Reviews by: dmessmer

This one needs some water (it's 60% alcohol otherwise), but with the right amount is pure delight. I'm a huge Islay fan, so this is out of my usual comfort zone, but well worth it. This now sits next to the Ardbeg Uigeadail as my favorite Scotch (I can't say which I like better because it's such an apples-to-oranges comparison). I didn't try this for quite some time because I was afraid to invest in a bottle that I might not like, but now this will be a constant in my Scotch cabinet.

Smooth and incredibly pleasant to drink. Not as complex or challenging as I usually like (I'm an Islay fan), but it's a delight nonetheless.

Not at all what I was expecting, but delightful nonetheless. Despite its peatiness it still has a subtle refinement. This is definitely a desert Scotch for me, and one that I'm still figuring out. I don't know if this would become my go-to Scotch, but I'll certainly be sad when I finish the bottle.

I had been looking for a chance to taste some Japanese whisky, and finally had the chance with the Yamazaki. It definitely makes me want try some more, though this one didn't rank among my favorites.

I was drinking the Saint Andrews. It had a bitterness that I found unpleasant, and tasted very young.

This whisky is a little lacking in complexity, but the flavors it does have are very nice. I found this easy and pleasant to drink.

Complex and wonderful. I get different tastes each time I try it, but it still always has a distinctive character that is uniquely its own. Definitely in the running for the title of my favorite Scotch.

A beautiful array of flavors. This one might be harder to identify in a blind taste test than some of my other favorites, but it is definitely a joy to drink.

A bold and distinctive malt. I served this at a tasting and the aroma of so many pours filled the room and was a big hit. Full of flavor, and a great example of the virtue of peatiness.

I was disappointed in this Scotch at first, but I'm starting to come around. It starts off wonderfully strong, with perhaps the finest nose of any whisky I've had, and a nice palate at first. It doesn't finish as strong though, thus keeping off the list of my favorites.

Smooth and drinkable, but lacking in complexity. Not as much flavor as a lot of Scotches, but definitely a great value for the price. This is a great place for novices to start, as it is very easy to drink.