Whisky: Thompson Bros Blended Whisky “TB/BSW”

Country/Region: Scotland/Blend

ABV: 46%

Cask: Sherry

Age: 6+ Years

Nose: Soft floral notes, hints of cream and spice, dried orange peel, cloves, cedar wood, clover honey, subtle notes of more tropical fruits with longan and guava, fruiter with more time, always a bit musty.

Palate: Medium-bodied with dried fruits, cedar wood, cloves, resin, hints of honey and rose, baking chocolate and pomegranate toward the end, mellow tobacco and walnut with time.

Finish: Medium to long with lacquered wood, dried fruits, and hints of leather and florals.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Steakhouse Couture

Narrative & Notes: I poured this as dram #8 on a “Holiday Mystery Whisky Advent Calendar,” and I had no idea what to guess on this whisky. It seemed to be obviously sherried, felt relatively mature and refined as the layers of flavor were largely subtle, and did not appear peated to any extent. I settled on guessing it was 20-24 Year Glenlossie.

Not even close! I did correctly guess that there was sherry involved, and perhaps some of the blend elements were in that twenty-year age range, as all we know is the youngest components were six years. Either way, this was an incredibly cost-effective whisky, and I would highly recommend this to anyone on the lookout for an affordable and quaffable blend.

I enjoyed the interplay between fruit and almost savory wood. Time and water unlocked additional layers of honey and more exotic or tropical fruits. It was a great whisky to sit with and slowly contemplate— yet it also felt like something fun to pour with friends when you want a whisky to accompany the social atmosphere of the evening or maybe even a few cigars. It felt versatile and well-suited to mindfulness and just zoning out.

Overall, I thought this was lovely, and for the price, I do not believe you can do a lot better.

Image Credit: Abbey Whisky