Tastes

Thanks for the sample @LeeEvolved! Right out of the gate, the drive-by nose was pleasant. Port and peat was forward in a nice way to me, mixed with the sherry. this dram takes a ton of time, like Lee stated, so I gave it 45 minutes to open. The palate is great on impact, but leaves also in an instant. Plums, black currants, purple gumdrops, mixed with the peat. If fino sherry is in here, that explains the dry acidity. This heavy grape finish dissipates so fast, that it's too much of a tease. Medium mouth coat, but too damn dry and salty. 3.75 for me. The finish builds up enough character to enjoy, but you have to drink a lot of it, and spend a ton of time with it. Therefore, the theme should be "Time" by Pink Floyd.

I have been looking for this bottle since last year, and it is nice to see Springbank do a new release! The first note on the nose was green apples, and the bourbon oak wood is heavy here. It's not overly woody though. The dunnage warehouse, might as well be Springbank trademarked, leathery goodness is in there as well. Toffee and caramel hits the palate, along with cinnamon on the back end. The taste is not hot at all for its 55.8 ABV. It reminds me of a smoothness of an Octomore, minus the peat. Vanilla forward, with a heavy mouth coat. Water opens the fruit even more so. The white grapes, peach, and pears come to the forefront, along with some honeysuckle and hay, but masks the sweetness. Very well done and a 4.5. The theme of the dram should be something from my hometown Louisville. I am thinking "Flight Response" by Days of the New.

Time to catch up on Distiller reviews today! Nice nose right off the bat. There is more sweetness in there than lighter whisky, a lot like the Dalwhinnie 15. I sense floral properties, like jasmine, but more fruit like white grapes, pears, and cherries. The palate is more floral forward than expected, and this balances out the sweetness. The buttery/concord grape medium length finish is welcomed, but I'll knock it for the coloring, and possible chill filtering and a low ABV. It does not taste mild at least. 3.5. A summer sippin' dram that could be easily paired with food. The theme should be "Vacation" by the Go-Gos. Thanks so much for the sample Pranay!

The nose brought a huge note of pine, along with lemongrass, and vanilla. Hmm, the palate brings more lemons, meringue, custard, cream, butter, and some vegetative properties. The finish was short and tangy. Not my cup of tea, but if you like lemon tarts, it might be up your alley. 2.5 for me. The theme song has got to be “Lemon” by Macphisto... or should I say U2. Not a fave, but thanks so much for the sample Paul! This dram blows my mind because everyone is getting totally different things from it.

Very nice nose with pears, cinnamon, green apples, tea, slight smoke and brown sugar. It’s a thin mouth coat though on the palate. Same tasting notes and not as good as the nose. Hmm. On 40% ABV I wouldn’t want to put water on it but we’ll do a couple drops anyway. It brought out even more molasses and oranges on the nose, but just brought out some vanilla and cream on the palate. The finish is a bit dry and short. For 40 bucks a nice sipper indeed. It can easily hang with the Highland Park Magnus. It’s a 3.0. A theme for the dram should be something simple and effective. Something like “Break On Through (to the Other Side)” by The Doors. Thanks for the sample @Scott_E!

Faint nose of light citrus, honey, and vegetative/herbal properties. The palate was a little better, but I am not a fan of black licorice, and there was a lot of that in there with basic vanilla, butter, and sourdough bread. A very slightly smoked short finish. Not one for the spittoon Pranay, and thanks for the opportunity to try the distillery. I will agree that it won't go down in the record books for a memorable experience though. 2.5. The theme of this one needs to be "Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" by Waylon Jennings. The song is much better than the dram though.

This may be a NAS, but this private edition offering is damn good. No coloring and not chill filtered, and a nice 46% ABV. The nose is full of banana, white grapes, marzipan, icing, and powdered sugar. The palate is a great mix of apple pie a la mode, corn flakes and a banana split. A long finish of nutmeg with a touch of cinnamon and ginger snaps. Wow, I am very glad I took a gamble on the bottle. If you like sweet drams like I do, go for it. This is a 4.25 for me. The theme to this dram is going to be "Sweet Child O' Mine" by GNR.

Subtle nose with vegetative notes, sage, vanilla and mint. The palate had a light mouth coat, but a ton of herbal chewy greens, grass, and low key sweetness. Dry short finish of butterscotch, and cream. It's a summer drink that needs to be paired with food. After a couple drops of water, it didn't help the nose, and brought out more medicinal qualities on the short finish. This is a 2.75, but only because I think the sweetness brought some balance. The theme of this dram should be "We Are The Vegetables" by INXS from when they were a punk band. Thanks @Generously_Paul for the sample.

Savory honey baked ham with tropical notes on the nose. Cherries and brine too. The palate brought out some minty freshness, and some basil first. Menthol-lyptus, bacon, vanilla, subtle lemon, and candied ginger. It also has a medium mouth coat, which is nice. Comes with a peppermint and chocolate finish. A little dry, but not bad. I'd say a 4.25. The theme to this dram should be "Mint Car" by The Cure.

The nose brings woody elements, vanilla, and the slightest smoke. The palate is buttery, with a medium mouth coat of more vanilla, malted milk, and lemongrass. It's got a medium finish, but mostly oil. Not bad, but not really interesting, and certainly doesn't strike me as a 15 year old. This screams like the maturity of a 7 year old instead. The theme of this dram should be "It's My Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To) by Lesley Gore. LOL. 3.0! Thanks for the experience of the distillery @LeeEvolved!