Tastes

A very good deal for a very nice bourbon. Make sure you let it breathe for a good 5 - 10 minutes before diving in, otherwise it can be a bit strong on the 'ethanol' flavor. On the plus side, that means it sits on the shelf very well after opening, that is if you don't finish right away. Sweet, spice, and a hint of smoke, it fiishes quickly and with authority. Mixes very well, too, if you are into that sort of thing. But, in the end, I find myself almost as satisfied with Evan Williams and several other less expensive options, and speaking of Evan Williams, their single barrel costs the same in my area, and is better in my book. Don't get me wrong, this is a good bourbon, but the Yellow Label is the better deal, and there are other options at this price point that bring more to the table than this does.

Jameson 12 is to Jameson like Lexus is to Toyota. There is a huge upgrade in every department, but unlike a Lexus, you won't ever find yourself calling Jameson 12 overpriced. If you want to test the 'fancy' whiskey waters, or are looking for a great value 'fancy' whiskey, check out Jameson 12. Inviting nose of fruit and sweets, nice vanilla, pear, and subtle spicy body with soft finish of toffy, wood, and vanilla. Be careful, it is easy to drink glass after glass.

I like this more than some others, it appears, and so do my friends. I have only been through 1 bottle so far, but it was a real hit with my less experienced friends. Very soft and gentle flavor. It's only 40%, which makes it even lighter. Good clean flavor, sightly sweet and spicy, with a mild tobacco/wood finish that is very short. I could drink it all day, and not flinch once. However, for the price, there are a number of options I would prefer, given I like fuller flavored whiskey.

There is something about Redbreast 12 that has me going back to it time and time again. This is the whiskey that first got me saying 'whiskey neat'. I have found others I like more over the years, but there will always be a special place for this first love. Great citrus notes, clean flavor profile, and easy finish. Everyone needs to try this at least once, and is a great 'starter' whiskey.

Big, bold, smack you around and take your car keys flavor. I imagine it's what a Scottish campfire tastes like. Don't get me wrong, I find this easy to drink, and delicious, but it is very full flavored, and I find myself drinking less with this because the finish is so long and rewarding.

Easy to sip on no matter what mood you are in, Macallan 12 offers a wonderfully satisfying experience every time. Very smooth and gentle, but full of flavor, you find yourself coming back time and again since it is so easy to drink, but has such complexity of flavor, and what some may call the perfect combination of flavors. Dare I say this is delicious?