Tastes
-
Evan Williams White Label Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed October 2, 2020 (edited October 6, 2021)I saw this Evan Williams BiB in a Safeway for $14.99 and had to grab it, considering I'd read many a glowing review about how it will become the next impossible-to-find bottle like Henry McKenna 10 soon. Spoiler alert - it won't. The nose smells like wet peanut shells and there is a lot of oak and barrel tannins. It is actually pretty thin on the palate and some brown sugar joins the peanut shells. Finish is pretty short with similar notes. This is what it appears to be: a bottom shelf, sturdy mixer for cocktails when you have guests. It certainly isn't something I would want to drink neat if I had alternatives. If it sounds like I'm being particularly hard on a $15 bottom shelf offering - you're right. But it's all about expectations. People pleasantly surprised that an inexpensive bourbon from the supermarket is actually pretty decent have blown this thing out of proportion, setting my expectations higher than this bottle could reasonably be expected to meet. Kind of a funny push and pull effect.15.0 USD per Bottle -
A rich, layered nose with campfire smoke, dried fruit, brine, plum and the medicinal aspects toned down by the sherried sweetness. I love this profile as the sweetness fixes everything I dislike about the Laphroaig 10. It does so many things well and I was really sad to finish it off. It is the equal of or even better than Ardbeg Uigedail, although the Ardbeg is half the price of this which has to be acknowledged. I never had the pleasure of enjoying the Laphroaig 18 that this seems to have replaced, but it is notable that when Lore (an NAS) was released in place of an 18 year old scotch for $120, people were justifiably upset. But it seems like once people were able to try this opinion has slowly shifted. I'd still prefer an age statement, especially at this price (thank goodness it was a gift), but thankfully it is an undeniably well made product. In addition, perhaps they are able to craft a more layered dram by mixing in some rougher peatier elements along with aged whiskey and a percentage of sherry barrels. If anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, it is Laphroaig.120.0 USD per Bottle
-
Kilchoman Machir Bay (2020 Edition)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed October 1, 2020 (edited November 20, 2020)Very fresh nose with wood smoke, vanilla and citrus which follows through to the palate with lemon becoming apparent - almost like a lemon girl scout cookie that has been smoked. It's not overwhelming and there is good balance. The freshness of everything is what really stands out, which is likely due to a young, well made spirit that hasn't had a ton of cask influence - from wet Buffalo Trace barrels by the way. The finish lingers nicely. I'm really impressed by it. I hated this when I tried it long ago but it appears my palate has caught up. Reminds me of a young IB Caol Ila.45.0 USD per Bottle -
Peat on nose, almost menthol, smoke, honey, lemon, sweet and peaty on palate, smoke and sweet finish. After about 15 minutes, a campfire smoke replaces earthy peat on nose. This is a decent intro to Islay but I think most other entry level Islay drams do a bunch of traditional Islay flavors better (Caol Ila 12, Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, even Kilchoman Machir Bay).50.0 USD per Bottle
-
Soft peat, citrus, sherry and a ton of toffee on the nose - most I've ever smelled in a scotch. A few drops of water and time results in an amazing toffee note. The nose carries forward into the palate with the same notes tied together by wafting smoke - really nice. A great value for much less than the 18. Almost as good, just a little less intense.75.0 USD per Bottle
-
Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series 2020 SE4 x PR5
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 23, 2020 (edited November 17, 2020)Nose is big baking spices and caramel, palate is toffee and Mexican chocolate, finish is lingering sweet and spice with a tingle from the proof. This is really tasty, but honestly it is a little too sweet and rich for me to reach for it all the time. Ask yourself: do you want a higher proof Woodford Reserve Double Oaked with more spice and less chocolate? This is your dram. EDIT -Second taste after only a few days of air in the bottle and not a neck pour - smoothed out, similar notes but wow - the soft caramel/vanilla/toffee is out of control, with a tingly chocolate finish. Kick up the score!55.0 USD per Bottle -
Glenmorangie Signet
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed September 21, 2020 (edited December 14, 2020)Heavy roasted malt with some age. A little coffee, some cocoa. Glenorangie's usual malt is pretty well concealed here. Well done but I didn't love it, especially for the heart-stopping price per bottle. A little too bitter/gimmicky/odd instead of unique wow.20.0 USD per Pour -
Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 21, 2020 (edited October 3, 2020)Heavy caramel with oak and spice. Very traditional, straight forward bourbon flavors done well. However, I find this somewhat overrated and wouldn't pay much over the "old" retail of around $30. In a blind tasting Eagle Rare smashed this and the McKenna was somewhat indistinguishable from Buffalo Trace other than being a little hotter and spicier. It is obviously good stuff but I don't think it is worth a premium or a long hunt. That said, remember this is a single barrel and mine may just have been okay. But when you're lucky to pay $50+ for this if you can find it at all, why on Earth would I get this instead of a Russell's Reserve single barrel? Barrel #4246 Barreled 12-14-0730.0 USD per Bottle -
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed September 21, 2020 (edited September 22, 2020)The one I tried had very little nose. Most that could be said was it was floral. Body was spicy - high rye. Some caramel and cherries but not as much as I'd like. Finish is all rye. Obviously quality and I'll buy some more at the totally reasonable price but not quite up to some of the other bourbons I've had. Second one I tried has an oddly floral/herbal nose that I don't like very much. Palate is caramel and spice and finish is all spice. All about what you like - floral and rye spice? This is for you. As a little air gets in this bottle I start to get some more cherry that I like, so this second bottle is growing on me. I'll definitely continue buying these because the value is so good and the quality is obvious, but I'm more excited about other options out there.36.0 USD per Bottle
Results 41-50 of 99 Reviews