The Arran Malt (10 year)
May 31, 2012
Great value! You could do a lot worse with $45. The mature lack of bitterness plus interesting tartness in the nose and on the palate is a winning combination. This is the sort of malt that you’ll try as a novelty, and then come back to for its quality.
Ballantine’s 17 Year
May 28, 2012
What’s most impressive here is the concentration of sweet desserty flavors without even a touch of bitterness on the finish. Sure, it’s good whisky, but I’d rather spend the money on some malts that are at least as good (quality-wise), even if they aren’t as masterfully assembled.
Trader Joe’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey
May 21, 2012
For the price, this is eminently drinkable straight. Certainly it’s not going to win any awards, but with a pleasant lemon nose, nutty/cereal on the palate, and no “cheap blended” aspect in the finish, this is an easy value.
The Simple Joys of Old Favorites
May 17, 2012
Last night I was poking around my open bottles and found a single pour left in an old bottle of Oban 14. Not looking for an analytical experience, I splashed it into a glass and continued with my evening. My motivation was more about freeing up a space in my cabinet by polishing off an old bottle than about actually tasting the Oban.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
May 14, 2012
A respectable bourbon with some big, bold flavors. The only downside is the relatively one-note palate, which is all corn syrup and barrel char. For that reason, I’d order this at a bar, but I wouldn’t make it my staple home bourbon. Still, for under $40, this stands up well to the competition.
Glenmorangie (18 year)
May 10, 2012
Very nice, but super light, and not particularly concentrated despite the 18 years of aging. It’s mildly complex, with some interesting fruit notes that I didn’t expect. While not disappointing, this isn’t going to knock anyone’s socks off.
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Bourbon
May 7, 2012
No low points, although it verges on woody in places. Round and bold in the nose, soft and sweet on the tongue, and lingering on the finish. This stuff is hard to find, and very much delivers. To my bourbon-novice palate, it’s dang good for under $40.
My Scotch Has a Home!
May 1, 2012
Hello, readers. This is just a quick note to share with you all that my wife and I have successfully purchased our first home in San Jose, CA! As I am now in the process of moving my whisky collection into its new home (priority #1 of course), I won’t be able to post anything [...]
