Review #075 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 15 years, matured in a combination of 1st-fill bourbon and sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Plumbs, raisins, vanilla, cinnamon, dark chocolate, subtle sweet smoke, old worn leather, and a hint of orange zest. It’s sweet, but also a bit earthy and musty, and nicely complex. Palate: 33/40 Ashes, bitter dark chocolate, orange rind, peat smoke, spicy oak tannins, burnt caramel, salt, and spent coffee grounds. Finish: 33/40 Medium-long finish. Its peppery, invoking flavors reminiscent of barbecue, a bit of baked apple sweetness appears along with some licorice as it slowly mellows out, ending with subtle hints of bitter oak tannins. With Water: A couple drops of water enhances the smoke profile on the nose and introduces some sticky sweet dark fruit notes to the palate. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a whisky that I think that surprises and punches above expectations. For starters, it’s not as fruity or sweet as I thought it might be based on the cask types and nose. Also the flavor profile and length of the finish are pleasantly bold, complex, and long for only being bottled at 43%. This is a solid bottle and nice slow sipper that I’ll probably eventually replace once it’s empty. Price: $95 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.