Tastes

Got this as a surprise Xmas gift. I say surprise because it is very hard to find by me. Especially for MSRP. But the inlaws managed. I digress. Average rating was lower than I expected based on my experience. This was very well made. Nose was enticing with its vanilla, cinnamon, and oak subtleties. Flavor contained a fair amount of spice. Not to the level claimed by the main Distiller review. Somewhat compared to cinnamon candy. Oak and char appear later and onto the long finish which was drying. As I proceeded to sip, a hint of vanilla and/or chocolate essence emerged. Sweetness was minimized. This always had me going back for a second pour. Definitely memorable IMHO. Would revisit for sure.

My first OF thanks to a great store rec. Average nose. Had the usual cinnamon and vanilla spice elements. Subtle oak and booze as well. As I commenced to sip, I received somewhat of a burn that eventually fizzled. After which notes of leather flourished the senses ending with just the right spicy sweetness. Perhaps nutmeg. After that first pour I quickly filled another. To my delight, every sip afterwards was very smooth. Considering the 115 proof, this was a surprise. No need for water nor ice IMO. Very satisfied with this purchase. Definitely will delve into the other recipes/years.

Gifted by the wife. My first JW added to the collection. Nothing spectacular, nor a slouch either. The charred oak used translated to the spirit quite effectively. Practically liquid campfire. Smooth and easy drinking to boot. Subtle sweetness up front with slight spice later.

This is my first time drinking an Irish whiskey based on a recent recommendation from a bartender. At the bar it was so smooth I thought it may have been diluted in some way. I decided to buy myself a bottle. Luckily, I scored one on sale locally. Fortunately, I endured a similar experience! The aromatics resembled vanilla infused oak. Taste was an interesting mix of said oak along with apple and at times green banana. Not as sweet as the fruit notes lead you to believe which was nice. Instead it finished quite dry with a smidge of an earthy like character. From what I was told this is the starting point in the brand. After this positive result, I shall definitely seek out the other colors in their palette.

Batch#103. I was both skeptical and intrigued about this whiskey. I was definitely hoping it wasn't just shameless propaganda from such a kick ass band. Fortunately, this wasn't half bad IMO. Pretty smooth with a charming linearity of flavor provided. Citrus peel, charred oak, and corn. Somewhat sweet. Nothing spectacular, but still fairly enjoyable. I heard not all batches were as palatable. Luckily, I got a positive one.

Took some time to locate a variant from this reputable distillery. I enjoyed the small batch very much and strived to see what else they could do. Luckily I found this at a reduced yet a little higher than MSRP. For my neck of the woods, the price wasn't terrible. Back to the whiskey which is why I'm here hehe! The nose was mysterious since it changed disguises a couple times. First I got a peppery spice. Then subtle banana and clove. After some time, butterscotch settled in. The sipping experience was more stable and consistent. The expected spicy rye notes came forth with some grunt and persisted through to the long finish. Fortunately, it wasn't alone. Cinnamon and butterscotch sweetness trickled in to balance the equation. The heat was quite tolerable for a 💯. After a bit, you forget it existed. Definitely worth the buy if anyone is on the fence. I must now seek out the single barrel! Cheers! 🍻

Happened across this rare little wheater on my travels. Being that it's fairly tough to get in my neck of the woods, I thought "Why not!". Banana bread and cinnamon on the aroma was nice. Easiest sipper I've encountered! It whispers its way down the gullet with no back talk. Definitely sweet which was to be expected. Not enough to wear enamel though. Somewhat banana flambe-ish up front that finished long. Before wrapping up, there was a hint of leather to be found. Not too shabby IMO especially considering the price. I imagine the sugared nature being off-putting to the purists out there. Instead, a perfect stepping stone for those testing the spirit waters so to speak.

Nearing the end of the bottle of this splendid entry from KC. From the nose I received a tease of caramel and oak. Made me eager everytime to begin the sipping process. The complexity that lied therein never got old. Said oak and baking spice arrived first. A welcomed herbal essence ebbed and flowed at times. Finally, followed by a leathery, dry yet very smooth finish. Just the right amount of sweetness also. Such a delightful experience overall!

My first Macallan based on a store rec. Definitely wasn't disappointed. The essence from the Sherry was nicely represented. Dried fruits, particularly raisin came to me with the aroma alongside the wood. Taste was fruity sweet with undertones of said wood. Noticeable citrus notes also emerged the more I sipped. Great first testing of the scotch whiskey waters so to speak. I'm intrigued and will look into others in the future.

I've been a firm believer of enjoying your quality spirits neat, but this right here made me cry uncle and had to toss in a block. Call me a wuss, but the burn was quite potent and didn't subside as I've experienced with others. Don't get me wrong, you'll enjoy this thoroughly as did I. But wanted the calm the flames so to speak. That way I can focus on the wondrous notes within. The nose contained lovely arrangement of creamy caramel and vanilla candies. A touch of leather and burnt wood also. All this goodness continued on to the palate, but with the additional fall essences of baking spices. As the sipping progressed, I detected undertones of corn also. Superb! Looking forward to trying the toasted barrel next from EC!