More samples, little time, so really short notes here.
John Paul XMas 2019
Sherry + Light Peat… Yum. Somewhat reminds me of a mezcal level of peat + sherry. The 2019 Christmas Edition describes itself as “PX casks with light peat influence” on the bottle. The peat brings notes of brine and PX brings delicious sweetness.
Score: B
John Paul XMas 2020
Almost has a cold-smoked fish nose on the nose, in a good way. The 2020 description is a mix of ex-Bourbon, PX and Oloroso casks, with light peat. This is surprisingly tasty in a smokey sweet kinda way. The smoke is somewhat light but definitely there and is well balanced vs the rest of the spirit. Compared to 2019 this is less sweet due to mix of non PX casks in this batch. More malt is felt on the palate for the same reasons as previously stated; a tiny bit of a metal aftertaste remains, but doesn’t detract as well as roasted honeycomb that seems to be characteristic to Paul John’s Malt.
Score: B-
John Paul Nirvana
Light and malty profile with a distinct honey undertone. This whiskey is aimed at bars and bartenders and is a new to distribution in US. At 40% abv, the proof is the biggest disappointment here. Definitely worth trying at a bar, otherwise stock the Classic for home bar which seems to be the same thing but full proof at 55%. Very slightly metallic aftertaste is present for my palate but it’s not a huge detriment compared to the proof.
Score: C
Glen Grant 15 have been previously covered here: https://www.aerin.or … y:entry201114-150301. I am expecting the 12 will be somewhat lesser version and 18 to have deeper flavors than the 15.
Glen Grant 12
I’ll summarize this as ‘expectations met to be a lesser version of the 15′. Lesser proof, though not lesser taste concentration. This is all malt and stone fruit and pears and apples all over itself but slightly less vibrat. Just get the 15, really.
Score: C (Because 15 exists)
Glen Grant 18
Woodier and somewhat deeper flavors than the 12 or the 15 due to higher proof, it doesn’t distinguish itself enough from to warrant a better score or value. Tasty? Yes. Special? No. Just get the 15! With 18 priced at $115 in total wine (as of this writing) this is a terrible value vs $56 for the 15 year old that’s nearly as good for half the price.
Score: B-
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Scoring Breakdown: https://www.aerin.or … age=scores_breakdown