Peerless 5yo Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Dark amber
57.05% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, vanilla, toast, hints of blueberries. With water, brown paper, cinnamon, gingerbread, honey.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, loosens, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Black tea, nutmeg, black pepper, honey, raisins, orange peel, hints of blueberries. With water, gingerbread, honey, black pepper, brown paper.
Finish: Short. Blueberries, black tea, black pepper, cinnamon, honey.
Comments:
A very spicy rye, lots of heat and fragrant notes, but once water is added, it turns gingery and sweet. Perhaps a little over proof, but that’s nothing a few drops of water won’t fix. Peerless does good whisky indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Tuesday 27 September 2022
Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17yo
Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17yo
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Red
59.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cinnamon, quinine, raisins, ginseng, golden syrup, vanilla, orange peel, hints of brown paper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, airy.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Vanilla custard, eggnog, orange peel, ginseng, golden syrup, blackcurrant cordial, buttered toast.
Finish: Long. Buttered toast, vanilla custard, quinine, orange peel, hints of eggnog.
Comments:
Sweet and intense, but also buttery (always the sign of a bourbon I will enjoy). There’s also a fruity note, offset somehow by a bitter herbal note. This is the sort of complexity I enjoy, and that I rarely find in bourbon.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Red
59.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cinnamon, quinine, raisins, ginseng, golden syrup, vanilla, orange peel, hints of brown paper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, airy.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Vanilla custard, eggnog, orange peel, ginseng, golden syrup, blackcurrant cordial, buttered toast.
Finish: Long. Buttered toast, vanilla custard, quinine, orange peel, hints of eggnog.
Comments:
Sweet and intense, but also buttery (always the sign of a bourbon I will enjoy). There’s also a fruity note, offset somehow by a bitter herbal note. This is the sort of complexity I enjoy, and that I rarely find in bourbon.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Drumblade 10yo 2008/2019
Drumblade 10yo 2008/2019
Dimensions, Duncan Taylor
Teaspooned malt - Lowlands
Green gold
54.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon sweets, yoghurt, brass polish, honey, golden syrup, overripe figs, hints of white pepper. With water, barley sugar, lemon sweets, malted grains, olive oil, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, expands, loosens.
Dimensions, Duncan Taylor
Teaspooned malt - Lowlands
Green gold
54.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon sweets, yoghurt, brass polish, honey, golden syrup, overripe figs, hints of white pepper. With water, barley sugar, lemon sweets, malted grains, olive oil, white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, expands, loosens.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon sweets, pineapples, golden syrup, white pepper, gingerbread, hints of butterscotch. With water, lemon sweets, olive oil, malted grains, hints f tomato purée.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, yoghurt, pineapples, white pepper, hints of peaches.
Comments:
Cask 14900062. Drumblade is teaspooned Alisa Bay. It’s got a sweet, slightly peppery flavour, like olive oil. Water brings this note forward. It’s also got heaps of citrus. Quite tasty, and rather unique.
Verdict:
I like this.
Finish: Medium. Lemon sweets, yoghurt, pineapples, white pepper, hints of peaches.
Comments:
Cask 14900062. Drumblade is teaspooned Alisa Bay. It’s got a sweet, slightly peppery flavour, like olive oil. Water brings this note forward. It’s also got heaps of citrus. Quite tasty, and rather unique.
Verdict:
I like this.
Peerless Single Barrel 5yo Bourbon Whiskey
Peerless Single Barrel 5yo Bourbon Whiskey
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber red
56.05% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, brown paper, raisins, strawberry laces, cloves, marshmallows, hints of nutmeg. With water, buttered toast, milk chocolate, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber red
56.05% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, brown paper, raisins, strawberry laces, cloves, marshmallows, hints of nutmeg. With water, buttered toast, milk chocolate, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, tingly, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet. Bananas, blackcurrant cordial, marshmallows, buttered toast, brown paper, strawberry laces. With water, marshmallows, strawberry laces, milk chocolate.
Finish: Medium. Strawberry laces, blackcurrant cordial, raisins, brown paper.
Comments:
Lot B170411103. Sweet and fruity, it’s been aged well in good wood. Quite buttery, which I like in a bourbon. Complex spicy flavours overlay some chocolatey malt. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Finish: Medium. Strawberry laces, blackcurrant cordial, raisins, brown paper.
Comments:
Lot B170411103. Sweet and fruity, it’s been aged well in good wood. Quite buttery, which I like in a bourbon. Complex spicy flavours overlay some chocolatey malt. Very pleasant indeed.
Verdict:
I like this.
Masthouse Single Malt
Masthouse Single Malt
Official bottling
Single malt - Kent
Pale gold
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, milk chocolate, vanilla sponge, custard, hints of cinnamon, hints of eggnog.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, warm, expands slightly, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet. Malted grains, honey, milk chocolate, cinnamon, pears, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Short. Honey, malted grains, autumn leaves, heather, pears.
Comments:
Floral, well-defined flavours, with a heavy dose of maltiness. It’s quite sweet, and according to the person who shared, only just old enough to be whisky. It’s quite promising for its age, and a few more years should turn it into something very interesting.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Kent
Pale gold
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, milk chocolate, vanilla sponge, custard, hints of cinnamon, hints of eggnog.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, warm, expands slightly, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet. Malted grains, honey, milk chocolate, cinnamon, pears, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Short. Honey, malted grains, autumn leaves, heather, pears.
Comments:
Floral, well-defined flavours, with a heavy dose of maltiness. It’s quite sweet, and according to the person who shared, only just old enough to be whisky. It’s quite promising for its age, and a few more years should turn it into something very interesting.
Verdict:
I like this.
Friday 23 September 2022
Laphroaig 32yo
Laphroaig 32yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Golden brown
46.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, pencil erasers, tyres, leather, smoke, graphite, honey, orange peel, dark chocolate, hints of quinine.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, oily, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Pencil erasers, sea salt, tyres, leather, smoke, kelp, quinine, dark chocolate, peat.
Finish: Long. Kelp, quinine, pencil erasers, peat, smoke, graphite.
Comments:
There’s a lactic note on the nose of this whisky that clashes slightly with the sulphurous smoky orange and chocolate notes that otherwise dominate. On the tongue it’s rather more savoury and feinty, turning into flinty graphite. Excellent, intense and complex.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Golden brown
46.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, pencil erasers, tyres, leather, smoke, graphite, honey, orange peel, dark chocolate, hints of quinine.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, oily, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Pencil erasers, sea salt, tyres, leather, smoke, kelp, quinine, dark chocolate, peat.
Finish: Long. Kelp, quinine, pencil erasers, peat, smoke, graphite.
Comments:
There’s a lactic note on the nose of this whisky that clashes slightly with the sulphurous smoky orange and chocolate notes that otherwise dominate. On the tongue it’s rather more savoury and feinty, turning into flinty graphite. Excellent, intense and complex.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Lagavulin 12yo Pure Malt (SC 803) 1970s bottle
Lagavulin 12yo Pure Malt (SC 803) 1970s bottle
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Amber bronze
42.8% ABV (75 proof)
Dram
Nose: Toffee, blackcurrant cordial, coffee, dark chocolate, leather, pu erh tea, oyster shells, hints of orange peel, hints of driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, cool, thickens slightly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Blackcurrant cordial, coffee, orange peel, honey, barley sugar, oyster shells, peat, hints of damson jam, hints of driftwood smoke.
Finish: Short. Pu erh tea, lohan fruit, peat, leather, coffee.
Comments:
A rare old White Horse Distillers bottle. Sweet and smoky, with a maritime edge, this makes me wonder why they sherry age Lagavulin 16 these days, if the original distillate is so sweet. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Amber bronze
42.8% ABV (75 proof)
Dram
Nose: Toffee, blackcurrant cordial, coffee, dark chocolate, leather, pu erh tea, oyster shells, hints of orange peel, hints of driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, cool, thickens slightly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Blackcurrant cordial, coffee, orange peel, honey, barley sugar, oyster shells, peat, hints of damson jam, hints of driftwood smoke.
Finish: Short. Pu erh tea, lohan fruit, peat, leather, coffee.
Comments:
A rare old White Horse Distillers bottle. Sweet and smoky, with a maritime edge, this makes me wonder why they sherry age Lagavulin 16 these days, if the original distillate is so sweet. Very good indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Port Ellen 18yo 1979/1988
Port Ellen 18yo 1979/1988
Cask Strength, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Islay
Golden
61.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Grapefruit, dates, fish sauce, smoke, lemon juice, pomeloes, blueberries, fresh cut grass, white pepper. With water, grapefruit, pomeloes, white pepper, fish sauce.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, volatile, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Smoke, blueberries, fresh cut grass, white pepper, dates, green tea, leather, peat. With water, pomeloes, grapefruit, green tea, white pepper, candle wax.
Finish: Short. White pepper, dates, green tea, pomeloes, candle wax.
Comments:
Tasting a Port Ellen is a rare treat these days, of course. This one is citrusy and savoury, with a peppery, smoky edge. It’s not like others I’ve had, the smoke is rather restrained and gentle. It’s ‘lickable smoke’, as a fellow taster put it.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Cask Strength, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Islay
Golden
61.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Grapefruit, dates, fish sauce, smoke, lemon juice, pomeloes, blueberries, fresh cut grass, white pepper. With water, grapefruit, pomeloes, white pepper, fish sauce.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, volatile, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Smoke, blueberries, fresh cut grass, white pepper, dates, green tea, leather, peat. With water, pomeloes, grapefruit, green tea, white pepper, candle wax.
Finish: Short. White pepper, dates, green tea, pomeloes, candle wax.
Comments:
Tasting a Port Ellen is a rare treat these days, of course. This one is citrusy and savoury, with a peppery, smoky edge. It’s not like others I’ve had, the smoke is rather restrained and gentle. It’s ‘lickable smoke’, as a fellow taster put it.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Lagavulin 28yo 1991/2019 Prima & Ultima
Lagavulin 28yo 1991/2019 Prima & Ultima
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Silvery gold
50.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast beef, oyster shells, smoke, fresh cut grass, leather, honey, vanilla custard, driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Fresh cut grass, driftwood smoke, honey, butterscotch, vanilla custard, hints of roast beef.
Finish: Medium. Vanilla custard, honey, leather, oyster shells, hints of driftwood smoke.
Comments:
A strangely gentle Lagavulin, meaty and sweet. Lots of typical salty driftwood smoke appear on the nose, before it turns sweet again on the tongue. Highly complex, yet restrained. Amazing stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Silvery gold
50.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Roast beef, oyster shells, smoke, fresh cut grass, leather, honey, vanilla custard, driftwood smoke.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Fresh cut grass, driftwood smoke, honey, butterscotch, vanilla custard, hints of roast beef.
Finish: Medium. Vanilla custard, honey, leather, oyster shells, hints of driftwood smoke.
Comments:
A strangely gentle Lagavulin, meaty and sweet. Lots of typical salty driftwood smoke appear on the nose, before it turns sweet again on the tongue. Highly complex, yet restrained. Amazing stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Caol Ila 20yo 150th Anniversary
Caol Ila 20yo 150th Anniversary
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Chinese tea
57.86% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honeydew melons, lohan fruit, soy sauce, leather, five spice powder, mint, candied oranges. With water, smoke, honey, leather, hay.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, hot, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Smoke, peat, five spice powder, honey, barley sugar, candied oranges, moss, hints of leather. With water, hay, fresh cut grass, moss, smoke, honey.
Finish: Long. Oyster shells, leather, honeydew melons, lohan fruit, soy sauce.
Comments:
Amazing distillery-only bottling. Lots of the classic Caol Ila soy sauce, but also heavy sweet notes of oranges and honeydew. It’s unctuous and thick, luxurious on the tongue. Utterly delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Islay
Chinese tea
57.86% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honeydew melons, lohan fruit, soy sauce, leather, five spice powder, mint, candied oranges. With water, smoke, honey, leather, hay.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, thickens, hot, syrupy.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Smoke, peat, five spice powder, honey, barley sugar, candied oranges, moss, hints of leather. With water, hay, fresh cut grass, moss, smoke, honey.
Finish: Long. Oyster shells, leather, honeydew melons, lohan fruit, soy sauce.
Comments:
Amazing distillery-only bottling. Lots of the classic Caol Ila soy sauce, but also heavy sweet notes of oranges and honeydew. It’s unctuous and thick, luxurious on the tongue. Utterly delicious.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Bunnahabhain 26yo 1989/2015
Bunnahabhain 26yo 1989/2015 (ECW bottle)
Single Cask, Berry Bros & Rudd
Single malt - Islay
Green gold
43.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, sour cream, onions, fresh cut grass, honey, butterscotch, hints of orange blossom.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Sour cream, butterscotch, fresh cut grass, leather, sea salt, orange blossom.
Finish: Medium. Leather, orange peel, butterscotch, salt caramel, hints of onions.
Comments:
This whisky smells like sour cream and onion Pringles! On the tongue, it still has that sour cream note but it changes to grassy buttery notes. It’s quite gently peated, and even those gentle notes fade quite quickly.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Single Cask, Berry Bros & Rudd
Single malt - Islay
Green gold
43.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, sour cream, onions, fresh cut grass, honey, butterscotch, hints of orange blossom.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Sour cream, butterscotch, fresh cut grass, leather, sea salt, orange blossom.
Finish: Medium. Leather, orange peel, butterscotch, salt caramel, hints of onions.
Comments:
This whisky smells like sour cream and onion Pringles! On the tongue, it still has that sour cream note but it changes to grassy buttery notes. It’s quite gently peated, and even those gentle notes fade quite quickly.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Ledaig 1973
Ledaig 1973
Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Islands
Amber gold
Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & Macphail
Single malt - Islands
Amber gold
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, toffee, candied oranges, black tea, salt caramel, leather, ginger, cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, cool, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Toffee, sea salt, leather, roast chicken, candied oranges, soy sauce, peat, hints of smoke.
Finish: Long. Soy sauce, roast chicken, candied oranges, cloves, cinnamon.
Comments:
I never knew that whiskies were peated to enhance mouthfeel. This NAS whisky is a good example, it’s luxurious and meaty, but not so classically peaty. There’s an intensity and richness about it that is really alluring.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Dram
Nose: Honey, toffee, candied oranges, black tea, salt caramel, leather, ginger, cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, cool, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Toffee, sea salt, leather, roast chicken, candied oranges, soy sauce, peat, hints of smoke.
Finish: Long. Soy sauce, roast chicken, candied oranges, cloves, cinnamon.
Comments:
I never knew that whiskies were peated to enhance mouthfeel. This NAS whisky is a good example, it’s luxurious and meaty, but not so classically peaty. There’s an intensity and richness about it that is really alluring.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Ardmore 32yo 1988/2021
Ardmore 32yo 1988/2021
The Nectar, Daily Drams
Single malt - Speyside
Silvery yellow
47.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Rhubarb and custard sweets, sapodilla, brass polish, cedar, mint, liquorice, hints of beef broth.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, thickens slightly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Mint, liquorice, sapodilla, beef broth, pears, leather, lemon sweets, lemongrass, peat, hints of cedar.
Finish: Short. Rhubarb and custard sweets, leather, pears, peat, hints of lemongrass.
Comments:
Complex, yet balanced, this Ardmore is highly restrained in terms of peatiness. There’s plenty of complexity in the sweet notes alone, and a meaty savouriness as well. It’s an excellent whisky, one of the best Ardmores I have ever tasted.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
The Nectar, Daily Drams
Single malt - Speyside
Silvery yellow
47.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Rhubarb and custard sweets, sapodilla, brass polish, cedar, mint, liquorice, hints of beef broth.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, warm, thickens slightly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Mint, liquorice, sapodilla, beef broth, pears, leather, lemon sweets, lemongrass, peat, hints of cedar.
Finish: Short. Rhubarb and custard sweets, leather, pears, peat, hints of lemongrass.
Comments:
Complex, yet balanced, this Ardmore is highly restrained in terms of peatiness. There’s plenty of complexity in the sweet notes alone, and a meaty savouriness as well. It’s an excellent whisky, one of the best Ardmores I have ever tasted.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Highland Park 23yo 1998/2021 (for LMDW)
Highland Park 23yo 1998/2021 (for LMDW)
Unchillfiltered, Signatory
Single malt - Islands
Silvery gold
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, honeydew melons, vanilla sponge, white chocolate, preserved lemons, hints of green tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Leather, preserved lemons, peat, lemon zest, green tea, jasmine, cloves, hints of white chocolate.
Finish: Medium. Green tea, jasmine, honeydew melons, peat, hints of white grapes.
Comments:
A tart and rather gentle Highland Park, lots of citrus, including salty citrus, but also a lot of floral, sweet notes. The peat is earthy and gentle, almost lickable. Some edges of soice complete the picture.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Unchillfiltered, Signatory
Single malt - Islands
Silvery gold
48% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, honeydew melons, vanilla sponge, white chocolate, preserved lemons, hints of green tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Leather, preserved lemons, peat, lemon zest, green tea, jasmine, cloves, hints of white chocolate.
Finish: Medium. Green tea, jasmine, honeydew melons, peat, hints of white grapes.
Comments:
A tart and rather gentle Highland Park, lots of citrus, including salty citrus, but also a lot of floral, sweet notes. The peat is earthy and gentle, almost lickable. Some edges of soice complete the picture.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Bunnahabhain 32yo 1990/2022
Bunnahabhain 32yo 1990/2022
The Kinship Edition, Hunter Laing
Single malt - Islay
Pale gold
46.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, salt caramel, orange peel, kelp, dashi, iodine, five spice powder, moss, hints of gas.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, turns watery around the edges, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Salt caramel, orange peel, five spice powder, honey, vanilla, iodine, pomegranate molasses.
Finish: Long. Five spice powder, kelp, vanilla, pomegranate molasses, moss.
Comments:
A gentle, only very slightly peaty Bunnahabhain. It’s more iodine than peat, actually. There’s a meaty leathery edge to it too, alongside the sweet notes. Highly enjoyable stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
The Kinship Edition, Hunter Laing
Single malt - Islay
Pale gold
46.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, salt caramel, orange peel, kelp, dashi, iodine, five spice powder, moss, hints of gas.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, turns watery around the edges, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Salt caramel, orange peel, five spice powder, honey, vanilla, iodine, pomegranate molasses.
Finish: Long. Five spice powder, kelp, vanilla, pomegranate molasses, moss.
Comments:
A gentle, only very slightly peaty Bunnahabhain. It’s more iodine than peat, actually. There’s a meaty leathery edge to it too, alongside the sweet notes. Highly enjoyable stuff.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Tuesday 20 September 2022
Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey
Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey
Official bottling
Single rye - Wisconsin
Amber copper
51% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemongrass, sea salt, fresh cut grass, orange peel, orange blossom, hay, green tea, milk, hints of vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Fresh cut grass, lemongrass, photocopy paper, orange blossom, hay, green tea, vanilla, hints of honey.
Finish: Medium. Orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, photocopy paper, hay, hints of lemongrass.
Comments:
Quite odd, for a bourbon - it’s got notes of lemongrass, which is unusual for whisky and very unusual for voisbon. Fresh, zesty and herbal, it’s also got nice feinty notes that, again, don’t really appear in bourbon, in my experience.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single rye - Wisconsin
Amber copper
51% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemongrass, sea salt, fresh cut grass, orange peel, orange blossom, hay, green tea, milk, hints of vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, warm.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Fresh cut grass, lemongrass, photocopy paper, orange blossom, hay, green tea, vanilla, hints of honey.
Finish: Medium. Orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, photocopy paper, hay, hints of lemongrass.
Comments:
Quite odd, for a bourbon - it’s got notes of lemongrass, which is unusual for whisky and very unusual for voisbon. Fresh, zesty and herbal, it’s also got nice feinty notes that, again, don’t really appear in bourbon, in my experience.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
New Riff Balboa Rye
New Riff Balboa Rye
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber bronze
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, blackcurrant cordial, raisins, sandalwood, cinnamon, peaches, hints of nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, expands, loosens, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Black tea, blackcurrant cordial, sandalwood, cloves, white pepper, brown paper, hints of pear drops.
Finish: Short. White pepper, pear drops, black tea, blackcurrant cordial.
Comments:
Quite fragrant and cough syrupy, with a spicy edge. It’s more bourbon-like than other ryes, the classic brown paper note stands out more. Really good quality juice.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber bronze
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, blackcurrant cordial, raisins, sandalwood, cinnamon, peaches, hints of nutmeg.
Mouthfeel: Light body, expands, loosens, warm.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Black tea, blackcurrant cordial, sandalwood, cloves, white pepper, brown paper, hints of pear drops.
Finish: Short. White pepper, pear drops, black tea, blackcurrant cordial.
Comments:
Quite fragrant and cough syrupy, with a spicy edge. It’s more bourbon-like than other ryes, the classic brown paper note stands out more. Really good quality juice.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Makers Mark Private Selection - The Community Batch
Makers Mark Private Selection - The Community Batch
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber
54.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peanuts, milk chocolate, brown paper, black pepper, orange peel, sandalwood, hints of oak. With water, sea salt, peanuts, milk chocolate, caramel.
Mouthfeel: Light body, hot, astringent, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Peanuts, milk chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, sea salt, brown paper. With water, caramel, peanuts, vanilla, sea salt.
Finish: Short. Brown paper, black pepper, cinnamon, oak.
Comments:
Unexpectedly savoury, lots of peanuts dripped with milk chocolate. There’s a fair bit of spice too, mainly cinnamon, and a little hot edge of black pepper, but it merges very well. Quite enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this.
Dram
Nose: Peanuts, milk chocolate, brown paper, black pepper, orange peel, sandalwood, hints of oak. With water, sea salt, peanuts, milk chocolate, caramel.
Mouthfeel: Light body, hot, astringent, turns watery around the edges.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Peanuts, milk chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, sea salt, brown paper. With water, caramel, peanuts, vanilla, sea salt.
Finish: Short. Brown paper, black pepper, cinnamon, oak.
Comments:
Unexpectedly savoury, lots of peanuts dripped with milk chocolate. There’s a fair bit of spice too, mainly cinnamon, and a little hot edge of black pepper, but it merges very well. Quite enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this.
Driftless Glen Single Barrel Bourbon
Driftless Glen Single Barrel Bourbon
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Wisconsin
Amber red
62.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Macadamias, sandalwood, walnuts, dark chocolate, oak chips, brown paper, peanuts. With water, orange peel, sandalwood, walnuts, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, volatile.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Oak chips, dark chocolate, brown paper, cloves, nutmeg, lemon zest, walnuts. With water, lemon zest, orange peel, walnuts, brown paper.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Wisconsin
Amber red
62.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Macadamias, sandalwood, walnuts, dark chocolate, oak chips, brown paper, peanuts. With water, orange peel, sandalwood, walnuts, lemon zest.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, volatile.
Tasting: Bitter salty. Oak chips, dark chocolate, brown paper, cloves, nutmeg, lemon zest, walnuts. With water, lemon zest, orange peel, walnuts, brown paper.
Finish: Medium. Vanilla, ginseng, dark chocolate, oak chips, macadamias.
Comments:
Barrel 1545. Very nutty bourbon, almost like chocolate covered peanuts. Lots of other nut notes too, and they vie with bitter and bitter sweet notes of dark chocolate and ginseng. Plenty of spicy notes as well. Decent stuff.
Comments:
Barrel 1545. Very nutty bourbon, almost like chocolate covered peanuts. Lots of other nut notes too, and they vie with bitter and bitter sweet notes of dark chocolate and ginseng. Plenty of spicy notes as well. Decent stuff.
Verdict:
I like this.
New Riff Single Barrel Rye
New Riff Single Barrel Rye
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Official bottling
Single rye - Kentucky
Amber brown
52.15% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, white pepper, cloves, peaches, nutmeg, gingerbread, honey.
52.15% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, white pepper, cloves, peaches, nutmeg, gingerbread, honey.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, volatile, hot, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet. White pepper, gingerbread, honey, cloves, orange peel, black tea, nutmeg, blackcurrant cordial.
Tasting: Sweet. White pepper, gingerbread, honey, cloves, orange peel, black tea, nutmeg, blackcurrant cordial.
Finish: Short. Orange peel, black tea, nutmeg, vanilla, white pepper.
Comments:
Barrel 16-3518. New Riff is a newish craft distillery. Their craft isn’t bad - the rye is quite typically spicy and lively, lots of slightly tannic tea notes as well. Quite enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Comments:
Barrel 16-3518. New Riff is a newish craft distillery. Their craft isn’t bad - the rye is quite typically spicy and lively, lots of slightly tannic tea notes as well. Quite enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday 19 September 2022
Glenturret 28yo 1987/2016
Glenturret 28yo 1987/2016
Authentic Collection, WM Cadenhead
Single malt - Central Highlands
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Authentic Collection, WM Cadenhead
Single malt - Central Highlands
White wine
44% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, barley sugar, roast chicken, fresh baked bread, leather, hints of honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Lemon zest, honey, barley sugar, vanilla custard, fresh baked bread, peaches, magic marker.
Finish: Medium. Fresh baked bread, leather, peaches, barley sugar, hints of vanilla custard.
Comments:
Quite a delicate whisky, lots of malty grain notes, but also plenty of fragrant estery fruit. It’s sweet, yet bright and zesty, and does not show its age. It’s very well balanced and rewards patience and introspection.
44% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, barley sugar, roast chicken, fresh baked bread, leather, hints of honey.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, tingly, cool.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Lemon zest, honey, barley sugar, vanilla custard, fresh baked bread, peaches, magic marker.
Finish: Medium. Fresh baked bread, leather, peaches, barley sugar, hints of vanilla custard.
Comments:
Quite a delicate whisky, lots of malty grain notes, but also plenty of fragrant estery fruit. It’s sweet, yet bright and zesty, and does not show its age. It’s very well balanced and rewards patience and introspection.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday 16 September 2022
Glenrothes 8yo 2011/2020
Glenrothes 8yo 2011/2020
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, strawberry laces, malted grains, honeydew melons, black tea, chocolate, hints of salted caramel.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Sweet. Black tea, fresh baked bread, vanilla custard, honeydew melons, strawberry laces, cloves.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Strictly Limited, Carn Mor
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, strawberry laces, malted grains, honeydew melons, black tea, chocolate, hints of salted caramel.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Sweet. Black tea, fresh baked bread, vanilla custard, honeydew melons, strawberry laces, cloves.
Finish: Medium. Cloves, raisins, black tea, chocolate, salt caramel.
Comments:
Well sherried Glenrothes is always a pleasure, especially an expression as spicy and malty as this. Lots of fruit notes vie with tannic spice. But as a whole it’s quite well balanced and very enjoyable.
Comments:
Well sherried Glenrothes is always a pleasure, especially an expression as spicy and malty as this. Lots of fruit notes vie with tannic spice. But as a whole it’s quite well balanced and very enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday 15 September 2022
Mortlach 17yo 2003/2020
Mortlach 17yo 2003/2020
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Speyside
Bright silver gold
58.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, pomeloes, peaches, magic marker, malted grains, cornflakes, barley sugar. With water, magic marker, cotton candy, pomeloes.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, warm, tingly, slippery.
Tasting: Sweet. Cornflakes, peaches, roast chicken, barley sugar, lemon zest, honeycomb, hints of nutmeg. With water, magic marker, lemon zest, pomeloes, orange peel.
Finish: Long. Peaches, nutmeg, barley sugar, hints of roast chicken.
Comments:
Cask 800264. Quite delicate for a Mortlach, some very sweet notes, but light ones. Still, there’s a strong hint of roast chicken, which goes very well with the stone fruit and spice.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Speyside
Bright silver gold
58.1% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, pomeloes, peaches, magic marker, malted grains, cornflakes, barley sugar. With water, magic marker, cotton candy, pomeloes.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, warm, tingly, slippery.
Tasting: Sweet. Cornflakes, peaches, roast chicken, barley sugar, lemon zest, honeycomb, hints of nutmeg. With water, magic marker, lemon zest, pomeloes, orange peel.
Finish: Long. Peaches, nutmeg, barley sugar, hints of roast chicken.
Comments:
Cask 800264. Quite delicate for a Mortlach, some very sweet notes, but light ones. Still, there’s a strong hint of roast chicken, which goes very well with the stone fruit and spice.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Tuesday 13 September 2022
Milk and Honey Single Cask 3yo 2018/2021 Red Wine Cask UK Exclusive
Milk and Honey Single Cask 3yo 2018/2021 Red Wine Cask UK Exclusive
Official bottling
Single malt - Tel Aviv
Amber red
66.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, raisins, brown paper, cinnamon, strawberry laces, honeycomb, hints of pomegranates. With water, caramel, butterscotch, pomegranates, aluminium foil.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Red grapes, orange peel, malted grains, new plastic, honeycomb, blueberries, aluminium foil. With water, new plastic, honeycomb, malted grains, aluminium foil, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Aluminium foil, black pepper, honeycomb, malted grains, raisins.
Comments:
Cask 2018-553. Much more fruity than the sherry cask. In fact I’d say this was sherried, if I hadn’t seen the label. Sweet and strong, takes a lot of water, and even then I couldn’t really finish it.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Tel Aviv
Amber red
66.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Red grapes, raisins, brown paper, cinnamon, strawberry laces, honeycomb, hints of pomegranates. With water, caramel, butterscotch, pomegranates, aluminium foil.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, hot, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Red grapes, orange peel, malted grains, new plastic, honeycomb, blueberries, aluminium foil. With water, new plastic, honeycomb, malted grains, aluminium foil, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Aluminium foil, black pepper, honeycomb, malted grains, raisins.
Comments:
Cask 2018-553. Much more fruity than the sherry cask. In fact I’d say this was sherried, if I hadn’t seen the label. Sweet and strong, takes a lot of water, and even then I couldn’t really finish it.
Verdict:
I like this.
Milk and Honey Elements Sherry Cask
Milk and Honey Elements Sherry Cask
Official bottling
Single malt - Tel Aviv
Copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Ink, aluminium foil, honey, orange peel, vanilla, cinnamon, pencils, hints of pear drops.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Pomeloes, vanilla sponge, pear drops, aluminium foil, raisins, pineapples, pencils.
Finish: Short. Orange peel, cinnamon, ink, honey.
Comments:
Not your usual sherry cask whisky, it’s quite feinty and floral. A number of quite spicy notes too. It’s unusual, and I’ve come to expect that from this distillery.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Tel Aviv
Copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Ink, aluminium foil, honey, orange peel, vanilla, cinnamon, pencils, hints of pear drops.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Pomeloes, vanilla sponge, pear drops, aluminium foil, raisins, pineapples, pencils.
Finish: Short. Orange peel, cinnamon, ink, honey.
Comments:
Not your usual sherry cask whisky, it’s quite feinty and floral. A number of quite spicy notes too. It’s unusual, and I’ve come to expect that from this distillery.
Verdict:
I like this.
Amrut Special Limited Edition Madeira Finish
Amrut Special Limited Edition Madeira Finish
Official bottling
Official bottling
Single malt - Bangalore
Amber
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, orange peel, malted grains, chocolate, fresh baked bread, hints of cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, syrupy, warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Orange peel, honey, chocolate, cloves, caramel, raisins, red grapes, white pepper, hints of cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Chocolate, white pepper, malted grains, honey, hints of vanilla.
Comments:
Quite decadent, spicy and rich and intense. Lots of sweet notes as you’d expect, but a really nice body and a good collection of flavours. I enjoyed this very much.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Amber
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, orange peel, malted grains, chocolate, fresh baked bread, hints of cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, syrupy, warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Orange peel, honey, chocolate, cloves, caramel, raisins, red grapes, white pepper, hints of cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Chocolate, white pepper, malted grains, honey, hints of vanilla.
Comments:
Quite decadent, spicy and rich and intense. Lots of sweet notes as you’d expect, but a really nice body and a good collection of flavours. I enjoyed this very much.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday 12 September 2022
SMWS 149.1 (Ardnamurchan 5yo 2015/2021)
SMWS 149.1 (Ardnamurchan 5yo 2015/2021)
2021, SMWS
Single malt - Western Highlands
Dark bronze gold
61.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, malted grains, candied orange peel, overripe peaches, sea salt, lemon sweets. With water, candied orange peel, nutmeg, citron, magic marker.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, expands slightly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Lemon sweets, peat, leather, sourdough bread, overripe peaches, rope, hints of smoke. With water, peat, leather, sourdough bread, candied orange peel, citron.
Finish: Long. Lemon sweets, peat, leather, brass polish, rope.
Comments:
Citrusy and complicated, yet laden with sweet fruit, this Ardnamurchan stands out. It’s toasty and a little smoky too, and slightly musty even - but in a good way. A fitting inaugural bottle for the SMWS.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
2021, SMWS
Single malt - Western Highlands
Dark bronze gold
61.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, malted grains, candied orange peel, overripe peaches, sea salt, lemon sweets. With water, candied orange peel, nutmeg, citron, magic marker.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, expands slightly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Lemon sweets, peat, leather, sourdough bread, overripe peaches, rope, hints of smoke. With water, peat, leather, sourdough bread, candied orange peel, citron.
Finish: Long. Lemon sweets, peat, leather, brass polish, rope.
Comments:
Citrusy and complicated, yet laden with sweet fruit, this Ardnamurchan stands out. It’s toasty and a little smoky too, and slightly musty even - but in a good way. A fitting inaugural bottle for the SMWS.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Sunday 11 September 2022
Auchentoshan 13yo 2007/2021
Auchentoshan 13yo 2007/2021
Cask Series, North Star Spirits
Single malt - Lowlands
Buttercups
55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, mangoes, dried blueberries, green tea, orange peel, passionfruit, sandalwood. With water, leather, green tea, ginseng, passionfruit, hints of roast pork.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, loosens, slippery.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Sandalwood, cinnamon, cedar, orange peel, ginseng, fresh baked bread, mangoes, peaches. With water, candied oranges, ginseng, cedar, passionfruit.
Finish: Medium. Ginseng, cedar, mangoes, dried blueberries, hints of passionfruit.
Comments:
One of those whiskies where being weirdly unbalanced somehow enhances the overall experience. Lots of fruit, bitter herbal notes, and something very like Mortlach meatiness. Quite lovely.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Cask Series, North Star Spirits
Single malt - Lowlands
Buttercups
55% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, mangoes, dried blueberries, green tea, orange peel, passionfruit, sandalwood. With water, leather, green tea, ginseng, passionfruit, hints of roast pork.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, hot, loosens, slippery.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Sandalwood, cinnamon, cedar, orange peel, ginseng, fresh baked bread, mangoes, peaches. With water, candied oranges, ginseng, cedar, passionfruit.
Finish: Medium. Ginseng, cedar, mangoes, dried blueberries, hints of passionfruit.
Comments:
One of those whiskies where being weirdly unbalanced somehow enhances the overall experience. Lots of fruit, bitter herbal notes, and something very like Mortlach meatiness. Quite lovely.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
SMWS 78.43 (Ben Nevis 10yo 2010/2021)
SMWS 78.43 (Ben Nevis 10yo 2010/2021)
2021, SMWS
Single malt - Western Highlands
Honey gold
61.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pineapples, bananas, honey, sea salt, vanilla, red chillies, hibiscus, hints of green tea. With water, lemon sweets, honey, sea salt, vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Honey, vanilla, hibiscus, barley sugar, bananas, hints of pineapples. With water, honey, lemon sweets, vanilla, barley sugar.
Finish: Medium. Honey, bananas, hibiscus, lemon zest.
Comments:
A floral, slightly tannic Ben Nevis. Not as fruity as some, this whisky is quite delicate, but laden with sweet flowers. Some slight saltiness brings to mind lemon sweets, particularly with water.
Verdict:
I like this.
2021, SMWS
Single malt - Western Highlands
Honey gold
61.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Pineapples, bananas, honey, sea salt, vanilla, red chillies, hibiscus, hints of green tea. With water, lemon sweets, honey, sea salt, vanilla.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slippery, loosens, warm.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Honey, vanilla, hibiscus, barley sugar, bananas, hints of pineapples. With water, honey, lemon sweets, vanilla, barley sugar.
Finish: Medium. Honey, bananas, hibiscus, lemon zest.
Comments:
A floral, slightly tannic Ben Nevis. Not as fruity as some, this whisky is quite delicate, but laden with sweet flowers. Some slight saltiness brings to mind lemon sweets, particularly with water.
Verdict:
I like this.
Thursday 8 September 2022
Cotswolds Distillery Exclusive Madeira Cask
Cotswolds Distillery Exclusive Madeira Cask
Official bottling
Single malt - Warwickshire
Bronze
60.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, toffee, toast, raisins, dulce de leche, ginger, hints of allspice. With water, yoghurt, honey, brown paper, toast.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, loosens, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cocoa powder, toast, toffee, apple juice, dulce de leche, toast. With water, raisins, apple juice, brown paper, honey, toast.
Finish: Medium. Apple juice, toast, cocoa powder, toffee, hints of coffee.
Comments:
This whisky is milky and loaded with toffee notes. There are a lot of big, sweet notes, along with a little toast. The winey, fruity notes aren’t really there, instead it’s quite restrained.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Warwickshire
Bronze
60.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, toffee, toast, raisins, dulce de leche, ginger, hints of allspice. With water, yoghurt, honey, brown paper, toast.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, loosens, astringent.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Cocoa powder, toast, toffee, apple juice, dulce de leche, toast. With water, raisins, apple juice, brown paper, honey, toast.
Finish: Medium. Apple juice, toast, cocoa powder, toffee, hints of coffee.
Comments:
This whisky is milky and loaded with toffee notes. There are a lot of big, sweet notes, along with a little toast. The winey, fruity notes aren’t really there, instead it’s quite restrained.
Verdict:
I like this.
Armorik Sherry Cask
Armorik Sherry Cask
Official bottling
Single malt - Brittany
Pale copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Caramel, black tea, raisins, cinnamon, brown paper, orange peel, hints of pomegranates.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, black tea, butterscotch, cinder toffee, pomegranates, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Medium. Caramel, raisins, white grapes, orange peel, black pepper.
Comments:
Relatively straightforward whisky, lots of sweet sherried notes, with some interesting fruity notes such as pomegranates. It’s got a nice toffee / spicy finish, and is a pleasant drink.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Brittany
Pale copper
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Caramel, black tea, raisins, cinnamon, brown paper, orange peel, hints of pomegranates.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, cool, expands.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, black tea, butterscotch, cinder toffee, pomegranates, hints of black pepper.
Finish: Medium. Caramel, raisins, white grapes, orange peel, black pepper.
Comments:
Relatively straightforward whisky, lots of sweet sherried notes, with some interesting fruity notes such as pomegranates. It’s got a nice toffee / spicy finish, and is a pleasant drink.
Verdict:
I like this.
Slyrs 3yo Batch 1
Slyrs 3yo Batch 1
That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Master of Malt
Single malt - Bavaria
Copper gold
52.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon sweets, mushrooms, autumn leaves, brass polish, pineapples, bananas, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, pineapples, peaches, overripe mangoes, hints of brass polish.
Mouthfeel: Light body, warm, thickens slightly, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon sweets, pineapples, mushrooms, overripe mangoes, fresh baked bread, vanilla sponge. With water, vanilla, pineapples, peaches, honey, hints of brass polish, hints of toast.
That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Master of Malt
Single malt - Bavaria
Copper gold
52.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon sweets, mushrooms, autumn leaves, brass polish, pineapples, bananas, hints of fresh cut grass. With water, pineapples, peaches, overripe mangoes, hints of brass polish.
Mouthfeel: Light body, warm, thickens slightly, expands.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Lemon sweets, pineapples, mushrooms, overripe mangoes, fresh baked bread, vanilla sponge. With water, vanilla, pineapples, peaches, honey, hints of brass polish, hints of toast.
Finish: Medium. Fresh cut grass, overripe mangoes, vanilla sponge, muesli, hints of toast.
Comments:
This whisky starts out earthy, fragrant and savoury, but that evaporated rather quickly, leaving fruity sweet notes behind. With water, it opens up, revealing heaps of cereal and feinty notes. Pleasantly surprising.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Comments:
This whisky starts out earthy, fragrant and savoury, but that evaporated rather quickly, leaving fruity sweet notes behind. With water, it opens up, revealing heaps of cereal and feinty notes. Pleasantly surprising.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Cooley 19yo 2002/2021
Cooley 19yo 2002/2021
Rare Find Whisky, Gleann Mor Spirits
Single malt - Leinster
Bright gold
53.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, rhubarb and custard sweets, pear drops, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, hints of vanilla. With water, fresh cut grass, vanilla, autumn leaves, pear drops.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rhubarb and custard sweets, brass polish, aluminium foil, fresh cut grass, lemon zest, hints of honey. With water, malted grains, fresh cut grass, autumn leaves, lemon zest.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, fresh cut grass, brass polish, hints of pear drops.
Comments:
Quite surprised I’ve not had a Cooley labelled as a Cooley. This one is quite feinty, lots of estery, chemical notes. Water introduces earthy, grassy notes which change its character quite a lot. Lovely.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Rare Find Whisky, Gleann Mor Spirits
Single malt - Leinster
Bright gold
53.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, rhubarb and custard sweets, pear drops, lemon zest, fresh cut grass, hints of vanilla. With water, fresh cut grass, vanilla, autumn leaves, pear drops.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens, warm, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Rhubarb and custard sweets, brass polish, aluminium foil, fresh cut grass, lemon zest, hints of honey. With water, malted grains, fresh cut grass, autumn leaves, lemon zest.
Finish: Long. Lemon zest, fresh cut grass, brass polish, hints of pear drops.
Comments:
Quite surprised I’ve not had a Cooley labelled as a Cooley. This one is quite feinty, lots of estery, chemical notes. Water introduces earthy, grassy notes which change its character quite a lot. Lovely.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Wednesday 7 September 2022
Nantou Omar Black Queen Wine Finish
Nantou Omar Black Queen Wine Finish
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Taiwan
Red bronze
56% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, dried strawberries, orange peel, sandalwood, sea salt, coffee, mint, milk chocolate. With water, orange peel, strawberry laces, pomegranates.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Violets, milk chocolate, raisins, rye bread, sea salt, vanilla sponge, black tea, coffee, hints of artificial grape flavour. With water, cinnamon, black tea, gas, violets, raisins.
Finish: Long. Rye bread, milk chocolate, artificial grape flavour, hints of gas.
Comments:
Complicated and intense. This is quite an unusual wine cask finished whisky, lots of floral and winey notes, but also cereally and feinty. It rewards introspection, which is exactly what I want, most of the time.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Taiwan
Red bronze
56% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, dried strawberries, orange peel, sandalwood, sea salt, coffee, mint, milk chocolate. With water, orange peel, strawberry laces, pomegranates.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, warm, tingly.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Violets, milk chocolate, raisins, rye bread, sea salt, vanilla sponge, black tea, coffee, hints of artificial grape flavour. With water, cinnamon, black tea, gas, violets, raisins.
Finish: Long. Rye bread, milk chocolate, artificial grape flavour, hints of gas.
Comments:
Complicated and intense. This is quite an unusual wine cask finished whisky, lots of floral and winey notes, but also cereally and feinty. It rewards introspection, which is exactly what I want, most of the time.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Monday 5 September 2022
Glenallachie 14yo 2006/2021 Deployment 1 (SBWAS Exclusive)
Glenallachie 14yo 2006/2021 Deployment 1 (SBWAS Exclusive)
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dark amber red
60.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, brown paper, golden syrup, honeycomb, pu erh tea, coffee. With water, orange peel, golden syrup, raisins, honeycomb.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, syrupy, oily, warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Chocolate, raisins, golden syrup, vanilla, pomegranate molasses, cloves, nutmeg, allspice. With water, honeycomb, fresh baked bread, cloves, pu erh tea.
Finish: Long. Chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, allspice.
Comments:
I never knew there was a sherry bomb whisky society! This whisky is sweet and luscious, the cask seems to have overtaken the distillery character. Lots of spice, honey, some bitter elements like chocolate and coffee. Highly drinkable.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dark amber red
60.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, brown paper, golden syrup, honeycomb, pu erh tea, coffee. With water, orange peel, golden syrup, raisins, honeycomb.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, syrupy, oily, warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Chocolate, raisins, golden syrup, vanilla, pomegranate molasses, cloves, nutmeg, allspice. With water, honeycomb, fresh baked bread, cloves, pu erh tea.
Finish: Long. Chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, allspice.
Comments:
I never knew there was a sherry bomb whisky society! This whisky is sweet and luscious, the cask seems to have overtaken the distillery character. Lots of spice, honey, some bitter elements like chocolate and coffee. Highly drinkable.
Verdict:
I like this.
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