Whisky Advent Calendar: Day 1-6

As a Christmas gift for ourselves this year, we splurged for an advent calendar of whisky! I saw them last year from Master of Malt, but we were too late to order one. I made sure we got one this year and it’s been fun so far. Here is part 1 of 4 of our advent calendar adventure.

Day 1: Glenfarclas 25 Yr Old

Single Malt Scotch (Speyside) 43% ABV

Nose: Little menthol up front with some fruit and vanilla following.

Palate: Quite zingy! Not as fruity as expected, but pleasant.

Notes: Short finish with oak following.

Day 2: Nikka Yoichi

Single Malt (Japan) 43% ABV

Nose: Vanilla sweetness with a little citrusy sharpness.

Palate: Sweet without being fruity. Hint of menthol and citrus peels with a puff of smoke on the finish.

Notes: Very good! I haven’t always enjoyed Nikka, but this one I like.

Day 3: Compass Box Great King Street Artist’s Blend

Blended Scotch 43% ABV

Nose: Fresh up front. Apple, sweetness, splash of vanilla.

Palate: Bright, sweet and creamy. Some light fruitiness, with some oak on the finish.

Notes: Nothing offensive, easy drinking, but nothing exciting.

Day 4: Elijah Craig Small Batch 12 Yr Old

Bourbon (USA) 47% ABV

Nose: Sweet and oaky.

Palate: Sharp. One-dimensional. Not medicinal, but has a sharp flavor that I don’t enjoy. Water helps a little bit.

Note: Still not a fan of bourbons… <sigh>

Day 5: Dalmore 15 Yr Old

Single Malt Scotch (Highland) 40% ABV

Nose: Sweet and rich. Dark, juicy fruits. Brown sugar.

Palate: Fruity, winter spices, ginger.

Notes: Medium finish. Adam really liked it.

Day 6: Kilchoman Machair Bay 2014 Bottling

Single Malt Scotch (Islay) 46% ABV

Nose: Peaty. With a bit of freshness behind it. “Smells like summer,” but with some mustiness and band-aid.

Palate: Very peaty. Tough to discern much else as there is some other quality interfering. Little bit earthy, but a sharp woodland quality.

Notes: Water smoothed out the fire, but we did not enjoy it! I had tried a different Kilchoman just the day before and had really liked it, so this was a disappointment.

Excellent start to the holiday season. The Dalmore was our favorite in this batch of 6. Looking forward to the rest!