Dingle Conocht am Fomhair
Official bottling
Single malt - Munster
Bright gold
50.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, apricots, pineapples, passionfruit, orange peel, cinnamon. With water, peaches, orange peel, cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Passionfruit, peaches, honey, dates, grapefruit, orange peel, cinnamon. With water, orange peel, vanilla, honey, cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper, peaches.
Comments:
Fruity and rich, lots of tropical and stone fruit. Water brings out vanilla, honey and cinnamon. A very drinkable and straightforward whisky, slips down easily and smoothly, almost quaffable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Kyrö 6yo 2018/2024
Kyrö 6yo 2018/2024
Pienso Ruskea Koira, Little Brown Dog Spirits
Single rye - South Ostrobothnia
Amber, hints of red
53.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Black pepper, new plastic, rubber bands, rye bread, brown paper, hints of strawberry jam. With water, orange peel, brown paper, black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, syrupy, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Black pepper, sea salt, brown paper, rye bread, coffee, rubber bands, salt caramel. With water, salt caramel, coffee, orange peel, hints of new plastic.
Finish: Medium. Salt caramel, rye bread, sea salt, coffee.
Comments:
Peppery and spicy, but with an odd hint of new plastic. There’s something a bit sulphurous too. Water brings out salt caramel and coffee, as well as something a little sweeter.
Verdict:
I like this.
Pienso Ruskea Koira, Little Brown Dog Spirits
Single rye - South Ostrobothnia
Amber, hints of red
53.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Black pepper, new plastic, rubber bands, rye bread, brown paper, hints of strawberry jam. With water, orange peel, brown paper, black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, syrupy, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Black pepper, sea salt, brown paper, rye bread, coffee, rubber bands, salt caramel. With water, salt caramel, coffee, orange peel, hints of new plastic.
Finish: Medium. Salt caramel, rye bread, sea salt, coffee.
Comments:
Peppery and spicy, but with an odd hint of new plastic. There’s something a bit sulphurous too. Water brings out salt caramel and coffee, as well as something a little sweeter.
Verdict:
I like this.
Friday, 9 May 2025
Cragganmore 1972
Cragganmore 1972
Original Cask Strength, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Light amber
56.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: White grapes, honey, malted grains, vanilla, roast chicken, white pepper, hints of camphor. With water, honey, white grapes, roast chicken.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, clay dust, white grapes, gooseberries, roast chicken, toffee, sandalwood, camphor. With water, malted grains, grapefruit, honey.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, cinnamon, white grapes, honey.
Comments:
Lighter and looser than the Creditable, but instead, sweeter and a meatier texture. There’s also some dustiness and a long honeyed citrusy finish. I love this sort of old bottle effect.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Original Cask Strength, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Light amber
56.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: White grapes, honey, malted grains, vanilla, roast chicken, white pepper, hints of camphor. With water, honey, white grapes, roast chicken.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, clay dust, white grapes, gooseberries, roast chicken, toffee, sandalwood, camphor. With water, malted grains, grapefruit, honey.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, cinnamon, white grapes, honey.
Comments:
Lighter and looser than the Creditable, but instead, sweeter and a meatier texture. There’s also some dustiness and a long honeyed citrusy finish. I love this sort of old bottle effect.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Creditable 25yo 1975/2001
Creditable 25yo 1975/2001
Old Malt Cask, Douglas Laing
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast chicken, white grapes, malted grains, white wine, fresh cut grass, honey. With water, white grapes, honey, candle wax, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, warm, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Honey, white grapes, raisins, white wine, candle wax, malted grains, walnut skins. With water, candle wax, white grapes, grapefruit.
Finish: Long. Candle wax, white grapes, malted grains, walnut skins.
Comments:
An old Cragganmore, both in age statement and time in the bottle. It’s very waxy, almost Clynelish-ey, and there’s a slightly bitter, nutty note that covers it all. Water brings out more wax, and a bit more sweetness and bitterness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Old Malt Cask, Douglas Laing
Single malt - Speyside
Golden
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast chicken, white grapes, malted grains, white wine, fresh cut grass, honey. With water, white grapes, honey, candle wax, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, warm, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Honey, white grapes, raisins, white wine, candle wax, malted grains, walnut skins. With water, candle wax, white grapes, grapefruit.
Finish: Long. Candle wax, white grapes, malted grains, walnut skins.
Comments:
An old Cragganmore, both in age statement and time in the bottle. It’s very waxy, almost Clynelish-ey, and there’s a slightly bitter, nutty note that covers it all. Water brings out more wax, and a bit more sweetness and bitterness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Dalmunach 6yo 2016/2022
Dalmunach 6yo 2016/2022
Na Braithrean, Wee Brother
Single malt - Speyside
Very pale gold
52% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, lemon zest, malted grains, leather, grapefruit, yuzu, hints of cream. With water, peaches, honey, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Yuzu, honey, malted grains, hoppy beer, lemon zest, marmalade, hints of white pepper. With water, marmalade, honey, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, marmalade, honey, malted grains, hints of peaches.
Comments:
Quite citrusy, but has the young whisky lactic note. Stone fruit notes abound as well, and some jammy marmalade. Water brings out more barley and honeyed sweetness.
Verdict:
I like this.
Na Braithrean, Wee Brother
Single malt - Speyside
Very pale gold
52% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, lemon zest, malted grains, leather, grapefruit, yuzu, hints of cream. With water, peaches, honey, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Yuzu, honey, malted grains, hoppy beer, lemon zest, marmalade, hints of white pepper. With water, marmalade, honey, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, marmalade, honey, malted grains, hints of peaches.
Comments:
Quite citrusy, but has the young whisky lactic note. Stone fruit notes abound as well, and some jammy marmalade. Water brings out more barley and honeyed sweetness.
Verdict:
I like this.
Four Roses Limited Edition 2024 Release
Four Roses Limited Edition 2024 Release
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Dark amber
54.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Oak chips, chocolate, brown paper, raisins, honey, black tea, butter. With water, orange peel, brown paper, black tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, mouth coating, astringent.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Raisins, oak chips, vanilla, brown paper, sea salt, fresh baked bread, cornflakes. With water, brown paper, chocolate, black tea.
Finish: Short. Black tea, oak chips, vanilla, sea salt.
Comments:
Sweet and luscious, Four Roses is always buttery and chock full of cornflakes. Water brings out notes of chocolate and orange peel, almost like a Terry’s. Decent bourbon.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Dark amber
54.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Oak chips, chocolate, brown paper, raisins, honey, black tea, butter. With water, orange peel, brown paper, black tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, mouth coating, astringent.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Raisins, oak chips, vanilla, brown paper, sea salt, fresh baked bread, cornflakes. With water, brown paper, chocolate, black tea.
Finish: Short. Black tea, oak chips, vanilla, sea salt.
Comments:
Sweet and luscious, Four Roses is always buttery and chock full of cornflakes. Water brings out notes of chocolate and orange peel, almost like a Terry’s. Decent bourbon.
Verdict:
I like this.
Allt-a-Bhainne 7yo 2016/2024
Allt-a-Bhainne 7yo 2016/2024
Connoisseur’s Dram, DH Global Imports
Single malt - Speyside
Dark brown
61.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, walnuts, sea salt, black pepper, raisins, cloves. With water, raisins, ink, iron filings.
Mouthfeel: Light body, astringent, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Raisins, sea salt, olive brine, walnuts, vanilla, hazelnuts, honey, raisins. With water, vanilla, ink, honey, raisins.
Finish: Long. Sea salt, walnuts, black pepper, honey.
Comments:
Heavily sherried whisky, with notes of raisins, and hazelnuts. The oloroso cask has conferred slightly savoury notes, with sea salt and olive brine, and they pair well with the sweet honey and dried fruit. With water, it turns slightly metallic.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Connoisseur’s Dram, DH Global Imports
Single malt - Speyside
Dark brown
61.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, walnuts, sea salt, black pepper, raisins, cloves. With water, raisins, ink, iron filings.
Mouthfeel: Light body, astringent, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Raisins, sea salt, olive brine, walnuts, vanilla, hazelnuts, honey, raisins. With water, vanilla, ink, honey, raisins.
Finish: Long. Sea salt, walnuts, black pepper, honey.
Comments:
Heavily sherried whisky, with notes of raisins, and hazelnuts. The oloroso cask has conferred slightly savoury notes, with sea salt and olive brine, and they pair well with the sweet honey and dried fruit. With water, it turns slightly metallic.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Speyburn Rum Cask Finish
Speyburn Rum Cask Finish
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Passionfruit, pineapples, malted grains, vanilla, burnt sugar, cloves, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Burnt sugar, marshmallows, passionfruit, pineapples, honey, hints of raisins.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, pineapples, black tea, nutmeg.
Comments:
Decent rum finished whisky. There’s the slightly smoky toffee note, with plenty of tropical fruit and vanilla sweetness. There’s finish is surprisingly long too, with heaps of pineapples, and the barley peeking through.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Passionfruit, pineapples, malted grains, vanilla, burnt sugar, cloves, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Burnt sugar, marshmallows, passionfruit, pineapples, honey, hints of raisins.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, pineapples, black tea, nutmeg.
Comments:
Decent rum finished whisky. There’s the slightly smoky toffee note, with plenty of tropical fruit and vanilla sweetness. There’s finish is surprisingly long too, with heaps of pineapples, and the barley peeking through.
Verdict:
I like this.
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
SMWS 49.4 (St Magdalene 12yo 1980/1992)
SMWS 49.4 (St Magdalene 12yo 1980/1992)
1992, SMWS
Single malt - Lowlands
White wine
62.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pears, magic marker, cucumbers, cinnamon, white grapes, fresh cut grass, hints of acetone. With water, magic marker, cucumbers, cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, hot.
Tasting: Sour. Acetone, fresh baked bread, fresh cut grass, white grapes, lemon zest, vanilla, honeycomb, hints of nutmeg. With water, honeycomb, pears, candle wax, hints of dried apricots.
Finish: Long. White pepper, white grapes, malted grains, vanilla, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Delicate, but with surprisingly well defined flavour layers. Water brings out delicious floral, waxy notes, and reminds me of sitting in a meadow with bees, flowers and grass. Very lovely whisky indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
1992, SMWS
Single malt - Lowlands
White wine
62.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pears, magic marker, cucumbers, cinnamon, white grapes, fresh cut grass, hints of acetone. With water, magic marker, cucumbers, cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, hot.
Tasting: Sour. Acetone, fresh baked bread, fresh cut grass, white grapes, lemon zest, vanilla, honeycomb, hints of nutmeg. With water, honeycomb, pears, candle wax, hints of dried apricots.
Finish: Long. White pepper, white grapes, malted grains, vanilla, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Delicate, but with surprisingly well defined flavour layers. Water brings out delicious floral, waxy notes, and reminds me of sitting in a meadow with bees, flowers and grass. Very lovely whisky indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Inverleven 11yo 1989/2001
Inverleven 11yo 1989/2001
Mackillop’s Choice
Single malt - Lowlands
Bright yellow
64.1% ABV
Mackillop’s Choice
Single malt - Lowlands
Bright yellow
64.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, lemon zest, pears, white grapes, cream, peanuts, persimmons, hints of creme fraiche. With water, lemon zest, malted grains, peanuts.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, volatile, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, fresh baked bread, pears, honey, orange blossom, cream, persimmons. With water, malted grains, peanuts, pears, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Medium. Malted grains, walnut skins, lemon zest, creme fraiche.
Comments:
Nutty and fruity. There’s a bitterness coming through, but it’s still quite floral. The high ABV makes it heavy and oily, and a fair amount of water is needed to bring out maltiness and other cereally flavours. A great chance to drink a rare whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Nose: Malted grains, lemon zest, pears, white grapes, cream, peanuts, persimmons, hints of creme fraiche. With water, lemon zest, malted grains, peanuts.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, volatile, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, fresh baked bread, pears, honey, orange blossom, cream, persimmons. With water, malted grains, peanuts, pears, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Medium. Malted grains, walnut skins, lemon zest, creme fraiche.
Comments:
Nutty and fruity. There’s a bitterness coming through, but it’s still quite floral. The high ABV makes it heavy and oily, and a fair amount of water is needed to bring out maltiness and other cereally flavours. A great chance to drink a rare whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday, 3 May 2025
Glenburgie 18yo 1998/2017
Glenburgie 18yo 1998/2017
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold
59.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pear drops, magic marker, acetone, fresh cut grass, gooseberries, lemon zest, hints of yoghurt. With water, peanuts, fresh cut grass, gooseberries.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, hot.
Tasting: Sour. Lemon zest, cream, acetone, pear drops, white grapes, white pepper, grapefruit. With water, magic marker, grapefruit, white grapes.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, white pepper, gooseberries, magic marker.
Comments:
Cask 791399. Fruity and estery, definitely a bit of a nail varnish vibe. Water brings out more esters, as well as bitter citrus. Quite a robust whisky, with well integrated flavours.
Verdict:
I like this.
Single Malts of Scotland, Elixir Distillers
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold
59.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pear drops, magic marker, acetone, fresh cut grass, gooseberries, lemon zest, hints of yoghurt. With water, peanuts, fresh cut grass, gooseberries.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, hot.
Tasting: Sour. Lemon zest, cream, acetone, pear drops, white grapes, white pepper, grapefruit. With water, magic marker, grapefruit, white grapes.
Finish: Short. Lemon zest, white pepper, gooseberries, magic marker.
Comments:
Cask 791399. Fruity and estery, definitely a bit of a nail varnish vibe. Water brings out more esters, as well as bitter citrus. Quite a robust whisky, with well integrated flavours.
Verdict:
I like this.
Glen Keith 26yo 1992/2019
Glen Keith 26yo 1992/2019
Celebration of the Cask, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Amber gold
55.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, dried apricots, winter melons, leather, mint, honey, hints of cloves. With water, honey, dried apricots, leather, lychees.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, volatile, loosens, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lychees, cream, peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, mint, white pepper. With water, leather, lychees, cream.
Finish: Long. Lychees, mint, dried apricots, honey.
Comments:
Cask 102371. Lots of dried fruit notes on the nose, but on the tongue there’s an immediate explosion of lychees. Water brings out a creaminess, allied to leather, showing its age. A pleasant dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Celebration of the Cask, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Amber gold
55.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, dried apricots, winter melons, leather, mint, honey, hints of cloves. With water, honey, dried apricots, leather, lychees.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, volatile, loosens, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lychees, cream, peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, mint, white pepper. With water, leather, lychees, cream.
Finish: Long. Lychees, mint, dried apricots, honey.
Comments:
Cask 102371. Lots of dried fruit notes on the nose, but on the tongue there’s an immediate explosion of lychees. Water brings out a creaminess, allied to leather, showing its age. A pleasant dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Glen Garioch 1971 for Oddbins
Glen Garioch 1971 for Oddbins
Official bottling
Single malt - East Highlands
Amber
43% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, camphor, black tea, raisins, sea salt, hints of roast chicken, hints of mustard.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, oily, cool.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Camphor, leather, gentian, raisins, roast chicken, sea salt, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, leather, gentian, camphor, hints of mustard.
Comments:
Bitter and herbal to begin with, but leather and raisins take over. There’s some savoury notes as well, and a tinge of the characteristic mustard. Tastes old, which it is, of course.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - East Highlands
Amber
43% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, camphor, black tea, raisins, sea salt, hints of roast chicken, hints of mustard.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, oily, cool.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Camphor, leather, gentian, raisins, roast chicken, sea salt, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, leather, gentian, camphor, hints of mustard.
Comments:
Bitter and herbal to begin with, but leather and raisins take over. There’s some savoury notes as well, and a tinge of the characteristic mustard. Tastes old, which it is, of course.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday, 2 May 2025
Circumstance Single Grain 1:11:1:29:37
Circumstance Single Grain 1:11:1:29:37
Official bottling
Single grain - Bristol
Bright gold
42.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pomeloes, cherry blossom, white grapes, lemon zest, white pepper, cotton sheets, hints of gooseberries.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, cool, slightly oily.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Cherry blossom, pomeloes, white grapes, sour cream, white pepper, marmalade, lemon curd, hints of new plastic.
Finish: Short. Lemon curd, cherry blossom, white grapes, hints of sour cream.
Comments:
Light and flavourful, lots of lactic and fruity notes. Soft and delicate, lots of layers and complexity for a young whisky. Unexpectedly impressive.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single grain - Bristol
Bright gold
42.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pomeloes, cherry blossom, white grapes, lemon zest, white pepper, cotton sheets, hints of gooseberries.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, cool, slightly oily.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Cherry blossom, pomeloes, white grapes, sour cream, white pepper, marmalade, lemon curd, hints of new plastic.
Finish: Short. Lemon curd, cherry blossom, white grapes, hints of sour cream.
Comments:
Light and flavourful, lots of lactic and fruity notes. Soft and delicate, lots of layers and complexity for a young whisky. Unexpectedly impressive.
Verdict:
I like this.
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 24yo
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 24yo
Orphan Barrel
Orphan Barrel
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber
45.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Hazelnuts, walnuts, oak chips, toffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, astringent, cool.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Hazelnuts, walnuts, chocolate, maple syrup, brown paper, fresh baked bread, cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Brown paper, hazelnuts, fresh baked bread, chocolate, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Nutty and chocolatey, but with heaps of wood. There are savoury edges to this whisky, and some complexity commensurate with its age. Decent dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Amber
45.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Hazelnuts, walnuts, oak chips, toffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, astringent, cool.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Hazelnuts, walnuts, chocolate, maple syrup, brown paper, fresh baked bread, cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Brown paper, hazelnuts, fresh baked bread, chocolate, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Nutty and chocolatey, but with heaps of wood. There are savoury edges to this whisky, and some complexity commensurate with its age. Decent dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Weller Full Proof (for Melody Whisky Bar)
Weller Full Proof (for Melody Whisky Bar)
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber gold
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cranberry juice, fresh baked bread, orange peel, walnuts, raisins, hints of cooked rice. With water, cream, raisins, fresh baked bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile.
Tasting: Sweet. Cranberry juice, orange peel, walnuts, raisins, sandalwood, brown sugar, hints of parchment paper. With water, brown sugar, raisins, blackcurrant cordial, cream.
Finish: Medium. Raisins, fresh baked bread, salt caramel, orange peel, hints of strawberry jam.
Comments:
Rich, fruity, lots of feinty parchment notes that tickle the palate. Brown sugar sweetness vies with creamy, fragrant blackcurrants. Water brings out even more sweetness. Sticky and luscious.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber gold
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cranberry juice, fresh baked bread, orange peel, walnuts, raisins, hints of cooked rice. With water, cream, raisins, fresh baked bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile.
Tasting: Sweet. Cranberry juice, orange peel, walnuts, raisins, sandalwood, brown sugar, hints of parchment paper. With water, brown sugar, raisins, blackcurrant cordial, cream.
Finish: Medium. Raisins, fresh baked bread, salt caramel, orange peel, hints of strawberry jam.
Comments:
Rich, fruity, lots of feinty parchment notes that tickle the palate. Brown sugar sweetness vies with creamy, fragrant blackcurrants. Water brings out even more sweetness. Sticky and luscious.
Verdict:
I like this.
Old Fitzgerald 1849 8yo 1987
Old Fitzgerald 1849 8yo 1987
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cotton sheets, raisins, popcorn, brown butter, dates, toffee, hints of black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Brown butter, popcorn, toffee, blackcurrant cordial, clay dust, hints of cloves.
Finish: Long. Raisins, walnuts, clay dust, cloves, popcorn.
Comments:
Sweet, rich and intense, well aged with whiffs of dust and walnuts, yet not took cloying. I enjoyed the savoury nutty notes on the tongue, like drinking liquid popcorn soaked in Ribena. An excellent dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cotton sheets, raisins, popcorn, brown butter, dates, toffee, hints of black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Brown butter, popcorn, toffee, blackcurrant cordial, clay dust, hints of cloves.
Finish: Long. Raisins, walnuts, clay dust, cloves, popcorn.
Comments:
Sweet, rich and intense, well aged with whiffs of dust and walnuts, yet not took cloying. I enjoyed the savoury nutty notes on the tongue, like drinking liquid popcorn soaked in Ribena. An excellent dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Peerless Rye Whiskey Absinthe Barrel Finish
Peerless Rye Whiskey Absinthe Barrel Finish
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber gold
55.85% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mint, white chocolate, burnt sugar, wormwood, vanilla, white pepper. With water, anise, lemon juice, white pepper, grapefruit.
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber gold
55.85% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mint, white chocolate, burnt sugar, wormwood, vanilla, white pepper. With water, anise, lemon juice, white pepper, grapefruit.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Fennel, wormwood, white chocolate, anise, white pepper, hints of mint. With water, mint, anise, lemon juice, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. White pepper, wormwood, fennel, anise, malted grains.
Comments:
A very unusual finish, but the wood has overtaken the whisky. It tastes of mint and white chocolate, with a huge layer of anise. Interesting and different.
Verdict:
Not bad.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Fennel, wormwood, white chocolate, anise, white pepper, hints of mint. With water, mint, anise, lemon juice, malted grains.
Finish: Medium. White pepper, wormwood, fennel, anise, malted grains.
Comments:
A very unusual finish, but the wood has overtaken the whisky. It tastes of mint and white chocolate, with a huge layer of anise. Interesting and different.
Verdict:
Not bad.
Longrow 100 Proof
Longrow 100 Proof
Official bottling
Single malt - Campbeltown
Bright gold
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, white grapes, yoghurt, orange peel, honey, smoke, white pepper, hints of cloves. With water, white pepper, orange peel, peat, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. White grapes, white pepper, peat, smoke, autumn leaves, grapefruit, malted grains, hints of petrol exhaust. With water, white pepper, petrol exhaust, white grapes, peat.
Finish: Long. Petrol exhaust, autumn leaves, white pepper, soot.
Comments:
Slightly lactic, but it’s got the characteristic motor exhaust note, and plenty of peat and soot. Water brings out more fruity and a peppery spiciness. I don’t always get to try a new whisky from Springbank distillery, quite pleased with this.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Campbeltown
Bright gold
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, white grapes, yoghurt, orange peel, honey, smoke, white pepper, hints of cloves. With water, white pepper, orange peel, peat, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. White grapes, white pepper, peat, smoke, autumn leaves, grapefruit, malted grains, hints of petrol exhaust. With water, white pepper, petrol exhaust, white grapes, peat.
Finish: Long. Petrol exhaust, autumn leaves, white pepper, soot.
Comments:
Slightly lactic, but it’s got the characteristic motor exhaust note, and plenty of peat and soot. Water brings out more fruity and a peppery spiciness. I don’t always get to try a new whisky from Springbank distillery, quite pleased with this.
Verdict:
I like this.
Aultmore 15yo 2009/2024
Aultmore 15yo 2009/2024
Hogshead Imports
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Strawberry laces, cream, cherry blossom, parchment, salt caramel, hints of toffee.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, warm, volatile.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Salt caramel, toffee, dates, raisins, parchment, black tea, hints of cherry blossom.
Finish: Medium. Salt caramel, raisins, malted grains, dates.
Comments:
Sherried and sweet, with a nice floral, slightly papery top note. It’s sticky toffee pudding on the tongue, together with more of that floral sweetness. A very nice dram indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Hogshead Imports
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Strawberry laces, cream, cherry blossom, parchment, salt caramel, hints of toffee.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, warm, volatile.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Salt caramel, toffee, dates, raisins, parchment, black tea, hints of cherry blossom.
Finish: Medium. Salt caramel, raisins, malted grains, dates.
Comments:
Sherried and sweet, with a nice floral, slightly papery top note. It’s sticky toffee pudding on the tongue, together with more of that floral sweetness. A very nice dram indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Bernheim Original 7yo Small Batch
Bernheim Original 7yo Small Batch
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber brown
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, brown paper, caramel, chocolate, golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, slippery, expands, loosens.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Brown paper, caramel, desiccated coconut, walnut skins, cola nuts, milk.
Finish: Medium. Milk, golden syrup, walnut skins, brown paper.
Comments:
Easy drinking, session bourbon, with some interesting lactic notes. It’s creamy and rich, pleasant to drink and at a reasonable strength too.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber brown
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, brown paper, caramel, chocolate, golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, slippery, expands, loosens.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Brown paper, caramel, desiccated coconut, walnut skins, cola nuts, milk.
Finish: Medium. Milk, golden syrup, walnut skins, brown paper.
Comments:
Easy drinking, session bourbon, with some interesting lactic notes. It’s creamy and rich, pleasant to drink and at a reasonable strength too.
Verdict:
I like this.
Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Scapa 28yo 1993/2022 Distillery Exclusive
Scapa 28yo 1993/2022 Distillery Exclusive
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Sunshine yellow
57.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mangoes, peaches, winter melons, lemon zest, icing sugar, cinnamon. With water, raisins, honey, mangoes, hints of sandalwood.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Sour salty. Mangoes, peaches, lemon zest, peat, sea salt, cinnamon, white pepper, hints of malted grains. With water, lemon zest, icing sugar, sandalwood, hints of peat.
Finish: Long. Lemon juice, icing sugar, cinnamon, sea salt.
Comments:
Citrusy and fruity, and with a dusty sweet note that reminds me of icing sugar. Water brings out spicy herbal fragrances, almost perfumed, but also peat. An excellent dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Sunshine yellow
57.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mangoes, peaches, winter melons, lemon zest, icing sugar, cinnamon. With water, raisins, honey, mangoes, hints of sandalwood.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Sour salty. Mangoes, peaches, lemon zest, peat, sea salt, cinnamon, white pepper, hints of malted grains. With water, lemon zest, icing sugar, sandalwood, hints of peat.
Finish: Long. Lemon juice, icing sugar, cinnamon, sea salt.
Comments:
Citrusy and fruity, and with a dusty sweet note that reminds me of icing sugar. Water brings out spicy herbal fragrances, almost perfumed, but also peat. An excellent dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
The Hearach Batch 1.8
The Hearach Batch 1.8
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Golden bronze
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: White grapes, sultanas, smoke, tyre rubber, olive brine, lemon juice.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Soot, smoke, white grapes, sultanas, pencil erasers, olive brine, walnut skins, hints of diesel exhaust.
Finish: Long. Soot, diesel exhaust, peat, smoke, sultanas.
Comments:
Sooty and smoky, yet fruity with savoury notes. It’s well integrated and delicately layered, excellent for its young age, and one of the first releases from this distillery.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Golden bronze
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: White grapes, sultanas, smoke, tyre rubber, olive brine, lemon juice.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Soot, smoke, white grapes, sultanas, pencil erasers, olive brine, walnut skins, hints of diesel exhaust.
Finish: Long. Soot, diesel exhaust, peat, smoke, sultanas.
Comments:
Sooty and smoky, yet fruity with savoury notes. It’s well integrated and delicately layered, excellent for its young age, and one of the first releases from this distillery.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday, 26 April 2025
Arran 21st Anniversary Limited Edition
Arran 21st Anniversary Limited Edition
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Amber bronze
52.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Magic marker, pears, eucalyptus, menthol, raisins, malted grains, sea salt, hints of soot. With water, fresh baked bread, menthol, camphor, hints of pencil lead.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, mouth coating, astringent.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Pears, eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, raisins, dried apricots, black tea, sea salt. With water, fresh baked bread, dried apricots, menthol.
Finish: Medium. Walnut skins, camphor, black tea, eucalyptus.
Comments:
Quite herbal, with refreshing notes of menthol and eucalyptus, like liniment. But it’s also sweet and savoury, and water brings out dried fruit and cereally notes. Complex, layered, delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islands
Amber bronze
52.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Magic marker, pears, eucalyptus, menthol, raisins, malted grains, sea salt, hints of soot. With water, fresh baked bread, menthol, camphor, hints of pencil lead.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, mouth coating, astringent.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Pears, eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, raisins, dried apricots, black tea, sea salt. With water, fresh baked bread, dried apricots, menthol.
Finish: Medium. Walnut skins, camphor, black tea, eucalyptus.
Comments:
Quite herbal, with refreshing notes of menthol and eucalyptus, like liniment. But it’s also sweet and savoury, and water brings out dried fruit and cereally notes. Complex, layered, delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Mortlach 30yo for the Puritan Yacht
Mortlach 30yo for the Puritan Yacht
Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pears, gooseberries, malted grains, aluminium foil, raisins, toast, hints of roast beef.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, tingly, oily.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Butter, raisins, malted grains, aluminium foil, honey, toast, chocolate, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Aluminium foil, raisins, pears, toast, honey.
Comments:
A rich, mouth coating, textured dram, lots of typical fruit notes with a touch of the meatiness that characterises this distillery. There’s also some feinty aluminium foil, but that complements the sweetness rather than distracting from it.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Speyside
Dark gold
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pears, gooseberries, malted grains, aluminium foil, raisins, toast, hints of roast beef.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, tingly, oily.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Butter, raisins, malted grains, aluminium foil, honey, toast, chocolate, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Aluminium foil, raisins, pears, toast, honey.
Comments:
A rich, mouth coating, textured dram, lots of typical fruit notes with a touch of the meatiness that characterises this distillery. There’s also some feinty aluminium foil, but that complements the sweetness rather than distracting from it.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday, 25 April 2025
Reservoir Bourbon 2022 Batch 2
Reservoir Bourbon 2022 Batch 2
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Virginia
Amber
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, brown paper, popcorn, brown sugar, sawdust, vanilla, hints of white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Brown paper, popcorn, sawdust, fresh baked bread, caramel, vanilla, white pepper.
Finish: Medium. Toffee, caramel, brown paper, cinnamon, white pepper.
Comments:
A papery, dry bourbon, with plenty of woody notes as well. There’s plenty of caramel and bananas, but that’s as far as it goes. A session dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Virginia
Amber
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, brown paper, popcorn, brown sugar, sawdust, vanilla, hints of white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Brown paper, popcorn, sawdust, fresh baked bread, caramel, vanilla, white pepper.
Finish: Medium. Toffee, caramel, brown paper, cinnamon, white pepper.
Comments:
A papery, dry bourbon, with plenty of woody notes as well. There’s plenty of caramel and bananas, but that’s as far as it goes. A session dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Frysk Hinder 5yo 2019/2024
Frysk Hinder 5yo 2019/2024
Official bottling
Single malt - Friesland
Amber bronze
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, fresh baked bread, ginger, raisins, white pepper, yoghurt, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, static, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Malted grains, lemon zest, gooseberries, yoghurt, cinder toffee, hints of ginger.
Finish: Short. Cinder toffee, malted grains, lemon zest, white pepper.
Comments:
Cask 282. Red wine cask, but the wood is reasonably well integrated with the spirit. Burnt sugar and bready notes predominate, but there’s also some raisins and a warming ginger note. A pleasant dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Friesland
Amber bronze
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, fresh baked bread, ginger, raisins, white pepper, yoghurt, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, static, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Malted grains, lemon zest, gooseberries, yoghurt, cinder toffee, hints of ginger.
Finish: Short. Cinder toffee, malted grains, lemon zest, white pepper.
Comments:
Cask 282. Red wine cask, but the wood is reasonably well integrated with the spirit. Burnt sugar and bready notes predominate, but there’s also some raisins and a warming ginger note. A pleasant dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2024
Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2024
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
58.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, lemons, fresh cut grass, cinder toffee, malted grains, hints of vanilla. With water, cinder toffee, hay, rubber bands.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, volatile, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Yoghurt, cinder toffee, malted grains, vanilla, lemon zest, white pepper. With water, malted grains, hay, rubber bands.
Finish: Long. Cinder toffee, malted grains, lemon zest, white pepper.
Comments:
Funky and light, lots of citrus coupled with a burnt sugar, dark caramel note. Water brings out a sulphurous side, with notes of rubber band and musty hay. A reasonable dram given its young age.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
58.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, lemons, fresh cut grass, cinder toffee, malted grains, hints of vanilla. With water, cinder toffee, hay, rubber bands.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, volatile, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Yoghurt, cinder toffee, malted grains, vanilla, lemon zest, white pepper. With water, malted grains, hay, rubber bands.
Finish: Long. Cinder toffee, malted grains, lemon zest, white pepper.
Comments:
Funky and light, lots of citrus coupled with a burnt sugar, dark caramel note. Water brings out a sulphurous side, with notes of rubber band and musty hay. A reasonable dram given its young age.
Verdict:
I like this.
Ardnahoe Bholsa
Ardnahoe Bholsa
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Orange gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, orange juice, peaches, watermelons, peat, smoke, peanuts, autumn leaves, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Orange juice, watermelons, coffee, peaches, peat, smoke, germolene, pear drops, autumn leaves.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, orange juice, pears, peat, germolene.
Comments:
Citrusy and sweet, the peat is gentle with this one, although still there. It’s a delicious dram. I really enjoy Ardnahoe, it’s a great distillery and is a magical addition to an island that already makes great whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Orange gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, orange juice, peaches, watermelons, peat, smoke, peanuts, autumn leaves, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Orange juice, watermelons, coffee, peaches, peat, smoke, germolene, pear drops, autumn leaves.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, orange juice, pears, peat, germolene.
Comments:
Citrusy and sweet, the peat is gentle with this one, although still there. It’s a delicious dram. I really enjoy Ardnahoe, it’s a great distillery and is a magical addition to an island that already makes great whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber brown
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, raisins, corn syrup, popcorn, brown paper, cola bottles, black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Brown paper, walnuts, cola bottles, honey, cinnamon, corn syrup, hints of strawberry jam.
Finish: Medium. Popcorn, brown paper, parchment paper, cinnamon, popcorn.
Comments:
A rather good bourbon, sweet of course, but with complex notes of cola bottle sweets and a little darkness of walnuts. The top note is lightly sweet and reminds me of buttered popcorn.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber brown
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, raisins, corn syrup, popcorn, brown paper, cola bottles, black pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, expands, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Brown paper, walnuts, cola bottles, honey, cinnamon, corn syrup, hints of strawberry jam.
Finish: Medium. Popcorn, brown paper, parchment paper, cinnamon, popcorn.
Comments:
A rather good bourbon, sweet of course, but with complex notes of cola bottle sweets and a little darkness of walnuts. The top note is lightly sweet and reminds me of buttered popcorn.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday, 19 April 2025
Fettercairn 22yo 1998/2020
Fettercairn 22yo 1998/2020
Celebration of the Cask, Carn Mor
Single malt - East Highlands
Pale gold
56.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Gooseberries, lemon zest, magic marker, malted grains, white pepper, hints of camphor, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, gooseberries, cream, honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Malted grains, lemon zest, gooseberries, camphor, grapefruit, white pepper, hints of gentian. With water, vanilla, cream, malted grains, honey.
Finish: Short. White pepper, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Cask 3222. Fruity but with a bitter edge, lots of citrus and camphor. The finish doesn’t match the rest of the dram, a little short, although it’s peppery and citrusy.
Verdict:
I like this.
Celebration of the Cask, Carn Mor
Single malt - East Highlands
Pale gold
56.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Gooseberries, lemon zest, magic marker, malted grains, white pepper, hints of camphor, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, gooseberries, cream, honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Malted grains, lemon zest, gooseberries, camphor, grapefruit, white pepper, hints of gentian. With water, vanilla, cream, malted grains, honey.
Finish: Short. White pepper, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Cask 3222. Fruity but with a bitter edge, lots of citrus and camphor. The finish doesn’t match the rest of the dram, a little short, although it’s peppery and citrusy.
Verdict:
I like this.
Fettercairn 22yo
Fettercairn 22yo
Official bottling
Single malt - East Highlands
Dark gold
47% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, honey, malted grains, vanilla, caramel, rubber bands, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Pencil lead, white pepper, honey, rubber bands, leather, pears, gooseberries.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, pears, pencil lead, gooseberries, honey.
Comments:
Feinty and fragrant, lots of leather and rubber bands notes, but it’s well integrated with the fruity notes in the background. It all makes for a very complex, layered dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - East Highlands
Dark gold
47% ABV
Dram
Nose: Bananas, honey, malted grains, vanilla, caramel, rubber bands, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Pencil lead, white pepper, honey, rubber bands, leather, pears, gooseberries.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, pears, pencil lead, gooseberries, honey.
Comments:
Feinty and fragrant, lots of leather and rubber bands notes, but it’s well integrated with the fruity notes in the background. It all makes for a very complex, layered dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday, 17 April 2025
Starward 5yo 2019/2024
Starward 5yo 2019/2024
#14, The Heart Cut
Single malt - Victoria
Red
55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Chocolate, raisins, strawberry jam, magic marker, fresh baked bread, vanilla, white pepper. With water, strawberry jam, raisins, chocolate, hints of golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, loosens, hot.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Strawberry jam, blackcurrant cordial, white pepper, fresh baked bread, raisins, apricot jam, hints of marzipan, hints of brown butter. With water, raisins, marzipan, golden syrup, hints of brown butter.
Finish: Long. Strawberry jam, magic marker, marzipan, white pepper, blackcurrant cordial.
Comments:
Another red wine cask with high ABV, lots of fruit notes, but here it’s deeper, with flavours of butter and nuts. It takes water well, the buttery notes become more forward and intense. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
#14, The Heart Cut
Single malt - Victoria
Red
55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Chocolate, raisins, strawberry jam, magic marker, fresh baked bread, vanilla, white pepper. With water, strawberry jam, raisins, chocolate, hints of golden syrup.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, loosens, hot.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Strawberry jam, blackcurrant cordial, white pepper, fresh baked bread, raisins, apricot jam, hints of marzipan, hints of brown butter. With water, raisins, marzipan, golden syrup, hints of brown butter.
Finish: Long. Strawberry jam, magic marker, marzipan, white pepper, blackcurrant cordial.
Comments:
Another red wine cask with high ABV, lots of fruit notes, but here it’s deeper, with flavours of butter and nuts. It takes water well, the buttery notes become more forward and intense. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Starward 6yo 2018/2024
Starward 6yo 2018/2024
#15, The Heart Cut
Single malt - Victoria
Red
54% ABV
Dram
Nose: Strawberry laces, cherry blossom, fresh baked bread, lemon zest, black pepper, hints of raspberry jam. With water, malted grains, black pepper, cherry blossom.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, volatile.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, blackcurrant cordial, cherry blossom, vanilla, cola nuts, fresh baked bread, mint, hints of raspberry jam. With water, blackcurrant cordial, black pepper, hints of coffee.
Finish: Medium. Blackcurrant cordial, raspberry jam, strawberry laces, cherry blossom, mint.
Comments:
High ABV red wine cask, usually a recipe for disaster but in this case, it makes a very floral sweet whisky. Lots of interaction between the wood and the spirit, creating fruity and vanilla notes. Complex and layered.
Verdict:
I like this.
#15, The Heart Cut
Single malt - Victoria
Red
54% ABV
Dram
Nose: Strawberry laces, cherry blossom, fresh baked bread, lemon zest, black pepper, hints of raspberry jam. With water, malted grains, black pepper, cherry blossom.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, expands, volatile.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, blackcurrant cordial, cherry blossom, vanilla, cola nuts, fresh baked bread, mint, hints of raspberry jam. With water, blackcurrant cordial, black pepper, hints of coffee.
Finish: Medium. Blackcurrant cordial, raspberry jam, strawberry laces, cherry blossom, mint.
Comments:
High ABV red wine cask, usually a recipe for disaster but in this case, it makes a very floral sweet whisky. Lots of interaction between the wood and the spirit, creating fruity and vanilla notes. Complex and layered.
Verdict:
I like this.
Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique
Filey Bay Orange Wine Barrique
Official bottling
Single malt - Yorkshire
Official bottling
Single malt - Yorkshire
Orange amber
46.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, pencil erasers, pencil lead, raspberry jam, malted grains, vanilla, burnt sugar, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens slightly, mouth coating, tingly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Orange peel, malted grains, grapefruit, pencil lead, orange blossom, burnt sugar, raisins, hints of apricot jam.
Finish: Medium. Apricot jam, orange peel, orange blossom, grapefruit, hints of pencil lead.
Comments:
Rather orangey, despite the fact that orange wine refers to the colour, not the fruit. Perhaps the cask was seasoned, like Amrut Naarangi. Anyway, the flavours are well integrated and tend towards the gentle floral variety. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
46.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, pencil erasers, pencil lead, raspberry jam, malted grains, vanilla, burnt sugar, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens slightly, mouth coating, tingly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Orange peel, malted grains, grapefruit, pencil lead, orange blossom, burnt sugar, raisins, hints of apricot jam.
Finish: Medium. Apricot jam, orange peel, orange blossom, grapefruit, hints of pencil lead.
Comments:
Rather orangey, despite the fact that orange wine refers to the colour, not the fruit. Perhaps the cask was seasoned, like Amrut Naarangi. Anyway, the flavours are well integrated and tend towards the gentle floral variety. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Saturday, 12 April 2025
Smögen 10yo 2014/2024
Smögen 10yo 2014/2024
Decadent Drams, Decadent Drinks
Single malt - Bohuslän
Amber
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, pears, raisins, cloves, fresh cut grass, smoke, hints of fresh baked bread. With water, peat, smoke, pears.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Decadent Drams, Decadent Drinks
Single malt - Bohuslän
Amber
57.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, pears, raisins, cloves, fresh cut grass, smoke, hints of fresh baked bread. With water, peat, smoke, pears.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, volatile, loosens, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Peat, smoke, tarry rope, raisins, cloves, pears, malted grains, hints of vanilla, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, peat, smoke, lemon zest, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Peat, smoke, malted grains, pears, hints of tarry rope.
Comments:
Quite fruity, but of course it’s laden with huge layers of pear and smoke. But the fruit still comes through alongside some cereal. Water brings out more citrus and grassiness.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Peat, smoke, tarry rope, raisins, cloves, pears, malted grains, hints of vanilla, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, peat, smoke, lemon zest, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Peat, smoke, malted grains, pears, hints of tarry rope.
Comments:
Quite fruity, but of course it’s laden with huge layers of pear and smoke. But the fruit still comes through alongside some cereal. Water brings out more citrus and grassiness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Ardnamurchan Sherry Cask 2024
Ardnamurchan Sherry Cask 2024
Official bottling
Single malt - Western Highlands
Amber brown
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Coffee, raisins, dark chocolate, orange peel, malted grains, hints of roast beef, hints of driftwood smoke. With water, driftwood smoke, roast beef, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Malted grains, dark chocolate, orange peel, black pepper, fresh baked bread, hints of driftwood smoke. With water, coffee, dark chocolate, hints of roast beef.
Finish: Long. Walnut skins, coffee, black pepper, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Deep spicy notes with a lick of salty smoke that intensifies when water is added. On the tongue, water brings out even more bitterness, and the fragrance of coffee and chocolate.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Western Highlands
Amber brown
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Coffee, raisins, dark chocolate, orange peel, malted grains, hints of roast beef, hints of driftwood smoke. With water, driftwood smoke, roast beef, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Malted grains, dark chocolate, orange peel, black pepper, fresh baked bread, hints of driftwood smoke. With water, coffee, dark chocolate, hints of roast beef.
Finish: Long. Walnut skins, coffee, black pepper, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Deep spicy notes with a lick of salty smoke that intensifies when water is added. On the tongue, water brings out even more bitterness, and the fragrance of coffee and chocolate.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday, 7 April 2025
DYC 15yo
DYC 15yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Castile and León
Amber gold
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, tyre rubber, malted grains, pencil erasers, fresh cut grass, malted grains, white pepper, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Sour. Lemon zest, apple juice, pencil erasers, malted grains, honey, white pepper, nutmeg, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Long. Honey, raisins, apple juice, lemon zest, malted grains.
Comments:
Rather sulphurous and feinty, but there’s plenty of spicy notes underneath. It builds to a long, malty finish. It’s an interesting whisky, and different (not necessarily worse) to Scotch.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Castile and León
Amber gold
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, tyre rubber, malted grains, pencil erasers, fresh cut grass, malted grains, white pepper, nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Sour. Lemon zest, apple juice, pencil erasers, malted grains, honey, white pepper, nutmeg, hints of fresh baked bread.
Finish: Long. Honey, raisins, apple juice, lemon zest, malted grains.
Comments:
Rather sulphurous and feinty, but there’s plenty of spicy notes underneath. It builds to a long, malty finish. It’s an interesting whisky, and different (not necessarily worse) to Scotch.
Verdict:
I like this.
Brenne 10yo
Brenne 10yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Golden
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Magic marker, lemon zest, grapefruit, pomeloes, cinnamon, pencil erasers, hints of pencil lead.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. White grapes, sultanas, honey, fresh cut grass, cinnamon, pomeloes.
Finish: Medium. Cinnamon, lemon zest, grapefruit, sultanas, hints of damson jam.
Comments:
Citrusy and feinty, also some esters. Good jammy notes on the finish as well, although there’s a hint of bitterness that reminds me of grapefruit. This is not the same as the early Brennes I tried. It’s much better.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Golden
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Magic marker, lemon zest, grapefruit, pomeloes, cinnamon, pencil erasers, hints of pencil lead.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. White grapes, sultanas, honey, fresh cut grass, cinnamon, pomeloes.
Finish: Medium. Cinnamon, lemon zest, grapefruit, sultanas, hints of damson jam.
Comments:
Citrusy and feinty, also some esters. Good jammy notes on the finish as well, although there’s a hint of bitterness that reminds me of grapefruit. This is not the same as the early Brennes I tried. It’s much better.
Verdict:
I like this.
EM&C Classic 4yo 2017/2021
EM&C Classic 4yo 2017/2021
Official bottling
Single malt - Buenos Aires
Official bottling
Single malt - Buenos Aires
Very pale gold
43% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, damson jam, magic marker, cream, malted grains, photocopy paper, hints of rye bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, volatile.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Damson jam, apricots, magic marker, pears, photocopy paper, brown paper, ink, hints of malted grains.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, malted grains, photocopy paper, lemon zest, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Estery and cereally, rather light. It’s not very sweet, surprisingly, and has some harsh edges. Still, for a 4 year old it’s quite complex, and interesting.
Verdict:
I like this.
43% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, damson jam, magic marker, cream, malted grains, photocopy paper, hints of rye bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, volatile.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Damson jam, apricots, magic marker, pears, photocopy paper, brown paper, ink, hints of malted grains.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, malted grains, photocopy paper, lemon zest, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Estery and cereally, rather light. It’s not very sweet, surprisingly, and has some harsh edges. Still, for a 4 year old it’s quite complex, and interesting.
Verdict:
I like this.
La Alazana Single Malt
La Alazana Single Malt
Official bottling
Single malt - Chubut
White wine
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Green apples, malted grains, lemon zest, vanilla, white pepper, grapefruit, hints of cream.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens slightly, warm, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Green apples, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh baked bread, fresh cut grass, grapefruit, hints of wheat beer.
Finish: Medium. Green apples, wheat beer, lemon zest, fresh baked bread, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Been chasing this whisky for years. It’s rather nice, lots of green apples, and a bitter citrusy bite. It’s also got some nice cereally notes, altogether impressive for something made in a non-traditional whisky country.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Chubut
White wine
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Green apples, malted grains, lemon zest, vanilla, white pepper, grapefruit, hints of cream.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens slightly, warm, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Green apples, malted grains, lemon zest, fresh baked bread, fresh cut grass, grapefruit, hints of wheat beer.
Finish: Medium. Green apples, wheat beer, lemon zest, fresh baked bread, hints of white pepper.
Comments:
Been chasing this whisky for years. It’s rather nice, lots of green apples, and a bitter citrusy bite. It’s also got some nice cereally notes, altogether impressive for something made in a non-traditional whisky country.
Verdict:
I like this.
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
Glen Keith 30yo 1991/2020
Glen Keith 30yo 1991/2020
Cask Strength Collection, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Golden brown
50.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Camphor, honey, oak, raisins, white pepper, sandalwood, white grapes, hints of hay. With water, apricot jam, gooseberries, hints of tyre rubber.
Mouthfeel: Medium, expands, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Honey, raisins, cough syrup, brown butter, white grapes, sandalwood, fresh cut grass, white pepper. With water, camphor, sandalwood, gooseberries, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Long. Sea salt, white grapes, white pepper, brown butter, hints of apricot jam.
Comments:
Cask 73658. Herbal, grassy and honeyed. Water brings out fruity, jammy notes. It’s still grassy on the tongue as well as the nose. Beautiful long finish.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Cask Strength Collection, Signatory
Single malt - Speyside
Golden brown
50.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Camphor, honey, oak, raisins, white pepper, sandalwood, white grapes, hints of hay. With water, apricot jam, gooseberries, hints of tyre rubber.
Mouthfeel: Medium, expands, tingly, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Honey, raisins, cough syrup, brown butter, white grapes, sandalwood, fresh cut grass, white pepper. With water, camphor, sandalwood, gooseberries, hints of white pepper.
Finish: Long. Sea salt, white grapes, white pepper, brown butter, hints of apricot jam.
Comments:
Cask 73658. Herbal, grassy and honeyed. Water brings out fruity, jammy notes. It’s still grassy on the tongue as well as the nose. Beautiful long finish.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Glen Keith 27yo 1992/2020
Glen Keith 27yo 1992/2020
Spirits Shop Selection, Sansibar
Single malt - Speyside
Buttercups
48.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pear drops, clay dust, white pepper, apricot jam, white grapes, honey, hints of sarsaparilla, hints of lilies.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Clay dust, vanilla, honey, apricot jam, fresh baked bread, lilies, sarsaparilla, gooseberries, white pepper.
Finish: Long. Hay, clay dust, white pepper, lilies, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Fruity, slightly dusty, with herbal, jammy notes. It’s very floral, especially on the tongue. Many layered and complex, a great whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Spirits Shop Selection, Sansibar
Single malt - Speyside
Buttercups
48.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pear drops, clay dust, white pepper, apricot jam, white grapes, honey, hints of sarsaparilla, hints of lilies.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Clay dust, vanilla, honey, apricot jam, fresh baked bread, lilies, sarsaparilla, gooseberries, white pepper.
Finish: Long. Hay, clay dust, white pepper, lilies, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Fruity, slightly dusty, with herbal, jammy notes. It’s very floral, especially on the tongue. Many layered and complex, a great whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Glendalough 7yo Mizunara Cask
Glendalough 7yo Mizunara Cask
Official bottling
Single malt - Leinster
Orange gold
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mangoes, papayas, tyre rubber, pencil erasers, magic marker, pear drops, hints of soot.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, volatile.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Black pepper, fresh baked bread, pencil erasers, mangoes, papayas, white grapes, walnut skins.
Finish: Medium. Papayas, lemon zest, mangoes, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Fruity, but rather sulphurous. There’s a bitter, sooty edge that is apparent on the finish and towards the back of the palate. It builds to a nice cereally finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Leinster
Orange gold
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Mangoes, papayas, tyre rubber, pencil erasers, magic marker, pear drops, hints of soot.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, volatile.
Tasting: Bitter sour. Black pepper, fresh baked bread, pencil erasers, mangoes, papayas, white grapes, walnut skins.
Finish: Medium. Papayas, lemon zest, mangoes, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
Fruity, but rather sulphurous. There’s a bitter, sooty edge that is apparent on the finish and towards the back of the palate. It builds to a nice cereally finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Sunday, 30 March 2025
Whitlaw 2019 (Private Cask Sample)
Whitlaw 2019 (Private Cask Sample)
Private cask sample
Single malt - Islands
Amber
64.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, fresh cut grass, malted grains, toffee, white pepper, hints of smoke. With water, peat, raisins, orange juice.
Private cask sample
Single malt - Islands
Amber
64.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, fresh cut grass, malted grains, toffee, white pepper, hints of smoke. With water, peat, raisins, orange juice.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Peat, autumn leaves, malted grains, toffee, orange juice, cucumbers, hints of smoke. With water, autumn leaves, clay dust, toffee, peat.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Peat, autumn leaves, malted grains, toffee, orange juice, cucumbers, hints of smoke. With water, autumn leaves, clay dust, toffee, peat.
Finish: Medium. Toffee, malted grains, orange juice, peat.
Comments:
Thank you SM. Citrusy, and slightly smoky, with an earthy layer that I like in Highland Park. There’s some dustiness as well, which is surprising given the age, that improves with water. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Comments:
Thank you SM. Citrusy, and slightly smoky, with an earthy layer that I like in Highland Park. There’s some dustiness as well, which is surprising given the age, that improves with water. Very nice indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Macduff 2009 (Private Cask Sample)
Macduff 2009 (Private Cask Sample)
Private Cask Sample
Single malt - Speyside
Amber pink
62.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cinder toffee, burnt sugar, strawberry jam, blackberries, tyre rubber, cream. With water, cream, yoghurt, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, hot, oily.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, blackberries, cinder toffee, cream, fresh cut grass, malted grains. With water, malted grains, yoghurt, tyre rubber, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, blackberries, malted grains, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Thank you SM. Spent time in a bourbon cask and almost as long in a Chateau de Palmer wine cask. Quite fruity and mild, but with a little edge of burnt sugar and rubber. Complex and interesting.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Private Cask Sample
Single malt - Speyside
Amber pink
62.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cinder toffee, burnt sugar, strawberry jam, blackberries, tyre rubber, cream. With water, cream, yoghurt, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, hot, oily.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon zest, blackberries, cinder toffee, cream, fresh cut grass, malted grains. With water, malted grains, yoghurt, tyre rubber, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, blackberries, malted grains, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Thank you SM. Spent time in a bourbon cask and almost as long in a Chateau de Palmer wine cask. Quite fruity and mild, but with a little edge of burnt sugar and rubber. Complex and interesting.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday, 28 March 2025
Pelter 5yo Batch 3
Pelter 5yo Batch 3
Official bottling
Single malt - Northern District
Dark gold
53% ABV
Dram
Nose: Gooseberries, lemon zest, malted grains, white pepper, fresh cut grass, white grapes. With water, pears, magic marker, malted grains, hints of fresh baked bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Magic marker, gooseberries, malted grains, pears, white grapes, hints of cloves. With water, white pepper, lemon zest, malted grains, magic marker.
Finish: Short. Magic marker, lemon zest, gooseberries, white grapes.
Comments:
Light fruity notes, lots of pears, grapes and a grassy character underneath. This distillery uses a cognac / charentais still, the distillate is predisposed to a light fruity character apparently. This is quite decent.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Northern District
Dark gold
53% ABV
Dram
Nose: Gooseberries, lemon zest, malted grains, white pepper, fresh cut grass, white grapes. With water, pears, magic marker, malted grains, hints of fresh baked bread.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Magic marker, gooseberries, malted grains, pears, white grapes, hints of cloves. With water, white pepper, lemon zest, malted grains, magic marker.
Finish: Short. Magic marker, lemon zest, gooseberries, white grapes.
Comments:
Light fruity notes, lots of pears, grapes and a grassy character underneath. This distillery uses a cognac / charentais still, the distillate is predisposed to a light fruity character apparently. This is quite decent.
Verdict:
I like this.
Anohka This Is Not Whisky
Anohka This Is Not Whisky
Official bottling
Single malt - Alberta
Very pale gold
57.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Smoke, peat, lemon juice, lime zest, honey, marmalade, hints of diesel exhaust. With water, lime zest, lemon juice, smoke, cucumbers.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Sour salty. Lime zest, marmalade, smoke, peat, grapefruit, photocopy paper, sea salt, smoke, peat. With water, sea salt, lime zest, hints of roast chicken.
Finish: Long. Autumn leaves, peat, smoke, lime zest, grapefruit.
Comments:
Tried this on a whim, very positively surprised. It’s rather like a very youthful Ardnahoe, definitely the same style of whisky. Peaty, smoky and citrusy, grapefruit and limes forever.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Alberta
Very pale gold
57.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Smoke, peat, lemon juice, lime zest, honey, marmalade, hints of diesel exhaust. With water, lime zest, lemon juice, smoke, cucumbers.
Mouthfeel: Light body, volatile, hot, tingly.
Tasting: Sour salty. Lime zest, marmalade, smoke, peat, grapefruit, photocopy paper, sea salt, smoke, peat. With water, sea salt, lime zest, hints of roast chicken.
Finish: Long. Autumn leaves, peat, smoke, lime zest, grapefruit.
Comments:
Tried this on a whim, very positively surprised. It’s rather like a very youthful Ardnahoe, definitely the same style of whisky. Peaty, smoky and citrusy, grapefruit and limes forever.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Hardenberg Club Straight Rye Whiskey
Hardenberg Club Straight Rye Whiskey
Official bottling
Single rye - Lower Saxony
Amber
42.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, fresh cut grass, tarragon, black pepper, honey, strawberry jam, hints of black pepper, hints of cucumbers.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Orange juice, honey, black pepper, fresh baked bread, tarragon, cinnamon.
Finish: Medium. Honey, strawberry jam, fresh cut grass, tarragon, hints of cinnamon.
Comments:
Grassy and light, quite unlike other ryes I’ve tried. Lots of orange notes, and plenty of tarragon, an unusual whisky tasting note for me. It fades to a good jammy herbal finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single rye - Lower Saxony
Amber
42.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, fresh cut grass, tarragon, black pepper, honey, strawberry jam, hints of black pepper, hints of cucumbers.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Orange juice, honey, black pepper, fresh baked bread, tarragon, cinnamon.
Finish: Medium. Honey, strawberry jam, fresh cut grass, tarragon, hints of cinnamon.
Comments:
Grassy and light, quite unlike other ryes I’ve tried. Lots of orange notes, and plenty of tarragon, an unusual whisky tasting note for me. It fades to a good jammy herbal finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
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