Entrapment 25 Year

Score: 18/23. After using a dram from the year 2000 as a closing for this review series at entry 1991, I thought it was appropriate to return to normalcy and use this dram from 1992 for entry 1992. I have never sampled an Orphan Barrel release, nor have I seen one available. I've heard positive things, so this ought to be a pleasure! Nose: A very gentle woodiness with a type of musty vanilla corn sweetness. It comes across as somewhat papery and rich. Coconut! There's a significant amount of it here. So much coconut. While not extremely intricate, it's rich and mature with some fantastic indulgence. Based on the aroma alone, this is how I imagine Compass Box Hedonism should taste. Palate: Extremely mellow, with a really pleasing fullness. An abundant amount of coconut. I've never experienced such intense coconut in a dram; nothing else has ever come close. Some coconut cream seems to emerge. It masterfully avoids the bitterness associated with coconut and maintains a decadent creaminess throughout. Touches of vanilla appear, adding subtle complexity. I do detect some very mellow, mature wood, mingled with some mild spices that are difficult to identify. I simply cannot overlook that immense coconut presence. It's not highly complex, but it is incredibly decadent. Finish: A lingering coconut cream flavor. It's never bitter. Not very intricate, but very easygoing. Conclusion: Exceptionally easy to drink and very approachable. I imagine it might become tiresome after some time, but a serving tastes like savoring a bite of the clouds at the entrance to heaven. There are stories about heaven eventually becoming boring, though. It's difficult to find a comparable drink. Highland Park 16 Wings Of The Eagle (17/23) is more complex, but seems somewhat unbalanced in contrast. This has a slight musty funk, but it's clearly more aged and mellow. Cadenhead's Tullibardine 25 (18/23) is another quite decadent option. The Tullibardine has more going on compared to this. It possesses some arguably rougher characteristics than this one (more herbaceousness, particularly) and isn't as rich, but it does offer more. My overall impression is that this is definitely superior to the Highland Park and nearly matches the Tullibardine. I recall giving the Tullibardine a 19, but it's apparently only an 18. Considering that, I believe this undoubtedly earns an 18. There's so much that I adore here. And by that, I mean the coconut is fantastic. I truly wish there was more happening here. Still, this is immensely enjoyable. Revisiting this the following day, the Tullibardine's honey and fruit nectar truly stand out with added complexity. This possesses its own decadence and greater maturity, but it remains fairly one-dimensional. That Boutique-y Whisky Company's Auchroisk 19 Batch 5 (17/23) has a nice body when compared directly to this. A large part of that is likely the higher alcohol content, naturally, but that is a factor in these evaluations. I'm now considering that the Auchroisk might be closer to this, and the Tullibardine might be slightly better. Although, I'm also thinking the Auchroisk could be an 18. I won't be altering the ratings for the Auchroisk or Tullibardine here. This is probably marginally better than the Auchroisk, but I'm no longer placing it on the same level as the Tullibardine. Hmm, or perhaps it is. I believe this can keep its 18. It's genuinely pleasurable, at the very least. A big thank you to a friend for sharing a sample of this special dram!

This holiday season, I plan to sample a new whiskey daily throughout December. #lifegoals. December 25. On the 25th night of my new whiskey challenge (where I sought a new dram to conquer each day), the children were asleep, having spent the entire day intensely playing with toys. I retreated downstairs, an exhausted individual, and turned on the bar lights, surveying the shelf. To my dismay, I discovered Canadian whisky labeled 25 years old. My heart raced; it was a gamble to choose this Canadian whisky as my pour. I remembered the Orphan Barrel from the 24th and occasions when tastes soured due to spirits from the north. Ultimately, the age was the deciding factor, though I hesitated and pondered: 'Could this be avoided?' But with the wrapper in hand and the cork ready, it was too late; I was committed. So, generally, I'm not a fan of Canadian whisky. However, I am typically a fan of Orphan Barrel. Therefore, I approach this drink with both cheerful optimism and considerably low expectations. On the nose, I detect honey, syrup, and freshly cut wood. It's pleasant, mild, and I already have far fewer objections than I did with that Rare Perfection fiasco. I will continue to call you out until one of us is gone. The body is very gentle in flavor. Nothing stands out immediately, but after a few sips, there's honey, molasses, mint, and green tea leaves. It tastes slightly medicinal, but in a folk remedy, likely imaginary medicine sort of way. The finish fades quickly with cinnamon and mint, very low warmth. A mild tingling sensation on the tongue. This finish strongly reminds me of a cinnamon Altoid. I will categorize this as something well-crafted that doesn't appeal to me. Of all the Canadian whiskies I've sampled, this bottle has best managed to balance 'pleasant to drink' with 'interesting flavor profile.' Unless you consider my favorite Canadian whisky: Crown Royal Bourbon Mash. Which is most certainly not bourbon whiskey. If you count that as Canadian, then this is a close second, and I respect Orphan Barrel for once again delivering a quality product. In the highly subjective category of value for money, I am completely deferring judgment. I don't feel qualified to determine if this is worth the cost of 100 bottles, or whatever, of Canadian Mist you could purchase with the same funds. I will say that if Canadian whisky is your preference, you would be remiss not to try this whisky. 'Tis the season. I'm unsure if I have 6 more new whiskeys lined up, so if you're reading this and there's something readily available you'd like me to enjoy/endure this holiday season, please suggest it in the comments. Oh, and Merry freakin' Christmas!

This whiskey boasts an impressive presentation and a substantial 25-year age statement. Congratulations to the marketing team for another premium-looking bottle that commands premium prices ($160, which I paid), but sadly, that's where the appeal ended for me. The nose is quite weak and indistinct, largely because it's uninteresting. The palate begins smoothly with a light mouthfeel and a touch of spice. The tasting notes are rather basic, reminiscent of a diluted version of another brand. The finish is smooth and light, as if it spent too long in the barrel. In my view, only malted barley-based spirits (Scotch) hold up well beyond 23 years in a barrel; corn and rye-based spirits tend to degrade negatively after that point. For a blended whiskey offering similar smoothness and taste at a significantly lower price, consider POWERS; it's an incredible value. Keep it quiet, as I'm doing now. We're all aware of how eager spirits companies are to raise prices these days. Enjoy!

A very enjoyable drinking experience. The initial sensation is smooth vanilla, as expected. Swirling it slightly awakens the palate, with the barrel tannins and alcohol becoming more pronounced. Subtle hints of leather, salt, and tobacco are also present. It's very good, but leans more towards being widely appealing than a truly rare find. Regardless, I have no issues with it - no complaints.

Adding a little water helps it open up. This is a very delicate, gentle whiskey, particularly before any dilution. A few drops of water reveal a significantly more robust taste that someone who favors bourbon, like me, might appreciate, yet it stays remarkably smooth. It's a bit expensive at around $130. But that's expected for a 25-year-old whiskey.

The price is steep (around $160). I would value it closer to $100. The taste is light; I'd describe it as wine in a brown hue. It's suitable for those seeking something easy to drink. Its lightness is its defining characteristic. The oak aroma is strong, but the taste is much milder. A light touch of vanilla is detectable. Overall, the bottle is good but overpriced. 6/10