Tastes

This is the new Glendronach 15 Revival, not the legendary older one I've never tried. Still getting used to this one. Starts out pretty tight and almost harsh for a sherried dram. If you give it a bit of water and time it starts to open up and get pretty nice. Very layered and complex. One of the strongest honey and nut flavored drams with loads of spice I've ever had. I can see why people really like it, but there seems to be a mix of time as an open bottle, added water and other aspects to sort through for this to show the best. A work in progress but an obviously well made and intriguing dram. I can see why people rate it so highly but I need more time with it.

The nose on this Glendronach is delightful - berries and plums. Palate is sweet and soft, again berries and plums and something floral. It drops away very quickly however and only some spice remains in the finish. The "drop away" aspect is the only reason this isn't well into the 4+ rating though - it's really nice. I also really, really love port finishes though so take that for what it is worth. When I finished this bottle I searched out one of the last ones in the Bay Area to replace it however - always a good sign.

First time trying Eagle Rare and I was very impressed for $30. Long story short, this tastes like chocolate covered cherries soaked in excellent whiskey to me - what's not to like? I tasted this side by side with Buffalo Trace (which I enjoy and rate about 3.75), knowing that they are made from the same mash bill and the only differences are (i) ~2 more years age, (ii) ER is essentially a single barrel, and (iii) different placement in the rick house. I swear you wouldn't even guess they are related if you tried them blind. An amazing demonstration of the cumulative impact these seemingly small differences can make in the final product. This whiskey is a bargain. I'm sure mileage varies for more experienced bourbon drinkers who want high proof and more rye, but for someone starting out with bourbon, this will knock their socks off.

Am I crazy or does this taste exactly like Caol Ila 12? Maybe it is the similar age statement, the fact that Lagavulin uses the same peated barley as Caol Ila, and the fact that this and Caol Ila use only bourbon casks whereas I swear Lagavulin 16 has some sherry in it? In any event, I like this because I like Caol Ila, but it doesn’t have the same depth as the 16 due to what I believe is a lack of sherry and some age.

I'm probably stating the obvious, but just like the Lagavulin 16 with a wonderful layer of dried fruit, particularly raisin. It works extremely well with Lagavulin's usual earthy BBQ peat with a hint of sherry - the PX cask finish amplifies the best aspects. Instead of a bonfire, this is a fire that has been put out by dried fruit and is now smoldering. It is better than Lagavulin 16, but how much better depends on your love of sweet peat. I think it's worth $15 more than the usual Lagavulin, but not much more than that. This is unfortunately a bit overpriced as I usually see it at $110 at best compared to $65 for the normal Lagavulin. I got it for $83 so I'm happy, but your mileage may vary depending on the price as it is only slightly better than the already wonderful Lagavulin 16.

Picked this up a couple of weeks ago and have spent some time with it. It has a beautiful and unique rose color - hopefully this is natural color. Lots of plum and grapes on the nose and palate augmenting that familiar base Glenmorangie honey malt. I notice that with water there is a bit of bitter bite on the end, but a couple drops of water remove it. With a bit of water added it is dangerously drinkable. Very good. Unfortunately future samplings have lowered it a bit in my estimation as it has a surprising harsh note for what should be a light bodied dram that I don't recall from my original tasting.

This is one of the strangest whiskies I'v had. The Vermouth and Syrah combine to give this one a very odd nose - herbal and menthol. This follows through on the palate as spicy herbal and menthol. It essentially tastes like a Manhattan in a bottle and was a bit jarring, mostly because of that menthol note I couldn't shake. Not my favorite but I could see other people really enjoying this.

Moderately peated with a hint of sherry. For me, it was similar to something like a Benromach 10 but a bit richer with more of a sherry and dark fruit influence. Very good, although the $70 price tag for a 4-5 year old whisky that is similar to an entry-level peated scotch makes me wonder about the value. A single malt from India is a pretty cool talking point, however.

Surprisingly legit for a mass market blend. The nose is slightly smokey, with toffee and pecans rounding it out. Probably the best part of this drink. The palate follows through with the same, but adding some vanilla and butterscotch making it a bit sweeter than the nose would imply. Well made, fantastic price in my area ($27 a bottle!), and most importantly it actually delivers some smoke and is a great gateway scotch to single malts. This is my go to in a bar with a limited or overpriced scotch selection. It is consistent, well priced and delivers. It is infinitely better than most of its direct competitors and is a great value.

Caramel, honey and that familiar pot still spice. Probably a hint of sherry. To me, this tastes very similar to Yellow Spot, but it is significantly less expensive. A good dram and a good value.