Review #031 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso, and ex-pedro ximenez Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 14/20 Red wine tannins, dark chocolate, raisins, and oranges. Palate: 30/40 Light and dry mouth feel. Mostly black pepper and chili peppers, some plumb sweetness, and bitter extra dark chocolate. Finish: 33/40 Medium length with a moderate ethanol burn. The chocolate becomes a bit sweeter and introduces some walnut bitterness, before ending with a wisp of smoke. With Water: Opens up a bit with a drop of water, the peppery notes on the palate are tamed a bit allowing the others to shine through some more. A hint of salt to the finish. Total: 77/100 Final thoughts: This is an easy sipper, but ultimately isn’t anything special. I won’t be rushing out to replace it once the bottle is empty. Price: $75 Would recommend: no Would buy: no 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.