no subject

[emelbe]

Compass Box Spice Tree Blended Scotch Whisky

I was expecting so much more from this. I learned about it from a bartender after I tried Compass Box’s Peat Monster and I looked around for it for a while before ordering just a dram of it to try. Maybe I psyched myself up for it too much. It was good. I’d even give it very good. But I was expecting more than good; I was expecting interesting. What I got was good.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 20 Year

Again, sublime. Layered. Interesting profile. I liked it better than the 23y and it was worth it to know what it tastes like but I will probably keep going back to the 12y and the 15y.

Hooker’s House Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rye-heavy for a bourbon and matured in Pinot Noir barrels, this one is not for me. It shares the same aftertaste that drove me away from Whistle Pig and the one Dalmore that I’ve tried but my tasting companion for the evening didn’t get any of the flavors that I described and really, really liked it for her palate. Ice only intensified them. For me, it would’ve been undrinkable. For her, it was amazing.

Compass Box Delilah’s American Oak Blended Scotch Whisky

I went looking for a different Compass Box. The bar didn’t have it but counter-suggested this. (And serious hat tip to that bartender. Three of the four he pulled, I’d never even seen before.)

It reminds me a lot of the lighter bourbons and sweeter American whiskies I’ve tried. It’s sweet; it’s vanilla; it’s oaky; and it’s very, very good.