Review #032 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 18 years, ex-bourbon maturation Tasted after: Auchentoshan Three Wood Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 16/20 Very mild, almost delicate. Apples and vanilla are the only two I can detect faint smells of. Despite this, it’s strikes me as sweet, bright, and musty all at once. Palate: 34/50 Once again, everything is very subtle. Vanilla clearly dominates, but there’s also cinnamon, milk chocolate, and almonds. Finish: 31/40 Medium finish. It’s very smooth with little to no burn. Black pepper and charred wood trails off to oak tannins and leaves behind a bitter ending taste. With Water: A drop or two of water didn’t result in any noticeable changes. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: Another easy sipper, but it’s nothing remarkable. I would probably recommend to someone just starting to get into scotch if they enjoy bourbon or even new to whisky in general. My bottle featured in the photo is missing the top half of the front label - it just wasn't there when I took it out of the box at home - so that’s a lesson to always check the bottle in every box before leaving the store. Price: $115 Would recommend: maybe 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.