Tastes

Can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than relaxing at home with a fine glass of whisky and slowly savoring and enjoying it. Now I’m still in my very early stages of whisky tasting and reviewing(probably under 20 total tasted ever) but I find my palate and appreciation grows by the day. Lagavulin 16 needs no introduction, heck even before I started drinking Scotch I knew about it. It’s not the first heavily-peated/smokey Islay I’ve tasted, that award goes to Laphroaig 10(review coming soon). But this was one I felt needed a few drams to really appreciate and unpack(normally my reviews have been first-impressions/pours from the bottle.) Lagavulin is a 43% ABV whisky that has coloring added and is chill-filtered. I gave myself a healthy pour in my copita and rested for some time before tasting. Coloring added or not it’s got a very nice hue in the glass. Brassy and amber with that touch of rust, it’s a nice looking whisky. Nose: The first thing you will notice of course is smoke, and quite a lot of it. It’s got a camp fire on a beach quality to it. Not quite roaring bonfire, but a pleasant smokey and inviting warmth. To an inexperienced nose such as mine it takes a bit to delve beyond the smoke and uncover what else it has to offer. Once I do peel back that layer wow this thing is beautiful. Dark and rich fruits layered with black pepper. I don’t get much iodine or phenolic quality but there is definitely some brine here and it’s lovely. One of the best noses on a whisky I’ve reviewed to date. Palate: The cool smoke washes over the tastebuds to make way for a sweet and sticky array of fruit. That peppery quality is just great and helps to break up the sweetness along with the smoke. A slight saline mingles in there too, but of course it’s not truly “salty”. One word that comes to mind right away is _balance_; not too much or too little of anything here. Finish:  Like a few smoke-forward whiskies I’ve had this one definitely lingers about. But I think that’s more a quality of the smoke than just the whisky itself. Nevertheless the finish is great and quite long, though it reaches a point where it sort of dissipates almost out of nowhere it’s not gradual like most whiskies. You’re left with some smoke and the desire to pick up the glass for another sip. Value/Overall Opinion: At about $70/bottle in my area, unfortunately it’s out of my “daily-drinker” budget range. But I enjoy this whisky so much I am compelled to try my best to keep a bottle on hand at all times. Of the Islay whisky I’ve tried to date this is far and away my favorite. It’s complex and a little aggressive but gives way to a beautiful experience if you give it your time. I was, at first, a little worried I might not enjoy it(or smoke/peat/Islay) to begin with but I am so happy I am. Can’t wait to try some more!

When I first decided to dive into Scotch whisky I knew I would find myself with some Islay malts sooner or later. Now I’ve definitely dove head first and tried Lagavulin and Laphroaig(reviews to come), but I’ve often read Bunnahabhain is a great place to start for novice whisky drinkers wanting a taste of Islay. Picked up this mini from FineDrams online(the local mini options are few and far between). It’s another non chill-filtered whisky and has no coloring added. It is bottled at 46.3% which for an accessible 12y is quite nice. Poured the mini into my copita and rested around ten minutes giving it a few smells here and there. It’s got a lovely straw and golden hue to it. Nose: One of the first things that hit my nose is some brine and salt, not overwhelmingly so but it’s there. There’s a lot of sweetness as well, perhaps some dried fruits. It’s a pleasant nose but definitely one of the more subdued of the whiskies I’ve tried thus far. After sitting a while longer some smoke, just the faintest hint of it comes out as well. Palate: This whisky definitely has more to offer when you take a sip compared to the nose. Lovely dried fruits and a bit of brine mingle with the subtle smoke(more prevalent in the taste than the nose). A bit of spice and oak but overall it’s quite bright, not musty or heavy. Finish: The finish right around the middle on this whisky. It leaves you with some sticky malty sweetness and a touch of smoke that fades away. There’s a bit more oak and spice toward the end as well. Value/Overall Opinion: A fine malt that I would gladly drink again. I have to 100% agree that this is a great foray into a touch of smoke and what Islay has to offer for the uninitiated. This is definitely what I would call a “daily drinkable” type of whisky, not too complex or intimidating but it’s got enough going on that you would always enjoy it. It’s around $65-$70 a bottle in my area and I think at the $50-$60(thats about what HP12 is around here) price point it would be about perfect.

I’ve had this one on my list for months wanting to try it, so here we go. Now technically this is the second time I’ve had this whisky, but it’s my first time reviewing it and really getting a chance to explore it. I had a dram of it at a bar not too long ago, but the rocks glass it was in and the atmosphere made it a little distracting to unpack the whisky. GlenDronach is something I’ve had a strong feeling I would enjoy since I first heard about it. A heavily sherry-influenced malt aged in PX and Oloroso casks. Comes in at 43% and it’s neither chill-filtered nor has coloring added. Poured the full 50ml mini into my brand-new copita(breaking it in with this review). It’s got a lovely straw/hay color to it. Rested it around ten minutes or so before tasting, nosing it a few times while I waited. Nose: The first thing I pick up in the nose is some citrus peel, orange if I had to choose. Definitely finding some oak in here. Another few sniffs and I’m finding some candied fruits as well as some stewed darker fruits. Some vanilla sprinkled in here, very natural like a freshly split bean-pod. There’s a beautiful sweetness to the nose, not overpowering or cloying just really nice. (Mental note: could have sworn I was smelling some dark chocolate when I had this at the bar. But not finding it now; maybe I’m crazy) Palate: The citrus I found in the nose has disappeared and given way to more of those stewed fruits. I definitely get more oak and some spiciness on the palate as well. That lovely sweetness is still there giving the whisky an almost juicy mouthfeel. Finish: A great long finish on this whisky. Not quite the length of Aberlour A’bunadh but it hangs around a while. It unfolds as some lasting sweetness, then spice and oak, then fades away with a little more sweetness. Value/Overall Opinion: I am happy with my decision to buy a mini of this whisky to try it out. Locally to me a normal bottle would cost me just under $70, and I think I’d pay that. Now I could spend about $12 more and get a cask strength Aberlour A’bunadh, but this is still quite nice. A fine dram for sure and this definitely gets me excited to try some other expressions from GlenDronach.

Really excited to crack this one open since I got it. My first heavily-sherried whisky, and my first cask strength Scotch whisky. Aberlour from what I have read is well-known for the sherry character and influence in their whiskies, and A’bunadh is no different. Poured about 2oz into my Glencairn and rested 10min or so before tasting, nosing here and there. Beautiful color here and that’s even more impressive since this has no coloring added, special bonus that it’s Non Chill-Filtered. Being a cask strength whisky it comes in at 61% ABV. Deep amber color with red hues catching the light. Nose: The first thing I get in the nose are some beautiful spice notes, baking spices warm and inviting. This fades into some light citrus(mostly orange) with lots of sherry and stewed fruits. There is some wood character but it’s hidden in the background. Definitely one of the most complex noses I’ve smelled in any whisk(e)y. After a few sips and coming back to the nose some toffee/caramel, almost burned caramel notes pop up. As it sits longer the nose changes and reveals even more, some dark chocolate shows up as well. Just a gorgeous nose on this whisky. Palate: For as complex as the nose is, the taste does not disappoint. On first sip there is just an explosion of flavor on the palate. It simply envelopes and coats the whole mouth. The mouthfeel is rich and slick and oily while it warms everything. Spice and sherry are prominent while the citrus has disappeared. Sweet but not cloying, and though there is some heat here it’s absolutely drinkable without dilution. Finish: This is certainly the longest finish I’ve had in any whisk(e)y so far. That oiliness sticks around and lingers long after you swallow the sip. I find myself waiting a while between tastes to allow the finish to fully develop and dissipate. Value/Overall Opinion: My first time with any Aberlour whisky and I’m pleased with my purchase. This is the most expensive bottle I’ve bought yet ($84 here locally) and even with my first dram I don’t regret a dollar of it. I am definitely interested in trying some other Aberlour expressions as well as venturing into other sherries whiskies like Glendronach. I can also safely say I enjoy barrel/cask strength whisk(e)y after my last two reviews. I’m definitely moving in the direction of more complex whisky and may start to venture to Islay soon to try out some peat and smoke. For now though, I’ll sit here savoring this beautiful whisky.

Here we go with not just my first barrel-proof bourbon, but my first barrel-proof whiskey period. Booker’s is a well-known one for bourbon fans and I’m glad I’m getting a chance to drink some. This one is 2019-01 “Teresa’s Batch” and clocks in at 125.9 proof(62.95% ABV) whew! Love the packaging, the great display box, and the bottle is really neat too with the simple label. Poured about 1.5oz into my Glencairn glass and rested a few minutes. Beautiful deep, rich gold color to this with some skinny little legs that take ages to form. Tasted and nosed neat, then after a few sips added a couple drops of water to explore it more. Nose: This is definitely 125 proof wow! Once you get past some of the early ethanol notes the nose really opens up. Some rich sweetness is the first thing I find in here, almost like a spiced-syrupy dense cake. Definitely some spice notes in here like cinnamon and nutmeg with a bit of allspice maybe, reminiscent of Christmas. Theres a hint of something I can only describe as a little nutty, maybe like peanuts. Very interesting and complex nose. Added some water later and the woody notes appear front and center. Palate: Amazingly rich and full of flavor. It’s got some heat but it’s very enjoyable and not overbearing nor does it get in the way of the whiskey itself. As you take a sip it opens up with the water in the mouth. Spicy and sweet, even more intense than those same notes on the nose. Some oak/char/barrel character on the back of the palate for sure. Finish: Long and lingering, it’s quite oily and nice. Like sitting next to a fire pit on a cold night this will perk you right up as it warms you from throat to chest. Long after the sip goes down you are left with some syrupy sweet notes and oaky barrel, just great. Value/Overall Opinion: It’s just my first barrel-proof bourbon, so I know I’ve got a lot more to explore. But, I really enjoy this whiskey it is quite beautiful. There are so many flavors to find in the nose and when you take a sip they just flood the senses. This bottle cost me $70 and I feel that’s totally fair for something this high of proof.; It’s pretty clear some care was put into creating this bourbon. Would definitely drink again and would buy again, but probably another batch to find what other tastes Booker’s can offer.

Four Roses Single Barrel, now here’s one I’ve been looking for for a while. Incredible how low of a price it is; $34.99 for a bottle of single barrel 100 proof bourbon. It’s got some great rich color to it, and the bottle itself has a nice shape and feel in the hand. The nose is sweet and spicy at the same time. Some brown sugar and pepper, definitely that high-rye mashbill coming through. As soon as the sip hits the palate it’s a blast of sweetness, like sticky brown sugar candies. The mouthfeel is a little oily and slick. As it goes over mid-palate it takes on the rye spice character and warms up. After a sip or two I find some dark cherry notes in there as well on the back of the tongue. Nice warmth in the chest after it goes down but it’s not hot at all. Finish is pretty middle of the pack in length with a little leftover sweetness and oak on the palate. This stuff is really nice, and I’m happy to have bought a bottle. Would definitely get another given the chance.

My first dram from my first bottle of Highland Park 12. A 43% ABV Single Malt from Orkney Isle in Scotland. Love the bottle etchings and overall shape. Poured about 2oz into my Glencairn and rested about 12min. The color is a rich honey with slight orange tints. Beautiful for being naturally colored. Nose: This nose is really nice and round and fairly rich. Some dark fruits in there, honey, some leather, and just a hint of smoke sneaking around. Palate: The sweetness really opens up on the palate as well as some more smoke and leather. Some honey and a little bit of the dark fruit notes show back up. Nice and slick on the palate, not drying in the mouth. After sipping a bit, added a couple drops of water. The water really brought the woody/oak character to the front of the palate. Finish: The finish is some lingering sweetness giving way to a little smokey/leather and old oak note. Warming as it goes down but not aggressive, it’s quite pleasant. Overall it’s a medium finish in length hanging around a bit. Value/overall opinion: As my first taste of this whisky I am really enjoying it. And the price for a bottle($55 here for me) doesn’t put it out of reach for having on hand at all times. A fine dram and quite tasty.

Really nice whiskey, first time trying Michter’s. Vanilla and creamy notes on the nose. Mouthfeel is fairly slick with a little old oak finish. Just a touch of cinnamon in there.

One of my first drams, and my first ever whisky review. Lots of honey on the nose with some new oak, maybe a touch of citrus in there. Incredibly smooth-silky mouthfeel with not much ethanol burn. Medium finish with lots of wood. Will go back for another tasting soon.