Tastes

Quick hit: Smoke; caramel. [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick hit: Smoke; sugar; funk [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick hit: Citrus; brine; smoke. [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick hit: Tropical; soft; light; clean. [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick hit: Light; spice; funk [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick Hit: Peat; sweet; Black pepper; heat. [Whiskyfest 17]

Quick Hit: Banana; soft; sweet. [Whiskyfest 17]

A Sunday evening finds me in a mood for bourbon. It just so happens I have a sample supplied by @LeeEvolved as part of our SDT group as a bonus. I have never had taste of any of the Colonel E.H. Taylor. There are bourbons and then there are bourbons. I always look forward to the later. Take an inhale and the sweetness of corn awakens the senses along with a swirl of alchohol vapors. A mild sweetness keeps steady consisting of caramel, vanilla and candy corn. A touch of almond nuttiness and rye keep the nose grounded. Cinnamon spice arrival (Red Hots cinnamon) in a velvety body and awakens the palate. Rather surprising given the high proof and is pleasantly uncommon. As the Red Hots kick subsides, the other flavors of butterscotch, Marischano cherries, vanilla with oak char create a wonderful blend in the palate. Rye notes keeps a warming spiciness as it fades to the finish. Grain alchohol, burnt toast and orange bitters begin the finish. As it ultimately fades in a long lasting finish, the final remnants of cloves and baking spices gently close the journey. A touch of water softens and rounds the dram, but takes away from the true character of the whiskey. This is a great bourbon. The grain blend contains the oak dryness and cinnamon that can overwhelm a bourbon. This is the style of bourbon that I enjoy most: the cinnamon strength, cherry notes and oak and char and rye undertones. Bookers, Four Roses and now the Colonel. A trifecta of bourbons. Thanks @LeeEvolved for kindly sharing. [Dry Glass: Cherried-Candy corns][94/100][Tasted: 11/12/17]

Japanese Whisky's are always a treat. When you can get your hands on a rare or tough to find sample, sit back and enjoy. @PBMichiganWolverine , thanks for providing the group with some great and tough to find spirits. Slowly take in on the nose, and the aromas of apricots, oranges, rosted nuts comes through while, oddly enough, rubbing alcohol. As the alcohol fumes dissapate, a host off additional aromas of plumbs, cocoa powder/bakers chocolate pull through. Slight sherry notes are in there, but, for me, not so obvious. Slowly take it onto the palate and the fluid is dense and oily. Earthy and mineral is the base of this dram. Celery is tucked in the back, but it's there. From there, a potpourri of disparate flavors swirl on the tongue. Oranges, cedar, black pepper. Vanilla and honey comes in for a glimpse as it fades to the finish. A long finish that has some orange bitters. The palate remains with cedar, ginger and is slightly salty. Deep and soul warming. Water dampens the sharpness, softening the intensity but mutes the robustness. This preferrable without water or maybe just a drop or two. The sharpenss and bitterness, for me, diminished the full enjoyment. It lacks a sweeter counter balance to the sharp spiciness, which would make this an exceptional dram. This may sound harsh(er) considering it's a great whisky. However, I am only pointing out the one small area where I found lacking that would take this to greatness. Give it a good lengthog time to open and you will be greatly rewarded. [88/100][Tasted: 11/3/17]

It's that time of year where the leaves turned, the air is crisp and a smokey dram fits the mood. I was anxious to sample this and thanks to @Telex, through our tasting group, I was provided that opportunity. Bunnahabhain is often overlooked when seeking out an Islay, but they do create some well-crafted spirits, in my opinion. A light, sweet peat and smoke waste no time greeting you on the nose. The sweet smoke is infused with a winter maritime brininess. As the smokiness starts to soften, fruit notes of apples, pears and toasted coconut with honey create a inviting sweetness. A black pepper spicy arrival is wrapped in a medium-weight body. Honey, honeydew melon with a touch of vanilla are exposed to the palate. The smoke is constant throughout, but it does not overwhelm and supports the fruity, sweet side. The finish starts off with a bit of tingle on the tongue. Cigar ash and soot and woodiness with a skosh of honeyed sweetness remain on the palate. As the list bit of flavor fades, some lemon zest comes through. A nice, long lasting finish. The whisky, for me, conjures an image of a New England seaside winter with chimney smoke in the crisp air (whisky has a way to create images and transport me to that place...sorry for the sappiness). This feels slightly young (8 year-ish sensation) given the spicy kick. This compares to that of Machir Bay, for reference purposes. One that is worthy to pull out on that crisp evening and slow down time. [Dry Glass: Damp chimney][88/100][Tasted: 11/4/17]