It's a winner for sure!
An Outstanding Libation! 4 1/2 stars out of 5, Indescribably delicious, memorable flavoring leaving a lasting impression of "I've never tasted anything like this before"!
History about me: I'm a Novice, went to a Scotch tasting for the first time last summer (2015) in Wash. D.C.; the varieties offered were Aberlour, Oban, Balvenie and Yamazki 12 yr. Single Malt (SM). The pours were in plastic containers (cups)...the overhead ceiling fans were on blowing down onto the crowd and the drinks, which in my opinion oxidized the scotches just setting out at the different tasting stations...but hands down for me was the Yamazki 12 yr. SM.
My Recent M of M Purchases - Nikka W. from the Barrell (Japanese), Paul John W (Peated-Indian), Yamazaki Reserve (Japanese) and Nikka All Malt (Japanese).
Rating - Of the four scotches, Nikka fr. the Barrell was number one for me. However, my number two, was Paul John. It's simply to die for (but don't do it, live on and enjoy the scotch). The "nose" by far for me as a Novice, stands alone. When you first whiff the aroma, your olfactory glands and brain reverberate saying "Whoah, what is that"...oak, chemical, what? The aroma captivates and assaults your nose like a Muhammed Ali right hook coming at you from out of nowhere, prompting you to say, "Where'd the hell did that come from". But I do agree with the Chaps at M of M (MoM)...the nose is very earthy, not sure about the salt though. As for the palate, MoM is "spot on" BBQ Smoke" all the way. Relative to the Finish, there is something about the flavor, quite can't put my finger on it, that lingers on your tongue long after you've finished the dram, shot, snifter or whatever your choice of drinking glass is. Just do me a favor, "no plastic cups" please. Use an acceptable drinking glass and always drink responsibly.
Julian Thomas Feb 27, 2016
