Tastes

Amrut; distilled in the heat of India. Yes, that means more barrel contact for the juice inside in a shorter period of time and yes, the cask strength means that this guy is a hot beast. Almost too hot. Now don't get me wrong, I like my whiskey cask strength, but the heat on this one distracts from the coffee/toffee flavors buried inside. I suggest add water....and don't be shy about it. Once added, this tames the beast and the flavors start to reveal themselves. Cloves, baking spices, coffee, malt, they are all there. Thank goodness. I like this bottle. It is distinct, like most of the Amrut line, so this bottle is good to have on the shelf for diversity purposes. Would I buy one again. Eh, probably not now.

Amrut is becoming a star in the whiskey industry, and I can see why. The expressions I have had have been quite good and distinct. The Fusion is maybe my favorite of the group. I get a strong coffee bean and malt taste to it. The Fusion runs a bit hot, especially for a 50 ABV, but that adds to the taste. I only tasted this as a pour (~$12) and do not have a bottle. Yet. I plan on getting one of these bottles someday, but finding it on sale for under $70 is tough. This is a good one, but not to the $80 price tag I've seen it around town. Yeah, maybe should switch towns huh.

I like this guy. Quite a bit actually. It took me by surprise; a lower priced scotch used mainly in blends, well the expectations were low. But that is my snobbery talking, not my sense. A honey, nutty palette fills the mouth with a nice tame finish, a very pleasing dram to say the least.It is the type of drink that even the more whiskey-resistant of friends would have a hard time to poo-poo on. Would I buy it again? Eh, not sure yet. I will probably at some point, but that is more of a reflexion of the other great expressions out there (including the 18 and 21 of the same name). Great juice for the cost, but as for now I'm good.

Aberlour 12; great price and fine example of a low ABV sherry, but there is nothing too original or defining about this bottle. Now don't get me wrong, I did very much enjoyed sipping this expression. At an easy 40 ABV with good sherry notes, this bottle has a place. And for the $40 price tag, it is a good starter scotch for someone who wants to begin dabbling in the art of Aberlour. But I feel there are more interesting and complex bottles out there. Would I buy again.....maybe later in my whiskey journey. There is many more intriguing bottles out there that I want to venture in, the Aberlour 12 can wait.

Ahhh, the sherry bomb known as the A'Bunadh; only a few can say the name properly and even fewer can resist its temptation. I first had a dram of this guy about a year ago at a festival and fell in love instantly. The harsh leathery sherry notes mixed in with the high ABV, well who am I not to buy a bottle of this? Since that time, I have to admit my feelings about the A'Bunadh have cooled. Since having other sherried scotches with a tad higher level of sophistication (eg: Glendronch 15, 18, 21), the harshness of the A'Bunadh can be a bit distracting. But all the delicious flavors are there, so I still love it and will definitely buy another bottle....if I can find it for under $80. Oh btw, batch 60. I have had a batch 34 since and I thought it may have been better, but would have to do an A/B to confirm.