Tastes

This is a tasty dram. However……The port finish covers up a bit much of the 21 year old distillate. A little water helps to bring out the older character but still, the port finish dominates the experience.

A bit sharp but a little water calms this down nicely without disrupting the flavor delivery. Nose……a bit muted but most the most dominant notes are malt, pear and coastal salinity. Mouth….mostly malt, pear and minerality like wet rocks. Comparison…..this is quite close to the Classic Laddie but maybe a touch better. The Islay Barley 2013 is readily available in my market at the moment and I’d pick up a bottle of that over the Sandend every time.

This tastes like very decent new make with a hint of peat. Not at all bad anf could be great with more time in the cask. Keep an eye on Penderyn.

This is a pretty damn good rye. This and Old Overholt BIB are both very tasty and affordable rye.

This is nice….if someone served me this and told me it was a blend of Craigellachie 13 and Arran 10 I would completely believe them. Its got the fruity character of the Arran 10 but with the dirty character of the Craigellachie 13 and at 48% comes arcoss wuite bold in flavor….a little water helps this one.

This is a gem if you are looking for a bourbon that is heavy in the oaky/woody notes but has depth and an oily mouthfeel. Absolutely wonderful. Does well with water or ice….if you use this to mix you are a damn fool.

There is a fair amount of batch variation on the Springbank 10 but all of them are excellent……. The first batch (2020) I had was light on the peat and heavy on the orange peel with a background of that machine shop funk. The second bottling (2022) was heavy on peat with a citrus backgroundand funk. The third (2023) was more balanced with lighter peat again with a nice citrus and machine shop funk balance. This is a wonderful dram though patience rewards with this dram. Leave it in the glass for about 30 minutes and sip slowly. Add water drop wise.

This is light, citrusy, malty and woody with a bit of a bite. Would be a wonderful warm weather sipper and would do well on ice if you are so inclined. Not sure I’d buy another bottle. Deanston 12, Arran 10, Aultmore 12 or a Bladnoch might be a better buy.

Very decent low proof bourbon but not something I would buy a bottle of.