Notes

Strong taste of tree of the oak variety. Can feel the bark.

Bulleit? Cloves, cinnamon, little menthol?

Smells of apples, peat. Has to be a scotch or some Japanese variant. Smooth. Surprised this is high proof.

This one seems more smooth...like my personality. More mild...not like my personality.

Wow, this is hard. Enjoyable, though not regularly a high-proof drinker. Might be marking it down accordingly...

Apple, spices...and, alcohol

Definitely high proof, enjoyed slow sips without ice. Taste profile is different than what I normally drink. Really good though.... this is way off but I taste something similar to lemongrass (I know, that's not it but closest I can think of, just more crisp and that's not normally a description I'd use for whiskey). I'd have to say this is a high proof rye. If this one is across the pond, I'd have to go with Lowland area.

If this isn’t a Rye then I’m moving to Tibet!

Color - Dark. High proof, or long in barrell? Nose - vanilla, ethonol (likely due to proof). Taste Caramel and cherries, definitely a strong pour. This tastes really familiar - maybe four roses SB or barrel strength?

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