Tastes

Saw this for 118 at 20% off at an unassuming store. Bought one, next day bought two. Essentially saving 150 dollars. Might save one for a few years. It's such a complex dram with a touch of peat smoke (One of few distilleries to still peat smoke their own malted barley!) a show of brine at the finish. A gentle reminder of it's location on the Orkney Island. Gawd damn the complexitiy leaves me satisfied with slow sipping one dram and eager for a fresh evening to divulge into another whirlwind of flavor complexities. Love that sherry expression, which definitely gives it it's body.

The name is spot on. The introduction begins with sweet caramel almost candy apple but not like a GLenlivet expression. It has a lemongrass overtone that melds with the caramel. Vanilla notes on the nose carry through the tasting profile and then "the event" happens upon your taste buds. A squad of little dancing fairies begin to tickle the tongue with exactly what the name eludes to: Spice: It's a sweet cardamom spice with a pinch of pepper that could draws a long lasting saturation on the tongue. Feel for sweet, roasted spiced nuts. Great sipping in hot or cold weather. No ICE, but a drop or two of water enhances it's profile. I'd say moderate the addition of water as it's younger brother Oak Cross will be what you're concocting. My new favorite whiskey especially on sale for $43 at my loal Liquor store.

Light palate with notes of Cherry rinds. In my opinion a great option for a Manhattan if a high rye whiskey is unavailable. Not too mention terrific to introduce a lady or newcomer to Bourbon whiskeys.