Review #073 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 10 years, matured in ex-bourbon barrels 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: 18/20 I never get tired of the medicinal nose on this one. Adhesive bandages and iodine lead, accompanied by peat smoke, with softer notes of worn leather, cinnamon, green apples, and a hint of salty sea breeze. Palate: 34/40 Peat smoke, iodine, asphalt, old rubber tires, bitter black tea, and sea salt. It’s positively filthy and savory and delicious. There’s also hints of something sweeter though, with the smallest traces of vanilla and burnt caramel in the background, which become a bit more evident as I continue sipping. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. The smoke from the palate carries through to kick things off, but now it reminds me more cigar smoke. It quickly transitions to soot and wet ashes, and there’s a bit of citrus zest as it fades out. The ending taste on my tongue is of bitter black tea. With Water: A couple drops of water emphasizes the vanilla on the palate and introduces some subtle herbal flavors. Vanilla is also evident in the finish now, which is ending on a salty note that seems to have replaced the black tea. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: I think the nose is my favorite part of this bottle, the palate is very good also but the finish is lacking by comparison. I often joke with my friends that this is a whisky that separates the boys from the men (mainly because most of them don’t care for it). By contrast I never get tired of this dram - it’s always a delight, and kind to my wallet as well. Price: $49 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.