one made me giggle - when it comes to food and drink if I am giggling I LOVE it. This is a must add to my small, but growing collection. (Edit: Snagged two bottles for 32.00 each! Felt like a good enough price to get the last 2 they had!) Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

I was lucky to get to try this one - along with another local Maker's Mark (Run It Back in honor of our local football team). I learned a lot about Maker's Mark and these special blends atOak and Steell - a wonderful whisky, craft beer, and wine bar. They have over 50 different whiskies and only serve neat, or with one hand cut ice cube on request. No drink mixers. Just the way it should be! The prices were so reasonable as well. Between the two selections - This and Run It Back, I preferred Run it Back more. Let's get to the notes: Nose: Ethonal, Caramel, Vanilla Cream Taste: Strong alcohol, vanilla, stone, cream and a little lingering of cinnamon on the palate. Overall it was good but nothing major stands out for this one in particular. I would not purchase it but I am so glad I was able to try a local blend from Maker's Mark. For me, it was just a little too strong on the nose and palate. Even though it had the sweet flavors I prefer this one left a little too much heat lingering on the backend with a little too much alcohol punch on the front. Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

I was laid up in bed due to a calf sprain so when my fiancé said he was running to liquor store to grab some IPA I asked him for a couple minis of some whisky for me. You know, to kill the pain. After talking to our bud at the store and getting some recommendations he came back with a few offerings. This was one of them. So there I was in bed, leg elevated and icing while binging x-files, again. Nose: Sweet and creamy with barely any aroma of alcohol. Picking up some light smoke and strangely the aroma of fingernail polish remover. EEK! I suppose that is the alcohol I am smelling but its different from any other alcohol aroma I have smelled before. That previous sentence harkens back to a Space Ghost episode quote: "I smell a smell... a smelly smell... a smelly smell that smells.... smelly!" Haha anyway... Some vanilla cream peeks through. Flavor: Oh dram!!! As I feel it filling my mouth its pure marshmallow creaminess, whipped cream, vanilla and banana. ITS PIE! This is my kind of happiness. I am in SO much trouble. After the swallow and as it lingers, yes it does linger, it tastes oaky and charred like toasted marshmallow. This mini needs to grow into a full sized bottle ASAP!! I saved some back for my guy to try but I am so tempted to be selfish and pour the rest. If I do however, he won't know just how yummy this is and won't be excited to run back to the liquor store to buy me the full bottle! EDIT: Bought it. I need this you know, for healing of course! Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

Bushmills was one of the first Irish Whiskies I was introduced to long ago, at least that I am aware of. I was happy to discover that I quite enjoy Irish Whisky. Then again I am part Irish so go figure! Now I am tasting it again but this time with more intent and attempt at understanding it paying more attention and having more appreciation. Nose: Slight alcohol but not overpowering. Clean and refreshing almost a salty ocean water smell. Some kind of a smoke aroma a bit resinous perhaps. Raisin or figs or even possibly a grape jammy scent. There is indeed a lot going on here. It is ever so slightly perfumy as well with a natural woodsy scent like amber or sandalwood. Is this the peat aroma and flavor I read often about here in Distiller? I want to say it smells peaty as if by some deeper "knowing" or inclination but in all truth I do not know for sure if that is what this is as I am still learning and have no one in person to tell me what I "should" be smelling or tasting. I notice in others notes nothing of this but I do my notes prior to looking at what others have said and stick to them - not allowing myself to be convinced otherwise just because I may taste or smell things differently. Flavor: Low to mid burn full of creamy mouthfeel and very buttery and sweet. Vanilla and a slight astringency. Tart as it lingers, and linger a long time it does! Is that what they mean by "legs?" EDITED: Just looked up "legs" in terms of whisky to learn this is NOT what that means. The linger on the palette is thick and heavy. I like this! Layers of flavor play around on my tongue shifting from sweet and thick creamy vanilla to a twangy tanginess then eases out to a jammy yet slight astringency then backing off toward something unique. What IS that essence left behind? Its on the tip of my tongue - not the flavor as that is all over my mouth but what it is exactly is what I ponder - its such a familiar and happy flavor. Maybe in a future tasting I will figure it out. By now (an hour into tasting) the alcohol aroma has entirely faded from the nosing to something light and dessert like. Jam keeps coming to mind but now more of an apricot scent. Either this Irish Whisky is playing games with my mind or I'm really leaning into this one. Fruits bouncing around in my mouth is most enjoyable! Still, getting that slight perfumery resin. Starting to feel I could toss any adjective out and this whisky would match it to someone's palette. Its kinda got it all. Literally every single sip I get something new and different. This is a good one, as far as I know, and as far as my experience allows. I will need to focus more in depth on what Irish whisky has to offer! Feel free to comment and set me straight on what is gong on here with this whisky and what I may be misunderstanding - especially about peat! Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.