Van Winkle 13 Years Old, Family Reserve Rye

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 21 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Distinctly rich. Mint toffee. Raisin toffee. Palate Viscous. So smooth as to be almost slippery, but with the flavours of fruitcake. Very sweet. Finish Warm. Relaxing. Lots of vanilla. Bourbon-like. Comment Showing its age. It seems to have lost a little liveliness but, if you were as rich as this, would you care?

Dave Broom Nose Intense, oily and full bodied. Initially sweet: roses, lavender, black cherry, orange, chocolate and toffee, then a blast of menthol that clears the sinuses. Palate Big and sweet. The rye grabs you mid-palate then the cooked fruit/cherry/treacle come back, before the sour rye gives a final bite. Lovely balance. Finish Soft, then cherry stone. Comment A typical but a wonderful drink to sip on its own. The more I drink it the more I love it.