McAllister Reserve Blended Scotch

Pretty smooth, nice taste, I rate

Dan Murphy’s at Wilsonton

Alcohol burn with some burnt caramel and almost almond notes

Nose: A rubbery, sulphurus sherry note. The merest hint of fruit and oak. Palate: A sweet but slightly hard arrival. Not unpleasant but very ordinary. The palate has little development other than some generic "whisky" notes. The texture is nothing to speak of, but it's not horrible. Finish: There was a finish? Sorry, I blinked and missed it. The nose betrays the presence of bottom-grade casks but to be fair this is a bottom-shelf blend. I recently reviewed 1495 blended whisky here and this is marketed by the same people (Pinnacle Drinks). It's their "better" blend and yes, it is most definitely better. Less rubbery and grain-centric, more satisfying all round, and worth the extra AUD$3. However if you live in Australia I'd advise you to spend just $1 more if you can and buy Loch Lomond Reserve - it's the dog's balls at this end of the food chain. You won't be disappointed, I promise. "Inferior" : 67/100 (1.5 stars)