Review #236: The Whisky Agency NoTieRequired Blended Malt XO

Non-regional - NAS - NCF - NCA - $120 according to Whiskybase - 44.2%

I got this sample from a friend with no other information.  Googling doesn't bring up much so lets see what the juice tastes link.  

Color - Russet 

Nose - Marshmallows, dates, apples, orange zest, lavender, vanilla

Palate - Apples, caramel, salt, pepper, peaches

Finish - Medium -  Lapsang, black pepper, orchard fruit, caramel, berry, dried fruit

Overall - 6 - The nose on this was soft but enjoyable.  I didn't get any peat on it but the finish brought forward some mild peat, in line with Ardmore/maybe Caol Ila.  This tasted old, I am guessing 18-22 years.  This was a nice blend of sherry, bourbon and peat.  This to me, is what an OB of Ardmore should be like.  This to me is an enjoyable blend, balanced, but I don't know if I would buy a bottle.  

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale
5.5 I really enjoyed but it will never be priced at where I would buy a bottle

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.1

Standard Deviation 0.92

Skew 0.66

Kurtosis -0.16