Tastes

This is, simply put, extremely delicious and a fascinating mashup of Scotch with the darker, more caramelly flavors of bourbon. It’s very peaty, so this isn’t for those that don’t like that brand of smoke, but, if like, me love peat, this is basically a heavily plated Scotch with a finish that tastes like bourbon.

This really hits a sweet spot for me. Maybe a little lacking in the aroma department, although there are subtle notes of brine, crackers, and toffee there. But this explodes on the palate, which just the right amount of smoke, followed by notes of dark chocolate and caramel, and ending with just the right amount of alcoholic bite. A delicious whisky from a very unlikely source.

A lighter, non-peaty Scotch that interestingly smells more like a Cognac on the nose. The grapey, winey flavors are there on the palate too, along with notes of grass and corn. And despite being lighter in color, it has a pretty solid body and a nice long finish. This is the kind of bottle that would be a great gift because I really can’t see anyone who even somewhat likes Scotch disliking this, even if it doesn’t stand out in any one particular area.

Just a very classic, well-done whiskey in the American style. Nice honey and tropical fruit aromas, with a taste that hints at vanilla with overtones of ash and corn. Nothing particularly stands out about this but it’s very drinkable and clean.

Not a huge fan of American takes on Scotch, but this is pretty good nonetheless. Very smoky on the nose, but not in a peaty way, much more of a BBQ way (thanks to the mesquite wood smoking). It’s spicy to taste initially, with some subtle honeyed notes worked in there, as well a hint of ash. Pretty complex and interesting and each sip builds on the next.

Not sure why this has such a low rating - it’s a very solid peaty/smoky Scotch. Has all the hallmarks of an Islay/Islands Scotch - the smoke, the peat, the saline quality, etc. It really reminds me of Ledaig, so much so that I wonder if that’s a component of this blend.

I give this some points for originality, but it just doesn’t really work. The aroma is really funky, with heavy notes of sawdust - not an aroma one usually gets from a whisk(e)y. The taste is VERY light and flat, although there are some decent bready and chocolatey notes on the finish. It’s just a weird experience - which is okay as far as it goes but I’d never buy a bottle of this or recommend it to anyone, really.

Has a pretty unique very light straw color. There’s definitely a bit of peat in the aromas, but surprisingly little for an Islay - the dominant smell is that of bananas, to my nose. Similarly flavors to taste as well - this is VERY sweet for a Scotch, but not bad once you get acclimated. I agree with the official Distiller review that suggests this is a Scotch that would go well with food.

This is a very unique bourbon in that it doesn’t really taste like a bourbon at all, given the high barley (and rye) content. It actually smells more like a rye, and tastes pretty peppery too with a distinct hit of cereal as well. Not sure it all precisely works perfectly together, but this is a perfectly fine, very drinkable bourbon.

Bready on the nose, with a hint of apple. Kind of light, not a ton of flavor.