Review #081 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50.1% Comments: NAS, spirit made using roasted black malt, cask types not disclosed Tasted after: Ardbeg Ardcore Appearance (no score): Pale straw color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it beads up very quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Sweet vanilla, caramel, oak spice, nuts, brown sugar, and little peat smoke. There’s also a hint of something chemical, pool chlorine perhaps? Palate: 28/40 Very mild. It’s nutty with a whiff of savory smoke, a little dark chocolate, and a drop of molasses. I’m really struggling to find anything else. Finish: 30/40 Medium finish. Ashes and oak spices transition to a flavor which reminds me of having just ate some extra dark chocolate. It ends with a slight menthol note and cooling sensation. With Water: A couple drops of water add yellow pears to the nose, a little salt to the palate, and amplifies the oak spices in the finish. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: Generally I really like the Ardbeg committee releases, but this one falls short. It was fun though to try this after the 46% release and see how different the flavor profile is. This whisky is very smooth for being 50.1%, but it’s also lacking bold flavors and complexity. It’s a fine sipping dram but not one that I’d ever seek out. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample 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.