Tastes

In South Carolina and wanted to try some local whiskey. Not much I’ve heard of but saw this at a local restaurant bar. Initial nose is oak heavy. I get some caramel, cloves and some floral spices. First sip is also very oak forward. Almost peated in a scotch way. I get some orange and some tobacco too. It’s different and pretty good. It’s definitely young and could use some more time in a bigger barrel to lose some of the oakiness. But for a small craft distiller, it is drinkable and a different dram. I think MSRP is around $40 or $50. Not sure it would be worth buying a bottle other than the novelty of something different. Give it a shot but only if the flavors match your taste profile.

Nose is sweet caramel. I enjoyed this dram. Sweet, caramel, vanilla and oak. Enjoyable with a nice finish.

I’m pretty excited for this one. Scotch is so much more intimidating than bourbon (my current go to) so I was happy to see the for $29 at my local store. The nose is bright and fruity. I get oranges, apples, cherries and some dried fruits. It’s got a bit of an agave smell but that’s not a turn off. First sip is very complex. It’s fruity and light but has a bit of a bite and a very small burn. The flavor lingers a bit but dissipates quickly. I get some wood, some more fruit. It’s easy to drink and a really great dram for the money. Would definitely recommend.

Sweet nose. Caramel, vanilla, cloves, ethanol, and a little banana. First sip is gentle, with a lovely burn. Great mouthfeel, covers fully. I get spice and vanilla. An easy supper. Great drink.

Nose has cherries, apples and oak. First sip is smooth but there is a bitter undertone. It almost tastes like an Eagle Rare gone bad. I can’t justify the price rage when there are other Buffalo Trace products for cheaper. A good pour but I wouldn’t buy it.

The smell. Man. The nose is sweet and spicy. I get some green apples and cinnamon. First sip has a wonderful yet typical rye flavor. It is smooth and sleek but has a lovely light burn. Mouthfeel is long and full. This is a great dram. I wish it were easier to find, I’d keep a bottle on hand at all times.

First off, the color is a beautiful red. Quite different from most whiskeys, even ones with wine/port finishes. The nose is very strong with port. Almost off putting. I get dried fruit, chocolate and a bit of vinegar. First sip is really smooth. There is no bite. It’s fruity and desserty, just like drinking a port. Honestly, it’s reminiscent of Juicy Juice. It’s really sweet. Probably too sweet for me. I would have spent less time in the port barre. Not my favorite.

Nose is strong. Dried fruit: figs, cherries and apples. There’s an underlying spice mixed in with the oak. The first sip is honey, fruits, and an initially unpleasant spice. This is like the Redbreast 12 expression amplified in all the best and worst ways. The fruit is fruitier. The spice is spicier. The oak is woodier. It is still a pleasant dram, but too expressive and overpowering on the palette. Stick with the 12. It’s cheaper and better.

Love the slight red color. Nose has sweet dried fruit, some honey, butter, and oak. First sip is sweet. Like face puckering sweet. I get cherries and honey. Each progressive sip is less sweet, but I may be used to it. This is not my favorite dram. I much prefer the 12. The finishing in sherry casks has sweetened this to the point of apple juice. It’s almost like a brandy. Next.

Nose is citrus, jam, leather, and oak. First sip is smooth with notes of oak, jam, sweet wine, and floral. It is surprising complex with flavors opening through the sip. It’s has a slight bitter aftertaste but the finish is thick and long. This is a good, smooth, sweet drink.