Mystery /r/Worldwhisky Howdy 1 [Howdying Mystery Review Series]

I awake, in a haze. Too many whiskies the night before. Or perhaps, too few.

Looking around, I find myself damp, left in an alien landscape. Multiple pipes are my only company, save the twisting pain against my head. A strong, damp smell raises me to my feet, watering my eyes with a sweet, old smell.

A dull sound fills the room. I am at peace. Perhaps the Howdying has left me mad, and my fractured mind has hidden me here as a last resort. A pinch at my skin reveals that I am still here.

My aching knees rise me up, and I wonder forth. A sudden screech, followed by a bucket falling over diverts my attention. A small boy, no older than 6, runs away, the sickly sweet smell of bathrooms trailing him. I think to follow, and then realize that this is an alien place, and it may well bring trouble.

Whatever the Howdying has done, it continues, so I walk forth. This may well be my Canadian home, or it may well be anywhere else, save for Scotland or the US.

Price: Not currently available at the LCBO

Region: Canada

Abv: 40%

Colour: 7.5YR 6/8

Nose: Blackberry, raw alcohol, sweet corn, plum wine, orange rind

I blink, and I’m there: Back picking blackberries on a summer day. Then I’m shopping, judging the blackberries. Then I’m back again, sadly eating them, thinking of lost days.

The raw alcohol sent screeches forth, leaving with it bad plum wine and leftover oranges. I drop back to the distillery, coughing up sugar cubes.

Taste: Sugar, strawberry, rosemary, raw alcohol

Another door is entered quickly, slammed behind it. This time I’m in a strawberry field, laughing as I go, sugar dancing between me. Yet as I move further and further into the field, the sugar wraps itself into me.

And then it comes. What once was a nice, happy feeling now overwhelms with more and more sugar. No amount can stop it from binding my arms and legs.

Finish: Caramel, sour vinegar, sweet potato, raisin

I am dragged by the sweet monstrosity, each horrible moment longer than the last. Dirt, old grapes, and older wine flow forth.

The sugar has burnt some, yet there is no escape, no release.

Conclusion: As I blink for the last time, I’m reminded of fruits to calm my mind. Yet even now, as I relent, the sweet notes pop again and again. Earth is it’s only companion, and I understand why the child had run. I no not what has gripped my mind and tongue so, yet it will not leave, and my last moments are left living it over and over.

45/100

Guess: Something Canadian, young, maybe flavoured, but poorly. Black Velvet Toasted Caramel

Actually: Pendleton 1910 12 Rye