Scotch Whisky Blog
Bowmore - 12yo - Islay
At first there was an overwhelming scent of medical tape. It came through in the taste too, however there was also a hint of smokiness, like your clothes after you've been by a campfire. I thought I'd try it neat, so it was highly astringent. My mistake.
It became even more clear to me that I have no idea what I'm doing, so I did some more reading. After learning some terms I could pick out the Phenol Wood Smoke flavor, as well as the Wood Associated Pine. I think I could brake down the Medical tape to pine and astringent.
The overwhelming astringent left it Dry and Neutral for me. I think this will be a good one to break down my sensitivity.
Deanston - 12yo - Highlands
This was the first bottle I've tried so far that just tasted like my mental image of Whisky. I purchased a bottle of still water from World Market, and I could definitely taste it better with a little water. The nose and mouth were both caramel and sherry. I couldn't pick out much more than that.
I read some other notes and found many references to peat and malt. These two essential flavors are not in my vocabulary yet, so I guess I'll need more practice.
I'm curious to know if it's better to go through many different bottles, or to work on one at a time. For now I'll keep trying new things.
Isle of Jura - 10yr
My Wife says she chose this because it was supposed to be mild and would be a good place to start. I definitely agree. It was very smooth and went down easy. I drank it neat and my virgin throat had no problem. I couldn't comment on the nose, but it did have a distinct cherry and choclate flavor. It's supposed to taste of honey, however I couldn't pick up on this.
Glen Moray - 12yr
After reading about the different Scotch Whisky regions it was clear that Speyside is the largest. Not a very calculated way to pick the next bottle, but hey, I'm a simple man. I tried it with about a 3 to 1 Scotch to Water mix. Even watered down it was a lot more harsh than the Jura. The nose was like fruity candy, almost like a jolly rancher. The same for the taste. I'd say pear and apple. I'm drinking it neat right now, and it's definitely kicking my ass. I can still taste the fruit, but something else that I can't quite discern.
I'll probably drop by World Market and get some nice spring water and a tulip glass.
My wife was lucky that her wine of the month club shipment came at the same time as my Xmas present or I would have been a little suspicious when the UPS guy asked me if I was 21. Though it doesn't matter much, because she let me open it early.
I was blown away when I opened the box and saw a Talisker scotch box on top of what was obviously styrofoam shaped to ship liquor. She went on to explain that she did a lot of research into the different Scotch Whisky Regions and got a bottle from each of the six, plus an extra.
- Glen Moray - 12yr - Speyside
- Isle of Jura - 10yr - Islands
- Deanston - 17yr - Highlands
- Talisker - 10yr - Isle of Skye
- Springbank - 10yr - Campbeltown
- Auchentoshan - 10yr - Lowland
- Bowmore - 12yr - Islay
I work in a world of information and abstract nothingness. It's nice to have something real to grasp on to.
