Review #078 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46% Comments: NAS, matured in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Black smoke and vanilla are most prominent. There’s also hints of barbecued meats, rusted metal, and briny coastal breeze. Strangely enough, maybe a few soap suds also? Palate: 34/40 Sooty ashes and smoked ham greet the palate. Searching deeper, there’s adhesive bandages (reminds me of how Laphroaig 10 smells), heavy cream, vanilla, black pepper, and citrus zest too. Finish: 32/40 Medium-long finish. It’s soot and wet ashes that kick it off, and this runs through to the end mingling with some mild briny and rubber flavors, then a bit of oak spice appears at the very end. With Water: A couple drops of water makes the nose is a bit sweeter, with yellow apples and cinnamon sugar. It also introduces some spicy oak tannins to the palate, but dilutes the other flavors too much. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a really nice whisky, but it’s not worth the price tag. I’m glad I had an opportunity to try it, but I’m sorry I had to buy a whole bottle to do so. I like the influence that the heavy charred casks had on the spirit, but watered down and muted a bit too much I think. I can’t help but wonder what the committee release version tastes like. Price: $110 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.