Last year, I decided it was time to get myself something nice for Christmas. At about the same time, I came across an article on “Best Gifts for Whiskey Lovers” (or something to that effect). One of the recommendations was a “Whiskey Advent Calendar” – called “The Depths of Whiskey” – from Flaviar. Twenty-four samples of whiskeys (and whiskey-like beverages: bourbon, rye, et al.) from around the world, all handsomely packaged. The samples were identified only with a number (though the ABV’s were provided), so you could taste them “blind” and then go to their website to find out what it was and compare your notes with theirs.

Since I didn’t really know that much about whiskey, I thought it would be a great way to learn. So I got one. You can find and read reviews of the “calendar” on your own. I would like to note that, apparently, demand was so high that they had to make three versions. I got Version #2.

Here’s what came in that version, along with my notes – as transcribed directly from the little notebook that came with it. They’ll start with color, then aroma, then flavor, and then finish. A checkmark indicates a strong like – consider it a “Can recommend, would buy if I can find it”. The identities were “discovered” after I had completed the tasting and written my notes.

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