Tastes

[Vintage: 2005/Barreled: 10/28/05/Barrel#:524/Bottled: 2/25/15] Dried pineapples with a brown sugar glaze arrive initially on the nose. As it opens, these initial aromas transform to banana-nut bread and vanilla with a confectionary glaze. A creamy mouthful deliver toffee rich sweetness, caramel and toasted marshmallows and a heap of oak. The sweet palate is left with spicy hot cinnamon and salted caramel that lingers for a generous amount of time. The addition of water does not altar the nose or palate with any significance. This whiskey is wonderfully delicious, soft and pleasant and one that is surprisingly not more readily available, considering the fantastic price. [89/100]. [Opened: 5/15/15][Revisited: 11/7/15; 2/19/16]

This starts out with a sweet nose of ripe pears, black tea, honey and a slight amount of vanilla and orange zest. As it opens, a brininess and smoke make their way onto the aroma profile. On arrival, the soft, mildly dense body delivers an initial current of honey tea, a bit of smoke and ground cinnamon. The finish is a bit hot and spicy and slightly bitter and oaky with a hint of a mild cigar. A smidgen of water enhances the black tea and honey characteristics of the dram. A good dram at a fantastic price. I am searching for a JWB substitute (I have a place in my heart for it, however price creep has tended to keep this out of my collection) and this could be it. This is a great, cheaper alternative to JWB and one I will be sure to have around when I am looking for a quality blend. [$18][86/100][Opened: 4/19/15][Revisited: 11/1/15; 1/24/16]

White fruit, apricots, vanilla, light and sweet with honey, tea and faint wisps of lemon citrus. A rather pleasant nose. As the dram opens, caramel becomes the dominate note. On arrival, the same theme of the nose materializes on the palate. The medium bodied spirit quickly loses the caramel sweetness and reveals orange rind and spice, leaving a slight bitterness on the tongue and a hint of spice and oak. Sweet and fruity on arrival; slightly bitter, spicy and oaky on the finish. The addition of water (a small amount, since it is a low ABV) diminishes the bitterness and reduces the fullness of the body. Overall, a nice 'Gentle Dram' presented in a standard Speyside profile manner. This is a perfect spirit as an introductory Scotch Whisky that is extremely cost-effective (at least near me). [$48][85/100]. [Opened: 4/11/15; Revisited: 2/12/16].

The nose is that strong banana and vanilla similar to the standard, but more subdued and sweeter. Rather inviting. Creamy palate with brown sugar, vanilla and oak. As it finishes, the sweetness turns dry and spicy but not unpleasant. This should be the standard Jack Daniels. [86/100] [Tasted: 3/14/15]

A nice busy nose of oak, milk chocolate and malt (like Whoppers), banana and honey. When the dram arrives on on the palate, the same flavors that are on the nose come in form in a full body. A dry, oaky finish with black pepper spice that fades quickly leaving the mouth with oak and a small hint of mint that is relatively short. The addition of water adds more chocolate malt to the nose and sweetens the palate of honey. However, the body is much thinner even with the slightest hydration. A complex dram much different than most other Irish Whiskeys that I have tasted. Only gets better as it opens. For the price, other options like it's brethren Green Spot or Redbreast may a better alternative. [$90][91/100] [Opened: 3/17/15][10/11/15].

Pears, toffee with that Jameson standard hay nose (sweet sweet). Light body and soft. Mildly sweet and nutty with vanilla, toffee, bakers dark chocolate and ripe pear. Finishes long with a little spice, brown sugar and oak. A mature and refined version of the standard. This is one worthy of enjoying slowly and neat. [85/100]. [Tasted: 3/4/15; 1/12/16 @ Vaughan's, Hartford]

Raisins, brown sugar, nuts are prominent on the nosing. Soft and velvety on the palate. An incredibly easy sip. The nutty chararacterics are evident. Vanilla and sherry notes roll easily on the tongue and mouth. A short, extremely mild spicy finish with some oakiness. A nice whiskey that is different than its Irish brethren. Very enjoyable with a smidgen of complexity and very easy to drink. [89/100]. [Tasted: 3/4/15 @ Vaughan's, Hartford].

Light and fruity nose with coconut, apricots, apples and bananas with brown sugar on toasted whole wheat bread (healthy breakfast?). The palate is deceivingly soft given the rich aromas and deep amber color. The sweet nose is carried onto the palate. The brown sugar and vanilla are balanced with nutty flavors. A soft and long finish that is somewhat spicy and sweet. Remnants of the brown sugar with an oaky dryness fade slowly away. This is a wonderful dram that is easy to sip. It's unfortunate that pot still Irish whiskey is not more commonplace. [$49][91/100]. [Tasted: 3/3/15 @ Vaughan's, Hartford; Revisted: 2/12/16]

[Batch #: C07-A-12 / 7yrs; 0mos / 65.3%ABV] - Sweetness of the corn, Apple Betty, cinnamon and leather are on the nose. The palate immediately discerns the oak tannins, drying the mouth. Definitely hot and spicy (think concentrated Red Hots), pushing the limits but never exceeding those bounds. The tongue is instantly anesthesized. A bitter, extremely dry oak finish with a fair amount of tongue burn. Like licking the dry stave of bourbon-soaked cask. As sweet as it is on the nose, it's deceivingly hot and dry. Imbibing at cask strength is definitely a daunting challenge. A healthy dose of water does not dimish the noses' sweetness, but decreases the cinnamon and leather. The sweet profile without the spice is dominate. Water makes it an easier dram to manage and definitely recommended. Without it, hair will grow in the wrong places. I am a "scotch guy" but this is a bottle I will make sure I always have available. [94/100]. [Tasted: 3/2/15 @ Black Eyed Sally's, Hartford] [Opened: 4/12/15].

An invitingingly fresh and lively sweet nose of honey, vanilla, brown sugar, fruit with hint of salt and a faint whisp of smoke. The palate receives a creamy, medium-body. The initial caramel sweetness is the first to arrive. As the sweetness dissipates, oakyness with some smoke and bitterness arrive and quickly fades and that initial sweetness makes one more brief appearance. The palate is left with some with a pleasantly long finish of black pepper, oak and a walnut/fresh nuts. A splash of water amplifies the sweetness and smoke, smoothes the edges on the palate and lessens the pepper on the finish. This is one that becomes a better dram with a small amount of water, but not too much, and time. Overall, a lovely, fun, easy dram. A great Speyside representation. Perfect for those warm spring days when there is a bounce in your step. Easy to drink, great to share. [88/100]. [Opened: 2/21/15 on a beautiful, warm winter evening; Revisited: 1/9/16]