Tastes

Color: Chestnut oloroso Nose: Cherries, spices, boiled fruit, leather, potpourri, slight maritime notes, polished wood, something pungent Palate: Dark chocolate, raisins, pepper, tobacco, leaves, toffee Finish: Espresso and burning tires A *definite* improvement over the 12, but still overpriced (this was from a small sample). The search for a more affordable substitute continues...

color: burnished copper nose: floral, honeyed, pungent, sulfuric, lagavulin-like, musty, old wood palate: sweeter than the nose, oak more prominent, vanilla, caramel, toffee, "smooth"/soft/gentle mouthfeel finish: lemony, short, although some astringency lingers

appearance: color burnished, with many fast moving legs nose: rich, nutty, apricots? vanilla, stewed fruits, apples? berries? salt or brine, honey palate: sweet, malty, tannic, red apples, sugary, cereal finish: "smooth" despite its 46% abv and young-ish age. water brings out more sweetness, but at the same time, makes it less smooth Tobermory had long been on my list of distilleries to try (unfortunately never got to try their old 10 year), so when this showed up, I decided I would buy it, no matter what the cost. Do I like this? Yes! Do I like it enough to justify paying $94? Well...

color: deep gold nose: pungent, tannic, floral, bready, yeasty, red apples? lemon(y), butter, vanilla, cinnamon, potpourri palate: sweet, malty, honeyed, cooked something, oily, savory, rich, dark chocolate, pear finish: peppery, brine, long

appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry, with many slow moving legs nose: wood spices, cherry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, caramel, citrus, christmas-y sweetness palate: bitter oak, honey, pepper, spice, cinnamon (red hots?), leather, citrus; water adds more 'bite' finish: smooth, bitter, dry; water strangely makes it more 'hot' let me tell you that I spent a LOT more than I enjoyed this, but it was one of those 'bucket list' experiences. it might take a few more drams and/or experimenting with other distilleries before I can offer a cheaper experience for basically the same thing. along with ancient age, this is the only other buffalo trace #2 mashbill tried, and it's only a slight improvement

appearance: chestnut oloroso sherry; many quick falling legs/tears nose: wood spice, vanilla, honey, citrus, fruit/berries, bourbon, ethanol, apricot... a bit of water brings cinnamon, milk chocolate, more vanilla and spices palate: "smooth" for being cask strength, candied apple, red apple. water brings out oak and astringency finish: hot, peppery, with heat resonating down the chest these are just some first impressions. for an irish whiskey, something about it reminds me of a bourbon. those not used to higher abv might notice and be put off by the ethanol heat/smell/taste. the regular redbreast 12 comes at 40% abv, so it would be interesting if they offered something in the 43-46% range. definitely something every serious whisky drinker should try at least once, since nothing else is like it

color: burnished nose: alcohol heat, artificial sweetness, wood spice, burnt... vanilla, pastries, starbucks palate: cherry, caramel, cotton candy, cinnamon, astringency/dryness finish: short considering how long I had been waiting to try this, it was disappointing. at 40% abv, Canadian, and 18 years of age, it wasn't the most "smooth" (though someone did say it mellows after some time opened, so we'll see how that goes)