Review #056 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 16 years, matured in ex-bourbon American oak and sherry butts, this bottle was from batch no. AB16 2-21 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 The nose is subtle, but hands-down the best part. Vanilla and sugary caramel are most evident. Also picking up orange zest, nuts, and fruity pastries. It’s not complex, but I rather like how inviting it is. Palate: 26/40 The first thought that crossed my mind upon taking a sip was how watery this is. Like someone drank half the bottle and refilled it with water. What’s discernible is mildly floral, with hints of red delicious apple, orange peel, oak tannins, and brown sugar. Admittedly my palate is adjusting to this as I sip it more, but it’s still very underwhelming. Finish: 24/40 Medium-short finish. More dry oak tannins, actually noticeably drying out my mouth, accompanied by mild chili pepper heat and cinnamon. With Water: I almost skipped this step as I think the distiller already checked the box, but diligence calls for a few drops. The chili pepper heat on the finish is kicked up a notch, now more noticeable in the back of my mouth. There’s a new salty flavor introduced as the finish unfolds also. Total: 67/100 Final thoughts: I’ve lamented when reviewing bottles before about low ABVs and wished some had been left a few percentage points higher, but this so muted that it’s something else entirely. This bottle is criminally under-proofed. That being said, this isn’t a bottle that I disliked. The flavors that are here are good and play nicely together, they’re just incredibly stifled to the point of being almost dull. If this was a $50 bottle I would have given it a higher rating, but for the price it’s just a mistake I made with my credit card. Price: $102 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.