Tastes

Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2017 this 6 year old unpeated single malt is exemplary. Young, malt forward and unapologetic, a fine example of the intrinsic quality that Bruichladdich has brought to the market. They have raised the bar for single malt whisky and it is doubtful that other producer's would dare to rise to this challenge. Thank you Bruichladdich!

Nose is phenolic, floral, oak, light peat and lemon zest. Arrival is thin, tart, a hint of barley sugar and barrel tannin. Finish is dry, mostly tannins, pepper and a light spice. DeLuxe... not so much.

The nose is distinctly Macallan. Sherry, raisins, burnt sugar, orange peel, and caramels. Lovely. Arrival... sweet, mouth watering, orchard fruits, table grapes and barrel tannins. Finish is medium with lingering oak and a light spicyness. In the war of the blended Malts this gives Monkey Shoulder a run for its money. Now if only Edrington could work out their distribution issues and make this more readily available...

On the nose, sweet grain, vanilla, pear, and a muted cardamom. On arrival, wow this is soft, you could gargle with this before bed. Development is sweet with a little pepper, thicker than expected, and dry. Finish is youthful and brief. Not bad at all given the price.

Curiosity motivated my purchase while a distant memory tempered my expectations. Its been over 20 years since I had last partaken of The Grouse. On the nose... could that be a distant and muted Highland Park? Surely the other spirits in this blend have overwhelmed that Orkney DNA. Yet there it is on the nose along with sour grain, green apples, and anise. Very pleasant. On arrival... sour, grain forward, slightly bitter, thin, dry but again pleasant. Finish is fleeting with some light spicyness. At under $22 a bottle I can't really disparage this blend. What it lacks in complexity it makes up in value.

Wonderful Highland nose, arrival delivered everything the nose promised and the finish was lingering and lovely. I have only sampled a few blended malts, and this one is a stunner. The high ratings are well deserved.

I had high hopes for Redbreast 12, as I have yet to be impressed by an Irish Whiskey and so many folks rave about it. It was very good, but it seemed muted like so many others I have tried. Buttery, yes, Fruity check... but every note was subtle and tame. Still on the hunt for the cask strength version, which I am sure will deliver the experience that I was expecting.

Peat is the theme of this malt. Act one is a slap in the face. Act two has a plot twist as a sweetness shines through. As the credits roll the peat and medicinal notes fade into a yearning for a sequel. Quite enjoyable.