Dewars 8yo Japanese Smooth

Dewars 8yo Japanese Smooth

Bacardi
Blended malt
Bright yellow
40% ABV
Dram

Nose: Malted grains, lemon zest, barley sugar, pickle brine, black tea, hints of raisins. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, slippery, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Barley sugar, malted grains, pine nuts, black tea, almonds, lemon zest. 
Finish: Short. Raisins, pine nuts, barley sugar, hoppy beer. 

Comments: 

Mizunara cask finished blend, lots of malty and sweet notes, but also nuts, citrus and some tannins. It’s not as sweet as I’d expected, and the wood finishing has added some spices and tartness.

Verdict:

I like this.

Dewars 8yo French Smooth

Dewars 8yo French Smooth

Bacardi
Blended malt
Yellow gold
40% ABV
Dram

Nose: Apples, cream, malted grains, vanilla, honey, raisins, hints of cinnamon. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, astringent, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Malted grains, barley sugar, apples, cream, caramel, hoppy beer, hints of cinnamon. 
Finish: Medium. Hoppy beer, malted grains, caramel, raisins. 

Comments: 

Calvados cask finished blend. Sweet and malty, the apples are evident, and it’s lived up to its billing. Slips down easily, an almost quaffable dram.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.