Tastes

I just came across this great find while visiting Saskatchewan. The nose caught my interest with a hint of oak and spice that became sweeter with time. When tasting I found it sweet with vanilla and caramel. The mouth feel was very pleasant, coating but not thick or oily. After a few more sips orange came up and wood or wood spice. The finish is warm, but short. I am left with more orange and a little bitterness. Maybe it's the young age showing in the finish. This is the only Last Mountain I have tried , but I enjoyed it and will keep an eye on this distiller! (3.5 to 4 Stars) also 45% ABV

Wonderful Rye. Lots of spice up front and in the finish. There is good some sweetness too, soft fruit, some say banana, but I pick up almost cherry. Oak comes through in the dry finish. Surprisingly smooth Rye, but not tamed like some other Canadian Rye. If you like bold and layered Rye, pick this up. Look for the 2012 though or the yellow label. I enjoy it a bit more than the green

I have been watching the 12 year disappear from shelves over the last few months. I finally decided to pick up a bottle before it is gone and I am glad I did. This is a great, balanced Bourbon. The nose has some spice, light vanilla and wood or oak. When tasting it I found this bottle smooth but not excessively oily. The pepper spice came through with the first sip, but not distracting. With a few more sips, I notice the classic caramel. The warmth of the finish is long, but most of the flavors drop of fairly soon. I'm left with lingering oak and found it moderately dry. I would buy a bottle if you see one.

Lots going on with this Whisky. The nose is sweet, lightly smokey, and something else. A few sips and the peat is present with a bit of brine and youthful fruit. Medium finish. I enjoy Highland Park and this is an easy to pour for friends who want an introduction to peat. I sometimes pick up a bit of iodine or resin in the nose with the 12 year too.

Coming to this after a summer of Bourbon and Whisky. I find Scotch takes a bit more time to catch all the flavors. This is a bit young so the nose is a bit rough, but give it time. Lots of sweetness here, raisins or baked cherries. The mouth feel is rich and enjoyable. If you move it around, a bit of spice comes through and lots of wood. The finish is good, dry, and a light amount of smoke. Good oak again. Worth a place on your shelf. (3.5 stars)

Of these three Whiskey Makers Series, I enjoyed the Blender's Dog the best. Layered and interesting.

When I first approached this whiskey I could not figure it out. The nose had some solvent, the taste seemed all Rye, but the finish mellow sweet. After more time and coming back to it another night I find I am enjoying it considerably. The nose still has has something that get's in my way, but I can pick up light cherries and oranges. The taste is excellent. Smooth, coating, not too sweet like many Canadian whiskies. The rye spice is healthy and worth savoring. The finish is very interesting. Mostly dry and medium length, but maybe it's the wheat, I find something creamy or bready. This is an excellent whisky and I would recommend it anyone coming from a single malt Scotch background. (3.5 stars)

This barrel was delightful. I picked up a few sweet notes on the nose with vanilla and oak, but it is high alcohol so it singed a bit. The palate was full of oak and the sweetness of caramel and toasted sugar. The mouth feel was thick and a bit peppery. The oak continued to be up front with each sip. The finish is dry and medium length. I found this not as complex as some, but a very good, strong bourbon. After my first taste last week, I have been drawn back to it and not disappointed. I enjoy it more than their regular Bourbon.

This is an easy sipping Rye. There is some of the classic pepper, but Crown manages to smooth it out and create a mellow dram. I find the nose light, a bit boozy, and slightly sweet. Maybe pears. The palate is slow to evolve, I find vanilla, marishino cherries, light oak. No char or smoke. The finish is medium, still sweet but a slow burn. After a few I find my mouth has that dry feel I get with Rye, but it's hidden with just one. (3.5 stars)

There is a lot going on here. The peat smoke is up front, but there are some sweet notes here too. Something I can't put my finger on keeps me from liking this drink. I should try their other offerings to see if it is something characteristic or just this offering.