Tastes

Nice classic nose but the tough part is the palate and finish. Dry, very dry, woody with a slightly bitter barrel finish. Would not buy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.