Review #008 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 10 years, cask types not defined Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Very sweet, honey, vanilla, and fresh flowers. Palate: 31/40 Honey, not necessarily walnut but definitely the bitter taste that a walnut leaves in your mouth, crisp unripe pear, not very complex. Finish: 24/40 Short, mostly briny and dark chocolate, maybe a little caramel too but you’ve gotta really look for it. With Water: A drop of water goes a long way here, it helps to enhance the honey and fruit, also slightly increases the saltiness of the finish by just the right amount. Total: 71/100 Final thoughts: Rolled the dice on this bottle, for the price it seemed worth the risk, and while it’s very easy to drink and I don’t regret buying it, it’s also unfortunately unremarkable. It’s not a bottle I frequently reach for myself, but I do find myself regularly serving it to friends who are trying to get their feet wet with whisky, and their feedback has always nearly always been positive. Price: $30 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.