Review #067 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, matured in refill American oak hogsheads, European oak Sherry casks, and refill casks with new ends, then married and finished in small oak casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 It’s fruit forward on the nose, with crips apples and orange zest. Sweet honey accompanies floral notes, and there’s a hint of black coffee as well. Palate: 28/40 Spicy and fruity. Stewed apples, mushy pears, orange peel, black pepper, cinnamon, and bitter oak tannins. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. Starts off as grain cereal before becoming dry and a bit bitter. Transitions to apple peel and grapefruit, then ending with more oak. There’s a wisp of smoke throughout the finish also, but it’s so faint you might miss it if you’re not looking for it. With Water: A couple drops of water enhanced the honey profile on the nose. It also introduced some nice charred notes on the palate and made the smoke on the finish a bit more evident. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: Not a bad bottle by any means, it’s definitely an easy drinker. Glad I picked this one up when I saw it on sale and had the opportunity to try it, but I won’t be replacing it once it’s gone. There’s other easy drinkers that I prefer and I don’t think it’s worth it at full retail price. Price: $51 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.