Notes

I scramble in the derelict wasteland, trying to find any semblance of kindling here in the middle of nowhere. Why she insisted on performing the ritual so far flung from our homeland I cannot understand. Pride? Religious fervor? A zealot would have more sense than to try and create a Sacred Teardrop without the proper resources. No, it must be that deep seated insecurity, that chip that digs ever deeper into her shoulder. Ambitious to believe that she can produce our faith’s great offering despite harrowing conditions and lack of proper fuel. I gather what few scraps of sticks and grass I can and carry them to our camp. There she is, the priestess in her robes, ragged and torn by the weather, a stern but confident gaze toward the horizon. Maybe she can do it. I and three other acolytes fling what we could find into a meager pile. We kneel as the sun sets, casting a shadow on this empty land. The chant begins. She starts low, building the rhythm, layering guttural drones and wailing cries. I am swept into the dance, her voice intoxicating, truly magical. The friction of her voice sparks the pile of kindling, it has caught fire free from human touch. She takes the Holy Gourd and weeps, catching the precious offerings from her eyes. She grips the vessel and barehanded, shoves it into the fire. The chanting reaches a fevered pitch as the flames lash out at her hands, engulfing this crucible of flesh and tradition. The flames reach their peak as the chanting ceases, then nothing. The meager fuel has been used up, the ritual complete. She cradles the Gourd, whispering the last incantations. She comes to each acolyte one by one. She looks down on me, still on my knees. With a smile she cups my chin and brings the gourd to my lips. My palate cannot separate from my devotion: It’s smokey but her Tears were many.

Spicy and Sweet. Digging this one.

I might be dead wrong, I’m a noobie.

As I age, I prefer this flavor profile more and more. Afraid to speak to confidently about what I think this is, this early in the calendar - but quite enjoyable. Definitely have had this before, but can't pit my finger on it. Light in color, very minor peat on the nose, light fruit on the palata (green apples predominantly). Very enjoyable, but a surprising pick for this early in the calendar. Watch, I'll be wrong in my pick now.

I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It's kind of growing on me. Pairing it with a newish song I like so maybe that's helping. ; ) I smell the fruit, but something is there that's not my fave. Still drinking it!! ; )

That is malted barley, friend. Green apple, no appreciable peat on the nose. Honey, shortbread, all the classics. Is it Glenfiddich 12? Honeyed pear on the palate, maybe a touch of peat? Tastes a little heftier than a standard 80 proof, but not bonded or cask strength. Nice English leather toward the middle of the glass. Now I’m thinking Highland Park, maybe the 15 at 88 proof? Anyway, I got to see Die Hard at the Byrd Theater tonight with the Wurlitzer as an opener, so no matter how this goes, I’m already a winner. Yippee-ki-yay…

Very soft. I'm liking it. Smelling the fruit, mostly apples with a little tropical flair. Kind of waxy on the finish, but I like it. Tastes like a mother's hug.

I must be off my game this year because I'm confused already lol. Or I'm inching closer to tolerating scotch every year. Nose was good, not offensive . First taste was fruity then a scotchish finish but not totally scotch (this is where I always think maybe rye or other). Kinda get tobacco. I'm going with my gut and initial reactions this year. You over think it and you'll probably get it wrong..

Nose it light and fruit forward with a lot of apple, apricot and citrus. Taste is light and fruity and sweet. like oaky fruitcake. Quite nice.

Pretty good

Would I drink this whiskey Sam-I-am? Based on the first few sips, I am not a fan. It's very clear, it has not been aged for long. It also doesn't have much of a smell, what is wrong? Would I drink it chilled or neat? As long as this is a selection we do not repeat. It tastes like water, it's not so bold More like pretending to be whiskey, if truth be told. Is it awful? No just bland That is all from Sam-I-Am So Day 2's bottle, I must confess It's simply just is not the best.

Yuck…until I added two drops of water and let it sit…a bit better after that.

Great way to start things off this year! Loved going to Mystic. Thanks!

This one carries more bitterness than the first option. It has a very long finish but not an enjoyable finish

This is nice and smooth so I'm guessing a less peaty Scotch.

Not a fan, may need tums…feel the burn (I’m being dramatic)!

Light and easy drinking but a medicinal flavor to it. Not my favorite, probably a scotch.

Preferred Day 1, but this is a nice sipper. Light with a little grainy sweetness.

This was fantastic. Would definitely buy this and drink again.

Light with soft hues of a delicate dram with the nose of salt water that i equate from the peat from scotch. I'm really trying to come around to scotch but with a finish that is so flat and one note its tough to get behind. It's an easy drinker, but its just not for me.

Such a sweet smell with a honey flavored burn. High spice. Light flavor. Pretty good for a drink after talking about chicken pie and Copilot to the entire Firm where I work.

Nice and fruity light bodied scotch. Tasting apple in particular. Very easy drinking.

Is this one of those few scotches that I can tolerate, and perhaps even enjoy a bit? Some smoke & peat, but not too much. I get lots of apple on the finish. On the sweet side, but I don’t hate it.

This is definitely my favorite so far! Color is lighter than Day 1. This one is less dehydrated than the first one too. More Golden than Amber. Nose is initially sweeter. Much stronger smell as well. Softer first impression taste. I think that maybe this one has less alcohol than day 1. Maybe its because of the smell and taste, Maybe its just because I want to feel like I know what I might could be deducing. Looking at the different styles available, I'm feeling like this might not be a bourbon. Canadian or Irish maybe? I think I'll lean towards Irish... just to make a decision. Overall, I’d definitely put this in my coffee… or Dr. Pepper. So we're still trending in the right direction.