Trader Joe’s (distilled at Imperial), 12 year old, 40%

A whisky very typical of this distillery, which has been silent since 1998. Rich and thick on the nose and palate; oozing vanilla, ripe malt, cotton candy, powdered sugar, new-mown hay, and lemon tart. Cinnamon, evergreen, and a wisp of smoke round out the palate. An evolving whisky — starts out heavy and sweet, then turns clingingly dry. A fun, rare whisky for a reasonable price.