Tastes

Appearance: This blended whiskey is a light caramel color. It also has extremely watery legs. Nose: There’s not a big bouquet in this whiskey at all. But from the notes I detected, I got buttered toast, gasoline fumes, caramel, sweet corn, brown sugar, and oak. Taste: The palate is pleasant but not complicated. There are notes of sour green apple, peach, honey and caramel; it’s almost desert-like. Finish: The short finish leaves a dry ashy yet honeyed aftertaste. It sort of reminds me of the end of a cheap sweet cigar. Thoughts: This American blend I will say is not bad at all; it’s not going to be the talk of the town or anything, but it’s not bad. If you’re wanting a background whiskey that isn’t expensive to have with friends, this will do. It may pair well, with the sweeter palate as well as the ashy aftertaste, with smoking a pipe or cigar on a nippy night. Thanks, Bird Dog! Cheers!

Appearance: The color on this old Canadian blend is of caramel syrup and it has the thinnest legs I've ever seen! But it also possesses a good amount of viscosity. Nose: The nose has no surprises, notes of oak and wood shavings with also a good amount of sweetness: caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, frosting on a sheet cake, maraschino cherry syrup and of course, (at the risk of being racist against Canadian whisky) maple syrup. Taste: Going down there is no burn, which is nice, but as a whole there’s not much there. Rye notes and black pepper spiciness, salty almonds, and sweet maple are woven through the thin palate. Finish: There is the lingering effect of the rye and black pepper spice throughout the swallow and finish. The finish is short but leaves a bitter aftertaste. Thoughts: So this whisky for most would be considered a “bottom shelfer,” not there to be taken seriously only bought out of desperation or if you’re in a financial pinch. Personally, I don’t want my whiskey journey to be prejudice against the cheaper guys, I’m sure there are times I’ll be disappointed, but I’m sure other times I’ll be pleasantly surprised. This was one of those times. Now, this wasn’t a whisky that’s worth raving about, but it was nice. It tasted and smelled pleasant, wasn’t expensive, and is readily available pretty much everywhere. Now I had a pretty low bar going into this dram, so because it was met I was satisfied. And maybe that’s the trick, or maybe it really isn’t bad at all. Either way, Rich and Rare, thanks! I’ll probably mix you in a drink later tonight. Cheers!

Appearance: The color, after looking into my glass, was a deep copper. The legs were thin and viscous. Nose: On the nose I found notes of grains, caramel, vanilla, baked sourdough bread, and a nostalgic smell that reminded me of a bowl of Fruit Loops cereal after you ate it all and drank the milk. A splash of water brightened and sweetened the nose slightly, though it also made it less complex. Taste: The palate had notes of cornbread, vanilla, baking spices and cinnamon. A splash of water makes it really boring, I don't recommend that. Finish: The finish was pretty short. There was some heat going down even at 40% ABV. After adding a splash of water it took away the burn but like I said before, it made everything else boring. Thoughts: It was fun to try a whiskey from the other big player in the Tennessee whiskey category, (Jack Daniel's being the other) however I'm not in love with this product. I'd happily drink this if it were given to me again. But buying a George Dickle product myself in the future, I'd look for the No.12 or the Barrel Select offerings. No.8 wasn't bad though, so George Dickle, thanks! Cheers!

Appearance: The color shines out of the glass as a pale gold. The legs are thin and watery. Nose: The nose is both sweet and funky and both sides seem to fight for dominance. Notes of vanilla, caramel, pancakes with maple syrup, marigolds among other garden flowers fight with craft glue and a strange metallic note. Taste: There is not much going on as far as the palate is concerned except for it's clearly meant to be sweet. Notes of honeysuckle, cheap thin syrup, overripe strawberries, and something like pine sap cover the palate. Finish: The finish is short, thin, and easy going down with no burn. There is also a aftertaste reminiscent of cornbread for me. Thoughts: Well, this Canadian blend was good to try. I'm not disappointed but I'm not impressed either. I think it would be good as a mixer whisky and maybe over ice, but neat it wasn't my cup of tea, or, glass of whisky. The website, as a side note, can also use some work. It was very vague and said pretty generic things like it being actually aged in oak! ...Well no duh, that's every whiskey out there! (Besides moonshine) Anyways, off my rant. It's worth trying, but not falling in love with. Cheers!

Appearance: The color I saw in this curious little bourbon was auburn or a polished mahogany. The legs were thin and slightly viscous. Nose: The nose unfortunately didn't impress me all that much; typical notes of heavy oak, caramel, and faint vanilla were there with other notes like new leather chair and grapefruit rind hiding in there too. Taste: The palate seemed to me too watery and thin. Like I could tell it was bourbon but didn't get much from it. I found notes of cherry licorice candy, oak, and maybe brown sugar, but I don't know if that last one was just projected into my mind from their site’s notes. Finish: The finish was short, it fades then a rising bitterness hits the back of your throat. I'm not sure what that's about. Thoughts: I'm surprised by this bourbon actually. Calumet seems to have everything going for them: a great backstory, a great website, great land and a great vision, they unfortunately just don't have great bourbon. Now, they have a couple other whiskies in their portfolio, at least one of those is probably really good, but this one was just not hitting the bar. (Ha ha) Now, if this was a higher proof, that may make it more interesting and flavorful; I'd pay to see that done! Calumet, sorry guys. This one wasn't my thing, maybe next time! Cheers!

Appearance: The color on this Islay single malt is a beautiful burnt umber. The legs are thin and extra viscous. Nose: The nose is beautiful! It's overall smokey and fruity with further notes of graham crackers, rubber band aids, dead leaves, and grapes. Taste: The palate is delicious with notes of orange and lime citrus, cinnamon and burnt sugar, some medicinal tang like the first injection of saline, burnt marshmallow, and with a couple drops of water, chocolate fudge! Finish: The finish is medium long, and there's a brown sugar and burnt marshmallow aftertaste. Yum. Thoughts: Oh man, this was so good! I am a big fan of this scotch and highly recommend it! It's a great introductory Islay with some of the notes that mark its aggression without scaring you away. I would definitely buy this again and try others in its family too. Bunny, thank you much! Sláinte!

Appearance: The color coming from this Canadian blend is a light caramel. The legs on this one are thick and watery. Nose: The nose is very faint, probably the most nonexistent I have ever experienced. If you are looking for it though, you may find slight notes of apricot, nail polish, lemon, and rye grain. Taste: Like the nose, there's not a lot here either. You'll find a rye spice, and with digging, notes of sour apple and cinnamon. Finish: The finish is medium in length and it leaves a bitter aftertaste in your mouth that stays with you for a while. Thoughts: If our nation was in another prohibition, God forbid; I would drink whatever I could get my hands on just like anyone else. This dram was exactly that back in the day. And unfortunately, as a mixer and for desperate people is all this blend could be good for today. I will not be getting this again and don't recommend it. I'm sorry Seagram’s, maybe you have a better product that will redeem your name for me. Until then, Cheers!

Appearance: The color I notice in this bourbon is a yellow gold, lighter than what I was expecting but probably due to the charcoal filtering. It has very thin but viscous legs that hold on for dear life to the edge of the glass. Nose: The nose has no alcohol punch but instead welcomes you with notes of caramel apples, toffee, oak, wildflowers, corn, and powdered candy, friendly to say the least. Taste: The palate is crazy smooth and delicious, almost dangerously so. I find notes of roasted nuts, charred meat, baking spices, baked apple, and banana bread with nuts. Finish: The finish is very nice. It’s medium in length with a buttered cinnamon toast note to end the sip. Thoughts: I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this whiskey, but I am so very glad our paths crossed! This charcoal filtered bourbon (almost a Tennessee whiskey) was so delicious and was very well rounded without being boring. I’ve had it neat and also had some in a mint julep and both experiences were great! If you like Jack Daniels you will definitely like this! I highly recommend it and would buy this again easily. I also want to try it’s rye sister and see how that measures up. Luxco, nice work on this one! Cheers!

Appearance: The color going into this classic single malt is a clover honey. The legs are thin and semi-viscous. Nose: The nose coming out of this dram has notes of pear, milk chocolate, honeysuckle, butterscotch, caramel, and slight notes of sawdust and something reminding me of going into an antique store. Taste: The taste starts off fruity with notes of pear and green apple. Following behind are notes of cinnamon with a slight oakiness. Finish: The finish is short but but sweet inviting you back for more. Pear and raspberry aftertaste lingers for a little bit emphasizing this fruity Speyside scotch. Thoughts: This dram is a classic and I can see why; it’s delicious, friendly, not complicated, and affordable. I'd like to see what more is out there, but I'd be fine with buying this again. And I would never say no to a drink of this. Thanks, Glenfiddich! Sláinte!

Appearance: Approaching this glorious barrel proof bourbon one admires the color of mahogany and light henna color. It has thin but oily viscous legs. Nose: The nose starts out strong, not offensive, just bold and rich. Despite the alcohol content there is little to no burn. Heavy notes of caramel start the parade, followed by aromatic pipe tobacco, slices of bread, vanilla, dead leaves, as well as slight notes of soy sauce and dill. After a splash of water sweet wildflowers and cotton candy enter the show. Taste: At first couple sips there is just an abounding spiciness, yet honey sweetness. After adding a splash of water the dram doesn’t just smack you with sweet and spice, but opens up to more nuanced fruity notes of cherries, plums, with a hint of watermelon, Sweet Tarts, and blackberries. Finish: There is a little burn, which is to be expected from the high proof. The finish overall is long, lingering, and spicy, and the swallow leaves a tingling mouthfeel with an almost clove or minty aftertaste. Thoughts: My wife blessed my heart (and taste buds) tonight by having this dram lidded and waiting for me in front of my place at the table with my water jug filled and resting beside it. I could not have asked for a better evening set up or wife! This bourbon blew my mind. Not gonna lie, I was intimidated by the ABV (54.1), but despite that, it really didn’t try to kill you. In fact, it was very smooth and welcoming and with a couple splashes of water, it became even more so. I would definitely recommend this and would buy it for myself again. Wild Turkey, you have my respect and thanks! Cheers!