Buchanan's Red Seal

BEST WHISKY OF THE YEAR and best whisky so far. Look, im not exagerating, i have found a perfect 10. even better than Chivas Royal Salute 21 and Johnnie Walker Xr, this is my top blended scotch whisky of 2016. i have never had it before and today a friend gave me 3 glasses. It is a perfect 10, Perfectly Balanced, long Finish, full bodied, very complex. Let me tell you something. If i have to pick over Chivas, Old Parr, Johnnie Walker or Buchanan's (top 4 brands sold in Ecuador where i live) i will always pick Buchanan's in any of its variants. On the nose has a beatiful peaty note, no other Buchanan's has it. Perfumed as most 21 year old Whiskies (it could be older or younger since it doesn't have an age statement), you can also find Hazelnut and coffee notes. But peat takes it all in. YES A BUCHANANS WITH PEAT ! On the palate is where the real magic happens. Full bodied, as it enters your mouth you will instantly feel very very very old oak, caramel, almonds, a lot of toffee and it will chance into a spicy red chilli, with a easy bearing hotness. The finish is beautiful, long lasting: it touches your stomach and comes back as a hot/spicy wooden note that makes you go "ahhhhh" (like the Coca Cola Propaganda). I truly believe this is the best whisky i have had so far and i will grant it the title of 2016 whisky of the year for me. LOVELY DRAM. it goes for 150 dollars on a duty free, you are now compelled to get your hands on it. WONDERFUL

Generally I am not a Scotch guy so that prefaces my Scotch reviews. Nose on this is ever so slightly smokey, but not overpowering the light butterscotch notes. First sip plays on the smoke, but it mellows quickly and subsequent tastes are less smoke forward. Hints of butter toffee and smoked nuts come to mind while a gentle burn warms your insides. Finish is long, but suttle with more honey almond notes. This is a wonderfully smooth Scotch and as mentioned to start I am generally not a Scotch guy, but for very good Scotch I believe I will make exceptions.

The packaging and presentation are excellent, with a mould-lined box and a beautifully embossed bottle. Auburn in color, and mellow on the nose with hints of butterscotch, figs, and just a wisp of smoke which all transfer nicely to the palate. A collection of Highland, Islay, and grain whiskies comprise the majority of the blend making for an especially smooth malt, albeit a slight lack of character. Still, very good and right on par with JW Platinum and Blue in the world of premium blends.

5 stars - Superb Worth it. Everything is in perfect balance. Johnnie Walker Blue wishes it was this whisky. This is one of the few purchase above $60 that has left me truly happy. Johnnie Walker Green and Nikka Whiskey From the Barrel are the other blends that live in this rarified air.

Very impressively balanced. Predominantly an expression of sweet Highland whiskys, but the smoke of the Islay is present and an extremely nice compliment. Won't comment on the price, but a very, very well made whisky. A hint of salt and brine. Extremely smooth.

First misleading reviews and flavor profile in this app. Peated nose and above average smoke dominate this pour, which is not my jam. The dark fruits are there but it is difficult to enjoy them through the smoke.