Trader Joe's 8 Year Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nose: bright clove honey is the dominant and upfront feature on this one, a little butteriness, crisp orchard fruits, apple, pear, apricot, a touch of hay, hint of a pleasant grassy or herbal note, some light youngness that may give the faintest of an alcohol note, fairly simple but pleasant overall. Taste: slightly thin, honey, butteriness shows with it, medium sweet maltiness, crisp fruits, light ashy barrel char, light peppery spiciness, finish is fairly short. To be honest, this is one of my favorite budget friendly Speysides to rotate in. It’s seriously a fun one to try just because it’s a Trader Joe’s contribution. Yup, may not be overly complicated, but definitely worth a try. Punches well above its price. Seriously, give it a chance just for fun.

Color: Amber (probably color added and chill filtered) Nose: Medium-dark, plum, buttery brown sugar. Not a heavy nose. Arrival: Buttery, sweet toffee, malty Development: There is sort of a coffee note coming around with some spice. Finish: More of the drying coffee note, along with a sort of apple peel flavor. Really great bottle for the price.

Cant beat this for the price. A bit of bitter oak tannins on top of the classic Speyside profile. This is one of the better of TJ’s scotch offerings along with the blended.

Speyside is one of my least favorite Scotch regions but I gave this one a try anyway. It wasn’t terrible but I wouldn’t get it again.

Oak, ethanol and a hint of orchard fruit on the nose, buttery palate with muted oak and orchard fruit, short finish. Better on ice.

An easy-drinking starter scotch. Pleasant but nothing jumps out to grab your palate. Good price.