Joshua Reding's Home Page
Bowmore 12 (40% ABV)
Color: Shiny gold
Nose: Sweet and salty. Saltwater taffy. Light smoke. Faint citrus and mint.
Palate: Light. Similar to Talisker. Maritime salty breeze. Sea vegetation.
Finish: Sweet barbecue smoke and meat. Vaguely fish-y.
Overall: Pretty good. I’d place this just above Caol Ila in my preferences of Islays, but still not close to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, or Ardbeg.
86/100
Laphroaig Select (40% ABV)
Color: Gold leaf
Nose: Certainly more subdued than the Laphroaig 10 nose. Still smoke, but not billowing. Fruity and spicy. Red apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salted caramel, mint.
Mouthfeel: Thin. (Noticeable that it is only 40%)
Palate: Salty and sweetly vegetal. Tree sap, fresh-cut grass, ocean breeze, citrus.
Finish: Medium. Salt and charred wood. Black tea.
Overall: Interesting herbal and vegetal flavors, but certainly subdued for a Laphroaig. I’d take the 10 any day.
83/100
Benriach 17 Burgundy Finish (46% ABV)
Nose: Fruity, creamy, and rich. Honey, red berries, creme brûlée, toffee, coffee cake. Excellently balanced. I’m drinking this in.
Mouthfeel: Medium.
Palate: Wet and fruity. Clear evidence of the burgundy finish here. Dark grapes, blueberries, blackberries. Pie crust.
Finish: Medium. Woody and bitter. Lightly herbal. Mint.
Overall: Seriously delicious. A full dessert in a drink.
89/100
Auchentoshan Three Wood (43% ABV)
Color: Deep Amber
Nose: Honey, caramel apple, toffee. Sweet and sticky.
Mouthfeel: Medium.
Palate: Salty and earthy. Roast meat and potatoes with thyme.
Finish: Bitter and spicy. Very woody, like the smell of fresh mulch. Surprisingly long.
Overall: I was pleasantly surprised by this one, especially the substantial mouthfeel and finish. I would definitely consider buying it in a regular size.
86/100
© 2024 Joshua Reding
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
