Tastes

Spice and white pepper on the nose. Light cereal, slightly medicinal. Tobacco and cigar shop. Some maple emerges after a little time. Tastes of spice and oak. Somewhat refreshing and clean. Water brings strong floral notes to the nose. Flowers and burny notes carry through on the palate after water. A little fabric softener?

Peat up front in the nose with a bright cereal note. Some iodine and general medicinal qualities. Hint of Listerine. Light blueberries emerging. Complex! Buttery burned toast suggested . . . topped with orange marmalade, heavy on the rind. Creepy legs in the Glencairn. Some sawdust. Taste is bright and resinous, with sour fruit and cereal dominating. Water brings a slightly deeper sweetness with emergence of treacle. Suggested marketing pairing is with steak. Note to self to try it.

Lightly floral on the nose, sugar syrup. A bit bitter on the tongue. Some lemon zest. Water opens it slightly. Strong pipe tobacco. Some minerality. Noticeable alcohol. Fairly boring. I prefer the cider cask finish in this series.

Nose: Fruity and floral — cherry and cherry blossom; baking spices, fresh cut fruit wood; currant; ginger; cinnamon candy. Bold and complex. Mouth: syrupy and spicy sweet, drying rye finish. Nice balance of wood and other flavors, some smoke. Water doesn’t change things much, but maybe adds a little depth and clarity.

It’s Jack. But Stronger.

Nose: Spiced orange, pepper, faint oak. Water brings lemon and turpentine. Mouth: Candied orange, spice, light bodied, short finish, simple. Water accesses slightest vanilla.

Nose: Cinnamon, light spearmint, cereal , slight dust in sunlight, hint of banana peel. Some water intensifies candy flavors with some caramel emerging. Oak is illuminated. Mouth: Much like the nose with greater intensity and complexity. Light bodied and dry. Frooty! Water does not produce a dramatic effect, but strangely makes the alcohol more dominant.

Nose: Heavy corn influence, mild citrus , some mild oakiness, hint of herb (spearmint?), moss, some spice. Slight dustiness emerges with a few drops of water. Mouth: Herbal burn! This is a harsh 90 proof! Lots of alcohol. Long syrupy herbal finish. Reminds me a bit of absinthe for some reason, perhaps mild licorice notes in the herbalness.

Color: yellow gold Nose: light fresh vanilla, faint lemon/grapefruit, ethanol Mouth: rich, creamy mouthfeel, scents carry over. A little coconut on the finish. Conclusion: very simple. Tasty, but not super interesting. Too expensive for what it is. A nice Irish would be similar and less costly.