Tastes

Very light, very smooth, cool and crisp. Reminds me of autumn. Instantly transports me oceanside, dram in hand. Apricots, vanilla, honey, sea salt and a touch of chocolate dance together in this elegant offering. Surprisingly complex, light and sweet. A more refined brother of the more peppery Oban 14 and slightly more elegant than 18. An excellent dram and a fantastic value.

I was hoping this would at least resemble the Balvenie Caribbean cask but it fell short as the rum mixture did not work for me. It is too sweet and falls flat. I much prefer the dark rye as a unique BH offering.

The rum is subtle but there. A semi-sweet dram that’s not too complex. Roasted banana, caramel, fig, some smoke and a much too quick oak finish. I appreciate the unique offering but it just doesn’t quite work. Good but not great.

I bought this for the first time as I was down to my last drops of 18. I was eager to compare the two heavy-weights side by side. Rare is a little more daring, slightly spicy yet smooth and old. A savory mix of plum, raisin, sherry and spice. The dark fruits and old leather dance beautifully together in your mouth. The finish is sticky and keeps going and going. I found myself licking my gums long after my glass was empty. 18 is more refined, a bit more smoky, less spicy and for me doesn’t seem quite as aged. Both are wonderful, and I can see cases on both sides for which is the better bottle. In the end I give the edge to Rare Cask, it seems more daring and has its own special character that I love.

Smooth yet complex. A great balance of sweet and salty with a campfire feel… smoke, truffle and dates. The oak is light and sweet and earthy. This has dethroned my favorite offering from JW - which was the Platinum. Green is more complex for sure and less sweet. A fantastic value.

I wanted to like this as much as Glenlivet 12 but it came up short. It is bolder but not as refined. Dark fruit and spice coat the mouth with a harsh finish. Not to my liking.

Prune, raisin, honey, spice, apples, and a sweet sherry coats the mouth. Oily with a smooth, smoke-free, long, oaky finish. Reminds me of my Irish Grandfather hanging out in his man-cave basement with his friends playing poker. A very good pour.

Pear, apple, honey. Light, crisp and well rounded. A good Irish dram. A good summer sipper and a go to for entertaining.

My go to oak dram. A much more refined and smoother version of the 14YO. Plum, apricot, honey, a touch of seaweed and salt with a great subtle smoke finish. I usually prefer Sherry casks but this is a great subtle Oak that’s perfect for a cold night by the fire.