Tastes

I picked up Few Bourbon Whiskey in Pittsburgh and was woo'd by its vintage bottle shape and postcard reminiscent label.  The nose is cinnamon dominant, ethanol forward with a touch of fenugreek. Sips have a cinnamon heat 'n' peat with cherry and brown sugar base tones. It claims "uncommon complexity" which is a fair assumption compared to most other American whiskies. If this whiskey was a person at a party, it would be the loud one who always has a wild story to tell. Though this whiskey has some sweetness, the spicy punch may lend itself best to enjoy over ice or in a cocktail. 7.25/10

On a trip to Boston, I agonized over what bottle to bring home. I'm heavily biased towards a local pick, so I selected the Bully Boy Distillers Private Cask, batch #5 bottle #58. The nose is deep, rich, and reminds me of maraschino cherries in syrup, rounded out by oak. Over time, a prominent vanilla tone makes a complimentary appearance. I generally enjoy sherry cask whiskies so this "blend of straight whiskies finished in Port and Madeira barrels" feels like a close friend to them. The first part of my sip coats my tongue with a syrupy sensation. The cask flavours are front and center with a touch of heat. There's a hint of spiced pear when inhaled on the palate. There aren't too many layers beyond but it's an enjoyable post-dinner dram. Medium, dry, belly-warming finish. 7.5/10

A few years ago, colleagues and I pitched in to purchase a bottle of Cardhu 12 for our manager (a fellow whisky fan). Thankfully, he graciously shared a taste with us. This scotch was so approachable and easy to drink, that I had to buy one of my own. Aside from the flavour, something about the charming wooden cap and cinched curvaceous bottle has made this a charming staple on my bar.  The initial nose has lemon and malt. Over time, it deepens. This scotch is smooth. It's softly peated and has a rich texture. I feel a hint of salt at the tip of my tongue and notes of cereal and honey. It has a fairly short finish, but in this case I genuinely don't mind. It just means I get to take another sip sooner! If you prefer more complicated or boisterous whiskies, this one may not be for you. Cardhu 12 is a lovely, easy-going Speyside dram. 8.5/10

I bought this bottle on a trip to Chicago.  While visiting the US, I figured that a bottle of Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve American New Oak would make an appropriate souvenir. It came in a patriotic blue canister that I couldn't resist. The nose is fruity and makes me feel festive with its pear and baking spice combination. The palate is oak forward with vanilla-honey highlights amidst a sea of spice. The finish is dry and leaves a lingering tingle on my lips. This scotch reminds me of a bourbon and is lovely as the weather gets more chilly outside. I'm now inspired to mull some cider or bake a crumble! That said, I'd prefer this on ice or with a touch of water to balance the dryness. 7.75/10

Sitting in a mid-century cottage bungalow, the scenery around me calls for a nice bourbon. Luckily, I had packed my Michter's Small Batch US 1 Bourbon.  While neat, I initially experience a deep, rich toffee nose. Later on, I smell soft notes of orange rind. During my first sips, the heat performs an elegant dance down to my belly rather than slapping me in the chest (...like some other bourbons). Michter's Small Batch US 1 offers a smooth meld of malt, light smoke and subtle sweet caramel. This bourbon has a warming, oak-inspired finish with a spice that hangs around for a while. I'd happily sip this in front of a fireplace any day. 8.25/10

On a local adventure from home, I stumbled upon a Japanese whisky bar. Of course, I had check out their whisky list. The bartender suggested his most interesting pick of the menu, Togouchi 15. Togouchi 15 is a blend of Canadian and Scottish whiskies that are aged in a Japanese railway tunnel. The initial nose has a slight ethanol burn, beautiful honey tones and a hint of toasted grains. Later, the nose opens up with a deeper richness  plus citrus. The palate is light but nuanced: Oaked honey, plum, a bit grassy and bright. Medium finish, very smooth. I would enjoy a drink of this anytime, but don't think it's worth the high price point. 8.5/10

The initial nose of Jura 10 Single Malt has a subtle peatiness that transports me to a place of rolling green hills with fog near a coast. I've yet to visit Scotland, but I feel like it could fit the fantasy. Over time, the nose transitions to sweet baked goods like muffins or banana bread. While neat, I braced for a hit of heat but was pleasantly taken into a rich, subtle bath of smoke and spices. Rich and slightly oily, this is a dram that is easy to drink, but should be savored. While it doesn't knock my socks off, I would enjoy a couple of glasses of it in an evening. I think this would add good depth to a classic cocktail or hot toddy too. 8/10

Today was a good news day. Therefore, whisky. I thought it a good opportunity to open my Glengoyne 15. The nose is gorgeously tropical. Hints of mango, pineapple and caramel. Mouthfeel is light and smooth. Flavour palate is fairly mild, with slight peat, oak and pepper. Resolves with an oily, biscuit moment. I do wish the finish stuck around a bit longer. I'd think this would make a good "intro scotch" for folks who are afraid of peaty whisky. 8/10

Woodford Reserve is a brand that I like having on my bar. It's versatile for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan at a reasonable price. Keeping with this week's theme of enjoying American whiskey and bourbon, this bottle of Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is batch #9, bottle 4211. The nose is a pleasant honey-vanilla blend with a bit of orange rind. I would smell this all day if it wouldn't look weird on work calls. The flavour profile is fairly similar with a bit of added oak. Although the body is a bit thin, it sprints to a cozy warming finish with notes of rye and tobacco. That said, I do wish that the palate 'stuck around for dessert rather than leaving after the appetizer.' Especially while neat, this bourbon has a dry tingle in the chest, tongue and back of the throat. On ice, it's easier to drink but loses some of that aromatic flavour magic. 7.5/10