Tasting notes: June 16, 2018, Whiskey

Suntory Whiskey Toki 86 proof

Regular price: $39.99 Sale Price: $36.99

“Toki’ means time in Japanese. And Suntory’s Toki Whisky is a tribute to that. Its a blend of whiskies of varying ages from Suntory’s three main distilleries – Hakushu, Yamazaki and Chita. The pairing of Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky with Chita heavy-type grain whisky, together with select Yamazaki malts to lend additional depth and complexity, gives Toki a silky taste and vivid character.

Wigle Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey 84 proof

Regular price: $49.99 Sale Price: $41.99

On the palate this rye is complex and almost refreshing, juicy, slightly floral moving into apple pie, cider, sour kumquat and cinnamon. Anaheim chili and pepper are followed by just a hint of wheat grass and sap. Underlying oil and dough, with Rainier cherry juice lingering on the finish, fading to old fashioned root beer, smoke, wet leaves, green banana, and a touch of frosting.

Redbreast 12 yr old Irish Whiskey 80 proof

Regular price: $70.99 Sale Price: $65.99

A classic pot-distilled whiskey made from malted and unmalted barley, this triple-distilled spirit is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks (mainly Oloroso), then blended together to create something that has a distinct and unique character in the world of Irish whiskey.

Henry McKenna 10 yr old Bourbon 100 proof

Regular price: $32.99 Sale Price: $30.99

The taste is filled with oak, burnt sugar/toffee and vanilla, and it’s something you shouldn’t rush. It’s just too delicious. The cinnamon stays in the background initially and then leads directly to the finish in force. The finish is long and spicy.  As good as the rest of this experience really is, the finish may be the best part. It only reluctantly eventually fades away after a long, long satisfying experience.

Old Forester 1920 ‘Prohibition Style’ Bourbon 115 proof

Regular price: $64.99 Sale Price: $59.99

A peppery spice works front to back as it coats the tongue. The rye shows up but is not overpowering allowing for hints of caramel to come through. When the initial spice fades, the tart apple appears along with a hint of chocolate. The finish is a complex and lasting one that provides a nice, warm Kentucky Hug before a delightful baking spice emerges and lingers on the palate.

Ardbeg Islay Single Malt 10 yr old Scotch Whiskey 92 proof

Regular price: $64.99 Sale Price: $57.99

In the glass, Ardbeg 10 Year Old has a pale straw coloring. It is very pale, in fact, so pale that it is almost translucent. The nose is a current of pungent smoke, rounded out by a note of lemon cookie and dry hay. The flavor is very much centered on a hefty blast of peat smoke, with notes of citrus, vanilla, honey and a little grassiness. The finish starts out both peppery and spicy, but winds down with a lingering ashy, charcoal like flavor.