Tastes

I’m sketched out by the lack of information on this stuff, but it’s pretty good, so I’m not gonna overthink it. It’s like a nice Islay scotch, but probably not produced in Islay. Some sweet pear notes with a peaty backbone and malty finish. Earlier today, when I had some of this, the finish tasted like rancid donkey meat, and I was displeased. Let’s call it a fluke because there was a lot going on when that happened. For the price, it’s incredibly solid, if a bit nebulous.

So imagine if George Dickel 12 had an age statement. And also imagine if it said “bourbon” on the front of the bottle. And then, finally, imagine if it didn’t taste as good and cost a little bit more. Et voila.

This drank sweet and fruity. No funky notes or weird burnies. I like it a lot. No overpowering sulfur sherry notes, and no undue bourbon cask influence. Reminds me of caramel apples. It’s a very easy drinker. Classic, old-fashioned Speyside.

Imagine eating a Werther’s Original that was given to you by an old black woman after church. Then imagine drinking Dewar’s after eating the Werther’s. Boom presto. Caribbean Smooth.

Meh. It smells faintly of butterscotch and bananas. Quite inviting, really, but still subdued. I taste some of the flavors that I smelled, but what I smelt was not entirely dealt (to my mouth). It’s sweet and light, and that’s about it. Acceptably smooth for 80 proof, and quite unobjectionable in its olfactory presentation. I’m eager to give Black Bush a try since it supposedly delivers the same flavors as this one but dialed up a notch (a la Jameson Black Barrel). Overall, I’d say this suffers the same affliction as most of the other Irish blends I’ve tried: it’s boring. I like the flavor. I like the smell. But, c’mon ya stingy Micks, give me a little more to work with!

5 stars because it’s Pappy and because it’s tasty. Thanks to Big Jeff for a taste of this Forbidden Nectar. Honestly, this reminds me of Dickel 12 a little (I ain’t tryin to ruffle none of y’all feathers now, ya hear). Maybe it’s the coconut/cherry note. It’s definitely deeper and more nuanced than Dickel, but once I noticed the slight similarities, I can’t shake ‘em. It feels pretty astringent, and by that, I guess I mean that I can definitely taste the 2+ decades of oak. It’s not as woody as I wood’ve thought, but the vanillins and tannins have made their presence clear. It’s sweet, but still not as sweet as something like Woodford Double Oaked. The wheat in the mashbill adds a certain *funq, but it’s not as assertive as it is in Weller or Old Rip 10 year. There’s an oddly enjoyable denatured alcohol/ lacquer thinner note on the finish. Overall, I can understand why people tend to prefer the younger expressions. There are certain flavors and passing, ethereal whiffs which suggest that 23 years in the barrel is a bit too long for a spirit which seeks to express its Original Character unstifled by the leeching essence of the vessel in which it resides. Be that as it may, the particular flavors of this vessel are commendable in their own rights, and, though they may overshadow the Heart of the Grain which they are purposed merely to compliment, they do deserve recognition for their earnest performance in this olfactory dance.

Holy ******* ****. I don’t like Woodford Reserve. I DO like this. It’s probably the darkest bourbon I’ve ever seen. It’s like black tea. It smells like caramel, vanilla and molasses, with hints of Jesus’ essence and angels’ tears. It’s pretty hot and spicy, but it’s got bodacious flavor. Hard to describe, but it’s like an extra bourbony bourbon. Extra doses of toasty char. Much, much richer than your typical ~90 proofer. I can only imagine how intense this stuff would be if it were offered at barrel proof. I honestly kind of dig it, fellas. Not too shabby.

Gobble gobble daddy-o! Strangely, this turkey juice is less spicy than the regular 101 with less rye. Go figger! Bought it at an ABC store near Murphy, NC for $24. Grassy, clean, slightly sweet with a smooth and short finish. Pop pop! Not bad at all. Would make a heck of an old fashioned. Not too bad with ice or neat. Comparable to Old Overholt Rye, but a little sweeter. I would probably buy this regularly if I could find it in GA.