Review #044 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 12 years, European oak oloroso sherry maturation Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs don’t start forming moderately quickly. Nose: 16/20 Apples, sticky raisins, caramel, and warm banana bread. Palate: 28/40 Simple but nice. Mostly I get oak spices and tannins, but also getting subtle hints of salted dark chocolates, lemon zest, and dinner rolls. Finish: 30/40 Vanilla and butterscotch, for just a moment there’s chocolate covered cherries and maybe a hint of coconut, then ending on an earthy and salty note. Lots of good sweet flavors without being sickeningly sweet. The finish is moderately short and non-complex, but also has no noticeable alcohol burn. With Water: Short flight and was cut short by beginning our descent so wasn’t able to try. I’ll assess and update the next time I’m able to snipe a free upgrade to first class! Total: 74/100 Final thoughts: Thanks United Airlines for a free double pour at 32,000 feet somewhere between Burlington VT and Newark NJ. I guess all that work travel is finally starting to pay off… I’m surprised by how little sherry influence this has given 12 years of olorosso maturation. The oak influence is a lot more noticeable. Guessing this may be a byproduct of being watered down to 43% ABV and perhaps the use of 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. I feel like I’d enjoy this much more at +50% ABV. Price: complimentary with first class upgrade 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.