Review #045 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 18 years, first and second fill American oak and ex-sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs start forming quickly. Nose: 15/20 Baking spices, strawberries, plumbs, crunchy pears, and butterscotch. Initially it had a harsh alcohol forward nose, but that dissipated after letting it rest about 15 minutes. Palate: 30/40 Mouthfeel is a little thin, and I’m not getting any big flavors standing out. I get honey, applesauce, brown sugar, grain cereal, and orange zest. The flavors play together nicely but it’s very mild. Finish: 33/40 Medium length finish. Chili pepper heat kicks things off, and as that fades it leaves behind orange citrus before transitioning to vanilla and cinnamon. Ends on a semi-bitter floral note. With Water: Water brings out some additional stone fruit flavors to the palate, plumbs and peaches. The finish ends on a salty note now and the floral notes are gone. Total: 78/100 Final thoughts: Saw this lonely bottle sitting on the shelf in the hotel bar, and couldn’t pass it up when the bartender told me the price. In fact I ordered a double, and I’ve had much worse for the price. Glad I had the opportunity to try this one, it was enjoyable to drink but I’m a bit disappointed by how mellow it is. The bottle was below 3/4 (when I usually hurry up to finish mine) and who knows how long it’s been open, so that could be a factor. This might be good for someone getting their feet wet with scotch, but I can also think of others that are more enjoyable for a lower price point. Price: $15 pour, my local liquor store sells these bottles for $150 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.