Tastes

Still working samples that have been accumulated. Since I only drink on weekends (workdays I do not imbibe), I have accumulated a large backlog. So I find myself on this Saturday contently alone finishing the last few episodes of Mandolorian. As I watch and take notes, the pour is sitting in a glass opening. Pale gold in color. The initial aromas are soft, floral and delicate. Slightly woody with hints of ginger root. As time is given, sweeter notes begin to surface. Vanilla cream soda, toasted marshmallow, banana custard. There is a fruity side as well. Apples, apricots and diced pear cocktail (think Dole pears in the syrup). There is a slight briny, yeasty quality that works its way into the mix. The nose is busy, but organized. There is order to it. The body is thin and is counter to what you would expect given the body nose. However, the palate is flavorful. Orchard fruits again of apples, pears and apricots. Honey and vanilla adds slightly to the sweetness. As the sweet and fruity flavors work their way back, a small amount of spice tingles the the front of the palate. Cinnamon, ginger root and white pepper. These spices are not distracting from the sweetness; they actually support them. The finish has tangerine throughout the medium finish. Mixed in the tangerine flavor is an oaky dryness with the themed orchard fruits. This is approachable and a pleasurable whisky. A solid nose and flavors that are inoffensive. This scotch will not disappoint. However, given the price of about $250, I would want more front the palate and finish. This all said, it is a quality product and will not disappoint. Thank you @LeeEvolved for sharing this with the me and the rest of the SDT members. [90/100][Tasted: 2/1/20]

It’s been a good deal of time since I actually sat and tasted. Holidays, sickness (head cold), and social obligations all out things on hold for a while. So, this is a perfect pour to start the New Year from a tasting perspective. Truly a rare treat that I will not delay to taste. It only begins to come alive after at least ten minutes. Prior to, it flat and unexpressive. As it awakens, tropical aromas of pineapples and toasted coconut. Orchard fruits develop into the mix; over-ripened, pealed apples and pears with dashes of vanilla, caramel, confectionery sugar and cinnamon. A bit of honey and lemoned tea forges through after significant time. These aromas slowly build and crescendo and the collective creates a full symphony of notes. Sweet arrival, but not overly so, in a soft, velvety textured, medium weighted body. Oak spices, tropical sweetness with hazelnuts and chocolate (think Nutella). Sweet tea, honey, lemon, The palate is left with with the sweet tea with touch of wood spice and some oak tannins, bittersweet chocolate and ginger. Which lasts a medium length of time. As I kept joyfully working through all parts of this pour, balance kept spring to minds. The volume of aromas, balanced. The flavors on the palate, though not as vast as the nose (or I just could not acutely define them and missed out), was balanced. The finish is where I selfishly wanted more and is where the weakness of the dram lies. A bit of water improves the dram and is recommended. Quite enjoyable, easy to take in. This whisky has a gravity about it that can slow time. A million thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine for graciously sharing. [92/100][Tasted: 1/25/20]

Quick Hit: Heather, honey, lemon, hay. Soft velvet texture with sweet tea, honey, cloves and vanilla. Lemon oil finish with white pepper and oak.

Quick Hit: Light nose, almost aroma-less. Banana, vanilla. Sweet, caramel, orange marmalade, mineral. Wood, citrus and pepper finish.

Quick Hit: Bananas and caramel nose. Bitter, spice, vanilla. Wood spicy finish. Nose is the best part of the whiskey.

A straightforward as advertised peanut butter experience. Mr. Peanut salted, peanut brittle, hazelnut and chocolate from nose to palate to finish. Mind you, if you are looking for a pure whisky experience, look elsewhere. If you want a (super)sweet and salty ride, buckle up, throw your hands to the air and have fun. @Scottyemo best describes the experience. Have fun, play and mix. Add some Chambord. Try it over ice. Try it with Bailey’s. Try it with ___. Plain and simple sweet fun. For the price, worth the ride.

I had reviewed this some time back before it was briefly discontinued. It was a great pour then; maybe the best of the standard lineup. A pure malt which makes this somewhat unique in the JW lineup of blends. Has time changed my taste? Is this as good as I last tasted? The nose takes some time to open, and when it does, a gives forth a variety of aromas. A subtle sweet peat nose with an earthiness: hay, earthen minerals. Maritime brine, iodine, leather, lemon oil, barley sugar, apricots, honey, and caramel. Quite pleasant. A medium bodied spirit that arrives with a Talisker pepper spice. It begins to develop into a sweeter dram with honey, vanilla. The spiciness pushes forward again but with ground cinnamon, nutmeg and gingerbread. As it fades, wood notes make a their presence. A strong finale which lingers forever. Wood spice, orange cream, vanilla and dark chocolate and charcoal. This (still) holds it’s own is just flat out good. Complex yet approachable. Sweet yet spicy. Most whiskies have the great nose, but through the progression, diminishes through the course and finish flat. This stays consistent and one could arguably claim the finish is the best part of the experience. I will always have a place on my shelf for Johnnie Walker as this was the brand (Black Label) that was the only whisky I drank (in my youth). Green however, is just on a level above many. What makes even better is you can find this under $55. On sales here locally, I grabbed it at $45. Seek it, sip it and enjoy it. [Re-tasted: 12/20:19][92/100][$45]