Tastes
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Laphroaig line-up. Tested Lore, PX and 10 partially blind. I knew what was in the lineup, I just didn’t know which one was which. What were the differences? Lore had the best nose and the PX had the most sherry notes. The 10 has the most notes and some elements that are covered by sherry in the other two - earthy and medicinal. The PX finish is forever, French Oak spice and intense. The Lore was very dry on the finish and had hints of yesterday’s firewood. The 10 didn’t stand up as well, slightly medicinal, light spice and a hint of earthiness. The PX’s finish is special. The overall rankings: 1. PX, 2. Lore, 3. 10. All good. If you can only buy one, get the PX.106.0 USD per Bottle
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Enjoyed a variety of good scotches on a night out. Started with Highland Park 12 and then asked for a Macallan - waitress’ choice. She brought a Macallan Sienna which had a rich colour and strong sherry notes. The abv is perfectly balanced and this is a delicious dram. Followed up with Highland Park 18. Highland Park’s nose reminds me of the Harry P. Leu Rose garden in Orlando, Florida - a beautiful mix of floral and earth notes - there is a spot in the rose garden that instantly brings HP to mind. The finish is delightful with a touch of spice. In other words, I’m a fan. That said, Sienna has a better nose and better balance. Sienna is very good. I was disappointed to discover that this Sienna is a C$190 bottle here - that’s a healthy price. Do I recommend it - absolutely. Would I pay C$190? No, Highland Park 12 is the winner when price is considered.16.0 CAD per Pour
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This whisky is now my default go to. The special French oak barrel heads add such a wonderful spice finish to this whisky. The palate is one of the best - the texture is round and rolling and just perfect at 46%. I’ve had this beside Talisker 10, one of my favourites, and this one destroyed it. I like the spicy pepper finish on Talisker but the overall package from Spice Box is better. This whisky makes me want to seek out more Compass Box.88.0 CAD per Bottle
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Tasted this at a wonderful inner harbour restaurant in Victoria, BC that has a wide selection of Mezcal - Cafe Mexico. The price was high, up there with a good scotch at C$16 (US$12.50) for an ounce neat. I don’t know what Mezcal costs but this seems rich for a spirit aged less than 3 years. The drink is very light, almost watery which I guess is from the low abv. Sweet and very pleasant. Reminds me of a cola flavoured candy with some fruit notes. Colour is very light and I don’t get much (any?) smoke. Light spice on the finish, likely from the French oak barrel. Any downside? No, pretty good but maybe even too easy to drink. This at 46% might just be outstanding.16.0 CAD per Pour
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Canadian Club Green delivers a great whisky for a very reasonable price. Nose has hints of spice, cinnamon, fruit, rye, sweetness. Dry, spicy finish. This was tested blind against Basil Hayden and JP Wiser 2018 and was the clear winner. Usually drink CC Green with ice and I didn’t recognize it. This is a go to for an everyday easy drinking whisky. Extra stars for value.21.0 USD per Bottle
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Canadian Club Chairman's Select 100% Rye
Canadian — Canada
Reviewed March 23, 2019 (edited August 30, 2019)Canadian Club Green delivers a great whisky for a very reasonable price. Nose has hints of spice, cinnamon, fruit, rye, sweetness. Dry, spicy finish. This was tested blind against Basil Hayden and JP Wiser 2018 and was the clear winner. Usually drink CC Green with ice and I didn’t recognize it. This is a go to for an everyday easy drinking whisky. Extra points for the price point.26.0 CAD per Bottle -
Benromach Organic
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed March 8, 2019 (edited September 19, 2021)95? Here is a classic case of “organic” being mixed up with being better or, in this case, even good. This was tested blind (my preferred method) beside Millstone 100 and Oban 14. To say this was the ugly duckling is an understatement. Benromach Organic notes - citrus, sour, an earth smell similar to tulip bulbs or iris roots. Palate felt hot but light and young. Sour is again in the notes on the finish. I had no clue on what it was, I knew it wasn’t bourbon or Canadian as it wasn’t sweet in any way but I couldn’t even guess what Scotch it might be. This one is all marketing and I encourage you to pass.110.0 CAD per Bottle -
Blind tasting of Dark Horse, Redbreast 12 and Macallan 10 Fine Oak (this bottle is at least 6 years old and it hasn’t suffered a bit) I expected to pick Redbreast 12 as my favourite. I was surprised with the result. The Dark Horse has the deepest colour, likely from sherry being directly added. Macallan 10 and Redbreast were similar, Redbreast a shade darker (amber). The Redbreast had the lightest sherry on the nose - sherry, raisin and oak. Sweet and round with the best finish of the group. Spicy (not pepper) and long. I ranked it 82, guessed it was Macallan 10. Macallan 10, first notes were “Macallan nose” (deeper sherry, floral) and I listed this as the best nose of the group. Creamy, round (best texture of the group) and a mid long finish with raisin on at the end. Guessed it was Redbreast, ranked it 84 (top of the group). Dark Horse was easiest to pick out. A Canadian nose, likely the rye. The added sherry makes it feel less rounded and almost fractured. Shorter finish. The weakest of the group but still good and very good value. Half the price and I ranked it an 80. All are good but Macallan 10 was the best, they don’t sell it anymore so that’s a tough break. Redbreast is a good call.81.0 CAD per Bottle
Results 91-100 of 110 Reviews