The Whistler How the Years Whistle By

The best way I can describe this whiskey is like a girl I dated once... okay, maybe twice. The simple problem was I was incredibly lonely, living alone on the vast Iowa prairie in a small town, and I really wanted this girl to be 'the one,' or at least someone I was truly into. But... I wasn't. I found her moderately enjoyable, but there wasn't much chemistry. The same applies here, although the nose is exceptional – big and full, packed with nutty banana bread, vanilla, a touch of dried apricot and fig drizzled with honey. The palate isn't bad, but it seems a bit flat compared to the nose, with a short finish. The sherry notes also fade somewhat, leaving you with a rather generic-seeming Irish whiskey. I suspect that if it were bottled at a higher ABV, there might be more to appreciate. It's a pity; I could nose this all day.

A quick revisit after the bottle had been open for a while. The initially reserved character revealed much more personality upon a second tasting. The flavors were much richer and more rounded, matching that wonderful aroma.

Slightly harsh, with oiliness from French oak and a brief finish. Drinkable but seems younger than its age. Not a typical single malt.

This was a 5-year double oaked expression. It was smooth, with a caramel aftertaste.