FEW Single Malt Whisky

I've had this for a few weeks but hadn't posted. I purchased it a few years ago in Chicago during a work trip for a friend, whose partner then restricted his drinking. I waited for things to change but eventually gave up after a difficult week at work. It's sweet, malty, smooth, and easy to drink at 93 proof (which surprised me and made me check the bottle again!). This would be a go-to spirit if not for the cost. Currently, it's a mild, crowd-pleasing spirit that's overpriced in a market full of novelties. The best parts are the full-flavor and proof, with a malty taste not ruined by artificial smoke. If you need a bottle for decoration, I'll give you mine empty if you pay for shipping.

An intense, “grain to glass” Single Malt Whiskey. They air dry most of the malt naturally & smoke the rest over cherry wood. It has an aromatic birth with notes of fresh grass, earth, cream, sea-salt caramels & chocolate fudge; while a bold & spicy life adds notes of farmland, toasted popcorn, rye, apple, citrus, malt, smoke, cinnamon & more chocolate; that led to a long & toasty death with notes of malted barley, cherry & mop bucket water (rethink cleaning procedures). February / December 2020 / August 2022

The aroma is very plain, smelling like a brewery and toasted rye bread. It feels like I'm carb-loading for a marathon. The palate isn't very enjoyable. The aroma from the nose comes through almost entirely. There's a tiny bit of smoke, but it's basically all toasted rye bread. I've had a few products from this company, and they all seem to have a similar flavor profile. I did have a barrel-aged gin from them that was pretty good, but I'll pass on this particular dram.

I appreciate the uniqueness, but it's not quite successful. The smell is quite peculiar, with strong notes of wood shavings - not a typical whiskey aroma. The flavor is extremely mild and flat, though some pleasant bready and chocolatey notes appear on the finish. It's an unusual experience overall; it's not bad, but I wouldn't purchase it or suggest it to anyone.

Nose: very sharp. Lemon, wood shavings, and vegetal notes. Palate: Lacking character. Bitter almonds, medicinal sweetness, some botanicals. Absolutely no rounded fruit or caramel notes. Finish: Continues with medicinal sweetness and a hint of menthol. I've never actually poured a drink in the trash, but this one is making me consider it. I'd happily choose water over this alcoholic option.

Picture a bucket sitting in the rain beneath a horse's feed bin. The rain soaks the hay and barley in the bin and then drips into the bucket. Do you want a drink from that bucket? This spirit isn't for me; it has a stale, sour, moldy grain and hay flavor, like water from an old pail.