Tastes

Bulleit Rye is a distinguished American whiskey that stands out in the world of spirits for its high rye content and distinctive character. This meticulously crafted whiskey boasts a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, a composition that endows Bulleit Rye with its bold, spicy profile that has garnered acclaim among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Tasting Notes: Nose: The aroma of Bulleit Rye is immediately inviting, marked by a rich tapestry of spice with undercurrents of vanilla and oak. The rye's inherent spiciness is complemented by hints of cherry and a touch of citrus, creating a complex and engaging olfactory experience. Palate: On the palate, Bulleit Rye delivers a robust and full-bodied flavor. The high rye content manifests in a vivid spiciness, balanced by a subtle sweetness reminiscent of caramel and honey. This sweetness is intricately woven with the warmth of vanilla and the depth of oak, resulting in a harmonious and layered taste profile. Finish: The finish of Bulleit Rye is long, warm, and remarkably smooth, considering its rye dominance. It leaves a lasting impression of spice, complemented by a gentle sweetness and the lingering essence of oak. Overall impression: It was perfect on a 1st sip but then became less expressive. Definitely better than Four Roses Small Batch. Interesting Facts about Bulleit Rye: Historical Roots: Bulleit Rye is part of Bulleit Distilling Co., which traces its origins back to the 1830s. Founded by Augustus Bulleit, the company was reborn in the late 20th century by his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, who sought to revive the family's historic recipes. High Rye Mash Bill: The mash bill of Bulleit Rye is one of the highest in the industry for rye whiskeys available commercially. This high percentage of rye grain contributes to its distinctively bold and spicy flavor profile, setting it apart from other whiskeys. Award-Winning Spirit: Bulleit Rye has been honored with numerous awards and accolades for its quality and craftsmanship. Its recognition in international spirit competitions underscores the whiskey's excellence and appeal to a global audience. Sustainable Practices: Bulleit has shown a commitment to sustainability in its distilling processes. The company has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact, including sourcing ingredients locally where possible and investing in sustainable production methods. Versatility in Cocktails: While Bulleit Rye is a pleasure to sip neat or on the rocks, its bold flavor also makes it an excellent base for a wide range of cocktails. From a classic Manhattan to a rye Old Fashioned, it adds depth and complexity to any drink. In conclusion, Bulleit Rye represents a bridge between tradition and innovation, offering a whiskey experience that is both deeply rooted in American distilling heritage and appealing to modern palates. Its intricate flavor profile and commitment to quality make it a standout selection for those seeking a premium rye whiskey.

Nose: The Auchentoshan American Oak greets the senses with a bouquet of vibrant aromas. As the glass nears, a welcoming scent of vanilla and coconut, reminiscent of a warm, tropical breeze, emerges. A hint of toasted oak lingers in the background, a testament to its American oak aging, which imparts a gentle, woody character. Palate: Upon the first sip, the whisky reveals its smooth and approachable nature. The vanilla from the nose is more pronounced, evoking the creamy richness of a well-crafted vanilla bean ice cream. The oak influence is more evident here but overall taste is a bit too simple. Finish: The finish of the Auchentoshan American Oak is as graceful as its beginning. It leaves a lingering sweetness on the palate, reminiscent of caramel and honey. This is coupled with a soft, oak-infused warmth that gently fades, inviting another sip. Overall: Auchentoshan American Oak is great for its price, but too simple. Maybe it would be more interesting in 43 or 46 ABV. And another AI picture)

Upon my initial encounter with Teeling Small Batch, I was greeted with an experience that was startlingly reminiscent of a high-quality rum, rather than a whiskey. The profile of this spirit bore a striking similarity to esteemed rums like El Dorado 12 and Diplomatico, showcasing a surprising and delightful twist in the world of blended whiskeys with rum cask finishes. However, the true character of Teeling Small Batch began to unfold around the third day after opening the bottle. It evolved distinctly into a whiskey with a refined, lingering rum aftertaste – a testament to its intricate craftsmanship. In terms of value, Teeling Small Batch stands out as an exceptional choice. Priced at approximately $30, it delivers a complexity and quality that surpasses expectations. This whiskey not only provides a unique tasting experience but also represents an excellent example of innovative distilling techniques. My overall assessment of Teeling Small Batch is overwhelmingly positive, warranting a perfect score of 5 out of 5, or 100 out of 100. Teeling has truly achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of whiskey, creating a product that can both surprise and delight the palate.

Orchard House is a blend of some of the fruitiest malts from Scotland, including whiskies from the Linkwood and Clynelish distilleries. These whiskies are sourced as new spirit and matured in Compass Box's own oak casks, a process that has been many years in the making. This creation is their tribute to the fresh, fruity essence found in Scotch. But to.my mind it would be better with 43 or even with 40 ABV. It's a bit too spicy at the beginning. And I really enjoy their labels and bottle design.

Suntory Toki Whisky is a distinctive blended Japanese whisky from the renowned House of Suntory, known for its innovative approach to whisky-making. This whisky uniquely combines malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries, resulting in a harmonious blend that reflects the company's commitment to craftsmanship. The production process of Toki, which means "time" in Japanese, involves careful selection of whiskies that contribute to its signature smoothness and gentle sweetness, embodying the balance and sophistication characteristic of Suntory's creations. Appearance - a light amber color with golden hues. Aroma/Nose - very very soft. Palate/Taste - The initial taste is a bit sweet, fruity and woody with transition to spicy one. Finish - medium, spicy. Overall Impression - quite interesting combination of tastes, you'll definitely remember it. Score - 78/100

Disappointed by burning alcohol. Too bad for its rate.

Old Pulteney 12 Years is a revered single malt Scotch whisky known for its maritime influence and distinctive flavor profile. Crafted in the Pulteney Distillery, located in Wick, Scotland, this expression represents the essence of the coastal town it calls home. The distillery, established in 1826, is renowned for its unique location by the North Sea, which plays a crucial role in shaping the whisky's character. Old Pulteney whiskies often carry a subtle brininess and a hint of sea air due to the coastal climate where the casks mature. This particular expression, aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, embodies a harmonious blend of sweetness, fruitiness, and a touch of coastal salinity, making it a distinctive and cherished offering among whisky enthusiasts. Appearance: The whisky has a rich amber color with golden hues. Aroma/Nose: Notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel are prominent, followed by a hint of wet wood. Palate/Taste: Initial taste is a bit sweet with classic fruity tones. Smooth and soft. Finish: There is the most interesting part - the finish is medium-long and warming with notes of wet wood or dampness with smoke. Overall Impression: I've really enjoyed it and would say you should taste it before Talisker.

I didn’t immediately understand this whiskey, I fully appreciated it only when it stood for a month after the first sample. The aroma is burnt barley and oak, the taste is full-bodied, floral and fruity with a slightly smoky aftertaste. In the end, I was very pleased, but it needs to be allowed to breathe, then it will open up to its full potential.