Tastes

As Alligator Loki would say: Grrrr. To be honest, I’m not sure if there is a more perfect way to capture the brilliance that is the Balvenie Portwood 21.

Sitting here during an East Texas thunderstorm listening to Haley Reinhart sipping on this wonderful Highland dram. Balblair 15 immediately punches you in the face with spices and peppery notes. This is quickly followed by a refreshing citrus and leather. But not just any citrus and leather. Hints of Calamansi limes coat the palate while hide of the rare Arabian horse (Equus ferus caballus) gives this pour a mouthfeel like no other. With a creamy finish of Jersey milk made from cows originally bred in the Channel Islands, Tahitian vanilla ice cream sourced from premium slow-grown, sun-cured vanilla beans and Devonshire luxury clotted cream, you can’t go wrong.

Like buttah. Bold. Rich. Damn good. Enough said.

Feliz Navidad my scotch loving family. I’ve been absent far too long. While I’ve enjoyed many a pour since my last tasting note, I have failed in sharing with you. This Speyside has legs that Hugh Hefner would die for, except he’s already dead. Typical bold fruity notes lead this beautiful pour. On sip #4 (not 3, not 5), hints of licorice come alive. If you have the cash, don’t hesitate to pick this one up on your way out of the spirit market - it’s worth it. If you’re strapped for cash, however, it’s ok to wait for that next paycheck - a standard Macallan 12 will do you just fine.

Wow. Just wow. This beautiful amber liquid warms the soul like Luke Skywalker nestled in the belly of a freshly sliced Tauntaun. Complex notes of spice and fruit come together in this glorious ambrosia. Add a drop or two of water and you may just become pregnant. Well done Bruichladdich. Well done!

Dark (the best show on Netflix by the way) amber waves of grain infuse this distinctly sweet concoction. The port barrel smacks you in the face like POTUS at a news briefing. This was my first Glenmorangie, but tis not the last! Highly recommended by this scotch youngling.

I just poured myself a Glencairn of candied apples. Is that a good thing? Yes, of course - back when I was sitting on the porch throwing back hooch with my grandpappy. While this fermented golden liquid is palatable, it fails to meet the standards of its kindred. Little Bay is much more inviting. This short-lived flavor profile reminds me of my first date - not bad, but ready to move on to the next one.

Move aside Mr. Lightyear because Woody is in the hiz-ouse. This golden dram is full of toasty notes and...and...yup, there it is...marzipan. Drink up my friends. This Balvenie hits the spot.

Difficult to place the initial nose; caramel apple is how I can best define this. Smooth/oily when it hits the tongue. An immediate sweetness that tones down by the second to end in a beautiful fruity bouquet.

Bring this to Nick Offerman’s next Christmas Party. He’ll treat you with a steak and 45 minutes of fireside love. Dark amber hue and typical Lagavulin peat. Classic Islay.