Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt

color: dark gold/copper nose: chalky, pungent, winy (sherry), dark fruit, citrus? with water: vanilla, cinnamon, cotton candy, new wood, coffee palate: raisins, oak, red fruits (berries), some pepper finish: somewhat hot after wanting to try this for years and loving the 10 year, I had high hopes. it came off a bit... thin. no idea if that's due to the triple distillation, 40% ABV, or being spoiled on scotch. perhaps earlier in my journey, I would have been more impressed. water also destroys this whiskey, although the nose did improve. in my "mental map", I put it in the same category as Glen Garioch 12, Haig Dimple Pinch, and, of course, their other expressions. ended up paying $91 after taxes, which also influences my score. yet another reason to have purchased before the price increase!

This is a special and complex whiskey. The maturation on three woods gives it so much depth, it reminded me of Redbreast 21, but at a much lower price. The port finish, truly comes at the end of the palate, similar to the New Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14, which is also finished in Port. The finish is full and flavorful.