Tastes

Balcones Texas Single Malt Review#124 Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Dark amber. Nose: Lots of fruit and a sweet grassy note that I can't quite place. Palate: Some oak and spice with more of that grassy note. Finish: Practically nonexistent. Splash: The grassy note is tamed, allowing clove and oak notes to really shine. Overall: 4/10 - Some people say good things about this stuff, and after having True Blue, I had high hopes. This is...different. I can't quite place the grassy note, but I don't usually enjoy American single malts so I haven’t had much experience with them. This bottle was a gift, otherwise I would not recommend it.

Stagg Batch 23A Received a sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Cherry cola, caramel, vanilla. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, clove and some oak. Finish: Long length with medium heat. Splash: All of the notes from the palale hold up to a few drops of water. Overall: 9/10 - This is classic bourbon dialed up to eleven. The long finish and the notes standing up to a splash of water give away the high (130.2) proof. Outstanding.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, raisins, apricots. Palate: Clove, baking spice, oak. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: The clove goes from spicy to sweet with just a few drops of water. Overall: 7/10 - I had high expectations based on the age statement (and price) that weren't quite met here. A little more proof would go a long way. Still, an enjoyable dram.

Glass: Tasting glass, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Cherries and other dark fruit. Palate: Clove, baking spice, oak. Finish: Medium length with minimal heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7/10 - The fruit from the nose doesn't carry through and the finish is shorter than expected. $24/1oz pour was a good price to try but I wouldn't buy again for this price.

Midwinter Night's Dram Act 10 scene 2 Glass: Tasting glass, at a bar. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Raisin, fig, cherry. Palate: Clove, oak, and leather. Less spicy than expected. Finish: Medium length, medium heat. Splash: Mutes most of the flavor notes. Overall: 6/10 - I had high hopes for this pour, and the nose was promising, but from there it was all downhill. For the price I paid it would be at least a 7, but factoring in the MSRP, it's only a 6.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, vanilla, baking spice. Palate: Cinnamon, clove, and oak notes. Finish: Nice length with medium heat. Splash: Some nutty notes appear. Overall: 6/10 - This is great for a mixer, and primarily why I bought it. I can't say it's great neat, but it doesn't have to be.

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength 116.2 proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Light amber. Nose: Sweet, with honey and apricot notes. A hint of brown bread. Palate: Clove and baking spice, with a dry oaky note. Finish: Long but not very hot. Splash: More of the bread note from the nose and some nutty notes appear. Overall: 8.5/10 - I had heard good things and this did not disappoint. This is definitely a big step up from the standard Redbreast 12, and in my opinion, better than the 15. Hopefully it becomes easier to find.

George T. Stagg 2022 138.7 Proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Dark amber, remincient of maple syrup. Nose: Apricots, raisins, other fruits, mixed with sweet and floral notes. Palate: Cinnamon and clove, with some oak and leather. Finish: Very long length with medium heat. Splash: A few drops calms the cinnamon heat enough for the clove to really shine. Overall: 9.5/10 - This really is exquisite, from the fruity, floral nose to the classic notes in the palate. The almost hazmat proof is only evident in the finish, which just won't quit. This is a dram to savor.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium-dark amber. Nose: Caramel and toffee with some raisins and cherries. Palate: Cinnamon red hots with a dry oak back end. Finish: Long but not as hot as expected. Splash: Sweet clove and baking spice notes appear. Overall: 8.5/10 - This would stand up to ice or mixer, but is delicious neat. I'm not sure what MSRP is but I was able to find it for a good price and would definitely buy again for >$50.

Baker's Single Barrel 107 Proof Barreled 01-24 Barrel Age 8 years 8 months Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, toffee, some dark fruit. Palate: Sweet clove with a touch of cinnamon. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7/10 - A solid sipper and would probably stand up to some ice. A bit higher proof would help the finish, but otherwise quite nice.