Tastes

Kamiki Sakura Wood is a fascinating and nuanced Japanese whisky that offers a truly unique tasting experience. Initially, the palate is greeted with delicate, sweet notes of sakura blossom, reminiscent of spring. As the whisky opens up, a transformation occurs, revealing slightly tart, varnish-like nuances that add an intriguing layer of complexity. Finally, the finish settles into a beautifully balanced profile of oak, spice, and ripe apple, leaving a lingering warmth. This whisky's dynamic flavor evolution is a testament to its careful maturation in sakura wood casks. Overall, Kamiki Sakura Wood is an exceptional whisky that captivates with its ever-changing character. Rating: 98/100

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof is a bold, unfiltered bourbon that showcases the best of what high-proof whiskey can offer. Bottled at a robust 116.8 proof (varies by batch), this expression delivers a powerful yet balanced experience. On the nose, it bursts with rich aromas of caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of baking spices, inviting you in with its warmth and complexity. The palate is where Rare Breed truly shines. It’s a full-bodied, layered whiskey with flavors of dark honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of dried fruit. The high proof is masterfully integrated, providing a satisfying heat without overwhelming the senses. The mouthfeel is lush and oily, coating the palate with a luxurious texture. The finish is long and warming, leaving behind lingering notes of oak, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a standout in the world of barrel-proof bourbons, offering exceptional depth, character, and drinkability. It’s a must-try for enthusiasts seeking a bold yet refined whiskey experience. Overall Rating: 96/100

Auchentoshan 12 Years is a triple-distilled single malt from the Lowlands of Scotland, known for its light and approachable profile. On the nose, it offers subtle notes of vanilla, honey, and a touch of citrus, which are pleasant but not particularly complex. The palate is smooth and easy-drinking, with flavors of caramel, toasted almonds, and a hint of green apple. However, it lacks depth and character, coming across as somewhat one-dimensional and, frankly, quite boring. The finish is short and unremarkable, leaving little to linger or savor. While Auchentoshan 12 is a decent entry-level whisky for those new to single malts, it fails to excite or leave a lasting impression. Its simplicity and lack of boldness make it a forgettable dram in a crowded market. 3.5 from 5

Glenfarclas, a name synonymous with tradition and quality in the world of single malt Scotch whisky, presents its 8-year-old expression as a testament to the distillery's commitment to crafting approachable yet complex spirits. This youthful offering from the Speyside region is a delightful surprise, showcasing a balance of smoothness, softness, and layered flavors that belie its age. Nose: The Glenfarclas 8 opens with a welcoming aroma of fresh orchard fruits - think crisp green apples and ripe pears - complemented by a subtle hint of honeyed malt. There’s a gentle waft of vanilla and a touch of citrus zest, adding brightness to the bouquet. A faint whisper of oak lingers in the background, providing a delicate structure without overpowering the lighter notes. Palate: On the palate, the whisky is remarkably smooth and soft, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts. The initial sip reveals a creamy texture, with flavors of toffee and butterscotch taking center stage. This sweetness is beautifully balanced by a touch of spice - think cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg - that adds depth and warmth. As the whisky unfolds, notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins and apricots, emerge, contributing to the overall complexity. The youthful vibrancy of the spirit is evident, yet it never feels harsh or unbalanced. Finish: The finish is medium in length, leaving a pleasant warmth and a lingering sweetness on the tongue. A subtle nuttiness, akin to toasted almonds, makes a final appearance, rounding out the experience. While the finish is not overly long, it is satisfying and leaves you eager for another sip. Overall Impression: The Glenfarclas 8-Year-Old is a whisky that punches above its weight. Its smooth and soft character makes it incredibly approachable, while the interplay of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes ensures there’s enough complexity to keep you engaged. This is a whisky that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a cocktail, making it a versatile addition to any collection. For those seeking a well-crafted, youthful single malt that delivers both comfort and intrigue, the Glenfarclas 8 is a standout choice. Rating: 90/100 A delightful and accessible expression that showcases Glenfarclas’s signature style with finesse.

Nose: The Arran Barrel Reserve greets the nose with a rich and inviting bouquet, featuring prominent notes of ripe orchard fruits such as apples and pears, intertwined with sweet vanilla and a touch of honey. There's a subtle hint of citrus zest and a gentle spiciness that adds depth, while the underlying malt character provides a solid foundation. Palate: On the palate, this whisky offers a beautifully balanced and complex flavor profile. The initial sweetness from the vanilla and honey is complemented by the crispness of green apples and a hint of tropical fruits. The mid-palate reveals layers of toasted oak and a gentle nuttiness, leading to a warm, spicy note that lingers pleasantly. The texture is smooth and velvety, making each sip a delightful experience. Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with the sweet and fruity notes gradually fading to reveal a gentle, warming spice and a touch of oak. The lingering flavors of vanilla, honey, and a hint of sea salt create a harmonious conclusion that invites another sip. Overall: Arran Barrel Reserve is a superbly crafted whisky that showcases the distillery's commitment to quality and flavor. Its rich and complex profile, combined with a smooth and velvety texture, makes it a standout choice for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. With its exceptional balance and depth of flavor, it earns a well-deserved score of 92/100. Score: 92/100

Nose: The Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky opens with a delicate and inviting aroma, featuring notes of sweet vanilla and toasted cereal grains. Subtle hints of fresh fruit, particularly green apples and pears, add a refreshing layer to the nose, complemented by a gentle touch of honey and a faint whisper of oak. Palate: On the palate, this whisky delivers a smooth and creamy texture, with a balanced sweetness that is both approachable and satisfying. The vanilla notes from the nose carry through, accompanied by a soft, malty character and a touch of caramel. There is a pleasant interplay between the sweet and grainy elements, with a slight nuttiness that adds depth and complexity. Finish: The finish is medium-length and pleasantly warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, cereal grains, and a hint of spice. The overall experience is one of refined simplicity, making it an excellent choice for both casual sipping and as a base for cocktails. Overall: Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky is a well-crafted and enjoyable spirit that showcases the versatility of grain whisky. Its balanced profile and approachable nature make it a solid choice for both whisky enthusiasts and those new to the category. With its smooth texture and delightful flavors, it earns a commendable score of 87/100. Score: 87/100

Overall Rating: 98/100 Auchentoshan Three Wood is an exceptional single malt that showcases the Lowland distillery’s mastery of triple distillation and cask finishing. Matured in a combination of American bourbon, Spanish Oloroso sherry, and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it delivers an explosion of rich, sweet, and complex flavors. It stands out as a definitive expression for those who adore sherry-forward whiskies. Appearance In the glass, the whisky glows with a deep mahogany hue, reflecting the influence of its extended time in sherry casks. The liquid clings to the glass with thick, luxurious legs, hinting at a rich and oily texture. Nose The nose is a symphony of sherry-driven aromas, offering an intense and immediate burst of dried fruits—raisins, figs, and prunes. Dark chocolate, toffee, and a touch of espresso add layers of depth, while subtle notes of orange peel, baking spices, and roasted nuts contribute further complexity. The bouquet is opulent and inviting, a prelude to the richness that follows. Palate Auchentoshan Three Wood delivers what might be the brightest and most expressive sherry influence I’ve ever encountered in a whisky. From the first sip, the palate is engulfed by waves of dark fruits—plump raisins, stewed plums, and rich black cherries. Velvety toffee and molasses provide a luscious sweetness, while hints of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and clove add warmth and spice. The Pedro Ximénez cask finish imparts a decadent touch of syrupy sweetness, perfectly balanced by the drier, nuttier notes from the Oloroso sherry casks. A subtle layer of citrus zest adds a refreshing lift to the dense flavor profile. Finish The finish is long, luxurious, and deeply satisfying. Lingering notes of dark chocolate, spiced fruitcake, and toasted oak slowly fade, leaving behind a gentle warmth and a faint hint of dried orange peel. The sherry influence remains vivid throughout, a testament to the skillful cask selection and blending. Final Thoughts Auchentoshan Three Wood is a sherry lover’s dream and a benchmark for sherry-cask maturation. Its ability to deliver such a vibrant, expressive sherry profile without overwhelming the whisky’s natural sweetness and complexity is remarkable. The triple distillation process imparts a refined smoothness that perfectly complements the rich flavors from the cask finishes. For those who crave a whisky that boldly celebrates sherry’s influence, Auchentoshan Three Wood is unmatched. Its complexity, balance, and unforgettable flavor profile make it one of the finest sherry-forward whiskies on the market, solidifying its position as a true masterpiece in the whisky world.

Overall Rating: 90/100 Johnnie Walker Double Black is a bold and distinctive addition to the iconic Johnnie Walker range, crafted to offer a smokier, more intense experience than its sibling, the classic Black Label. Designed to cater to lovers of peaty whiskies, Double Black combines the hallmark smoothness of a blended Scotch with a deeper, smokier edge. While impressive, it leaves room for refinement, especially in its bottling strength and the consistency of its smoky character over time. Appearance Double Black showcases a deep amber hue with glints of copper, reflecting its additional maturation in heavily charred oak casks. The liquid forms long, steady legs, hinting at a rich, slightly oily texture. Nose On first opening, the nose is a powerful burst of smoke—intense and aromatic, with notes of charred wood, burning embers, and smoked meats. As the whisky settles, the smoke softens considerably, allowing underlying aromas of honey, vanilla, and ripe orchard fruits to emerge. Hints of dark chocolate, dried figs, and black pepper provide additional layers of complexity. Palate The palate is rich and flavorful, delivering an immediate wave of smoky peat that transitions into sweet and spicy nuances. Caramelized sugar, toffee, and dried fruits balance the initial smokiness, while subtle spices—clove, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg—add depth. There is a slight bitterness from the charred oak, which complements the overall profile but could have been rounded out more by a higher ABV. At 40%, the whisky occasionally feels restrained, with its flavors lacking the full vibrancy that a stronger proof might have delivered. Finish The finish is medium to long, starting with lingering smoke and charred oak but fading more quickly than expected. Sweet notes of honey and vanilla reappear toward the end, along with a gentle hint of spice, leaving a pleasant but somewhat subdued aftertaste. Observations One of the standout characteristics of Johnnie Walker Double Black is the powerful smokiness upon first opening the bottle. It is striking and bold, immediately setting the whisky apart. However, this intensity diminishes significantly with time and oxidation, which may disappoint those seeking a consistently smoky dram throughout its life. Additionally, while the 40% ABV makes the whisky approachable, it leaves an impression of untapped potential. A bump to 46% ABV would likely amplify its smoky character, enhance its mouthfeel, and bring greater definition to its flavor layers, making it even more compelling. Final Thoughts Johnnie Walker Double Black successfully achieves its goal of delivering a smokier, more robust experience while maintaining the blend's hallmark smoothness. Its complex interplay of smoke, sweetness, and spice makes it a standout in its category, particularly for those looking to explore peatier profiles within a blended Scotch. Despite some areas for improvement - particularly its ABV - it remains an excellent whisky, worthy of a place in any enthusiast's collection.

Whisky Review: Connemara Original Peated Single Malt Overall Rating: 86/100 Connemara Original, an Irish single malt from the esteemed Cooley Distillery, is a rare gem in the Irish whisky landscape, offering a distinctive peated profile uncommon among its counterparts. With its delicate balance of smoke and sweetness, it presents a compelling choice for those exploring the intersection of Irish smoothness and the boldness of peat. Appearance In the glass, Connemara Original shines with a light golden hue, indicative of its youthful, non-age-statement character. The legs are thin but consistent, hinting at a lighter body. Nose The nose is a welcoming introduction to its peated essence. Soft, sweet aromas of honey and vanilla mingle with gentle waves of peat smoke. A touch of green apple and citrus zest adds a fresh, fruity brightness, while subtle undertones of toasted oak and heather bring complexity. Palate On the palate, Connemara continues its harmonious marriage of smoke and sweetness. The peat is present but not overpowering, offering a delicate ashy note rather than the maritime or medicinal characteristics found in some heavily peated whiskies. Honeyed malt and creamy vanilla dominate the mid-palate, accented by hints of orchard fruits and a faint nuttiness. However, the whisky's relatively low ABV of 40% leaves it feeling slightly restrained, with flavors lacking the depth and vibrancy they could achieve with a higher proof. Finish The finish is medium in length, with lingering peat smoke, soft spices, and a touch of dry oak. A faint herbal quality emerges, rounding out a satisfying but understated conclusion. Final Thoughts Connemara Original is an approachable and enjoyable peated whisky, perfect for those transitioning from traditional Irish styles to more robust, smoky profiles. Its gentle peat makes it versatile and accessible without compromising on character. However, the low 40% ABV slightly diminishes its potential. A bump to 46% ABV would likely enhance its flavor intensity, texture, and complexity, elevating it to a higher echelon. While Connemara Original performs admirably within its category, its full potential feels just out of reach. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and worthwhile addition to any whisky lover’s collection, especially for those who appreciate the charm of peat with an Irish twist.

Overall Rating: 90/100 Nose (22/25) The nose is warm and inviting, with a distinct sweetness that immediately reveals the rum cask influence. Aromas of dark brown sugar, molasses, and caramelized bananas dominate, supported by notes of vanilla and toasted oak. There is a hint of dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, which adds depth, while subtle spices like cinnamon and clove emerge as it opens up. The nose is rich and appealing, setting the stage for an enjoyable tasting experience. Palate (23/25) On the palate, Pike Creek 10 Year is medium-bodied with a smooth, silky texture. The rum barrel finish shines through with flavors of toffee, ripe tropical fruits, and spiced honey, which meld harmoniously with the underlying whisky's characteristics. The dried fruit notes from the nose carry over, complemented by a touch of baking spices and a slight nuttiness that adds complexity. The sweetness is well-balanced, avoiding any cloying sensation and allowing the wood influence to integrate seamlessly. Finish (22/25) The finish is moderately long, with lingering warmth and a gentle spiciness. Notes of sweet oak, dark chocolate, and a faint rum sweetness persist, leaving a pleasant, slightly drying sensation. As it fades, a final touch of toasted coconut and vanilla reappears, encouraging another sip. The finish is satisfying, with enough depth to remind you of the whisky's maturity and rum influence. Balance (23/25) Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish is a well-balanced whisky that successfully marries the rich, sweet character of the rum casks with the robust Canadian whisky base. The integration of flavors is seamless, with the rum influence enhancing rather than overpowering the whisky. The result is a smooth, approachable dram that offers complexity without being overly challenging, making it suitable for a range of whisky enthusiasts. Conclusion Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish is a standout example of how rum cask finishing can elevate a whisky's profile, adding layers of flavor while maintaining harmony. Its rich sweetness, complemented by spice and oak, provides a versatile drinking experience that's equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. This whisky's approachable nature, combined with its well-executed finish, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of cask-finished whiskies or simply enjoy a quality Canadian dram.