Other People's Leisure

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.