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    Spirits Blind Tasting - A Spirits People Podcast

    This is a Spirits People podcast by Johnny Michaelsen, dedicated to tasting fine spirits without the influence of brands and marketing. In each episode, I’ll be tasting fine spirits, not knowing what they are or who made them, and provide You with my detailed tasting notes following the WSET systematic approach to tasting. If you enjoy this podcast, I'd love to get your support on patreon page where I do more exclusive content and much more: patreon.com/spiritspeopleAs of season 2 of the podcast, you can also watch on video. Subscribe on YouTube for the Video episodes of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalnTq1xNJpr1PPcf2s9JgwnUyOVLljG7
    en-us34 Episodes

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    Episodes (34)

    2.12 - Weller Full Proof Bourbon

    2.12 - Weller Full Proof Bourbon

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Weller Full Proof Bourbon, from my good friend Lee aka @thirstybelgian. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education #whiskytube

    2.11 - Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon, 8 year old bottling from the 90’s

    2.11 - Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon, 8 year old bottling from the 90’s

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon, 8 year old bottling from the 90’s from Henrik Brandt from the Nordic Bourbon Community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education #whiskytube

    2.10 - Compass Box Whisky - Orangerie Scotch Whisky Infusion

    2.10 - Compass Box Whisky - Orangerie Scotch Whisky Infusion

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Compass Box Whisky - Orangerie Scotch Whisky Infusion from The Dram Team. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education #whiskytube

    2.9 - Mackmyra Vinterglöd Swedish Single Malt Whisky

    2.9 - Mackmyra Vinterglöd Swedish Single Malt Whisky

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Mackmyra Vinterglöd Swedish Single Malt Whisky provided by an unknown legend in the whiskey community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education #whiskytube

    2.8 - That Boutique-y Whisky Company - Bourbon Whiskey No. 1 (24 year old - batch 1 bourbon whiskey)

    2.8 - That Boutique-y Whisky Company - Bourbon Whiskey No. 1 (24 year old - batch 1 bourbon whiskey)

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of That Boutique-y Whisky Company - Bourbon Whiskey No. 1 (24 year old - batch 1 bourbon whiskey) provided by an unknown legend in the whiskey community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    2.7 - Ben Riach 2005 12 year PX cask Single Malt Whisky

    2.7 - Ben Riach 2005 12 year PX cask Single Malt Whisky

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Ben Riach 2005 12 year PX cask Single Malt Whisky provided by my good friend Ian, also known as PoshScotch in the online Whisky Community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    2.6 - Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum

    2.6 - Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera Rum provided by my good friend Henrik from Nordic Bourbon Community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    2.5 - Loch Lomond 21 Year Single Grain Whisky

    2.5 - Loch Lomond 21 Year Single Grain Whisky

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Loch Lomond 21 Year Single Grain Whisky provided by my good friend Ian, also known as PoshScotch in the online Whisky Community. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    2.4 - Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon

    2.4 - Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon provided by my good friend Sam who used to work for Wild Turkey. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    2.3 - Savanna Herr Blanc 57%, Reunion Island Rum

    2.3 - Savanna Herr Blanc 57%, Reunion Island Rum

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Savanna Herr Blanc 57% Reunion Island Rum provided by my good friend and rum extraordinaire, Steven who runs the world famous Rum Diaries Blog. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    #spiritsblindtasting #spiritspeople #curiousdrinkers #tasting #blindtasting #podcast #patreon #community #wset #education

    Check out Steven's Blog here: https://rumdiariesblog.wordpress.com/

    2.2 - Arran 21 Years Single Cask Single Malt Whisky (Norway Exclusive)

    2.2 - Arran 21 Years Single Cask Single Malt Whisky (Norway Exclusive)

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Arran 21 Year Single Cask Single Malt (Norway exclusive) provided by Norwegian Whisky Enthusiast Rolf aka Ebbhead around the interwebs. If you'd like to support this podcast please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    1.22 - Ardbeg Uigeadail

    1.22 - Ardbeg Uigeadail

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Ardbeg Uigeadail. If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    Feel free to follow along with a dram of this or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of this spirit. My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Ardbeg Uigeadail (54.2% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: High

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Peat, bonfire, charred wood logs, sultanas, overripe pears, dried lemon peel, salty rocks (coastal), beeswax
    • Other notes: The nose is a warming peat sensation, not harsh or sharp, but quite soft and warm. A lot of volume on the aromas, and also seems high in ABV. Bourbon cask, islay single malt?
    • ABV: ~50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warming, mouth filling, High viscosity
    • Intensity: Pronounced 
    • Flavor characteristics: Peat, bonfire, black peppercorns, cloves, hints of tar, lemon peel, pears
    • Other notes: Very dark and gloomy profile, more ashy than on the nose, but it maintains a good balance of the characteristics.
    • Finish: Long and very complex (Peat, ash, pears)
    • ABV: ~55%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Peated Single Malt, Bourbon Cask, ~15 years


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.21 - Antiquary Blended Scotch Whisky & Strathclyde 27 year old Single Grain Whisky Rare Auld Duncan Taylor

    1.21 - Antiquary Blended Scotch Whisky & Strathclyde 27 year old Single Grain Whisky Rare Auld Duncan Taylor

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Antiquary Blended Scotch Whisky & Strathclyde 27 year old Single Grain Whisky Rare Auld Duncan Taylor. If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits. My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Antiquary Blended Scotch Whisky (46% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Dee
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Overripe sweet apples, grapes, vanilla, cinnamon, baked sugar crystals, fragrant, hints of toasted oak
    • Other notes: Has an initial profile of a warm apple pie, and a vague hint of perfume at the back of that sweetness. The nose is quite dense and heavy. The sweet apple note turns a little bit sour after a while. Bourbon or brandy cask?
    • ABV: ~46%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky, warming, medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Overripe sweet apples, grapes, fragrant, oak, hints of black tea, cereal/malt.
    • Other notes: Palate carry the aromas nicely, good balance of the different characteristics, the cereal note could mean a younger spirit (10 years) although the balance of the body could also suggest a bit longer maturation (15+ perhaps).
    • Finish: Medium with some complexity (apples and cereal/malt)
    • ABV: ~50%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Single malt, first fill bourbon cask, 10 years old


    Spirit B - Strathclyde 27 year old Single Grain Whisky Rare Auld Duncan Taylor (53.5%) (Fully matured in Sherry Cask)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Light > medium
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: Medium > high

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Dates, baked apples, vanilla, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, molasses, marcipan, undefined smoke element
    • Other notes: A little bit more subdued on the characteristics than spirit A, but way more dense and dark on the overall profile. Wine or port cask?
    • ABV: ~50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky, mouth filling, medium > high viscosity
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Dates, raisins, brown sugar, molasses, roasted nuts, dried orange peel
    • Other notes: Does not taste like a whisky, but it still smells like a single malt profile. Has more of a brandy profile, so could have some heavy cask influence like full maturation in a brandy cask. Could also be rum as I kept getting hints of molasses throughout, but feels more like a brandy profile on the palate.
    • Finish: Medium to long and very complex (dates, orange peel, roasted nuts)
    • ABV: ~50%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Single malt, full maturation in brandy cask, 10+ years.


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.20 - Kalevala Small Batch Distilled Gin & Kyrö Koskue Small Batch Rye Gin

    1.20 - Kalevala Small Batch Distilled Gin & Kyrö Koskue Small Batch Rye Gin

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of Kalevala Small Batch Distilled Gin & Kyrö Koskue Small Batch Rye Gin. If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits. My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Kalevala Small Batch Distilled Gin (46.3% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Waterwhite
    • Color: Colorless
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Juniper, lime zest and pith, licorice root, hints of aniseed and cumin, mint
    • Other notes: Has an earthiness to it, but also has a quite sharp and acidic citrus spike on that lime note. A mint leaf note appear after a while, almost like the leaf before you smack it to extract the oils. Quite a dry minty note.
    • ABV: ~45%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky, low > medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Earthy, herbaceous, bitter lime pith, licorice root, aniseed
    • Other notes: No juniper or other sweet/fruity notes on the palate, just very earthy and quite bitter.
    • Finish: Short > medium with some complexity (lime pith and licorice root)
    • ABV: 40%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good
    • Blind guess: A dry gin


    Spirit B - Kyrö Koskue Small Batch Rye Gin (42.6% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Pale
    • Color: Lemon
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Juniper, all-sorts licorice and gummy bears, star anise, sage, cloves, cardamom, black currant, beeswax
    • Other notes: Very sweet up front with those all-sorts licorice shining through quite a lot. Much less Juniper forward than spirit A. A light beeswax or honey note comes up after a bit.
    • ABV: ~45%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Watery, low viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: All-sorts licorice, sage, cloves, cardamom
    • Other notes: Flavor profile is very aligned with the aroma profile, but it’s very thin in the mouth.
    • Finish: Medium to long very complex (all-sorts licorice, sage, cloves) 
    • ABV: ~45%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: A dry barrel aged gin


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.19 - Old Weller Antique 107 & Old Weller Antique 107 La Maison Du Whisky Single Barrel

    1.19 - Old Weller Antique 107 & Old Weller Antique 107 La Maison Du Whisky Single Barrel

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of the Old Weller Antique 107 & Old Weller Antique 107 La Maison Du Whisky Single Barrel. If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits. My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Old Weller Antique 107 (53.5% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, coconut oil, charred oak, burnt toast with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried orange peel, Gingerbread?
    • Other notes: Very sweet and deep character straight out of the glass. Overall, just extremely pleasant and nicely balanced nose.
    • ABV: Feels like 50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warming, moth filling, medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium > pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Caramel, vanilla, orange oils, burnt toast, oak, cinnamon, black pepper corn
    • Other notes: Typically I’m getting the bitter notes of cinnamon and pepper corn on the palate, and a lot of that sweetness from the nose has taken a step back on the profile.
    • Finish: Medium > long very complex (black pepper corn, caramel, orange)
    • ABV: Feels like 50%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good > outstanding
    • Blind guess: Old Weller Antique 107


    Spirit B - Old Weller Antique 107 La Maison Du Whisky Single Barrel (53.5% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: High

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, charred oak, burnt toast with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried orange peel, Gingerbread?
    • Other notes: Very similar nose as expected, but less sweet and more oak driven aroma profile than spirits A. Also feels very pleasant and well balanced.
    • ABV: Feels like 55%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warm, mouth filling, high viscosity
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Caramel, vanilla, orange oils, burnt toast, oak, cinnamon, black pepper corn, licorice, leather
    • Other notes: More oak and more signs of age/maturation. Also feels less astringent on the bitter notes, more integrated and more sweeter notes coming through on the palate.
    • Finish: Long and very complex (oak/char, licorice, cinnamon)
    • ABV: Feels like 55%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good > outstanding
    • Blind guess: Old Weller Antique 107 La Maison Du Whisky Single Barrel


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.18 - Tormore 24 year Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection & Hazelburn 10 year Single Malt Whisky Springbank Society

    1.18 - Tormore 24 year Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection & Hazelburn 10 year Single Malt Whisky Springbank Society

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of the Tormore 24 year Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection & Hazelburn 10 Single Malt Whisky Springbank Society. If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits. My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Tormore 24 year Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection (45.2% ABV) (Distilled 1992, Bottled 2017, Matured in Hogshead casks 5687 and 5696)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: Medium > high

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium > pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Toffee apples, pineapple, ginger ale, ripe bananas, vanilla pod, sultanas, fresh lemon peel, toasted oak
    • Other notes: Quite sweet and floral on the nose. Feels like a first fill bourbon cask single malt in the 10 year range
    • ABV: 45%-50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky, warming, medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Lemon sorbet, lemon peel, vanilla, underripe bananas, black pepper corn, toasted or dried oak
    • Other notes: A little bit of tannins coming through. A bit “quick” but everything I’d expect from the nose came through but nothing else. Predictable & reliable.
    • Finish: Short > medium with some complexity (Lemon peel and oak)
    • ABV: 45%-50%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good
    • Blind guess: First fill bourbon cask, Single malt, ~8 years


    Spirit B - Hazelburn 10 Single Malt Whisky Springbank Society (55.9% ABV) (Distilled 2007, Bottled 2018, Matured in refill sauternes hogsheads)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Pale
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: Medium > high

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Medium > pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Raisins, dates, cherries, sea salt, stone fruits, baked pears, light caramel, vanilla, dried orange peel, charred oak? 
    • Other notes: Darker and more dense nose than Spirit A with a whiff of smoke? Feels similar age-wise to Spirit A, but perhaps in a first fill PX cask which gives those dark sweet notes.
    • ABV: ~50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Mouth filling, warming, medium viscosity
      Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Fresh pears, raisins, cherries, stone fruits, baked pears, dried orange peel, dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, charred oak
    • Other notes: Feels like an evolution from the nose, lots of carry-though but also new elements
    • Finish: Long and very complex (cherries, fortified wine, oak, pear)
    • ABV: 50%-55%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Single malt, first fill sherry cask, 8-10 years


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.17 - Helsinki Distilling Company Rye Malt Whiskey & Teerenpeli Savu Single Malt Whisky

    1.17 - Helsinki Distilling Company Rye Malt Whiskey & Teerenpeli Savu Single Malt Whisky

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of the Helsinki Distilling Company Rye Malt Whiskey & Teerenpeli Savu Single Malt Whisky. Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits.

    If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Helsinki Distilling Company Rye Malt Whiskey (47.5% ABV) (Matured for at least 3 years in 200 litre virgin American oak with a char level #3.)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Deep
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Fresh pears, fresh apricot, elderflower, vanilla, sultanas, honey melon, dried lemon peel 
    • Other notes: Very fresh and fruit forward up front but has a light peat/earthy feel to it. No obvious aromas from maturation (oak), but has a lot of very pronounced aromas. Perhaps an extended fermentation period or some interesting grains (or grain combination). Could be a “dirty malt” with heads and tails not removed from the first distillation. Could also be sweet wine cask finished?
    • ABV: ~50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky, warming, medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Pear, elderflower, rye bread, toast, malted grain, oak, cloves, licorice, 
    • Other notes: Feels young as not that much aroma came through but has a beautiful evolution into a quite complex palate with a lot more dark and more bitter notes from the grain and even some of that oak maturation.
    • Finish: Long and very complex (oak, licorice, cloves)
    • ABV: ~50%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Rye whisky with high barley malt. 3-4 years


    Spirit B - Teerenpeli Savu Single Malt Whisky (43% ABV) (Age unknown, matured in 80% bourbon and 20% Pedro Ximinez sherry casks)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Lemon
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Peat (not coastal but floral and herbal), baked apples, vanilla, sultanas, rye bread, toasted oak, freshly squeezed orange and dried orange peel 
    • Other notes: Peat jumped out but overall it’s a simpler and more subdued nose than Spirit A. Also, very little maturation hints, so perhaps refill bourbon cask?
    • ABV: ~45%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Silky and watery, low viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Peat, malt, burnt apples, ryvita, dried orange peel, 
    • Other notes: Very soft profile and probably bottom end of ABV. 
    • Finish: Medium with some complexity (peat and apples)
    • ABV: 40%-45%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good > outstanding
    • Blind guess: Peated single malt. 6+ years


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.16 - Barrell Bourbon Infinity Project & Westland Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey

    1.16 - Barrell Bourbon Infinity Project & Westland Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of the Barrell Bourbon Infinity Project & Westland Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits.

    If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    My tasting notes from this episode can be found below:

    Spirit A - Barrell Bourbon Infinity Project (59.65% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Deep
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: High

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla, hints of fresh apples, dried orange peel, toasted white bread (wheat?), butter, nutmeg, lightly charred oak
    • Other notes: Very quiet and dry nose, profile feels hidden. Ethanol sharpness is peaking through which could mean higher ABV which could be masking the aromas, or it could mean an older spirit where the aromas are very integrated (or both).
    • ABV: ~50%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warming, mouth filling, medium > high viscosity
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Brown sugar, baked apples, vanilla, dark chocolate, burnt toast, butter, cinnamon
    • Other notes: Palate is much darker and complex than the more sweet nose aromas. Feels like most of the aromas and flavors are from the barrel, and not the distilled spirit.
    • Finish: Long very complex (Oak, char, dark chocolate)
    • ABV: 55%-60%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good > Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Low Rye mash bill Bourbon, >10 years, Heavily Charred barrels


    Spirit B - Westland Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey (56.2% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Deep 
    • Color: Gold
    • Suggested texture: Medium

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Fresh lemon peel, caramelized apples, apple cider, sultanas, sea salt, hints of peat(?), red grapes, other red berries?
    • Other notes: Very powerful nose with very clear aromas and a mix of very fresh and very sharp notes. Nose gets darker and more deep/complex as it opens up and warms up. Wine/fortified wine cask?
    • ABV: ~55%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warming, mouth filling, medium > high viscosity
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Caramelized apples, grated lemon peel, cloves, raisins, fortified wine, stewed fruits/berries
    • Other notes: The palate revealed more of the darker notes that came out with heating up the spirit on the nose. Feels very aromatic and almost herbal on the palate.
    • Finish: Long and very complex (apples, oak, fortified wine) 
    • ABV: ~55%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Single Malt, Red Wine or Fortified wine cask, 10-12 years


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

    1.15 - E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon 2018 & Michter's 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2018

    1.15 - E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon 2018 & Michter's 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2018

    In this episode of the Spirits Blind Tasting podcast I'm doing a blind tasting of the E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon 2018 & Michter's 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2018. Feel free to follow along with a dram of any of these or any other spirit you enjoy as I try to uncover the aromas and flavors of these 2 spirits.

    If you'd like to support this podcast and get access to the behind the scenes video recordings from this episode, please join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spiritspeople

    My tasting notes from this episode can also be found below:

    Spirit A - E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon 2018 (50% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: Medium > high

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean
    • Intensity: Medium > pronounced
    • Aroma characteristics: Butterscotch, Ginger bread, vanilla cream, caramelized apple, all spice, cloves, dried apricots, dried orange peel, pecan nuts, toasted/dry oak
    • Other notes: Has a dusty/dry sensation to it. Like a toasted oak/sun dried oak type sensation. Very little char sensation on the palate but there was the burnt sugar note.
    • ABV: ~55%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Warming, mouth filling, Medium > high viscosity 
    • Intensity: Pronounced
    • Flavor characteristics: Oak, burnt toast, all spice, cloves, black pepper corn, licorice, leather, hints of vanilla and caramelized apples + some floral notes after water added
    • Other notes: Lost a bit of the dried fruit notes, but gained the barrel aging notes much more clearly.
    • Finish: Long and complex (Oak, cloves, licorice)
    • ABV: ~55%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Outstanding
    • Blind guess: Bourbon, ~10 years  


    Spirit B - Michter's 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2018 (46.4% ABV)

    Appearance

    • Clarity: Clear
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Color: Amber
    • Suggested texture: Medium > high

    Nose

    • Condition: Clean 
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Aroma characteristics: Oak, sweet corn, caramel, baked apples, pie crust, leather, ground cinnamon, crushed cloves, nail varnish
    • Other notes: More oak, and has a sharp note at the end of the nosing like a high ethanol spike. Could mean a younger whiskey, but not sure.
    • ABV: ~55%

    Palate

    • Sweetness: Dry
    • Texture: Watery, low > medium viscosity
    • Intensity: Medium
    • Flavor characteristics: Oak, leather, cloves, black pepper corn, very little hint on those baked apples + sweetness grows with water
    • Other notes: All the spice and burn sits on the tongue, doesn’t follow through. Feels like higher ABV but doesn’t carry the burn, just more tongue swelling.
    • Finish: Medium with some complexity (Oak and black pepper corn)
    • ABV: ~60%

    Conclusion

    • Quality level: Very good
    • Blind guess: Bourbon, younger than spirit A


    If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at any time on Instagram @spiritspeople

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