Tastes

Caramel for days on the nose, but the palate brings more complexity, showing cherry cola, toast, and a hint of something like Champagne. Solid finish of honey and nuts, with some alcoholic shine to hold the sweetness in check. Well-rounded and enjoyable — it effortlessly totes the 54% ABV — but for my money it’s not really a step up from the excellent Maker’s 46.

Great complexity, especially for the price. On the nose, it leans toward a bourbon profile, with honeyed caramel and vanilla. On the palate, it changes course a bit, tasting more malty and sort of Irish. The transition between the two is pretty seamless. The finish then brings a chocolate-covered raisin note, more reminiscent of a sherry influence. It lingers just a little and dissipates without a lot of fuss. Well balanced, medium-bodied, and agreeable — the perfect Scotch to share with neophytes and other non-enthusiasts.

Light, bright, and pure, like sunrise on an empty beach. It’s pale gold, with a nose of mostly vanilla and maybe a hint of orange. Citrus shows up in the mouth, too, but I also get a range of cereal notes, consistent with the bourbon influence. The mid-length finish is just a single note of something like vanilla Cheerios, but it’s pristine and shiny, never clingy or cloying. It all counters the 57% ABV in the right measure.

Superbly balanced, carrying the 52% ABV really effortlessly, and with no loose ends anywhere. I get a wide range of flavors, which for me is saying something where bourbon is involved. I get banana, Amaretto, and maybe almond on the nose, and caramel, cherry, and maybe cinnamon in the mouth. Definitely has a high-rye peppery aspect on the finish, and it has a nice bright overall feel. Understated excellence, and can’t beat the QPR at $56.

The light hay color lets you know this is all-natural juice. Really crisp and bracing on the nose, showing Band-Aid, iodine, and acetone with the deftest touch of macaroni. Oily smoke and seawater — like a leaking tanker — really kick in on the full-bodied palate. The pleasant, powerful burn on the tongue would’ve made me think this is higher than 46% ABV, in a good way. The finish really sails on, and it too is refreshing. Fabulous all around, and so clean and cleansing. For me, the Ardbeg 10 fits nicely together with the Laphroaig 10 and the Lagavulin 16 in a triumvirate of readily-available peat-forward Islay staples. But I think I give a slight nod to the Ardbeg because of its gobsmacking value (47 USD), impeccable balance, and intense purity.

Harmonious. The peat appears every step of the way but is incredibly well integrated. For me, it’s more petrol than smoke on the nose. On the palate, I get some fresh melon and wet grass and more of that petrol. The finish brings a mouthwatering biscuit note that’s similar to — but saltier than — something Irish. A solid value, and gone before you know it.

Dominant note of sweet tea on the nose and in the mouth. I get a little minerality in both spots, too, which helps keeps things out of cloying territory. There’s fruit in abundance, but I couldn’t tell you what kind — somewhere between caramel apples and candied raisins, I guess. Alas, the finish is gone in a flash, showing a little sea salt on the way out. It’s enjoyable, but the QPR here is quite low.

To me, it’s more rounded and nuttier than other offerings from Laphroaig. The peat’s still present, but the dominant impression for me is an intriguing cross between blueberry, ink, and salty pecan. It also sports a mid-length finish of grass or hay. Rewards attention but doesn’t require it.

Awesome looking bottle; pretty standard bourbon. It’s the whiskey equivalent of a California Pinot — it’s got that candied toffee or brown sugar note on the nose, along with maybe a hint of rose petal. In the mouth, it’s the usual oak and caramel. Nothing wrong with any of it, mind you. It’s all in tune, and the 47% ABV seems just right.

Nose is more like smoked ham than straight peat. On the palate, there’s some tart and oily fruitiness, followed by a saltwater taffy finish. I’m more a fan of the 10 year, but this is really tasty and balanced.