Pendleton Directors' Reserve 20 Year

Year 2019 Smell: Sweet sugar, vanilla, orange rind, a little chocolate, caramel chews Flavor: Sweet vanilla caramels, smooth butterscotch, hints of chocolate-covered oranges, remarkably smooth for the lower alcohol content, dark chocolate, syrup Aftertaste: Creamy caramels, milky chocolate, mild cinnamon, chocolate-coated Werther's, mild syrup, oak Rating - 87/100 Overall: When I first poured it and took a sniff, the strong caramel and vanilla immediately made me think of bourbon. It seems to have a lot of corn, as it drinks like a very mellow, wonderfully not overly oaked bourbon. Not knowing the grain bill or anything else, it's a very agreeable, very easy-to-drink whisky that resembles bourbon. The syrup flavor is amusingly very Canadian. With that said, it's very easy to drink, but nothing about it is outstanding. It's well-balanced, a little too sweet with nice caramel, chocolate, and syrup notes. Unfortunately, the syrup notes make it almost taste like artificial sweetener, but not quite. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Likely not another

Nose is alcohol-forward with a hint of fruit, distinctive but not especially remarkable. Remarkably smooth palate, nice mild fruity sweetness with good strong plum and grape flavor (in a balanced way). Nice viscosity on the tongue, very clean and virtually no alcohol burn. Slightly soft plum, cherry finish. A little wood in the finish, doesn't dominate, leaves space for other flavors. Fantastic drinker, get a bottle before others realize how good it is.

Pendleton Directors Reserve Aged 20 years, 40% alcohol by volume, a Canadian whisky bottled in Oregon. Aroma: notes of brandy, fruit, apricots, and a sweet scent. Taste: It initially tastes like brandy, with moderate sweetness that isn't overwhelming. There's minor to medium oakiness in the finish, along with light to moderate spice. A very enjoyable whisky, excellent neat or on the rocks. Its complexity diminished over time, and the sweeter notes gradually became more prominent. Cost: $127 plus tax for a 750 ml bottle. Rating: B+/A-

It's rather mild with hints of cinnamon, maple, vanilla, nuts, and oil. A higher proof would be desirable. It has a rather velvety texture that I find pleasing. It's a decent drink on its own, but lacks complexity or excitement. There's a touch of tartness, and a disappointing bitter-tart herbal taste develops as I continue to drink it. It certainly carries that distinctive Pendleton character, for better or worse.

Amazing! Smooth and easy to drink. Vanilla, sweet, and oak notes are noticeable after taking a sip of this whiskey. The age is apparent on the palate, and a sense of care is felt from the bottle. Well executed.

Smells like isopropyl alcohol and has a slight tartness. Very delicate and velvety on the palate. Hints of butter. Can't quite identify the rest of the tastes.