Tastes

I'm pleasantly surprised by this budget blended scotch. I don't detect any smoke but there's a subtle fruitiness on the palate (pears?) that soon gives way to sweet chocolate notes. The finish is dry and there's almost a salty tang at the very end. Not bad for $30 a Liter.

The pick of the Jefferson's standard range, offering a noticeable step-up in quality from the Small Batch and a better value-for-money than the Ocean and the Groth Cask. Silky mouth feel and pleasing notes of vanilla and toffee, and a remarkably smooth finish.

The green apple notes on the nose, coupled with the light body, almost tricks you into thinking that you're drinking an alcoholic cider. This Irish whiskey is let down by the finish, which is biting and a bit too sharp. I actually prefer the standard Jameson over Tullamore for budget Irish whiskeys, although you're better off spending a couple more dollars for the lovely Redbreast 12.

Typical of Lowland scotches that haven't been tinkered with cask finishing... a light malt that hits all the cereal notes (honey, vanilla, wheat) and a pleasant lightness in body. This would be a good scotch for those beginning their malt journey. Those looking for complexity or bold flavors should look elsewhere.

This is a mediocre approximation of the classic and unpretentious Glenlivet 12. The fruitiness of the 12 is lost here and instead it's replaced by a manufactured sweetness. The finish is undermined by a bitterness. It's telling that the distiller suggests that this blend be consumed on the rocks - a sign that things are not up to snuff, since ice will obscure the imperfections in the spirit. My suggestion is to buy a bottle of the 12 for posterity while you still can and stay away from this drab dram. Very disappointing.

I sampled a dram of this at the Highlands in New York City. I was expecting this to be a full-on sherry bomb, but the predominate flavor is actually chocolate, with some nice spice notes that add complexity. Goes down remarkably smooth for such a high-proof scotch. Highly recommended.