This month at the LCBO

[JamesW]

I believe a fruited addition of some kind, that and/or a sweetening, is added to El Dorado or at least the well-aged ones. I could be wrong, but thought I read that some years ago. To me they have a "house" character and are extremely good. You can taste the pot still element (an oily or almost rubbery note) but wreathed in a sophisticated body.

For something drier, I would go with Appleton. There are about 5 available here, I'd spend the most your budget allows. These have good pot still character but are well aged with a distinctive dryish woody note. Very traditional rum but not as lush and "exotic" as El Dorado's IMO.

Gary

Seems like El Dorado might just be the place to start. I look forward to trying the 21 yr old.

[dbk]

James, you might be interested to know that Amrut Fusion is arriving in Ontario. Jim Murray gave it a whopping 97 points, if that means anything to you. It is a vatting of their peated and unpeated malts, I believe, bottled at 50% alc/vol.

Giddyup! I'll be on it like flies on you know what :grin:

You might be pleased to know that Amrut fusion has already begun to grace the LCBO shelves. Toronto, Bramalea, and Mississauga all show some stock.

And Compass Box The Spice Tree has also arrived.

[JamesW]

You might be pleased to know that Amrut fusion has already begun to grace the LCBO shelves. Toronto, Bramalea, and Mississauga all show some stock.

And Compass Box The Spice Tree has also arrived.

I've seen the spice tree. Haven't been moved to grab one though, not sold on it just yet.

[Megawatt]

I've seen the spice tree. Haven't been moved to grab one though, not sold on it just yet.

Phenol levels too low for ya?

[dbk]

I've seen the spice tree. Haven't been moved to grab one though, not sold on it just yet.

Phenol levels too low for ya?

:lol: :lol:

[JamesW]

Phenol levels too low for ya?

Exactly I'm saving my money for Nikka's "Yoichi" which I hear is spectacular!

[JamesW]

Phenol levels too low for ya?

Actually the reviews of the spice tree haven't been that memorable. I like the idea of using old wooden staves to impart flavor to the whiskey (worked pretty well for Woodford Reserve seasoned oak).

[dbk]

Actually the reviews of the spice tree haven't been that memorable. I like the idea of using old wooden staves to impart flavor to the whiskey (worked pretty well for Woodford Reserve seasoned oak).

Really? They've certainly stuck in my mind. I've typically found nothing but positive or outright glowing reviews of The Spice Tree. "Official" reviews aside though, it was definitely a favourite of mine this year. That said, your tastes may differ (incorrectly, of course ).

[TomH]

Spice Tree was well received by the critics....Best New Scotch by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. However, Amrut Fusion was even better received....3rd Finest Whisky of the World (Ballentines 17 YO#1. 2009 Handy #2)... and it received 97 vs 95 for the Spice Tree.

My personal taste is definitely pro-Fusion over the Spice Tree. To be honest, I find the new (legal) Spice Tree does not measure up to the old (non-SWA approved) Spice Tree so I have not bought a 2nd bottle yet since I still have a small supply of the old.

[dbk]

You know, I think my tastes run in the opposite direction... I have sampled my Fusion for the last few nights and have not been terribly impressed with the palate. Maybe it will mellow out a bit, but I find it harshly phenolic and hot through the finish. The nose on the Spice Tree, on the other hand, is magic to me, and the palate is lovely, too. I haven't tried the "old" Spice Tree, so I can't compare, but opinion as to whether the new method has resulted in an improvement or a decline in quality seems to vary—JM likes the new one better, whereas you like the old one more.

[Megawatt]

Exactly I'm saving my money for Nikka's "Yoichi" which I hear is spectacular!

I had a glass of the 10 year old the other week and I'd have to agree; it was spectacular. It reminded me somewhat of Talisker 10, but perhaps more complex. I think you will enjoy.