Tastes

Tasted 3/1/2014 @ NYY Steak House : Nose: Sweet. Hints of orange pineapple. Taste: Oily/ buttery hints of vanilla. Medium finish. Medicinal aftertaste. Oak taste.

A Pavlonion response immediately occurs on first nosing which begins with salted caramel blended with sweet smoke, bacon and hints and sea salt. A sweeter nose than peaty. On arrival, a full bodied delivers the brown sugar, oak, tannins, phenols all are masterfully balanced. A long, lingering finish with with oak and drying tannins remaining with wisps of brown sugar and cigar tobacco. Like smoking a fine cigar that you never want to end and look forward for more. The addition of water heightens the sweetness and brininess. The sweetness is accentuated on the palate as well as the spicy black pepper notes on the finish. A small amount of water improves this dram and is preferred. This is a favorite that strikes the correct balance of sweetness, saltiness, smokiness, peatiness and spiciness. A dram that requires patience and time that brings out the best qualities of a fine whisky. [$49][94/100]. [Revisited: 4/26/15]

Light peat nose with hints of caramel and fruity sweetness engulfed with ocean breeze air/sea salt. Palate is rich and creamy. Tongue burn comes on late with a bite, but fades gracefully. Hints of orange and brown sugar as it finishes, leaving sweet vanilla on the palate. Adding water seems to weaken nose. Bite not as hard. Water evens out the taste and finish. I like this better straight.