Tastes
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In a word 'artificial'. 2 star rating means 'easily consumable in a bind' and while I could do so I really wouldn't want to. To be honest I think its more of a 1.5 star but a 1 for me is basically undrinkable and its not at that level. Artificial orange was the predominant flavor. First rum with xo on the bottle I tried that I was very disappointed with. Gave most of the bottle away.
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El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve
Aged Rum — Guyana
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited August 24, 2020)Back when I was into my rums I really liked this one. So rich and full bodied. Worth twice the price of its 15 year sibling though? I thought not initially when i had tried them separately however once I tried them together and although I thought I didn't I really did prefer the 21 over the 15. It had a perfect balance and the alcohol burn came through as pure spice. Was 3rd favorite behind Zacapa XO and Diplomatico 2001 vintage -
Arran 14 Year (Old Label)
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited June 17, 2020)Tried this in a tasting of several Arran whiskys and this was my 2nd favourite after the sauterne finish. Def broke the general rule I had that older is better when it comes to whisky as I didn't rate it's 18 brother as highly. Prob more of a 3.5 for me. Update a couple of years and many a great whisky later. 3.25 at best. Little flavour. -
Caol Ila 12 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited September 7, 2019)I like this islay with its light smokeness but I wouldn't put it in the same category as the other Islay greats Laga 16 or Laph 10 nor a Talisker 10. It just doesn't really excite me that much and it's not one I'm constantly reaching for when it is in my collection. Perhaps because it lacks intensity of flavour. I can't quite rate it a 3 but if there was a 3.5 stars this would be it -
Arran Sauternes Cask Finish Single Malt
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited June 20, 2017)I'm not a huge fan of sauterne finished whiskys however I tasted a flight of several Arran whiskys and this was my favorite. Very drinkable neat at 50%, and has lovely viscosity. It would be good to try against other distillery whiskies as I suspect although I gave this a 4 as it was the best on the night I'm not a huge Arran distillery fan so it may not measure up to other whiskies I rate a 4 -
George T. Stagg Bourbon (Fall 2014)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited May 28, 2020)Best bourbon I've ever had. Not really a bourbon fan but this I'd love to have a bottle of. At around $800USD on the secondary market not a chance that'll ever happen though. I was fortunate to spot a an opportunity to taste an open bottle. Beautifully rich complex and amazing easy to drink neat at nearly 70% abv Update: I got to try this again years with a lot more experience under my belt and not surprisingly the score has dropped to 4.25. Great dram but not quite the dizzying heights it reached before. -
Laphroaig 18 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited December 3, 2018)I think I've come to the realization that I prefer my sherried whiskys well aged (entire time in first fill casks) and my peated Islays not so much. I love the peated intensity of the 10, An Cuan and others. The 18 whilst a very good whisky just doesn't grab me as this aspect is mostly absent....the extended age having allowed the cask to suck most of the peat out. I think to be honest part of the fact I'm rating this a 4 rather than a 3 is my love of Laphroaig and the fact I paid less than $100 USD for the bottles I bought. Having said all that I did enjoy drinking my way through the bottle in a session with friends though and most rated it as their favorite whisky on the night of the several we tried -
Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac
Cognac — Cognac, France
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited January 7, 2020)Was a bit disappointed with this bottle especially for the price. Good but nothing spectacular. Ended up giving the bottle away in the end as couldn't see myself drinking much of it -
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed February 17, 2017 (edited March 25, 2019)Solid drop for the price of $45USD a bottle. Rich honey, great body and mouth feel. I wouldn't say there is great complexity and sweeter than I usually enjoy but you will be struggling to do better for the price. Perfect entry level whisky. Rate this one 3.5 however rounding up to a 4 once you take value for money into account -
Powers John's Lane Release 12 Year
Single Pot Still — Ireland
Reviewed February 16, 2017 (edited March 18, 2021)Great pot still drop. The alcohol doesn't quite integrate well with the rest of the whisky though as it has a bit of a bite to it. A bit hot for the 46%. Redbreast 15 at same abv is better balanced
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