Whiskey From the Barrel
51.4% ABV (102.8 proof)
paid about $40 at Iceland airport duty-free
Color: light chestnut brown
Smell: bright and vibrant - the first thing that came to my mind was "Irish whisky." There are some biscuit-like cereal notes, but there's a bit more fruity sweetness than Jameson and the like. I'm not sure if it's finished in sherry casks, but it smells like it - raisins and toasted nuts definitely come forth once it's settled a bit in the glass.
Taste: much Scotch-ier than the relatively mild nose, with a strong malt backbone that lingers through the finish. Vanilla and cereal sweetness on entry (left-over Honey Nut Cherrios milk), and then the toasted nutty and sweet raisiny peat flavors take over on the midpalate into the medium finish.Overall: I'm a big fan of this...it's really well balanced and smooth, and the finish in particular is powerful and lasting. "A-" for me, and definitely recommended if you get a chance to snag a glass or a bottle.
