Tastes

Update: Okay, yes this tastes a little boozy. It's only 60% whiskey blended with calvados and armangac, but the chocolate orange notes off this are insane. (There's also supposedly some armagnac from a 1928 cask, but not enough to discern.) Back to 4 stars:) First impression: apricots with a spicy back-end. Not sure I would guess this was a whiskey if blinded and certainly not a rye. Barrell Seagrass fans should adore this.

This is a very good peated scotch (made at Glenallachie's distillery by master blender Billy Walker) that needs a little time to open up. The neck pour was intense with the peat (71 ppm!) and oak char hitting hard,, but the next tasting was all manuka honey with smoke campfire background, and it was turning heads. It's closer to an Ardbeg limited edition than the other popular peated scotches, but it's unique. If you're a peat fan, it's almost a must-buy for the price.

This is my favorite of the Colkegan line-up (must stop on a Sante Fe visit), and it retains the most of its unique character of the single malt. The mesquite smoke element is very subtle (faint peat note), but there is a delicious earthy, almost vegetal note alongside fruit jam, chocolate, and dark honey. If I had to compare, it reminds me of a smoky Bunnahabhain. (Colkegan's sherry finish is also very good, but the sweetness envelops the whole experience and is pricier.)

Lagavulin might be my least favorite of the popular Islay scotches, but some of their limited runs have really stood out. The Offerman Carribean rum edition has returned with a vengeance after last year's slight letdown and might rival the magical Offerman Guinness finish. The toasted marshmallow campfire note is front and center with slight bananas and beach ocean spray. The hit of the evening.