Tastes

The color I saw in this crazy rye was a light copper color, while its legs were medium thick and oily. The nose was weird, almost scotchy. I got a few notes like honey, smoke, a salty funk, and an almost peaty smell? I’m not sure what was going on; none of these were bad smells, but coming from a rye it made me wonder if my senses were off this day. The palate was strong and hot. There started off a sour taste, but then a transition into salted caramel and honey. The last sensation on the palate was a dryness like from white grape skins. The finish was long and went down with some heat and came off of the palate and melted again into a sour taste. Overall I thought it was pretty good. It was a strong dram but a confusing one. The scotch-like notes threw me for a loop. I will need to have this one again soon.

The nose is simple and sweet with notes of honey, grass clippings, eucalyptus, and apple crisp dessert. After the initial bite, one tastes fennel, maple, and tart apple. The finish is swift and sour. The blend is alright; I’m glad I only purchased a 50ml bottle. It’s probably fine for mixing and adding to ginger ale, but neat, it could definitely be replaced with something of higher quality for around the same price. Thanks! Cheers!

This bourbon’s nose is rich with notes of dusty books and corn, new leather wallet, plums, Fruit Roll-up, and caramel. The palate is oaky, as well as possessing tastes of vanilla, orange citrus, and peach. The finish lasts long and ends with an herbal taste.

This masquerading cough medicine had a metallic and medicinal, nose with the obvious addition of honey and funk. The palate was sickly sweet with again the obviously added honey and beyond that was bland. The finish wasn’t too bad, just sticky with a hint of spearmint. It’s good that “Dr.” is in the name because this stuff could pass as medicine. (Maybe the history of the product is that it was. I’m not sure.) Regardless, I couldn’t finish it. I only paid 50¢ for a 50 ml bottle so I didn’t lose much over it. With a new glass in hand, cheers!

This bargain bourbon is the color of new copper and watery legs dribble down the inside of the glass after a swirl. The nose is sweet if not pretty basic. Notes of caramel, sweet corn, vanilla, and alcohol. The palate too is not bad by any means but not exciting either. There’s a sweet heat, and the taste of vanilla with cherry candy. The finish is quick and boasts a milk chocolate aftertaste. This is a great everyday sipper. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing overly great either. It’s good bourbon to go with just about any occasion. Cheers!

This was a special single malt whisky of a dark amber color and with very thin semi-oily legs running down. The nose is fruity and sweet with notes of peach, apple cider, pear, salted caramel, candied pecans, and red wine. The nose itself makes me think this would make a great dessert whisky. The palate has a dry mouthfeel and notes of green apple skins, champagne, milk chocolate, and a tannic taste making me even more convinced of this whisky’s perfect place being an after meal beverage. The finish is dry, long, and fruity. Delicious. This scotch was really delicious and I recommend it happily. It was sweet but well balanced and despite my usually preferring a peaty scotch, I wouldn’t mind having this again. Thanks again Glenlivet! Sláinte!

This local rye is a light copper color with thick viscous legs gracing the glass’ interior. The sweet nose is very nice and has notes of candy corn, sawdust, fennel, wildflowers, a hint of tropical mango or pineapple, and honey toast. The palate has notes of heavy black licorice, cracked pepper, red apples, some oakiness, and vanilla. There is a long lingering herbal and spicy finish. My conclusion is this is a dang fine rye, not blazing the trails of any new territory, but definitely doing justice to the ones already there. I like it neat and enjoy this as a backbone to mixed drinks as well. They are some good people at Axe and the Oak; blessings on you guys, thanks! Cheers!

Now this unique shine is a light straw color, and thick watery legs dribble down the glass sides. My first impression for the nose is floral and earthy with varnish, followed by sawdust, citrus and fruit. Overall, enjoyable. The palate is thin and watery and the back of the throat burns for the first bit. After that then other notes are detectable like lemon, cinnamon, and a rum-like sweetness. After the swallow and burn, the finish has a taste of honey followed by tart lemon. This shine is alright, I’m glad I had it and the folks at 3 Hundred Days are great and creative, but this one just didn’t reach the tier I believe they are capable of. I like some of their other products much better! Thanks and cheers!

This Irish dram is honey gold with thick watery legs. The nose has notes of buttery biscuits, grain, orange zest, and apple skins. The palate is sweet and simple, balanced but unremarkable, reminding me of apple juice. The finish is quick and caramel-ly. It’s not a great whiskey but it’s a classic that’s not bad; a good every-day drinker. Sláinte!

Looking in the glass this shine is clear as water with thick watery legs. The nose coming from a few whiffs has notes of watermelon, dried grains, sugary cotton candy, Elmer's glue, and grass clippings. The palate has a mouthfeel that’s buttery. And sweet and tangy tastes with a note of cantaloupe. The finish is long with an herbal/vegetal freshness. This shine is quite excellent and has good enough character to sip neat or use as a backbone in some mixed drinks. I recommend a try, and if you happen to be in the Axe and the Oak tasting room, ask for a taste of the shine that’s passed through Laghroig barrels! Cheers!