Loch Lomond 12 Year

I saw a three pack of 50 ml samplers for AUD$30. Thought, why not. Original was last night and an ok enough start. Now the 12 and 18 later in the week. N: An instant hit of generic berries but as if delivered in a leather pouch. Undertones of crisp orchard fruits (pear or apple, I don’t know) and perhaps a little vanilla but more towards a custardy vanilla. P: Another generic flavour up front, this time brown sugar, but almost instantly followed by a wave of burning. Is there a little toffee fullness that carries a vanilla for a fraction of a moment between sugar and heat? I don’t know, my mouth hurts. I’m sad. The initial hit is pretty oily but also full. It’s short lived for the heat wave. Did I mention I’m sad. The heat is all chilli. Nothing good here. F: Drying and tart, possibly with a little peaty-iodine twang? I’m still sad. Raw, and fails to deliver from an acceptable nose. Rating a whisky is indeed subjective. Certainly personal preference and bias impart heavily on an opinion in this space. That said, even things I’m not a huge fan of I can recognise as good or with merit. I don’t believe that to be the case here. I think this is objectively badly made. The nose is redeeming, but the palate and finish are aggressively raw. Some raw whiskies are like a white water rafting experience, hectic and ferocious but enjoyable. This is like having my mouth set on fire; sadness. The trajectory from NAS to 12 does not bode well for 18 later in the week. (Nariokotome boy [H. ergaster] in picture because thats just how I roll). Distiller whisky taste #89

Light smokey nose. Some smoke, cinnamon, and apple with some heat. Not particularly sweet or smooth.

N: pleasant ripe orchard fruits, honey, caramel, light touch of vanilla, cereal notes, light wisp of peaty smoke, unfortunately has a perfume characteristic as little to close to paint fumes for me that overlays the entire nose. Not a fan of that and a little disappointed. Distracts from what it’s supposed to offer for sure. Perhaps a bad batch? T: a nice fruity and smoky mix, hint of baking spices, a little earthiness, some grassy herbal notes, nice barrel spices, peppery on the finish, perfume note is present but not as bad as what the nose gives. Overall, disappointed. Just having trouble with that perfume or paint fume characteristic I’m getting. If that wasn’t there, it’s pretty solid otherwise.

Nose: caramel, toffee, saltiness, oak, buttery, smokey Palate: perfume, raisins, caramel, sea salt, cereal Finish: medium length charcoal and salt with a subtle sweetness. The charcoal lingers the longest.

Danksy's review is pretty much spot on except I found that a drop or two of water opens up and extends the flavor on the palate. Solid value at $40, non chill filtered and 46% ABV.