24 Blind Whiskies
Broddy’s 2025 Advent Adventure
Blind Tasting Rules!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again folks: if you truly want to assess a whisky - like really critique it, it’s gotta be done blind. It also helps to have a solid group of friends to join in on the fun.
Every year for the past handful, our friend group has done a whisky advent calendar. The rules are simple: each person buys one Scotch and one world whisky, with each having a minimum value of $80 CAD (~£43).
These are split 12 ways (6cl/2oz each) and bottled with a blindly assigned number: odd dates are the Scotch entry, even dates are the world whisky. One of our wives has recently stepped up and hosted the communications from all participants, ensuring that no duplicate distilleries or whiskies end up in the mix. She also takes care of generating the random odd and even numbers that we all receive to label our whiskies.
At the end of November, we all meet for a night of poker, laughter, and of course passing our blind whiskies around. When December rolls around, everyone tries that day’s whisky, sharing our thoughts in an active group chat. Some people share detailed impressions of the whisky while others simply state if they like it or not. The following day, the person who is responsible for that purchase sends a picture of the whisky around. A beautifully simple way to try many different whiskies blind.
I took the opportunity this year to turn our misshapen advent dalliances into a Dramface review. I’ve included my blind tasting notes, my guesses, and also the impressions from the other participants. This should give you a more rounded impression for everyone: those just getting into whisky, the nerds like myself, and those in between. And just to make things simpler for the group, we chose to give a score of 1-5 as well with a score of 1 representing sewer water, a 2 as a I’ll drink it but won’t buy it, a 3 for an average whisky that we might buy when on sale/discount, a 4 as a very nice whisky that we would buy anytime, and 5 being nectar of the gods.
My method: I utilize the shake test pioneered by Phil and Deepa from Whisky Mystery, originally a Charlie MacLean hack, to help inform my percentage ABV guesses, and that has rubbed off on a few others as well. I follow this visual guess up with my impression of strength on the palate, before jumping into guessing grain type(s) and casking. I generally guess age from the length of finish, where older whiskies tend to linger longer. All notes, descriptions, Dramface scores, and guesses are from the blind sample (except the odd one, I’ll let you know which).
Let us proceed and see what led us out of the gate!
Day 1/24
AnCnoc Peated Sherry Cask, Highland Single Malt, 43% ABV
CAD$90 / £50 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Nose
Soft and subtle peat, slightly earthy. Warm smelling. Quite sweet with caramel, orange oil. Some savoury notes of cured meats? Maybe it's the impending holidays but I'm smelling cold mincemeat filling.
Palate
Quite soft entry, some prickles but those are likely from younger spirit here. Much less sweet tasting than the nose would suggest. Quite unobtrusive and generic actually. Dry woody type peat. Retronasal unlocks some of the orange oil aspects from the nose. Pepper prickle undertones run throughout. There is some sweetness upon successive sips, but it's more akin to a mild caramel that's been heavily diluted. It's there, but it feels like a shadow of its former dense self. The finish is medium-long in length, which is a surprise given the guessed % abv, comprised of the diluted sweetness and woody peat.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Shake test: 43-46%
Palate % abv: 40-43%
Thoughts: Could this be a whisky that has a peated cask used in maturation instead of peated malt? Seems not terribly integrated and the difference between nose & palate is strange. I’m guessing this is either a Benromach 15 or AnCnoc Peated Sherry Cask.
Broddy’s Crew:
John: oh man, I’m liking this. Super sweet, toffee or caramel. On tasting, I noticed the peat and smoke, sweet orange fruit. Short finish, still think lower abv.
Cody: slight peat on the nose, very soft palate. Guess mid 40's abv, not getting any of that sherry JR is - maybe some wine or something. It's okay, not terribly interesting, but pleasant.
Andrew: sweet on the nose but not much sweetness on the palate. First smell I actually got a whiff of banana which I've never gotten before. Light iodine/peat, I would guess 43% based on the shake test. Overall solid Scotch for sure.
Average Score: 3.4/5
Final Thoughts: Ha! Turns out I guessed this one correctly, a full point for the Broddymeister! I must admit that my heavily laden shelves helped me immensely here as I was able to pull some representative guesses and really narrow things down. I will say that my copy of the AnCnoc was slightly different than this one, but it was quite close. Objectively, this is an okay whisky but is let down from the palate experience. I feel that at 46-48%, the flavour density on the tongue would match the nose however we might then be battling a more intense peppery bite that would detract from anything gained. A tough nut to crack for sure, but I think this fits comfortably in the 4/10 realm.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 2/24
Shelter Point Montfort, Canadian Single Malt, 46% ABV
CAD$80 / £43 est. retail
Score: 6/10
Good stuff.
TL;DR
Sweet chameleon
Nose
Sweet, vanilla, quite soft yet dense. Danish & patisserie shop. Some dustiness and potentially some rye spice & herbs underneath?
Palate
Sweet, decent amount of fine vanilla & marshmallow. Crème brûlée crispy top. The finish is short and clean.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-52%
Palate % abv: 50-52%
Thoughts: First crack: this must have some rye in it. Relatively young. Very sweet.
Broddy’s Crew:
John: big vanilla. Wood shavings. Marshmallows. Agree on 50% ish and seems super smooth.
Makis: doesn't feel like bourbon to me
Cory: reminds me of a couple Irish whiskies I've had recently.
Ryan: quite like it. Definitely sweet and a grainy flavor to it. I'd buy that for sure.
Ivan: can't place it, but must be a rye of some sorts. Sweet and high alcohol percent. Every sip is different.
Cody: may be some wheat in this one. Would be a nice warm summer night dram, I like it. Finish is a lingering extension of palate. Guess is a 50% wheated rye.
Galen: very grainy but also sweet. Not bourbon. Would guess Bridgeland wheat whisky, 50% abv. Lingers with brown sugar sweetness. Candy canes anyone?
Average Score: 3.4/5
Final thoughts: I was miles away from guessing this correctly so I reached into the bunker. Cracking the two I reviewed earlier, and they are miles apart. On second crack after reveal: I’m still not believing this is Shelter Point Montfort.
The old version is spicier (hotter), and has a distinctly different flavor and texture. Coming back to this whisky after six weeks and the reveal, it is impossible to identify this as something from Shelter Point. It is so distinctly different.
Not a bad thing mind you, but it does mean that your enjoyment (or lack thereof) can vary quite a bit with each release.
Dramface Score: 6/10
Day 3/24
Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask Release, Batch 2, 2025, Single Malt Scotch, 52% ABV
CAD$100 / £54 est. retail
Score: 7/10
Very good indeed.
TL;DR
Christmas meet whisky. Whisky meet Christmas
Nose
Warm baking spices. Fig Newton's. Dark honey and wet cedar. Darker citrus notes (not the bright fresh citrus, but a cooked or sweeter citrus).
Palate
Nutmeg and ginger spices. Slight peat undertones that present like wet cedar shavings. Sweet tones throughout, pop of clove on the finish. Booze-soaked dark molasses gingerbread cookie. Peppery.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess: seeing as this was my Scotch submission, I’ll excuse myself from guessing! Wally also reviewed this batch earlier too and I agree with the scoring on this one. It’s a solid 7/10 whisky and I actually prefer it over the 2024 Ardnamurchan Sherry release I’ve reviewed previously.
Broddy’s Crew:
Galen: Tonight's whisky is superb. Orange twist on the nose, no peat/smoke. Vanilla & caramel, a little spice in there too. A perfect Christmas whisky. Maybe 46%, not too refined and still a good edge on the finish. Easy drinking, a whisky to have on the shelf to share.
Cody: fragrant, floral, earthy notes on the nose. Decent heat, I'd put it low to mid 50's. Finish wants to be a little funky but it lingers nicely.
John: I get similar notes to Cody, very mild, light, floral smells and makes me think of wet cedar. Not bad, I would like more flavour.
Average Score: 3.7/5
Dramface Score: 7/10
Day 4/24
Westland Sherry Wood, American Single Malt, 46% ABV
CAD$120 / £65 est. retail
Score: 3/10
Disappointing.
TL;DR
Sweetness distracts from the off-notes
Nose
Slightly bruised or rotten apples. Brown sugar. Danish. Artificial vanilla.
Palate
Quite "single grainy". Starts sweet with brown sugar, then goes sour and funky. Play-Doh. Acetone and varnish. Short finish that is slightly drying. There's a dirtiness that I've experienced before from a Cadenhead's Ardmore that had touched Pinot Noir casks. An off-putting rotten swampy stick. The sourness lingers and is tenacious.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 50-52%
Palate % abv: 46-52%
Thoughts: this has gotta be a young craft distillery, potentially playing with a red wine barrel? There’s a decent amount of craft distillery
Broddy’s Crew:
Ryan: smells like port. Tastes almost like wood with a cherry combo? Tough to pin down. Was really good though, guess around 43%.
John: Different flavours tonight. Peppery nose, a little harsh, and then a kind of pepper chocolate on the palate. Low abv, like 40%.
Andrew: first reaction on the nose was straight red wine. Never been a huge fan of port finish. Nothing but berries on the palate. It could be a cup of raspberry juice. It's not bad, just not my cup of tea.
Galen: I'm thinking this is whisky (not Bourbon or Rye). Sweet. Not unpleasant. Earthy woody smell and almost pine on the tongue? Pine sap? And fruity and a little funky. Low abv. Doesn't linger long. Really dry finish. Cotton mouth.
Cody: Going in a different direction from you guys. Nose is very familiar. If it was Scotch, it reminds me of a Dalmore I once had. I get skunky, ashy, and very earthy notes. Palate is dirty like a machine shop with old leather covered in black grease which is a note I haven't gotten from many whiskies before. Plus some sharp pepper. Not terribly potent, guessing 46-48%, maybe less if it's young. Finish is consistent with the palate, maybe some moldy drying hay at the end. Overall, I can't decide if I like it or not. It's certainly interesting but would have trouble with more than a couple drams at one sitting.
Average Score: 2.5/5
Final thoughts: After the reveal, it made sense that I didn’t like this whisky. I’ve had Westland’s core range American Single Malt and didn’t think highly of it at all so it makes sense that I didn’t enjoy this one as well. I’m giving myself a half-point for guessing the craft distillery point as well. While Westland was early into the American single malt game, they have lots of work to do in churning out a good product.
Dramface Score: 3/10
Day 5/24
Springbank 100º Proof 5yo, Single Malt Scotch, 57.1% ABV
CAD$120 / £65 est. retail
Score: 7/10
Very good indeed.
TL;DR
Lemony goodness on the farm
Nose
Tight nose that rewards patience. White fleshed fruit. Some light lemon citrus undertones. Bright ozone? Slightly cereal-y, warm silage, farmy.
Palate
Bright & lemony. Some peppery bite and heat. Lemon meringue pie. Lemon drops. Very moreish. Reminds me of ex-bourbs Mannochmore.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 54-58%
Palate % abv: 54-58%
Thoughts: Farmier/funkier Mannochmore? The core of this whisky reminds me of Mannochmore, but it’s got a farmier side of things. Single cask of something, like 12-16 yo.
Broddy’s Crew:
Galen: Tonight's is interesting. Very sweet/flora. But also a citrus flavor, lime/orange rind. I think it's a (malt) whisky though, and over 50%. Can't decide if I like it or not, still nursing a hangover so that might be influencing things.
Cody: On first smell and taste I convinced myself it was Kilkerran something, though wasn't a perfect match. Did this sample quickly at John's house.
John: Get a definite farmy type smell, almost silage like feed/hay, do not notice the peat on the nose. Taste is similar to smell, but notice the peat much more, sweet hay.
Ryan: not bad. I get a very strong stone fruit flavor on the finish. Everything before that is not great.
Average Score: 4.1 (with 4 people giving it a 5!)
Final thoughts: what a hell of an entry into the blind lineups! This is a great whisky and I’m quite happy I’ve got a bottle sitting on my shelf unopened. Very deserving of the score, and it appears that others thought so too! And if you fancy another view on this Springer, Wally provides his thoughts here.
Dramface Score: 7/10
Day 6/24
Kurayoshi Distillery - The Matsui, Peated Japanese Single Malt, 58% ABV
CAD$110 / £60 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Watermelon & dryer sheets
Nose
Lime. Floral. Light honey. Is there a rye aspect here? There's a menthol or dilly undertone. Menthol is making me think of cold key lime pie. Retronasal is watermelon and grapefruit.
Palate
Strange entrance - what is it? Like watermelon starburst? Grapefruit? Linen sheets? Entrance reminds me of a Two Brewer's experimental release that used some IPA wort. The finish is short and clean, with that generic starburst candy tang on the tongue.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 50-54%
Palate % abv: 50-54%
Thoughts: Think is a blended grain whisky. Refill oak.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: First pass of the nose I was getting a very green wood/uncharred cask note but that was quickly taken over by some chemical, acetone type smell which is what the palate and finish were for me as well. Did not like this at all.
John: Higher ABV, 55%, dusty vanilla on the nose. Lighter vanilla taste, but still get that dusty type of flavour. Guessing Bourbon, but pretty smooth if it is that high of ABV
Ryan: not bad. I get a very strong stone fruit flavor on the finish. Everything before that is not great.
Average Score: 2.5/5
Final thoughts: this is a weird one. It is oddly floral and also brightly fruity with those lime and grapefruit/watermelon notes; something I picked up even after going back to it after 6 weeks. This whisky also drinks hotter than what it objectively should be, so coupling the heat and the quite unique notes, this whisky isn’t for everyone. With some more age, I feel that this whisky would be really unique and shine.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 7/24
Glen Keith 21yo, Single Malt Scotch, 43% ABV
CAD$140 / £75 est. retail (UK retail £135)
Score: 7/10
Very good indeed.
TL;DR
Dessert in a glass
Nose
Quite a dense sweetness going on here. Candied red apples at the fair. Very soft, no burn at all. Red berry compote? Hand test is quite cerealy and generic sweet.
Palate
Dense again, but with an effervescent zip of fizz to break things up (it's not hot or bitey like pepper if that helps you understand what I mean by "fizz"). Red berries. Swedish berry candies. Vanilla. Candied red apple again. Hard berry candies you sometimes get after a meal at a restaurant. Getting some VO vibes with trace bubblegum or is that a byproduct of the sweeter candies? This is bright and cheerful whisky. Finish is medium-long and a decline of the sweeter candied elements and some fizz.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 43-46%
Thoughts: Clings to the glass quite well. 46% STR cask that's chill filtered? 43% and younger? Fizz and flavors remind me of Ardnamurchan Paul Launois casks. Pretty sure STR and some VO are here.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: nose is red apple peel. Palate is fairly consistent for me all the way through the finish.
Ryan: first thought was apple for the smell. The taste was the same with some spice. Very smooth and tasty and I miss it already.
Galen: good whisky tonight. Caramel and stone fruits. Not super spicey. Could be 40%, drinks smooth though so wouldn't be surprised if it was higher. Definitely something I'll look to buy to add something softer to the bar.
John: Agreed on big time sweet. Wrote down pears and vanilla. Guessing 40%. My guess is Fettercairn, I had the 12 earlier this year and remember it being sweet like this.
Ivan: I'm loving this one! Reminds me of the Glenallachie from last year.
Average Score: 4.2 (with two 5 scoring votes!)
Final thoughts: this was quite a sweet treat. Dessert in a glass for sure and despite the shy nose, the palate is quite beguiling. Impressive weight, loads of flavour, and a long finish despite the low strength. I was aware of this whisky being in my market for 1-2 years now and was wary given the distillery and low abv, but since I’ve tried this blind in this line, I’ve eyed buying a bottle of this many times. This is a great crowd-pleasing whisky and would also make a great gift given its impressive price point and age statement.
Dramface Score: 7/10
Day 8/24
Whistlepig Farmstock Rye, 43% ABV
CAD$95 / £50 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a Good Way
TL;DR
A generic whisky: would make a good mixer
Nose
Not overly expressive (but could be because of the inevitable small kids-induced colds…). Baking spices, trace ripe banana, vanilla, brown sugar.
Palate
Virgin oak touch with baking spices, bubblegum. Corn-esque sweetness perhaps? Some dustiness which may imply some wheat in the mashbill. Finer rye spices popping up on successive sips.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-50%
Palate % abv: 46-48%
Thoughts: Think this is a bourbon, likely containing some rye in the mash.
Broddy’s Crew:
Ryan: Tonight was interesting. Strong wine smell, taste was more caramel/orange. Kind of tasted like an Old Fashioned towards the end. Guess low 40's.
John: smells like dusty oranges. And now all I can taste after your note is an Old Fashioned. No idea what this is.
Makis: I smell caramel, Old Fashioned and dusty oranges.
Andrew: I think it's bourbon, I feel like I can taste some corn. I got banana on the nose but I get orange on the palate.
Galen: Bourbon is what I've got. Thinner than a lot of bourbon but sweet. Chocolate oranges with a hint of something like oily rubber.
Cody: I get old fashioned vibes for sure. Nose is subtle, and reminds me of a damp canvas but fruity. Palate is starburst juicy with lots of dark red fruits, plums, and dates with enough power to cut through most of the sweetness. Viscous. Finishes with more of the same, but with a slight note of something I'm not terribly fond of pushing me to a 4 instead of 5. Really lingers in the mouth. Overall, an excellent dram for me. I haven't had much bourbon but I'd be surprised if this is one.
Average Score: 3.6
Final thoughts: Just like the TL:DR says, this is a daily drinker, an easy mixer, crowd pleaser. I don’t have really much to say other than this tastes exactly like the label would describe it: a lower proof rye whisky without faults but lacking the extra pizzazz to move this off the average mark.
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 9/24
(full swing of kids & household cold)
Whisky Knights 11 yo Blair Athol, Distilled 2009, ex-Bourbon hogshead #308085, 58% ABV
CAD$115 / £62 est. retail
Score: 7/10
Very good indeed.
TL;DR
Dark & brooding, with some brightness underneath
Nose
Dry smoke. Slightly earthy. Fresh brewed espresso. Mango chutney.
Second try in January: dark honey, nicely jammy and acidic fresh espresso, the tropical mango chutney is still here, and a firm oaky wet hardwood smell too. The smoke is not as present now but I think the espresso-like note can have adjacent smoke-like notes.
Palate
Cacao. Dark chocolate. Espresso. Some tropical fruits underneath. Dry earthy smokiness. Candied smoked dry beef or fish undertones. Some strength-derived peppery bite.
Second try in January: Cacao. Dark chocolate. Espresso. Tropical fruits are much more front and center, with some dried mango and wine gums. This is a big bold wood bomb too with loads of oakiness and spices. Adding water turns this into something generic and removes the lovely chocolatey and tropical notes.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 54-58%
Palate % abv: 54-58%
Thoughts: Bunnahabhain 100 proof? Strange Caol Ila like the Bedford Park Caol Ila Palo Cortado? There’s the smoky and drying aspect that’s got me all turned around here.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: I get a very subtle sherry on the nose, quite a bit of power but clean on the palate and quite a lingering finish. Overall, really clean and not much barrel influence. Added a good bit of water and this lady really opens up. Getting a ton more flavour; still really clean and crisp. I would say it's a somewhat uninspiring distillate and would be interesting to try with a more aggressive barrel choice.
Broddy: did we drink the same #9?
Cody: I mean my palate is a little fucked sometimes but I had a very different experience than you haha
John: I got a smoky and maybe oily smell on #9, but taste wise I'm just getting a woody/drying type flavors. Not getting much sweetness. After tasting it, I don't really notice the smoke anymore... comes off pretty powerful, 50%+ and maybe younger. I wouldn't call it smooth, even with quite a bit of water. It's growing on me as it sits though.
Galen: Hm, not too bad. Hot though which takes a little away from the initial flavor. A bit of wet leather and musty to me with a touch of heartburn. I do find the abv might take away from this one.
Average Score: 3.7
Final thoughts: I’ll be honest here… a decent head cold was starting to set in from the previous day. The joys of young kids and school-time December bugs! My tasting notes on the night clearly influenced my guesses, thinking this was more along the lines of a peated whisky from Islay. Coming back to this in January, and I’m getting much less in the way of smoky/peated type notes. This actually gives some mega Bowmore-type vibes (minus the smoke) with the tropical notes. This is a big bold whisky. And it also turns out that I have a full unopened bottle of this sitting in the bunker too so I have that to look forward to! Given the punch and mega woodiness, this is a whisky that isn’t for everyone and it’s clearly reflected in the group's middling score as well.
Dramface Score: 7/10
Day 10/24
(still fighting a cold)
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon, 45% ABV
CAD$75 / £40 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a Good Way
TL;DR
A generic but easy sipping VO whisk(e)y
Nose
White fleshed fruits. Vanilla. Toasted oak. Some sawdust.
Palate
Drinks hotter than abv would indicate (sign of youth). Firm oak spices, caramel, baking spices, all the trademarks of some decent virgin oak in the mix. Can taste the corn, must be high corn. Some rye spice hiding underneath.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-48%
Palate % abv: 48-50%
Thoughts: Think this is bourbon. Virgin oak. Likely craft distillery as it doesn't taste like MGP. High corn, some rye in the mashbill.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: smells sweet, tastes like bourbon.
Dan: This one is a nice time. Those are my notes.
Ryan: definitely sweet. Vanilla? Smells kinda funky but I don't mind it.
Andrew: Definitely smells like bourbon. But my confidence is shaken after Day #8.
John: Definitely big vanilla smells. Seemed pretty sharp when first poured but really mellowed out with time. Might be the abv, it's gotta be pretty high. Boozy vanilla ice cream.
Andrew: Boozy vanilla ice cream is perfect. That is my idea of a great fucking time. I didn't think it was too sharp or too hot at all. My favourite to-date for sure.
Average Score: 3.6
Final thoughts: Another generic bourbon/rye/American whisky. It’s good but never really had the wow factor. And exciting to see that despite the persistent cold from the kids, I’m still on track with my palate!
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 11/24
(still fighting a cold)
Edradour Caledonia 12yo, Official bottling, Single Malt Scotch, 46% ABV
CAD$125 / £67 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Anti-Gravity: Darkness attracts the eye. Taste repulses wallet
Nose
Heavy sherry. Dark notes like molasses, cooked dates. Classic Oloroso nuttiness. Flat coca cola.
Palate
Dark molasses ginger snap cookies. Cooked dates. Flat coca cola. Not as much oxidized notes like nuttiness than I was expecting from the nose. Some mid-palate brightness then middling peppery bite. Finish is short and generic, dare I say non-existent.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 43-46%
Thoughts: Unpeated. Heavy sherry. Very low abv (40-43%). Likely chill-filtered and sub-14 yo. Guesses:
Tamdhu - no, strength is wrong I think
Dalmore - no, too dank to be a ‘lil ‘ol ‘Dally
Glenfarclas - no, not sharp enough or peppery enough to be Glenfarclas
Glengoyne - no, too smooth and orangey compared to this
Glendronach - maybe, but this whisky is too dank to be Glendro’
Edradour - good possibility, matches Oloroso profile & rough profile
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: first sniff was pure Oloroso. From there, some figs and wet earth. Very rich and drying on the palate like other very sherried or wine cask finished. Smooth and not much heat. Tastes like it smells. A little too sweet for me but this is an excellent, rich dram that's very cask influenced. 4.5/5 well done.
John: Sweet sherry, baking spices, guessing lower ABV, smooth, very sweet.
Average Score: 3.8
Final thoughts: I’m giving myself a score here. Through the process of elimination, I arrived at Edradour as a possibility given this whiskies profile and my recollection. By happenstance, our Wally reviewed this bottled in 2022, awarding it a more prestigious 7/10. Our nose and palate notes are quite adjacent, which is good to see both from a self-check on my palate but also product consistency. So why the significantly different scores?
Preference.
This whisky is 101% about the cask. There’s very little in the way of spirit derived fruits and esters and the finish and mouthfeel are quite lacklustre. This could be any whisky (vodka in sherry anyone?), never mind a single malt Scotch and therefore I believe it fits the definition of 4/10 “work required, annoyingly hasn’t come together”.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 12/24
Hibiki Harmony, Japanese Blended Whisky, 43% ABV
CAD$155 / £83 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Nothing technically wrong, just needs MORE
Nose
Quite plain and delicate. Vanilla, lightly sweet, light baked sweet patisserie. Some floral elements, like apple blossoms.
Palate
Very soft and sweet entry. Cooked sugary pears. Vanilla icing. Some peppery tingles.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 40-43%
Thoughts: Pretty sure this is a malt whisky. Very light ex-bourbon influence. Floral elements could be Japanese but missing the nail-polish/acetone/apple thing I usually get with some Japanese whiskies.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: Very light with not a ton of character
John: Reminded me of light version of #10, light vanilla and woody
Average Score: 2.7
Final thoughts: what a boring whisky. I just don’t get Japanese whisky anymore. They used to be flavourful and textural but now they seem thin and light and boring. This is further compounded when you look at the absolute plethora of flavours that are present in Japanese cuisine. Which just makes this whisky make less sense when palate cleansers are typically lighter beverages like beer or sake. Couple the experience with the price for this premium-leaning whisky and I’m left scratching my head. Give this to me at 48-50% and you’d likely see this pop into the 5 or even 6 score range but as it sits, it has more flaws than attributes. For another take, Gilbert reviewed this in 2023, giving it a 5/10.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 13/24
Aberfeldy 21yo, Official bottling, Single Malt Scotch, 40% ABV
CAD$175 / £94 est. retail (UK retail closer to £175)
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Generic and muddled, very poor
Nose
Malty musty sherry. Cooked red apple. The nose is so soft and subtle that it can’t be offensive to anyone, even your grandma.
Palate
Sweet entry. Typical bourbon & sherry core range taste. Indistinct flavours all muddied about. It’s so soft and generic that I’m hard pressed to pick out anything and the finish is short.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40%
Palate % abv: 40%
Thoughts: Pretty sure this is a generic Speyside/Highlands OB core range. 10-14 yo based on finish length and palate weight.
Broddy’s Crew:
John: I like today. Tastes like bourbon only ageing to me. Vanilla and honey. Reminds me of GS 10. Guessing lower abv, wish that was higher.
Galen: Nose is nice, sweet and subtle. Very light and short on the palate with a wet leather aftertaste. Honestly, I was surprised today was a scotch. I can't think of anything I've drank in recent years that is this light. It's gone so quick you can't really mull it more than first impression.
Cody: Definitely close to Glen Scotia 10 yo, wish I had a bottle to compare against.
Average Score: 3.1
Final thoughts: what a waste of 21 yo single malt whisky. Like seriously, they put more effort into making it terrible than they would have if they didn’t mess with it. I believe the 40% abv here is strangling, neutering, and absolutely shoving this whisky down into the gutter.
Someone made the conscious effort to add more water and also chill-filter this liquid after it was roused from its over two-decade slumber. Just let it be man, let it be.
Scoring this a 4/10 might seem harsh but we shouldn’t be trying to crowbar whiskies into an average score but rather let the whisky do the talking and let the chips fall where they may (PS: if you want to learn more about DF scoring, read here and here or grab our score guide here).
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 14/24
The Irishman Founders Reserve, Oloroso Sherry Finish, Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV
CAD$95 / £50 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
The silent generic ninja
Nose
The quietest and lightest nose I think I've ever come across. So quiet it's a damn ninja. Barest traces of vanilla, baking spices, and something sweet like brown sugar. Even the glass the next day barely smells of anything.
Palate
Some wood char, bringing some bitterness mid-palate. Good amount of baking spices, white pepper, brown sugar. The finish is short and generic.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 48-52%
Palate % abv: 46-48%
Thoughts: Think this is a malt world whisky. Don't think it's bourbon but if it is, it is unlike any other bourbon I've ever had. Good odds that there is some VO in the mix given the woodiness and baking spices.
Broddy’s Crew:
John: No idea on Day 14. Smells and tastes are way different. Didn't get nearly as much from the nose.
Galen: Quite like this too. Drinks hot but doesn't burn. Sweet. Smooth and buttery. Nothing offensive.
Ivan: Really loved this bourbon! Will 100% be buying one.
John: Do you think this is bourbon? I thought it smelled like it, but it doesn't taste like bourbon to me.
Cody: I don't think it's bourbon but having trouble placing the finish on this one. I do like it.
Average Score: 4.1/5
Final thoughts: this was a bit of a wild one, with several absolutely loving it, and others sitting on the fence. Some even went out and hunted the last couple bottles down in the city! From my perspective and after the reveal, it makes sense it's an ex-bourbon and Oloroso blend but the whisky is so soft and flavourless that it is easy to mess up. This is the challenge (and gift) of tasting blind with a limited volume of liquid: first impressions matter. It’s easy to take those first few nips and begin to formulate notes and casking details etc, eventually leading you down a path that may or may not be correct. With this whisky, I was struggling. The nose is generic and quiet, while the palate has lots of baking spices and generic sweetness. Given that everything was quite plain, I’ve given this a 4/10 but I could see a different person electing to give this an average 5/10 score.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 15/24
Carn Mor Strictly Limited 2012 10 yo Benriach Port Finish, 47.5% ABV
CAD$125 / £67 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Grungy and sour before abruptly dropping off a cliff
Nose
Musty dirty sherry. There is some moist earthiness too. Smells similar to red wine (Pinot Noir) Ardmore from Cadenheads I had several years ago.
Palate
Grungy. Moist leather. Oloroso sherry and nutty bitterness. Raisins. Good amount of peppery tingles throughout the experience. Finish is slightly sour and relatively short. Falls off fast.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-48%
Palate % abv: 46-50%
Thoughts: I think this is a dank sherried whisky, or something that has some red wine involved.
Broddy’s Crew:
John: Very leathery and raisin notes. Bit different taste so I'm guessing a different finish (wine or something).
Andrew: I think tonight's is fantastic. Orange and vanilla on the nose and palate. Could talk myself into leathery raisins too. I don't get any red wine or anything, just think it's sherried and delicious.
Cody: No peat. Saddle leather on the nose. Colour seems a little red to me? A bit more heat or just younger potentially (from yesterday). Getting a sour note at the end of the finish.
Average Score: 4/5
Final thoughts: well I was off the mark with my sherry comments! Like way off. But I was getting a little warmer with my comments towards the peppery tingles (aka European oak common with port) and the dankness or red wine influence. I wouldn’t have arrived at a port-finished Benriach mind you but that shouldn’t detract from my thoughts and the general consensus that this whisky was divisive. Some loved it and others didn’t enjoy it at all. Such is the power of red wine or port-finished whiskies (spoiler) compared to the ubiquitous sherry-influenced whiskies.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 16/24
Slyrs 51 Bavarian Single Malt Whisky, 51% ABV
CAD$110 / £60 est. retail
Score: 7/10
Very good indeed.
TL;DR
Wonderfully balanced world whisky
Nose
Slightly cerealy. Slightly musty on first pour. Opens up nicely with air time, the mustiness turning into the brighter and sweeter components. Dried nuts. Some raisins and plums. Brighter aspects of apricot danish and vanilla.
Palate
Sweet & balanced, walking the tightrope of sherry nuttiness and ex-bourbon goodness. The abv is bringing some nice punch. Raisins, cooked plums, baked and glazed apricot danishes, some peppery tingles. Some nice oxidized nuttiness but it is nicely balanced against the sweeter aspects. Nicely syrupy with a medium-long finish.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 48-54%
Palate % abv: 48-52%
Thoughts: No guess here, because this was my world whisky! This German single malt used casks that previously contained port wine, sherry or Sauternes.
Broddy’s Crew:
Ryan: this one's really good. Incredibly flavorful and doesn't burn much. Crazy how you pinned butter tarts. That's almost bang on. Great choice on this one.
Cody: Yeah this one is good. Having some trouble defining why. Complex, hot enough to let you know it's there.
John: Sometimes I'm on the same page but not tonight. It's spicy apple juice. Just had a splash, I'll try again later. [later must have been ok for him to give it a 3.5].
Andrew: Not sure about this one. I definitely think it's on the higher %abv end. Hot on the palate for me. Still a fairly pleasant whisky. A 3.5 from me.
Galen: Working through it now. It's great. Baked fruit. Maybe an Irish whisky? Blue spot?
Cody: I got Millstone vibes, I'm going to guess a German whisky. Do they even make whisky?
Average Score: 4.1
Final thoughts: Cody with the hail mary guess of a German whisky! While I pride myself, and in some situations expect that I guess things fairly close to the mark, having someone throw a dart at the bullseye (of a guess) is cause for celebration!
While I did submit this whisky to the mix, I hadn’t tried it beforehand. A blind submission to the masses if you will. The multiple casks used in creating this whisky have definitely been deft and complimentary. Where one cask-type was short, another filled in that gap. Quite a masterful exercise in blending and Slyrs is one that I’m keeping my eye on in the future!
Dramface Score: 7/10
Day 17/24
Cù Bòcan 12yo, Creations #6 Rum Cask, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV
CAD$130 / £70 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
Prickly pepper covers it up
Nose
Quite apple-y, bordering on apple cider vinegar. Sweeter sugary undertones. Some vanilla. Slightly iodine-y ashy peat in the background?
Palate
Light peat, if at all and is slightly ashy. Lots of peppery bite which is that through me to peat at the start and perhaps others too. Successive sips bring in some lemony sweetness and very subtle white fruit after my brain learned to dial out the pepperiness. The finish is short, peppery and drying.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-50%
Palate % abv: 50-54%
Thoughts: Thin small bubbles disappear fast. Hand test is virtually devoid of peat. Is this a peated Speyside/Highland that's quite young? Or a whisky finished in an Islay cask? Or does it even have peat at all? This is a strange one.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: decent amount of peat. Very soft and sweet type of peat. I find it quite viscous, really coats your mouth and lingers. Not much for a cask influence. Guessing mid-high 40's.
Andrew: I opened #17 with a half chub after reading Cody's blurb on soft peat and viscous mouthfeel. The nose was very nice and the texture was great, but ultimately the finish left me a little disappointed. Still enjoyable, just a bit of a c*ck tease I guess.
John: I thought it was peaty too, sweet maybe a bit of caramel. Thought I would compare it to Ardbeg 10. Turns out today's is quite light peat and pretty sure it's not Ardbeg! I would consider scoring this a 4 but it's just a bit too neutral compared to others.
Galen: Hmm this is quite good. I do like the light peat as well. It drinks light too. Certainly not Ardbeg or Lagavulin. I'm guessing an independent that's been peated or perhaps a special release of something light and sweet like a Glenlivet. Really sweet on the palate. Great entry for the calendar. I'll give it a 4 but wish it lasted longer and was higher abv. Getting a lot of burnt orange or some citrus in the second half. Lingers longer than initially. Quite a good whisky for me.
Average Score: 3.1
Final thoughts: this whisky was quite a strange one. It evolved from first pour to last sip. But even that interesting fact didn’t overcome the lackluster flavour experience. Hindsight being what it is, I can see the rum-cask glimmers sprinkled throughout my nose and palate notes but this whole whisky was quite boring and not coming together as one would expect from Tomatin but also the not-so-insignificant age statement. I have many Cu Bocan’s in the bunker but not this one, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t buy it because of the rum cask and I’m glad I stuck to my guns as I didn’t enjoy it. By coincidence, this particular release was also reviewed by Ainsley, awarding it a 5/10 with many similarities in our notes.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 18/24
Bivrost Yggdrasil Arctic Single Malt, 46% ABV
CAD$110 / £60 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a good way.
TL;DR
Wouldn't be mad if someone poured me this
Nose
The usual suspects: cinnamon, nutmeg. There could be some rye in the mix here.
Palate
Candied ginger. Some cinnamon. Baked loaf. Gingersnap cookie. Finish is medium-short.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-50%
Palate % abv: 48-52%
Thoughts: Pretty sure this is a high-rye bourbon. Got the spices and virgin oak thing going on. It’s a good average whisky with enjoyable flavours.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: Tonight is pretty average for me. Something interesting/weird on the nose I can't place and it follows through to the palate. Can't decide if I like it or not. The finish is more interesting but light.
Galen: I'm sure this thing has depth but it's not my favorite. Tough placing the flavors but there is a sickly sweet/sour smell to it that I don't recognize.
Andrew: Felt the same Galen... but I actually liked whatever the taste was!
John: Liked it more the longer I had it sitting around.
Average Score: 3.1/5
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this whisky and given the incredible story associated with this single malt, expect a dedicated review coming soon!
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 19/24
Cadenhead’s Teaninich 15 yo Sauternes Finish Single Malt Scotch, 46% ABV
CAD$150 / £80 est. retail
Score: 4/10
Some promise.
TL;DR
It's alright; just needs more
Nose
Gentle nose which makes sense from the bubble test. Softly sweet with the usual low proof OB mix of bourbon and sherry notes. Smells like baked apples or bruised apples.
Palate
Quite a dense, sweet, and baked fruit hit right out of the gate. Then it just gently declines to nothing. Mid-decline there is some middle of the tongue peppery bite that appears and rides out the descendo. Maybe some fruit gummies or baked apple on the finish, which is medium length. This isn't palate fatigue settling in, there just isn't much here that is distinct and identifiable.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 43%
Thoughts: Finish length is making me think 12-16 yo. Decent peppery bite mid-palate counters that with some indication of potential youth, or tired casking. This is a generic whisky. Pretty sure an ex-bourbon and sherry blend, albeit light on the sherry that is bringing some sweetness that is different than typical ex-bourbon only notes.
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: big nose. Some wet wood, maybe bruised fruit. Same on the palate but it kind of just disappears. No lingering, no added notes. I think I like it but wish there was more power on the finish.
Galen: (upon the reveal) Ah that's a good one. I'd have probably ranked it higher if I'd known what I was drinking!
Makis: thought it was pretty average
Average Score: 3.1/5
Final thoughts: I’m usually on team Cadenhead’s however I’m finding that the “basic” releases at 46% are generally finding themselves in the middling range of scores and this bottle is no different. Their cask strength releases however can usually lend themselves to more magical experiences. This whisky on the other hand, is annoyingly simple and well, lacking. It’s missing a backbone, a core, an identity. The sauternes cask has lent some of the as-expected bright fruity elements but there’s not much else going on, alas another 4/10 appears in this blind bonanza.
Dramface Score: 4/10
Day 20/24
Sakurao Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt "Stillman's Selection", 50% ABV
CAD$150 / £80 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a Good Way
TL;DR
A sweet baked pie, with a twist
Nose
Expressive nose. Very fruity espresso. Baked plums and dates. A nice honey and brown sugar sweetness. There's no %abv prickle here at all.
Palate
Soft entry and building sweet entry. This sweetness then turns into a baked fruit (apple pear), cinnamon, and a little bit of cooked oats. The latter half starts to go a little sour with some drying tannins. The finish is medium-long and is an amalgamation of the overall palate.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-50%
Palate % abv: 43-48%
Thoughts: No clue. Got some sherry notes. Maybe something like port or red wine bringing the tannins. Does have a good length finish. Long lasting bubbles in the bubble test. So maybe older?
Broddy’s Crew:
Galen: woof that's got some funk. But the heavy sweetness cuts a lot of it away. I feel like this one's a rum finish but not sure. Bourbon. Rye. Some strange whisky. Honestly, I don't hate it but also breathing a little fire between sips.
John: Pretty sure there is some smoke/peat there? I'm getting raisins, sweet and drying. Surprised it is not scotch.
Cody: Liked it quite a bit. I got like a dust note on the nose or maybe dry leather. Flavour really coats the mouth. Cool dram for sure.
Average Score: 3.8/5
Final thoughts: this whisky had great potential and was so close to earning a 6/10 save for the latter half of the palate which featured some sour and tannic bite. For a Japanese whisky, however, this is distinctly bucking the trend of other Japanese whiskies and is pointing to be a more Scotch-like whisky. Very worthy of having on the shelf if you can get it on sale or discount, however I think the Nikka’s (Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Coffey Malt, Coffey Grain) present much better value for similar or better experience.
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 21/24
Glendronach Port Wood, Single Malt Scotch, NAS, 46% ABV
CAD$120 / £65 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a good way.
TL;DR
Unique and savoury
Nose
Got something cool (temperature) and savoury going on. Savoury brown gravy. Some flaky pastry. Milk chocolate powder and black tea. This is atypical and not bright and fruity.
Palate
The savoury thing comes through here again. Some milk chocolate, fruity espresso, and savoury black pepper brown gravy. There are some underlying baked fruit aspects here, almost like mincemeat tarts or squares. Finish is medium in length but just fades away without anything distinctive and is slightly drying. It’s just gone, poof!
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 46-48%
Palate % abv: 46-48%
Thoughts: I've had this before. Somehow somewhere. The nose is fantastic; palate has some drawbacks. Is there chocolate malt somewhere in here? The drying tannins and chocolate thing is maybe from port casks?
Broddy’s Crew:
Cody: getting dark red fruits on the nose and maybe some dry leather. It's classic dry sherry for me (likely Oloroso). Smells old almost. Same on the palate and a little drying. Not enough heat for me to love it personally but I really like it, great pick. Reminds me as being a baby brother to the Hunter Laing Old & Rare 31 yo Ben Nevis that others hated but I got a half chub thinking about it.
Andrew: Really liked it on the nose and the first sip was delicious but the finish was too drying for me. I thought maybe it was a red wine finish. But as usual, I'm probably way off!
Galen: I like this one. Reminds me of the Glenallachie a lot. Drinks a little hot. Maybe 46%. But a lot of depth to the flavour. Loads of tree fruits. Unpeated. A little drying but not offensive. This one ranks high for me. Big fan. I hope this one isn't turbo rare or hard to find. Or expensive...
John: Agreed on sweet fruitiness. I don't think it's a straight Oloroso though. Maybe a finish or combined with something else.
Average Score: 3.8
Final thoughts: Ha! I have had this one before! In my Port Royale faceoff, this Glendronach made an appearance and it appears that the batches and my experiences were consistent. This whisky smells great but unfortunately the palate just doesn’t line up, earning it a 5/10 again in this set of blinds.
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 22/24
Two Brewers Release 47, Canadian Single Malt Whisky, “Classic”-series, Cask Strength, 572 bottles, 58% ABV
CAD$145 / £75 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a good way.
TL;DR
Objectively good, I want to keep refilling
Nose
Cinnamon. Clove. Rich vanilla and some background caramel.
Palate
Virgin oak at the forefront here with baking spices and bubblegum. There's also some fruitiness in the form of fruit cups here underneath, reminding me of Boulder's bourbons. There's some decent % abv power here and the finish is a nicely declining sweet and spicy affair.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 50-54%
Palate % abv: 52-56%
Thoughts: Virgin oak and bourbon, or is a heavily VO-casked malt whisky that's only a couple years old? Tried the Boulder and it's not similar at all, so the bourbon logic doesn’t hold much water on the palate, but it (the Boulder) has seemed to have dropped off since I last had it. Oops.
Broddy’s Crew:
Makis: Day 22 is one of my faves.
Andrew: I think today's is another hot bourbon. Wonder what it would be like with a drop of water... but I'm too lazy for that.
Cody: definitely bourbon vibes, I'm getting a bit more cereal than sweet corn though. Having trouble picking anything up on the nose but big flavour and obvious heat on the palate. Took the advice and added water. Nose opened up quite a bit, floral and maybe hard red berries. Not getting more flavors tho’ and can't place cask or finish. It's sweet.
John: Hot, vanilla like bourbon smells, not much else so far.
Average Score: 3.1
Final thoughts: according to sources, some and if not all of this single malt is over 10 years old. It is a compilation of two sister casks and combined at bottling. Two Brewers has been one of Canada’s single malt bastions for decades and while not all of their experimental-series releases are for everyone, their classic-series releases are always dependable. This is a perfect example of their house style (robust fruitiness) and while a 5/10 doesn’t sound exceptional, this is a very solid whisky and I’m sure with some water tinkering, a magical spot exists and could easily bump this up.
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 23/24
Glenallachie 15yo, Official bottling, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% ABV
CAD$150 / £80 est. retail
Score: 5/10
Average. In a Good Way
TL;DR
Boring nose saved by a grippier palate
Nose
Typical bourbon-sherry nose. Vanilla. Raisins. Faint nuttiness. Slight red apple undertones. Solidly average.
Palate
More sherry out of the gate here with dry Oloroso notes of mixed nuts, some sweet raisins, underlying vanilla, some mild fine pepper tingles across the tongue. Palate has more grip than expected from the bubble test. Finish is medium long with the sherry notes riding off into a warm sunset.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 43-46%
Thoughts: Some sort of OB bottling. Guessing 8-12 yo based on finish length. Definitely Oloroso sherry in the mix here. Palate grip and pepper leading me to believe closer to the 46% mark. Maybe chill filtered (smaller bubbles) but 46%?
Broddy’s Crew:
Andrew: final scotch of the year is delicious. Not super-hot, not super unique but very smooth and right up my alley.
John: 3.5 only because it's low abv. Not sure what it is but it tastes super familiar. Sweet, raisins and fruit vibes, pretty light, guessed lower ABV. Enjoyable, tastes familiar. Wish it had some higher ABV.
Galen: sweet and easy drinking. A very shareable and seemingly familiar whisky. I've lost track of what we've had but it feels in line with an Aberlour or Aberfeldy. Sherry notes and honey. I'd guess it's standard bottling at 40%. Very nice. Another soft whisky to think about adding to the shelf to share with friends.
Average Score: 3.2/5
Final thoughts: well that’s interesting upon the reveal! Billy Walker’s “house of sherry” on full blind display, and it didn’t show that well. Both my blind assessment, scoring, and the group’s quite average score of 3.2/5 (remember, that’s an “average, might buy on sale/discount”) also point this this frustrating release. The age statement it touts carries a degree of clout, the color entices both passerby’s and traditional single malt aficionados, but unfortunately this whisky is just average. My fellow Canuck Aengus also looked at an older bottling of this Glenallachie 15, also awarding it a middling 5/10 score. So there you have it: blinds rule (I said it again!).
Dramface Score: 5/10
Day 24/24
Burwood Smooth Talker Bur-Bon Style Whisky, 40% ABV
CAD$50 / £30 est. retail
Score: 3/10
Disappointing.
TL;DR
A highball whisky
Nose
Very light nose, gotta dig deep to get aromas. Something funky with the nose here, kinda like unsmoked hard cured meat. Some faint apple.
Palate
Very soft entry. Mostly vanilla. Generic white fleshed fruits. Low abv, virtually no tingles. Short finish has some red apple-like notes.
The Dregs
Broddy’s Guess:
Bubble test: 40-43%
Palate % abv: 40-43%
Thoughts: Is this a very light Japanese whisky? Not a lot going on, and since this is a world whisky day, perhaps this is Japanese?
Broddy’s Crew:
John: well today is different... gotta be 40% or close. Smells like flowers/fruity. Taste... I have no clue.
Cody: this one tastes like bourbon to me.
Galen: agreed, today is quite different. I could see it being close to 43%. The funkiness might be making me think it's a touch higher. Very drying. Also tastes like oranges, honey, and bourbon.
Average Score: 2.8
Final thoughts: well this was a let-down. We ended this epic 24-whisky blind flight with a 40% corn-based Canadian “bourbon” that was light, inoffensive, but didn’t stand up to the preceding 23 submissions, it does provide a good contrast. And this whisky, while not for me, did split things up because this would make a good summer highball whisky! And it’s gotta be said here… the person who submitted this whisky into the lineup missed the minimum $80 bottle criteria, not an average across both bottles. I’m sure they will correct their purchases for next year (it was their first time, they got a pass this time).
Now let’s wrap this up.
Dramface Score: 3/10
The Final Dregs
And that’s a wrap folks, twenty-four whiskies across twenty-four days with twelve great folks. Couldn’t have been a better December. Well, maybe without the kid-induced head cold settling in around day 8-9 area. I could have done without that.
I guessed 2.5 whiskies correct this year, batting just over 10% in identifying the whiskies. Objectively, the odd-days featuring the Scotches were the “easy” ones where I had a hunch that nobody bought a blend and everyone tossed in a single malt, which generally narrows things down quite a bit, especially compared to the vast variations and permutations that can be had in the world whisky categories.
I’m not tooting my own horn, because I was off-base with many of my guesses, so one could easily chalk up my “correct guesses” with pure dumb luck. A broken clock is still right twice a day and all that. I will say that I have generally improved, where the first few years featured utter failures in guessing so I have been improving. And that’s all that matters.
So summing this whole exercise up: Drink. Your. Whisky. Blind.
You’ll find that your appreciation of whiskies will shift and change. And you just might find a hidden gem among them when any preconceptions have been removed.
Thank you for reading this far. Oh, and drop our editors some love in the comments below for I am sure they were not all that excited to build out a twenty-four whisky deep article.
BB
-
Dramface is free.
Its fierce independence and community-focused content is funded by that same community. We don’t do ads, sponsorships or paid-for content. If you like what we do you can support us by becoming a Dramface member for the price of a magazine.
However, if you’ve found a particular article valuable, you also have the option to make a direct donation to the writer, here: buy me a dram - you’d make their day. Thank you.
For more on Dramface and our funding read our about page here.
