Tastes

I love this whisky...great creaminess with a soft velvety palate. On the Nose I get melon, banana, eucalyptus.

This is for the Bourbon Cask, non cask Strength. It’s a super distinct, high quality dram that ends up being mighty tasty!

More of a volume sipper for me... call it a 3.5 star. Not very complex but it’s nice enough, with nothing overpowering. Will probably offer this one to guests as a genuine starter-level sherried Scotch.

Surprisingly noses like a barrel proof bourbon, deep and rich with vanilla and oak. Palate is incredibly balanced, exposing signs of richness while staying delicate and floral at the same time. It’s like merging all the best characteristics of red and white wines in one beverage, and raising the flavor level to 11. Finish isn’t terribly long but it’s gradual and elegant. This was a bucket list dram for me and I’m stoked to have gotten this chance to try it!

Very peaty and quite dry from the barrel finish. 4.3

Just wonderful

Wasn't a huge fan on my first taste of this, but it seemed to open up a bit since. Still oaky and on the drier side, but much more soft vanilla and warm making spice making their way through now. Definitely a classic bourbon that differentiates itself from others, at an incredible price.

Ceramic Bottle....Finally polished this one off tonight after purchasing in Tokyo in 2012. Oak and dark fruits on the nose. Its one of the smoothest whiskies I've ever had, almost to a fault, but still decent complexity of oak, minimal smoke, and some extremely subtle sherry undertones. It's probably oxidized on me having been mostly-empty for several years, but still enjoyable to the last drop. Gonna miss drinking this but it's a bottle to display proudly!

It’s got everything. Balvenie Honey with a complementary subtle Peat undertone that cuts the sweetness beautifully. A new favorite.

Sample from The Whiskey Exchange. Nose is light and complex enough, with honey, ripe berries, green apple, and dried smoky air. On the palate, I get biscuity-forward blend of pear and those green apples from the nose, with a decent richness but a younger-than-stated mouthfeel (and lack of overall refinement). I'd believe this as a 15 year but not 18. I'd pay $75-85 but not over $100 for sure.