A friend of mine recommended this blended malt scotch whisky to me several weeks ago and I finally picked up a bottle at the local LCB (or State Store as they used to be called) here in Pennsylvania. I won’t bother going into histories of Scotch and Whiskey and Chivas, you can follow the links and read it for yourselves, let’s just concentrate on what is in front of us.
Out of the box it had a full gold color, much richer in tone than the McClelland Lowland I keep on hand for company (friends get the MacAllan, don’t worry). Poured straight it did not have as strong an attack I was expecting at the first nose, somewhat subdued and carmal like… almost smelled “chewy” (not chewbacca). The swirl was nice and even and clung wonderfully to the sides of the glass. No streamers running down.
Maybe because it is so close to Halloween this time of year, but after I diluted it a bit I could swear my first nose was a hint of chocolate. I double checked the water container to make sure neither of my two kids had gotten hold of it but it was fine. Well, there was still a hint of the initial pour so in went a bit more water to see if I could coax any more maturity out of the scotch. I removed the lid and dove in. A much more refined hint of a floral bouquet, very pleasing. Over all not an overpowering scotch whisky to the nose at all.
I always worry if I am going to ruin the taste by adding a bit too much water; I am not using graduated glasses or containers, everything by eye. I wonder if this one will be one of the ruined samples. Yup, did overwater this time. You win some you lose some. First taste was very bland, very broken. I even tried to coax out as much flavor as I could by treating it like a wine and pulling some air through the mouthfull. Did not do much.
If you haven’t already guessed, I am not keeping traditional notes but giving a running analysis of this scotch. I always find it more interesting to not only get the reviewers summary but to get a glimpse into what he was thinking and feeling during the tasting. Probably won’t affect the taste a hill of beans, but the process is as important as the findings.
After allowing my nose and tongue a short rest I poured a fresh sample, this time much less water. I hope that this is not a case of a “great nose but rotten tongue” scotch. I really want to like this scotch, after all, if it is good enough for Ted Kennedy…
Heck, for this next taste I am going full strength. That was a good choice! I really enjoy the carmal start and the “firewood ash” finish. The finish overall is moderately strong straight, but that is what sets a good scotch apart from something like the less mature McClelland. I especially like the way it tickles the insides of my cheeks during the finish. Going down it is much bolder and can even be felt briefly in the nasal passages.
Conclusion: I was not disappointed by this scotch, very inviting and very drinkable straight (if you are used to scotch straight). Be careful! This scotch is easily overdiluted and ruined; one, maybe two ice cubes at best. If you are out on the town this is a very affordable blended malt scotch whisky and one that you and some friends can enjoy at the restaurant, or after a nice dinner with guests at home.
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