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April 19, 2006
Spirit Tasting 4: The Rescotchening
Finishing up my note-typing backlog - these whiskys were tasted over a month ago. I didn't jot much down for most of them, and I don't think any has a good, full tasting note. This entry may only be of use to me.
I hope that JB or Robert will put together something more detailed for a few of these.
This was a marathon Scotch tasting. We had about 15 whiskys, and they were all excellent. Next time we'll do something more focused.
This is the fourth in a series of spirit tastings, the first several being Bourbon, Scotch, and Rum. For this one, we returned to Scotland.
Ardbeg Serendipity
Smoke smoke smoke smoke smoke smoke smoke smoke smoke.
Awesome with water.
Balvenie Portwood 21
Sharp, peppery finish.
Bowmore 12
Very nice - tastes like the seaside. Quite smoky.
Bowmore 15
Smells like cognac, tastes like candy. Cherry! Mellows with water.
This was one of the favorites of the evening.
Bowmore 17
This still has the cherry flavor I caught in the 15, but it's much more subtle. Similar to the 15, but more refined.
Glenlivet 18
Very sharp before adding water, very assertive.
Extremely full-flavored after water. Excellent.
Glenmorangie 18
Smoky but not peaty? Very good.
Glenmorangie Port Finish
A little sweet, slightly winey - like the Glenlivet French Oak. Slightly smoky finish, nice and round with water.
Glenrothes Vintage 1992
Charcoal, caramel. Probably my favorite from the night.
Lagavulin 16
I won't even try to best JB's review. I'll only add that water only hurts this whisky - it became flat and flavorless.
Macallan 18
Very round and smooth - some candy. Little change with water.
I like the Macallan 18, but I don't have the same mind-blowing reaction that the other people from the tasting had. It's nice enough, but I prefer others.
Talisker 12
Full flavor, not terribly smooth.
Clynelish 14
Caramel pepper - a little fruity. The nose opens a lot with water.
Posted by peter at April 19, 2006 09:34 PM