Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey (Batch #6, 47%, Distilled 10-6-04)

Appearance:

Rich gold.

Nose:

Buttery, almost caramel.

Palate:

The same rich, buttery flavor comes through, in the initial palate, but adding a few drops of water unleashes a burst of sweetness and adds a creamy dimension to the whiskey.

Finish:
The finish lingers pleasantly with hints of vanilla coming through.

Comment:

I wasn't overly enthusiastic with any American whiskey when compared to European counterparts, but Stranahan's has changed my mind. I'm really looking forward to the 2005 bottling and hopefully a visit to the distillery during my next trip to Denver.

Grade: A

The Glenlivet Nadurra 16yr (2006,Batch 0606A,57.2%)

Appearance:

Light gold.

Nose:

Honey & fruits (possibly pear). With water, distinctly more biscuity.

Palate:

Fiercely alcoholic with hints of smoke. With water a more floral flavor with the smoke almost completely dissipated.

Finish:
Only the alcohol induced warmth last initially but with the addition of some water, the mild biscuit flavors linger for almost a minute.

Comment:

While this is only the second cask strength scotch I've tried, I found it more approachable then the Macallen cask strength. Overall a very enjoyable drink on a frigid Minnesota night.

Grade: B+