Ok, time to catch up on a few reviews. Here is one that has been sitting in my draft folder for a few weeks...
Whisky - Springbank 15yr Scotch
Overview: Springbank is a Campbeltown distillery, which is one of the "peaty" Scotch regions. Campbeltown is on a long peninsula that juts out into the ocean, just south of the isle of Islay. This particular distillery is know for its mildly smokey concoctions, and I have to say this one really delivered. This was the first Campbeltown Scotch I have ever had, and it was nothing short of amazing!
Tasting: I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this whisky. The nose starts with a strong peaty aroma, containing just an edge of sharpness. However the taste smooths out into a rich dried fruity flavor that mellows into a delicious oakey roundness with just the right hint of peat smoke. No strong burn at the end but just the delightful warmness that comes with a strong drink. Someone recommended this Scotch would pair well with a cigar, and it was a perfect conterpoint to a pipe on the porch on a cool spring day. It really was that amazing.
How To Drink: Sipping - Like many single malts, the flavors would be overpowered in many mixed drinks and missed in a shot.
Price: $$$ (about $150)
Chance of buying again: ***** (Any chance I can get! It was that good!)
Overall: A pricey, but unbelievable drink that everyone should try once. I absolutely loved it!
Whiskey - Willett Special Reserve Pot Still Bourbon
Overview: The Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky is a small scale operation started in 1935 as a family operation. It has had its ups and downs, but right now they bottle two whiskey's, one of which I feel privileged to have tried.
Tasting: This was one of the better bourbons I have had to date. It has a very mild aroma, that really expands on the palate. The taste was reminiscent of a (mildly) yeasty loaf of bread, all warm and freshly baked. I wasn't attacked with the corn flavor, like many bourbons, but just pleasantly warmed through and through. It was a great drink at the end of the evening, and its milder flavor allowed me to relax as the day came to a close.
How To Drink: Sipping, Mixing, Shots - This was a very versatile whisky, and you certainly could use it any way you like. I have to say I really enjoyed sipping it, and would encourage others to do the same
Price: $$ (about $60)
Chance of buying again: **** (Absolutely!)
Overall: A relaxing bourbon that could be enjoyed any time - a good recommendation for novice or new bourbon drinkers.
VERDICT: This week was very tough. While I was very impressed by the Springbank 15yr, I can't say enough how much I enjoyed the Willett Special Reserve Pot Still. At almost a 1/3 of the price, it's an incredible drink packaged in a stunning bottle. You can't go wrong with either of these choices, but I have to go with the Springbank 15yr Whisky for the overall winner this week... if you are willing to pay for it!
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