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