Tastes

Fruity and spicy on the nose, like a good Christmas cake. Oaky, rich and full-bodied, with an exceptionally long finish of plum and grape notes from the red wine barrels. I’m more than impressed by this one.

The sweetness of honey and vanilla on the nose, some malt and nutty flavours on the palate, and a hint of salt on the finish. Not complex, a little thin, and nothing that really stands out, but inoffensive and perfectly drinkable. Recommended when on special, but there’s definitely more interesting choices for the price.

Sweet, full-bodied and slightly smokey at the finish but by no means overpowering. Quite exemplary for its price (AU $50 on special). It has become one of my go-to low/mid priced scotch whiskies.

Smooth. Buttery. The stout comes through in the finish but it’s quite subtle and doesn’t linger long. Very drinkable.

A favourite. Not as smooth as the Solera vatted, but trades smoothness for flavour and more body. More vanilla notes, more punch, creamier, more complexity. Spices linger on the tongue for a good while. Very well rounded and enjoyable.

One of my favourites. Ultra smooth, with a bite on the back of the tongue that reminds you this is serious business. Lots of complexity, full bodied, exceptional.

A very in-your-face scotch whisky with a lot of punch and flavour. Enough complexity to be interesting, the sherry definitely comes through, but ultimately there’s probably better value for money.

A bit if a bite, but also quite warm and complex. Some darker notes with butterscotch, vanilla, and an earthiness to it.

One of the most balanced scotch whiskies I’ve ever tasted. Full bodied and sweet at the same time, great on the nose, nothing really stands out but in this case it’s a good thing. Completely inoffensive, smooth, drinkable.