jimmyjam312
Reviewed
November 5, 2023 (edited February 26, 2024)
Review #044
Type: single malt scotch
Proof: 43%
Comments: aged 12 years, European oak oloroso sherry maturation
Tasted after: first up
Appearance (no score):
Not really able to assess color or legs with the blue plastic cup this was served in. I’ll update if I have the opportunity to have this served in a glass on a future flight.
Nose: 16/20
Apples, sticky raisins, caramel, and warm banana bread.
Palate: 35/50
Simple but nice. Mostly I get oak spices and tannins, but also getting subtle hints of salted dark chocolates, lemon zest, and dinner rolls.
Finish: 23/30
Vanilla and butterscotch, for just a moment there’s chocolate covered cherries and maybe a hint of coconut, then ending on an earthy and salty note. Lots of good sweet flavors without being sickeningly sweet. The finish is moderately short and non-complex, but also has no noticeable alcohol burn.
With Water:
Short flight and was cut short by beginning our descent so wasn’t able to try. I’ll assess and update the next time I’m able to snipe a free upgrade to first class!
Total: 74/100
Scoring rubric 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it. 3.75 stars.
Final thoughts:
Couldn’t say no to a free pour of this at 28,000 feet somewhere between Burlington VT and Dulles VA. I guess all that work travel is finally starting to pay off… I’m surprised by how little sherry influence this has given 12 years of olorosso maturation. The oak influence is a lot more noticeable. Guessing this may be a byproduct of being watered down to 43% ABV and perhaps the use of 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. I feel like I’d enjoy this much more at +50% ABV.
Price: complimentary with business class upgrade on United Airlines
Would recommend: no
Would buy: no
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last. 5 stars.
90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, I will always try to keep a bottle of this in my collection if feasible. 4.75 stars.
85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, I will likely try to keep a bottle of this in my collection if feasible. 4.5 stars.
80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, still it may make regular appearances in my collection. 4.25 stars.
75-79: Good, enjoyable to drink but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again. 4 stars.
70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it. 3.75 stars.
55-69: Drinkable. 3.5-2.75 stars.
Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain. 2.5 stars or less.