Tastes

What's the last book you read or one that inspired you? Influenced by 19th and 20th century novelists, playwrights and poets, Writers Tears seeks to pay homage to the golden era of Irish literature and whiskey. The Copper Pot edition pairs aged single pot still and single malt Irish whiskey in charred American oak bourbon casks. I can smell light honey, bergamot orange and magnolia flowers. As it settles, there's a moist caramelized baked good scent like the decadent orange honey cake that my mom makes for holidays. It's nostalgic, comforting and mouth watering. Writer's Tears Copper Pot is a pleasant whiskey. There's a hint of heat at the tip of my tongue with familiar citrus and honey sweetness. This is paired with malted barley and a tannic taste that moves to a medium finish of mild pepper and gently bitter, charred oak. For the fairly light palate, it's still smooth with moderate richness and body.  I would love to taste additional layers of flavour for more substance with a longer finish. If this light gold drop was truly a piece of cake, I'd likely need a couple of slices to satiate my craving. This is still a wholesome and welcoming whisky: both in palate and price. 7.5/10

Ardbeg Uigeadail, pronounced “Oog-a-dal” is named after the loch that brings in the distillery's water supply. This pale yellow, oily offering is the blended result of both ex bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.  The nose is a bit smoky but in a savory, fatty way reminiscent of smoked meat. There's a touch of fruit at the end of my inhale like a fruity glaze on a smoked ham (...or faux-ham if you prefer). After ~10 minutes, sweet takes a front seat with caramelized sugar contrast with a sprinkle of coffee and a dash of salt. Sips bring a momentary sherried fruit sweetness with a burst of spice on my tongue and throat. This makes way to a cozy savory blanket of gentle, rich charcoal smoke and barley. Its lengthy finish leaves its mark on my awoken lips while warming my chest. There's a pleasant peatiness that stays with you; not in an oppressive clingy way, but more like the comfort of a close friend. Much like how you can be fully expressed with those that you're closest with, the more I "listen" to Ardbeg Uigeadail, the more I take in their weaving notes of tobacco, espresso, vanilla, barbeque, raisin and seaside salinity well after tasting. This is the kind of dram that would give me a comforting hug on a rainy day. I could happily sip this and listen to the gentle pitter patter of droplets as its own meditation. I appreciate the sweet-meets-smokiness that this provides in that it doesn't hit you over the head with ash. It's also remarkably smooth for its cask strength self of 54.2% ABV. It feels well balanced and refined that could appease peat fans while encouraging wary sippers out of their comfort zones. While it might be something in the water (or Uigeadail), I'm a fan. Have you had an opportunity to try Ardbeg's Uigeadail? What did you think? 9/10

When was the last time an elegant bottle caught your eye? I had to do a double take when I saw Shinju's attractive cylindrical bottle with auburn liquid on the shelf. Shinju (真珠) means pearl in Japanese. According to its label, "ancient Japanese believed pearls were created from the tears of Angels, born of the water." When I read further that this was crafted with water from Mt. Fuji, my curiosity was piqued! Shinju is a blend of four whiskies that have each been aged in new and mature American white oak barrels.  Shinju's nose has a very light ethanol, honey and citrus scent. Interestingly, this didn't change or deepen significantly over time with the exception of added subtle floral notes. Aside from a momentary fermented sweetness, the flavour profile nearly verges on sour and tangy with barley grain. The finish is rather quick and ghostly, with some oak and a mouth-belly tingle.  I didn't know what to expect but I had high hopes for Shinju. While this is a very light-feeling and smooth pour, it lacks the substance and complexity despite its youthful age. I'd likely look to use this in more-delicate whisky cocktails that won't completely overshadow it. I'm certainly no Angel, but I shed a few "pearls" from it missing my expectations. 6.75/10

While some may find the name intimidating, I found this label endearing on a sojourn across the border to discover new bottles. I think I equally laughed out loud and felt like a badass when I triumphantly picked up this bottle of 8 Year Widow Jane (barrel 455, bottle 129) from 2014. Widow Jane's nose has initial notes of bergamot and vetiver with citrus. It's almost reminiscent of a well crafted perfume. Later on, the aroma evolves to a wistful mix of cola, baking spices and a hint of orange. This is a well rounded bourbon. An initial flash of spices and subtle smoke are wrapped by cherry and oak in a picture perfect package. Like a good bourbon should, it warms your heart. The finish is medium-long with ripe fruit sweetness balanced with herbaceousness and minerality (possibly from the water they use from the Widow Jane Limestone Mine in NY).  I can tell that Widow Jane doesn't mess around. Though it gives you a content feeling as you sip, time in glass is kind to this pour. I'd love to try other bottles from them sometime. 8/10

What was the last bottle you took a chance on? I recall strolling around the Paris airport's Duty Free shop and was earnestly pitched this bottle of Bellevoye Rouge Triple Malt Grand Whisky. Three French whiskies are aged 5-10 years in French oak and an additional 6 months in Grand Cru casks. My curiosity was piqued by the cheerful salesperson as my heart got swept up in the whimsy of French cognac barrels. Sold. The nose brings a comfort like visiting grandma's house: Cherry, candied oranges, black tea and a hint of old knit sweaters laced with tobacco. Time creates depth that adds a luscious dark honey scent to the mix. My first sips are harsh to have neat. An initial medicinal-like sweet date flavour quickly shifts to an overpowering (almost bitter) allspice blast. This leaves a drying sensation on my tongue amidst a moderate and unsatisfying oak and spice remnant finish. For the suave elegance of the packaging, I would have hoped that the interior would have matched accordingly. I found such comfort in the aroma that I felt disappointed by the flavour. This dram did improve significantly with time and added water. Not only did the onset smooth, but it unlocked a taste bouquet addition of orange, nutmeg and bitter-herbal amaro. While I appreciate its novelty, I likely wouldn't choose to sip this by itself. I would love to give Bellevoye Rouge another whirl in a Manhattan cocktail as I dream about my next visit to France. 6.75/10