Tastes

Wooo doggies!!!! Another great dram from my favorite distillery. Yes, I am a fanboy, but the praise I give Mickey Heads is more than well deserved. I can smell the peat and smoke across the room. The nose also brings in more beach-like maritime notes with a boatload of grilled strawberries, raspberries and watermelons. Those also come in on the palate, along with sweet Cincinatti/Kansas City styled barbecue pulled pork. Think of if Balvenie was able to get some savory notes into their Caribbean Cask 14 offering. The long finish reminds me of juicy fruit gum, shells by the sea shore, and deep charcoal. 4.75, and the only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because I wish it was just a little more savory in balance. All of these tropical notes make me think the theme of the dram should have some reggae influences. "Walking on the Moon" by The Police is a great one.

Took a gamble on this since I loved the Tusail. The nose brought some heavy spice (duh lol) and rye notes. Pears, sawdust, vanilla, tea, tobacco, dried banana chips, and chocolate notes. Powerful palate without dill, and you do not need any water for this one. Dark chocolate, mint, white and red peppers, star anise, and wood. Well balanced, and a real treat. The medium finish brings out orange marmalade with pith and sweet gumdrops. The spice dissipates and is thankfully not dry. This is a well done 4.25 and I can't wait to try more from Glenmorangie's Private Editions. The theme of this dram is gotta be something spicy, like "Pioneer to the Falls" by Interpol.

Tough to pronounce "olt-uh-vaughn-ya", but easy to sniff/drink! Confection sugar, vanilla, toffee, caramel, subtle spice, and red delicious apples come on the nose. Hot at 50.7 ABV, so can use a couple drops. Apple Jacks cereal on the palate, along with intense honey, and candied ginger. The finish is medium length and brings out dried apricots and baklava. The theme to the dram has got to be "το ζειμπεκικο της ευδοκιας (Zeibekiko of Evdokia)" Yes, I've gone Greecian on ya, and it's a solid 4.25!! Thanks so much for the experience @LeeEvolved !!

The nose starts off with a subtle sweetness from the oak. Vanilla, brown sugar, ginger, honey, tobacco/hearty tea bag and candied oranges too. The palate brought (not artificial) lemony tea meets miso/won ton soup. A short finish with honey and a little bit of a mocha note. Water brings out more fruit and floral properties, and it isn't killed by it even though it's only at 46 ABV. The theme for this dram is "Pennyroyal Tea" by Nirvana. This is one of the best of the Berry's independent bottles that I've had. 3.75. Thanks so much for the sample @LeeEvolved !!

YUM!!! Being a huge fan of the Glengyle distillery, I wanted to jump in this bottle as soon as possible. The nose brought out cherries up front, and not the maraschino type. Bright snappy ginger with subtle woody notes, graham crackers and some vanilla sweetness. Not too hot on the palate neat even at cask strength. A couple drops is beneficial here, and brings out a Jello Pudding Pop cherry/vanilla swirl balance and taste. Great finish on the shorter end, but still a solid 4.25. The theme to this dram is "Cherry Blossom Girl" by Air.

Wooo! Now we're onto something. After trying the Fire, I was ready for a lot of Ice. Another damn fine sample from @LeeEvolved and wow he's got great taste. The nose brought out some intense tropical notes like coconut, pineapple, cherries, pears, vanilla, along with woody elements too. The palate is the perfect combo of salty brine and sweetness, mixed with some pinot grigio. Not sure why they call it "Ice", because I think more of "Earth" and the islands. Doesn't sip hot neat for its ABV, but can handle a couple drops of water. The finish is creamy and full of vanilla and herbal notes, but medium length. I wish it as a bit longer indeed! Makes me wonder if they did a 53.9 ABV for 2 extra years version of their Fire, what would it be like?? 4.5 to me, and the theme of the dram is "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin.

I've been wanting to try this 15 year for a long time, so thanks @LeeEvolved for the sample. The nose brought out spices right from the beginning, along with dark fruit and floral and earthy properties. Specifically red grapes, cinnamon, powdered sugar, cherry pie and crust. Medium mouth coat on the palate. Spicier than sweet with red peppers, tamales, and more cinnamon. Strawberries with a sulfuric note as well. An original taste more savory than expected with chicken liver/gravy as well. Comparable to a Longmorn 16. A spice bomb, but a very dry finish with mint. Intriguing and intellectual, so it's worth the journey to decipher all the notes. Highland Park should be respected here, but the price is a little high for 300 bucks. 3.75 and the theme will be "Light My Fire" by The Doors. Damn, I miss Jim Morrison RIP.

This is it! This dram makes me a believer in Macallan's potential. Colossal thanks to @Generously_Paul for this glorious sample. The nose has molasses, brown sugar, toffee, vanilla, heavy concord grapes, along with some floral properties, and even some subtle smoke. The palate is even better, and brings root beer, sassafras, milk chocolate, raisins, and figs. A very long finish that comes in waves with honey, hazelnuts, cashews, and delicate floral notes. It is almost torturing, and that's why the theme of the dram is "Linger" by The Cranberries. Definitely a 5.0 and without flaws.

Now I know why Clynelish is used in just about every blend I can think about!!! Thanks so much for the sample @Scott_E! The nose brought subtle notes of hay, floral properties, and light fruit. The powerful palate is the best part. Huge peaches, tangerines, and nectarines. Heavenly heavy mouth coat, and the viscosity is beautiful. Slight smoky finish with oranges, apricots, and vanilla is a nice long length too. Since this is practically the "bass player" of whisky, meaning its a great foundation, we need a bass heavy theme to the dram. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica seems fitting. 4.0!

The nose brought watermelons, lilacs, soapiness, graham crackers, vanilla, along with a little smoke. The palate did not match that though, but a medium mouth coat. Sulfuric tannin, spices, and woody notes came through. The toffee and vanilla finish was short and dry. Well balanced, but not in my wheelhouse. 3.25. The theme to this dram should be "It's Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)" by the Rolling Stones because of all the soap in the video. Classic! Thanks so much for the sample @Generously_Paul!