Tastes
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Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed June 3, 2020 (edited August 8, 2020)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.69.0 USD per Bottle -
Lagavulin Distillers Edition
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed September 27, 2019 (edited September 3, 2020)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 16.83.0 USD per Bottle -
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Port Cask Finish 14 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed September 2, 2019 (edited March 20, 2021)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.55.0 USD per Bottle -
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.70.0 USD per Bottle
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Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky
Single Malt — Bangalore, India
Reviewed May 17, 2019 (edited September 25, 2019)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.70.0 USD per Bottle -
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.27.0 USD per Bottle
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Powers John's Lane Release 12 Year
Single Pot Still — Ireland
Reviewed February 28, 2019 (edited September 25, 2019)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.52.0 USD per Bottle -
Tasting this was a really memorable experience. An amazing nose that is floral, sherried, oaky and richly spiced with perhaps a touch of peat and earth. The palate is not quite as epic as the nose, but fantastic all the same - plums come to mind, mixed with cooking spice and wood. The combination of the same flavors on the nose form a totally unique whole. Needs a drop of water and at least 10 minutes to blossom. Same for the body, which burns without a drop of water and some time. I wish this wasn't so difficult to find and expensive, but such is life.25.0 USD per Pour
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GlenDronach Original 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2019 (edited September 26, 2019)This has a lighter sherry influence than I expected based on the Oloroso and PX casks involved here. The sherry influence is surprisingly restrained - this is certainly heavily sherried but not a sherry bomb. Instead, there are notes of vanilla and, with a drop or two of water, some creaminess. I think a tiny amount of water helps remove any traces of alcohol burn from this dram and improves the vanilla and cream. This is a very enjoyable scotch at a good price. I'd like a little more oomph or complexity to give an even higher rating, but this is a good buy.40.0 USD per Bottle -
I've finally gotten around to this one! I've been missing out. My only prior experience with heavily sherried whiskeys has been Macallan, which I admire but do not love (except the 18, which is wonderful but ridiculously overpriced). This cask strength Aberlour has so much intense red fruit (black cherries and raspberries), spice and oak - it smells wonderful, it tastes wonderful. I just love it. With a pretty decent amount of water it just becomes so approachable and the nose and the palate become sweeter and friendlier. I haven't been this excited about a scotch in a while. This is Batch 62 by the way. One other note - I've seen a lot of complaints about a massive price increase. Thankfully, that isn't the case in Northern California ($67) and this is still a screaming deal given that you are essentially getting 1.5 bottles for the price. Love this, and may stock up in case they bump the price up here as well.67.0 USD per Bottle
Results 61-70 of 99 Reviews