Haigs Dimple 15 YO Blend Review

[The reviewer and scores explained.]

Bottle: Haigs Dimple 15 YO Blend
Cost: $60
Score: 48
Scent: Uncharacterized by anything pleasant. Strong alcohol, burns the nostrils.
Palate: Slightly sweet medicinal with bitter after taste.
Effect: Good mood, but the taste limited my enjoyment. Extra energy.
Empty glass scent: Smoky peaty scent and the burn your nostrils vapour wasn’t present.
Day after: Slight hangover.
Bottom line: Avoid purchasing, but don't say no if it's offered.

The review:  I made a departure from my usual choice of single malts and tried a blend for the 1^st time in over a year. I had high expectations from the seductive bottle. And I was sadly disappointed. The taste was just plain unpleasant all the way through from initial contact to finish. The blend didn’t highlight any recognizable style. I had a hard time finishing my 1^st glass; it sure wasn’t one of the glasses that leads to another and then you promise yourself its the last glass before you talk yourself in to another. I gave it another go after a chicken roast and it didn’t fare any better. I wasn’t able to finish the 2^nd glass and it ended up adding something to some chocolate ice cream. I found it a little hard to sleep, and I woke up before the alarm. The next day I really felt the 1.8 glasses, and need some aspirin. I’m not sure I really want to drink the rest of the bottle. Your money is much better spent on a cheaper 12yo single malt like Glenfiddich.
Dimple didn't even give us a decent cork top, it's a plastic twist cap!

Dalwhinnie 15 YO Single Malt Review

[The reviewer and scores explained.]

Scotch: DALWHINNIE 15 YO Single Malt
Cost: $75
Score: 72 78 (Update after 3 bottles) Scent: Very bland.
Palate: Beautifully sweet, smooth and sweet after taste. Slight smoky honey.
Effect: Up lifting and happy.
Empty glass scent: Slight smoky scent.
Day after: Clean in, clean out after 1/3 bottle.
Bottom line: Great if you like easy going sweet Scotches.

The review:  The 1st thing that caught my attention was the distinct lack of a Scotch scent. No burn, no earth, no spice. It has a scent but it's very subtle. But then you drink it and hmmmm... smooth... warm... sweet... honey... smoke... earth...
I finished my 1st glass and before I knew it, I was back at the bottle sniffing the cork to try and better discern the scent.
Dalwhinnie's pleasure is all in the mouth, and it leaves the nose out in the cold.
I like it and I will be buying another bottle in the future. I was sad to pour Dalwhinnie's last drop.
If it had a stronger scent and more smoke, this would score an 85.
Minor note: The cork didn't quite fit flush against the bottle lip, so if I lay it down it would drip.

(Update after 3 bottles)
This has become my go to Scotch when in doubt. In this price range Dalwhinnie whips the lamas ass ;).

Talisker 10 YO Single Malt Review

[The reviewer and scores explained.]

Scotch: Talisker 10 YO Single Malt
Cost: $75
Score: 65
Scent: BAM in ya face ya wee fanny, have a smoke now.
Palate: Sour peat chemical;like some kind of paint thinner got mixed in.
Finish: Shit that's strong.
Effect: Clear head but not inviting.
Empty glass scent: Strong peaty smoke.
Day after: All good.
Bottom line: Chemical taste.

The review:  I was recommeded this after trying Highland Park last month. I wanted an even strong smokey taste, so I had high hopes this would be build on the Highland Park.
My initial reactions was this taste like some kind of chemical compound. The scent is good, but the taste is just a little brutish. I tried mixing it with water, but the chemical undertone remained.
I didn't find it sweet or spicy. It was just strong in your face peaty smoke. The bottle lasted longer than most other bottles. It's not bad, but I can't drink too much of it.

Highland Park 12 YO Single Malt Review

[The reviewer and scores explained]

Scotch: Highland Park 12 YO Single Malt
Cost: $68
Score: 73
Scent: SMOKEEEY.
Palate: Farely smooth smoky peat subtle oak. Let's go with smoky wood.
Finish: Smooth, with lingering smoke (I wish there was more smoke).
Effect: Welcoming and happy.
Empty glass scent: Smoky oaky peaty sherry.
Day after: Fantastic.
Bottom line: Very well balanced, recommended for those that like smoky.

The review:  I was a little hesitant to pick the bottle up because it looked a little a cheap bourbon called Cougar Bourbon.
The scent was fantastic, well at least better than I expected. The palate didn't disappoint either, smooth, warm and inviting... a excellent balance of smoke, peat, heather, oak and sherry... with a refreshing spark for a finish.
The scent is fantastic. The taste is great. The bottle looks cheap. Go buy a bottle now.
It could be a little smoother and a little smokier. While I have characterized it as smoky, it's a smoky that doesn't quite give you a smoke fix. I think age would bring this to the table, so maybe the 18 YO would be stupendous.

About the reviewer

Reviews come down to personal opinions. So in order to know whether the reviewer’s opinion will resonate with you it’s important to know what the reviewer likes and dislikes, and how he/she thinks.

Scoring:
I will never give out a 100 point score because that means it could not be improved on. Anything above 50 points should be considered good and anything below it not good.
Above 60 is very good.
70’s are really recommended.
80’s are exceptional and rare.
90’s and you’re in the region of the elite. A 90 score can only be given by somebody who has had decades experience with 80’s. I can give a movie/gadget/game a 90 score, but I can’t give out 90’s for Scotch.

My taste:
I like warm happy sweet things, with a side of extreme. I like full bodied Shiraz or Grenache, with a particular preference for South Australia’s Barossa and some Rioja baja . I don’t like white wines.

I like a steak that’s been cooked on a hot BBQ pink in the middle with a taste of either garlic or wood smoke. I like grilled fish salted on the skin. I like a blue brie cheese. I like a rich chocolate ice cream.

I avoid anything marked as light or diet, low in something, I want full flavor or nothing.
I don’t like bitter or liquorish tastes. But I like grape fruit, lemons and limes.

What I look for in a Scotch:
When I drink Scotch, I’m looking for a sweet smoky scent. I want a peaty smoky sweet creamy taste. I want the flavor to linger. I want the empty glass to emanate the essence of the Scotch. I want the effect of the alcohol to lift my spirits and of those around me. The next day I want a clear head with zero body load; so I don’t want the Scotch to remind me of it presence. I don't mix the SCotch with water or ice, I use my saliva to dilute if required ratio of 1:3... and sip it slowly.