Stranahan's Blue Peak

Nice split between American style whiskey and scotch.

Tasted side-by-side with Balcones Lineage. Lighter, with some tropical notes. More like a Speyside scotch, compared to the Highland-type profile of the Lineage. I prefer the richness of the Lineage, but the Blue Peak is nice too.

Found this guy for only 37.99 at specs so had to grab it. I have become a fan of American single malts (thanks to Balcones). Figured this would be good to compare. Poured neat, nose is spicy cantaloupe, scotch tape, pencil shavings and some toasted oak. Not a deep dark event but fresh and invitingly light. Mouthfeel is average without any oiliness. Palate is crisp with good depth. New make barley malts combine with more spiced melon and light barrel oak. You can work some more fruits in if you try. Its slightly astringent just a wee bit but not enough to kill the mood. There is some richness to the flavors but the youth is known for sure drinking hotter than the proof. Finish is nice long spicy oak tannin with the fruity malt hanging on trailing off to a dry tropical note. Its a very pleasant impression overall. There is baking spices simmering with the cantaloupe/melon vibe throughout. Im gonna run this against Lineage(think Balcones takes it) but no matter this is a quality single malt worth your time.......86/100....For under 40 bucks this is good value but much over 40 the Scots will smash their bagpipes on it imo

Nose is sweet and rich. I get the notes of buble gum (yep, the pink stuff in a bag), raisins, leather, and some floral notes. Palate is richer and a bit more robust with the leather pairing with wood, sugar covered dried fruits, and brown sugar sweetness. Not brown sugar itself, but the lingering sweet and savory flavor it gives when eaten raw. That stays until the finish Wich is bittersweet and lasts for a fair amount of time. Water made the nose much more honey and floral and did the same with the palate along with adding a pepper note. Overall this is a really interesting and tasty whiskey. I'm excited to be getting access to great American single Malts at a fair price.