Blended Whisky

The February 2014 tasting for the River City Whisky Society was very well attended. With 42 folks (27 members and 15 guests) in attendance there was no shortage of great conversation and camaraderie.

The theme for the night was “Blended Scotch” and the selected whiskies were made up of one blended malt (made up of single malts and no grain whisky), three blended whiskies and one that we are still not too sure of.

As with every tasting the attendees tasted each, reviewed them then ranked them. The following are the results (note: as you read these, a comma or period represents the end of one person’s observations and the beginning of another person’s observations):

5th PLACE – Ron Burgundy Blended Scotch Whisky (so we are led to believe) – $23

The nose was actually pleasant with notes of butterscotch and maple.

The taste however was……not good. Some of the tasters were very nice and reviewed this one with statements such as “Not for me” and “It’s kinda not a big deal” (a reference to the movie). Others made notes that I cannot, due to my moral upbringing, repeat here.

Simply put…if you decide to buy it, you’re on your own.

(Fun Fact: Ron Burgundy got the worst rating of any whisky tasted by the River City Whisky Society, so it’s got that going for it….which is nice.)

4th PLACE – Johnnie Walker Swing, Blended Scotch – $60

Leathery nose, Nose of oak and vanilla.

Taste is smooth and sweet, Notes of sherry and honey, Light smoke, Floral. Short finish. Good mix of flavors. Very smooth. Very light.

Adding water brings out more flavor.

3rd PLACE – Blue Hanger, 7th Release Limited Edition, Blended Malt Whisky – $100

Nose was very smoky.

Taste is complex, Spicy, Gentle smoke, Light smoke, Medium body.

Pleasant bite, Nice lingering finish, Fruity finish.

2nd PLACE – Isle of Skye 12 Year Old, Blended Scotch – $35

Heavy peat on the nose but mild on the taste. Smells of chocolate and sherry.

Taste is very sweet, Light and buttery.

Long finish, Notes of sherry on the palate and during the finish.

For non-peat lovers a little water makes this very good.

1st PLACE – Compass Box, Spice Tree, Blended Scotch – $60

Nose of vanilla and caramel.

Delicate on the palate yet full bodied, Heavy orange, Sweet, Oaky, Very easy on the palate, Spicy with great taste, Taste of vanilla.

Perfect finish, Smooth finish.

As with every tasting we finished off the evening by opening up the Society’s library of whisky and offering cigars to the tasters.

Thanks to all the members who came out on this cold night and a special thanks to all our great guests. We’ll see you next time.

Doug #1