Tastes

Despite my grumpiness directed towards sourced whiskies, I have to give credit to one of the best bourbons I've had. This is a very oak-forward expression on the nose and palate. After a very viscous pour, it opens on the nose with timber, baking spices, vanilla, and evergreen. The flavor is big but not sweet by bourbon standards, there is less of the brown sugar/molasses in the profile. It's a very soft mouthfeel for the proof, with almonds, deep woods, mint, and an almost gin-like botanical quality. Finish is a long deep burn. $47 in Massachusetts.

Opens with green apples, hay, citrus zest and tropical fruits. Then follows toffee, custard, berries. Very pleasant. This is probably my favorite unpeated single malt so far.

Brinier notes than Laphroiag, but still lots of wood smoke, followed by astringent medicinal notes and citrus zest. Long, slow, and oily finish. Very enjoyable.

Amazing. Smoked brisket, salt spray, pipe tobacco up front. The sweeter notes from the sherry cask follow: plums, cherries, pastries. There are so many layers to this, and the alcohol content is hidden well. Top shelf material.

Hay, mineral water, brine, lemon zest, ash and honey up front, with a dry Sav Blanc finish. This isn't my typical sort of the dram, with my palate trending towards sweeter and smokier expressions. But I appreciate this as a very approachable and affordable single malt for new whisky drinkers.

Underwhelming. One note, sugary pastry. It's not bad but there are better options in this range.

Heavy spice up front, and the alcohol burns a little hot. The palate has brown sugar, cinnamon and pepper. Very good as cheap high proof bourbon goes. Shared DNA with Russell's Reserve is clear.

Palatable but other bourbons are available $20 price point that I enjoy more.

Not subtle, but very enjoyable. High octane charcoal and vanilla at first, then black pepper, baked apple and spices, and a bit of mint on the back end. Great bourbon for the price, $23 (NH).

First tasting was good, but subsequently it just seems flat. Classic bourbon profile is there with vanilla and baking spices, but not a lot of depth. Hard to figure the high distiller score.