Tastes

I gave the Loch Lomond Blended Scotch a 3.5, and this a 3.7. To me the taste is almost identical; malt, biscuit or pie crust, a touch of orchard fruit, and a touch of smoke. This is a little superior to the blended version because the mouthfeel is softer, the flavors are slightly more intense, and the finish is a little longer. Which you purchase boils down to the price ratio imo.

What a pleasant purchase! After a post op Dr.'s appointment (eye surgery) I decided I deserved a treat. Stopped in one of those big chain liquor stores to have a look. (You know the type, offer good prices on the entry level 750 ml items, full SRP--or more--on everything else.) I spotted a single bottle of this nectar on the shelf for $40. I have never had this whisky in all of my 69 years; but, I knew it had a good reputation and I knew that was a great price. (Some on-line retailers ask as much as $80-100, or even more.) I plunged and am so glad I did. It pours a golden amber in the glass. Moderate legs. The nose is of stewed fruit, almonds and walnuts, orange zest, vanilla, and a touch of Christmas spice, perhaps nutmeg. On entry it first seems a little thin, but an oiliness is immediately present. The taste is much like the nose, but the "stewed fruit" nose now comes across easily as the sherry influence of Spanish casks. This is not a sherry "bomb," but has the strong influence as you would find in Aberlour 12 or Macallan 12 Double Cask. In fact this has most of the same flavor notes as the Macallan. Testing that observation I am presently sipping them side by side. Yes, I can hardly tell the difference. The Macallan finish seems to be a little longer. Getting this for $40 was a great deal. Would not be willing to pay the obscene prices some are asking when there are other options.

I was unsure of trying this whisky as reviews and comments were all over the spectrum. What finally sold it for me was a negative review here that compared it to anCnoc 12 which the reviewer does not care for,but, which I consider to be one of the greats. The pour of the non chill-filtered dram is the palest straw gold. The nose is fresh orchard fruits with a hint of floral honey. On the tongue the fruit flavors of apple, pear, and peach interplay with a touch of sweetness. The finish brings honey malt forward with the faintest hint of peat--so faint that I couldn't detect it until my third sip. This may not be for everyone, but it is a style I really enjoy. If you are a fan of anCnoc 12 or Compass Box Artist Blend I think you would enjoy this dram.

I am 69 years old and had never seen this in my area until yesterday. I knew its reputation was to be rather average, though some folks rate it to be one of the better traditional blends. To be forthright, some average Scotches are among my favorites because they hit some of the flavor notes I really enjoy. This is is a decent "bottom shelf" blend. There is malt, a bit of sweetness and a whiff of smoke. It lies soft in the mouth with only a little heat. It is overall smooth and inoffensive. I am sure the blenders had that as their goal. But, nothing really stands out for me. There are other bottom or near-bottom shelf blended whiskies I prefer the taste of--such as Grant's Family Reserve, Loch Lomond or Teacher's Highland Cream. This would be a fine mixer and would work great at parties as a "middle of the road" Scotch that should not offend anyone--nor enthrall them.

A very solid malt. Displays good legs, offers a nose of malt, vanilla, and a little lemon zest. It is mouth-coating and the flavors are very representative of the nose. The finish is medium-long and slightly drying---encouraging another sip. Overall a very pleasing dram for when you are in the mood for a straight-forward dram. There is no peat, no sherry or anything else, and it isn't complex. BUT, it is well made and very enjoyable.

I am hijacking this item to tell of an independent bottling of Speyside Longmorn 18 year old by “First Edition.” The Longmorn was distilled in 1996, bottled in 2014 at a cask strength of 52.4%, non chill filtered. My bottle is 154 of 253 and was aged in a bourbon cask. I purchased my bottle as part of a special pre-order sale 6/20/20. Simply divine! There is malt, vanilla, ripe orchard fruit and a light sweetness The finish is long and lingering and as smooth as a 43% dram. The flavor profile reminds me very much of the highly rated anCnoc. Outstanding, give it a full 5.0!

Another superior creation from Compass Box. This vatted (blended) malt sources malts from Aberlour. Teaninich, Deanston, and Glen Elgin. These are aged in various types of barrels before blending: sherry casks, red wine casks, retoasted barrels, refill hogsheads, etc. The resulting blend displays typical sherry notes plus a fresher fruitiness; all underlain by a sweet maltyness with a hint of orchard fruit. This is really good. It may not be your favorite style, but there is no denying the mastery it takes to orchestrate all these elements.