Review #057 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 61.2% Comments: NAS, matured in Spanish oloroso sherry butts, this bottle was from batch no. 70 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, begins to bead quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Raisins, milk chocolate, nuts, raspberries still on the vine (subtle aroma, a bit sweet, but grassy and floral also), and a hint of an earthy, oaky aroma lingering in the back. Palate: 34/40 I’m never prepared for how hot this one hits, you can taste all of the 122.4 proof. My taste buds acclimate after a couple sips though, and I first notice bitter oak tannins and leather. It’s subtly sweet also, and a few more sips starts to reveal plumbs, red berry fruitiness (can’t quite pinpoint a specific type), and dark chocolate. Finish: 32/40 Medium length. Big tobacco notes to start with, then it becomes almost harshly bitter for a moment and I can’t help but think of grappa here. The bitter flavor subsides slightly but carries forward with lemon and orange peel. Ends on a mildly salty note with a subtle earthy flavor lingering in the background throughout. With Water: A few drops of water bring out sweet caramel notes on the nose. The sherry bomb explodes on the next sip now, way sweeter! Juicy honeycrisp apples and red currants on the palate. The bitterness of the finish has been significantly reduced, replaced by a honey sweetness. The semi-bitter citrus is still here but now leaving behind a semi-sweet chocolate flavor on the end. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a whisky that doesn’t just love water, it needs water. I went back and re-scored every category adding points after adding four drops. For me that was when it really started opening up as I wasn’t getting a ton of sherry influence prior. It’s too bad the finish isn’t longer, but overall this is a yummy one! Price: $77 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes 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.