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+

Talisker 10yo (45.8%)

Appearance: Liquid clings like glue, producing legs which descend at medium pace.

Nose: Divine medley of seaweed, iodine, peat smoke, iron oxide, and stewed peaches. Nutty sherry beneath it all. Light scents of fresh biscuits.

Palate: Slightly grainy and well-rounded but firm. Soft, clean oak profile. Elegant peach fruitiness immediately mirrors that of the rich smokiness. Swift undertow of sharp salt and licorice. Peppery alcohol lends a fiery glow while complementing the campfire smoke and understated tarriness. Deep rooted seaweed struggles upward through the blanket of peat. Deeply smoked, but there's plenty of fruitiness to enhance it. Distinctly peppery. Medicinal characteristics numb the palate.

Finish: Of course the peat smoke lingers for an eternity, as nutty sherry and iodine provide additional complexity.

Comment: There's a stunning assortment of complexity in this dram, and what fun it is to explore the depths each and every time. An exceptional whisky.

Ardbeg Uigeadail (2004, 54.2%)

Appearance:
Deep gold hue. Legs form quickly but are slow to descend.
Nose:
Lapsang Suchong and peat reek are identifiable at distance. Closer inspection reveals hazelnuts and butter, with lighter notes of sage and fennel. Peatiness becomes further identifiable with large doses of iodine and hospital scent. Something of a Bakelite element as well.
Palate:
Just a hint of vanilla and sherry to start, soon consumed by a healthy dose of smoke and peat. Oily on the tongue.
Finish:
Tangy oak with a long and clean peat draw. Quite hot.
Comment:
This beast can handle a considerable dose of water and transforms entirely. The peat amps up a little, but other elements are traded for burly salt water taffy, sea salt and kippery tones. Fairly sweet with, or without, water.

Hirsch 13yo Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (Lot 97-1, 47.8%)

Appearance:
Russet hue with a body so thick the legs are almost incapable of running.
Nose:
The aroma is immediately massive with chunky sweet and spicy elements. Alcohol is a bit tenacious at first, but a ten minute quarantine in a snifter mostly remedies this. Raisins and dates are quickly obvious, along with a sherry-like nuttiness. Spicy rye is integrated with cocoa and toffee. Vanilla is huge and comes with a wave of menthol.
Palate:
Incredibly sweet and quite nearly sticky. Stewed fruits galore along with plenty of heavily caramelized sugar. Huge rye note at the finish brings it all together.
Finish:
Lengthy, warm and quite dry. Retro-nasal of vanilla and mint for some time.
Comment:
Amazingly rich, a monstrous whiskey. I believe this is a single-barrel offering from the same barrels used to produce Rip Van Winkle's Family Reserve 13yo Rye Whisky.

Aberlour A'bunadh (Batch No. 9, 60%)

Appearance:
Dark copper.
Nose:
Strong sherry, wood and caramel.
Palate:
Very spicy and alcoholic. Dried plum? After adding some water, some sweet caramel appears.
Finish:
All sherry.
Comment:
The incredible burn is a bit much, but this is probably the best example of Aberlour's house style once a bit of water is added.
Grade: A-

Highland Park 12 (40%)

Appearance:

Light copper.

Nose:

Honey, heather, sherry.

Palate:

Flowery with a small amount of peaty smoke.

Finish:

The sweetness lingers a bit, but the transition from sweet to smoke is really nice in this dram.

Comment:

Possibly the best marriage between Speyside malts and the peaty islands.

Grade: A

Talisker 10 (45.8%)

Appearance:

Burnished copper hue with massive legs.

Nose:

Slight alcohol tickle to the nose. Cigar box and sandal wood aromas appear first. Sweetness emerges by way of toffee, light sherry tones, pralines and almond oil. Hint of fruitiness...tangerines? Earthy too; fireworks, tobacco, leather and clover honey. Island influences are undeniable; peat reek, sea shells, light perfume.

Palate:

Solid sweetness throughout with a peppery brightness.

Finish:

Fades into a dry finish with moderate smoke and peat.

Comment:

Nifty and diverse.