There’s no two ways about it - if you’ve seen, smelled, or tasted St. George Baller Single Malt Whisky, you know you are beholding something unique and funky. Whether it’s funky in a good or bad way is completely up to you. I’ll refer you to @dubz480 ‘s review for details on this whisky’s production. This elusive bottle can be very hard to track down. It can also be very hard to find a pour. When I finally came across a bottle of this at a bar with it tucked up on the top shelf between Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon and Clase Azul Reposado Tequila, I was excited and then terrified at how much it would set me back. When barman informs me it’s $19 a pour, I’m almost relieved. It’s pricey but doable and I don’t have to gamble on a bottle. Thankfully he also gave me a very generous pour for that $19. Let’s get into those notes (with the caveat that it’s a public tasting). Nose: Sweet and tangy dark fruits, intense lychee, rice, and strong smoke notes. The smoke is more like fireplace than campfire or barbecue. Palate: Light bodied and crisp, with loads of flavors and textures going on but at their heart, they are youthful. Sweet and smokey hits first, then the acidity of the wine comes into play with some brine. Notes of lychee, overripe black plums and persimmons dominate the fruit, and the smoke from the nose becomes ash. There’s not much in the way of medicinally smokey notes, it’s just ashy. The rice paper/rice tea flavor is prominent enough to make you think there was rice in the mash bill. Finish: Pretty short, and dominated by ash and overripe fruity sweetness. Impressions: It’s definitely unique. The youth hurts this one a little bit for me, because while the variety of casks and finishes have done a lot to cover that youth up, it still comes through as a ricey graininess covered up with smoke and wine. It’s a bit discordant to me, but it’s almost there as far as quality product goes. Also of note, this dram strikes me a bit like cotton candy does - not in flavor or sweetness - but because both are unique, there’s nothing else really out there to compare them too, and after a taste or two - I’m good, I don’t really need any more. All of this is likely why it’s recommended to try this in a highball (hence the “Baller” namesake), but the asking prices make it seem crazy to use this as a mixer. 3.0 ~ Average* *Yes, I’m completely aware of the irony in rating this “average” considering there is nothing middle of the road about this dram. But 3.0 seems about right considering other drams I’ve given the same rating based on my overall impressions. Your mileage will likely vary...