Opthimus 15 Solera

Rating: 14/23 Nose: This definitely smells younger than Opthimus 21. I'm quite perplexed because it was the same price and released in the same year, yet this aroma is less complex and mature. The tartness has a bit more alcohol bite and less richness (less nutty character too). Palate: More warmth than the 21 has. It's sweet and the flavors are pleasant, but not much is happening. I get similar nuttiness and tartness as from oloroso, but also more of a youthful spicy prickliness. The tannins are moderate, whereas the 21 had very soft tannins, marking a step down. I do detect some peanut richness and sweetness, but it's fairly muted. Finish: Sweet, rich, peanut, some alcohol. Not much is happening, but it's not unpleasant. - Conclusion - This one doesn't strike me as a neat sipper. It's not bad, but it's just okay. It also lacks the punch for mixing. I wouldn't recommend it unless you find it at a good price. I have no idea why this establishment prices it the same as the 21, but this is certainly not the same spirit and is lower in quality. Significantly lower. Instead of a score range of 16 to 27, this is more like a 13 to 14. The 21 isn't entirely mature, but this isn't mature at all. The tannins are also stronger and more numbing here. It earns a 14 due to some nice flavors and decent complexity, but the balance is off and it tastes young (the alcohol is even noticeable). I still believe it deserves that 14, but just barely.

The aroma features caramel, baked bread, wood notes, popsicles, maraschino cherry, a meaty/savory character, and some spice. The palate is very smooth, presenting molasses, caramel, honey, vanilla, scorched caramel, barrel spice, butterscotch, and a peppery element. The finish is sweet and woody with toastiness and a touch of pepper, lasting a fair amount of time.

Smells like green apple, caramel (like candied apple), honey, and sugar. Tastes very smooth. Many thanks to the person who recommended it.

sweet and sharp, shows its whiskey character

Gentle, smooth.