24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 23

Next to last one of the 24 Days of Whisk(e)y ... I know how many of the various types of whisk(e)y I bought, so as long as I didn't mess anything up, tonight should be a Scotch (:

On the nose... it sure seems like Scotch. Malty, floral, honey, a hint of smoke. There is alcohol present on the nose, but it doesn't seem overly strong, maybe around 45% ABV or so. The taste is honey, pepper and a little smoke and ash. The finish is black pepper with ash at the end that lingers. 

Water initially brings more alcohol to the nose, but then highlights the honey. The taste seems a bit warmer as well, and the black pepper on the finish seems more like a hot pepper, and there seems to be less ash on the finish too. Overall, this is nice - could sit and sip on this one all evening. I'll rate it 3.75/5.0.

Tonight's bottle was Ardnamurchan, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.8% ABV, no age statement, from Glenbeg, Ardnamurchan Scotland. This one cost a bit under $70. I don't recall why I bought this bottle - I might have seen a review of it, or maybe it was just a random purchase to round things out. Either way, I give it a thumbs up. 

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 22

Day 22... Happy Monday! We'll see what tonight has in store for us...

On the nose, this is herbal, molasses, black tea, minty... it's a bit proofy, but nothing like last night. Looks like it might be a rye again. The taste, I get the black tea, herbal, sweet molasses - overall this is pretty nice. 

The finish, I get a little pickle juice, a tartness I can't quite place. It lingers for a while. Adding water, the nose, taste, and finish are all sweeter. This is pretty solid, and the best rye I've had in a while... well, if it's a rye (: I'll rate it 3.75/5.0, guessing over 50% ABV but lower than 60%.

Willett Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye, Bottled at Cask Strength, Willett Distillery, Bardstown, KY, Aged in hand selected white oak barrels for 4 Years, 54.3% ABV. I've had different bottles of these over the years, and some are better than others. This one I'd say is a better one. They usually run around $70, so the price is getting up there a bit, and they are sometimes hard to find. Pretty good overall though, and I'd say usually worth getting.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 21

Day 21 ... here we go. Tonight's bottle is proofy for sure, the nose is hot. After getting acclimated a bit, I do get spice, brown sugar, mint and maybe some orange. The taste is very proofy - I honestly couldn't get past the proof on my sips to come up with anything else. Going back to the nose after a few sips I think I get a touch of dill too - so I'm guessing this is a rye and it has to be 60% ABV or more.

The finish I get some brown sugar in the front, drifting to pepper and then a numbness - likely from the proof. I did a few rounds of adding water to where I could get some notes on the taste, likely proofing it down to 50% or so. The nose got more floral and brown sugar, and more minty as well. The taste finally got to where I got some nice rye spice, which carried over to the finish as well. On a different night, this might hit me better, and it's good overall, but tonight I'll rate it a 3.5/5.0. The bottle tonight...

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye, bottled 2024-02-23, distilled in Lynchburg, TN, No age statement, but most estimated put it about 8 years. This one came in at 66.05% ABV - Yes, 132.1 proof. I have had other bottles of this in the past, and enjoyed them more than this one tonight - so I'll have to give this another try another night and see what I think. 

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 20

Closing in on the end of another 24 Days of Whisk(e)y - always a good time (:

Tonight's pour has a really nice nose. It's malty, and I get honey, bread, orange furniture polish, and cereal. At first I didn't think there was peat or smoke, but it's there, just in the back quite a bit. The taste is peppery, honey, malty and a light ash. This seems under 50% ABV, I'd guess around 45%.

The finish is peppery, sweet, honey and then turns to ash and dirt (in a good way). With water, the nose seems the same, the taste is quite a bit sweeter and the finish is sweeter as well. Overall, this is really nice - I'm guessing it's a Scotch, and will rate it a 4.0/5.0

We were drinking Deer, Bear & Moose 2011, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Distilled at Isle of Jura Distillery, Scotland, aged 11 Years ... Natural Cask Strength at 59.2% ABV. I did *not* get the proof on this one, it drinks surprisingly smooth for nearly 120 proof. These are Flaviar exclusives, and I believe I bought this one on sale for about $70 and it is certainly worth that. Cheers!

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 19

Friday! Hmm, what should I do this evening? Oh yeah, drink some Whisk(e)y (:

For this one, on the nose it's pretty mild, but interesting. I'm guessing it's below 50% ABV, I get some sweet tea, mint, herbal, maybe some malt as well. Nothing is overpowering, but there feels like there is a lot going on. On the taste I get peppery up front, then sweetness, juicyfruit gum, maybe some orange. It's nice - but now I'm thinking maybe under 45% ABV. If it is - it has a lot of flavor a low proof offering.

The finish is sugar, pepper, brown sugar along with a touch of bitter at the tail end. Overall this is enjoyable for sure. With water the nose seems to have more proof initially, but then that fades, and I still get the sweet tea, maybe a bit more of it and the malt is still there too. The taste seems to have more tea now... the finish is a little more dry and bitter. This is quite nice - it's not too complex, but it's interesting enough for sure. I'll rate it a 3.75/5.0 ... I'm not really sure what it is ... a rye from the sweet tea and pepper? An Irish with the malt? Or maybe an American Single Malt... 

So American Single Malt it is. Wanderback American Single Malt Whiskey, Batch No. 6, 42.4% ABV. This comes from Wanderback Distillery in Hood River, Oregon, but it's distilled by Balcones Distillery in Waco Texas, 100% malted barely, aged a minimum of 3 years. We tried the Batch No. 5 last year, but that one was 52% ABV, and it really screamed butterscotch. After knowing what this is - I do get more of the malt for sure... and I can maybe get some butterscotch too (: Overall quite enjoyable, and the low proof doesn't hold it back. I look forward to drinking this one again and I may have to try it against Batch No. 5 sometime, which I rated 3.75 as well.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 18

Day 18 ... getting near the end of things here. What will tonight bring? Let's find out...

On the nose, this seems rather mild. There is some alcohol on the nose, but not in a high proof kind of way. I do get malt, caramel, maybe some apple and a touch of minty freshness. The taste has some heat up front, spicy - not proofy, along with some brown sugar, malt, and a touch of bitterness - maybe some wood. I would guess this is around 50% ABV or so.

The nose has a peppery spice, brown sugar, and sweet that lingers, along with a touch of bitterness again. With water, the nose is minty and floral, the taste is more sweet and maybe some more oak, and the finish is more sweet. Overall, this isn't doing it for me tonight, and I'll rate it a 3.5/5.0. It might be a Scotch or an American Single Malt - which is the way I'm leaning due to the fact it feels a bit off from a typical Scotch. It could also be a rye, but it's really malty.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey, made in Seattle, WA, 46% ABV, no age statement, other than saying a minimum of 40 months, using 100% malted barley. I'm wondering if it might be finished in something other than Oak to give it a bit of a different flavor, unsure. I'll have to try this again to see if I enjoy it more.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 17

Hump Day.... yet again. Tonight ... something tasty I'm sure (:

On the nose, it's a bit soft at first. I get fresh fruit, a touch of orange, apple, malt... it's floral, I think I get some chocolate or caramel as well, maybe a fruit syrup... but overall the nose is somewhat subdued. The taste ... first thing that comes in is the proof - this is probably around 55% ABV. It's sweet, fruity, reminds me of an overripe apple. Malty... brown sugar, creamy - but spicy - either from the proof or there is some hot spice there.

The finish, more of the hot spicy, fruit juice, fruit syrup, the finish lingers and is very nice overall. With water, I get some cereal on the nose, more malt on the taste, more sweet as well, but also more spicy. The finish seems more sweet and is like a fruit syrup. This is really nice, I'm guessing it's a high proof Irish Whiskey, and probably a well regarded one. I would rate this on 4.0/5.0. Try as I might, I can't forget all the bottles I bought to be in the 24 Days of Whisk(e)y - so I have a pretty good guess what this might be...

And that is what I was thinking - tonight's bottle was Mitchell & Son Blue Spot, Cask Strength, 58.4% ABV, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Aged 7 Years (rumored to be a blend of casks that are 7 to 20 years in age). This is a blend that was aged in bourbon barrels, sherry butts and Madeira casks. I've been wanting to try this for some time - but it can be hard to find. I got a bottle for right around $150 - so it's not cheap. I'll have to try this side by side vs some different Redbreast Irish Whiskeys to see how it fairs, but tonight - I liked this one quite a bit.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 16

Tuesday Whisk(e)y Time! Tonight... on the nose, peaty! I get the malt, ash, medicinal, toffee, some chocolate. I keep going back and fining more, including some savory bbq meat, really quite nice, the nose is excellent. The taste I get the sweet and savory, peppery heat, toffee, smoke and ash... and then even more pepper. As I acclimate to this, I also find on the taste the bbq meat I found on the nose. The finish has a spicy heat tingle on the tongue, char and ash that drifts away to be replaced with sweet toffee ... and then finally the heat comes back to linger.

With water the nose is similar, the taste seems more spicy and the finish is more sweet. This is quite excellent overall and well balanced. I'm pretty sure it's a peated Scotch, and I think it's probably around 55% ABV so likely cask strength. This is the best of the year so far... I don't think I can quite go to 4.5 for this, so I'll call it 4.25/5.0 - tonight bottle is...

Kilchoman Batch Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 57% ABV, no age statement. I've had other Kilchoman Scotch Whiskys before, but I'm pretty sure this is the only Cask Strength one, and this is certainly better than the other ones I've tried. A winner for sure, cheers!

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 15

Happy Monday to all of those that celebrate (: Day 15 ... we're starting the 3rd week of this - let's begin. On the nose, at first it seems rather nondescript, mostly neutral. If I go digging, I get vanilla, honey, frosting, malt, and maybe some spearmint too. The taste seems wine-ish, like this is sherry finished... along with some fruity and peppery and sweet. The finish is fruity as well, sweet that drifts off and leaves some oak bitterness. Everything about this seems to be pointing at sherry finished Irish or Scotch.

With water, I get some sour malt on the nose, the taste is similar and the finish seems more sharp with some oak bite and dryness. I enjoy this, but don't love it. I'm going to guess Irish at around 50% ABV and give it a 3.75/5.0 - tonight's bottle was ...

I did not see that coming - it didn't seem like a bourbon to me, but I haven't had many double oak (or toasted oak) bourbons ... so maybe I just don't have a good feel for these. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in a second toasted oak barrel. No age statement, but estimated to be 6 - 8 Year old, 45.2% ABV. I bought this on sale for under $50 ... and I'd say it's certainly worth that price.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 14

Lazy Sunday ... was nice enough out I walked down to Arch Bridge for a flight in the afternoon. It will be nice when the days start getting longer... sooooooooon!

Tonight's sample is quite malty on the nose. Bready, apple, honey, cookie. It's a touch spiky on the nose, probably from the proof, but overall this nose is very good. The taste is a bit of a let down in comparison. The malt is there, but it's sweet and vanilla for days. Very sweet. I thought I was getting a popcorn ball type flavor for a bit, but no... it's just sweet. The finish is sweet as well and lasts for a very long time.

With water it is more spicy on the nose and taste, it might open up some with water and I probably enjoy it a bit more. I'll rate this one 4.0/5.0 for the nose alone, it's really fantastic. I had a brief thought that this might be an American Single Malt - but I'm pretty sure it's Irish, and I'll guess in the 50% - 55% ABV range. 

Tonight we were drinking Redbreast Cask Strength, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 57.2% ABV, Batch No B1/23, aged 12 Years. I would not have guessed this one... but recent batches have been a bit different than the old ones I recall. I'll have to give it another try on a different night and see if I get anything different.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 13

Today was reasonably nice, got out and about for a bit, even got in a 5K run around the neighborhood - and now, time to drink some booze (:

The nose is malt, honey, molasses, marshmallow... I do seem to get a little sulfur or something earthy I can't quite place. At first I thought it might be peated, but the more I smell, the less I'm leaning that way. The taste is peppery, sweet molasses and fresh orange peel. The finish is malt, some pepper and then sweet at the end.

With water, it seems more peppery on the nose, and I think I do get some sulfur too. The taste is sweeter while the finish seems to get a little ashy. I'm guessing this is around 50% ABV and I will rate it a 4.0/5.0 - I do think it's Scotch, and it seems a little thin overall and I think it could be better balanced, but I do enjoy it. 

Ok, not what I was expecting. In the past, I have found Macallan Whisky to be smooth and a bit boring ... but still quite tasty, just not too exciting. This one seemed a little more interesting overall. Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Sherry Oak Cask, 43% ABV, 12 Year Old. This one cost right about $100, and while I enjoy it enough, I doubt I would buy it again.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 12

Friday! Weekend! Tomorrow is my 1 Year Anniversary from retirement ... at times the year has flown by, other times ... slow (: At the half way point... Let's give this bottle a try!

On the now, there is a light fruity note, peaty, ash, smoke, savory bbq, it's very nice. Very very nice. The taste initially strikes me a little thin, but very tasty. Ash, burnt wood, char, savory bbq meat, touch of matchstick. The finish is ash and char with a malty after-taste. I would guess this is around 55% ABV, and likely peated Scotch (or American Single Malt...). 

With water, the nose is less sharp, it's probably better. The taste seems more pepper and heat ... very spicy with water. The finish is more bitter and a lot of heat too. I like this quite a bit overall, with my only complaint is the mouthfeel seems thin. I'll rate it a 4.25/5.0 tonight. The bottle was:

Compass Box, The Peat Monster Cask Strength "Origin Story" - Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 56.7% ABV. Bottled Dec 2022, Edinburgh, Scotland, no age statement, but a blend of 9 - 12 Year Whiskies according to the blend wheel. I'll have to try this again to see if I like it as much as I did tonight, because it really checked all the boxes this evening.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 11

Thursday ... here we go! On the nose I get matchstick, spicy heat, sweet frosting and burnt rubber. I could nose this a long time as it's quite inviting. The taste is hot cinnamon, sweet frosting, hot pepper, char and ash. Mouth feel seems a little weak, like it might not be overly aged. 

The finish I get hot and spicy early on, the back end is very sweet with a hot pepper tinge, then drifts to a char and finally back to the pepper that lasts a long time. With water the nose has more fruit and sweet with a touch of fudge, the taste is more peppery as is the finish. It's worth trying both ways. I'm going to guess this is either an American Single Malt or Scotch that is peated, around 55% ABV. I will rate this a 4.0/5.0 ... it's good but doesn't seem well balanced overall. Tonight we were drinking ...

McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, Oloroso Cask Finished, Batch No. 5, 56% ABV. This is aged 6 years, distilled by Clear Creek Distillery, Hood River, Oregon, cost was $120. I was *really* looking forward to this on as the 6 Year PX Sherry Cask finished one from last year was the best of the bunch... so I'm a little disappointed here. It's still really good, and I will have to come back to it to see what my thoughts are on another night.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 10

Hump DAY ! ! ! Wednesday evening, day 10 ... time to taste some booze (:

This one the nose if malty and reminds me of juicyfruit gum. It's really fruity. The taste ... same ... fruity, maybe grape-ish, sweet. There is a touch of heat and maybe peppermint that builds a little. The finish is fruit juice sweet, a bit thin on the finish. 

Water adds, amazingly, more fruit on the nose - a touch of bitterness and less heat on the taste, and the fruit seems to last longer on the finish. With all the fruit, I'm going to guess this is a bourbon around 45% ABV. It could be sherry finished Scotch as well. It does seem to be one note - and tonight that one note gets a rating of 3.5/5.0 from me. On a different night if I was in the mood for it, this might be rated higher. Tonights bottle... 

Stranahan's Diamond Peak Single Malt Whiskey. This is Batch No 2, Aged between 5 - 8 years and then finished in Extra Anejo Tequila Casks for 2 years. Distilled in Denver, Colorado. After knowing what this was and going back to it - I should have known from the malt that it wasn't a bourbon. Adding water to it I could be convinced I am getting a touch of tequila, however, I haven't had hardly any 'good' tequilas, so I'm probably not the best to gauge such things. This did grow on me and I'll have to try it again on another night to see what I think.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 9

A rainy Tuesday here in Oregon City ... time for some Whisk(e)y to brighten the day (:

The nose on this one is very light - it's hard to get much of anything out of it. Seems like it's likely low 40% ABV range. If I really go looking I get a touch of mint, some floral and maybe some sweet frosting. The taste - a touch of spice, a little prickly, and maybe a touch of dill. The mouth feel is very watery - my first reaction when taking a sip is I'm drinking water before the alcohol kicks in to remind me it's not water. 

On the finish I get some pepper, some heat, maybe some wood and I think some pickle juice. It's brief and not all that impressive. With water, not much changes. I do get some more burn on the nose, so maybe it's a bit higher than 40% ABV, maybe a bit of wood on the nose too. Taste is similar, finish I seem to get a touch of cherry.

Overall, this is unimpressive. It's not bad, but there just isn't much going on. I'll rate it a 3.0/5.0 ... it's an easy sipper when you don't want anything interesting. I'm pretty sure it's a rye, but it could be a bourbon... hard to say for sure. Tonight we were drinking ...

Uncle Nearest Rye, 50% ABV, aged at least 4 years, sourced from Canada, aged in New York and Tennessee. It was all right, but for $45 it needs to be better.... might as well buy Old Forester Rye for $25 and save yourself some money (:

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 8

Happy Monday to those that celebrate ... starting week 2 of 24 Days of Whisk(e)y, here we go!

Tonights offering is certainly sharp on the nose, seems high proof, at least 50% ABV. When I get past the alcohol, I do find some mint and some baking spice, but the proof is hard to miss for sure. The taste I get an initial hot spiciness (possibly from the proof), baking spice, and wood. On the taste is is certainly a proofy one - maybe over 60% ABV. I'm thinking rye because I'm not really getting any bourbon notes.

The finish is woody, it has a spicy tingle and some mint. This seems to be screaming rye, that's for sure. I added a dash of water and things didn't change much, so I added a little more water - and with that the taste did get sweeter and it seemed like I was getting some cherry too. I would rate this 3.75/5.0, and it was more enjoyable with some water that likely brought the proof down below 50% (I'm guessing...) Anyway - tonight bottle was ...

Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength - Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 57.4% ABV, Aged 9 Years 8 Months. This was a store pick, recipe OBSK, and cost $100. It was a good addition to 24 Days of Whisk(e)y, but I don't think I would pick up a bottle of this for myself at that price.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 7

Sunday ... wrapping up week one of 24 Days of Whisk(e)y ... time to see what tonight will bring.

On the nose, this is really pleasant. I get some yeasty bread, sweetness I can't quite place, clove and fruit. I could nose this all night, it is really nice. The taste I get honey, malty and sherry. The taste is really nice as well.

The finish is a dark brown sugar with some clove and bright cherry that lingers. With water there is more cherry on the nose, taste, and finish. It probably doesn't need water, but I figured it might be interesting to try it that way. I'm guessing this is around 45% ABV and an Irish Whiskey. It's quite tasty, and I will rated it 4.0/5.0 Tonight's bottle was...

Redbreast Lustau Edition, 46% ABV. Matured in traditional bourbon and sherry casks for a period of 9-12 years, then finished for 1 additional year in first fill hand selected sherry butts that have been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry from the prestigious Bodegas Lustau. I had tried this previously in 2019 and rated it a 3.75/5.0 that time. I noted I felt it was a step back from Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength - and I'm not sure if I would say that now. It's certainly different than the Cask Strength version, and depending on my mood, I might prefer this one.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 6

Day 6 of 24 Days of Whisk(e)y ... let's see what we have tonight.

On the nose, this is soft and subtle, with some soft notes of floral and honey. The taste is mild as well, with some honey and spices with some wood as well, but everything is light. After a sip I can get a little bit of the spice on the nose, mild baking spice.

The finish I get some bread, honey, wood dryness, and some warmth that builds over time. I would guess this is around 45% ABV, and I'm thinking it's an Irish Whiskey. Adding a little water, the nose is similar, more baking spice on the taste, and more of that spice on the finish too. 

I'd rate this a 3.75/5.0 - I do like it better than the bourbons that we've had so far, and I enjoy it like the Scotch last night, so I'll rate it the same. Tonight's bottle is ...

Well, Irish... Scotch - they're close on the map, right? Compass Box Spice Tree, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, all coming from the Highlands and about 11 to 12 years of age. After knowing it is Scotch, the tasting notes are not too surprising. A solid offering from Compass Box, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 5

Happy Friday! It's booze-o-clock ... so time to drink some whisk(e)y and see if I like it or not.

This one has a nice color to it, and the nose has honey, a touch of nail polish, toffee, floral, a touch of talcum powder ... overall it's light. The taste - I get sweet tobacco, pepper, that talcum powder again, and if I'm looking for it, some ash.

The finish brings the tobacco, some wood, some hot pepper, a touch of sour malt, maybe even a light hint of dill. This does have some heat that builds as well, but I think it's just from the spice - not the proof - I would guess the proof is 46% ABV... and this sure does seem like an unpeated Scotch.

Adding water, it's sweeter on the taste, more pepper on the finish, and the nose has more toffee. Overall, I would rated this a 3.75/5.0 ... it's good, nothing offensive, but also nothing overly great about it. I am enjoying it though. Tonight we were drinking ...

Highland Park Viking Honour, Single Malt Whisky, 43% ABV. Distilled by Highland Park Distillery, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland. This is generally considered peated - and I guess if I go hunting for it, I can find some peat, and I will say, the more I drink, the more the peat seems to be there. I have not had this one for a while, and was curious how it would do blind. At $59 a bottle - there are better things to buy, but this is still a solid whisky.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 4

Thursday... let's see what tasty liquid we have for tonight.

On the nose, I get minty, sweet, strawberry, brown sugar - overall the nose is pretty mild though. I'm guessing this is under 50% ABV. The taste is cherry, sweet, some pepper, pretty good overall, and I'm guessing a bourbon. 

The finish has cherry and some oak. It's medium in length. I added some water and the nose is more fruity, the taste is more sweet, the finish is more peppery and probably has more wood too. Overall this is pretty good, I'd rate it a 3.5/5.0 - it tastes a step above 'budget' bourbon. Tonight, we were drinking ...

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, 46.5% ABV, no age statement, but reported to be around 7 Year. Distilled (for now?) at Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, TN. I picked up for a bit under $50 - similar to price as the Wild Turkey 70th we had on night one. I probably like the Wild Turkey more, but would have to compare them in a blind tasting sometime.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 3

Hump ... DAY! Whisk(e)y Wednesday (:

Ready to check this one out. The nose is faint and malty. First thought is an Irish or Scotch. I get some apple, pear and honey as well. The taste is apple and malty - but it seems more like a Scotch than an Irish Whiskey, that's for sure.

The finish is nice - malty, does hang around for a while with a touch of spice on the backend. This seemed around 45% ABV so I was hesitant to add water - and water turned it even more sweet, certainly better without

Overall, I like this quite a bit, giving it a 4.0/5.0. 

Tonight we were drinking Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3% ABV, Distilled on Islay, Scotland - no age statement, but estimated to be a blend of 7 to 10 year, unpeated. I tasted it a bit more after knowing what it was - and I did find a little bit of talcum powder as well, which is something I have found in unpeated Scotch before. This cost me just under $50, at that price I give this a thumbs up, cheers!

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 2

Happy Tuesday ... Treat Tuesday? Most certainly! Tonight ... it looks like Scotch ... it smells like Scotch ... I'm betting it's Scotch. (or American Single Malt...)

On the nose... it's got the rubbery peat, some bbq meat, something sweet like molasses. It doesn't seem too proofy, I can go in pretty good while nosing. Some honey too, and I thought I might be getting some brine/salt as well.

The taste ... ash that comes out of nowhere up front, a little bit of peppery hot, spicy, then sweet. It feels a little disjointed. I like it, but ... it seems to lack something. Going back to the nose after the first sip - I am getting the ash on the nose as well now. The finish is more ash, some pepper heat, sweet in the back.

Adding water, I get more proof on the nose, and more sweet on the taste, and a LOT more sweet on the finish. Overall, this is OK. I tend to like peaty Scotch - even ones that are not that great or balanced. This one seems to be a bit random, but I'd still give it a 4.0/5.0. Tonight ... the bottle was...

Port Askaig 110° - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, no age statement, coming in at 55% ABV or ... 110 proof (: Distilled on Islay, Scotland - apparently Port Askaig isn't the distillery... it's just the name of the Whisky and they source from various distilleries on Islay. I've had a few other Port Askaigs in the past, including a 100° that was really 114 proof that was a bit harsh when I had it early in my Scotch journey, an 8 year that I thought was OK, and a 19 Year that I rated a 4.0 but at the time I wasn't doing quarter ratings and I'm guessing I would have given it a 4.25 as I do recall enjoying it quite a bit. Overall I'd say Port Askaig isn't quite as well rounded as the larger distilleries on Islay (though who knows who they source this from...), but if you really like Islay Whisky - it's worth checking out.

24 Days of Whisk(e)y - Day 1

And so it begins... 24 days, 24 different Whiskies ... Whiskys? Whatever. I poured these back in April and they've been waiting since then. After pouring the samples, wrapping the bottles in paper, and then randomizing them... at this point I've forgotten what most of the bottles are - so this will be going in fairly blind.

On the nose, I get some proof initially, but then that seems to dissipate. I get brown sugar and some spearmint ... leading to a bit of cherry as well. The taste I get brown sugar sweetness, along with some cinnamon and some heat. It doesn't seem low proof - but not too high of proof either, so I'd guess around 100 proof. 

The finish I get spearmint and the sweetness - I don't really get much oak so maybe this is on the younger side. Adding a little water seems to bring out some oak on the nose and finish, while the taste is more sweet. Overall, this is pretty good, I would guess it's a bourbon, though it could maybe be a rye. I'd rate it a 3.5/5.0

We were drinking Wild Turkey, Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary Release, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 50.5% ABV, bottled on 2024-08-27 in Lawrenceburg, KY, Aged 8 Years. Wild Turkey 101 is my favorite 'budget' bourbon, and when I found a bottle of this, it was a bit tough to not just open it and start drinking it... it is certainly better than the standard WT 101 - but at $50 a bottle it better be an improvement over the $25 WT 101.

Whisk(e)y ... Sunday?

With 24 Days of Whisk(e)y starting up tomorrow, I figured I'd do a blind sample tonight to get in the mood (: What will the random offering be tonight...

On the nose, I get honey, mild, bubble gum, and alcohol that initially is hard to get past. Going back I do find some smoke and some bbq meat. The taste, I get strawberry, cinnamon, spicy, heat. Some rubber in the back. I can't quite place this one, and I'm wondering if I'm just off tonight.

The finish is fruity, sweet, cinnamon... not getting any oak. There is some sweet bbq as well. I don't have a good guess on this - I'm guessing it's around 50% ABV, it does seem like a peated scotch, but other than that ... not sure. And it was.... Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength, 58.5% ABV. Which is surprising to me. After knowing what it is, I can find more peat and smoke, but I'm not really getting any Laphroaig notes overall. Tonight I rated it 4.0/5.0 - last year I rated it 4.25/5.0 - and looking at my tasting notes from last year I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I did this time.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-11-26

Another random blind sample... here we go! Tonight's pour is light in color, so light my first guess is Ardbeg, but I'm getting ahead of myself a bit here. The nose... rubber, sweet bbq, touch of sour malt, campfire, ash, and char. The taste is ash, peat, spicy, hot pepper, sweet bbq meat, and char.

The finish, I get some burnt sugar, hot pepper that is a bit punchy and lingers. More sweet way in the back. Overall, this feels a bit random - the flavors are not overly cohesive. It's still pretty good, and I do expect it to be a one-off Ardbeg, I'll rate it 4.0/5.0 tonight.

And - it was Ardbeg. Scorch Committee Release, 51.7% ABV. I had this during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y in 2021 and rated it 4.0/5.0 that time as well. I did like the Committee release version better than the standard version back then.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-11-19

Hey... another Whisk(e)y Wednesday - another blind sample, here we go...

On the nose, brown sugar, mint, orange peel, not too sharp on the nose, but it does have some proof. My initial thought here was rye ... but it might be a bourbon. The taste is a bit dusty, sweet upfront, a bit spicy, hot red pepper, the spice builds. I would lean towards bourbon over rye though, it just feels more like bourbon - it does seem to have some proof, I'd guess 110 or so.

The finish I get cherry, wood dryness, cinnamon, medium length and it turns more dry over time. Overall, this is pretty good - I don't have a good guess as to what it could be though as I can't think of anything I saved a sample of that would fall into this category. It's probably a good thing that over time I'll forget what I have saved samples of... will make it more blind (: I'd rate this a 3.5/5.0 tonight.

Turns out it was Baker's 7 Bourbon... which I had not blind a few weeks back when I didn't have enough to save a sample of. I had an older bottle of Baker's from around 2020 ... and I don't know if this sample is from that bottle, or the newer bottle. Either way, I didn't really get the usual Baker's peanut notes while sampling it - it's there if I really go looking for it I guess. I rated both of them 3.75/5.0 initially.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-11-12

Here we are again, Whisk(e)y Wednesday. Let's see how we like this one tonight.

On the nose, it's malty and I get some sulfur, marshmallow, honey, an artificial sweetener note as well... which sounds a bit odd, but it's what I was reminded of. Going back to the nose after acclimation I don't really find the sulfur as much. The taste I get some matchstick, peppery, hot, malt, sweet, candy. It feels over 50% ABV, but it is the first drink of the evening, so it could just be drinking a bit hot. This does seem to get sweeter the longer I drink it, along with being jammy.

The finish is sweet initially, malt that lingers, with matchstick, hot pepper, and a bit of artificial sweetener like I get from rum. Very sweet, jammy. Overall this struck me a pretty good, but not quite great... I'd rate it a 4.25/5.0 tonight, but I can't quite place what it might be. Not Ardbeg, I don't think it's Laphroaig either... don't have any great guesses. 

Turns out it was BenRiach, The Smoky 12, 46% ABV. I originally rated it 4.0/5.0, so I just liked it a bit more this evening. At $60 I might want to pick up another bottle sometime, though Ardbeg 10 comes in around there too, and I probably like that one more.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-11-05

Getting back to things, doing a blind sample from the shelf. Let's see how this one is. On the nose, it's fairly mild, alcohol in the back, malt, maybe some apple. It's light, floral, maybe some honey.

On the taste I get brown sugar, honey, pepper spice, molasses, seems low proof, not much above 40% ABV. I initially found it too simple, but over time I did get some light smoke and ash. The finish is pepper in the front, then sweet that lingers along with some apple. 

I was thinking this might be Irish, but the light smoke and ash had me leaning towards Scotch. Tonight I would rate it a 3.75/5.0. Turned out to be Talisker Game of Thrones House of Greyjoy, 45.8% ABV. I had this back in 2019 and had similar tasting notes, and rated 3.75/5.0 then as well. I believe this is the last of the bottle, and as it was a one-off I doubt I'll ever see it again.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-09-17

Hey... yet another Wednesday. This time, something slightly different. I went to save off a 2oz sample of Baker's 7, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Batch 03-2015, Aged 8 Years, 0 Months, Single Barrel, 53.5% ABV ... and, it was more like 1oz. So ... I couldn't put it with the rest of the 2oz samples and have it as a random sample later, because I'd know what it is ... so instead, I drank it tonight unblind. I rated this on 3.75 originally... and then 3.25 later on (both times blind) ... let's see what I think tonight.

On the nose, I do find the proof right away, spearmint, brown sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and maybe a bit of stone fruit like apricot. The taste, I get cinnamon, heat and wood. I'm a little surprised that I didn't get the typical Beam peanut, but I didn't really get it the last time I had this either. The finish is nice. Brown Sugar that lingers, dry oak in the back, and some cinnamon. 

It's nice, but not outstanding. This is pretty solid, and generally easy to find in Oregon for around $65... so not too expensive for what it is. I'll rate it a 3.5/5.0 tonight - would pick this up again, but I won't go hunting for it.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-09-10

All right - time for another random sample ... see what I think.

This one is quite light - and so right away I'm going to guess it's a Scotch Whisky with no added coloring. The nose I get honey, some ash, a bit of matchstick, very sweet. Chocolate as well. This one seems fairly mild, but I did just come off a warm up pour that was high proof.

There is more ash on the taste, some matchstick as well. It's a bit prickly, and the honey comes through as well. There does seem to be something a little off on it, but I can't really place what exactly - can't seem to pin it down.

The finish has sweet in the front, and turns ashy in the back. It has a touch of malt sourness as well that I sometimes get from more recent Lagavulin Distillers Editions - but I can't see this being that. There is a little bit of pepper on the finish as well. My best guess is this is one of the one-off Ardbegs I've bought over the years. 

I'll rate this a 4.0/5.0 ... if I was in the right mood, I'd rate it 4.25. This ended up being the Ardbeg Heavy Vapors Committee Release, 50.2% ABV (which I believe was cask strength for this one). As many of the Ardbeg one-offs, it wasn't cheap - coming in at about $160 in Oregon. It doesn't look like I've reviewed this before - I have a little bit left to try again sometime to see if I like it more or less than this evening. While I don't think I have a sample remaining, I'm pretty certain I prefer Corryvrekan or even Uigedail over this, and those you can find easily and they are cheaper. 

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-09-03

Well, I've missed a few weeks ... been busy. Anyway, time to get back in the game (: Tonight... another random sample. Nose it, taste it... give some thoughts, and then check to see what I'm drinking.

On the nose, it comes across a bit punchy, this is likely higher proof, at least over 50%. It comes across malty, ashy, along with some mint, brown sugar, some bright fruit, and a savory BBQ meat. Really quite nice. My first guess is a higher proof Ardbeg.

On the taste, I get bacon, bbq meat and bbq sauce, there's some spice as well. The heat builds on this, but I do get the ash and sweet fruit too. The spice has a numbing quality to it as well. The finish I get the ash and the spicy tingle that has a numbing sensation, molasses, sweetness that lingers. It's a nice long finish that hangs around for quite some time.

I'm guessing this is a peated Scotch or maybe an American Single Malt - either way, it's really good. I am enjoying this quite a bit, and I hope I have some left on the shelf to drink another time. I'll rate this a 4.50/5.0 - some of the best I've had for sure.

I was drinking McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt 6 Year Cask Strength, 56.13% ABV, finished in PX Sherry Cask Finished, made in Hood River, OR by Clear Creek Distillery using Peat-Malted Scottish Barley. I originally rated this 4.5/5.0 - and it held up tonight for sure. This is one to enjoy throughout the evening, cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-08-06

Time for Whisk(e)y Wednesday... tonight another random sample from the collection. On the nose, I get honey and spearmint bubble gum, orange citrus, cherry, not too hot on the nose. Bourbon-ish for sure. The taste, I initially get dusty wood, burnt brown sugar, some cinnamon heat, and I believe some dill. The more I drink, the smoother this gets, seems to be lower proof, 50% ABV or lower. 

On the finish I find a sweetness that lingers a long time, brown sugar, some oak dryness, and some odd savory sour note that I can't quite put my finger on. The finish hangs around for some time, so I'm guessing this is well aged. Overall, I'm guessing this is bourbon. Usually dill notes make me think maybe rye, but it was very light, so I'll stick with bourbon. This drinks middle of the road, I'll rate it 3.25/5.0 tonight. 

Turns out, I was drinking Tin Cup 14Year, 42% ABV, Indiana produced, bottled in Colorado. After knowing what I was drinking and going back to it - the age certainly comes through. I rated it originally 3.5 during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y, then 3.0 during the four way bourbon tasting... and so tonight I split the difference (: I think I would like it better higher proof, 50% ABV would probably help it some.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-07-30

Here we are again, another Whisk(e)y Wednesday, let's see what we have today.

On the nose, I get sharpness, and then spearmint, honey, brown sugar... I seem to find a little dill too - which often means rye, but the other notes are making me think bourbon. The taste I get the heat and the spice, sweet honey, a burst of cherry, drinks hot for sure. Going back I get corn syrup, it's quite sweet overall.

The finish is honey, cherry and corn syrup. It tends to linger. As I get acclimated, it tastes and noses less hot, but I'm pretty sure this is high proof. Overall this is quite enjoyable. I'm guessing it's barrel proof bourbon, but I don't recall what all are in the mix of the sample bottles so I can't make an actual guess. I would rate it a 3.75/5.0 - which is generally what I give high proof bourbons I really like.

It turns out this is Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey made with Blue Corn, 67.10% ABV from Hazelwood Spirits Co, aged 5+ years according to their website. I picked this up on a bourbon excursion in Vancouver, WA as it isn't something that is carried in Oregon. It did cost a bit north of $100 after sales tax (ugh...), but I would probably pick up another bottle if given the chance.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-07-23

Here we are again for another random sample for Whisk(e)y Wednesday. Let's dive in and see what we have tonight.

On the nose, I get sweetness, honey, strawberry jam, burnt sugar and some burnt popcorn - similar to what I get from Balcones Brimstone, though I don't think I have a sample of this in the random sample box. 

The taste - spice and heat take over initially. On the second sip, I find honey, strawberry jam, some botanical notes. The sweet trails into heat. The finish I get a hot cinnamon, honey sweetness, dry oak in the back.

Overall, this is pretty enjoyable. The nose isn't too harsh, but then the taste brings the heat - so I'm somewhat lost to guess at proof. Maybe 50% ABV ... or maybe higher? Unsure. My best guess is this is a higher proof bourbon or rye - it's spicy enough I guess I'd go with rye. I'd give it a 3.75/5.0 ... it's pretty tasty overall.

Well - sometimes you're on, sometimes you're off. Tonight I was off. I was drinking Santa Fe Colkegan Cask Strength American Single Malt, 59% ABV. During 24 Days of Whisk(e)y I liked this one quite a bit, rating it a 4.0/5.0. Tonight, I just didn't get the malt or the smoke... not sure why. I have some of this left in a Woozy - I'll have to try it again at some point to see what I find, Cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-07-16

Hey look ... another Wednesday. Time for another blind sample to try...

On the nose, I get vanilla, honey and some orange. The taste is similar - vanilla, honey, along with some spice in the back. The finish I get the honey, a little pepper spice, then sweet at the end.

Overall, this is enjoyable enough. I'm guessing it's a non-peated Scotch, though it could be an Irish I suppose. It's likely in the 40%ABV to 45%ABV range, it's pretty simple overall - I'd rate it a 3.5/5.0 this evening.

Turns out I was drinking Deanston 12 Year Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3%ABV. I've rated it 3.5 in the past - it's nice, but at $65 a bottle there are better options out there that are more interesting.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-07-09

Welcome back... time for another blind sample. This has been fun so far, we'll see if it stays fun (:

The nose is a bit hot at first... then I find orange, honey, and a touch of malt. Overall the nose is nice. The taste it's sweet in the front along with honey, then it's woody, then there is a hot cinnamon in the back that takes over. The finish is minty, honey and along with cinnamon.

Overall I enjoy this, but I don't have a good guess what it is. It might be a rye, an Irish ... unsure. I'd guess around 110 proof due to the hotness of the nose... and rate it a 3.75/5.0. Turns out, it was Whistle Pig 10 Year Small Batch Rye, 50% ABV. Back during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y I rated it a 3.5 ... so same ball park. Cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-07-02

Another random sample to try this evening... let's see if this one is any good (:

On the nose, I get some honey, orange, sweet apple, brown sugar, some malt. My first impression is it's an Irish Whiskey. The nose is a touch hot, but not overly so.

The taste - I get some spicy heat, brown sugar, a rye like spice, cinnamon, honey... and malt ... so much malt. The finish has a cinnamon heat that lingers, and lingers. It's very nice. I am guessing this is an Irish, and I like it quite a bit, tonight I'll rate a 4.0/5.0.

Turns out it was Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength, batch B1/22, 58.1% ABV. Back during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y 2024 I rated it a 4.0 then as well... it's really good stuff, biggest issue is it's north of $100 a bottle, so I pretty rarely buy one... cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-06-25

Here we go.... Whisk(e)y Wednesday... tonight ... another random sample from my collection. Let's see if it's any good ... ok, I wouldn't have saved a sample if I didn't think it was good - so let's see how good it is tonight (:

On the nose, initially and up front I get some malty notes, musty, apple, orange, brown sugar ... for lack of a better word it is "bright". The taste I also get the orange, along with brown sugar, candy, baking spice and on the backend I get some hot cinnamon. I'm having a hard time nailing this one down.

The finish I get the brown sugar, cinnamon, oak dryness ... some spice. Overall this feels ... dark (?) ... fruity... it seems to go back and forth between fruity and spicy. It almost feels like an Irish Whiskey like maybe a Cask Strength Red Breast - but I don't think it's quite that good. Can't quite nail this one down.... but I'll rate it a 3.75/5.0 tonight.

Turns out - this was Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Rye, Doubble Barrel Rye Whiskey. Back during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y I rated this one a 3.75 as well. That time I found some licorice on the finish, which had me leaning towards rye - if you go looking, you can find that black licorice on the finish, and once you find it - it's hard to miss. Overall, this is pretty good - but at $80 or more, it would be hard to buy another one. Cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-06-18

All right ... time for another random blind sample. This has been fun and interesting so far... I'm not very good at guessing what I'm drinking sometimes, but - maybe today will be different (:

On the nose, this one is malty - it reminds me of an American Single Malt or maybe an Irish. I get some apple, citrus, no peat. I get some burnt sugar as well, along with orange marmalade.

The taste I find burnt creme brûlée, oaky dryness, orange and a it's a bit spicy in the back. The finish the orange carries through, along with burnt sugar, dry in the back.

This one feels a bit off, not sure ... maybe my tasting is just off tonight. I'd guess it's about 100 proof, American Single Malt, and youngish. Tonight I'd rate it a 3.5/5.0

Turned out I was drinking the Branch Point Trit Whiskey. Trit is a rye-wheat hybrid, and the first time I drank this I rated it a 3.5 as well. It comes in at 46% ABV, cost about $55, and does have some of the PNW malt funk that's present in a lot of Whiskey from Oregon. Cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-06-11

Well, I'm not making this a habit, which I guess is good and bad. Anyway, another blind Whisk(e)y Wednesday, randomly selected from about 30 2oz samples that I've saved and labeled with a code so I can look up what I'm drinking.

On the nose, I get butterscotch, ripe fruit, and it's malty. The taste has some hot spice up front, sweetness in the back and some orange as well. The finish I get a hot cinnamon, along with dryness in back and some orange and citrus. 

I'm guessing this is Irish, but the heat/spice is throwing me off a bit. It's the first pour of the day, so maybe it's drinking hot for that reason. The Red Breast Cask Strength would have some heat from the proof, and while I'm enjoying this, I don't think it falls into the Red Breast category of good. I'll rate it 3.75/5.0

Turns out this was the Powers Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, John's Lane, Aged 12 Years, 46% ABV. I rated this a 3.75 during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y, and during the Irish Whiskey shootout afterwards, and now tonight. It cost me $67, it's probably worth another buy at that price.

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-04-23

All right... another Wednesday... another Whisk(e)y Wednesday (: I have been saving 2 oz samples from bottles before they are empty, and now have about 30 of these. They are unlabelled other than a 2 letter code that I can then check against an answer key to see what I'm drinking after I have the sample blind. Tonight is the first of these, let's see how this goes.

On the nose I get malt, a light citrus, ash, tar, a touch of sulfur, some iodine and some alcohol burn. The nose is really pleasant, and at this point I'm fairly confident it is a peaty Scotch (likely) or a peaty American Single Malt (less likely).

The taste is sweet, hot spicy pepper, malt, tar and ash. The finish is similar with a sweet syrup finish followed by a hot spicy pepper that lingers and some ash. Really quite good, but if I was to guess this seems a little young in that the finish is not as impressive as the nose or taste. 

Adding water, the nose is sweeter for sure. It still has a bit of the alcohol burn, along with some ash and tire rubber. The taste is sweet as well, and the pepper is more tame - I'm getting some fruit too - most likely from sherry finishing. The finish is still peppery, sweet, syrupy. 

Overall I like this one quite a bit. I'm wondering if it's one of the Ardbeg one-offs I've had lately as there are several samples in the mix. I will give it a 4.25/5.0 ... quite enjoyable tonight, about my only complaint would be that it seems a bit random and not very well balanced.

Turns out it was the Smokehead High Voltage Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cask Strength coming in at 58.0% ABV from Ian Macleod Distillers. No Age Statement on this one. I originally rated this 4.25, then dropping it down to 4.00 last week during the Peaty Scotch shootout, and now back to 4.25. Looks like I like it (: Cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-04-16

Happy Wednesday, today we have the last of the 4 sample shootouts, tonight trying the Peaty Scotch Whiskies from 2024 24 Days of Whisk(e)y head to head. We have The Smoky Twelve, Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky from BenRiach, Talisker Distiller Edition from 2023, Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 10 Year, Original Cask Strength, and Smokehead High Voltage Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Ian Macleod Distillers. The BenRiach was 46% ABV, the Tailisker was 45.8% ABV, the Laphroaig was 58.5% ABV and the Smokehead was 58% ABV - I was interesting to see how the lower proof pours did against the higher proof pours, as I usually enjoy higher proof whisk(e)y more.

As usual, I poured 1 oz samples of these into marked glasses, randomized them, the nosed and tasted each one. Let's see which one came out on top.

Glass 1 : The nose I get ash, meaty bbq, a touch of brine, savory, rich fruit and a touch of floral. The taste is ash, hot pepper that builds, bbq, hint of brine, sherry fruit notes. The finish starts with hot pepper, then goes to ash and sweet bbq, then back to a hot pepper that lingers along with some tar. Overall this is pretty good.

Glass 2 : On the nose, I get sweet honey molasses, a touch of iodine and burnt wood. The taste is sweet, honey, wood, smoke, iodine in the back, and some sherry fruit. The finish has a burst of fruit up front that lingers, then a touch of smoke, a touch of spice, but mostly the fruit. This is really quite good.

Glass 3 : On the nose, I get orange, ash in the back, sweet bbq meat. The taste is orange cream-sickle, ash, sweet bbq meat, hot pepper in the back. The finish is the hot pepper, then sweet, then ash and peppery that lingers along with a little bit of pepper tingle. This one is pretty good as well.

Glass 4 : Here I get some earthy notes on the nose, sweet bbq, and some strike anywhere matchstick sulphur as well. The taste is burnt char, tar, dirt, sweet bbq, leading to hot peppermint eventually. The finish is sweet sherry, sulphur, earthy dirt, it's nice and lingers. While the sulphur notes that I got were unique, at least tonight I found that it did distract from the whisky overall.

This was a bit tough. All these were pretty good overall, and my palate was certainly getting overwhelmed after running through these from the peat and the higher proofs from some of them. I couldn't specifically say which were the cask strength ones, though I was pretty sure glass 3 was one of the lower proofs. Overall, I felt glass 2 and 4 were better than 1 and 3. 

Tasting glass 1 and 3 side by side, I had to give glass 1 the nod. Coming in last place was glass 3, the BenRiach, but even so I would give it a 4.0, which is what I gave it originally as well. In 3rd place was glass 1, which was the Laphroaig. Originally I rated it 4.25 - tonight I would give it a 4.0... a solid whisky for sure.

Drinking glass 2 and 4 side by side, I have to give the edge to glass 2. In glass 4 was the Smokehead. Depending on my mood, I could see this one winning, but I have not been drinking very many peaty scotch whiskies lately, so this might have been a bit too much for me tonight. Originally I gave this a 4.25, tonight I would give it a 4.0.

Leaving us with glass 2, the Talisker. I was surprised by this one during 24 Days of Whisk(e)y - it was just so much better than the previous version that I had several years ago. I would rate this 4.25 tonight, which is what I gave it previously.

Good stuff overall, cheers!!! 

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-04-09

All right, what time is it? American Single Malt time... tonight we have Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey, Cask Strength from Santa Fe Spirits, coming in at 59% ABV... vs Stranahan's Original Colorado Single Malt Whiskey, 47% ABV... vs Wanderback Whiskey out of Hood River, OR - for this release they partnered with Balcones in TX, 52% ABV... vs McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, 6 Year, PX Sherry Cask Finished, also from Hood River, OR by Clear Creek Distillery, Cask Strength, 56.13% ABV. 

As usual, I poured these, randomized the order, and then ran through them a few times.

One nice thing about American Single Malt is the variety you can get from different releases - you can have anything from bourbonish to Irish to Scottish to most anything in between. It also makes it a bit hard to compare and rank them though, because they can be so different.

Glass 1 : The nose I get ash, smoke, dirt, rich fruit, malt, touch of sweet bbq. Every time I go back to the nose, it gets better and better. The taste I get sweet bbq, ash, smoke, peppery, it's very nice. The finish I get a hot pepper numbing sensation, a nice mint freshness tingle, sweet bbq, then ash and smoke that lingers... with a touch of sour way in the background. This is really nice.

Glass 2 : The nose is malty, sweet, lemon and some dill and/or pickle. The taste is malty with that dill as well. The finish I get a sweet pickle... it's not the greatest finish but it does seem to linger. It feels a bit off tonight, for whatever reason I'm not particularly enjoying it. It's good, but it's certainly a letdown after Glass 1.

Glass 3 : The nose is malty and sweet with a chocolate fudge note. The taste follows closely - malty, sweet, chocolate, touch of pepper/cinnamon spice as well. The finish I get that pepper spice tingle, then it turns malty with maybe some orange. It's solid but nothing overly special. 

Glass 4 : On the nose I get smoke, ash, fruit, malt... the nose is a bit odd with alcohol burn so I'm guessing this is pretty high proof. The taste is bold, with sweet fruit and a light smoke turning to cinnamon spice. The finish has that cinnamon, smoke, ash and a heat that lingers. This is very nice as well. 

Tasting Glass 2 vs 3 ... 2 is clearly the last place pour tonight with 3 coming in 3rd place. Glass 2 was the Stranahan's ... for whatever reason, this one just didn't wow me tonight. I still gave it a 3.5/5.0 vs the original 3.75/5.0 ... so I still enjoyed it overall. Glass 3 was the Wanderback ... I give it a 3.75 both nights. Originally I got a TON of butterscotch... tonight that butterscotch was chocolate for me. 

For the Glass 1 vs 4 comparison, Glass 1 is the clear winner, everything about it was superior. Glass 4 was the Colkegan... and I rated it 4.0/5.0 both nights. Glass 1 was the McCarthy's ... originally I rated that a 4.5 and tonight I would rate it 4.25. It's still *really* good and I would drink it all night if I could.

Until next time... cheers!!!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-04-02

Here again for a 4 way tasting - this time trying the four 'unpeated' Scotch Whiskies from the 2024 24 Days of Whisk(e)y. Which one will I like the best? I'm going to skip the photo and get to the taste test. I poured about an ounce of each into glasses that were labelled and then randomized them.

Glass 1 : On the nose I got fruit, honey, malt, some perfume ... this was very nice overall. The taste I got the floral along with honey and malt - some black pepper as well. The finish was peppery and honey. Overall this was very nice and I'd rate it a 3.75/5.0 tonight.

Glass 2 : On this one, the nose I got sulfur and strike anywhere matchstick, some orange furniture polish, creme brûlée. The taste tonight the matchstick just took over and it was a little bit bitter. I've not been drinking things like this lately, so maybe I wasn't prepared for it. The finish I found burnt molasses, pepper, and that matchstick note as well. If I was in the mood for this, it would have been the winner, but tonight it's getting a 3.50/5.0.

Glass 3 : I get malt and a touch of smoke along with some honey. The taste I get the honey and some fruit... I'm enjoying this one. The finish has a nice numbing quality to it, peppery. Very nice finish here. Tonight this is getting a 3.75/5.0.

Glass 4 : The nose was fairly tame, some pear and honeydew, a touch of perfume, but just not much there overall. The taste I got some pepper, honey and perfume. The finish is mild, perfume and some green pepper, a sour note that seems to linger. This one was just a bit dull overall, but still enjoyable and I'll give it a 3.5/5.0

Tasting Glass 2 and 4 against each other, Glass 2 is a bit better, it is certainly more unique. This was the Black Bull, which I rated 4.0 previously. On a different night I could see this one being my favorite. Glass 4 was the Deanston 12 Year, which I rated 3.5 both nights.

Tasting Glass 1 and 3 against each other, I have to give the win to Glass 3. Glass 1 was the anCnoc. I rated this 4.0 originally and 3.75 tonight. I know last time I really enjoyed it. Glass 3 was the Compass Box Glasgow Blend. Tonight it just hit the right notes for me, though I did rate it 3.75 both nights. 

These were quite enjoyable ... until next time, cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-03-26

Here we are again... yes I know this photo looks familiar,

But it is what it is... cheers!

Tonight, we're tasting 3 Ryes along with the Trit from the last 24 Days of Whiskey. Which is the best Rye... we're about to find out. We have the Whistle Pig 10 Year Small Batch Rye at 50% ABV vs. the Jefferson's Ocean Aged Double Barrel Rye, Voyage 26, 48% ABV vs. the FEW Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV, vs. Branch Point Trit Straight Whiskey, 46% ABV. Of the 4 ... which is the best rye?

I poured these into glasses and then randomized them so these were blind other than knowing they were all 'rye' and what boozes they might be. 

Glass 1 : On the nose I got a touch of black licorice, baking spice, rye spice an touch of chocolate, and some dust. The taste I got cinnamon, black tea, licorice, baking spice, wood, it was a touch hot. The finish was similar - baking spice, cinnamon with a wood dryness at the end. This was a very "rye" rye... and over all very nice.

Glass 2 : The nose was baking spice, cinnamon, rye, brown sugar and a touch of dill. The taste was similar, with cinnamon and brown sugar leading things off, with some baking spice and dill in the background. I got more cinnamon and baking spice on the finish, along with a heat that lingers... and lingers ... and lingers. Pretty good overall, but not as 'rye' as the first rye.

Glass 3 : On the nose I got a bit of an odd grassy note, along with cinnamon, hay, molasses, honey and malt. After I notice the malt... it's a lot of malt. So much so that this reminds me of an Irish Whiskey more than a Rye. The taste is similar : honey, cinnamon, touch of spice, hay, grassy, malty... nothing too surprising. The finish is the same - cinnamon, honey, wood dryness. Overall this is really good, but in a rye flight it just doesn't pull it's weight. 

Glass 4 : On the nose I get some brown sugar and some cinnamon, a touch of dill, and some heat. The taste is brown sugar and some cinnamon ... it honestly reminds me of a bourbon rather than a rye. The finish is cinnamon that lingers, oak dryness, brown sugar... it's good. But it's also the least rye of the bunch, so for this flight it's going to come in last place.

So overall Glass 3 and 4 were in the back of the pack. Glass 4 was the Jefferson's Ocean Aged Double Barrel Rye, Voyage 26.. 48% ABV. It's easy drinking, but it's just not that interesting for a rye. Tonight I rated this a 3.25 ... originally I rated it a 3.75... it just fell flat. Glass 3 was the Brach Point Trit Straight Whiskey, 46% ABV. This might have been the best whiskey overall, but it would have done better vs Irish Whiskeys than vs Rye Whiskeys. In this line up, as a rye, I rated it a 3.25 with the original rating being 3.75. 

Which left us with glass 1 and 2. Tonight glass 1 was the winner. Glass 2 was the Whistle Pig 10 Year Small Batch Rye 50% ABV... it was good, but for which was the best Rye, that goes to the FEW Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV... it was just the best Rye overall. The Whistle Pig I rated 3.50 both nights, and I'd give FEW a 3.50 both nights as well.

Good stuff - see you next Wednesday (: 

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-03-19

OK - at it again, tonight I am drinking the four Bourbons from the 2024 24 Days of Whisk(e)y in a blind flight. We'll see what I think this time...

I poured 1oz samples into each of the glasses that have been labeled on the bottom and mixed them up. I then nosed and tasted each one, came up with my favorite two, tasted those again side by side, and decided on the best of the bunch and rated each one again as well. 

Glass 1) On the nose, I get some peanut, cinnamon, brown sugar, molasses and a touch of dusty along with some dill. On the taste - this is the first drink of the day, and it initially came across hot - red hot cinnamon hot. With a few more sips, it does tame down a bit, and I get some brown sugar, a touch of lemon, a touch of wood, and the dusty note again. The finish is cinnamon, a touch of spice, brown sugar, some tingle near the end, and a bit of dill way in the back. Overall this is solid - I put it on par with my go to budget Wild Turkey 101 - so I'll rate it a 3.25/5.0

Glass 2) On the nose, I get some floral, honey, brown sugar and some spearmint. The taste is brown sugar, hot cinnamon and mint. The mint carries over to the finish, along with some spice, a touch of wood as well. The finish hangs around for some time and builds. The more I drink this, the more I like it - leaning towards 3.5/5.0 for this one.

Glass 3) The nose I find bubble gum, cherry cough drop, light molasses. The taste is a bit flat, but the cherry cough drop does come through. The finish is not very strong, but it does linger. The cherry sweetness is the biggest note, but I do get a little wood/oak in the back as well. This one just isn't hitting for me tonight, and I'll give it a 3.0/5.0

Glass 4) The nose I get cherry, brown sugar, touch of menthol and maybe some tobacco - though that could just be the menthol suggesting tobacco to me. The taste is a bit watery, some baking spice, cinnamon heat that builds over time. The finish I get a cherry menthol cough drop note, come wood, some cinnamon heat. It's all right overall. Initially I liked this the best, but the more I went back to it, the more I found it lacking, giving it a 3.25/5.0

Glass 3 was the Tin Cup 14 Year. It just didn't do well head to head with higher proof offerings - at least in a quick shoot out format. I enjoyed it more a few months ago, but tonight it just fell flat. Original rating was 3.5, tonight it was a 3.0. Glass 4 was the Cooper's Craft. It wasn't bad, but there was nothing unusual about it. Standard bourbon. Rated 3.00 originally, 3.25 tonight.

Which left glass 1 and 2. Glass 1 was the Baker's 7 Year, 107 Proof. This was solid and tasty, but glass 2 was a touch better, which was the Maker's Mark Cask Strength, 55% ABV. Tonight it was the most interesting. Originally I gave the Baker's a 3.75 rating, tonight I gave it a 3.25. And the Maker's received a 3.50 rating both nights.

Next week, we have 4 Rye Whiskies head to head... we'll see which one I enjoy the most, cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-03-12

Ah, here we are... Whisk(e)y Wednesday. For the sampling today, I'm putting the four Irish Whiskeys from the 2024 24 Days of Whisk(e)y into a blind flight. Let's see how they do and if my thoughts are any different from before...

I poured 1oz samples into each of the glasses that have been labeled on the bottom and mixed them up. I then nosed and tasted each one, came up with my favorite two, tasted those again side by side, and decided on the best of the bunch and rated each one again as well. 

Glass 1) On the nose I got caramel, creme brulee sugar, some orange as well. The taste - malt, initial pepper heat, brown sugar and bright citrus. The finish is peppery in the front, it's sweetness that lingers a long time, malt in the back. Going back to the nose after tasting - I find the malt there as well. Overall, this is pretty good, and I'll rate it 3.75/5.0 in this tasting.

Glass 2) The nose is bright orange, honey and sugar. The taste is peppery heat, somewhat intense. I get the sugar in the back as well. I was caught a bit off guard on this one. I've not been drinking much whisk(e)y lately and this one initially punched me around a bit. But after some acclimation, I started enjoying this one quite a bit. The finish I got a tingly heat and malt. Pretty robust and the finish did linger nicely. While the nose was a bit soft, the flavor and finish was surprisingly good. Overall I'll rate this 4.0/5.0.

Glass 3) I found soft flower, perfume, orange citrus, cugar candy and it seemed a bit dusty on the nose. The taste was flat, a bit malty, some floral, heat if I waited for it, some brown sugar and some orange. The finish was a touch of spice initial, then floral, perfume, that dusty note I got from the nose comes back as well. It lingers some, but overall this was underwhelming. Just not enjoying this one to much this go around, and I'll rate it a 3.0/5.0.

Glass 4) The nose I got some initial funk - not exactly sure what it was, but it wasn't pleasant, along with some acetone, apple and molasses. The taste I was getting the acetone and molasses. And the finish followed with acetone, floral, candy sugar and a touch of heat. For whatever reason, tonight this one was really a miss for me - rated 2.75/5.0.

Glass 3 was Knappogue Castle 12 Year California Blend - originally I rated that one a 3.5, so 3.0 is lower. Glass 4 was the Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey - which I did originally rate a 3.5 as well... so I just wasn't feeling it.

Trying Glass 1 and 2 side by side, the clear winner was Glass 2. It was just more interesting overall. Glass 1 ended up being the Powers Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Jonh's Lane, Aged 12 Years... which I rated 3.75 both times. 

And the winner in Glass 2 was Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength, Batch B1/22. While overall I didn't think this Redbreast CS was as good as some past ones, it's till good, and I rated it 4.0 both times. Next time I'll be putting the 4 bourbons from the 24 Days of Whisk(e)y up against each other in the same format - we'll see which one comes out ahead for me... cheers!

Whisk(e)y Wednesday - 2025-02-26

Hello! 

I'm going to try to get back to these Wisk(e)y Wednesday reviews, mostly revisiting things I've tried before, seeing if my thoughts have changed. Sometimes these will be blind, sometimes I'll know what I'm drinking.

So today ... I'm drinking Deanston Highland Scotch Single Malt Whisky, 12 Year, 46.3% ABV, Un-chill filtered and aged in ex-bourbon casks.

On the nose I get butterscotch, floral, candy vanilla, orange sherbet. The taste is orange marmalade and orange cream sickle. The finish is butterscotch, molasses, an orange note - but not overly citrus, like maybe an orange cordial. 

With water the nose is very similar, maybe a bit more sweet butterscotch. There is some honeysuckle on the taste, and a bit more bite with some green pepper on the finish. Overall, this is a good, solid highland scotch - good entry level Scotch Whisky. Rating this a 3.5/5.0, which is the same as I reviewed previously.