Tastes

I didn’t taste too much of a difference between this and the white table 100 proof if it’s a tad watered down. It’s a budget brand all around. So, if this is their best you’re probably better off with two bottles of the lower tier. That way it lasts longer. You can sip it, mix it, throw it on some rocks and still have a good evening. Grab a cigar and relax.

Some Barrel chair, vanilla, and the standard bourbon spice profile. It’s decent on the rocks, otherwise it’s a little hot. Yes, at 100 proof that’s expected. I actually prefer the black label and 86 proof. I feel like that’s the sweet spot for those particular distillate. For the price it’s definitely worth your time easily compare it with the black label on the bottom shelf. The two together will combine to the price of a standard mid shelf bourbon at checkout.

Strong Michelin or Perelli rubber-depending on your locale. New oily rubber and smoke, lots of smoke. The rubber clings like a stench you’re unable to wash off your hands or clothes. I had a 1.5oz pour and tasted this the next morning. The only thing I can see this used for is a smoky additive for something else. It’s like someone pranked you by putting liquid smoke in a half decent whisky and paid you to try it on a dare. Neat, it’s bad. With ice it’s surprisingly (and offensively) worse. Maybe Coke would help this. I’m not sure. I’m sorry I tried it.

Let’s level set; we’re not sipping this because it’s expensive. Nevertheless this is a pretty good bourbon. You get barrel spice, vanilla, some heat (without acetone) and a hint of brown sugar. No, it’s not your fancy barrel proof or 10yo fill-in the blank. What you do get is a pretty good bourbon that can nearly hang with Buffalo Trace, JB Black, or Wild Turkey 81. Don’t pass over this one if you haven’t tried it. Pick it up off the bottom shelf, blow the dust off off and walk proudly to the cashier. There’s no shame buying EW’s standard bottling.

At the distillery, this was great. It’s a great tour by the way. I got a bottle at home to commemorate special occasions. I thought let’s compare it to Aberlour 12 side by side. The 16 is great by itself. But if you compare side-by-side with the standard 12 (taking into consideration the price jump) it’s ok. This is a good whisky. It’s fruity, has flavors of raisins, oak and soft on the palate. It’s really delicious. The finish is long with nutmeg spice.

For what this is it deserves a high rating. It’s endlessly consistent, very approachable and most importantly affordable for an entry level person interested in scotch. Glenmo 10 is light and fruity with lemon, peaches and a slight spice. When I say slight I mean after a 15 minute rest in the glass (thank you for that general tip, Ralphy) it tastes like melted vanilla ice cream. The finish is short, both a tad sour and a tad spicy. Don’t add much water if you do, at 40%. I love this stuff, very nice indeed. It’s worth having on hand for yourself as a frugal delicious pour. If your past this one, get a bottle for nothing else than if the novice says, “can I try something nice?” and you don’t want to bring out your $$$ stuff to show them what quality sipping spirits can be.

Sweet corn and a tad hot with a touch of acetone and some vanilla. Not really much barrel char here. That’s not a bad thing. Good entry level bourbon to try with ice or as a mixer. If going neat, try adding a teaspoon of something smoky to your dram such as Talisker 10 and it’s something else entirely. It transforms this or any less sophisticated whisky for that matter to a new beverage category. The rough edges disappear and it’s a new frontier. Cheers, my friends.

Sweet, a little herbal, and smoky. Not quite bonfire, not quite seaweed smoke either. It’s medium on both. A tad hot, add a drop of water, it improves it. One review said pepper on the palate, it’s there. The finish is smoke, an almost candy sweetness, then smoke again, a tad bitter and then it’s gone after 30 seconds or so. Definitely worth trying if your easing into smoke or peat.