Tastes

A dram of this is genuinely delightful. Sadly, I was only able to sample the last ounce of the bottle before it was gone. I would have loved more time with it. Raisins greet you on the nose. It's a pleasant surprise that I'll now look forward to in the future should opportunity arise. This is silky smooth with vanilla, saw dust and a brilliantly sweet finish. I'll be seeing you again Balvenie. (OrTB)

This one took me by surprise. This was my first introduction to Macallan and I was impressed. I Instantly found subtle leather, dried fruit and mild brine on the nose. These were all expected but this dram expertly crafts those together in a wonderful tapestry. On the tongue, extremely smooth. Creamy isn't an adjective I often use, but this is straight up creamy and it's awesome. This hits every note pretty well and leaves you hoping you'll be able to get a bit more. (OrTB)

This is an extremely pleasant scotch. One notices a heavy note of caramel right away and the journey is really just beginning. You begin to experience spice where you wouldn't expect it and if you pay attention, you'll be rewarded. On my very last sip, I found fresh mint. It definitely brought a smile to my face. This is a bit lean and fleeting so you don't have much time to spend with the magic, but a dram like this one is worth your time if you can get it.

I have to admit, this stuff is too hot for my taste. At 127.9 proof, a few more years of aging could potentially make this quite enjoyable. Straight out of the bottle however, this will melt your face. Even with a few drops of water, the heat is really intense, taking away from the elements and leaving your tongue feeling punished for a crime it didn't commit. Is it fun? Yes, but fun like "I'm jumping in this pool with all my clothes on because I've got a change of clothes in the car and won't have to deal with wet chafing in the next 10 minutes" is fun. You want the laughs, the reaction and the memories but also want to dry off quickly. With this bourbon, you want the laughs, the reaction and the memories but also want this dram to stop punching you in the face sooner than later.

This can be summed up in one word: Amazing. I had the privilege of comparing the Highland Park 12 and the Highland Park 18 in the same sitting. The conversation among friends was whether the difference of $90 per bottle was worth the money. For some, it was an easy no. For a few others and myself, our yes came down to serval things: 1. The nose is sweeter than the 12 with dried dates and toasted nuts reminiscent of bourbon. This was unexpected, while not overshadowing the strong scotch profile. 2. The smoothness was unmatched by the 12. Honestly, HP12 is great stuff and one can't complain with a Dram in hand. However the 18 is on another level. 3. Highland Park 18 is full bodied with a full mouth feel that lingers long after each sip, yet, it never seems to overstay it's welcome. This is a wonderful example of a little going a long way, and each step of that journey is better than the last. (FWF $10 Dram [2nd] share #24)

Bold. There is no getting around it. This scotch is bold in every way. Strong smoke. Strong peat. Strong nose without even getting near the glass. You love it or you hate it and man, I'm in love. (FWF share #22)

Wow. I can't believe the price on something this good. The initial nose is ripe with melon and honey and the mention of a "lemon twist "is evident. It's only then you find a mild smoke shying away from the spotlight. On the tongue, smooth and satisfying with a full mouth feel and subtle warmth growing incrementally with each passing sip. This is a scotch I plan to have on hand at all times. (FWF share #23) Opened: 06/16/17 Finished: 12/26/18

This one has been a bit ambiguous for me. The bottle says "rye," the initial nose has tones you'd find in a Speyside scotch and the flavor profile is like nothing I've ever tasted. It took 4 drams before I gained an appreciation for it. Some might think that's a bit much and I might be inclined to agree. If you're used to Canadian Ryes, this one might not be your bag. This one makes you work for it (finding the spice and the enjoyment) and although that might be fun for the adventure of it, it's not that great if you're looking for a reliable, enjoyable and spicy rye. (FWF share #40) Opened: 06/13/17 Finished: 01/30/18

As mixed bourbons go, this is a nice entry. Initially a bit hot, that heat later softens, offering a robust smoothness one can enjoy with each following sip. Incredibly enjoyable and holds a nice profile of spice and sweetness. This is a great bourbon for anyone looking for an entry bourbon. (The Flying Pig - Vista, CA) Opened: 4/14/18 Finished:

This is a great bourbon. There's an amazing complexity and richness that solidifies with each sip. The nose is ripe with caramel and toasted nuts. The beautiful color is inviting and holds a pleasant sweetness accompanied by warmth rather than raw heat. This is smooth, enjoyable and easy (almost to a fault) to drink. The aging is evident and found myself intrigued by the flavor profile without opening it up with a drop of water. This is a true savorer's bourbon. The only downside is this one? A bit overpriced and out of reach for some. That's a pity because if you're a bourbon fan, you should try this. I myself would love another dram, but it's too rare and expensive to make an appearance in my collection. (FWF $10 Dram [1st] share #17)