Buchanan's 18 Year Special Reserve

Rating: 17/23 - Nose - Heathery with cinnamon and other baking spices. Some rich, worty maltiness in the background fills the profile out a bit and adds a bit of sweetness. - Palate - Heather leads into malty sweetness with worty notes. It's a nice combination of nuanced and decadent, despite the low ABV. The cinnamon spiciness really helps with that low ABV and it brings with it some bourbon barrel vanilla flavor There's also an oiliness that makes me think there may have been some oloroso casks in the mix somewhere and there's a nice film left behind as this dries around the rim of my glass. The low ABV does make this a touch bitter, but it isn't bad. - Finish - Clean with lingering heather, a bit of an oily mouthfeel, and some of that bourbon barrel. A bit of the worty grain as well. - Conclusion - This is really good! It's not an all-time favorite, but it's rich and tasty with nuance and body, yet it's only 40% ABV. I'm thinking a 17 or 18.

beautiful blended scotch. very balanced, state of the art. On the nose you get a friendly aroma filled with vanilla, cream, herbal and flower notes. on the palate starts a little sweet, like caramel, butterscotch and maybe chocolate, dark chocolate. Then the sweetness fades into an spicy note but very gentle and balanced, with a tiny bit of bitterness. the after taste is also medium and gratifiying. To put it in a word, this whisky is balanced. lovely dram i just had. i almost forgot. there is orange somewhere too

The nose is rich with dark chocolate, tabaco, apples, smoke, and vanilla. More smoke and dark chocolate on the palate along with apples, pears, and brown sugar. The finish is oily with tabaco and pepper. This is an enjoyable blended malt with flavors like a good maduro cigar. Not the most complex or flavorful scotch you can find, but it is one of the best values you’ll find with an 18 year age statement.

As a blended Scotch, it truly gives off a smooth finish that everyone can enjoy. A gift from my grandparents that everyone was able to enjoy; I was blown away from its approachability to someone who has never had schotch, while still delivering a complex experience for those adapt to its nuances. Probaly the only 5/5 ill gove because it holds a special place in my heart.

I do not have too many blends, but I found this one for a good price. The aroma is a little fruity, but mellow. On the palate, there's a little peat with more fruity flavor and chocolate. The finish is light a a little short, but I do not mind that. I think this is a good value for the price of an 18 year blend, around $75

While I wouldn't spend $100+ on a bottle, I'm glad I tried it. It's actually pretty flavorful. Little bit of apple and vanilla, with a hint of tobacco. As it warms & breathes, it's also got a touch of smokiness on the palate. The maltiness is also a pretty important component.