Cadenhead's Seven Stars

Smell: Polished wood, waxed furniture, cigar containers, and cedar boxes. A powerfully wood-influenced aroma. Under the wood notes, a hidden area holds dried fruits, walnut liquor, chocolate candy, and coffee beans. A faint whiff of ethanol from the grain spirit cuts through the strong scents. Diluting makes the aroma much gentler, but be cautious as it can be easily overwhelmed. Taste: A moderately sweet yet tart start with vibrant citrusy spice notes. It's incredibly sharp, like barley sugar dusted with orange essence and citric acid crystals. Tannins suddenly appear in the middle of the taste, alongside toffee, brown sugar, hot cinnamon, ginger, and white pepper. Fruity oloroso sherry notes follow, and the texture is waxy (though the taste is so intense you barely notice). Water softens the taste, but the tingle of tannic spice remains even when diluted. Aftertaste: Extended. Spicy and persistent with tart apple and bitter orange peel. Tannins continue to stimulate the tongue long after swallowing, leaving a drying sensation that is just on the pleasant side of bitter. A very robust, bold, blended scotch, completely different from entry-level offerings from well-known brands. However, I wouldn't describe this as an old-fashioned blend with a mild character. It's far too bold and intense, bearing no likeness to certain other blends. A comparable blend might be another, but it has a smoother character and is not nearly as tannic. The aroma resembles a malt whisky; the only indicator of its blended nature is the raw, thin alcohol from the grain component, but it's not bothersome. The taste is substantial and strong with a bold character, and despite its forceful personality, it feels somewhat young. You can drink this spirit straight, but I suggest adding ice and a bit of water or club soda. It handles dilution well, with the bright tannic notes maintaining its balance at lower alcohol levels. It's not my top choice among premium blends, but I am definitely enjoying it. Still, I think this bottle will suffice, and I likely won't purchase another once it's finished. Then again, after saying that, I've just poured another glass. Interesting. "Good": 83/100 (3.5 stars)

Excellent value for the cost