Its fun to try whiskey from around the world. In our latest blind tasting I sit down with a flight of four unique single malts from Kentucky to Twain. Each of these single malt whiskeys offer a distinct look at how production and aging differs! Let’s dive into out latest blind tasting.
Glass A
- Nose: Fruity nose, peach and pear meet your nose first, as you continue you on the aromas of barley and baking spice round out the nose. I can tell this whiskey does smell slightly young however
- Palate: Fruit continues over but more of a bitter citrus such as grapefruit shine bright at first sip. This bitter fruit turns over into hints of oak an vanilla for an easy sipping pour.
- Finish: The bitter fruit notes don’t hang out too long on this short finishing whiskey.
Glass B
- Nose: White wine is what this reminds me as a take my first smell. I am met with grape, green apple, white pepper and vanilla that transports me to a vineyard.
- Palate: On the palate this one takes time to open up. At first this is very grain and ethanol forward. But after coming back to this a few minutes later dark notes of plum, pepper, baking spices and vanilla shine through for an exceptional mid to back palate sip.
- Finish: Lingering finish of of plum that is just right!
Glass C
- Nose: Buttery on the nose, light caramel, vanilla and subtle smoke to round out the back end of the nosing experience.
- Palate: Slightly salty right off the bat, the buttery notes from nose shine through with vanilla and caramel balancing out the savory notes of the salted butter notes.
- Finish: Light, buttery mouthfeel finish that stays with you just the right amount.
Glass D
- Nose: This one changed the most over time. At first it was green apple and a little earthy with hints of dew, lemon peel and reminded me of a bourbon. But as I came back big notes of maple brown sugar that had me peg exactly what this pour was.
- Palate: Cinnamon, dark cherry, vanilla and malt. It reminds me a tasty dessert.
- Finish: Short finish with hints of maple sugar that is delightful.
Final thoughts before the rankings reveal. Glass C and D really rose to the top. While one may be ahead of the others you could pretty much call it a tie. Lastly, I am very intrigued by Glass A, I think this distillate has a real chance to be something special in the future.
Ranking these World Single Malt Whiskeys
#4 – Shelter Single Malt (Glass A)
- Age: 6 months and older
- Proof: 90
- Mashbill: 100% malted barley
- Price: $49.99
#3 – Royal Rathambore (Glass C)
- Age: Undisclosed
- Proof: 80
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Price: $73.99
#2 – New Riff Sour Mash American Single Malt (Glass D)
- Age: At least 7 years old
- Proof: 110 Proof
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Price: $69.99
#1 – Kavalan Vinho Barrique Cask Strength (Glass B)
- Age: Undisclosed
- Proof: 118.8
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Price: $249.99
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