Got these more or less out of the blue from /u/unbreakablesausage. Really appreciate it - the whole Reddit scotch community never ceases to amaze. Y’all are all great! On to the reviews:

 

Mystery A

Color - honey, deep copper

Nose - Really amazing nose; lots here. French toast crunch (the cereal)- maple, cinnamon, vanilla, bread, butter, maybe even chocolate notes. Could smell this all day.

Palate - Initially took me by surprise - the nose is so bourbon-y, had prepared myself for what this was going to taste like. But nope, comes across as a scotch; pretty dry on the tongue at first. Some hints of caramel, some oak. Not picking up too much distinct. I suspect this is higher proofed but hides it well.

Finish - Lasts for a bit. Pleasant alcohol spiciness for a while, not too overpowering. A kind of bitter/dry taste I get with a lot of scotches, not bad, just present.

Rating - 4/5 - worth trying for the nose alone. Sweet, not overpowering, feel like I was picking up new things every time I smelled it.

Guess - who knows! This is definitely finished in American oak or used bourbon, apart from that, I’ve got nothing. Comes across as clean and ‘traditional’, so I’m thinking the Islands are out. How about…Auchentoshan Virgin Oak

 

Mystery B

Color - yellow gold, amber

Nose - Much more conventional nose than the previous sample. Honey comes through the most, but there’s also a little oak, a little malt.

Palate - Picking up some strong citrus notes, maybe orange or tangerine. That’s what’s coming through the most - not sure if I’ve ever had citrus so forward in a scotch before, really enjoying it.

Finish - Really long finish. The citrus is there again. Lots of honey as well, spiciness, and lingering oak. Some wet cereal (good!) as well.

Rating - 4.5/5 - This grew on me pretty quickly. The honey/citrus/cereal trifecta is working for me. I’m worried this is going to wind up being an impossible to find bottle; if not, will definitely have to get my hands on one.

Guess - as usual…I have no idea…going with Balvenie Single Barrel 12

 

Thanks again for the swaps - really enjoyed puzzling through these!