Tastes

Nose: Somewhat fruity and sweet. Shortbread kind of comes through but not as strong as their packaging suggests. Palate: Malty. Some citrus fruit trying to come through. Very light and a little oily. Finish: Brief. Slightly sour. Oily. Shortbread is stronger here than on the nose. Not very pleasant. Overall Thoughts: I did not enjoy this. I bought it two years ago and I’m glad I didn’t spend a lot on it. I wouldn’t recommend it. This missed the mark.

Nose: The cask aroma comes through strong. Very much a sherry/malty smell with hints of citrus. Palate: Smoky and a little oily to me. Oaky flavor comes through with hints of syrup and vanilla. Finish: Smokiness lingers and sweetness is just on the tail end. The vanilla and citrus are more prominent here than on the palate. Overall Thoughts: I don’t hate it. I wouldn’t turn down a glass. But the sherry cask flavor is just not my go-to. Kinda leaves a taste in my mouth that feels like it’s trying a little too hard to impress.

Nose: Hearty fruits with spices. Some peat smoke. Oaky with hints of vanilla as well. Palate: Spice stronger on the palate than on the nose. Smokier as well. Smooth and pleasant. Finish: Medium finish. Lingers a bit and has a very earthy taste. Peat smoke adds a delightful kick, something I absolutely love. Overall Thoughts: I’ve had this bottle for quite a while bit I’ve only had one taste before this review. I think it’s a fine whisky and I’d happily gift this to a friend. It’s simplicity is it’s only downfall. It’s definitely not something I’d turn down.

Nose: Honey, floral, and a hint of vanilla. Very sweet. Slightly oaky as well. Palate: Stronger than I thought but very smooth. Honey comes through a lot stronger with a seemingly tropical fruit taste as well. Floral is hidden but comes through just as it reaches the throat. Finish: Oaky finish as I expected from the nose. But sweet and smooth to be sure. Lasting and enjoyable. I was expecting bitterness but I was pleasantly surprised. May be due to the fact that it was bottled in 2012 but I could be wrong. Overall Thoughts: Good stuff. Easy to enjoy while putting your feet up and winding down. Wouldn’t say it’s top shelf or anything.

Nose: Fruity with lots of vanilla. Almost smells like a really well-made yogurt. Never thought I’d say that in a Scotch review... Palate: Very citrusy. Orange to be exact. A little vanilla comes in and compliments the orange. Finish: Medium. Vanilla lingers a little bit. Smooth and simple. Overall Thoughts: I don’t hate it. I know some people really did not enjoy this one and some people very much did. I know it has a kitschiness to it seeing that it’s basically just an ad campaign, but I don’t think it deserves to be brutalized the way I’ve seen it has been. For what it’s worth, I don’t see this as a bad dram. It would be fun to kick back and rewatch GoT and sip on this.

Nose: Sweetness of honey and fruit, slightly smoky, and a little malt. Palate: Honey comes through followed by a little smoke and spice. Smooth and fruity as well. Hint of vanilla/maple syrup. Finish: Very smooth. Vanilla stronger on the finish. Malty as well. Did not expect this much sweetness but I am very happy about it! Overall Thoughts: This is my second Game Of Thrones bottle I’ve tasted and so far they’re 2 for 2. Very enjoyable and mellow. The smokiness and the malt is excellent. I’m very pleased that my allegiance to The North has proven to be the right decision.

Nose: Cherry with a little spice. Some sweetness. Slightly smoky as well. It smells vaguely like a sea breeze to me, I’m fond of the salty aroma. Palate: Salty in the best way. Malty and smoky but pretty subtle. Hint of caramel. Finish: Smokier on the finish than on the palate. Sweetness and fruitiness. And the smoke is a nice touch and keeps it smooth. Overall Thoughts: The nose does happen to be the most intricate part. It’s a fine dram and I’m happy to savor the bottle for the novelty as well as the quality. I very much enjoyed this and will continue to do so.

Nose: A fruity blend of citrus and apples. Smokey and malty. Leathery? Smells like the sea which is appropriate. Palate: Fruitiness blending with smokiness as expected. Saltiness coming along with hints of caramel. Finish: Lingering smokey flavor. More of the saltiness as well. Slightly fruity on its way out. Overall Thoughts: I am very comfortable with this one. It’s soothing and tastes like home seeing as I grew up just minutes from the ocean. However, I’ve had Talisker whiskies before and they’re excellent, but I wouldn’t consider this to be their best. But seeing as it’s for the GoT collection, it’s great.

Nose: Grassy notes. Some oak and smoke. Caramel and vanilla notes. Citrus fruits. Palate: Vanilla and cinnamon. Slightly fruity, apples and oranges. Smoky and strong. Slight peat flavor. Finish: Medium. Smokiness lingering with hints of cinnamon and citrus. Overall Thoughts: A very pleasant single malt. Tastes lovely and isn’t too powerful or overbearing. For a young whiskey, it’s very impressive and I enjoy it. I’ll make the bottle last and I’m excited to try more Glendalough. They’d already impressed me with their Poitín, and now their 7 year will always be in the cabinet!