For those who want a quick trip to a buzz and to have a unique ride there, this may be the spirit for you! The Aultmore 18 year old is in between a regular 40% scotch and a cask strength. At 46% Aultmore delivers a whiskey that has an alluring golden color (from maturing in bourbon casks I’m guessing), a mellow nose, and a palate that builds like cayenne pepper.

The mellow nose on this spirit left me curious how the palate would present itself. Breathing it in, I picked up faint sweetness, pinpointing it to vanilla & caramel. I didn’t really find much else in it, especially noting an absence of the sharpness that can accompany a higher proof whiskey. I also didn’t pick much warmth out of it either.

Diving in and taking a sip, the first impression was that it was light, but briny, and had a very quick finish. This seemed to be a fitting conclusion given the nose of the scotch. But there was more there than it initially presented. The second and third sips gave way to a building spice and warmth, though I found the finish refused to linger, and lasted less than half a minute or so.

But as I mentioned earlier on, I likened this scotch to cayenne pepper. With each sip, the spice built. The warmth built. And my enjoyment of it built too. I like this scotch for it`s easy going nature and the fact that its character builds over time. I think to truly enjoy this you would need at least 2 glasses to let it evolve BUT at $180, I don’t know that I would add it to my bar. It’s a unique scotch in the way it unfolds itself to you, but at that price I’d prefer more complexity of flavor. The fact that the flavors build is a unique trick for a scotch in my experience, so it all comes down to what you`re looking to get from a $180 bottle, and I can’t weigh in on that.

My conclusion is that I loved the scotch, but not the price though I’m glad I got to sample it.

I believe this was our first taste of Hart Brothers and it did not disappoint. This golden liquid was quite soft on the nose but offered quite the invitation with hints of toffee, fruits and honey. It was one of those smells that gives you the sense of deja vu.

The taste was the highlight of this experience – it also emphasized the complexity of the palette as discussions during the tasting identified varying characteristics. I found heavy tones of caramel and toffee with a spicy finish that instantly warmed the belly.

Overall, this scotch seems as though it would continue to impress with each ounce. Definitely a bottle that you could sit down and have a few glasses with – although at $175 – it would most likely need to be a special occasion – two thumbs up!

Once swirled, the Redbreast 15 year old has a great hang on your glass suggesting a full bodied whisky. The aroma is very sweet as it hits your nose but not so rich that it is unappetizing.

Your palate is hit with a rich sweet caramel taste with vanilla and tropical fruit notes.  The finish has a bite on the tongue with flavours of citrus which helps cut the sweet taste. Overall thought, the Redbreast 15 is a great sipper after a meal as it goes down like a serving of tropical fruit covered with caramel and vanilla. Unless you have a sweet tooth, a glass or two would be the ideal amount.

Overall, I would say although Chivas is outside my top 10 in favourite brands, this 21 year-old Royal Salute satisfied the nostrils quite well on a warm summer evening.  It was quite soft on the nose initially with what seemed to hint at a chocolatey (but not too sweet) sniff…. very inviting for a taste.

The palate felt like a party in the mouth with a wide variety of tastes ranging from creamy/fruity to a confirmation of the chocolatey/nutty nose.

The finish however disappointed for a blend, as a few flavours competed to make a lasting impression, but the dram lacked the necessary finishing time expected from a 21 year old.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, but other options exist for consuming multiple drams at this price point.

This was a pleasant and enjoyable Speyside.  I recommend letting this single malt breath once you pour it into the glass to enhance the aromas.

A hint of citrus with lots of spice that stays with you well after you have had a swill of this well crafted dram. Overall I enjoyed this Scotch, if the first sip doesn’t quite appeal to your palate don’t be discouraged, there is much more to be discovered in the next mouthful.

Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve is available at the LCBO.

At first glance you will see a beautiful light amber colour and the long legs of this Lowlands spirit. On the nose you will immediately smell the characteristic vanilla that comes from being aged in bourbon casks.

The nose feels heavy and gives the impression you are in for a harsh first sip. However, you receive a pleasant surprise when the dram goes down smooth and has a nice crisp finish. It is this mellow impression that reminds you why Auchentoshan is known as “the breakfast whiskey”. At $60.00 in the LCBO it would be a nice addition to any collection, for those looking for an easy sipping spirit.

This 12 year old single malt is light amber in colour and has very light legs in the glass. Your nose will be treated to a clean citrus smell which gives way to a crisp toffee flavour.

This spirit reminds us why Auchentoshan is known for making “Glasgow’s Malt whisky” as it has a long and yet still smooth finish. Available for $65.00 at the LCBO this simple spirit can help anyone who has discovered a new love for single malts and is looking to begin building a single malt inventory.

Here we have a complex dram, which it owes to being aged first in bourbon casks and then being finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks.

Your eyes will see light legs of dark amber, almost bronze in colour. Your nose will smell a rich bouquet of spices. Your tongue will enjoy the flavour of these spices along with a touch of rich honey like sweetness. As you finish your dram you will receive a warmth in your chest to remind you of the lovely lowlands single malt you have just enjoyed. At $80.00 in the LCBO this spirit is best suited for someone who has been building their repertoire and can appreciate the complexity of the dram.