Tastes

This flavored moonshine (unaged whiskey) is made using the still in The Underground speakeasy at The Mob Museum in Las Vegas. It’s only 60 proof, but the bite of alcohol is made up for by the bite of ginger. The flavor of ginger is very strong, so if you’re not a fan, stay away from this moonshine.

Floral aroma. Wow, that first sip was nice. Unexpected bold, rich flavor. No peat, no smoke. There’s the usual flavors of vanilla and oak. There’s also a slight hint of cherry or even cherry-flavored tobacco, and a bit of menthol in the finish, which combine to remind me of cough syrup, but it’s very light so I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s actually a very interesting dram. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).

Vanilla, oak, and sea air in the nose. Sweet vanilla, oak, citrus or lemon zest, and salt on the palette. Citrus and oak remain in the medium-length finish. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).

This should be listed as a flavored or spiced whiskey, as it’s a high-rye (95% rye, 5% barley) whiskey base combined with fresh, natural flavors. There’s blood orange and other citrus aromas in the nose. The same citrus flavors on the palette, along with vanilla and spices. Think of it as something like an Old Fashioned cocktail without any sweetness.

Moderate levels of peat smoke in the nose and on the palette. It’s a bit sweet, but also rather salty. There’s a fairly light amount of that BAND-AID aroma and flavor. Oh, and spicy pepper. The sweet smoke and medicinal flavor continues in the long finish. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).

Aromas and flavors of oranges or tangerines are obvious, but beyond that this scotch is quite bland and rather forgettable. It’s not bad, but there’s really nothing about it that makes me want to buy a bottle. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).

Peat smoke and iodine in the nose, and even more of the same on the tongue. It’s well-balanced, though. Oily mouthfeel. Sweet, rich, and somewhat spicy. Smoke and sweet medicinal flavors linger in the finish. In fact, that smoke and iodine taste stays on your lips for a long time. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).

Beautiful aromas of oak and vanilla. Rich flavors of the same, plus floral and wine-like components appear in the relatively short finish. Very nice non-peated whisky. 3 cl sample from The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2020 Edition).