Tastes

Thanks to Lee, I got to sample this as part our Scottish distillery sampling round. This is one bottle I feel I need to have as a regular on my shelf---it would appease the peat head as well as a novice whiskey drinker. Tons of chocolate followed by a long peaty finish. Best part is the empty glass---like waking up next to burning campfire wood. Thanks Lee for the samp,e!

Long overdue review of this one---courtesy of my friend Lee, who provided a sample as part of Round 1 in our little Scotland distillery sampling. Jura is a strange little distillery. Sort of like that weird uncle we all have. ( we all have one of those uncles...if you don't, you're probably that uncle...;-) . Strange in the sense that I find Jura all over the place, without a real identity. I'm not sure it knows what it wants to be when it grows up. I found this 10 yr old not unpleasant ( yes, double negative...), almost an inviting nose and taste. But, the finish...my god, it's like having a piece of that white portion on lemons. Bitter. If you had $55 to spend, this might not be the smart buy. Might want to look elsewhere. It's decent...but, can do much better elsewhere at this price point.

I first off want to start by writing a huge "thank you" to Distiller---I requested this be added...and lo and behold, it's on here. Mikael and team---thanks. Okay---so, now to the review----this one is for the Greedy Angels 10 yr old, not 12...and for the 71% ABV small sample. Personally...I loved this. One of my top drams. It's a mix of Irish fruity waxiness that's present in a well aged 25 yr old Cooley combined with the elegance of a 30 yr old Highlander or Speysider. You get a waft of topical fruits---papayas, gauvas, and coconut right at the onset. This carries through palette, with a long finish. This is the first Amrut I didn't get cardamon...which is too bad, I love cardamon. It's only 10 years old, but the Bangalore climate at 100 degrees F all year ages this as if it's a 30 yr old. Not to mention the rarity----that climate doesn't allow many whiskies to survive into double digits; the angel's share is simply too much, which makes it rare as hen's teeth.

I remember buying the Oloroso version of this some time ago. Still remember the conversation with the sales guy: Me: What's Nadurra? Sales: means "all natural" M: oh, so its organically made? S: No, just natural M: like locally sourced only ? S: no, just no color or chill filtration, and without water dilution M in other words, Cask strength, NCF, and no chill filtration? S: yes ..so all natural Not sure why that necessitated the creation of Nadurra as all natural, but whatever...still a good whisky. This one is the peated version. Personally, didn't think it was as good as the Oloroso, but still a mighty good dram. Given the high ABV, surprisingly smooth. Thanks to Paul for this round's sample!

(Like Lee's, my notes are specifically for the Signatory 20 yr old). Very unidimensional in aroma, flavor and quick finish. A 20 yr old acting like a 12 yr old ( Just like today's young generation. And this is where I've become my dad...)

High West MIdwinter, watered down. It's not bad, but the expectations set after their first release (Cornerstone) made me think this will be equally good. Decent for the price, but get the Cornerstone , if you can find it, which is at the same price and much better.

Dear Ardbeg, I'm sorry for my wandering eyes which led me to this one night stand with Ms. Torfa. I couldn't help it. As much as I love your briny salty aromas, followed by that peaty, smoky taste, Ms. Torfa offered me the same but with a significant discount. She lured me with those "come hither" smell of peat and brine from yards away, as the bartender opened her up. She then fully captured me after that beef jerky, ocean water up your nostrils, BBQ taste. But, don't worry...you're still my favorite...it's just that when I'm tight on funds, I now have another that I can go to.

Sample provided generously by Generously Paul, for our Scotish Distilleries sample trade team. I've had an earlier year of Machir Bay, which was fiery and strong. This still has remnants of that, but smoothed out a few rough edges. Citrusy lemon, clean peat. Almost like a Lag 8, taken down a notch. I love this distillery, and all of their products are from a range of good to excellent. Thanks Paul for the sample!

Another stop in round 2 of our Scottish distillery sampling, this one courtesy of Paul. I've never had a Bowmore, so was looking forward to this experience, especially considering this particular bottling is a travel exclusive ( still trying to figure out the business logic in that...is it to test out new products?). Anyway, keeping this short and simple---this is like biting into a Saltine cracker with a splash of orange. A solid 3, but can't beat the price --no brainer to pick it up if you're traveling (a liter though??! Why??!).

Going through a few of my MoM samples as I'm starting to gear up for round 2 in our little trading team. This is from an undisclosed Islay distillery, aged 8 years. I'm getting seashells and brine on the nose, followed by peat and fresh citrus fruits on the palette. If I had to guess, I'd say this is a Caol Ila. It's not as muscular as an Ardbeg or Lag, and lacks the band aid of the Laphroaig. Caol Ila...putting my money on Caol Ila.