Tastes
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Craigellachie Exceptional Cask Series 23 Year Single Cask
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed July 24, 2021Wow! At 57.5 abv this was a punch to the throat. The sherry influence was strong, but no overpowering. But there was a musk, funk with this dram that took the pleasure away for me. I added water to subdue the burn, which made the drink more approachable, but the funk was still there. This was a sample that I got from whiskymystery, so I had the experience without spending $400+ for a bottle. Maybe I’ll get to try the regular Craigellachie 23 one of these days. -
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed May 3, 2021 (edited December 25, 2021)Tasting this whisky a year later. Looking at my notes, almost everything seems the same, with the exception that it feels a little sweeter and oaky. I don't get as much citrus, but I get more vanilla, caramel. The smoke still there and the finish is peppery and warm. The name of the whisky seems more appropriate to me now. If you can find this at a great price, give it a shot. -
I’m not into flavored whiskies, but I had the opportunity to try this one and I was surprised. I will say that this is not something that I can see myself drink more than two, as this is sweet(2), it I found it to be pleasant. It will probably be best in a mix with ice cream, pound cake, etc, but by itself it was ok to me, like liquid Reese’s pieces.
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Kilchoman Red Wine Cask Matured (2017 Edition)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed April 10, 2021I have a few peated whiskies like Port Askaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and one Kilchoman (Machir Bay), so that is my reference. On the nose, this is very similar to Machir Bay or Ardbeg 10. Peat, saltiness, a little of sulfur, but then is followed by a sweetness like strawberry syrup (just not as sweet). I think the ABV is on target, at 50%. On the palate, we get smoke, pepper, spices, and fruity. The saltiness and peat hit you on the front, but not too strong, then the sweetness comes in and tones things down a bit. The finish is soft, although the peat and some mintiness stay with you for several minutes after the dram. In summary, I am glad that I got one of these bottles. It's interesting with sweetness and peat, but if this was a regular release, I doubt if I replaced it at the current price. -
Glen Scotia 2003 Rum Cask Finish (2019 Campbeltown Malts Festival)
Single Malt — Campbeltown, Scotland
Reviewed March 30, 2021I had the opportunity to get a sample of this amazing whisky. Although I had other rum cask finished as reference, like the Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask, this one was something special. The nose was sweet, but it had some other elements, spices but not cinnamon. The palate was just as pleasant, but surprise!! There was peat hiding in the back. The finish was medium long and extremely good. And that was the sad part, knowing that I was not going to get more of this special and limited release. If you get the opportunity to try it, go for it. -
Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year
Rhum Agricole Vieux — Haiti
Reviewed March 11, 2021 (edited June 15, 2021)A good drink at a great price. A smooth 15 years Rhum from Haiti with notes of tobacco, grassy and a little fresh mint. These notes are not as intense when compared to Clement Agricole XO, but this is a 15 years so for me this is expected. The flavor are muted a bit. -
Royal Brackla 21 Year (Discontinued)
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed March 6, 2021 (edited October 26, 2023)This is a superb drink, but the price makes this whisky so unattainable, considering that you could get many great, some better, whiskeys at the $230 price range. -
Grangestone 25 Year Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed March 6, 2021 (edited January 27, 2022)Follow up. I was able to compare the Grangestone 25 to the Royal Brackla 16 and 21. On the visual, the Grange 25 was lighter in color when compared to the RB 16, the RB 21 was darker than the RB 16, as these are influenced by their maturation. Although the Grange 25 is also matured in Oloroso, the influence is light. On the nose, these three are similar. On the palate, the RB 21 has more oak, but the Grange 25 seems more citrus and sweet. So for the price, the Grange 25 is a heck of a value and a very enjoyable whisky.
Results 71-80 of 236 Reviews