Notes

"I thaid, I canth theel mah tongth!" I roll my eyes at the new blood, shove an oar into his hand and tell him to sit, shut up, and row. The spray of the sea greets me like sunshower. The crew changeover is complete, the morning shift begins to dip their oars and pull. My hair blows in the wind, we're picking up speed; maybe the new bloods are worth the trouble after all. I go below, I've earned my reward: a ration of Amber from the Ashen wastes. I dip my horn into the communal barrel but before I enjoy my reward, our Jarl stops me. 'I never properly thanked you for saving my life.' He says. Our last raid had come at a terrible cost, we lost many, and had to pick up the rabble of young bloods to reinforce our ranks. And we would have lost our Jarl if not for my fortunate timing. 'Luck is really what you should thank, I was in the right place at the right time.' He shakes his head. 'Luck? Fate. at least celebrate with me and see for yourself the prize I was willing to risk so much for.' He procures a barrel: nearly identical to the Ashen Amber but much smaller, clearly much rarer. He fills my horn. It is sweeter than any mead from home, but as I drink my eyes water. 'HA! yes, if this is from the Ashen wastes then it must be straight from the ruinous volcano itself!' The Jarl claps me on the back, laughing. 'I canth theel mah tongth!' I muster

Wow, so much honey, sweetness, pepperiness, and heat. Overall I like it, but I wouldn’t mind if it was a bit more balanced.

This one broke me. Smells Irish, tastes like bourbon, burns like rye, lingers like scotch. It is good, despite the burn, real depth of flavor. Makes me think of port barrel aged whiskey. Genuinely stumped on this one. Great pick whoever it was.

Well this is quite different. No idea what this is (obvi) but the extreme difference between this and the 4 Roses of yore. Letting it’s sit and breathe definitely unlocks some sweetness, which is not a complaint. Just from the initial taste I’m going to guess it’s on the higher side, but hey trust me, I’m a doctor… No doubt M”AB”M guessed this perfectly, so good for you bud! But would you put this in your coffee or Dr. Pepper??? Cause I SURE WOULD!!!

Fiery! Tasty, though. Getting a lot of wood/tannins I think. Guessing rye, but probably wrong. Bourbon, maybe? I continue my streak of “maaaaybe?” 😁

Mmhmm. Sooo I’m now very worried that I’m pretty much guessing by color. Are there really all of these other types? I suppose I’m in for a surprise moving forward. This and every drink have paired nicely with Hallmark movies! But I would drink this again…. Which also means it’s probably a well whiskey. I ain’t scared. This is definitely a Coffee and Dr. Pepper whiskey. Just can’t go wrong there!

Pairs well with hidden valley ranch.

First reaction was 'sweet', then the proof hit. This has my kinda burn and is (another) one we like. Honestly, I'm glad this gave us a chance to use these Bourbon period costumes that have just been taking up room in the cavernous French armoire for forever. Also relieved to finally use our opulent parlor and have her rock that wig.

this is nice! Amazing mouth feel. Not much on the nose but tastes great. I'm guessing a lower proof wheated, maybe a Weller (a poor man's Pappy)

One of these times I’ll be right, I wanted it to be today… the stars will likely not align… 🙏🏻 However, whatever sleuth made this calendar, they were right and I wanna be besties! 🥃😬

Noce is Nutty. Some butterscotch. Pecan pie, depth of brown sugar. Savory, yeasty sweetness. Light. Touch of cinnamon. Cracked pepper. Aftertaste lingers. More caramel than i expect in a rye, but I'm going for it. Yesterday was my favorite, today is Cydne's.

Not good. Sorry.

Weak sauce scotch! Come on, punch me in the face not with a mild easy sipper :) Very delicate, soft palate...I'm guessing an entry level Scotch! Here's a pic of me having something that would enhance this pour.

Bright notes of vanilla and caramel candy. Sweet and delightful.

Have I mentioned how much I’m not sure I’m good at this? Like at all???

I’m really not good at this…

Really not sure what to make of this one…not terrible but was waiting for…something but it just was. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Going out on a limb with this one, and guessing Japanese for the simple reason that I love scotch but don’t love this. I mean, it’s not terrible or anything it’s just kind of…. Is. There’s a bit of nice sweetness, then the bitterness takes over. Which is usually ok but it feels a bit overwhelming here, unbalanced. Says This Guy anyway.

This is remarkably drinkable. Butterscotch, light but smooth texture, a little leather and black pepper on the tail end. It’s quite pleasant, or I was just in a mood. Maybe both.

126 years the men from the village began their assault on our forest. I was young then, just a sapling not able to take different forms. But now, I am grown. more than a tree, more than a spirit, i AM this forest, and I will have the blood the land is owed. This night, pale frigid and frosted: they will be warm in their homes, burning my brethren for their comfort. This night will be their last. My forces have gathered, oak, spruce, pine. Maple is late as always, but I am glad of her presence. It is time. We march into the village, I take the very ground with me as I step. I reach out and summon the friends of the forest: wolves, crows, those that dwell under the canopy of our leaves. All come together, all to wreak our wrath upon these humans. The wolves drag them from their homes, the crows feast on their bodies. Fire, so much fire. The wails, the turmoil. In their pained faces I see it, now too late, not malice, not hatred but survival! A need for warmth, for shelter they are unable to grow their own. An understanding for these creatures washes over me, they have overstepped yes, but only out of ignorance. I order my forces back, but they are out of my control. I grab the wolves with my branching hands, I bellow out of my fashioned skull, we pull back to the forest. I know the humans have learned not to overreach. 126 more years since the day of the violence. I kneel at a tree, her roots touch the ground stained with blood that day. Her sap is the sweetest in the wood, but it bears a complexity, a depth that only violent history can.

Happy Hanukkah everyone!

Scotch… lemon with spice to go with it

Smooth & mild. Very drinkable.

Quite enjoyable. String mint flavor. I'd drink again.