Carlyle 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky

Peach jam, caramel, red apple and light smoke on the nose. The palette is evenly divided between caramel covered red apple and chocolate covered raisins. An easy drinking, comfortable blended scotch.

A blended Scotch whisky that has appeared lately in some bars and restaurants is this Carlyle 12yo. I have been avoiding it till i got a proper chance to enjoy it neat and rate it as i like to. I have no expectations and i sincerely think it might be a waste of time, but you know me, i have to taste as many whiskies as i can so: Bottled at 43%abv, caramel color. On the nose, i get this grain whisky note, which, to be fair, is not that bad. Some raisins, fondant and quince dessert. It is sweet with dehydrated fruits and marmalade, but the problem is that the grain whisky feels a little cheap like Grant's red label, or Black & White. On the palate it is very easy drinkable. I got almonds, hard vanilla stick and a sweet prune juice. Aftertaste is short but not bad. Raisins, a little smoke, and thick vanilla from the grain whisky. Overall, i think that this is not a bad whisky at all, it is fairly enjoyable. It is not going to change your life, nor i will buy it, but if some one pours me a glass, i'll drink it with no problem. My score for it is 79 over 100, scoring 20 points on nose, palate and balance, and only 19 points on aftertaste.

I probably got my hopes up on this one for a diamond in the rough. Well its kinda got the rough part down. Im not gonna slam on this scotch too bad cause it is what it is....a blend. This means there will be some grain influence to a certain degree which will ultimately determine how good it is. This starts out nice and tastes decent( imo this is very similar to Famous Grouse- see review if you want notes) but the problem is the grain kicks in too frequently and pretty much kills the score. Its not bad but its not good. I paid a low price of $16 but would absolutely not re-purchase. Im being a bit harsh as compared to other bottom dwellers this is good but I got sucked in by the 12yr age statement. Alas a case of you get what you pay for.........68/100 ....drinkable, mixable but not recommended unless you are impervious to the grain twang