Sample A: On the nose I found cinnamon and honey, wasn't overpowering, fairly subtile. The taste was rye like spice, floral, herbs, caramel and some maple. The finish had spice that lingered for quite some time - but wasn't overly strong. A dash of water made it more floral on the nose and more rye spice, with the taste becoming more bitter - I would prefer this neat. Rated this 3.5 / 5.0 - This one turned out to be the Black Maple Hill. While it was good, at about $90 a bottle it would be hard justifying purchasing.
Sample B: On the nose I got eucalyptus and tea coming through. The taste I found bitter tea, some grain funk, orange and some ripe fruit. The finish gave me a long herbal finish, bitter tea, and some wood. With water I found the nose more enjoyable - relaxed and inviting. Still got the bitter tea on the taste with some spice as well, I probably liked this one a bit more with water. Rated 3.25 / 5. 0 - This was the Westward. Once I noticed the bitter black tea it was hard to ignore, but I thought it was pretty good overall. At about $70 a bottle I can't see buying this again though.
Sample C: On the nose I got pepper, mint and orange juice. The taste was suite fruit and wood. The finish was dry wood with some spice heat as well. With water I got a bit more sour on the nose - possibly wood along with apple. Fruity on the taste, but the finish seemed more thin, would prefer this one neat. Rated 3.25 / 5.0 - This was the Starward , and was all right overall. At about $32 a bottle, it held its own vs the two other higher priced Whiskies tonight.
While the Black Maple Hill was the best of the three in my opinion - the Starward was clearly the best value. They make a single malt that I might have to try. Cheers!
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