Tastes

I bought this bottle at first as a collectible. This was originally labeled "Bourbon Mash", but after some complaints about using the word bourbon in an imported whiskey, the TTB changed course and made them correct the name. As shipping, promotion and sales had begun, the TTB allowed Diageo to sell what they have, but the label needed to change. Hence the name "Blenders Mash", and my purchase. Big box retailer had for $19.99, so I figured I'll buy this, keep it behind the bar and tell guests the story. (like anyone but Whiskey geeks care). As the reviews came in, they were not good... I cracked the bottle. The nose is wonderful, sweet vanilla and caramel, a hint of cinnamon. Nice. Unfortunately that is the end of this. There is no taste. It is flat, watery, and almost green apple sour. The finish is non existent. I'm disappointed in this, I really wanted to like it. Crown Black is head and shoulders above. Afraid to put this in any kind of cocktail, as any additional mixer will totally destroy it. I'm managing to get the bottle down by telling friends the story first, then everyone wants a taste.

None better in the price point. A solid sipper. My go to everyday bourbon.

After reading the reviews and loving the look of the bottle, I finally caved in and got a bottle after Abby's last episode of NCIS. You have to admit the look is all Abby. Anyway, the real selling point is a single malt Irish under $30.00, who could say no? The nose is sweet and and I'm getting apricots and candied fruits. The taste is sweet, sherried, and for some reason, more than a bit grainy. But it is smooth and delicate. The apricots are there also. Shorter finish, with some milk chocolate. This would be a five star whiskey if it was at 43 -46 ABV. As good as the bottle looks, it is terrible to pour from. This should be on eveyone's list.

Barrel # 1324, Barreled 11-25-2009.Man oh man, this stuff is good. As a single barrel, we all know there will be variations, but I've had bourbons 3 times the price, and one third as good. Sweet, with a palette of Kraft vanilla caramels, a hint of cherries, and peanuts. Warm and long finish. You owe it to yourself to put this one in you permanent rotation.

3.5. Actually, I like this blend with a little water. A little fruity, and honey on the nose. To me, the few drops of water bring out a whole different side to this whisky. There is a sweetness and a slight smoked meat in the palate, that fades off to slight tartness, like a Granny Smith apple. The downside is it tastes a little young with a graininess to it, but still a good drinker.

I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised by this whisky. In my reading on this, the whole idea of finishing in some type of ale or beer cask sounded interesting. I did not want to spend a ton on trying this out, and I doubted that any local pub in my area would have it behind the bar. At $20.00 it seemed like a go, and as Grant also owns Glenfiddich, and has an IPA finish, how could I loose? A sweet nose, green apple and pears, young, no trace of any hops, or anything close to it. You can feel the grain, but it almost effervescent? My mind must be playing tricks as to the ale, but I can feel it. Sweet with a very, very, slight puff of smoke at the end. Now the finish. He is where the ale kicked in, for me. The only way to describe it is that it reminded me of pouring a beer and getting a large foam head on it, then sucking in all the foam. There is that certain "foam" taste. That's it. I wondered how this would hold up in ice. It lost most of the fruit, but I still get that fizz, a little more ale in the back, and that finish is still there. I may just have to get another after this is gone.

I was looking for something new as a daily dram blended scotch and read some good reviews on this. My usual was, and will be again, Teachers Highland Cream. I was intrigued by the sherry and inclusion of perhaps Macallen in this. Sorry to say, but in my opinion this is bad whisky. All I got was sulfur... big time...Sulfur on the nose, on the palate it was like drinking a blended rotten egg. Awful. I gave it another chance a few days later, same thing. I decanted it, ran it through a filter, nothing helped. Maybe I got a bad bottle? I tried to reach out to the folks and Edrington, but no one gets back to me. I guess this is just not for me. maybe you will have better luck.

One of the many MGP sourced ryes, only Dickel doesn't try to hide it. What makes this one unique is that it is chilled and filtered through charcoal made of sugar maple wood. There is dill on the nose, smells like a fresh loaf of bread. Spice, pepper and sweet on the palate, spicy finish. Save you money on all the high priced "fad" ryes out there. At under $ 25.00 this is a real keeper.

I was actually out looking for a rum finished single malt scotch when I ran into this and since I am fond of all Irish Whiskys, I thought I'd give this a try. My interest was also piqued as Tullamore is now owned by William Grant. (can we say Balveinie Caribbean Cask single malt scotch?) Anyway, on the palate, the sweetness factor is there for sure, but there is no mistaking this as an Irish Whisky, the softness and friendliness is there. Even at 43%. I'm getting tropical notes for sure. I want to say pineapple and mango, some brown sugar for sure. The sweetness is on the nose also, but again Irish for sure. Finish is short and sweet. I really enjoyed this neat. I would bet chilled this would be a winner also but I'm afraid any water would hurt it's delicate nature.