Tastes

Nice little whisky! Sweet, smooth, and drinkable. Superior to Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 at the $30-$45 price level. Nose: Vanilla, Red apples, Cherries, Orange zest, Roses. Taste: Young ripe fruit, grape skin, toffee, butterscotch, sherry. Finish: Spices, nutmeg, cinnamon. Got this for $43. At that price it gives the Balvenie Doublewood a serious run for its money ( the Balvenie runs at about 59.99 in my area. A whisky which i have always thought was overpriced ) On the downside, at only 40% alcohol it's dangerously drinkable, had to stop myself from pounding half the bottle on the first tasting. The alcohol is very present on the palette which is a bit of a turnoff but overall a great value for a sherried dram.

My latest purchase in the quest to find decent drams in the $30-$40 range. While the price of Scotch continues to skyrocket I've made this a personal mission of mine to find bottles I can drink frequently without breaking the bank. Nose: Alcohol, alcohol and alcohol, Maybe some citrus and grass behind it. Palate: There is some hidden fruit that reveals itself after a splash of water. Banana pudding and lemon peel. Finish: Bitter and acidic. not sure what the rum cask did for this either other than sweetness. This is a slightly better Jameson and that's about it. Just too young and rough. Got it on sale for $35 and wouldn't pay a penny more as there are better options at this price out there. Puzzled by some of the high ratings for this.

Decent party whisky, my go-to at weddings. I actually prefer this to Jameson and JW Black if I'm in the mood for some mild peat smoke. I can't drink expensive single malts all the time.

Expected more from this based on all the hype. Nose: Oak, oak and oak. After some time in the glass and a splash of water some faint vanilla and citrus is revealed. Taste: Alcohol burn initially leading to some spice, citrus and honey. Finish: Not a very complex finish but there is a nice Crème brûlée note that lingers for a while. I'm always on the lookout for affordable "anytime" malts but at this price point I would stick with Glenlivet 12 or for a little more money the Glenmorangie Original.

Just say no.

A sherry monster for sure! Nose: Stale Oak, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Sulfur, water opens it up and releases some fruity notes like raisin and dried orange peel. Taste: Sherry, Black cherries, Vanilla, Citrus peel, Maple syrup, Ginger. Finish: More Berries, Burnt Sugar, Spices, long, but not very evolving. I can see why many rate the 15 higher but I think it’s splitting hairs. A decent alternative to Macallan 18. Sweeter and spicier with more berry notes than the dried fruits notes of the Mac 18. Not as outrageously priced either.

Cheaper and less intense than Rittenhouse. Makes a balanced and less spicy old fashioned. Less sweet too. Solid alternative if you can't find Rittenhouse. Would not drink it neat.