Cambus 32yo 1989/2022
Caskshare
Single grain - Lowlands
Dark gold
Around 45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cream, sandalwood, cedar, pears, fresh cut grass, popcorn, salted caramel.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, airy, slippery.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Popcorn, salted caramel, lemon zest, cream, vanilla, cedar, butter, hints of black tea.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, vanilla, cream, butter, sea salt, hints of salted caramel.
Comments:
Cask 41752. Buttery old grain, utterly delicious and comfortingly straightforward. Heaps of popcorn and salted caramel, just the type of grain whisky I like. Yummy.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday 28 July 2022
Raasay 45 months Peated Cask Sample, Virgin Chinkapin Oak Cask
Raasay 45 months Peated Cask Sample, Virgin Chinkapin Oak Cask
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Amber
Around 55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, mint, fresh cut grass, raisins, sage, orange peel, white pepper, smoke. With water, pears, pencil erasers, white pepper, hints of dark chocolate.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Mint, fresh cut grass, orange peel, sage, smoke, dark chocolate, white pepper, sea salt, hints of roast chicken. With water, dark chocolate, pears, pencil erasers, smoke.
Finish: Medium. White pepper, smoke, leather, dark chocolate, hints of roast chicken.
Comments:
This is actually whisky, unlike the previous 2 cask samples I had from Raasay. It’s fruity and spicy, lots of interesting flavours imparted by the virgin oak cask. Some slightly sulphurous notes too, but ‘good’ sulphur rather than unpleasant sulphur. Water opens it right up, creating a smoky, chocolatey dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Amber
Around 55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, mint, fresh cut grass, raisins, sage, orange peel, white pepper, smoke. With water, pears, pencil erasers, white pepper, hints of dark chocolate.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Mint, fresh cut grass, orange peel, sage, smoke, dark chocolate, white pepper, sea salt, hints of roast chicken. With water, dark chocolate, pears, pencil erasers, smoke.
Finish: Medium. White pepper, smoke, leather, dark chocolate, hints of roast chicken.
Comments:
This is actually whisky, unlike the previous 2 cask samples I had from Raasay. It’s fruity and spicy, lots of interesting flavours imparted by the virgin oak cask. Some slightly sulphurous notes too, but ‘good’ sulphur rather than unpleasant sulphur. Water opens it right up, creating a smoky, chocolatey dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Tuesday 26 July 2022
Glen Grant 24yo 1998/2022
Glen Grant 24yo 1998/2022
Monologue, Chapter 7
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
51.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, rose petals, artificial grape flavour, white grapes, honey, jasmine, malted grains, cream.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, mouth coating, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rose petals, vanilla, caramel, cream, malted grains, honey, jasmine, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Medium. Cream, caramel, honey, jasmine, orange peel.
Comments:
Cask 6454. Floral and sweet, lots of cereal notes as well. Certain estery flavours on the nose don’t quite make it to the tongue, unfortunately. Beautiful finish though, a highly enjoyable dram. Thank you Andrea!
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monologue, Chapter 7
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
51.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, rose petals, artificial grape flavour, white grapes, honey, jasmine, malted grains, cream.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, mouth coating, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rose petals, vanilla, caramel, cream, malted grains, honey, jasmine, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Medium. Cream, caramel, honey, jasmine, orange peel.
Comments:
Cask 6454. Floral and sweet, lots of cereal notes as well. Certain estery flavours on the nose don’t quite make it to the tongue, unfortunately. Beautiful finish though, a highly enjoyable dram. Thank you Andrea!
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Yamazaki Spanish Oak 2022 Edition
Yamazaki Spanish Oak 2022 Edition
Official bottling
Single malt - West Honshu
Mahogany red
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cream, nutmeg, raisins, dark chocolate, vanilla, orange peel, hints of toast.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Bitter. Black tea, raisins, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Medium. Black tea, black pepper, coffee, dark chocolate.
Comments:
The first Yamazaki I’ve tasted in 7 years, a function of the insane prices and the rarity of the whisky itself. Lots of winey sweet notes, highly sherried whisky. Clean, well-defined and complex flavour notes, with a nice bitter finish. Excellent stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - West Honshu
Mahogany red
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cream, nutmeg, raisins, dark chocolate, vanilla, orange peel, hints of toast.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Bitter. Black tea, raisins, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Medium. Black tea, black pepper, coffee, dark chocolate.
Comments:
The first Yamazaki I’ve tasted in 7 years, a function of the insane prices and the rarity of the whisky itself. Lots of winey sweet notes, highly sherried whisky. Clean, well-defined and complex flavour notes, with a nice bitter finish. Excellent stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Westland Garryanna 5th Edition
Westland Garryanna 5th Edition
Official bottling
Single malt - Washington
Dark gold, hints of copper
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, smoke, leather, peat, burning leaves, honey, cedar, hints of orange peel, hints of golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Malted grains, golden syrup, Chinese angelica, orange peel, black tea, smoke, leather, hints of tobacco leaf.
Finish: Long. Chinese angelica, tobacco leaf, leather, strawberries, golden syrup, cedar.
Comments:
Herbal and woody, lots of bitter flavours that meld very well together. There’s more than a little smoke as well, very pleasant and well constructed. This is excellent whisky, in an unusual style.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Washington
Dark gold, hints of copper
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, smoke, leather, peat, burning leaves, honey, cedar, hints of orange peel, hints of golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Malted grains, golden syrup, Chinese angelica, orange peel, black tea, smoke, leather, hints of tobacco leaf.
Finish: Long. Chinese angelica, tobacco leaf, leather, strawberries, golden syrup, cedar.
Comments:
Herbal and woody, lots of bitter flavours that meld very well together. There’s more than a little smoke as well, very pleasant and well constructed. This is excellent whisky, in an unusual style.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Bimber Port Cask (bottled for Nickolls & Perks)
Bimber Port Cask (bottled for Nickolls & Perks)
Official bottling
Single malt - London
Amber red
58.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Coconut cream, red grapes, raisins, chocolate, vanilla custard, buttered toast, hints of peanuts. With water, coconut cream, raisins, buttered toast.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, strawberries, vanilla, orange peel, buttered toast, malted grains, milk powder, hints of cloves. With water, black tea, buttered toast, strawberries, milk chocolate.
Finish: Short. Malted grains, orange peel, buttered toast, cinnamon, cloves.
Comments:
Cask 40. Biscuity and buttery, lots of delicious winey flavours. The ABV is a little bit in your face for such a young whisky. Lots of nutty notes on the nose that fade on the tongue.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - London
Amber red
58.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Coconut cream, red grapes, raisins, chocolate, vanilla custard, buttered toast, hints of peanuts. With water, coconut cream, raisins, buttered toast.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, strawberries, vanilla, orange peel, buttered toast, malted grains, milk powder, hints of cloves. With water, black tea, buttered toast, strawberries, milk chocolate.
Finish: Short. Malted grains, orange peel, buttered toast, cinnamon, cloves.
Comments:
Cask 40. Biscuity and buttery, lots of delicious winey flavours. The ABV is a little bit in your face for such a young whisky. Lots of nutty notes on the nose that fade on the tongue.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Daftmill 15yo 2007/2022 (Nickolls & Perks Exclusive)
Daftmill 15yo 2007/2022 (Nickolls & Perks Exclusive)
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Golden
58.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, honeysuckle, lemon zest, cloves, cinnamon, apple juice, hints of shortcrust pastry. With water, vanilla, cloves, peaches, apple juice.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet. Peaches, honeysuckle, apple juice, cider vinegar, vanilla, black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. With water, malted grains, stale beer, cloves, honeysuckle, peaches.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, nutmeg, cloves, black tea, hints of vinegar.
Comments:
Cask 039/2007. Lovely honeyed, fruity Daftmill, peaches and honey, but lacks the herbal edge the other Daftmills I’ve tried have. Left alone for a long time, it develops notes of vanilla and rose water. Stunning.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Dram
Nose: Peaches, honeysuckle, lemon zest, cloves, cinnamon, apple juice, hints of shortcrust pastry. With water, vanilla, cloves, peaches, apple juice.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet. Peaches, honeysuckle, apple juice, cider vinegar, vanilla, black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. With water, malted grains, stale beer, cloves, honeysuckle, peaches.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, nutmeg, cloves, black tea, hints of vinegar.
Comments:
Cask 039/2007. Lovely honeyed, fruity Daftmill, peaches and honey, but lacks the herbal edge the other Daftmills I’ve tried have. Left alone for a long time, it develops notes of vanilla and rose water. Stunning.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday 23 July 2022
Raasay 33 months Cask Sample, Woodford Reserve Rye Cask
Raasay 33 months Cask Sample, Woodford Reserve Rye Cask
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Pale green gold
Around 60% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, cream, lemon zest, cumin, sea salt, white pepper. With water, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Yoghurt, sourdough bread, cumin, lemon zest, sea salt, white pepper. With water, lemon zest, orange peel, fresh cut grass, white pepper.
Finish: Medium. Caraway seed, cumin, lemon zest, hints of orange peel.
Comments:
Age matters, as does the cask, I suppose. This whisky is spicy, lots of warming spices such as cumin and pepper, alongside some lemony tartness. A few more years will see this right.
Verdict:
I like this.
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Pale green gold
Around 60% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, cream, lemon zest, cumin, sea salt, white pepper. With water, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Yoghurt, sourdough bread, cumin, lemon zest, sea salt, white pepper. With water, lemon zest, orange peel, fresh cut grass, white pepper.
Finish: Medium. Caraway seed, cumin, lemon zest, hints of orange peel.
Comments:
Age matters, as does the cask, I suppose. This whisky is spicy, lots of warming spices such as cumin and pepper, alongside some lemony tartness. A few more years will see this right.
Verdict:
I like this.
Raasay 17 months Peated Cask Sample, Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Cask
Raasay 17 months Peated Cask Sample, Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Cask
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Pink, hints of orange
Around 60% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, oat porridge, surgical spirit, popcorn, red grapes, pomegranate molasses, new plastic. With water, orange peel, peaches, red grapes, lemon curd.
Mouthfeel: Light body, airy, expands, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Smoke, peat, pomegranate molasses, new plastic, orange peel, red grapes. With water, new plastic, peaches, lemon curd, smoke.
Finish: Long. New plastic, smoke, leather, oat porridge, hints of surgical spirit.
Comments:
Very alcoholic, not much else in terms of flavour, at least on the surface. Delving a bit reveals some nice windy notes, but also a heap of new plastic bags. I would say there are some promising features, but it needs a lot of aging.
Verdict:
I like this.
Caskshare
Single malt - Islands
Pink, hints of orange
Around 60% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, oat porridge, surgical spirit, popcorn, red grapes, pomegranate molasses, new plastic. With water, orange peel, peaches, red grapes, lemon curd.
Mouthfeel: Light body, airy, expands, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Smoke, peat, pomegranate molasses, new plastic, orange peel, red grapes. With water, new plastic, peaches, lemon curd, smoke.
Finish: Long. New plastic, smoke, leather, oat porridge, hints of surgical spirit.
Comments:
Very alcoholic, not much else in terms of flavour, at least on the surface. Delving a bit reveals some nice windy notes, but also a heap of new plastic bags. I would say there are some promising features, but it needs a lot of aging.
Verdict:
I like this.
Wednesday 20 July 2022
Longmorn 13yo 2009/2022
Longmorn 13yo 2009/2022
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of pink
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, cornflakes, popcorn, dulce de leche, white pepper, hints of lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, cool, expands slightly.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Orange peel, cornflakes, dulce de leche, butterscotch, popcorn, caramel, raisins, hints of nutmeg.
Finish: Medium. Orange peel, butterscotch, dulce de leche, milk, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
A lovely little Longmorn, lots of milk and caramel, but not overly lactic. It tastes almost exactly like a sweet, highly buttered popcorn. There are some other notes as well, orange peel and a little white pepper, but these don’t detract at all. Delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of pink
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, cornflakes, popcorn, dulce de leche, white pepper, hints of lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, cool, expands slightly.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Orange peel, cornflakes, dulce de leche, butterscotch, popcorn, caramel, raisins, hints of nutmeg.
Finish: Medium. Orange peel, butterscotch, dulce de leche, milk, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
A lovely little Longmorn, lots of milk and caramel, but not overly lactic. It tastes almost exactly like a sweet, highly buttered popcorn. There are some other notes as well, orange peel and a little white pepper, but these don’t detract at all. Delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Armorik Millesime 14yo 2002/2016
Armorik Millesime 14yo 2002/2016
Official bottling
Single malt - Brittany
Pink
59.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast chicken, black tea, strawberries, red grapes, cloves, sandalwood, vanilla ice cream, hints of honeydew melons, hints of honeysuckle. With water, vanilla ice cream, sandalwood, strawberries, hints of black tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, tingly, loosens.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Artificial grape flavour, roast chicken, sandalwood, peaches, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, honeysuckle, hints of orange peel. With water, honeydew melons, orange peel, black tea, hints of lychees.
Finish: Long. Roast chicken, sandalwood, cloves, orange peel, peaches.
Comments:
Cask 3309. Extremely fruity, sherry finished whisky, lots of tropical and stone fruit, as well as vanilla ice cream. There’s a meaty note as well, that tinges the whisky with an alluring savour.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Brittany
Pink
59.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast chicken, black tea, strawberries, red grapes, cloves, sandalwood, vanilla ice cream, hints of honeydew melons, hints of honeysuckle. With water, vanilla ice cream, sandalwood, strawberries, hints of black tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, tingly, loosens.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Artificial grape flavour, roast chicken, sandalwood, peaches, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, honeysuckle, hints of orange peel. With water, honeydew melons, orange peel, black tea, hints of lychees.
Finish: Long. Roast chicken, sandalwood, cloves, orange peel, peaches.
Comments:
Cask 3309. Extremely fruity, sherry finished whisky, lots of tropical and stone fruit, as well as vanilla ice cream. There’s a meaty note as well, that tinges the whisky with an alluring savour.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Girvan 10yo 2010/2021
Girvan 10yo 2010/2021
Select Grain, Murray McDavid
Single grain - Lowlands
Buttercups
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Apples, vanilla, honey, caramel, cornflakes, hints of chocolate.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Cornflakes, green tea, honey, vanilla, caramel, hints of nutmeg, hints of sandalwood.
Finish: Long. Caramel, nutmeg, cornflakes, apples, vanilla, honey.
Comments:
I don’t normally like young grain whisky, but this is rather good. Decent level of complexity, even some spicy, and it’s got a touch of luxurious unctuous mouth feel. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Select Grain, Murray McDavid
Single grain - Lowlands
Buttercups
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Apples, vanilla, honey, caramel, cornflakes, hints of chocolate.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Cornflakes, green tea, honey, vanilla, caramel, hints of nutmeg, hints of sandalwood.
Finish: Long. Caramel, nutmeg, cornflakes, apples, vanilla, honey.
Comments:
I don’t normally like young grain whisky, but this is rather good. Decent level of complexity, even some spicy, and it’s got a touch of luxurious unctuous mouth feel. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Waterford Micro Cuvée Primavera
Waterford Micro Cuvée Primavera
Official bottling
Single malt - Munster
Bright gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Toffee apples, malted grains, cinder toffee, honeycomb, cream, vanilla, hints of mushrooms.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, expands, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cream, lemon juice, cinder toffee, honeycomb, aluminium foil, marshmallows, hints of toffee apples.
Finish: Medium. Marshmallows, vanilla, honeycomb, lemon juice, hints of mushrooms.
Comments:
A Waterford, better than usual, with lots of sweet notes in addition to the earthy, slightly smoky character. Some feinty metallic notes appear on the tongue, but in general it’s quite pleasant with decent complexity.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Munster
Bright gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Toffee apples, malted grains, cinder toffee, honeycomb, cream, vanilla, hints of mushrooms.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, expands, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cream, lemon juice, cinder toffee, honeycomb, aluminium foil, marshmallows, hints of toffee apples.
Finish: Medium. Marshmallows, vanilla, honeycomb, lemon juice, hints of mushrooms.
Comments:
A Waterford, better than usual, with lots of sweet notes in addition to the earthy, slightly smoky character. Some feinty metallic notes appear on the tongue, but in general it’s quite pleasant with decent complexity.
Verdict:
I like this.
Tuesday 19 July 2022
Williamson 10yo 2010/2020
Williamson 10yo 2010/2020
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Islay
Pale orange
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, mint, leather, peat, Chinese angelica, black tea, matches, driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Mint, red grapes, black tea, matches, jasmine, leather, peat, sandalwood, wet stones, driftwood smoke, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Medium. Wet stones, Chinese angelica, driftwood smoke, leather, mint, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Williamson is, of course, Laphroaig by another name. This one is sherry cask finished, and is herbal and rather gently peated. There’s plenty of cereal and floral jasmine notes, especially on the tongue. I enjoyed this very much.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Islay
Pale orange
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, mint, leather, peat, Chinese angelica, black tea, matches, driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Mint, red grapes, black tea, matches, jasmine, leather, peat, sandalwood, wet stones, driftwood smoke, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Medium. Wet stones, Chinese angelica, driftwood smoke, leather, mint, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Williamson is, of course, Laphroaig by another name. This one is sherry cask finished, and is herbal and rather gently peated. There’s plenty of cereal and floral jasmine notes, especially on the tongue. I enjoyed this very much.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday 18 July 2022
Edradour 10yo Equinox & Solstice Spring Edition
Edradour 10yo Equinox & Solstice Spring Edition
Equinox & Solstice, Decadent Drinks
Single malt - Central Highlands
Sunshine yellow
48.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, honeycomb, pear drops, apple juice, hazelnuts, lemon sherbet, hints of sandalwood, hints of brass polish.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, syrupy, slightly oily.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Apple juice, stale beer, honeycomb, dried apricots, fresh baked bread, barley sugar, clotted cream, hints of lemon sherbet.
Finish: Medium. Hazelnuts, barley sugar, clotted cream, lemon sherbet, hints of dried apricots.
Comments:
A vatting of two casks, one distilled in 2003 and the other in 2010. This whisky lacks the Kendal mint cake notes that I like Edradour for, but it’s fruity and intense. Lots of dried fruit, and citrusy lemon sherbet. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Equinox & Solstice, Decadent Drinks
Single malt - Central Highlands
Sunshine yellow
48.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, honeycomb, pear drops, apple juice, hazelnuts, lemon sherbet, hints of sandalwood, hints of brass polish.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, syrupy, slightly oily.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Apple juice, stale beer, honeycomb, dried apricots, fresh baked bread, barley sugar, clotted cream, hints of lemon sherbet.
Finish: Medium. Hazelnuts, barley sugar, clotted cream, lemon sherbet, hints of dried apricots.
Comments:
A vatting of two casks, one distilled in 2003 and the other in 2010. This whisky lacks the Kendal mint cake notes that I like Edradour for, but it’s fruity and intense. Lots of dried fruit, and citrusy lemon sherbet. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Sunday 17 July 2022
Glen Ord 10yo 2009/2020
Glen Ord 10yo 2009/2020
Hidden Spirits Whisky Co
Single malt - North Highlands
Golden, hints of green
53.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, pineapples, fresh baked bread, peaches, stale beer, lemon zest, peanuts, apple juice. With water, honey, pomegranate molasses, germolene, white grapes, hints of peaches.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Apple juice, stale beer, fresh baked bread, pineapples, lemon zest, vanilla ice cream, peanuts, honey. With water, malted grains, vanilla ice cream, germolene, hints of pomegranate molasses, hints of peaches.
Finish: Short. Ginseng, lemon zest, apple juice, stale beer.
Comments:
Cask GO0920. It’s lovely and fruity, with intense notes of malt. With water some peat peeks out, giving it a faint hint of antiseptic. The only drawback is the rather short, bitter, thin finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Hidden Spirits Whisky Co
Single malt - North Highlands
Golden, hints of green
53.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, pineapples, fresh baked bread, peaches, stale beer, lemon zest, peanuts, apple juice. With water, honey, pomegranate molasses, germolene, white grapes, hints of peaches.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Apple juice, stale beer, fresh baked bread, pineapples, lemon zest, vanilla ice cream, peanuts, honey. With water, malted grains, vanilla ice cream, germolene, hints of pomegranate molasses, hints of peaches.
Finish: Short. Ginseng, lemon zest, apple juice, stale beer.
Comments:
Cask GO0920. It’s lovely and fruity, with intense notes of malt. With water some peat peeks out, giving it a faint hint of antiseptic. The only drawback is the rather short, bitter, thin finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Thursday 14 July 2022
Allt-a-Bhainne 25yo 1995/2021
Allt-a-Bhainne 25yo 1995/2021
Mission Gold, Murray McDavid
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
44.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, red grapes, raisins, cloves, strawberries, white pepper, hints of watermelons.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Barley sugar, red grapes, honeycomb, milk chocolate, strawberries, vanilla, white pepper, hints of watermelons.
Finish: Medium. Red grapes, barley sugar, milk chocolate, raisins, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Cask 187841. Lovely sweet Speyside, lots of fruit and chocolate. Some vegetal spiciness peeks out from under the fruity shroud, especially in the finish. Bright and tasty, a fitting end to a good session.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Mission Gold, Murray McDavid
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
44.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, red grapes, raisins, cloves, strawberries, white pepper, hints of watermelons.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Barley sugar, red grapes, honeycomb, milk chocolate, strawberries, vanilla, white pepper, hints of watermelons.
Finish: Medium. Red grapes, barley sugar, milk chocolate, raisins, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Cask 187841. Lovely sweet Speyside, lots of fruit and chocolate. Some vegetal spiciness peeks out from under the fruity shroud, especially in the finish. Bright and tasty, a fitting end to a good session.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Kingsbarns Balcomie
Kingsbarns Balcomie
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Golden
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, sour cream, balsamic vinegar, white grapes, caramel, stale beer, hints of lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, slippery, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Caramel, stale beer, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, sour cream, barley sugar, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, white pepper, fresh cut grass, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
This whisky was part aged in a sherry cask, but it’s not very sweet. Instead it’s tart, lactic and almost vinegary. It’s not unpleasant though, there’s a fair bit of barley that shines through, and a nice hit of spiciness on the tongue and the finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Golden
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, sour cream, balsamic vinegar, white grapes, caramel, stale beer, hints of lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, slippery, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Caramel, stale beer, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, sour cream, barley sugar, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, white pepper, fresh cut grass, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
This whisky was part aged in a sherry cask, but it’s not very sweet. Instead it’s tart, lactic and almost vinegary. It’s not unpleasant though, there’s a fair bit of barley that shines through, and a nice hit of spiciness on the tongue and the finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Macallan 30yo 1988/2018 Exceptional Single Cask ASB-3980-09
Macallan 30yo 1988/2018 Exceptional Single Cask ASB-3980/09
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Mahogany
51.7% ABV
Tiny taste
Nose: Chocolate, raisins, sourdough bread, beef broth, red grapes, honeysuckle, hints of vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Chocolate, raisins, beef broth, sourdough bread, toast, honeysuckle, red grapes, cloves, strawberry laces.
Finish: Long. Cloves, toast, honeysuckle, raisins, strawberry laces.
Comments:
Delicious! It’s not very often I get to taste well-aged Macallan. I’m very impressed. I wish it didn’t sell for thousands of course, but I understand why. It’s also meaty and cereally, lovely balance of complexity and intensity. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Mahogany
51.7% ABV
Tiny taste
Nose: Chocolate, raisins, sourdough bread, beef broth, red grapes, honeysuckle, hints of vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Chocolate, raisins, beef broth, sourdough bread, toast, honeysuckle, red grapes, cloves, strawberry laces.
Finish: Long. Cloves, toast, honeysuckle, raisins, strawberry laces.
Comments:
Delicious! It’s not very often I get to taste well-aged Macallan. I’m very impressed. I wish it didn’t sell for thousands of course, but I understand why. It’s also meaty and cereally, lovely balance of complexity and intensity. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
A Lowland Distillery 13yo 2007/2021 Reserve Casks Parcel No 7
A Lowland Distillery 13yo 2007/2021 Reserve Casks Parcel No 7
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Lowlands
Golden
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, stale beer, pencil erasers, sea salt, cinnamon, yoghurt, hints of roast chicken.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Stale beer, malted grains, cinnamon, lemon zest, yoghurt, orange peel, cinnamon, hints of malted grains.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, black tea, malted grains, pencil erasers.
Comments:
I have it on good authority that this is Glenkinchie. Cheers Andrea! Anyway, it’s quite robust, lots of citrus and yoghurt, a lot of spice as well. There are some slightly sulphurous notes that detract a little bit, but it’s a nice summery whisky.
Verdict:
I like this.
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Lowlands
Golden
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, stale beer, pencil erasers, sea salt, cinnamon, yoghurt, hints of roast chicken.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Stale beer, malted grains, cinnamon, lemon zest, yoghurt, orange peel, cinnamon, hints of malted grains.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, black tea, malted grains, pencil erasers.
Comments:
I have it on good authority that this is Glenkinchie. Cheers Andrea! Anyway, it’s quite robust, lots of citrus and yoghurt, a lot of spice as well. There are some slightly sulphurous notes that detract a little bit, but it’s a nice summery whisky.
Verdict:
I like this.
JP Wiser 10yo
JP Wiser 10yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Ontario
Copper
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Toffee, caramel, vanilla, brown paper, white pepper, hints of orange peel.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, astringent, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Toffee, caramel, black tea, coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Short. Oats, toffee, caramel, vanilla, hints of dark chocolate.
Comments:
Quite a simple whisky, sweet and toffee’d. There are some notes of dark chocolate, and some peppery burn on the tongue, but otherwise it’s quite inoffensive. Reasonable session dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Ontario
Copper
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Toffee, caramel, vanilla, brown paper, white pepper, hints of orange peel.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, astringent, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Toffee, caramel, black tea, coffee, vanilla, dark chocolate, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Short. Oats, toffee, caramel, vanilla, hints of dark chocolate.
Comments:
Quite a simple whisky, sweet and toffee’d. There are some notes of dark chocolate, and some peppery burn on the tongue, but otherwise it’s quite inoffensive. Reasonable session dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Wednesday 13 July 2022
Starward 5yo 2011/2021
Starward 5yo 2011/2021
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Victoria
Amber pink
58.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Ginger, stale beer, malted grains, dark chocolate, orange peel, nutmeg, black pepper, hints of gas. With water, honey, blackcurrant cordial, strawberries, cinnamon, orange peel.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, slippery, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Malted grains, dark chocolate, dried apricots, blackcurrant cordial, black pepper, bananas, hints of ginger, hints of cardboard. With water, strawberries, cinnamon, blackcurrant cordial, dried apricots.
Finish: Short. Black pepper, bananas, nutmegs, dried apricots.
Comments:
This whisky was rested in an inert vessel for 5 years. Lots of wine and fruit, as befits an Aperol finished whisky. It’s got whiffs that remind me of bourbon, and there are some feinty, slightly cardboardy notes underneath.
Verdict:
I like this.
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Victoria
Amber pink
58.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Ginger, stale beer, malted grains, dark chocolate, orange peel, nutmeg, black pepper, hints of gas. With water, honey, blackcurrant cordial, strawberries, cinnamon, orange peel.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, slippery, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Malted grains, dark chocolate, dried apricots, blackcurrant cordial, black pepper, bananas, hints of ginger, hints of cardboard. With water, strawberries, cinnamon, blackcurrant cordial, dried apricots.
Finish: Short. Black pepper, bananas, nutmegs, dried apricots.
Comments:
This whisky was rested in an inert vessel for 5 years. Lots of wine and fruit, as befits an Aperol finished whisky. It’s got whiffs that remind me of bourbon, and there are some feinty, slightly cardboardy notes underneath.
Verdict:
I like this.
Monday 11 July 2022
Jura 28yo 1989/2017
Jura 28yo 1989/2017
Old Malt Cask, Hunter Laing
Single malt - Islands
Straw
45.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Driftwood smoke, yoghurt, lemon zest, heather honey, sour cream, vanilla, lemon sweets.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, loosens slightly, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Leather, peat, lemon sweets, heather honey, black tea, driftwood smoke, charcoal ash.
Finish: Long. Lemon sweets, heather honey, charcoal ash, leather, hints of sour cream.
Comments:
Cask HL13894. Savoury, but not salty, there’s the usual Jura lactic notes, but only on the nose and the finish. On the tongue, it’s more like an Islay, quite smoky and peaty, with a long ashy note. Highly enjoyable, as Juras go.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Old Malt Cask, Hunter Laing
Single malt - Islands
Straw
45.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Driftwood smoke, yoghurt, lemon zest, heather honey, sour cream, vanilla, lemon sweets.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, loosens slightly, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Leather, peat, lemon sweets, heather honey, black tea, driftwood smoke, charcoal ash.
Finish: Long. Lemon sweets, heather honey, charcoal ash, leather, hints of sour cream.
Comments:
Cask HL13894. Savoury, but not salty, there’s the usual Jura lactic notes, but only on the nose and the finish. On the tongue, it’s more like an Islay, quite smoky and peaty, with a long ashy note. Highly enjoyable, as Juras go.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
SMWS 9.171 (Glen Grant 26yo 1992/2018)
SMWS 9.171 (Glen Grant 26yo 1992/2018)
2018, SMWS
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
52.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, lemon zest, white grapes, rhubarb and custard sweets, honey, fresh baked bread. With water, honey, golden syrup, oat clusters, apricots.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, thickens, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Malted grains, white grapes, greengages, apricots, fresh cut grass, cinnamon, fresh baked bread, hints of cloves. With water, lemon zest, honey, apricots, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. Pear drops, fresh baked bread, rhubarb and custard sweets, white grapes.
Comments:
Bright and fresh, lots of stone fruit and cereal. There some estery notes that come to the fore on the finish that stand out. Water opens it up, but drowns the complexity a little, it just intensified the cereal and stone fruit. Quite pleasant.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
2018, SMWS
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
52.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, lemon zest, white grapes, rhubarb and custard sweets, honey, fresh baked bread. With water, honey, golden syrup, oat clusters, apricots.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, thickens, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Malted grains, white grapes, greengages, apricots, fresh cut grass, cinnamon, fresh baked bread, hints of cloves. With water, lemon zest, honey, apricots, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. Pear drops, fresh baked bread, rhubarb and custard sweets, white grapes.
Comments:
Bright and fresh, lots of stone fruit and cereal. There some estery notes that come to the fore on the finish that stand out. Water opens it up, but drowns the complexity a little, it just intensified the cereal and stone fruit. Quite pleasant.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Sunday 10 July 2022
SMWS 50.88 (Bladnoch 25yo 1990/2015)
SMWS 50.88 (Bladnoch 25yo 1990/2015)
2015, SMWS
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
58.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honeydew melons, lemon zest, white grapes, hay, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, honeydew melons, rambutans, white grapes, honey, hints of broccoli.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens slightly, hot, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rambutans, yoghurt, lemon zest, hay, fresh cut grass, hints of broccoli, hints of honeydew melons. With water, sweeter, honey, lemon zest, rambutans, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, fresh cut grass, honeydew melons, hints of malted grains.
Comments:
Quite a vegetal Bladnoch, there’s a cabbagey green note that I’ve written down as broccoli, alongside some more familiar grassiness. Plenty of grain and tropical fruity too. Highly enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
2015, SMWS
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
58.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honeydew melons, lemon zest, white grapes, hay, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, honeydew melons, rambutans, white grapes, honey, hints of broccoli.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens slightly, hot, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rambutans, yoghurt, lemon zest, hay, fresh cut grass, hints of broccoli, hints of honeydew melons. With water, sweeter, honey, lemon zest, rambutans, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, fresh cut grass, honeydew melons, hints of malted grains.
Comments:
Quite a vegetal Bladnoch, there’s a cabbagey green note that I’ve written down as broccoli, alongside some more familiar grassiness. Plenty of grain and tropical fruity too. Highly enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Inchgower 23yo 1997/2020
Inchgower 23yo 1997/2020
Vintage, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold, hints of green
59.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pistachios, almonds, salted caramel, strawberry laces, beef broth, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, pear drops, beef broth, almonds, salted caramel.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, syrupy, oily, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. White grapes, strawberry laces, rhubarb and custard sweets, pistachios, malted grains, black tea, vanilla, acacia honey. With water, malted grains, pear drops, beef broth, pistachios, almonds.
Finish: Long. Acacia honey, vanilla, white grapes, pistachios, rhubarb and custard sweets.
Comments:
Quite sweet and complex, with a wonderful oily mouthfeel. There’s enough complexity such that it’s very drinkable neat, but water opens it up to reveal a meaty nuttiness alongside the sweet fruity notes. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Vintage, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold, hints of green
59.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pistachios, almonds, salted caramel, strawberry laces, beef broth, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, pear drops, beef broth, almonds, salted caramel.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, syrupy, oily, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. White grapes, strawberry laces, rhubarb and custard sweets, pistachios, malted grains, black tea, vanilla, acacia honey. With water, malted grains, pear drops, beef broth, pistachios, almonds.
Finish: Long. Acacia honey, vanilla, white grapes, pistachios, rhubarb and custard sweets.
Comments:
Quite sweet and complex, with a wonderful oily mouthfeel. There’s enough complexity such that it’s very drinkable neat, but water opens it up to reveal a meaty nuttiness alongside the sweet fruity notes. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday 9 July 2022
Millburn 18yo 1983/2001
Millburn 18yo 1983/2001
Vintage, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mushrooms, leather, autumn leaves, butterscotch, lemon sweets, vanilla ice cream, hints of roast pork.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, airy.
Tasting: Sweet. Mushrooms, roast pork, sea salt, vanilla ice cream, autumn leaves, strawberry laces, maple syrup, oolong tea, hay.
Finish: Short. Leather, hay, autumn leaves, maple syrup, hints of vanilla ice cream.
Comments:
Rather odd - it starts of earthy and a little savoury, then fades into sweets and vanilla ice cream, then the savouriness returns. There’s also a dry grassiness, like new hay. Very pleasant whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Vintage, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mushrooms, leather, autumn leaves, butterscotch, lemon sweets, vanilla ice cream, hints of roast pork.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, airy.
Tasting: Sweet. Mushrooms, roast pork, sea salt, vanilla ice cream, autumn leaves, strawberry laces, maple syrup, oolong tea, hay.
Finish: Short. Leather, hay, autumn leaves, maple syrup, hints of vanilla ice cream.
Comments:
Rather odd - it starts of earthy and a little savoury, then fades into sweets and vanilla ice cream, then the savouriness returns. There’s also a dry grassiness, like new hay. Very pleasant whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
SMWS 25.125 (Clynelish 25yo 1993/2018)
SMWS 25.125 (Clynelish 25yo 1993/2018)
2018, SMWS
Single malt - North Highlands
Pale gold
47.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cucumbers, custard apples, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, candle wax, lemon sweets.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens slightly, astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Candle wax, petrol exhaust, lemon sweets, nutmeg, rubber bands, honey, white grapes, hints of jasmine, hints of smoke.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, rubber bands, vanilla, honey, smoke.
Comments:
Rather decent Clynelish, this. It’s somewhat unusual, there’s a fair bit of smoke, as well as a savoury edge. It’s got the typical waxy lemon sweets though, as well as floral jasmine. Very nice.
Verdict:
I like this.
2018, SMWS
Single malt - North Highlands
Pale gold
47.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cucumbers, custard apples, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, candle wax, lemon sweets.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens slightly, astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Candle wax, petrol exhaust, lemon sweets, nutmeg, rubber bands, honey, white grapes, hints of jasmine, hints of smoke.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, rubber bands, vanilla, honey, smoke.
Comments:
Rather decent Clynelish, this. It’s somewhat unusual, there’s a fair bit of smoke, as well as a savoury edge. It’s got the typical waxy lemon sweets though, as well as floral jasmine. Very nice.
Verdict:
I like this.
Imperial 24yo 1995/2020
Imperial 24yo 1995/2020
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Speyside
Pale straw
51.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Barley sugar, malted grains, bananas, white grapes, white chocolate, green tea, hints of blueberries. With water, white grapes, green tea, white chocolate, hints of rubber bands.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, warm, loosens slightly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Brass polish, green tea, candle wax, blueberries, malted grains, lemon zest, white grapes. With water, candle wax, malted grains, white grapes, brass polish.
Finish: Medium. White grapes, green peppers, brass polish, malted grains, hints of barley sugar.
Comments:
Cask 7854. Lovely and sweet, this Imperial is atypically waxy, and full of cereal notes. There’s some grit of course, but also a fair bit of (pleasant) sulphur. Highly enjoyable and delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Speyside
Pale straw
51.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Barley sugar, malted grains, bananas, white grapes, white chocolate, green tea, hints of blueberries. With water, white grapes, green tea, white chocolate, hints of rubber bands.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, warm, loosens slightly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Brass polish, green tea, candle wax, blueberries, malted grains, lemon zest, white grapes. With water, candle wax, malted grains, white grapes, brass polish.
Finish: Medium. White grapes, green peppers, brass polish, malted grains, hints of barley sugar.
Comments:
Cask 7854. Lovely and sweet, this Imperial is atypically waxy, and full of cereal notes. There’s some grit of course, but also a fair bit of (pleasant) sulphur. Highly enjoyable and delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday 8 July 2022
Miltonduff 23yo 1995/2019
Miltonduff 23yo 1995/2019
Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Straw
56.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, watermelons, fresh cut grass, lemon sweets, white grapes, hints of matches. With water, pear drops, white grapes, pencil erasers, leather, hints of watermelons.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, turns watery around the edges, cool.
Tasting: Sour salty. Malted grains, matches, white grapes, fresh cut grass, lemon zest, lemon sweets, hints of pencil erasers. With water, sandalwood, fresh cut grass, pencil erasers, lemon zest, leather.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, green tea, hints of pencil erasers.
Comments:
I find this whisky to be a good illustration of ‘good’ sulphur. It’s not to strong, ranging from erasers to match heads, providing a sharp counterpoint to lemon sweets and floral grassiness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Straw
56.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, watermelons, fresh cut grass, lemon sweets, white grapes, hints of matches. With water, pear drops, white grapes, pencil erasers, leather, hints of watermelons.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, turns watery around the edges, cool.
Tasting: Sour salty. Malted grains, matches, white grapes, fresh cut grass, lemon zest, lemon sweets, hints of pencil erasers. With water, sandalwood, fresh cut grass, pencil erasers, lemon zest, leather.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, green tea, hints of pencil erasers.
Comments:
I find this whisky to be a good illustration of ‘good’ sulphur. It’s not to strong, ranging from erasers to match heads, providing a sharp counterpoint to lemon sweets and floral grassiness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Tamdhu 25yo 1989/2015
Tamdhu 25yo 1989/2015
Authentic Collection, WM Cadenhead
Single malt - Speyside
Green gold
53.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Candle wax, lemon zest, lemon sweets, brass polish, white grapes, honey, hints of wet stones. With water, honey, lemon sweets, wet stones, photocopy paper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, airy, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Stale beer, gas, lemon sweets, sandalwood, brass polish, white grapes, honey, fresh baked bread. With water, lemon sweets, sandalwood, wet stones, photocopy paper.
Finish: Long. Wet stones, brass polish, honey, lemon sweets.
Comments:
Malty and sweet, brightly and intensely flavoured despite its age, this whisky is joyful to drink. Very tasty with notes of white grapes, honey and spice. Some feinty notes appear with water.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Authentic Collection, WM Cadenhead
Single malt - Speyside
Green gold
53.3% ABV
Dram
Nose: Candle wax, lemon zest, lemon sweets, brass polish, white grapes, honey, hints of wet stones. With water, honey, lemon sweets, wet stones, photocopy paper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, airy, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Stale beer, gas, lemon sweets, sandalwood, brass polish, white grapes, honey, fresh baked bread. With water, lemon sweets, sandalwood, wet stones, photocopy paper.
Finish: Long. Wet stones, brass polish, honey, lemon sweets.
Comments:
Malty and sweet, brightly and intensely flavoured despite its age, this whisky is joyful to drink. Very tasty with notes of white grapes, honey and spice. Some feinty notes appear with water.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Limeburners Port Cask (Barrel M308)
Limeburners Port Cask (Barrel M308)
Official bottling
Single malt - Western Australia
Dark gold, hints of pink
61% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peppermint, raisins, strawberries, quince jelly, stale beer, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, raisins, gas, manuka honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, airy, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Raisins, strawberry laces, quince jelly, stale beer, greengages, white grapes, wet stones, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, quince jelly, manuka honey, raisins, gas.
Finish: Long. Wet stones, greengages, strawberry laces, quince jelly, hints of rhubarb and custard sweets.
Comments:
Lovely and sweet whisky, as port cask finishes tend to be. A flinty, minerally note is present throughout, and slightly sulphurous notes appear once water is added. This is not unpleasant, adding interest instead. Nice whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Western Australia
Dark gold, hints of pink
61% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peppermint, raisins, strawberries, quince jelly, stale beer, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, raisins, gas, manuka honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, airy, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Raisins, strawberry laces, quince jelly, stale beer, greengages, white grapes, wet stones, rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, quince jelly, manuka honey, raisins, gas.
Finish: Long. Wet stones, greengages, strawberry laces, quince jelly, hints of rhubarb and custard sweets.
Comments:
Lovely and sweet whisky, as port cask finishes tend to be. A flinty, minerally note is present throughout, and slightly sulphurous notes appear once water is added. This is not unpleasant, adding interest instead. Nice whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday 4 July 2022
Glenfarclas 15yo 100 Proof
Glenfarclas 15yo 100 Proof
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dusty gold
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, dark chocolate, raisins, toffee, kiwifruit, pear drops, hints of pineapples. With water, white pepper, pear drops, photocopy paper.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, hot, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, barley sugar, pear drops, dark chocolate, raisins, cocoa nibs, white pepper, hints of pineapples. With water, photocopy paper, cotton sheets, white pepper, pear drops, hints of pineapples.
Finish: Long. White pepper, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, toffee, lemon zest.
Comments:
A rather fruity Glenfarclas, plenty of tropical fruit and chocolate. With water, some feinty, even slightly sulphurous notes appear, but it keeps its spiciness and chocolatiness. Rather pleasant.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dusty gold
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, dark chocolate, raisins, toffee, kiwifruit, pear drops, hints of pineapples. With water, white pepper, pear drops, photocopy paper.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, hot, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, barley sugar, pear drops, dark chocolate, raisins, cocoa nibs, white pepper, hints of pineapples. With water, photocopy paper, cotton sheets, white pepper, pear drops, hints of pineapples.
Finish: Long. White pepper, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, toffee, lemon zest.
Comments:
A rather fruity Glenfarclas, plenty of tropical fruit and chocolate. With water, some feinty, even slightly sulphurous notes appear, but it keeps its spiciness and chocolatiness. Rather pleasant.
Verdict:
I like this.
Sunday 3 July 2022
Glen Moray 10yo 2009/2020
Glen Moray 10yo 2009/2020
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Speyside
Gold, hints of pink
59.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Marzipan, cola nuts, orange peel, vanilla, honey, fresh baked bread, hints of stale beer. With water, sweeter, candy floss, bubble gum, vanilla, hints of honey.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, mouth coating, loosens slightly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cola nuts, orange peel, honey, fresh baked bread, stale beer, oats, chocolate, hints of new plastic. With water, honey, candy floss, new plastic, hints of bubble gum.
Finish: Medium. Oats, new plastic, orange peel, marzipan.
Comments:
This whisky is quite fragrant and sweet, but upon sitting exposed to air, it takes on a slightly plasticky note, still almost malty. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s certainly less interesting than the initial nose.
Verdict:
I like this.
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Speyside
Gold, hints of pink
59.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Marzipan, cola nuts, orange peel, vanilla, honey, fresh baked bread, hints of stale beer. With water, sweeter, candy floss, bubble gum, vanilla, hints of honey.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, mouth coating, loosens slightly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cola nuts, orange peel, honey, fresh baked bread, stale beer, oats, chocolate, hints of new plastic. With water, honey, candy floss, new plastic, hints of bubble gum.
Finish: Medium. Oats, new plastic, orange peel, marzipan.
Comments:
This whisky is quite fragrant and sweet, but upon sitting exposed to air, it takes on a slightly plasticky note, still almost malty. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s certainly less interesting than the initial nose.
Verdict:
I like this.
Saturday 2 July 2022
Tin Shed 3yo Batch 1
Tin Shed 3yo Batch 1
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Single malt - South Australia
Amber red
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, malted grains, dark chocolate, lemon zest, cocoa nibs, honey, hazelnuts, hints of pencil erasers.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, slippery, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Cocoa nibs, muesli, cornflakes, chocolate, pencil erasers, apple juice, lemon zest, dark chocolate.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, dark chocolate, red grapes, pencil erasers.
Comments:
This whisky is a little sulphurous, but its good sulphur, almost like an accent to the wine cask finish, rather than overpowering and unpleasant. Lots of citrus and chocolate notes as well. Very pleasant to drink, appropriate for a Southern Hemisphere winter.
Verdict:
I like this.
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Single malt - South Australia
Amber red
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, malted grains, dark chocolate, lemon zest, cocoa nibs, honey, hazelnuts, hints of pencil erasers.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, slippery, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Cocoa nibs, muesli, cornflakes, chocolate, pencil erasers, apple juice, lemon zest, dark chocolate.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, dark chocolate, red grapes, pencil erasers.
Comments:
This whisky is a little sulphurous, but its good sulphur, almost like an accent to the wine cask finish, rather than overpowering and unpleasant. Lots of citrus and chocolate notes as well. Very pleasant to drink, appropriate for a Southern Hemisphere winter.
Verdict:
I like this.
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