Naked Malt

it's good, but it is hard to place.

The nose is distinctly Macallan. Sherry, raisins, burnt sugar, orange peel, and caramels. Lovely. Arrival... sweet, mouth watering, orchard fruits, table grapes and barrel tannins. Finish is medium with lingering oak and a light spicyness. In the war of the blended Malts this gives Monkey Shoulder a run for its money. Now if only Edrington could work out their distribution issues and make this more readily available...

Smooth.

Pleasantly surprised by Naked Grouse. Didn't really know what to expect, but I was in the mood for something sherried and not too expensive. This one delivered! Nose:. Slightly sour, sherry, plum, a bit of floral spice from the ethanol due to the youth, mild peat smoke, heavy butter Caramel and vanilla. Palate: Medium barely sugar, salty, sherry, slightly youthful off note, hay, lots of dried apricot on the finish with mild peat...The finish is mostly all oloroso sherry. Anyone who's familiar with Sherry will know this taste. Definitely a younger blended malt, but after some time in the glass the ethanol vapors evaporate and leave you with something smelling like a 10-12 yr single malt with a nose somewhat reminiscent of a younger Maccalan. A definite winner for me! Note/Update: After drinking decent 12 year olds all night and coming back to this, 3.5/5 may have been a little generous...I'd give it a 3 now, if that. Definitely can't compete with the likes of Bunnahabhain 12...But it is half price and on it's own, as a starter quite good.

Very nice sipper. Best mixer ever. Absolutely Delicious! Aroma is full of dried fruit, a bit of peat and oaky goodness. No oily or other off flavors. Superb balance.