Tastes

The nose starts with a mix of sugar cookies, soft wafts of peat smoke and mildly sour tropical fruits then grilled figs, seaside rocky minerality and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by chocolate covered blueberries, raspberries and lemon zest that transitions to mild baking spices and blonde espresso with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium to full mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits that fade to barbecued fish with mild black pepper then dark chocolate covered espresso beans, mild seaside minerality and toasted coconut followed by grilled figs, cherries jubilee and lemon zest that transitions to mild baking spices with medium ethanol burn. The finish is long, starting with smoked fish and light black pepper that fades to the background of grilled tropical fruits and figs along with a mildly spiced mocha. Overall, this is a wonderful and expertly composed dram that is a beautiful balance of sweet, smokey and slightly sour with mild spices that the palate and finish are ever so slightly more sour than I prefer but otherwise it’s a phenomenal dram that I think any Kilchoman or Islay fan would enjoy. Thanks @Richard-ModernDrinking for the generous pour and opportunity to try this Feis Ile offering.

The nose starts with lightly smoked salmon topped with a squeeze of lemon and lime juice then dark chocolate covered sea salt caramels and espresso followed by caramelized mangoes, mildly sour pineapple and kiwi that transitions to sandalwood, ginger and polished oak with low ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a moderate spice that slowly fades to charred vegetation, dark chocolate covered caramels and espresso then mildly soured fruits of pineapple, apricots and lychee that transitions to moderate baking spices, sandalwood and mildly bitter black tea with low ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with creamy tropical fruits that fade to the background of a mild ashy smoke, dark chocolate and black tea. Overall, an enjoyable albeit slightly underwhelming dram that the smoke is subtle with a balance of creamy fruits and mild spices on the nose that fails to deliver the same balance on the palate with the smoke becoming more dominant with a charred vegetal bitterness that overpowers the fruits before the finish that starts promising with creamy fruits before mild bitter smoky ash and over-steeped tea take hold. This was the 2022 release, so I'm not sure if the quality is different compared to older releases, but at around $175+ if you can find them, I'd pass on this one as there are many drams I like far more for less.

This variation of Wolves signature blend incorporates a 7-year old whiskey distilled from California Pale Ale, and 6 and 7 year-old rye whiskeys with a higher rye-content along with another whiskey in the blend that was distilled from Stout beer, aged in used French Oak for 9 years and bottled at 51.5% ABV. The nose starts with a mix of rich honey sweetened pale ale and mild hoppy bitterness then freshly baked pumpernickel bread topped with apricot preserves followed by lemongrass, tangerine and nectarines that transitions to light baking spices, spearmint and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium to full mouthfeel starting with rich honey over creamy citrus that quickly veers towards mild hoppy bitterness that fades to chocolate covered almonds and espresso followed by lemongrass, charred pumpernickel bread topped with apricot preserves and grilled peaches that transitions to spearmint hard candy, mild baking spices and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with a mild hoppy bitterness that is balanced by creamy citrus fruits that then fade to pumpernickel bread topped with whipped honey butter, light mocha, lemongrass, spearmint hard candy and polished oak. This is incredibly unique with a nose that has rich honey sweetness that is countered by hoppy and rye notes along with creamy citrus that carries over to the palate that veers slightly over bitter with those hoppy and rye notes that fades quickly and finishes with a beautiful balance of hops and rye notes along with sweet citrus. At around $120+, I think these are well worth the cost as it’s something different in today’s market. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the generous sample, as I likely never would have tried this otherwise.

Oh Glenturret, you disappointed me with your previous 30-year release that was bottled at 43.3% ABV and was priced around $400 and now I find myself with a sample of your 2021 30-year old release that was bottled at 41.6% ABV with a staggering price of $1700+ for a bottle. With a price hike like that, you certainly seem confident in this either being some damn fine scotch or perhaps just a well-designed bottle released in a capitalistic attempt in order to expedite the flow of capital from one fool’s pocket into another’s. Let’s open this sample up and find out. The nose starts with a mix of dusty old leather-bound books, mildly sour tropical fruits and toasted marshmallows followed by light florals, mild flinty minerality and dark chocolate covered almonds then fruits of tangerine, caramelized peaches and pineapple that transitions to anise, cardamom, and polished old antique furniture with low ethanol burn. The taste is a thin mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a moderate bitter spice that quickly fades to dusty old leather-bound books and toasted marshmallow followed by honeysuckle, mild flinty minerality and dark chocolate covered almonds then mildly sour fruits of tangerine, candied lemon and lychee that transitions to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with low ethanol burn. The finish is short, starting with creamy tropical fruits along with dusty leather-bound books that fade to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea. Well, this is certainly a step up from the previous 30-year old release that the well-aged oak notes are dominant but aren’t overpowering the mildly sour citrus fruits and unique spices that are quite enjoyable, although unfortunately thin likely due to that low ABV and could have been exceptional if bottled at a higher proof. Overall, this is an easy sipping and well-aged dram, but I’m not sure why someone would choose this when you could easily just buy a Johnnie Walker Blue at around $250 to get those dusty notes and personally I think the Blue is much better.

The nose is velvety soft starting with a mix of a rich stout beer, dark chocolate covered orange caramels and dusty leather-bound books then candied nuts and sweet pipe tobacco followed by mildly sour fruits of lemon zest, nectarines and pineapple that transitions to toasted coconut, mild baking spices and antique polished furniture with low ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruit and rich chocolate ganache before veering towards a moderate bitter spice that slowly fades to stout beer, candied nuts and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by moderately sour fruits of pineapple, nectarines and lemon zest that transitions to toasted coconut and antique polished furniture with medium ethanol burn. The finish is long, starting with creamy tropical fruit that quickly fades to rich earthy sweets of dark chocolate, espresso and candied nuts along with dusty leather-bound books and polished antique furniture. This is a very interesting expression that the nose brings sweet yet earthy aromas upfront that are then underscored by mildly sour citrus and well-aged oak that fails to deliver the same balance on the taste which starts creamy and sweet before a moderate spice and sourness that eventually fades to the long finish that is simply wonderful with creamy fruits, sweet earthy notes and old dusty oak. Overall, a dram I’d be happy to drink anytime with one of the best finishes I’ve ever experienced, but the nose and palate lean heavier on the sour and spice notes than I prefer. At a price of $200+, this isn’t one I’d be interested in splurging for a full bottle, but could easily see this be a favorite for those less averse to sour and spice.

The nose is rich and vibrant starting with a mix of balsamic strawberries, lemon curd and coconut macaroons then dark chocolate covered espresso beans and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by sour cherries, sautéed figs and blackberry jam that transitions to moderate baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium to full mouthfeel starting with creamy yet slightly sour red berries that quickly veers towards a moderate bitter spice that slowly fades to spicy dark chocolate mocha, honeycomb and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by blackberry pie, sour cherries and candied lemon peel that transitions to moderate baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with creamy red berries, honey and light florals that slowly fade to the background of dark chocolate covered espresso beans, moderate black pepper spice and freshly lit pipe tobacco. At 47.4% ABV, this turned out to be a surprisingly rich whiskey that the nose leans dominantly towards mildly sour red berries but is underscored by creamy sweets and mild earthy notes that carries over to the taste that has a moderate spice throws off the balance before fading to allow those rich yet sour berries through along with a mild bitterness before finishing with bold and sweet berries with a light honey drizzled over the top that fade to mildly spicy yet sweet earthy notes. At $80 when these were first released, I think this would have been a perfect dram for anyone looking for a rich yet slightly spicy red berry dram, but at the secondary prices I'm seeing after a quick search, there's plenty of tasty drams I'd rather buy for much less. Thanks so much for sharing this one @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington

This sample was from a single cask 19 year offering for the Dubai Airport that was generously provided by @PBMichiganWolverine The nose is soft and airy starting with creme puff pastries, sautéed mangos and mild tea then light florals, honeycomb and dark chocolate followed by caramelized peaches, grilled pineapple and bananas that transitions to mild baking spices and polished oak with low ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a mild spice that quickly fades to dark chocolate covered almonds and slightly bitter tea followed by caramelized peaches, grilled pineapple and bananas that transitions to mild baking spices and polished oak with low ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with creamy tropical fruits along with mild florals that then fade to mild baking spices and polished oak. Overall, this is a very enjoyable dram that the nose is soft and airy with a mixture of creamy tropical fruits, light honey and florals that carries over to the palate but the flavors are a bit thinner and slightly muted likely due to the low ABV of 43% that could have benefitted from a higher proof before finishing with sweet notes upfront with creamy tropicals and mild florals that fades to the background of mild earthy notes and barrel spices. Thanks so much for the sample @PBMichiganWolverine as I've never been able to try a single cask Glenmorangie before and just wish that they were able to bottle this above 46% as it would have intensified those wonderful flavors and really made this something truly incredible. It's still a delight to drink and one I'd happily drink anytime, especially in the summer months when cask strength offerings can be a bit too much.

After trying a sample of the fantastic 2022 Russell’s Reserve 13-year , I wanted to try more dusty Turkey and thankfully I have a sample of their Father and Son 13-year from @Richard-ModernDrinking to explore. The nose is soft and gentle starting with a mix of dusty old leather-bound books, toasted marshmallow and orange zest then dark chocolate covered almonds along with a mild smoke from freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by sautéed apples and mildly sour cherries that transitions to spearmint, cloves and polished mahogany with low ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with creamy citrus that then fades to a mix of dusty old leather-bound books, freshly lit pipe tobacco and a mild spice followed by sautéed apples and mildly sour cherries that transitions to spearmint, ginger, cloves and polished mahogany with low ethanol burn. The finish is medium length, starting with mildly sweet and sour citrus along with mild chocolate and coffee notes that then fade to light spices of cloves, ginger and spearmint along with pipe tobacco, dusty leather-bound books and polished mahogany. This is so close to the 2022 Russell’s Reserve 13-year profile with those wonderfully old dusty oak notes front and center that is perfectly balance a traditional bourbon profile along with mild rye spices that is a much gentler, lighter and softer version likely due to the 43% ABV whereas the 2022 Russell’s Reserve 13-year at 57.4% ABV was a bold, dense and rich decadent treat. I prefer the bolder Russell’s 13-year over this, but could see how this would be better suited towards those that aren’t as accustomed to cask strength bourbons and is a very easy sipper.

The nose starts with a mix of dusty old leather bound books, carrot cake with rich cream cheese frosting and orange zest then sweet brown sugar coated cinnamon churros topped with dark chocolate ganache along with a mild smoke from freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by caramelized apples and cherries jubilee that transitions to spearmint, cloves and polished mahogany with high ethanol burn. The taste is a syrupy mouthfeel starting with a mix of dusty old leather bound books, carrot cake with rich cream cheese frosting and orange zest then a spicy mocha, freshly lit pipe tobacco and toasted almond croissant followed by caramelized apples and cherries jubilee over vanilla gelato that transitions to spearmint, ginger, cloves and polished mahogany with high ethanol burn. The finish is long, starting with sautéed caramel apples over vanilla gelato and spicy mocha that then fades to spices of cloves, ginger and spearmint along with pipe tobacco, dusty leather bound books and polished mahogany that lingers for minutes. This is a phenomenal bourbon that is evident from the first smell with a rich and decadent nose showcasing an old oak dominant backbone that is expertly balanced with creamy citrus, mild rye spices and confectionery sweets that carries over to the palate with a syrupy richness and the addition of a spicy mocha before a long finish starting sweet with light earthy flavors before fading to the background of rye, barrel spices and old dusty oak. I was fortunate enough to try a sample of the 2021 release thanks to @soonershrink and am lucky to taste this 2022 release due to the generosity of @skillerified as these tend to disappear from shelves and carry secondary prices of $400+. For me, the 2022 strikes a better balance than the 2021 which, based on my notes, had a lighter mouthfeel and higher tannic oak than I prefer and the 2022 has reconciled those flaws and really delivered something special. Both are fantastic though and certainly worthy of their retail costs, but I'd be reluctant to pay the secondary prices on these.

The nose starts with simmering apple cider with whole cloves and cinnamon sticks along with caramelized pears and balsamic strawberries then light florals, dark chocolate covered almonds and mild sea salt followed by plums, sour cherries and tangerine that transitions to mild black tea with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a moderate spice that slowly fades to balsamic strawberries, black cherries and caramelized peaches then light florals, dark chocolate covered almonds, mild smoke and seaside rocky minerality followed by sautéed cinnamon apples, tangerines and grilled pineapple rings that transitions to mild black tea with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length starting with a mix of tropical fruits and slightly sour red berries that fades to seaside minerality, dark chocolate and slightly bitter black tea. This is the last of the trio of Arran samples that were generously provided by @soonershrink and is another delicious dram that combines creamy citrus with sour berries along with mild seaside minerality and mildly bitter black tea. Out of the trio, I like this slightly better than the port finish but it doesn't strike the wonderful balance that I found on the sauternes finish and leans more into a sour and spicier profile than I prefer. At a price of around $80, it's another well-priced dram from Arran that could be better appreciated by a palate less averse to sour and spice than mine, but for me I'd likely stick with the phenomenal sauternes finish if I'd be reaching for a bottle of Arran under $100.