Notes

Strong but delicious. Opened up nicely with a cube of ice.

Big fan. Hits hard but with a fruity flair...like Mike Tyson. Also, here's a pic of the Ekklesia whiskey Advent crew.

*Guest Review* First impressions of this finishing bottle has a high octane nose and a bold straight forward start zing on the tongue. A decent amount of spice in the middle starts to level it out and finishes with a deep dark black cherry note. Second taste, with a few drops of water, unlocks the vanilla hiding behind the high proof to make this tasting more palatable to a slightly above average bottle from a slow start.

'Twas the afternoon of the twenty-fourth tasting, as I prepare for the big day. I feel that there are a few things I simply must say. First, to our host JK, thank you for all that you've done. All of us have found a friend that truly is #1. To all of my fellow tasters, I want to thank you too. For I would not get to enjoy this each year without you. To the the whisky this year, you really were great. There were even a few scotches that I didn't totally hate. Now for today's whiskey, let me just say "Oh My". This tastes like a spectacularly delicious rye. Or perhaps I am wrong, I do fear. Anyway here's Sam signing off and wishing everyone a fantastic New Year.

Liking this. Want more on th finish and a bit more bite. Santa and Erin seem to like it though.

Spice, licorice, tasty bourbon

Incredible. This tastes amazing. I could drink this all day.

Beautiful color… thinking scotch. Or is this another Japanese that is I’ll surely miss. Love the advent calendar!!

'Twas the night of the twentieth tasting, and all through the hall. Not much could be heard but the TV blasting football. I prepared my whiskey glass with care. Excited to see what Jonathan Clause had left there. The sip was enchanting, so floral, so bright, A dance on the palate, both soft and light. It hinted of Scotch, yet was gentle, refined, A balance of flavors uniquely designed. “This isn’t a Scotch,” I declared with a grin, “It’s lighter, more delicate, the clues are within! A whiskey from lands where the cherry trees bloom, This must be Japanese, I confidently assume!”

Sometimes you're in a Scotch mood so when you're surprised with a Scotch, it puts you in an even better mood.

'Twas the night of the nineteenth tasting, my glass was aglow, The whiskey was waiting, it was time to give this one a go My first sniff was curious—was that chocolate I found? A sweetness, a richness, that lingered around. The first taste smoky, a boldness to claim, Its sharpness and heat hinted scotch was its name. But something was off, I recoiled in despair, “This scotch is dreadful, no more will I dare!” With grim determination, my mind made a call, “A scotch,” I declared, “and not good at all!” The tasting was over, my verdict was clear, A reminder that whiskey has highs and lows, and this was a low one, my dear.

Digging this one. Could be the Christmas atmosphere in NYC, but this was surprisingly good. Not a standout in flavor, but definitely smooth and consistent given the proof.

Barrel proof bourbon.. dark cherries, classic sweetness. More enjoyable as the burning stops

Definite drink again

Nice dram, not my favorite scotch but tasty

Not loving this. Like drinking hot wax.

Like getting a sweater for Christmas, it's pleasant, but not exciting.

Hot damn that hurt

Nice coloring, getting some licorice and spice. Tasty for sure

'Twas the night of the eighteenth tasting, and all through the room, I poured a glass of whiskey and hung up Zoom. The aromas so rich, allowed me to unwind, I believe my palate is becoming a bit more refined. I sniffed the first dram, my nose gave a sign, “Why does this one smell a bit like red wine?” More scotch, I exclaimed, my palate intrigued, The journey began, and my taste buds agreed "Delicious!” I declared as my glass emptied out, Do I like scotch now? It seemed there was no doubt. Is this year's selection better, or have I just grown? It's certainly been many years since I use to chug Keystone.

I am not quite sure why but I do like this a lot. Amazing how much the flavor profile changed with an ice cube. Put some more hair on my chest

Smooth delicious dram! Nice scotch submission!

Pretty solid. Definitely getting pears on the nose, a bit weak on the finish. A decent supper though.

'Twas the night of the seventeenth tasting, and all through the house, Not a glass was left empty, not even for a mouse. The dram of fine bourbon lay snug in my hand, While I listen to a live album of one of my favorite bands. The leather aroma, it danced in the air, A hint of the warmth that this evening would share. It may be a tad hot, but I'm enjoying the taste, Not this year's best, but this tasting is certainly not a waste. So I raised up my glass, in the soft Christmas light, Merry sipping to all, and to all a good night!