Buchanan's 18 Year Special Reserve

Such a velvety chocolate after dinner. Neat. Its dessert and a sipper and less burn than anything. Go get this scotch and pour one once and sip!

$77.99, $82.28 with tax. Caramel, toasted barley, apples, black cherry, chocolate, wine, honey, pineapple, thick, charred oak,, smoked steak, banana, vanilla, cinnamon, olive oil.

Rating: 17/23 - Nose - Heathery with cinnamon and other baking spices. Some rich, worty maltiness in the background fills the profile out a bit and adds a bit of sweetness. - Palate - Heather leads into malty sweetness with worty notes. It's a nice combination of nuanced and decadent, despite the low ABV. The cinnamon spiciness really helps with that low ABV and it brings with it some bourbon barrel vanilla flavor There's also an oiliness that makes me think there may have been some oloroso casks in the mix somewhere and there's a nice film left behind as this dries around the rim of my glass. The low ABV does make this a touch bitter, but it isn't bad. - Finish - Clean with lingering heather, a bit of an oily mouthfeel, and some of that bourbon barrel. A bit of the worty grain as well. - Conclusion - This is really good! It's not an all-time favorite, but it's rich and tasty with nuance and body, yet it's only 40% ABV. I'm thinking a 17 or 18.

As a blended Scotch, it truly gives off a smooth finish that everyone can enjoy. A gift from my grandparents that everyone was able to enjoy; I was blown away from its approachability to someone who has never had schotch, while still delivering a complex experience for those adapt to its nuances. Probaly the only 5/5 ill gove because it holds a special place in my heart.