Tastes

Woodford Reserve has a deep, chestnut appearance, normal alcohol legs, and medium viscosity. The aroma is of vanilla, charred oak, dried fruit, and nectar. The flavor is of those elements, and a moderate finish. The charred oak is predominant, but not bold or in any way harsh. RJT

Typical gold-amber appearance, but no real alcohol legs, oddly. The nose is of vanilla, bees' wax, mild charred oak, nectar, and rock candy. The flavor is of medium-charred oak, yellow corn grits, oak, and cherry skin. The mouthfeel is low medium, and Willett Pot Still Reserve finishes moderately long. It hangs around, like a good friend, but not like a pest. RJT

This was purchased for me, at the Brussels, Belgium airport. The appearance is gold. The nose is white bread, light peat, and a trace of cocktail sherry. The flavor is barley grain, standard whisky flavor (any style), and a hint of barrel char. Mouthfeel is medium, and the whisky lingers on, a bit. No smoke was detected, in either the aroma or the taste. I hope it wasn't expensive, because this is rather bland, I am sad to report. Still good (80%, "B-"), though. RJT

Rich & Rare has a gold-to-chestnut, sparkling-clear appearance and some pretty alcohol legs. Aroma is of base corn distillate, for sure, but it is mild, overall, without much burn. Lots of bready barley malt is detected, too. One can also pick up some of the "natural flavors", with a very deep inhalation. Taste is of those elements, but the taster will find more of the brandy, rum, and sherry flavorings, here, which come across as a vanilla character. Rye is not showing, but it might only be used to balance any off-putting sweetness. Mouthfeel is light to medium, and Rich & Rare finishes medium quick. I find it to be a shockingly-good value, for the price. RJT

Clear, golden appearance, with a few alcohol legs. Nose- some standard, stereotypical grain whisky, with vanilla, oak, and nougat. Taste- similar, with, perhaps, some rye pepper spice. Mouthfeel is high to medium, and it lingers, a bit. To me, this is somewhat rough. RJT

Nikka From the Barrel has a dark copper appearance, light-to-medium body, and nice alcohol legs. The aroma is slightly smoky and with some char and bourbon scents (corn, mostly, but possibly vanilla). The flavor was of a smoked bourbon, and the stronger proof was noticeable, but not harsh. The finish was on the quick side. RJT

Black Velvet has a gold appearance, with loose alcohol legs. Aroma is of some sourdough bagel, musty cornbread, and charred oak. Taste is of charred oak, with wood emphasized over char, corn distillate filler, and a touch of nectar. Mouthfeel is light to medium, and Black Velvet has a medium to slow finish. RJT