Kirkland 17 Year Speyside Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish

This bottle is frequently mentioned online and is said to offer great value for its $60 price. I found it at Costco during a recent delivery, and a store employee mentioned they anticipated selling out quickly. I purchased one, resisting the urge to buy two due to my impulsive nature. I also acquired Kirkland's 12 Year Blended Scotch as part of my exploration into affordable blends for cocktails. Reviews will follow. I sampled this neat, with a single large ice cube, and in a Rob Roy. For comparison, I tasted it alongside Aberlour 16. The Kirkland's aroma is sweet, fruity, and somewhat tropical, with hints of coconut, apples, and pears. Fortunately, the ethanol presence is minimal. It reminds me of a milder, sweeter Macallan, but less intense. The Aberlour shares a similar gentle character. It has a slightly mustier, earthier scent of clay, ripe orchard fruit, figs, and vanilla bean. On the palate, the Kirkland is drier than its aroma suggests, though not entirely dry. It nicely incorporates sherry fruits, brandied cherry, and ripe apples, all carried by a wave of breakfast cereal notes. The Aberlour is even drier, richer, and earthier, with notes of dark chocolate. To use an analogy, the Kirkland evokes the atmosphere of a public library's stacks, while the Aberlour suggests the comfortable leather seating of a private library. The experiences are quite alike, yet distinctly different. There's little need to elaborate on the Rob Roy. Suffice it to say, this single malt pairs wonderfully with a quality sweet vermouth. I used Cnia Mata Spanish Tinto Riservo, an excellent vermouth that possesses many of the strengths of both Punt e Mes and Antica, but with superior balance and finesse. This Kirkland is truly an excellent whisky for cocktails! As anticipated, ice diminishes the aroma, enhances sweetness, and dilutes some of its special qualities. Nevertheless, the Kirkland 17 remains a pleasant, sweet drink that is enjoyable with a splash of water or an ice cube. It's up to personal preference. Ultimately, this is a superb Scotch whisky, satisfying in every aspect. One might desire a more pronounced character or clearer signs of its barrel aging. However, considering the cost, it's an easy recommendation. The Aberlour, priced around $100 locally, is significantly surpassed in terms of value. Costco has produced an impressive product. Yes, I definitely should have purchased two!

The heat is noticeable on the nose, even after resting with ice, showing hints of dried fruit and caramel/toffee. The palate's sweeter elements become more prominent, with sherry's velvety smoothness countering the increasing heat, creating an interesting, conflicting balance. The finish is quite short and hot, with an indistinct spiciness, like a flash fire or brûléed dessert.

Get it before it's gone, an excellent value for the cost.