Review #096 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, sherry-seasoned oak Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are very slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Dried figs, sticky raisins, dark chocolate, dried apricots, berry compote, that smell that you experience when opening an old book, and a dash a nutmeg. It’s not especially intriguing or complex, but remains a very inviting dram that I could happily sit and nose for a long time. Palate: 31/40 Unlike the nose, the palate leans more spicy than fruity. Nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, and oak spice are the predominant flavors. Dogging a bit deeper with some additional time to rest, there’s subtle hints of toffee and raisins also. Finish: 28/40 Medium-short finish. Mostly a continuation of the palate. Nutmeg, bitter and zesty orange peel, a pinch of salt, and a little oak spice on the onset. As those fade, they’re replaced by mild notes of raisins and ginger, mingling with another flavor I can’t quite place, but my initial impression of it is old metal nails in a dusty cardboard box. I’ve got no idea what that might taste like, but I imagine it might be something like this mystery flavor. This strange combination progressively fades in a manner as if they’re being diluted with gradually more and more water. With Water: A couple drops of water increase the sweetness of the chocolate aroma of the nose to make it more like milk chocolate. There’s a little additional zest and sweetness on the palate, though I can’t really say what flavors I should be attributing these changes to, and a bit of fresh wintergreen leaf at the end of the finish. Total: 76/100 Final thoughts: On this nose, this is a dram that just smells old. The fruit aromas are those of dried ones, the chocolate is bitter and not sweet, and it reminds me a bit of being in a library. Then you get past the delightful nose and it seems to just fall flat. I bought this bottle a few years ago while on sale, but a 43% NAS chill-filtered bottle such as this is not the type I’d buy today. After getting around to opening it and having a few drams, I think it’s perfectly fine and enjoyable, but not for the price point, and not a bottle I’d recommend anyone else buy. I’d bet most of the liquid blended in here is rather old, and that some of those casks used were remarkable. Unfortunately after being watered down and chill-filtered, the liquid in this bottle is not. Price: $280 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.