Tastes

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Pale amber. Nose: Grass and some tropical fruit notes. Palate: Thin mouthfeel with some oil. More grass and tropical fruit. Finish: Long finish with mild heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 6.50 - Well balanced and tasty, but doesn't stand out in any way.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Carmel, vanilla, some dark fruit. Palate: Medium mouthfeel, some clove and baking spice. Finish: Medium length, medium heat. Splash: Some oak appears that I must have missed before. Overall: 7/10 - This is an above average pour, but I can't justify the premium price (around $85). There are many better options under $50. This was received as a gift.

Whisky Mentors QS01 Candy Cane Proof: 130 Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Caramel and butterscotch with a slight hint of mint. Palate: More caramel, some red hots. Finish: Long with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 8/10 - Too bad this isn't more available, but such are single barrel store picks.

Balcones True Blue Cask Strength Single Barrel Greens Farms Spirits store pick Barrel: 15770 used american oak Bottled: 5/20/21 65.9% alc/vol 131.8 proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Sweet caramel notes dominate with some dark fruits underneath, and a hint of cocoa and marshmallow. Palate: Some oak tannins, very sweet. Finish: Long length with medium heat. Splash: Some of the fruits from the nose return. Overall: 8/10 - While the palate doesn't quite hold up to the promosing notes in the nose, this is an enjoyable dram that could easily be a daily based on price and availability.

Batch: 22K18 Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Baking spice, smoke, some caramel. Palate: Clove and cinnamon with more smoke. Finish: Medium length with mild heat. Splash: Caramel from the nose returns. Overall: 7.5/10 - An interesting blend, but the rye spice and scotch smoke overpower any other flavors. A splash of water opens it up a bit.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Light fruits and some nutty notes. Sweet. Palate: Some oak, more fruity notes. Finish: Medium length with mild heat. Splash: Some of the nutty notes from the nose return, but finish is short. Overall: 7/10 - This is nice on its own, but too expensive to be a mixer and too rare to be a daily drinker.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Honey, cherries, pie crust, a hint of baking spice. Palate: Cinnamon and cloves. Finish: Medium length with mild heat. Splash: Graham cracker pie crust returns. Overall: 7.5/10 - A great sipper for the price, and available everywhere. 100 proof is a nice bonus.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Apricot and raisins with a hint of marshmallow. Palate: Cloves and a bit of baking spice. Finish: Medium length with mild heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 6/10 - This could be great with a bit more complexity and a longer finish. The nose is fantastic but doesn’t carry forward.

Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B522 123.8 proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Apricot, caramel, some toffee notes. Palate: Cinnamon overpowers. Finish: Warm and very long. Splash: Calms the spice, allowing some clove and oak flavors through. Overall: 7.5/10 - The high proof is unmistakable, but the flavors are bold. Would be great on the rocks or in a cocktail without losing its flavor.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Very light golden yellow. Nose: Smokey, with notes of apples and pears. Palate: Smokey and fruity, with a good bit of spice and some brine. Finish: Long with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7/10 - Smoke overpowers the fruit notes, but the long finish is a pleasant surprise.