Review #063 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46% Comments: NAS, matured in ex-bourbon, finished in tokaji dessert wine casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Very light, sweet, and delicate. Port wine, vanilla, caramel, apricots, and a sweet pastry note that reminds me a little of a frosted fruit danish. Palate: 33/40 Nice almost creamy mouthfeel. Honey, green apples, yellow pears, orange peel, and bitter dark chocolate. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. Honey, almonds, nutmeg, and candied oranges get it started, then chalk, black pepper, and bitter oak tannins on the backend. With Water: The Port wine I was smelling on the nose is gone, instead I’m now reminded of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Less sweet, with hints of cinnamon and baking spices that I don’t recall smelling earlier. The palate has some additional mineral and malty notes, and on the finish I get some creamy vanilla, which helps round out the oak bitterness. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: This is an enjoyable easy sipper for sure but it’s not exactly very dynamic or inspiring. I think I really struggle with how bitter the finish is relative to the nose and palate, it doesn’t match up with the sweet profiles they convey. It’s very sweet and mellow, and I don’t regret buying it, but to be honest there’s other bottles I’ve found myself reaching for when I’m in the mood for something like this, such as Clynelish 14 (which is also a better value). Price: $99 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.