Norman

9.3

End of the fiscal year. Long one but a good one so this is an exhausted versus drown sorrows drink ;) Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 (12 Year, 107 proof)

Nose is surprisingly light for the proof. Soft sweetness, light oak, and a hint of rye spice.

On the palate it isn’t heavy, but it fills the whole mouth. The heat shows early and stays present, reading higher than 107. Sweetness is there but restrained. More spice builds with time, rye-forward and focused on the tip and top of the tongue, with some grip on the cheeks. Oak stays light rather than deep or dusty.

Bit hotter than I’m feeling I want tonight. — 4 days ago

Norman

9.1

Longrow 21: oily and rounded with light peat, orange peel and dried fruit, worn leather, and a gentle incense-like finish. Minimal oak grip and almost no alcohol bite. A faint industrial note on the arrival that settled into aromatic smoke. Late-blooming aromatics, but the profile is more elegant than craveable. Glad I tried it. I wouldn’t chase a bottle. — 5 days ago

Norman

9.1

Norman had this 8 days ago

Norman

8.9

I have a lot of these and most have been ok but this one was further along in its development. Knew I needed to drink these. Faster is the word of the day. — 5 days ago

Norman

9.1

Loch Lomond 20yr (Royal St George)
Light nose. First sip came in hot with a quick finish. With a few minutes of air it opened up a lot, smoother and noticeably longer. Wood and spice lead more than caramel for me. Finish is long and a bit drying, hits the tip of the tongue then sits in the cheeks. No real fruit showing on my palate. I’d prefer a bit more fruit or caramel to balance the structure. — 5 days ago

Norman

8.9

Hmm. Not my favorite upon opening. It’s a bit astringent and it comes across bitter as well. Little burnt rubber on the nose but it’s all very light at first. Maybe a bit more with air but not a lot. Tip of the tongue and sides for the finish. — 7 days ago

Norman

9.0

Norman had this 8 days ago

Norman

9.0

It’s not bad. Great aromatics on day one. Nice sweetness in day 2. Significant sediment and the coal was toast. Durand key on these. — 5 days ago

Norman

9.1

Better after it opened. Time to drink. Should have earlier. — 5 days ago

Norman

9.4

Strathclyde 30 (single grain, Duncan Taylor Rare Auld)

Nose reads more like a grain than a typical Scotch malt. Plenty of toffee and maple syrup, very dessert-forward.

Palate follows the nose but the alcohol gives it more lift and definition. Big, full mouthfeel that coats cheeks and tongue. Baked apple shows up with a little spice.

Finish is long and persistent. There’s a light waxy note and more cocoa than ginger or pepper. It’s really nice but this is clearly not a single malt. The grain and sweetness shines here. My wife would love this… — 7 days ago