anCnoc Vintage 2002

Nose: Lemon meringue, sea salt, and a faint hint of hay. The aroma is subtler than I typically encounter in American whiskeys, but it's quite refreshing. It evokes a sense of springtime. Palate: Lemon meringue pie, tart citrus, vanilla, and a juicy fruit bubblegum flavor. There's a delightful sweet and sour dynamic. Finish: Not the unpleasant burning hospital or band-aid finish I strongly dislike. No rubber or tire fire notes here. It has a slightly grainy quality, but in a pleasant, wholesome, rustic way. It's warming and perhaps a bit brief, but I enjoy it. The finish is... refreshing. Overall: I'm exploring Scotch. While I'm not an expert, I'm told I have a good palate and sense of smell, so I'm diving in! I appreciate the citrus, salty, and rustic character of this. It's playful and serves as a decent introduction. My usual realm is bourbon and rye, but this could be a good bridge. To put it in a television context, imagine a very good crossover episode involving Chicago Fire, PD, and Med!

Considering the cost, it's a good buy. On its own, it's a capable but not remarkable single malt with a pleasant chocolate malt sweetness in the aftertaste.

Sweet aroma, dry and not overly sweet finish.