Black Velvet

This has a richer, smokier nose than Ellington does (though there still isn't much to it). The palate is smooth with a viscous mouthfeel and immediately too much artificial caramel flavor. It's surprisingly drying though. There really isn't much happening on this palate. It really just tastes like a young whiskey that I wouldn't want to drink. It isn't the worst thing out there, but it's far, far from good. It might be possible to hide it in a drink, but it really is painful to sip. Ugh, drinking Ellington after this is a huge mistake - awful! Ellington Reserve is even worse! Somehow, this is better than the both of them. It tastes young with some sweetness and not much going on. It has alcohol and gross caramel. Ellington is more interesting, but has some more explicitly gross flavors, almost like some tequila got mixed in.

I mean it’s fine with some ginger ale

Poured neat because I seem to have lost all self respect. Smell is reminiscent of butterscotch, coconut sun screen, and imminent regret. Taste is surprisingly sweet with whisps of wood smoke that quickly fades to heavily charred brussel sprouts before it is fully passed the teeth. Flavor and enjoyment would easily triple with a little splash of coke and a whole lot of cola.