Note - I'm doing the Really Good Whisky Company Advent Calendar. I've also decided to pour these whiskeys "blind" (or at least as blind as I can), then providing nose, palate, and finish notes. I'll then look at the label, proof, cask type, etc. before writing my other notes. I'll be providing some guesses around things like proof and cask type and then seeing how much I missed the mark. Slàinte Mhath! Nose: Definitely Scotch territory again - going to guess Highland. Moderate intensity. Toasted cereal grain and green apples. Imagine Cheerios with a little added sugar and slices of green apple. There's some astringency, as well, like under-ripe green grapes. Light oak and vanilla character is weaved through, which makes me want to guess ex-bourbon cask with some decent age. As the glass slowly warms up, I'm getting accidentally fermented apple juice. You know - that jug you forgot in your fridge once, opened it, and got that blast of bright, acidic, borderline vinegar-y aromas? It's not super intense here, but definitely reminded of it. Sugar-y sweetness, but subtle. Lime peels, crushed citrus tree leaves. Berries are also popping out - that berry and grape combo, combined with that bright, acidic character is kind of like when you add blackberries and raspberries to moderately dry champagne along with a splash of super-acidic orange juice. Some lavender tucked in there, though that might be more of a general lamiaceae character. Palate: Lots of bright fruit character. Grapes, green apples, dry sparkling white wines. Toasted grains are joined by vanilla, cream, and sugar. That lamiaceae character is focused now mostly on mint, thyme, and that lavender eagin. Grassy - fresh cut wet grass in the hot summer sun. Apples, cinnamon, clove - but fresh, not in a pie. Lemon zest. Some definite oak coming through, though tannin content seems to be relatively subdued though still present. Reminded a little of Kirsch. Fresh cracked black pepper. Canned black olives sitting in the background. Proof seems to be moderate. Front and mid-palate focused. Bright without much midrange or foundation - almost "top heavy". Medium-light mouthfeel, with some exccellent oil content. Finish: No big splash to begin with, but instead those bright fruit notes stick around, along with the oak and some honey. Apricots, peaches, and bananas - softer fruit flavors. There's a small swell of ethanol, which dies back down and lets the oak come back through, along with some lavendar and general green vegetation. A touch of cinnamon and black pepper, barrel tannins kick in. We ride out on honey, vanilla, and fruit. Medium long finish. Other notes: I did a little better tonight - another Highland, though this is a blend with decent age (18 years) and moderate proof (93.6). I've done some digging and can't find any information about what they're sourcing, nor can I confirm the cask type, though ex-bourbon is common so I wouldn't be surprised if it was in play here. Contrasting this with my experience yesterday, I'm starting to get my bearings for this part of the world, this particular glass giving a more lively, spicy experience overall. One thing I'm still calibrating to is how different the oak influence is when dealing with a relatively cool, mild, consistent climate. Strong barrel character is such an integral part of bourbon that removing that piece of the puzzle really puts me off kilter. This was another fun experience, and getting more of a sense for the range of possibilites and variations is eye-opening. Though I DO wish this were a mostly American whiskey experience, I'm not at all disappointed so far. Until next time, cheers!