Review #068 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: aged 3 years, matured in ex-Tennessee whiskey casks from George Dickel distillery, 1 of 6,000 bottles Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Pale gold color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla, crisp pears, apple skins, white bread loaf, and lemon peel, but more the rind than the zest. It’s nice, but also simplistic. Palate: 33/40 Very smooth (especially at this ABV) and nice mouthfeel. Oak tannins are the leading flavor, but they’re softer and a bit more subdued. Accompanied by vanilla, butterscotch, and the smallest hint of cinnamon. None of the flavors are bold, instead they all mingle together into something that’s subtle yet enjoyable. Finish: 32/40 Medium finish. Starts with intensifying butterscotch flavor, then transitions to burnt caramel, before becoming slightly spicy with oak tannins taking over. With Water: Adding a few drops of water didn’t have any noticeable affect. Total: 80/100 Final thoughts: I surprised myself with how fast I sipped through two sample pours of this while taking notes. It really is a lovely easy drinker, and I’m astounded by the quality for a 3 year old whisky. I’m glad they decided to bottle at 50% and not dilute it further. I’d wager that any casks from this same batch that make it to 10 years old will be something special. Price: $50 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.