Review #097 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 52.5% Comments: NAS, American oak and European sherry-seasoned oak Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Very sweet, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, caramel, sticky raisins, and floral honey, but also balanced by a bit of citrus in the form of fresh grapefruit and lemon zest. Palate: 34/40 Nice oily mouthfeel. Oak spice dominates, accompanied by milder flavors of burnt toffee, black tea, and some lemon rind. It’s not very dynamic, and a stark departure from the sweetness of the nose, but has a nice warming effect, just short of being hot. Finish: 31/40 Medium finish. Oak spice carries through to kick things off, then there’s a brief bite of black licorice, which is quickly replaced by dark chocolate and a bit of juicy orange, ending on a very smooth note. With Water: A few drops of water introduces a whiff of grape jelly to the nose, some milk chocolate sweetness to the palate, and a bit of salinity to the end of the finish. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: This is an interesting bottle. It’s a bit one-dimensional and yet all over the place at the same time. Nothing about it is complicated, which makes it very approachable, but the fact that the nose, palate, and finish are all radically different keeps it interesting. And I might argue that the best part about this dram is the mouthfeel, not the flavor. Price: $95 Would recommend: maybe 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.