| Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year |
Bourbon |
9.1 |
Ancient Ancient Age 10 Year Notes
Despite the cheap plastic bottle, this is a surprisingly delicious bourbon. The low price makes it an incredible value
Nose
Bright fruits and a little bit of rye spice.
Palette
Like the nose, fruit and rye spice mix together, tempered with a little caramel.
Finish
Moderately long, a little bit of bite from the rye.
|
| Ardbeg 10 Year Islay Single Malt |
Scotch |
8.8 |
Ardbeg 10 Year Islay Single Malt Notes
Very nice smoke and peat, but it's surprisingly one-dimensional and has a somewhat unrefined finish. For this I would want the price to be a little lower.
Nose
Very smokey and peaty, hard to detect other scents.
Palette
Earthy with smoke and peat, though lighter than the nose. Also some citrus and vanilla.
Finish
Nice full finish but a little unrefined and a surprisingly aggresive bite.
|
| Ardbeg Corryvrecken Islay Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.4 |
Ardbeg Corryvrecken Islay Single Malt Notes
A great Ardbeg with very vibrant flavors. Although there is distinct smoke and peat, Corryvrecken also delivers a tropical character. A great scotch, though the Uigeadail has an overall better flavor profile and is a little cheaper.
Nose
Peat and woodsmoke mixes with floral notes and a very strong sense of clean cut grass.
Palette
It's more fruity upfront with berry and citrus (tangerine in particular) than other Ardbegs. There is a well-rounded smoke that is not too woody. However, the best way to describe this is "juicy".
Finish
Nice and long... a full experience of the balanced smoke/peat with a bit of toasted spice and bitter citrus.
|
| Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.6 |
Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Notes
My favorite of the standard Ardbeg expressions, this is an excellent scotch with classic Ardbeg peat/smoke balanced with a nice sweetness from the sherry cask aging.
Nose
Peat & woodsmoke, honey, raisin, fig, maybe a little hint of grapefruit.
Palette
Full body that is almost chocolatey, though its not as thick or complex as Lagavulin 16. A little licorice emerges followed by sweet notes like honey and apricot.
Finish
The sweet notes fade back to more smoke and peat. It's quite smooth considering the high ABV.
|
| Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Speyside Single Malt |
Scotch |
8.9 |
Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Speyside Single Malt Notes
A nice scotch that strikes a good balance between being a light and easygoing sipping drink and something with depth and complexity to it. Price is a bit high.
Nose
Compared to something like Glenmorangie 10 which is light and floral, this is dense and earthy with cedar, pine, peach, and nectarine.
Palette
Sherry-infused fruit mixed with oak, vanilla, and a little caramel.
Finish
Medium-long with fruit, caramel, and a heavy wood accent.
|
| Blanton's Single Barrel |
Bourbon |
8.7 |
Blanton's Single Barrel Notes
Only had a limited tasting. What I tried didn't live up to the hype. It's still a decent bourbon, but price is too high.
Nose
Spice is heavy at first, then some caramel and cinnamon.
Palette
Caramel and spice together, then a little oak and some mild citrus flavor.
Finish
Finish is surprisingly short... wood, sweet corn, a little caramel.
|
| Breckenridge |
Bourbon |
8.5 |
Breckenridge Notes
More marketing than anything else... it's got a decent taste but thin body and lackluster finish. It's also a bit pricy.
Nose
Strong corn/oak. Hints of buttery rye, butterscotch, honey.
Palette
More corn and a spicier oak than the aroma. Thinner body than expected. Rye and dry char.
Finish
Suprisingly short finish with a bit of spice. Disappointing.
|
| Buffalo Trace |
Bourbon |
9.1 |
Buffalo Trace Notes
This is a very reliably high quality bourbon. It is a little on the dry side with a shorter/muted finish. Still, there are no really no complaints at this great price point. Stands up to more expensive bourbons neat and great in cocktails.
Nose
Very forward with oak, also hints of brown sugar, honey, caramel, and a little citrus.
Palette
Sweet corn, wood, citrus, and caramel. Brown sugar comes out a little more here, with almost a burnt quality.
Finish
It's relatively short and dry. Nice and warming but flavors are a little muted.
|
| Bulleit |
Bourbon |
8.8 |
Bulleit Notes
Solid and versatile bourbon. It's great for cocktails but also stands up decent neat or on the rocks. It's comparable to something like Woodford Reserve in quality and price, though with a different character.
Nose
Caramel, oak, and some fruit.
Palette
Nose carries over. Also some cinnamon and rye spice
Finish
Moderately spicy finish with caramel, fades quite quickly.
|
| Bushmills Original |
Irish |
8.4 |
Bushmills Original Notes
Simple and smooth. No complexity but it's stands up better neat than Jameson or Tullamore Dew. It's great for mixing.
Nose
Sweet grain alcohol with hints of vanilla and honey.
Palette
Clean and straightforward palette with sweeter grain than Jameson or Tullamore Dew. There is honey, banana, and a little bit of black pepper.
Finish
The pepper spice leads to a surprisingly hot finish of short-moderate length. No sour notes like Jameson.
|
| Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Whiskey Bottled in Bond |
Rye |
8.6 |
Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Whiskey Bottled in Bond Notes
This is a rye whiskey with great balance of wood, spice, and sweetness. However, it is on the thin and watery side... there's very little mouthfeel. It also has an unrefined bite and a high asking price.
Nose
Crisp rye spice, bright burst of citrus, a little cardamom.
Palette
A deep peppery bite, peppercorn, and a little smoke all tempered with toffee and berries.
Finish
Shorter finish than expected with the spice from the nose coming back to linger a bit.
|
| Connemara 12 Year Peated Single Malt |
Irish |
8.7 |
Connemara 12 Year Peated Single Malt Notes
Peated Irish whisky... very interesting. It's not as strong as Islay scotches, instead blending some of the smoother and sweeter characteristics of Irish with the smoke and peat of scotch. It's pricey though.
Nose
Peat comes in upfront but then fades to green apple, pear, seaweed, and a little honey.
Palette
Fruit and sea notes ("seaweed" and "sea salt") mix with peat, smoke, and wood. Also a sense of earthy or mossy flavor.
Finish
Moderately long finish. Peat and smoke hang around the longest, but there is also a little bit of lemon zest. A little dry.
|
| Corsair Triple Smoke |
American |
8.0 |
Corsair Triple Smoke Notes
An interesting blend of three different malts that combines elements of scotch with American whiskey... but unfortunately it doesn't come together.
Nose
Funky peat with an acrid bacon.
Palette
Smoke and peat combined with cherry, hints of barley, and something like olive oil.
Finish
Medium with peat and woody notes... doesn't mix particulalrly well and there is a weird cloying sweetness.
|
| Cyrus Noble Small Batch |
Bourbon |
9.0 |
Cyrus Noble Notes
It's not amazing but rather a solid and very smooth bourbon with lots of liveliness and character at a good price point.
Nose
Well-rounded caramel, allspice, and a bit of leather.
Palette
Bright and lively spice with cinnamon, black pepper, caramel, and traces of apple and vanilla behind it... creamy but not too heavy.
Finish
Simple and smooth finish... mostly fading oak not too much complexity.
|
| Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel |
Bourbon |
8.9 |
Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Notes
Some similarities to BT (same company/mashbill) but woodier and sweeter. It's got a more mature finish, but overall I'd have to give BT the nod both for quality and price.
Nose
Light with caramel, brown sugar, and raisin. Not particularly complex.
Palette
Opposite of nose... deep and dark wood, strong brown sugar, followed by a leathery caramel.
Finish
Long, round, and a little spice with wood.
|
| Elijah Craig 12 Year |
Bourbon |
8.6 |
Elijah Craig 12 Year Notes
I compare this one most to Knob Creek because of how similarly bold and thick they are. Same issue with the finish, and it's not quite as interesitng so it falls a little short of KC. However, it's still a solid bottle at its price point.
Nose
An intense output of vanilla, citrus, a little bit of smoke, and something like amaretto?
Palette
Heavy and buttery with more citrus, some orchard fruit like apricot, and caramel.
Finish
Suffers the same issue as Knob Creek (perhaps because of its thick body) with a "too syrupy" finish.
|
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash |
Bourbon |
9.6 |
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Notes
Terrific bourbon that appeals very well to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. One of my favorites... just wish it was easier to find.
Nose
A fantastic combination of light and deep notes: citrus peel and lemon zest pair with dark maple and caramel.
Palette
Almost a pure enhancement of the nose: the caramel and maple become even deeper with vanilla milk and honey. Meanwhile, the citrus turns a bit bitter (in a good way) with some lemon zest.
Finish
Light oak paves the way to the finish, which is long and gentle with a touch of spice.
|
| Evan Williams Black Label |
Bourbon |
8.3 |
Evan Williams Black Label Notes
For a dirt-cheap bottle, this actually isn't too bad. I prefer it over the similarly-priced Jim Beam. It's not great, but it's not supposed to be. It is also a great budget option for cocktails.
Nose
All dark aromas... butterscotch, cherry, dark chocolate... along with a strong woody aroma that is a little off-putting.
Palette
Not quite as dark as the nose... the butterscotch comes over but it is paired with vanilla and sweet corn. It doesn't try to do too much, but it is decent at what it does.
Finish
Medium length but has a "raw" inelegant burn with red pepper spice.
|
| Four Roses Barrel Strength (GW, #48-2P, 11 Year, OESF) |
Bourbon |
9.3 |
Four Roses Barrel Strength (GW, #48-2P, 11 Yr, OESF) Notes
This is quite different from the regular single barrel. It's more subdued and not as vivid... not necessarily a bad thing. If the regular single barrel is a beautifully energetic teenager, this is a more mellow and matured adult. This expression is more herbal/floral, and although I typically do not prefer this to spicier notes, here it works very well. It isn't better than the regular single barrel, just different. But the higher price tag makes it an overall lower value.
Nose
Soft with a floral aroma plus mint, caramel, vanilla. Because of the additional alcohol, a bit of water opens up the flavors.
Palette
A heavier and creamier body than the regular single barrel. Smooth caramel mixed with grassy/herbal notes, followed by fruits like apricot and cherry.
Finish
Long finish with well-rounded vanilla, fading floral & wood hints, and a more noticeable alcohol burn.
|
| Four Roses Single Barrel (ME, #6-15, 9 Year) |
Bourbon |
9.4 |
Four Roses Single Barrel (9 Year) Notes
Bright and delicious! On taste alone it is superb, but the affordable price and wide availability make the standard single barrel expression a must-have. It's refined enough that there is really no burn even at 100 proof, and the nose and palette are very vivid.
Nose
Strong brown sugar, fruit, butterscotch.
Palette
Caramel first... then toffee, cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla. In the middle fruit and more sugar emerge.
Finish
Long with bright citrus and pepper followed by buttery caramel. The oak comes out in the finish as well.
|
| Four Roses Yellow Label |
Bourbon |
9.0 |
Four Roses Yellow Label Notes
This is a great value. It's a fairly straightforward bourbon. The finish is a bit unrefined (brash is how I would describe it), but despite this it stands up quite well neat and it's very versatile for cocktails. It also has a supremely good price point.
Nose
There is a surprising amount of spice, with caramel and honey underneath.
Palette
Warm spice, vanilla, and caramel followed by light fruits like apricot.
Finish
A bit of a quick and rough burn.
|
| George Dickel No. 12 |
Tennessee |
8.6 |
George Dickel No. 12
Decent whiskey that is great for cocktails and can hold its own to a degree neat/on the rocks. It's a superior alternative to Jack Daniels for Tennessee Whiskey.
Nose
Surprisingly sweet... candy, vanilla, honey.
Palette
Sweet vanilla and honey continue with citrus. Body is pretty thin.
Finish
The finish leaves a little bit of a strange taste in my mouth... almost carbonated... like after a soda
|
| Glenlivet 12 Year Speyside Single Malt |
Scotch |
8.5 |
Glenlivet 12 Year Speyside Single Malt Notes
It's a decent scotch... not nearly as good as revenue sales would suggest. It's one of those whiskeys that is just on the borderline of what I would drink neat.
Nose
Light with vanilla, apple, and malt.
Palette
Not quite enough texture... a little too watery. There is light vanilla like the nose with honey and some earthy cereal/barley.
Finish
Moderate length. A little dry with wood and oatmeal. There is also a weirdly sweet note towards the end.
|
| Glenlivet 21 Year Archive Speyside Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.1 |
Glenlivet 21 Year Archive Speyside Single Malt Notes
Excellent but overpriced. Make no mistake, this is very good and complex whiskey with a great balance among its multi-faceted elements. Simply put, the price is way too high, but it is something everyone should try at some point.
Nose
Warm fruit, sherry, malt, and cocoa. Possibly a hint of melon hiding somewhere in there...
Palette
At first it is light with apple and raspberry. Then, it starts to slowly transition to darker and heavier fruits: blackberry, raisin, fig, and a little cherry. Finally, smokey char and creamy malt enter.
Finish
Long and rich with fading smoke & malt, as well as a creamy velvet texture.
|
| Glenmorangie 10 Year Highlands Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.0 |
Glenmorangie 10 Year Highlands Single Malt Notes
Great baseline scotch. Even though I tend to prefer scotches with more smoke and peat, this has such a nice balance. It's very tasty and can be found at a great price point.
Nose
Potent floral and fruity notes emerge first, particularly citrus and jasmine, with light malt on the back end.
Palette
Light malt with a smooth texture. The floral qualities take a back seat here to honey, vanilla, citrus, and tropical fruit like pineapple.
Finish
A tropical fruity finish of fairly long length, ending with hints of jasmine and rose.
|
| Henry McKenna Sour Mash Straight Whiskey |
Bourbon |
8.3 |
Henry McKenna Sour Mash Straight Whiskey Notes
It's definitely got a blended whiskey taste that can be a little off putting. Not terrible, but nothing really special.
Nose
Sweet corn, a little bit maple syrup, oak.
Palette
Maple sweetness carries over, more oak, some "sour" notes.
Finish
Nutty, a bit dry... lingers a bit too long for what it is.
|
| Hibiki 12 Year Blended |
Japanese |
9.2 |
Hibiki 12 Year Blended Notes
Hibiki 12 is elegant and refined. There is no peat here, but it has a fantastic and unique Umeshu-infused flavor profile. The quality of this blended whiskey outstrips many single malts, and at its price point it is a solid value!
Nose
Soft grain with plum liqueur, malted vanilla, and floral scents.
Palette
The palette is very soft and smooth, though it isn't as creamy as expected. Plum & pear notes are dominant with a little bit of cherry blossom.
Finish
Quite crisp, not too long. The fruit notes give way to a buttery taste and texture.
|
| Isle of Skye 12 Year Blended |
Scotch |
9.0 |
Isle of Skye 12 Year Blended Notes
This is a very good blend... better than some single malt scotches and at a great price point. Full body but a little light finish.
Nose
Light and dark fruit mixed with a nice amount of smoke/peat.
Palette
Thick and bold... peat followed by char, some burnt sugar, citrus peel, dried fruit.
Finish
Dark earthy quality, wood, vanilla, smoke... but the finish comes and goes surprisingly quick.
|
| Jack Daniel's No. 7 |
Tennessee |
8.2 |
Jack Daniels No. 7 Notes
It's Jack... occasionally fun but not something I would drink regularly. It works best as a mixer.
Nose
Classic and strong "Jack" smell, charcoal, burnt sugar, candy corn.
Palette
A "fake" candy taste with strong caramel and vanilla. A little bit of light wood and burnt ash.
Finish
Unrefined burn with charcoal and burnt sugar.
|
| Jameson Original |
Irish |
8.2 |
Jameson Original Notes
It's good in cocktails and can be okay on ice, but doesn't hold up particularly well neat. It's more interesting than Tullamore Dew, though there is a sour note at the end which I don't like.
Nose
Strong grain alcohol with orchard fruits underneath... maybe a hint of apple juice.
Palette
Brash grain with some light malt and orchard fruit mixed in... a little unbalanced with the grain alcohol tending to overpower.
Finish
Short finish with oak but there is a brief sour note at the end, like rotten banana. Ice tempers this a little bit.
|
| Jim Beam White Label |
Bourbon |
7.7 |
Jim Beam White Label Notes
Not impressed with this. It's low in price and quality. All the flavors seem muddled by a watery taste.
Nose
Weak caramel, sweet corn, some spice.
Palette
Little excitement... everything is muddled by a watery taste
Finish
Finish is the same as the palatte with faint oak.
|
| Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch |
Bourbon |
8.8 |
Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch Notes
Good value. Nice body of oak with bold bourbon flavors, but the finish can have a syrupy sweetness which isn't my favorite.
Nose
Vanilla, caramel, a little bit of maple syrup.
Palette
Strong caramel, some spice, maple syrup... great bold flavors.
Finish
Not my favorite... weird syrupy sweet funky aftertaste.
|
| Koval Four Grain |
American |
8.4 |
Koval Four Grain Notes
An interesting blend of different grains which combine some very different characteristics. However, it has a weak/light body and a disappointing finish. It's also a little pricy.
Nose
Light spice, banana, cardamom... a little bit of rubber.
Palette
A little bit of each grain - caramel and malted barley, then peppery rye and closing with a sweetness from the wheat... it's a little too light with a weak leathery mouthfeel.
Finish
Shorter than expected. All of the notes from the four grains disappear pretty fast leaving behind an airy feeling..
|
| Lagavulin 16 Year Islay Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.7 |
Lagavulin 16 Year Islay Single Malt Notes
What I love about this scotch is that when you're engaged in the experience you can discover a rich and complex array of flavors. Yet, it's also nice to simply kick back and enjoy after a long day. It's both challenging and fulfilling. Definitely worth the price and better than many more expensive scotches.
Nose
Thick smoke/peat, a little caramel, orange zest, and a hint of iodine.
Palette
Multi-layered peaty goodness upfront, then orange, caramel, toffee, cherry. The body is oily and rich which makes it both a challenge and a pleasure to drink.
Finish
Nice and long fade of smokey malt and oak.
|
| Laphroaig 10 Year Islay Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.4 |
Laphroaig 10 Year Islay Single Malt Notes
Fantastic scotch for a great price. It's unabashedly smokey but surprisingly (and in contrast to most people it seems) it has more facets to it than Ardbeg 10 with a more refined finish. It's not quite as oily/thick as Laguvlin 16 which perhaps makes it "easier" and "not quite as challenging/fulfilling".
Nose
Campfire and char, seaweed/iodine, mixed fruit/briny salt, some vanilla
Palette
A medium body, crisper than Lag 16, with campfire smoke/ash followed by sweeter notes like butterscotch and taffy/candy.
Finish
Long smoke with a medicinal note.
|
| Macallan 12 Year Speyside Single Malt |
Scotch |
7.8 |
Macallan 12 Year Speyside Single Malt Notes
Too heavily sherried with a sickly sweet taste that does not agree with my palette. I feel as if it is something I should give another go since I had only a limited tasting... but to be honest I'm not sure I'd want to give it another try.
Nose
The nose is okay, mostly dominated by fruity notes like raisin, orchard fruit, sherry.
Palette
Falls apart here... overly sherried and woody with a sickly sweetness.
Finish
Continuation of the palette... with a little more oak.
|
| Maker's Mark |
Bourbon |
8.6 |
Maker's Mark Notes
Standard wheated bourbon flavors. A decent value and nice to have every now and then. Not my first choice for drinking straight.
Nose
Sweet spice, vanilla, caramel.
Palette
Same as nose with some extra nuttiness.
Finish
A little too sweet on the finish.
|
| Nikka Coffey Grain |
Japanese |
9.1 |
Nikka Coffey Grain Notes
Based on quality, you might never think it is a grain whisky. It's unlike any other Japanese whiskys... something like how you might imagine a Japanese bourbon might taste, but still with its own unique character.
Nose
Honey, vanilla, oak, hints of coconut and banana.
Palette
Delicious and creamy mouthfeel of sweet corn, coconut, hazelnut, and perhaps even a little bit of coffee (ironically).
Finish
Strong but relatively short finish with bold grit... fading traces of sweet cream and nuts.
|
| Noah's Mill 15 Year |
Bourbon |
9.1 |
Noah's Mill 15 Year Notes
For a 15 year bourbon at this price and availability this is great. It's got a very powerful, if a little one-note, flavor profile, and although it's a high proof bourbon it is surprisingly easy to drink. A splash of water can help to open up the nose and palette.
Nose
Rich dark fruit and vanilla.
Palette
Heavy body starting with dark fruits like cherry, then oak and crisp rye.
Finish
Long and strong with considerable heat. Oak fades with an almost medicinal bitterness.
|
| Oola Waitsburg |
Bourbon |
8.7 |
Oola Waitsburg Notes
An impressive bourbon for one so young... it's got a nice variety of aromas and flavors, thought it's a bit rough in some areas and a little dry.
Nose
Northwest fruits like apple and cherry, a bit of prune, vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Palette
It's a bold flavor with corn, oak, some vanilla and toffee... a little dry and watery though
Finish
Medium to long finish with oak and a bit of the fruit from the nose.
|
| Orphan Barrel Barterhouse 20 Year |
Bourbon |
8.7 |
Orphan Barrel Barterhouse 20 Year Notes
Heavy on the oak... understandable and expected of an old bourbon but surprisingly the taste isn't as rich or deep as the "oakyness" would suggest. However, it's too expensive. Forged Oak's superior taste and lower price makes it a much better deal.
Nose
Very strong wood/oak, nutmeg, vanilla, hint of creme brulee.
Palette
The wood/oak dominate a little too much over the other flavors, which include caramel, vanilla, and molasses. And yet, it isn't as deep as Forged Oak... there is a light "airyness" to the taste.
Finish
Leathery and long finish but too dry. Again... very strong wood/oak, but this time it's unbalanced with no other flavors to really compliment it.
|
| Orphan Barrel Forged Oak 15 Year |
Bourbon |
9.2 |
Orphan Barrel Forged Oak 15 Year Notes
As far as the Orphan Barrels go, this one is the best matching of price, age, and quality. It is very well balanced with just a hint of "over-oakyness" which I don't mind at all.
Nose
Deep charred oak, creamy caramel, toasted walnuts/almonds, and dark sweets.
Palette
Like all Orphan Barrels, the deep oak is paramount, yet not overpowering. Also vanilla, caramel, buttermilk biscuit, toffee, and hint of cinnamon
Finish
Very long finish of smooth oak with hardly any burn.
|
| Powers Gold Label |
Irish |
8.8 |
Powers Gold Label Notes
A great baseline Irish whisky... it's got more character than Jameson's or Bushmills at almost the same price.
Nose
The grain alcohol is obvious, but also orchard fruit, grass, and almost a pastry sweetness.
Palette
Light malt with a nutty and woody body... also a spiciness that isn't present in Jameson's or Bushmills.
Finish
More moderate finish after the spiciness of the body (less heat than Bushmills)... quite smooth, if a little brash.
|
| Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still |
Irish |
9.2 |
Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still Notes
Exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, yet it has a complexity about it... mature might be the best way to describe it. It strikes a nice balance of classic Irish whiskey grain/malt with some fruity and spicy notes that let you know you are drinking Redbreast.
Nose
Malt and grain mix nicely with toffee, honey, maple syrup, and a little banana.
Palette
Smooth and oily with molasses and some light fruit notes like peach and pear. Something makes me think of marshmallows.
Finish
Long and fantastically balanced. A little coconut emerges towards the end.
|
| Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still Cask Strength |
Irish |
9.4 |
Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still Cask Strength Notes
Compared to the regular 12 year expression, the nose and palette are distinctly superior. However, the better finish between the two is debatable. Still, for only $15 more this is a clear winner. It is much more forward with the coconut, and it has a richer body that combines soft fruit with an almost bourbon-like profile.
Nose
Coconut is prominent, while the malt/grain are subdued. They blend very well with honey, toffee, maple syrup, and a milky aroma that makes me think of lattes.
Palette
Rich with more coconut, honey, and soft fruits like peaches, blackberries, & faint pear. There is also an almost bourbon-like balance of high alcohol, spice, and caramel.
Finish
The finish is a little shorter than the regular 12 year, with more burn due to the higher alcohol. The coconut is hardly detectable here, with vanilla graham cracker in its place.
|
| Rittenhouse 100 Straight Whiskey Bottled in Bond |
Rye |
9.4 |
Rittenhouse 100 Straight Whiskey Bottled in Bond Notes
This is to rye whiskey what Wild Turkey is to bourbon... perhaps even a little better. It's great neat, with a little water or ice, and mixed in cocktails (makes a mean Old Fashioned). High quality, great versatility, and low price = exceptional value!
Nose
The nose is surprisingly light. There is black pepper, oak, and vanilla with only a hint of rye.
Palette
The rye comes across as bolder on the palette. There is a strong fruity note like an Asian pear. Also vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves.
Finish
The finish is nice and long with smokey/tobacco notes... it's almost scotch-like. Hints of charcoal and black tea. Interestingly, with ice the smoke almost completely disappears and the finish becomes dominated by rye spice.
|
| Riverboat |
Rye |
8.3 |
Riverboat Notes
A brash, young rye that is quite rough on the edges. It's decent in cocktails but not the best neat. However, it's affordable and unique because it's an unfiltered rye.
Nose
Leather, tobacco, peppery spice, hint of citrus.
Palette
More of the leather and spice, faint oak overpowered by some kind of nutty flavor and a strong bite.
Finish
Long finish with a somewhat unpleasant bite.
|
| Rowan's Creek 12 Year |
Bourbon |
9.2 |
Rowan's Creek 12 Year Notes
Great whiskey with a very nice combination of sweetness, spice, fruit, and a little heat. It's very accessible yet still interesting. Rowan's Creek gets the nod over Noah's Mill because overall it's better integrated and has an even better price point.
Nose
Sweet fruit/peach, honey, vanilla, and even some floral notes
Palette
Compared to Noah's Mill which is dark and heavy, Rowan's Creek is on the lighter and more balanced side. The qualities of the nose mix with baking spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Finish
The spice gives way to more vanilla/oak in a finish of nice moderate length.
|
| Russell's Reserve 10 Year Small Batch |
Bourbon |
8.9 |
Russell's Reserve 10 Year Small Batch Notes
Classic bourbon flavors. It's good but the flavor falls short of the bolder WT101, the burn is surprisingly much, and price is higher.
Nose
Creamy sweet toffee/vanilla/brown sugar.
Palette
Toffee, vanilla, oak, a little rye kick comes out in middle, some leather/tobacco notes
Finish
Finish is a little thin, surprising burn for proof... more aggressive than single barrel
|
| Russell's Reserve Single Barrel |
Bourbon |
9.7 |
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Notes
Once of the best whiskeys I've had. The RR single barrel has a superbly complex nose and flavorful palette. Although it's a non-age statement bourbon, it's miles beyond the 10 Year Small Batch, much more refined and smoother despite the noticeably higher proof. In terms of pure quality it's better than any Wild Turkey expression. Non-chill filtering is a bonus!
Nose
Very complex... I feel like something new comes out each time. It most prominently features rich caramel, brown sugar, and rye spice, with subtle fruit notes in the background.
Palette
Deep and dark fruits like cherry come out much more strongly on the palette. This mixes with strong baking spices like cinnamon and aromas from the nose, all wrapped up in a buttery texture.
Finish
A long and smooth end with dark fruit and caramel trailing off, leaving behind a fading oak flavor.
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| Talisker 10 Year Single Malt |
Scotch |
9.2 |
Talisker 10 Year Single Malt Notes
A solid and classic scotch that brings together some fantastic and contrasting flavors/aromas. For the price I'd prefer a little more from the "Islay" end of the spectrum.
Nose
Well integrated nose... full of smoke, char, vanilla, graham cracker, and a hint of dried fruit (raisin, apricot).
Palette
Like the nose, the flavors here really go well together. There is a great balance of wood, smoke, and fruit/sweetness, with just a touch of the iodine that Laphroaig is known for.
Finish
A medium-to-longer finish but it maintains a "crisp" quality that opens up to malt.
|
| Tullamore Dew |
Irish |
8.1 |
Tullamore Dew Notes
Basic and boring. Nothing seriously wrong with it... but nothing interesting either. It's more savory than Jameson or Bushmills. Best for cocktails.
Nose
Pungent earthy tones, mint, and grain alcohol.
Palette
Sweet and relatively smooth but also muddy and unbalanced. Banana, green grass, and grain alcohol all appear but are "muddied" by "messy" sugar.
Finish
Moderately finish. The banana gives way to savory milk.
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| W.L. Weller Special Reserve |
Bourbon |
8.9 |
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Notes
It's got some rough edges, but at its price point it's a good value. It's also excellent for cocktails.
Nose
Spice and caramel mix together around a core of toffee and vanilla.
Palette
Sweeter than the nose, with mild baking spice emerging and vanilla/toffee becoming more present.
Finish
A little unbalanced and rough with too much alcohol.
|
| Watershed |
Bourbon |
8.1 |
Watershed Notes
A unique four-grain bourbon that uses spelt... but because of that it's got a weird taste. Not preferred and pricy.
Nose
Weak nose... hints of cedar and pine, crisp citrus.
Palette
Unrefined peppery bite with too sweet caramel... unbalanced.
Finish
Light burn that lingers a bit too long.
|
| WhistlePig 100/100 Straight Whiskey (10 Year) |
Rye |
9.5 |
WhistlePig 100/100 Straight Whiskey
Great balance, quite smooth for a rye. Solid and versatlie (very good neat but great with cocktails). High price tempers ratings a little.
Nose
Allspice, rich caramel/vanilla, aged wood.
Palette
Full bodied, rich caramel/vanilla, only a little rye bite.
Finish
Creamy finish with some spice, almost chocolatey.
|
| Wild Turkey 101 |
Bourbon |
9.4 |
Wild Turkey 101 Notes
Virtually unbeatable value! It's not particularly complex, but it excels at what it does: bold and classic flavors that come across smoothly even at 101 proof. It's incredibly versatile: not only is it great neat, with water, or on the rocks, but it makes killer cocktails. This is one of the main benchmarks I measure all bourbons against.
Nose
Caramel is strong upfront, but it gives way to vanilla, toffee, and nutmeg. There's a faint hint of something almost like burning rubber, but it's intriguing rather than off-putting
Palette
Comes on very smoothly with strong peppery spice, sweet corn, more caramel, and a little oak.
Finish
The finish is moderately long with that signature "Wild Turkey" warming sensation (not really a "burn" because it's so nice). More oak on the back end as it fades.
|
| Willett Family Estate Single Barrel (#7143, 136/180, 9 Yr) |
Bourbon |
9.0 |
Willett Family Estate Single Barrel (#7143, 136/180, 9 Yr) Notes
There are some truly great and bold flavors here. However, the price is quite steep (understandably given its rarity) for the quality. Overall, I think KBD's small batch bourbon offerings like Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek are better values.
Nose
Nutty aromas, sweet caramel, and toffee. Honestly, the nose is a bit disappointing, perhaps owing to the high alcohol (though even a little water doesn't open it up much).
Palette
Where the nose falters a bit the palette more than makes up. It starts sweet with toffee, cinnamon, and caramel. Then it gives way to a more smokey character paired with dark fruit on the back of mouth. Everything is well-rounded and full of flavor.
Finish
Noticeably more heat than Noah's Mill, but it still retains good balance with oak, roasted nuts, and a little black pepper.
|
| Willett Pot Still Reserve |
Bourbon |
8.7 |
Willett Pot Still Reserve Notes
Nice bourbon; even nicer bottle. Solid flavors, though vanilla is a little heavy. Priced too high.
Nose
Vanilla, light toasted oak, some spice.
Palette
More light spice, vanilla, and caramel, very smooth.
Finish
Smooth finish... the light spice carries through.
|
| Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select |
Bourbon |
8.8 |
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Notes
Super smooth but a bit one-note/on the boring side. It's nicely versatile and a great mixing bourbon, but for what it is the price is high.
Nose
Very sweet caramel, oak.
Palette
Strong mouthful of wood/oak, caramel, then roasted nuts.
Finish
Long finish of oak to spice, but a bit flat/dull.
|
| Zackariah Harris |
Bourbon |
7.5 |
Zackariah Harris Notes
Very poor quality... got this as part of a burger/beer/bourbon special... not something I'd choose to drink again.
Nose
Overpowering alcohol smell with hints of burnt rubber.
Palette
Again, alcohol dominates... there's very little else to detect, although there are traces of the oak and something bitter (cloves?).
Finish
Hot and burly... it's got a kick though at the end you do get some notes of cinnamon and vanilla
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