It seems hard tt beleive (to me at least) that I have never written any tasting notes for this Speysider.  I am sure I have tried it before but never put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). I may have also been confused by the number of "Tamsomething" distilleries, none of which have been very memorable for me.  This one slides nicely into that broad Scotch category of "oh yeh it's fine"  ... without being exciting or memorable.   The nose is at first spicy and woody then comes vanilla latte.  Taste is very creamy and smooth, spiced bread puding with custard or caramel shortbread with fruit. Dry and slightly peppery and some cloves in the finish, vanilla ice cream but mild and muted  Dessert in a glass (without any sugariness).

Location: Puttery, Houston, TX

Date: November 2022

Price: $13.00

Recipe: Rye, Vermouth, Cynar, Bitters

Garnish: Lemon Peel

Served: Up

Comments: Not a classic Manhatan but a very servicable variation they call the "Colossus of New York"

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country, TX

Date: October 2022

Price: $11.00

Recipe: Unknown

Garnish: Back Cherry

Served: Single Rock

Comments: Very good value at but overall a little small and underwhelming and not enough ice

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Beagans 1806 cocktails

Date: September 2022

Price: $16.99 for 6 = $2.81 per can

Recipe: Manhattan in a can

Garnish: None

Served: Rocks

Comments: Very good value but needed help.  I added a shot of Makers Mark and it improved signficantly.

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Saltgrass Steakhouse, Houston, TX

Date: September 2022

Price: $13.00

Recipe: Balcones Pot Still bourbon, Martini and Rossi sweet vermouth, Benedictine DOM

Garnish: Black cherry and lemon peel

Served: Rocks

Comments: Excellent.  Benedictine is interesting addition to recipe adding herbal and sweet notes.

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Squable, Houston, TX

Date: August 2022

Price: $14.00

Recipe: Overporoof Bourbon, sweet vermouths, Angostura and orange bitters

Garnish: Black cherry

Served: Rocks

Comments: Very solid example.  Like use of orange and black cherry

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: The Crows Nest, Hotel Captain Hook, Anchorage

Date: August 2022

Price: $18:00

Recipe: Buffalo Trace bourbon, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters

Garnish: Luxardo cherry

Served: Up

Comments: Quite expensive at $18 (at least there is no sales tax in AK)  for a fairly average, standard recipe Manhattan

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C

Date: June 2022

Price: $14:30

Recipe: Makers mark, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters

Garnish: Black Cherry

Served: Up

Comments: Very decent Manahttan at a reasonable price (for an airport)

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

Location: Perry's, Houston, Texas

Date: March 2022

Price: $15

Recipe:  Redemption Rye, Vya Vermouth, brown sugar / bbq sauce rim

Garnish: Pork Chops (yes Pork Chop) and Black Cherry

Served: Up

Comments: What's not to love... pre meal drink AND amuse bouche!  Pork, cherry and Manhattan works well.

What is this about? Check out  http://www.somanywhiskies.com/item/749-the-manhattan-project-ii

The nose on 43.4% expression is very floral with some wheaty breakfast biscuits and spicy notes.  The taste is very smooth with baked spiced apples (maybe even slightly burnt) caramel and honey.  The finish has some slow building heat along with some Bovril (salty / meaty) notes.  Reminded me of good Texas barbeque brisket with strong spice bark.  Overall a ittle too much burnt, salty and bitter notes with not enough sweetness to balance it for me.