Tastes

Honey and green apple Jolly Rancher on the nose. A nice mouthfeel. A bit oily and really buttery smooth.

Smoky and sweet on the nose, reminding me of an Islay but with less of an earthiness or brine note. On the taste, though, it becomes evident that this is different. It’s sweet and honey along with smoke. Smooth and really nice.

Meaty, salty, and smoky on the nose, with a slight sweetness and leather on the palette. It’s so good!

I like it. It’s got a nose of cereal and spice, but there’s a sweetness that also comes out along with the heat. I added a little water and actually found that it got spicier.

Like others are stating, there’s a bit of heat here. It’s not too much for me, though. Underneath the spice is a nice sweetness and a long finish of sweet and wood spice. With a few drops of water the flavor opens up a bit more and leads to leather and dark chocolate notes. This whiskey is all about classic bourbon notes and it’s a really good one.

On the nose, this is undoubtedly an Islay whisky, with peat and brine presenting themselves, though not at the level of an Ardbeg or Laphroaig. It’s more subtle. When tasting it, a wonderful and complex sweetness that was present in the nose prevails and sort of takes center stage. There’s peat here, but all I can think about is the slightly tart and sweet taste of green apples, citrus, and black tea. The finish of this whiskey almost leaves me feeling like I just ate a pear. It’s so easy to drink. Maybe too easy. Haha!

It’s weird, maybe, but I get some dill pickles on the nose. The rye spice presents itself after tasting and it finishes with honey and warmth. Green apple Laffy Taffy emerges after adding a bit of water. Maybe I’m drunk.

Sweet sherry and honey on the nose, with an oily mouthfeel. Balanced, though, with barrel spice. A bit of unexpected smoke on the finish.

It doesn’t smell like Scotch. It’s got a sweet sherry smell to it. On the tongue, it’s less sweet and dry. Toffee, caramel, and spice.

I would have a hard time distinguishing this from Laphroaig 10 if you just sat a dram down in front of me. That said, I do believe that Lore has all of the goodness of the 10 but with slightly more subdued smoke and with a touch more sweetness. It’s more rounded as well. Punches you in the face just a bit less. But, then again... I like to be slapped around every now and then.