Tastes
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Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed July 28, 2016 (edited February 19, 2018)Nice and spicy with a toasted oak and cinnamon burn on the finish. High proof makes the burn linger a little longer than I'd like, but overall an enjoyable bourbon. -
Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed July 28, 2016 (edited September 5, 2016)Smells woody, but on the lighter side. There's just enough rye there to make it spicy while not overpowering the finish. Solid -
Cragganmore 12 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed July 28, 2016 (edited December 11, 2018)Velvety smooth with a lingering, sweet honey finish. No burn and insanely crushable (if there is such a thing in the world of single malt scotches). -
I've passed on this scotch several times because I convinced myself I'm "beyond" this entry level from Ardbeg. Sometimes, I'm a dumbass. Excellent smoke and brine makes this a very enjoyable dram. The fact it's on the cheaper side is a bonus. A good BBQ would make this even better. Updated review 8/14/18: I just spent some quality time with a newer batch of this standard Ardbeg. This was bottled in 2017 and was presented in the warehouse tin. This is pale yellow with thick, oily legs and light droplets on the rim. It’s bottled at 46% and is non-chill filtered. The nose is light smoke (at least lighter now that I’m much more experienced in Islay malts, that is). There’s earthy peat here in spades with a nice zesty bite. It’s still a true campfire on the nose. The palate has a lighter flavor profile than I recall from the earlier tasting. There’s more oak presence- which isn’t a bad thing to break up the smoke and peat monopoly. The finish is short/medium and oily. There isn’t much heat and it’s still surprisingly mellow for a peated whisky. Overall, this is still a 4 star classic but this latest batch seems like they turned the volume down from 10 to about an 8. With all the NAS stuff coming out of Ardbeg now it feels like the 10 has become an afterthought at the distillery and the product is starting to get long in the tooth. I’m not sure I’ll buy another bottle of this until I can taste a sample first. It’s losing its edge IMO.
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It was just over 6 months ago when I first tried this spectacular, NAS single malt. I was at a higher end whisky bar here in Richmond, Va when the owner gave me a sample after I paid for a pour of the highest peated whisky in the world. See how well it holds it's own even after the Octomore, he said. I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I was able to acquire a proper sample from a friend because I want to do a real review. Like I said, it's a NAS single malt that comes in at just over 114 proof. It's non-chill filtered and has no added color. A full bottle runs around $80-90. It's a beautiful golden copper and it even looks oily resting in the glass. A vigorous swirl coats every inch and leaves thin, long legs until it all settles while releasing the signature peat smoke and briny salt aroma into the air. Inhaling a bit deeper and you get the hidden sweetness of dark berries and chocolate before that final rush of hot peppers and faint oak. It's very complex, even on the nose. That first sip really overwhelmed my tongue with hot peppers and alcohol burn. It's only when you let it be for a few seconds that it starts to reveal everything it has to offer: blackberries, dark chocolate and a roasted flavor that reminds me of coffee. Then the pepper and oak rinse it away while still leaving your whole mouth oily and warm. The finish burns so wonderfully all the way down into your stomach. It's just the right amount of heat from the alcohol and pepper to make you take notice, but there is still a good bit of residual flavor still lingering on the tongue that you don't want it to end. It really does make you want to drink more and more. Amazing stuff. I was able to get my hands on a full bottle on Black Friday for the incredible price of $71. That's a steal IMO. Highly recommended. Cheers.
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