High Dollar Tasting

This past Friday was a great tasting. 35 members and 7 guests tasting and ranking 5 bottles of premium whisky. Now I know that “premium” is a matter of opinion but I think this tasting qualifies since the average cost of the bottles was $230 each. Some cost a little more and some cost a little less. But you get the idea.

Now you’re saying, “But Doug…you’ve always said that price does not necessarily mean the product is good.” You are correct, it does not. But come on! At an average cost of $230, that whisky had better be good!

And I am here to report that it was……..

Each attendee ranked them with #1 being their favorite and #5 being their least favorite. The ranking sheets were collected and the numbers (their ranks on each sheet) added up.

As you look at the rankings, make note of just how close they all are. Here they are:

#5) Balmenach 25 year old (receiving 128 points) – Light and fluffy with a cool, floral finish. Fruity nose. Smooth through and through. Great “scotch” taste. Sweet palate. Taste of maple and nuts. Complex yet light.

#4) Balblair 37 year old (receiving 116 points) – Floral nose. Leather and oak taste. Very smooth. Crisp. Vanilla and cream taste. Peaty finish. Nice peaty mellow flavor. Strong spicy finish. Smoke comes through nicely.

#3) Glenmorangie Signet (receiving 112 points) – Dark fruits taste. Chocolate & spices. Lingering spice. Tobacco. Notes of hazelnut. Smoothest pour ever. A little short on the finish.

#1) Glenlivet (Signatory) 35 year old (receiving 111 points) – Floral nose. Heavy on the palate. Great oak taste. Wonderful rich caramel. Surprisingly light. Smooth sherry finish. Fantastic.

#1) Highland Park 25 year old (receiving 111 points) – Caramel scent. Cinnamon and vanilla tastes. Very balanced smoke. Smoothest peat taste ever. Undertones of floral. Great long finish.

Each member and guest spent $25 to be at this tasting. After tasting the five whiskies listed each person had about two extra hours with access to cigars and a table of 20 additional whiskies. I wonder if any of them think they over paid…… Probably not.

Doug #1