Tastes

This needs to come with a government warning: " for masochistic needs only, please do not use for any other leisure drinking. May also be used as antiseptic for MRSA and other hard to kill viruses and bacteria". My god this gives you a kick in the teeth! It's a little bunny on the nose, fairly a faint wisp of port and sweet bread. But, wow...on the palette, it turns into a chock full of caramel, winterberries, and dark fruits. A bit much for my taste, but I can see this being enjoyed by certain folks. Glad I had a sample only, not sure I'd be buying a bottle. If I did that, I feel as if I need an entire personality overhaul that involves skin tight leather, whips, and chains.

You know what would make this better? Not having it forcibly at 6am in Newark Airport. Okay, so---it's Monday morning and I was to catch a flight from EWR to PHX. I took this sample generously provided by Richard@moderndrinking, thinking that I'll have it after a long day in Phoenix in my hotel room. I even put it in its own ziplock bag. Ms. TSA then pulls me aside after scanning my bag, and tell me I can't bring this with me. "But why, I'm carrying bigger liquids like a shaving cream and cologne. Why not this?" Nope...there's no reasoning. But I'd be damned if my Laphroaig was to be destined forever in the bottom of some TSA bin. I stepped out of line, went to a bar, asked for a glass with a sliver of water. And thoroughly enjoyed this fine piece of artistry. Classic Laphroaig, but less punch in the face, some dates and figs, with some astringency at the end. I need to pick up a bottle. Thanks for the sample Richard!

I was in Phoenix this past week, and was astonished to see this on the shelf at the hotel bar. Unopened and just sitting there. At $15 /Dram , I gave it a go. It's light and floral, well balanced...almost a cross between an elegant Speysider and Hibiki 17. I think it's a west coast only item, but if you're a fan of Hibiki 12 or 17, this is a worthwhile taste. Not sure I'd buy a bottle (I checked online...quite expensive), but I'm glad I tried a small amount.

After a week of traveling to Phoenix, working 14 hours a day on a divestiture, I was looking forward to finally coming home and trying some whisky. This is a Balvenie killer. This reminded me of the Balvenie 12. Soft and delicate, but that doesn't mean it lacks personality or depth. It's heather and honey, loads of beeswax and ginger. Thanks to Ryan for the sample as part of our SDT team, round 2. Solid whisky, worth having around as a regular.

Generously Paul provided a sample of this as part of a bonus offering in our little Scottish distillery sampling team. This is one of those that either you'll like or dislike. Note I didn't say love or hate---I don't think it initiates the love /hate like a Laphroaig, but a notch or two lower in emotion. Almost like a lighter version of Balcones; campfire smoky but more floral vanilla mixed in. Strangely, I didn't like it on its own, but instead was really good with sushi. For some reason, there was this symbiotic relationship between the two. Thanks to Paul for providing this Michigan local!

This reminded me quite a bit of a tamer version of Laphroaig's Quarter Cask, maybe a bit of Lore and 10 thrown in for good measure. I wasn't a fan of the QC (was simply too woody for me), but this has its backbone with the features of 10 and Lore. It's a travel exclusive, and if you're a fan of the QC, this might be right up your alley. Personally, I'd buy the Lore, 10, 18 or Cairdeas series over this. But, given the choice of QC and this, I'd take this. Thanks to Richard@moderndrinking for the sample---it's not available in the US markets or airports, so I'm especially greatful for the experience.

I've no idea what to make of it...I literally just had it, and I can't remember what I had. It's mild. Milder than a Balvenie. Floral honey. I think, not sure. Maybe floral heather. Either way...this is a mighty fine dram for someone new to whisky. I certainly wouldn't want to pour a newbie a dram of Ardbeg or Laphroig...I'd forever lose them to those horrid pink rose wines. They'd be turned away from whisky forever. Instead, if it's just an acquaintance, I'd pour them this. If it's a close friend that's a novice, then a Balvenie 12. Thanks to Ryan for this sample---it's part of our round 2 of our little Scotch sampling team.

I had a sample of this over the weekend at a friend's place. This is like dating a supermodel, only then to go back to a normal person. Or flying first class on Singapore airlines, only then to fly coach on Spirit airways. Once you have this, how can you simply appreciate the others? This is every sin and vice wrapped up in a fancy bottle, that has aromas of honey and oranges, and an absolutely rich taste of the finest Belgian chocolates coating your mouth. To say this is a really elegant rich whisky is an understatement. Not sure I'd buy one at its current price ( either this or the mortgage...I'm going with the mortgage), but am thankful for the experience.