Tastes

When it comes to my Old Fashioneds or Manhattans, I have become pretty static and entrenched to using Rittenhouse as the foundation rye. In all this time I have never deviated. So, I was in my local store and they had this on sale so I took the shallow financial plunge, curious to compare apples to apples (or rye to rye). Without any breathing, straight out, dill and pumpernickel greet the nose. Hints of char weave through the dill and pumpernickel. Grenadine, brown sugar and butterscotch keep the nose sweet. Clove and cinnamon spice keep the sweetness grounded. Over A medium dense body, subtly sweet and coarsely spicy. Cinnamon, anise, vanilla and light brown sugar. The earthy spices meld with the youthfulness nature (the slight alcohol tingle presents itself as earthy spices). As it fades from the palate, black licorice and wood char remain and quite chewable. Oak tannins keep the mouth slightly dry. Adding and ice cube or water brings pulls forward the sweetness and tamps slightly the spice. The abv keeps the dilution at bay keeping the flavors in tact. If you want a summer sipper, just adds ice. As a sipper, it holds it own. It won’t wow but it’s steady and easy. As a mixer for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, it contains the spice and punch to spearhead through and provide the whiskey flavor these cocktails are based. Comparatively, Rittenhouse has that blind punch (strong but unnoticeable) and has a slight better balance between spice and sweetness. I would give the edge to Rittenhouse but would not think twice about using Sazerac as a substitute. [86/100][$28][Tasted: 6/17/22]

Edition: 2020 I am a Springbank rookie. The few that I have had have been above average to exceptional. Pulled from a backlog of samples, from, I believe @PbMichiganWolverine. Sadly, I lost account of who sent this (all apologies, but thank you). This was the winner. For this Memorial Day weekend, it seemed like a pour to sit back and chew on this Saturday evening. A lightweight aroma greets you. There are a variety of small notes, like a 1000 piece puzzle. Perfume, floral, cedar, vanilla, milk chocolate, molasses, honey, pine resin, caramel, toasted coconut, ocean breeze. All these disparate aromas, when put together, form a coherent, cohesive picture of what the palate can expect. Like the nose, there are several flavors that form a picture. But the flavor palette is comprised of different set of colors than the nose. Some are of the same spectrum but tinted slightly richer and bolder. The body is medium-light and delivers an initial sweetness of brown sugar, vanilla and caramel. Bitterness of dark chocolate. Spiciness of ground cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and oak. Earthiness of leather. Burnt whole wheat toast. Oranges and lemon citrus. Grilled apples, pears, pineapples and toasted coconut. Raisin bran cereal fades to the finish. The finish is long with charcoal, tobacco, oranges, brine, coffee and rubber tires all with a metallic overtone, which lingers. A nice long ride out until the next sip. It’s been a while since I have had a good scotch pour. This one broke that streak. There is this George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic that just keeps the palate off beat, syncopated and dancing. The sweetness is not overblown but on the fringe. Balanced by spices and tropical spices. That is the key: balance (Daniel-son). I get a slight similarity to Glenfarclas with a charcoaled edge. Well crafted. A slow sipper that you don’t want to end. [92/100][Tasted: 5/28/22]

Batch 3 / 42.6% abv. Many moons ago, there were a band of tasting brothers that set forth to taste a scotch from every active Scottish distillery. The SDT. In that era, much was shared. This was provided by @LeeEvolved to the team. Tonight, this was pulled from the trove as it turned out to be an appropriate time to sample (the house to myself). You may generally find that the older a whisky is, the more complexity it harbors. That is usually first indicated at introduction, the nose. This totally debunks that notion. There is practically no aromatic richness or a dynamic variety of aromas. It’s rather static. Woody-vanilla and diluted bourbon notes. Over time, sweet-ripened fruits of pears and pineapples hover. The body is thin. Lighter in weight than water. What’s embedded, like the nose, is sparse and lacking complexity. Sweetness that turns bitter that starts with vanilla, light brown sugar with barely detectable hints of apples and toasted coconut. All of this (which is not much) quickly diminish and transforms to a slightly wooden spicy liquid with a youthful quality. The finish is all wood and bitter lemon citrus that fades quickly but leaving the mouth woody dry. If I was a gambling man, I would wager to say that this is a young 8 year old Speysider that’s on its way to being something more given six to eight years. That this is a 23 year old is shocking. It sips similar to Balvenie 12 but is not as rich. Is this a terrible pour and undrinkable? Absolutely not. But given the age and cost, your tasting time/cost is better spent elsewhere. [84/100][Tasted: 5/20/22]

I have been totally out of rhythm when it comes to sampling. Maybe out of rhythm with life overall lately. But tonight I fell back into my former (but I am sure only momentarily). Hoping things will get back into line soon (many irons in the fire in my life right now). This has been sitting in my samples and harkens back to the SDT days, which seems like slight eternity. I think I even lost 3/4 of an ounce. So, before I loose any more, I figured, let’s do it. It jumps out with with sherry and ripened red fruit notes. Raisins, apples, red raspberries. There is a sugary overlay that wraps the fruity aromas. Vanilla, caramel, light-brown sugar. And, of course, there is the cereal notes. Oats and barley. If you were to describe a healthy-heart breakfast, take all those ingredients that comprise the aroma you would have just created that breakfast. It’s an instant sweet and spicy palate, but the spice is overshadowed by the sweetness. Initially sweet, almost too sweet. But then the mild spice crescendo’s. Crème brûlée, orange zest, milk chocolate, apples and pears which is similar in that aspect to Glenlivet 12. Fresh ginger and white pepper provide the spicy side on the palate. This is all delivered in a lightweight body with a silky texture. What remains of the palate lasts for a fair length. Bitter orange, oak tannins, vanilla and ever slight hints of apple. This is a pleasant dram. It is youthful and spry. A few more years in the cask would prove to be interesting and could mature into something a bit more in depth. The sweetness would definitely work well and compliment a mild cigar. Dalmore-esqe with some Glenlivet qualities. Quite enjoyable. Thanks @LeeEvolved for the sample. [88/100][Tasted: 4/29/22]

Rich and fruitful. That’s on the initial nosing. Very similar to a sherried whisky: Dalmore or Macallan. The aromas come across like a speaker design. Bass, mid-range and treble. Pecan and/walnuts nuttiness provide the low end. Honey, Grape Nuts cereal, blood oranges, watermelon and thin-sliced strawberries provide the mid-range. Those distinct notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla frosting provide the high range. They pop here and there and mix in with the other ranges. A viscous mouth rich and flavorful with an edge. Strawberries, vanilla primarily provide most of the flavor. The spice level runs high and the palate is in a constant prickle state. Cinnamon spice, cinnamon Red Hots, white pepper and vague hints of raspberry jam float and bite amongst sparse primary flavors. A fair amount of water actually mutes, diminishes the richness, and draws more of the bitterness out of the dram. It’s actually better in its natural state. A medium length finish of dark chocolate, raspberry port wine, ginger and barrel spices. Though the aromas and flavors are not wide ranging and the burn factor high, there is a quality about it that is approachable, enjoyable but with an heir of sophistication. A dram that I can visualize after a rich meal with some dear friends. Or just sitting on and Adirondack chair with a mild cigar just enjoying the silence. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the generous sample. This is one one I would not have normally thought to seek out, but I may now. [88/100][[Tasted: 4/9/22]

Cask #: 707 Cask Type: Ex-Rye Date of Filing: July 2015 Date of Bottling: March 2020 Malt Type: Indian Barley Number of Bottle: 1 of 120 Hand selected by Lost Barrel Thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine for a generous “sample”, I finally will have my first Amrut. Not sure what to expect. Is this spicy-hot like an Indian summer? Despite a rye finish, the nose is clearly a barley-based whiskey. Quite fruity and floral. Tropical pineapple and coconut. Honeysuckle, pears, apples, caramel. As it opens, a sweet maltiness begins to dominate, added with malt chocolate and hints of dill and pumpernickel. An enticing nose. Despite being bottled and 60%, it softly and gently enters on the palate. That barely sweetness softens and loosens the palate. This makes way for the spice. Starting with a prickly sensation, awakens the palate. Cinnamon and cardamom, black pepper. The liquid is dense and slick. A fair amount of water loosens the dram. The sweetness, quells the prickliness and becomes more approachable. Improved, though slightly, with water. It does, however lose the oily density. That prickle continues through the finish, like Pop Rocks. The sugary sweetness seeps through the prickle. Wood, cinnamon, ginger ride to long finish out. My first Amrut and quite good it is. If this was a blind tasting, it would pass as a Scotch. Similar to Glen Garioch Founders or 12. The backing at 60% doesn’t overpower or detract and sips as 46%. Any rye is undetectable except for remnants on the nose. It does not burst with a plethora of aromas or flavors. However, the minimalist composition is vivid, rich, balanced and most importantly, good and enjoyable. Not what I anticipated. Almost a complete opposite of what I expected. A solid (scotch) whiskey. Thanks again @PbMichiganWolverine. [90/100][Tasted: 2/26/22]

The eve on the January 2022 bomb cyclone. It’s been a fair amount of time since my last tasting. Time and energy hasn’t been on my side to do one. In the mood for a bit of peat/smoke. From a sample from @PbMichiganWolverine, from some time ago, this seems perfect. Kilchoman has been a favorite of mine. Starting with Machir Bay 2006, one their very first. Since then, I had several others. All have been quite good to great. Not a bad pour from the lot. Though Kilchoman usually takes an aggressive, punchy, in your face almost immediately on the nose entrance, this STR takes a more of a graceful, subtle, elegant appearance. Like going to a formal instead of a kegger. The peatiness seems to eventually fade to a point of nothingness. Hints of honey, orange citrus, cranberries and maritime brininess. Still graceful, the palate takes on a velvety, silky texture which wraps the peat making it approachable and balanced. The peat provides the foundation for the flavors it supports. Caramel sweetness, dark chocolate and black licorice. The spicy side pulls forward and the sweetness fades. Red pepper flakes and ground cinnamon. The red pepper comes back and flavors the palate like hot and sour sauce. A long and steady finish lasting indefinitely. Earthy cigar ash/soot, licorice, dark roasted coffee blended with wisps of caramel and dark chocolate sweetness. An very approachable Kilchoman. A sipper that doesn’t wear the palate down with peat. The nice steady ride of the peat-brine with the spicy-sweetness. This comes across as a matured version of Sanig, which I find to be, for me, preferable to Machir Bay. This will not disappoint. [90/100][Tasted: 1/28/22]

Today is Christmas. This day finds us at my niece and nephews house as they host Christmas Day. They recently renovated their house and welcomed a new addition to the family. To celebrate the culmination of these days and events, he proudly opened and shared the Glenfiddich 30 that he has been waiting to open for a special occasion and most willingly wanting to share with me. So, gladly accepting the moment, we poured together. Bottle: 7370 Cask Selection: 23 This really needs time to breathe. With the wait and the aromas are almost tangible. Black tea, molasses, cherry chocolate cherry cordials, vanilla, heather, honeysuckle floral. Floral and sweet. Quite enticing. A soft arrival brand brings with it very similar flavors that embodies the nose. Sweet tea, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, gala apples, almonds, orange zest, ripened plums, fruit cake. The finish is long lasting and with much that remains. Black pepper providing a tickle on the tongue that seems to prickle on and on. Oak wood spice, vanilla, caramel, toffee, leather. Aromatic and flavorful. What this needs, like any aged whisky is time. Twenty to thirty minutes. As it opens, it blossoms to its fullest. The vanilla and toffee sweetness delicately balanced with fruits, chocolate and spice make this a satisfying and enjoyable dram. One of the oldest I have tasted. Glad I had the chance the chance to experience and share. Especially on this particular day with family. Merry Christmas! [94/100][Tasted:12/25/21]

For my eldest son’s nuptials, back in September, I wanted to get something special to commemorate and share with friends and family. Something of this age is not very common for most, which only makes it extra special. That day was extra special. This scotch will always invoke those warm feelings and remembrances. So now, I find myself quietly free to really taste this and put on an analytical hat. Upon initial pour and nosing, a light, sweet and fruity aroma awakens the senses. A fruit bowl potpourri. As time progresses, the nose blossoms and encompasses. What emerges is warmed fruit cake and a big bowl of brown sugared raisins which all other aromas are influenced by. Cinnamon, vanilla, French toast, maple syrup, pecans, sticky dates and figs, apricots, confectionery sugar and honeysuckle. Sticky sweet and fruity. A slight bit of wood spice and leather which gives the overall nose a sense of vibrancy. As it really settles in, after a serious amount of time, the must of old library books really reinforces the age. A wonderfully busy and full aromatic nose. The scotch enters the palate like an aged person. Delicately, light and with a bit of vim. Dark chocolate with the slight bitterness that has been laced with orange zest coats the palate. Fruity raisins, Concord grapes and sugary plums which then segues into more earthy walnuts, almonds and oaken wood. A bit of vibrancy emerges as it works towards the finish. Cinnamon, cloves, white pepper, pickled ginger all cause the tongue to prickle. The finish extends for a fair length of time. Wood spice, milk chocolate, raisins (think Raisinets) , red grapes, orange zest, leather and almonds all lightly and slowly fade yet seem to linger. Glenfarclas: often overlooked and passed over for Macallan, Dalmore or Glendronach. This 25 is quite a pleasure, through and through. The full nose, the dynamic palate and the relatively lengthy finish all make for a quality dram. If you have a pour and can get two of the three stages with some breadth, you are pleasantly satisfied. This will not disappoint. How Glenfarclas can produce quality scotch, carefully crafted and at a price that is more than reasonable, I haven’t a clue. But for those who overlook this scotch, please continue to do so, selfishly leaving me with a large pool of inventory that can always be found. [$179][95/100][Tasted: 9/25/21; 12/17/21]

When I was really becoming a “regular“ scotch drinker, 150 years ago, my go-to was JW Black. My parents recognize that fact. For the past few Christmas’, they have purchased me this. JW Gold Reserve. I still have an affinity towards JW. When out and there is nothing that appeals to me, JW most certainly will be found. A staple scotch. Well, never having tasted the Gold, I finally opened one of the gifted bottles. I took my time to taste and think about this one and am now half a bottle in. Opens with an enticing, soft floral nose with a touch of ethanol. Let it breathe some to aerate. What loosens ups reveals honey, black tea, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, vanilla. Hints of heather and cereal round out the aromas. The aromas are embodied on the palate with a honey and tea base. Vanilla custard, light-brown sugar, rice pudding with a cinnamon dusting. Oak spices provide a black peppery tingle. On the fade, traces of peat/tobacco makes a presence. An medium length earthy finish of oak, leather, tobacco bring it all to an end. Johnnie Walker. Like it or dislike it. But the brand is consistent and steady. Gold Reserve is crafted to be approachable, pleasant and inoffensive. Clynelish is clearly detectable and is a great binder for blending and always makes it or provides for a good dram. At $79 for admission, it is a bit pricey. But overall, enjoyable, easy sipping blend. Worthy of a try. [$79][86/100][Tasted: 12/4/21]