Tasting Notes
Producing WhiskyCast has given me the opportunity to taste some really amazing whiskies, and these tasting notes are how I share that experience with you. It’s a privilege to experience those “once in a lifetime,” expressions, but those aren’t my favorites. More meaningful to me are the whiskies which we pour each day, and the ones over which we share time together…the whiskies which are accessible to most enthusiasts.

The Whisky Search
Ralph Waldo Emerson had it right: “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” So it is with whisky…at least we think so!
You can search the database of tasting notes from this page by completing at least one search criteria in the form. We encourage you to always include a score or score range for your desired results.
More About Scoring Whisky
We score based on impressions of a whisky’s nose, taste, and finish. The goal is to find something discernible in all three — in other words, a whisky that noses and tastes well, but has a flat finish will score less than a well-balanced whisky that has all three elements in tune. Our scoring scale reflects the fact that for a whisky to have been bottled in the first place, someone had to like it enough to put their reputation on the line. We use the same scale as our local high school, which is known for being academically rigorous: 93 points for an “A” and 85 points for a “B”. An “A+” is anything 97 points or higher. Our Tasting Notes are the grade of one individual whisky lover. Everyone has his or her own sense of what a great whisky should be, and these scores are nothing more than my own academic exercise in that pursuit. Each of us has our own unique sensory memories and scoring metrics.
How to Taste Whisky
Whisky is meant to be enjoyed, and with thoughtful savoring, you can discover the many flavors of whisky. To help you with get started on your whisky exploration, here are our recommendations on how whisky is best served:
- At ambient room temperature and after it has settled from a lot of motion;
- In a glass which has a bowl to allow the spirit to breathe but a narrow opening so you can smell and capture the aroma;
- First experience the spirit undiluted as bottled; then if desired, a small amount of room temperature pure or bottled water can be added to the spirit.
We encourage you to cup your whisky glass and allow the warmth of your hands to help open up the spirit in both scent and taste.
RECENT ADDITIONS
Corsair Triple Smoke
Score:
86
This is another burst of creativity from Corsair, with malted barley smoked in separate batches...
Abraham Bowman Double Barrel
Score:
88
This Bourbon from Virginia's A. Smith Bowman Distillery is matured for seven years and two...
Laphroaig An Cuan Mor
Score:
91
This 18-year-old Laphroaig is a travel retail exclusive, and gets its name from the Scots...
Van Brunt Stillhouse Malt Whiskey
Score:
83
This single malt whiskey comes from Daric Schlesselman's family-owned distillery in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, and...
Van Brunt Stillhouse American Whiskey
Score:
79
This craft whiskey comes from Daric Schlesselman's family-owned distillery in the heart of Brooklyn's Red Hook...
GlenDronach Tawny Port 15YO
Score:
93
This single malt was matured in European Oak barrels, then finished in Tawny Port wine...
The Knot 100 Proof
Score:
81
This is an unusual whiskey liqueur bottled at 50% ABV, much stronger than most liqueurs,...
Tomatin 30
Score:
93
This vintage malt from Tomatin is matured in a mix of American Oak and European...
Tamdhu 10
Score:
88
This re-launch of Tamdhu has a nose with soft spicy notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and...
Highland Park Freya
Score:
89
This is the third malt in Highland Park's Valhalla Series, and like Thor and Loki,...