Bird Dog Blackberry Flavored Whiskey

Thanks to /u/devoz for this sample. No, really.

My constant desire to review every single whiskey under the sun is unrelenting as…. well, the sun.

That didn’t start well… let’s try this again.

I love to review all whiskies. Doesn’t matter the type. I specifically hunt down anything I haven’t had before.

So during a recent tasting, I was taking a break while other people reviewed a 21 year old scotch I had drank and reviewed before. I was enjoying the growing sobriety when Bird Dog Blackberry Flavored Whiskey was placed in front of me, and like Ishmael going after the whale, I poured a drink and then harpooned it.

I’m still getting this drinking thing down pact.

So what does Bird Dog Blackberry Flavored Whiskey taste like? A question for the ages, which I believe was originally asked by Confucius. Let’s see, shall we?

Price: N/A at the LCBO

Region: Kentucky

Abv: 40%

Colour: 7.5YR 7/8

Nose: Blackberry pop, guava

So the initial nose is blackberry. Which is expected and appreciated. There’s some effervescent notes in there too.

Surprisingly there’s strong flavours that aren’t fake smelling.

Taste: Bubblegum, caramel, blackberry

Oddly no real blackberry at first. No tartness, more of a sweet, bubblegum flavour. Lots of caramel.

Eventually comes out, though blind and missing my nose I’d be screaming at the top of my lungs and probably not drinking whisky. Also I’d have trouble finding the blackberry.

Finish: Creme de cassis, grain

The alcohol kicks in at the end. The grain is a little off centre and takes away. Otherwise nice blackberry finish.

Conclusion: It tastes lick blackberries. Not as sweet, not as thick as creme de cassis, though if you’re looking for something less sweet it works well in a pinch.

Is it going to replace a non-flavoured whiskey? No, however as far as flavoured whiskies go, it works nicely. Not fake tasting at all, lots of blackberry notes.

41/100

Bourbon review #209, Kentucky review #130, Whiskey Network review #1270