Carlyle Blended Scotch Whisky

Nose: right out of the gate there’s a strong punch of paint-like fumes (guessing partly the alcohol) that’s almost transitions to a perfume essence that’s initially a little off putting, but let it sit for a few minutes and it’ll subside some. Malty notes appear, brown sugar, floral notes, some fruit notes, nothing overly complex. Taste: presents better than the nose, malt, some fruits but fades quickly, spices (can’t quite place them), woody barrel notes, slight bitterness, light char and pepper finish, does not linger very long. Ok, but considering the price, half decent. Works well for a highball or a scotch and ginger ale. Worth a try. You never know. For as cheap as it is, it’s low risk.

I'm still new to Scotch whisky, but this is far and away the best cheap ($22 a handle!) Scotch I've tried so far. To my palate, much nicer than J&B or Dewars. It's not terribly complex, but it's also very approachable - no smoke or peat, sweet - but not cloying, and slightly spicy. For Bourbon and Irish Whiskey fans, this is a good, inexpensive entry point into Scotch.

A rich, Blended Scotch made from heavily aged whisky stocks. It has a birth with notes of Christmas cake, toffee, oak & vanilla; while life adds notes of fruit & toasted walnuts; that led to a medium death with notes of spice & a hint of peat. March 2018 / February 2019 / August 2022 / July 2023

I’m gonna say that I didn’t have high expectations on this whisky at $13 a bottle. However, a very pleasant surprise. A very smooth whisky along the lines of Dalmore. Oaky, buttery, honey and very floral on the nose. For $13 a bottle, it’s a fantastic buy.

A wonderfully fruity nose that leads to more fruit, honey and some grassy notes on the palate. One of the best budget blends I’ve ever had. Punches well above its weight. Nice.

Very worth the price. Found at my local Total Wine for $23 a handle and decided why not because of the current quarantine. Enjoying it quite a bit.