Cardhu 15 Year

Color: rosy caramel Nose: warm, spiced malt, stewed raisin, toffee, candied orange peels, a little bit of tropical notes like banana and a hint of pineapple Palate: medium-bodied, sweet malt, honey, mineral grape skin, mango, sultanas and toffee again Finish: really long, fragrant lingering spice, a whisper of peat smoke, little hints of banana, malty backbone Impression: picked this up in Europe for 46 euros, a steal compared to US prices. Really nice scotch and a big step up in complexity from the 12. Very enjoyable and not overly thin or light, has a nice meaty body while keeping the smoke/peat subtle.

Aromas of dark fruits like raisins, plums, blackberries, with some spicy notes and new leather. The taste is medium sweet, with some astringency. Orange, toffee, white chocolate are present but not overly strong. Hints of cocoa near the end. The finish is medium length, leaving a tingly sharpness and subtle chocolate notes. Perfectly acceptable, just perhaps lacking distinction for my preferences.

Not as good as the 12 year old. It has notes of dark chocolate, almonds, and dried fruits that hint at sherry, which are all good qualities, but they don't blend well. The oak aroma is particularly unpleasant, and the finish is off-putting.

Nose: Initially vanilla and fruits (plum), later more floral and citrus. Some sulfuric notes. Palate: Spices, sweetness, fruits. (Like honey on banana) Finish: Short and not overwhelming. Slightly sharp (ginger), a little bitter (like almond), tobacco.

The nose has honey and some vanilla, even some fruits. The palate is rich, with honey, a wisp of smoke, and some wood comes through. The finish is smooth and medium length. Leaves you wanting another mouthful. Nice whisky and I want another!

Pleasant to drink. Very smooth. Has a chocolatey taste with a little smoke. Covers the palate well, but not strong enough to cut through a cigar.