Godawan Cherry Cask Edition Series 02

Godawan Cherry Cask Edition Series 02

Official bottling
Single malt - Rajasthan
Golden brown
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Milk chocolate, raspberry jam, cherry blossom, malted grains, honey, vanilla, cream, black tea. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, tingly, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Raspberry jam, prunes, milk chocolate, cherry blossom, vanilla, black tea, malted grains, burnt sugar. 
Finish: Medium. Raspberry jam, honey, golden syrup, burnt sugar. 

Comments: 

Sweet and jammy, lots of creamy vanilla as well. There’s some classic sherry tannins too. Overall there’s some notes that indicate a cherry wood cask, but I couldn’t tell unless I was told. An interesting dram.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Gauldrons Sherry Cask Batch 002

Gauldrons Sherry Cask Batch 002

Douglas Laing

Blend
Amber
50% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, raspberry jam, orange peel, molasses, leather, peat, hints of cloves. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, mouth coating, expands, cool. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Raspberry jam, orange peel, molasses, leather, peat, malted grains, rubber bands, hints of black pepper. 
Finish: Long. Black pepper, malted grains, molasses, raspberry jam, hints of petrol exhaust. 

Comments: 

Fruity and sweet, lots of jammy notes. But there’s a little sulphur, maybe something rubbery and some peppery spice. It’s a bit of Campbeltown in the blend, if I’m any judge.

Verdict:

I like this.

Glengoyne White Oak

Glengoyne White Oak

Official bottling
Single malt - South Highlands
Pale gold
48% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, milk chocolate, black tea, molasses, malted grains, vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Raisins, milk chocolate, orange peel, apricot jam, vanilla, fresh baked bread, hints of white pepper. 
Finish: Medium. Cola nuts, raisins, milk chocolate, fresh baked bread, apricot jam. 

Comments: 

Sweet and fruity, lots of chocolate covered raisins, like all other Glengoynes. It’s delicate and rather delicious, and very winters.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.  

Glen Scotia 12yo Tawny Port Edition

Glen Scotia 12yo Tawny Port Edition

Official bottling
Single malt - Campbeltown 
Amber
57.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raspberries, damson jam, pears, malted grains, orange peel, pecans, honey. With water, honey, pears, hints of peaches. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, astringent, expands, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Pear drops, malted grains, lohan fruit, orange peel, winter melons, hints of peat. With water, pears, lemon zest, winter melons, hints of pecans. 
Finish: Long. Lohan fruit, winter melons, peat, orange peel, malted grains. 

Comments: 

Sweet and slightly sooty, with a distinct peaty note that is buried under a lot of fruity notes. Water brings out even more fruits and an additional sweet nuttiness that brings to mind pecans.

Verdict:

I like this.

Benriach 17yo 2007/2024

Benriach 17yo 2007/2024

Thompson Brothers
Single malt - Speyside
Pale gold 
47.3% ABV
Dram

Nose: Peaches, vanilla, sourdough bread, yoghurt, lemon zest, malted grains. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, static, cool, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sour. Vanilla, sourdough bread, peaches, malted grains, molasses, hints of nutmeg. 
Finish: Short. Malted grains, molasses, Demerara sugar, peaches, hints of sourdough bread. 

Comments: 

Fruity and very bready, lots of slightly tart notes that are also reminiscent of yoghurt. There’s some caramelly, sugary sweetness in the finish but it’s almost the absence of tartness rather than a proper sweet note.

Verdict:

I like this.

Barton 1792 Sazerac Barrel Select for Milroy’s

Barton 1792 Sazerac Barrel Select for Milroy’s 

Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber gold
62.5% ABV
Dram

Nose: Desiccated coconut, oak chips, vanilla, maple syrup, vanilla, white pepper. With water, white pepper, acetone, oak chips, pear drops. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, tingly, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Eucalyptus, oak chips, vanilla, desiccated coconut, orange peel, honey, oak chips, white pepper. With water, white pepper, honey, acetone, maple syrup. 
Finish: Long. Black pepper, oak chips, cookie dough, orange peel. 

Comments: 

Quite fragrant, lots of nail varnish and pear drops notes. There’s also some coconut, which reminds me of grain rather than bourbon. Water brings out even more acetone.

Verdict:

I like this.

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Distiller’s Edition

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Distiller’s Edition

Official bottling
Single rye - Virginia
Amber
45% ABV
Dram

Nose: Vanilla, black pepper, orange peel, custard, brown paper, cinnamon. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, static, astringent, warm. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Coffee, black pepper, orange peel, brown paper, fresh baked bread, hints of gentian. 
Finish: Medium. Black pepper, brown paper, vanilla, hints of gentian. 

Comments: 

Rather bitter for a rye, lots of fragrant notes and some peppery spiciness. It’s also quite bready, which is a little odd, but that pepper note still comes through.

Verdict:

I like this.

Callington Mill Invicta

Callington Mill Invicta

Official bottling
Single malt - Tasmania
Amber, hints of pink
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Orange peel, strawberry jam, cream, rhubarb and custard sweets, black tea, hints of vanilla sponge. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, volatile, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Black tea, vanilla sponge, orange peel, strawberry jam, marmalade, milk chocolate, fresh baked bread, hints of shortcrust pastry. 
Finish: Medium. Black tea, fresh baked bread, strawberry jam, marmalade. 

Comments: 

Pure port finish. Jammy, but with hints of orange and marmalade this time, with a bready, pastry note on the tongue and on the finish. Again, much better at the higher ABV.

Verdict:

I like this.

Callington Mill El Sol

Callington Mill El Sol

Official bottling
Single malt - Tasmania
Amber
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Honey, raspberry jam, strawberry jam, vanilla sponge, milk chocolate, cocoa nibs, hints of black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, tingly, astringent. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Fresh baked bread, red grapes, milk chocolate, strawberry jam, coffee, cocoa nibs, black pepper, fresh baked bread. 
Finish: Long. Fresh baked bread, black pepper, raspberry jam, coffee. 

Comments: 

Aged in a combination of sherry casks, Fino, Amontillado, PX and Oloroso. Chocolatey, lots of bitter cocoa too, but plenty of sweet fruity jam. The extra ABV is helpful, indeed essential.

Verdict:

I like this.

Callington Mill Enigma

Callington Mill Enigma

Official bottling
Single malt - Tasmania
Amber red
40% ABV
Dram

Nose: Strawberry jam, damson jam, honey, malted grains, fresh baked bread, black tea, hints of brown paper. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, loosens, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Black pepper, fresh baked bread, vanilla sponge, damson jam, honey, hints of custard. 
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, black pepper, orange peel, damson jam, honey. 

Comments: 

Aged in port and sherry casks. Quite sweet as you’d expect, but also endowed with a peppery bitterness. It’s decent but rather low strength, which takes away some of the complexity.

Verdict:

I like this.

Tamdhu 14yo 2008/2022

Tamdhu 14yo 2008/2022

Cut Your Wolf Loose, Woolf Sung
Single malt - Speyside
Amber gold
60.8% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, damson jam, orange peel, cloves, milk chocolate, strawberry jam, malted grains. With water, strawberry jam, orange peel, black pepper. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, hot, astringent. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Malted grains, damson jam, black pepper, honey, milk chocolate, brown paper, strawberry jam. With water, coffee, milk chocolate, brown paper, damson jam. 
Finish: Long. Malted grains, honey, oats, damson jam. 

Comments: 

Very sweet, sherried dram, lots of strawberry jam and damson jam. Water brings out a chocolate note, with coffee and nore sweet jammy stuff. 

Verdict:

I like this.

Speyburn 15yo 2008/2024

Speyburn 15yo 2008/2024

Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Straw
60.2% ABV
Dram

Nose: Pears, vanilla, orange peel, white grapes, edelweiss, white pepper. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, tingly, astringent. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Pears, yoghurt, white pepper, white grapes, cream, strawberry jam, edelweiss, hints of orange blossom. 
Finish: Short. Malted grains, cream, pears, orange blossom. 

Comments: 

Very fruity whisky, lots of pears and grapes. Also a mount floral note, like white flowers or edelweiss. No need for water, this just slipped down.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

New Riff Single Barrel B16-3518

New Riff Single Barrel B16-3518

Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber gold
52.15% ABV
Dram

Nose: Black pepper, rye bread, leather, vanilla, photocopy paper, dried apples, hints of dark chocolate. With water, black pepper, vanilla, coffee. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, tingly, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Black pepper, cherries, honey, cough syrup, cooked rice, dried apples, dark chocolate. With water, sea salt, rye bread, coffee. 
Finish: Short. Dark chocolate, cherries, honey, black pepper. 

Comments: 

A rather sweet rye, but with that black pepper spiciness. Water brings out more of the rye cereal flavour, and a coffee bitterness. Other than that, lots of dried apple notes.

Verdict:

I like this.

Old Forester Straight Bourbon

Old Forester Straight Bourbon

Official bottling 
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Light amber 
43% ABV
Dram

Nose: Cooked rice, honey, molasses, bananas, vanilla, oak chips. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens, tingly, astringent. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Molasses, oak chips, bananas, honey, vanilla, dark chocolate. 
Finish: Short. Coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, molasses. 

Comments: 

A straightforward bourbon, lots of vanilla and banana notes. On the tongue, it’s a little more bitter than usual perhaps, and that bitterness continues onto the finish.

Verdict:

I like this.

Westland Colere 3rd Edition

Westland Colere 3rd Edition

Official bottling
Single malt - Washington
Dark green gold
50% ABV
Dram

Nose: Preserved lemons, heather, hay, fresh cut grass, malted grains, honeydew melons, white pepper. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, hot. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Preserved lemons, hay, fresh cut grass, honey, malted grains, peaches, hints of honeydew melons. 
Finish: Short. Hay, lemon zest, honey, malted grains, peaches. 

Comments: 

Grassy with lots of citrus and honey. A mild, slightly savoury distillate, and it’s stripped back with only a little wood influence. Very interesting indeed.

Verdict:

I like this.

Arlett Single Malt Tourbe

Arlett Single Malt Tourbe

Official bottling
Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Pale gold
43% ABV

Dram

Nose: Mangoes, smoke, leather, lemon zest, photocopy paper, autumn leaves, nutmeg, hints of orange peel. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Germolene, autumn leaves, peaches, mangoes, orange peel, nutmeg, cloves, gauze bandages, hints of charcoal ash. 
Finish: Medium. Gauze bandages, germolene, autumn leaves, mangoes, orange peel. 

Comments: 

Medicinal peat, with feinty, slightly chemical flavours. There’s also leather, and earthiness, but also tropical fruit and spice. A very interesting whisky.

Verdict:

I like this.

Arlett Finition Barbados Rhum Cask

Arlett Finition Barbados Rhum Cask

Official bottling

Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Pale orange gold
48% ABV
Dram

Nose: Mangoes, photocopy paper, peaches, white pepper, nectarines, lemon zest. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, volatile. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Mangoes, peaches, nectarines, bananas, Demerara sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, hints of pineapples. 
Finish: Short. Mangoes, bananas, Demerara sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon. 

Comments: 

This whisky is well made, with the funky rum and tropical fruit flavours very clearly defined. Lots of peaches and nectarines as well. One of the best rum casks I’ve had.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Aberfeldy 17yo 2001/2018 Single Cask Handfill

Aberfeldy 17yo 2001/2018

Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Golden
54.8% ABV
Dram

Nose: Cola nuts, orange peel, cherries, roast chicken, malts grains, menthol, hints of eucalyptus. With water, damson jam, cherries, raisins. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, hot, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Leather, menthol, eucalyptus, roast chicken, raisins, orange peel, fresh baked bread, damson jam. With water, fresh baked bread, menthol, damson jam. 
Finish: Medium. Leather, autumn leaves, roast chicken, raisins. 

Comments: 

A rich, herbal Aberfeldy, lots of leather and orange peel. It’s sherried, of course, so lots of raisins and jam too, but there’s a nice meaty savouriness especially on the finish. Lovely.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Aberfeldy 25yo Sherry Cask Finish

Aberfeldy 25yo Sherry Cask Finish

Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Amber orange
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Sandalwood, raisins, pruneaux, rose water, fresh baked bread, cloves, hints of violets. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, oily, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Orange peel, raisins, pruneaux, rose water, cherries, damson jam, hints of violets, hints of fresh baked bread. 
Finish: Long. Fresh baked bread, pruneaux, raisins, orange peel, cloves. 

Comments: 

Fragrant and floral, lots of sweet winey notes, it’s almost like an armagnac. No need for water, it’s utterly delicious as it is. It builds to a long bready finish, and only then does it remind me of whisky.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Girvan 19yo 2002/2022

Girvan 19yo 2002/2022

Old Particular, Douglas Laing
Single grain - Lowlands
Amber
51.5% ABV
Dram

Nose: White pepper, sandalwood, vanilla, oak chips, lemon zest, hints of smoke, hints of gooseberries. With water, oak chips, molasses, hints of smoke. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, expands, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Vanilla, corn syrup, white pepper, oak chips, malted grains, popcorn, lemon zest. With water, vanilla, lemon zest, popcorn. 
Finish: Medium. Photocopy paper, sandalwood, popcorn, toffee, hints of desiccated coconut. 

Comments: 

Cask DL 16487. Floral and woody, with plenty of popcorn, and perhaps a touch of smoke. Water brings out more vanilla, more wood and even more popcorn. Decent dram. 

Verdict:

I like this.

The Story Of Bourbon

The Story Of Bourbon

The Story Of
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Copper
42% ABV
Dram

Nose: Chocolate, peanuts, vanilla, caramel, oak chips, orange peel. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, slippery. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Orange peel, vanilla, honey, chocolate, oak chips, hints of bananas. 
Finish: Medium. Oak chips, black tea, vanilla, caramel, hints of orange peel. 

Comments: 

A lower proof version of an earlier bottle. It’s still rather orangey but maybe more chocolate, and the wood is more prominent. Still rather good.

Verdict:

I like this.

Glenallachie 12yo Sauternes Wine Cask Finish

Glenallachie 12yo Sauternes Wine Cask Finish

Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dark orange gold
48% ABV
Dram

Nose: Cream, yoghurt, bananas, white wine, white grapes, toffee, hints of orange peel. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Toffee, black tea, nutmeg, orange peel, yoghurt, burnt sugar, hints of bananas. 
Finish: Short. Black tea, burnt sugar, aluminium foil, white grapes. 

Comments: 

Sweet and creamy, lots of grape notes. It’s slightly lactic on the tongue, the Sauternes cask doesn’t hide that. Plenty of toffee and burnt sugar too. Decent dram. 

Verdict:

I like this.

Longrow 10yo Open Day 2025

Longrow 10yo Open Day 2025

Official bottling
Single malt - Campbeltown
Amber brown
55.6% ABV
Dram

Nose: Winter melons, lemon zest, raisins, green tea, leather, lemon zest, pine needles, hints of germolene. With water, apricot jam, pine needles, lemon zest, germolene. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, expands, astringent. 
Tasting:  Bitter sour. Lemon zest, raisins, fresh cut grass, green tea, apricot jam, germolene, peat, autumn leaves. With water, lemon zest, pine needles, autumn leaves, germolene. 
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, green tea, fresh cut grass, germolene. 

Comments: 

Herbal and autumnal, lots of forest flavours! There is citrus and apricot also, and it’s all wreathed with gentle peat. A very good dram indeed.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

Official bottling
Single rye - Tennessee
Amber
60.3% ABV
Dram

Nose: Golden syrup, bananas, magic marker, caramel, fresh baked bread, hints of chocolate. With water, malted grains, raisins, icing sugar, hints of bananas. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, volatile, airy. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Golden syrup, malted grains, toffee, oak chips, caramel, chocolate, hints of fresh baked bread. With water, raisins, blackcurrant cordial, fresh baked bread, hints of cloves. 
Finish: Short. Raisins, fresh baked bread, chocolate, malted grains, hints of chocolate. 

Comments: 

Sweet and gentle, lots of salted caramel and blackcurrant notes. It’s an intense but short finish - plenty of chocolate! Water brings out more blackcurrant, almost making it like cough mixture.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Springbank 100 Proof 5yo

Springbank 100 Proof 5yo

Official bottling
Single malt - Campbeltown
Golden 
57.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Apple juice, golden syrup, Demerara sugar, malted grains, nutmeg, leather, lemon zest, hints of vanilla. With water, lemon sweets, apple juice, golden syrup. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, cool. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Lohan fruit, white pepper, orange blossom, apple juice, golden syrup, autumn leaves, hints of leather. With water, lemon sweets, apple juice, leather, hints of petrol exhaust. 
Finish: Short. Autumn leaves, apple juice, lohan fruit, lemon zest, orange peel. 

Comments: 

Quite citrusy, drinkable despite the ABV. There’s the classic Springbank earthiness and petrol fumes, but it’s also sweet and fruity. Rather good as is normally the case with this distillery.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Craigellachie 16yo 2008/2024

Craigellachie 16yo 2008/2024

Soho Selection, Milroy’s of Soho
Single malt - Speyside
Dark amber
66.7% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, honeydew melons, black pepper, black tea, fresh baked bread, raisins, hints of chocolate. With water, orange peel, raisins, malted grains, fresh baked bread. 

Mouthfeel: Heavy body, astringent, hot, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Chocolate, coffee, honey, raisins, Demerara sugar, black tea, black pepper, hints of sulphur, hints of gunpowder. With water, malted grains, raisins, orange peel, cloves. 
Finish: Long. Raisins, coffee, chocolate, black tea, hints of Demerara sugar. 

Comments: 

Sweet and sticky, even at this massive ABV. Water dilutes the intensity to an acceptable level, making it malty and orangey. A very nice dram indeed.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Glendronach 12yo Sherry Cask Matured

Glendronach 12yo Sherry Cask Matured

Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
43% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, strawberry jam, cloves, foam shrimp, malted grains, hints of aluminium foil. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens slightly, tingly, astringent. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Fresh baked bread, golden syrup, malted grains, raisins, black pepper, hints of cloves. 
Finish: Short. Cocoa nibs, fresh baked bread, golden syrup, black pepper, hints of cloves. 

Comments: 

Fruity and sweet, with a good level of richness, but there’s plenty of malt here. It’s also spicy, especially on the finish. Great example of sherry matured whisky.

Verdict:

I like this.

Aber Falls Madeira Cask

Aber Falls Madeira Cask

Official bottling
Single malt - North Wales
Amber orange
47% ABV
Dram

Nose: Orange peel, strawberry jam, hay, lemon verbena, foam shrimp, marshmallows, vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, tingly, expands.
Tasting:  Sweet. Foam shrimp, strawberry jam, vanilla, hay, cream, marmalade, cloves, hints of white pepper. 
Finish: Long. Golden syrup, marmalade, strawberry jam, white pepper, sandalwood. 

Comments: 

Jammy and sweet, but also with some herbal grassiness. Lots of that artificial sweet flavour that I associate with foam shrimp. Plenty of orange notes too. A rather nice whisky.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Akashi Blue Label

Akashi Blue Label

Official bottling
Single malt - West Honshu
Amber gold
40% ABV
Dram

Nose: Sandalwood, orange peel, clay dust, lemon zest, peaches, hints of camphor. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Sandalwood, fresh cut grass, sage, lemon zest, peaches, hay, hints of clay dust. 
Finish: Short. Demerara sugar, orange peel, hay, fresh cut grass, hints of peaches. 

Comments: 

Quite herbal but sweet and light, with intense peachy notes on the back palate. It also has some grassiness on the finish. A very interesting and layered dram.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Goalong Single Malt Bourbon Cask

Goalong Single Malt Bourbon Cask

Official bottling 
Single malt - Hunan
Golden
40% ABV
Dram

Nose: Malted grains, roast chicken, leather, lemon zest, vanilla, pineapples. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, mouth coating, cool. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Malted grains, cinnamon, lemon zest, leather, apple juice, pineapples, hints of cream. 
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, cream, vanilla, icing sugar. 

Comments: 

Rather lactic but has a nice note of pineapples and icing sugar. Not that sweet, but tastes malty and rich. A rather decent dram, and only my second Chinese whisky.

Verdict:

I like this.

Kingsbarns Doocot

Kingsbarns Doocot

Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Copper gold
46% ABV
Dram

Nose: Malted grains, white pepper, raisins, caramel, orange peel, apples, hints of molasses. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, oily. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Malted grains, white pepper, apples, vanilla, nutmeg, hints of molasses. 
Finish: Short. Malted grains, pear drops, acetone, white pepper. 

Comments: 

A little raw, lots of burnt sugar type notes - molasses, caramel etc - but underneath that there’s light spice and apples. A short finish with some estery pear drops.

Verdict:

I like this.

Bardstown Bourbon Company x West Virginia Great Barrel Company Blended Rye Whiskey

Bardstown Bourbon Company x West Virginia Great Barrel Company Blended Rye Whiskey

Collaborative Series
Blend
Amber red
55% ABV
Dram

Nose: Butterscotch, vanilla, toffee, orange peel, bananas, cream, hints of cinnamon. With water, orange peel, toffee, vanilla, cream. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, cool, tingly, astringent. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Oak chips, cinnamon, orange peel, raisins, mint, butterscotch, toffee, blackcurrant cordial. With water, cream, vanilla, Demerara sugar, orange peel. 
Finish: Long. Coffee, vanilla, toffee, cloves, black pepper, hints of cinnamon. 

Comments: 

Woody and rich, lots of warm spices - cinnamon predominates. But there’s also mint and black pepper. It’s well flavoured with great big sweet notes. Great whisky.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Sakurao 4yo 2019/2023 for Whisky Magazine

Sakurao 4yo 2019/2023 for Whisky Magazine

Official bottling
Single malt - Chūgoku
Amber gold
51.6% ABV
Dram

Nose: Cloves, malted grains, raisins, oak chips, dark chocolate, sandalwood, coffee. With water, cocoa nibs, coffee, cloves. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, thickens slightly, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sweet. Sandalwood, raisins, coffee, dark chocolate, cream, vanilla, toffee, honey, marmalade. With water, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, white pepper, cloves. 
Finish: Long. Marmalade, cream, vanilla, chocolate, cocoa nibs. 

Comments: 

Cask 5276. Quite deeply sherried, lots of chocolate and raisins. There’s also sandalwood and vanilla, and water being sour pepper and more cloves. Young, slightly woody whisky.

Verdict:

I like this.

Balvenie 19yo Edge of Burnhead Wood

Balvenie 19yo Edge of Burnhead Wood

Official bottling 
Single malt - Speyside
Orange gold
48.7% ABV
Dram

Nose: Malted grains, pears, raisins, cloves, roast chicken, molasses, hints of coffee. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, syrupy, tingly, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Molasses, pears, orange blossom, menthol, dark chocolate, cloves, malted grains, hints of white pepper. 
Finish: Long. Coffee, dark chocolate, malted grains, cloves, hints of orange blossom. 

Comments: 

Very floral and citrusy whisky - surprising, for Balvenie. It’s delicious, layered and complex, with a deep sweet note that gives body to the whisky. Excellent dram.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Corsair Wildfire Hickory Smoked Barley

Corsair Wildfire Hickory Smoked Barley

Official bottling

Single malt - Tennessee
Amber gold 
50% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, maple syrup, damson jam, toffee, pear drops, magic marker, black pepper, photocopy paper. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, hot, oily. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Damson jam, magic marker, strawberry jam, chocolate, popcorn, maple syrup, black pepper. 
Finish: Medium. Limes, black pepper, chocolate, popcorn, damson jam. 

Comments: 

Sweet and smoky, but the smoke is light and toasty, perhaps more like popcorn than malt peat smoke. No water needed, the mouth feel and flavours are excellent as is. 

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Old Fitzgerald 1849 NAS

Old Fitzgerald 1849 NAS

Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber gold
45% ABV
Dram

Nose: Toffee, popcorn, sea salt, magic marker, orange peel, vitamin C tablets. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Lemongrass, sea salt, popcorn, lemon zest, magic marker, toffee, apple juice. 
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, lemongrass, white pepper, vitamin C tablets. 

Comments: 

Complex, still quite intense, with slightly chalky citrusy notes. Some of it is more like lemon grass, with a bitter herbal edge, than citrus. Lovely to get another chance to taste whisky from this long gone distillery.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Copper Fox Rye 12mo

Copper Fox Rye 12mo

Official bottling
Single rye - Virginia
Light amber
45% ABV
Dram

Nose: Blackberries, blackcurrant cordial, oak chips, magic marker, maple syrup, raisins, damson jam. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, hot, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Blackcurrant cordial, blackberries, magic marker, malted grains, black pepper, strawberry jam, cherries. 
Finish: Short. Magic marker, pear drops, strawberry jam, cherries, hints of coffee. 

Comments: 

Surprisingly well flavoured despite its young age. Lots of berries and stone fruit, mainly cherries. Rather cough mixture like, with without the medicinal flavour.

Verdict:

I like this.

Abomination - The Sayers of the Law

Abomination - The Sayers of the Law

Official bottling
Single malt - California
Amber
54% ABV
Dram

Nose: Apricots, smoke, charcoal ash, oolong tea, black pepper, lemon zest. With water, malted grains, smoke, apple juice, apricots. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, expands, cool, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sour bitter. Black pepper, charcoal ash, smoke, malted grains. With water, apple juice, smoke, peat, apricots, diesel exhaust. 
Finish: Long. Smoke, charcoal ash, oolong tea, ginseng. 

Comments: 

Quite bitter and harsh, but well balanced even so. Water brings out a little fruitiness, but it’s still ashy and smoky. Very interesting dram.

Verdict:

I like this.

Tormore 31yo 1992/2024

Tormore 31yo 1992/2024

Soho Selection, Milroy’s of Soho
Single malt - Speyside
Golden 
40.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Pear drops, white pepper, menthol, malted grains, white grapes, nutmeg, lemon zest. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, expands. 
Tasting:  Sour. White pepper, malted grains, peaches, lemon zest, marmalade, nutmeg, hints of cloves. 
Finish: Short. Cloves, marmalade, lemon zest, vanilla, honey. 

Comments: 

Fragrant and light, lots of malt, fruit and pepper. There’s a deep hint of cloves on the tongue, which becomes more prominent on the finish. No water - it’s good as it is.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Allt-a-Bhainne 16yo 2008/2025

Allt-a-Bhainne 16yo 2008/2025

Soho Selection, Milroy’s of Soho
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
64% ABV
Dram

Nose: Rhubarb and custard sweets, white grapes, vanilla sponge, orange peel, raisins. With water, rhubarb and custard sweets, orange peel, white pepper. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, astringent, volatile. 
Tasting:  Salty sweet. Raisins, custard, vanilla sponge, orange peel, leather, farmyard. With water, damson jam, raisins, rhubarb and custard sweets. 
Finish: Long. Farmyard, menthol, custard, blackcurrant cordial. 

Comments: 

Very fruity, and at a strength that is scarily drinkable. Lots of leather too. And a wild gaminess that reminds me of a farm. Water brings out sweetness and a little pepper.

Verdict:

I like this.

Hazelburn 19yo Open Day 2025

Hazelburn 19yo Open Day 2025

Official bottling 
Single malt - Campbeltown
Brown bronze
49.2% ABV
Dram

Nose: Winter melons, leather, malted grains, raisins, sandalwood, white grapes, hints of peaches. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, astringent, hot. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Leather, malted grains, raisins, honey, sandalwood, peaches, orange peel, hints of damson jam. 
Finish: Long. Menthol, orange peel, peaches, sandalwood, malted grains. 

Comments: 

Herbal and fruity, with a lip smacking note of old leather. No water here, it’s very drinkable. Excellent Hazelburn, it’s not easy to get this set.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Wireworks Special Waters

Wireworks Special Waters

Official bottling 
Single malt - Derbyshire
Copper
57.3% ABV
Dram

Nose: Desiccated coconut, sandalwood, raisins, sea salt, leather, leather, white chocolate. With water, white chocolate, raisins, white wine. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, volatile, tingly, expands. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Desiccated coconut, raisins, apricot jam, malted grains, sea salt, white pepper, hints of leather. With water, malted grains, apricot jam, sandalwood, sea salt. 
Finish: Long. White chocolate, leather, apricot jam, malted grains, raisins. 

Comments: 

Whisky made with a dilution method used in cognac production. Lots of grain whisky notes, even though it’s a malt. Water brings out some raisiny, jammy sweetness, both on the nose and on the tongue.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Cadenheads Enigma 21yo 2003/2025

Cadenheads Enigma 21yo 2003/2025

Enigma, WM Cadenhead 
Single bourbon - Tennessee
Amber, hints of gold
41.5% ABV
Dram

Nose: Pear drops, bananas, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh baked bread. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, astringent, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sweet salty. Vanilla, toffee, bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, Demerara sugar, cough syrup. 
Finish: Short. Raisins, cough syrup, bananas, toffee. 

Comments: 

Not too over-oaked, but instead laden with bananas and cinnamon and many other sweet things. Quite luscious and sticky, and the sort of thing I think bourbon could be with a little more patience.

Verdict:

I like this.

Inchdairnie 4yo 2020/2025

Inchdairnie 4yo 2020/2025

Soho Selection, Milroy’s of Soho
Single malt - Lowlands
Pale gold
57.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Lemon zest, photocopy paper, pencil erasers, pear drops, yoghurt, malted grains, cinnamon, fresh baked bread. With water, olive brine, tyre rubber, lemon zest, new plastic. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, hot, volatile, loosens. 
Tasting:  Salty sour. Lemon zest, fresh baked bread, malted grains, peat, tyre rubber, hints of white pepper. With water, lemon zest, olive brine, fresh baked bread. 
Finish: Short. Soot, peat, smoke, tyre rubber, fresh baked bread. 

Comments: 

Cask 744. Citrusy and malty with some earthy sulphur wreathed over it. Water brings out something savoury, like olive brine, while retaining the citrus and malt flavours..

Verdict:

I like this.

Raasay Na Sia Peated Bordeaux Cask

Raasay Na Sia Peated Bordeaux Cask

Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Chinese tea
60.2% ABV
Dram

Nose: Peat, leather, roast beef, farmyard, honey, malted grains, hints of red grapes. With water, smoke, soot, roast beef, farmyard. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, volatile. 
Tasting:  Sour sweet. Leather, farmyard, honey, malted grains, sea salt, peat, soot, vanilla, hints of caramel. With water, malted grains, farmyard, soot. 
Finish: Medium. Soot, peat, smoke, malted grains. 

Comments: 

Winey, with grape notes, but it’s also meaty and a little gamey. Plenty of soot and ash as well. Water brings out even more gamey fall flavours, very earthy and almost vegetal.

Verdict:

I like this.

Teithmill 10yo 2014/2024

Teithmill 10yo 2014/2024

Thompson Brothers
Single malt - Speyside
Yellow gold
54.2% ABV
Dram

Nose: Lemon zest, yoghurt, malted grains, white pepper, apricot jam, vanilla sponge, honey. With water, lemon zest, aluminium foil, vanilla sponge, white pepper. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, hot, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sour salty. Yoghurt, lemon zest, malted grains, magic marker, sea salt, white grapes, hints of tomatoes. With water, lemon zest, aluminium foil, fresh baked bread. 
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, malted grains, white pepper, ginseng, hints of yoghurt. 

Comments: 

A young, not very sweet Deanston, with a rather lactic tone. There’s some spiciness, more than there is fruit. Water brings out something peppery and metallic. A nice stripped back bourbon cask.

Verdict:

I like this.

Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2025

Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2025

Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Hokkaido
Pale gold
57.7% ABV
Dram

Nose: Driftwood smoke, peat, white grapes, fresh cut grass, leather, charcoal ash, hints of photocopy paper. With water, soot, lemon juice, white grapes, hints of vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens slightly, slippery, hot. 
Tasting:  Bitter sour. Charcoal ash, driftwood smoke, peat, ginseng, fresh cut grass, leather, autumn leaves, lemon zest, hints of photocopy paper. With water, driftwood smoke, soot, autumn leaves, fresh cut grass. 
Finish: Short. Chillies, ginseng, charcoal ash, soot, autumn leaves. 

Comments: 

Smoky, salty, lots of grassy earthy notes. Water brings out a bit of throat catching soot, and more earthiness. It’s also quite herbal and citrusy. Rather good whisky.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber gold
45% ABV
Dram

Nose: Bananas, chocolate, black pepper, vanilla, leather, coffee, hints of oak chips. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, slippery, mouth coating. 
Tasting:  Sweet. Sandalwood, oak chips, chocolate, black pepper, leather, blackcurrants, hints of corn syrup. 
Finish: Medium. Corn syrup, sandalwood, leather, black pepper. 

Comments: 

Peppery, lots of woody notes (it’s not just one note oak though) and quite sweet. A woody fragrant finish too, quite an interesting flavour profile for an entry level bourbon.

Verdict:

I like this.

Highland Park 30yo 1985/2015

Highland Park 30yo 1985/2015

Whisky Is Nature, Silver Seal
Single malt - Islands
Pale gold
51% ABV
Dram

Nose: Peat, applesauce, peaches, yoghurt, cream, apple juice, marshmallows, hints of vanilla. With water, apples, honey, pears, leather. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, warm, astringent, tingly. 
Tasting:  Sweet sour. Leather, pears, apple juice, cream, ice cream soda, vanilla, leather, clay dust, hints of smoke. With water, leather, peat, vanilla, apple juice. 

Finish: Long. Leather, peat, vanilla, apple juice. 

Comments: 

A very fragrant, creamy Highland Park. It’s not as leathery or smoky as some, instead it’s gentle and complex. Not fiery despite the high ABV either. Delicious.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Wilderness Trail Settler Select Rye

Wilderness Trail Settler Select Rye

Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky

Amber gold
51% ABV
Dram

Nose: Cream, peanut butter, magic marker, black pepper, chocolate, leather. With water, magic marker, black pepper, cream, vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, expands. 
Tasting:  Salty sweet. Magic marker, chocolate, peanut butter, black pepper, camphor, peppermint, blackcurrant cordial, hints of leather. With water, camphor, peppermint, peanut butter. 
Finish: Medium. Brown paper, camphor, peanut butter, chocolate. 

Comments: 

Sweet and chocolatey, perhaps a bit less spicy than some other ryes. Water brings out some peppermint and peanut butter. If a sweet tasted like this (perhaps a chocolate truffle) I’d scoff a lot of them.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.