St. George Single Malt Lot 19

Nose: Bright, with notes of lavender and a somewhat buttery quality. A faint whiff of smoke, similar to freshly burned wood. Palate: Quite complex and seems to vary with each sip. It's comparable to a Speyside whisky, with honey and lavender prominent, along with some indistinct fruitiness. The smoke noted in the aroma reappears at the end, like burning cherry wood. Finish: Initially impressive, but it becomes tiresome with continued drinking. While complex, the dominant flavors from the palate fade into a slightly sour and bitter profile, reminiscent of flat beer, which leaves the lasting impression. Overall: This is the most refined American Single Malt I've encountered, and I believe that's what makes such a strong impact on most people. For that reason, I'm awarding it 4 stars, as it is certainly good for an ASM, and my rating is within that category. Unfortunately, it can cost $100 or more. When compared to other whiskies in that price range, particularly scotches, it's more like a 3-star rating. It doesn't compare favorably to Balvenie 12, for instance, which is half the price. I anticipate future editions will improve as the distillation process appears to be well-executed. I believe advancements will come from barrel management as the distillate ages and the producer can blend in more mature batches.