SPECTRUM SAMPLER UPDATE:
6 Surveys are in! Goal with this sampler was to give a wide range of whiskeys to try... while keeping in mind "Obtainability". Some of the samples were NOT enjoyed or scored well by you guys. Apologies there. Was definitely trying to show a range so I guess that's a side effect of that.
Last Place: High West Double Rye - 15 Points (1/2/2/3/3/4)
This does not surprise me! I am not a fan but wanted to see if it was just me. It's a bright, floral rye that has a good reputation in certain circles. I very much prefer a spicy rye. It sounds like you guys didn't love it either
Very odd finish - star anise, licorice? Smooth, light body, not a lot of mouthfeel
licorice
Mild smell
Smells sweeter, smokey flavor. Not as strong as 1-3.
Honey smell and oak flavor with some spice. Pretty mild.
Fairly mellow. Moderate Sweetness, very smooth. Almost a hint of vanilla maybe
5th: Hibiki 12yr - Japanese Whiskey - (Discontinued, but non age stated version is Hibiki Harmony) - 18 Points (2/2/3/3/4/4)
I'm not a big scotch guy. Japanese whiskey occupies an interesting middle ground between bourbon and scotch. I don't love most Japanese whiskeys but I do really enjoy Hibiki 12yr. This was somewhat of a treat, being fairly rare and discontinued and sought after by many folks. I didn't expect it to be for everyone but was glad to see a few of you enjoyed it! Good palates with the scotch and irish whiskey references.
Pretty hot, light body though. Little oaky vanilla, some spicy notes
Hot, mild vanilla note
Don’t think it is bourbon
There's an undertone, but I'm not sure how to describe it. Tastes like scotch to me. My wife says spicey flavor.
Creamy flavor and very smooth. Think Irish whiskey
Straight up: Really smooth; not much sweetness. On ice: A bit more bite (Or maybe just my tolerance LOL). --overall: tastes almost like a scotch
4th: Knob Creek 120 proof - Gaslight Liquor Barrel Pick - 19 Points (3/3/3/3/3/4)
This stuff is candy to me. LOVE KC 120 picks. Seems like in spite of the middling scores the comments were mostly favorable. This was about a 15yr aged pick.
Lots of spicy notes, some caramel and vanilla. Not as hot, almost a bit thin
dark caramel, spice
Consistently my favorite
Light smell. High alchohol content.
Almond flavor and smell - high proof
Love the flavor. Not the smoothest I've had but smoother than the cheap stuff. Has a little sweetness, maybe a hint of maple. Reminds me of Makers 46.
3rd: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - 138.8 Proof (Release 10 - 2016) 20 Points (3/3/3/3/4/4)
EC Barrel proofs are solid values... 130ish proof and about 12 years old. They used to be $40ish but have climbed to $60ish in some places. Glad to see you guys enjoyed this one too!
Smooth, very caramel-y, vanilla notes, really nice body
smokey
Feel like I have had this before
Smells light and fruity. A real zip in the taste.
Almond and vanilla with buttery taste with nice spice to it.
Straight up: not much sweetness; has a little bite; but good rich flavor. On ice: a hint of sweet but still a little bite. Least favorite of all, but not turning it away LOL
2nd: 1792 Port Finish (Port finished ala Angels Envy) - 24 Points (2/4/4/4/5/5)
I'm not a big finished bourbon guy, but I enjoy this one. It's not as pronounced port flavor as Angels Envy or MIdwinters night dram, but it's enough to impart a bit of sweetness. This was the favorite pure bourbon by you guys.
More subtle on the oak, some vanilla, like a silky smooth honey too
smooth, with caramel and baking spice
Not a strong smell
This one has a rye smell. Tastes like rye. I like rye, and this is my favorite numbered sampler.
Easy to drink - buttery flavor. Good to sip all day. Not much spice to it
WINNER. Straight up: REALLY smooth, nice mellow flavor. On ice: Same mellow flavor with the sweetness brought out a little bit. Favorite of all the samples.
Winner: Mystery Bottle - Evan Williams White Cask Aged Old Fashioned Base - 26 (2/4/5/5/5/5)
Again not a fair right since it's augmented with some cocktail ingredients, and aged a bit more, but was glad to see you guys enjoyed it! Well... most of ya
Weird banana bread flavor? Nutmeg? Just comes off as fruity. Really good mouthfeel
fruity and honey
Very flavorful but can’t say enjoy the taste
Has a smokey smell. Tastes sweeter than the numbered samplers. It's between this and number 5 as my favorite.
Very smooth and creamy. Notes of vanilla.
2nd Fav of all samples. Straight up: FULL of flavor. First sip made me :bug eyed emoji: Strong but yet smooth. Sweet overtones ("Overtones"?? Who TF am I?? How many samples have we had?!?) On Ice: Didn't change it much. Maybe just a tad sweeter. Overall--If not for the slight bite (which I don't mind), would've been my favorite. Easily 2nd favorite, with so much rich flavor.
FINAL NOTES:
Was super fun! Really glad you helped us to do this. Very different from wine tasting (wife and I are WSET wine certified)
Super fun!
I evidently don’t clean my palate well between samples as rate different based on the order I try
Some of the first ones seemed like they had a higher alchohol content. The last three seemed smoother.
A ton of fun and the whiskies were all good. Even ones we rated lower were still good.
Enjoyed the hell out of this!! Can't wait for the next one. I'm SO in!