Summertime sipping begs for an approachable whisky, something that's a non-demanding, relaxing, yet interesting dram. This lineup features scotch from the Highlands, Alabama whiskey, and Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey. They're all different, yet soft and flavorful.
What does it mean when a whisky is termed approachable?
I don't know about you, but to me it means that dram is gentle, i.e. it doesn't hit you over the head with a blast of strength, spiciness, or smoke.
That expression might be the entry to a particular distillery's range of offerings, or just an interesting and non-confrontational member of that lineup. It doesn't scare off a newbie, nor offend an…uhm…"oldbie."
It's easy to appreciate the whisky's aroma and flavors, yet be a relaxed sip as well.
Sipping something approachable
An approachable whisky isn't demanding on a summer's evening. Some examples that come quickly to mind would be Clan Fraser Whisky, The Balvenie DoubleWood, and Widow Jane Bourbon.
It's nice to have a Whiskey Wednesday featuring a number of easy, approachable whisky and bourbon expressions. They were different in character and finishes, yet all sippable and easy to enjoy.
Let's explore this lineup, shall we?
Summertime Sipping Whisky Tasting
Gordons DTX, July 11, 2018
Wild Turkey Longbranch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Brown sugar, faint baking spices, light rye
- Taste: heavy and oily, white pepper rises, slightly smoky, almost pine
- Finish: caramel candy sweetness, holds on, light cloves sneak in at the end
- Comments: I didn't get a strong mesquite (that's what I expectebut instead got light smoke in the background. Overall, it's a good sweet bourbon
Pinhook Straight Rye Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: strong rye, subtle oak, mild cardamom
- Taste: med body, juicy, caraway seeds, cloves and cardamom
- Finish: brown sugar slinks in at the finish
- Comments: crisp rye, clean flavor
Clyde May's Alabama Style Cask Strength Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: light brown sugar, cinnamon, alcohol masks more of the nose
- Taste: medium body, baking spices, salted caramel
- Finish: fades to sweet cinnamon and brown sugar
- Comments: at cask strength it's still quite drinkable; with water the nose goes to peppermint sticks and molasses, and the taste presents cedar, cloves, and cinnamon that fades to strong sweet cinnamon and cloves. Really enjoyable!
Glenlivet Nadurra
Tasting Notes
- Nose: beach breezes, strong everygreen (junipers?), vanilla
- Taste: strong peat, thick body, sour, strong baking spices, heather then iodine
- Finish: the baking spices lasts with the beachy peat
- Comments: strong Islay influence…when I realized what I was having, I appreciated it more; It's a Highland scotch that wants to be from Islay
Glenfarclas 10yr
Tasting Notes
- Nose: hay, heather, pine forest, vanilla fudge
- Taste: light body, vanilla fudge, heather
- Finish: herbal, very light nutmeg
- Comments: quintessential Highland...light and bright
Benromach Single Malt Gordon's Exclusive
Tasting Notes
- Nose: caramel candy, vanilla, lightly forested smoke
- Taste: thick body, pine, herbal
- Finish: herbal finish, sweet, mossy, clover honey
- Comments: I really liked this one. Classic Speyside...the herbal character is wonderful, and the Highland peat shows nicely. This was my favorite of the night
Final thoughts
It's nice to have an approachable whisky to enjoy without making any strenuous demands on the palate, especially on a summer's evening.
Easy sipping doesn't have to be boring, just friendly.
I hope you like this review! If you've tried any of the expressions and have your own tasting notes, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Slainté! L'chaim! Cheers!
- Tammy
Let's Talk