Shieldaig 12 Year Speyside Single Malt

Soft, balanced, no smoke

This was a small gift/joke that was given to me by some friends who asked me what they could bring over for dinner (appetizer or dessert). I jokingly said scotch. To our small humored surprise, they did and purchased this 12 year. An ever light nose of simple, baseline aromas: sweetness, fruitiness and cereals. Butterscotch, honey encapsulates the sweetness. Orchard fruits of apples and pears embody the fruits. Barley and oatmeal with a touch of leather captures earthiness. The body is watery thin delivering a handful of flavors; as if the weight of many flavors wouldn’t be able to be supported by the thin body. On the sweeter side of vanilla and honey. The sweetness fades quick and turns slightly spicy with ginger and cinnamon. A mineral, earthy, woody quality comes through at the fade. The finish is simple: drying oak tannins and orange zest with a slight nuttiness that last for a medium length. A simple straightforward dram that does what it was designed to do: easy and enjoyable at a bargain of a price. Can compete with the likes of Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and can save you $10 to $20. [84/100][$32][Tasted: 11/22/19]

Plain, nutty, woody. Nothing too special.

Oak, vanilla, smooth

Hints of vanilla in an overall balanced scotch that is light on peaty flavor.