Tastes

I'm more a Single Malt guy, and frankly with all the hype around this bourbon I expected to be disappointed. I was not. Though I've not tasted many bourbons to this point, this is definitely one of the best I've had, if not the best. Sipped neat, the high proof is not off-putting. Lot's of caramel/honey/vanilla going on. Bit of cinnamon. Got a fleeting hint of leather, distant oak. Give it some time in the glass, and the oak shows up a little more. Nice!

I'm more of a Single Malt guy, but this is a pleasant bourbon. Since there are so many tasting notes already here, I won't bore you with mine. I will say this: if you're looking for a nice bourbon at a good price, maybe give this one a try.

Not a great whisky, but a good one to have around, and it won't drain your wallet!

Oloroso influence is prominent to me. Not a bad thing. Flash of sour up front, sherry, vanilla, faint spiciness. Finishes long and soft. Pleasant. I would buy it again.

This is a relatively mild mannered single malt, with honey and vanilla the main feature. There are some oak notes, and maybe a whisper of heathery smoke. Finish is a little short. Overall, a pleasant whisky to have around.

Overall a decent dram, with its notes of vanilla, citrus, brine, faint smoke. Not a great whisky, but a good one to have around. Might make a pleasant introduction to Scotch whisky for the first-timer. Mid 80's for me.

Reading through the notes on this bourbon, one might get the idea that this isn't just an ordinary bourbon. Rather than give a description of the flavors I found, let me just say that this is one of the most interesting (in the best possible way) bourbons I've tasted. Very complex, yet approachable despite the high proof. Sipping slowly, there is warmth, but no burn. A surprising pleasure.

This is a nice, almost delicate whisky. Balvenie's honey notes are there, a bit nutty, pleasant all the way around. Wish the finish was a little longer. And I wish we had 1/2 star ratings! 3 1/2 stars, and Distiller's 87 is spot on for me.

I know a lot of folks really love this dram, but it doesn't fall into the "love it" column for me. Definitely smokey and peaty, a bit salty, some dark chocolate notes, etc. It's good, I like it, but something about it comes up a little short. I give it 3 stars, and would put it around 85 or so.