Tastes

Not very good. This is definitely a dumping ground for almost un-sellable whisky. Young, spirit-driven, with very little character.

• Nose(undiluted): damp peat, dark fruit (raisins, dates), a hint of cinnamon, some iodine, brine, and a the medicinal/antiseptic note that Laphroaig is known for. • Palate (undiluted): very soft, rounded, I'm shocked that this is 48% ABV, quite fruity, almost sticky with dates, less smoke than I expect from Laphroaig, subtle coffee notes • Finish: medium length, malty, oat cakes, somewhat medicinal with a touch of smoke and dates lingering With water, there's a mineral note that comes out on the nose, like pencil lead. The fruit becomes a bit brighter, with lemons joining the raisins and dates. The palate and finish are almost unchanged with water, there is a slight re-ordering of the flavours, with the smoke being a bit more prominent, but otherwise it stays the same. Add water or don't, it doesn't seem to change much. This feels like a “summer Laphroaig”, almost like what Select could have been, had they bottled it at a more respectable strength. It’s a bit fruitier and not quite as smoky and medicinal as I want it to be, but it’s a pleasing sipper nonetheless. I won’t try to hunt down a bottle, nor will I reach into my whisky network to source one, but I would certainly purchase one if I came across it at a reasonable price. It's also a bottle I'd be glad to give or receive as a gift. An all-around enjoyable malt. Recommended. 86/100 points

Glendronach is often called “a poor man’s Macallan” (rightly or wrongly- I actually prefer Glendronach as a whole), and Tomatin 12 Bourbon & Sherry Casks may be a “poor man’s Glendronach”. It’s a very nice mix of ex-bourbon and Sherry casks, very easy sipping, and no off flavours. At $59 CAD in Ontario, it’s easily the best malt whisky in its price bracket.

This is a lot better than most people give it credit for. I bet if some of the whiskey snobs tasted JD blind, they’d have a more favourable opinion of it. Now it won’t replace my Lagavulin as a favourite, but JD is a solid whiskey to sip neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.

Fantastic whisky. Lots of chocolate-covered cherries, a little oak, some oranges. 88-89 points.

Great stuff. Think of eating whole grain bread toasted over a fire, smothered with butter and strawberry jam, while sitting on an oceanside beach. It’s something like that.