A little info about me. To be honest, I am not much of a drinker. I expect some of my fellow bloggers drink more Scotch in a week than I do in a typical year. So why should you care about my opinion? Easy, you shouldn't. However, maybe some of you will be inspired to take your own approach and educate yourself about something new to you. That's what I'm doing and I'm having a blast.
On to the tasting!
Color: pale yellow
Legs: Medium to strong
Nose: a hint of smoke with some vanilla. I actually pulled out a bottle of vanilla extract to confirm.
Taste: As with the nose, a hint of smoke with some vanilla flavor as well. Not overpowering, kind of weak actually.
The finish is long and pleasant. Kind of drying as well.
I was a little nervous (a recurring theme it seems) when the box said it was a gentle, smoky malt. The first taste does not impress me. Maybe I do not like having to search for flavor? A drop of water really brings out the smoke and makes this a much better dram. In fact, the extra drop changes this from a so-so to something enjoyable. I prefer it this way, though the subtle vanilla flavor is almost lost. If it kept the vanilla it might be something very nice. A step above the Glenlivets, but I prefer the Glenkinchie to this one.
Unlike brother Ned, I cannot bring myself to add water to my samplings, but perhaps it is not just puritanism, but the fact it doesn't last that long...
ReplyDeleteSo, a true sparkling yellow, with no orange, yet not washed out like the GL 12, which yes, continues to be my benchmark side drink. An easy sip, it causes just a pause in one's reflection on the universe (or in my case, the fact I have eaten dinner yet governs my cognitive focus). A hint of peat precedes a slow burn that more resembles a fire burned down to coals that one in full blaze.
Nice one Ned, thanks for sharing!
you think some of the family drink more scotch in a week than you in a year... looks around.. you must be referring to our father who art in pinehurst. I may be the only non engineer / math nerd in the family but even I know something over nothing is infinity.
ReplyDeleteEnough of the pleasantries. After last week's excellent choice I wanted to like this one but to cut through the smoke, I was disappointed from the first air. I didn't detect vanilla but licorice attempting to hide something less pleasant. And I have to say, for me the texture was thin, not staying on my tongue but evaporating away like medicine.
I think, this one wanted to be great, wanted to be a good hearty scotch, but also did not want to offend those that might like glenlivet. It was a compromise to me, and I can be unforgiving of those that do not take a stand.
The taste had hints of this and that, but nothing lasted for me. It was more a tease than a taste.
It did warm on the way down, and for that I will say thank you. But if you were to offer another glass I would probably ask for a good merlot instead.
Still catching up. 1st sip: did a really deep sniff without finding much nose other than a little alcohol. A bit of a burn and some dry strawlike taste. 2nd sip: waiting for something more to show up on the back of the tongue. Nothing. Ok, time for a drop of water. Subtle come to mind. Gonna add an ice cube. A hint of a creamy feel on the lips but still not much flavor. Same amount of burn. Yep, subtle. Ok, now for some soda. A splash. Ah well, more subtle if possible. Has enough burn to distinguish it from a blend like J&B and more strength of character. Not sure why they waited 15 years to bottle it. Very bland. Hard to find character
ReplyDelete