Barrowman's Grand Cru 18 Year

Aroma: Caramel and floral notes, similar to jasmine. There's also some buttery cinnamon and a hint of zinc in the background. Palate: Medium-bodied and spicier than the sweetness suggested by the aroma, but it's a cinnamon spice, so it's not harsh. It has a more bitter, metallic grain taste than I'd anticipate from an 18-year-old. A fairly straightforward combination of sweet and spicy. Finish: Quick and thin. All the flavors on the palate simply fade into a watery bitterness. Overall: This is likely a better whisky than its description suggests, but it's also the least impressive 18-year-old scotch I've encountered. It's probably more disappointment than anything else influencing my assessment. I ended up discarding some of it just to move on to another bottle. I found this at Total Wine and More and was curious to try something unfamiliar, but I believe most standard mid-tier scotch blends like Buchanan's 12 or Grand Old Parr are superior. It cannot compare to Dewar's 15, which is typically less expensive.

For the price, it didn't feel very flavorful or unique. It starts off nicely, but the flavor quickly disappears and finishes a bit dull. It's an acceptable scotch, but other options are available at better prices.

The aroma is light with no strong scent. The taste is light fruit. I believe it tastes like Chivas. It's nothing special, but it's light and easy to drink.

Feels thicker on the palate, average overall.

It's smooth, but it lacks that extra kick.