Kilbeggan Double Distilled 11yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Leinster
Amber gold
40% ABV
Dram
Nose: Lemon zest, lemon sweets, malted grains, green apples, fresh cut grass, hints of yoghurt.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, static, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Green apples, malted grains, peaches, fresh cut grass, white grapes, honey, hints of cinnamon.
Finish: Short. Green apples, nutmeg, white grapes, cinnamon, fresh cut grass.
Comments:
Tart and light, lots of volatility, which brings evaporating notes of green apples, grass and white grapes. No water, it’s too light, but it’s quite intense on the tongue with a little spiciness.
Verdict:
I like this.
Thursday, 29 January 2026
Lochlea 7yo
Lochlea 7yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Dark gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Nectarines, pears, malted grains, honey, green tea, lemon zest, hints of white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, expands, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Pears, nectarines, fresh cut grass, malted grains, green tea, lemon zest, nutmeg.
Finish: Short. Pears, nectarines, malted grains, white pepper.
Comments:
Complex and fruity, lots of zesty citrus and stone fruit. There’s some grassy tannins as well, like a good green tea. The finish is short and quite intense.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Dark gold
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Nectarines, pears, malted grains, honey, green tea, lemon zest, hints of white pepper.
Mouthfeel: Light body, expands, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour. Pears, nectarines, fresh cut grass, malted grains, green tea, lemon zest, nutmeg.
Finish: Short. Pears, nectarines, malted grains, white pepper.
Comments:
Complex and fruity, lots of zesty citrus and stone fruit. There’s some grassy tannins as well, like a good green tea. The finish is short and quite intense.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Glendronach 15yo Sherry Cask Matured
Glendronach 15yo Sherry Cask Matured
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cream, chocolate, raisins, honey, leather, black pepper, hints of farmyard.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, mouth coating, expands.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Chocolate, raisins, malted grains, black pepper, brown paper, hints of farmyard.
Finish: Medium. Chocolate, black tea, black pepper, raisins.
Comments:
Exactly what you’d expect, sweet and raisiny, with an interesting little kick of something farmyardy on the tongue and nose. It’s a nice chocolatey, slightly bitter finish too.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cream, chocolate, raisins, honey, leather, black pepper, hints of farmyard.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, mouth coating, expands.
Tasting: Sweet salty. Chocolate, raisins, malted grains, black pepper, brown paper, hints of farmyard.
Finish: Medium. Chocolate, black tea, black pepper, raisins.
Comments:
Exactly what you’d expect, sweet and raisiny, with an interesting little kick of something farmyardy on the tongue and nose. It’s a nice chocolatey, slightly bitter finish too.
Verdict:
I like this.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Blair Athol 27yo 1975/2003 Rare Malts
Blair Athol 27yo 1975/2003 Rare Malts
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Amber copper
54.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, papayas, dates, cream, peaches, hints of smoke. With water, leather, papayas, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Leather, cola nuts, dates, cream, papayas, white pepper, hints of smoke. With water, leather, papayas, raisins, dates.
Finish: Long. Hoppy beer, papayas, aluminium foil, dates, white pepper.
Comments:
Lots of dried fruit, even the tropical fruit notes are reminiscent of the dried preserved version rather than the fresh. Water brings out a meaty leathery note, almost giving it more body. A lovely whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Amber copper
54.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, papayas, dates, cream, peaches, hints of smoke. With water, leather, papayas, raisins.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Leather, cola nuts, dates, cream, papayas, white pepper, hints of smoke. With water, leather, papayas, raisins, dates.
Finish: Long. Hoppy beer, papayas, aluminium foil, dates, white pepper.
Comments:
Lots of dried fruit, even the tropical fruit notes are reminiscent of the dried preserved version rather than the fresh. Water brings out a meaty leathery note, almost giving it more body. A lovely whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Blair Athol 29yo 1988/2017
Blair Athol 29yo 1988/2017
No Tie Required, The Whisky Agency
Single malt - Central Highlands
Golden
51.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, white pepper, wet stones, peaches, cream, hints of aluminium foil. With water, lemons, peaches, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Wet stones, chalk, malted grains, cream, barley sugar, white pepper, lemon zest, hints of pears. With water, malted grains, wet stones, lemons, white pepper.
Finish: Long. Cream, barley sugar, wet stones, malted grains.
Comments:
Quite a sweet dram, but there’s some complex earthiness, almost a chalky minerally flavour along with the malty notes. Water brings out the maltiness along with a citrus zing.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
No Tie Required, The Whisky Agency
Single malt - Central Highlands
Golden
51.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, white pepper, wet stones, peaches, cream, hints of aluminium foil. With water, lemons, peaches, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, tingly, astringent.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Wet stones, chalk, malted grains, cream, barley sugar, white pepper, lemon zest, hints of pears. With water, malted grains, wet stones, lemons, white pepper.
Finish: Long. Cream, barley sugar, wet stones, malted grains.
Comments:
Quite a sweet dram, but there’s some complex earthiness, almost a chalky minerally flavour along with the malty notes. Water brings out the maltiness along with a citrus zing.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Bowmore 1992
Bowmore 1992
Caledonian Selection, Liquid Gold
Single malt - Islay
Bright gold
62% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, smoke, pineapples, lemon sweets, autumn leaves, burning leaves, hints of charcoal ash. With water, burning leaves, pear drops, pineapples, smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, oily, thick, hot.
Caledonian Selection, Liquid Gold
Single malt - Islay
Bright gold
62% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, smoke, pineapples, lemon sweets, autumn leaves, burning leaves, hints of charcoal ash. With water, burning leaves, pear drops, pineapples, smoke.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, oily, thick, hot.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Pineapples, pear drops, lemon sweets, smoke, charcoal ash, peat, tarry rope. With water, peat, charcoal ash, lemon sweets, hints of peanuts.
Finish: Long. Honey, smoke, pineapples, pears, peat.
Comments:
Smoked barbecued fruit, something I always find in 90s and 00s Bowmore. Lots of ashy smoke too, like it’s been left on the barbecue too long. Water brings out more ashiness. A perfect Burns Night dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Finish: Long. Honey, smoke, pineapples, pears, peat.
Comments:
Smoked barbecued fruit, something I always find in 90s and 00s Bowmore. Lots of ashy smoke too, like it’s been left on the barbecue too long. Water brings out more ashiness. A perfect Burns Night dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday, 23 January 2026
Holyrood 3yo 2021/2025
Holyrood 3yo 2021/2025
Single Cask, Duncan Taylor
Single malt - Lowlands
Dark gold
53.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, malted grains, orange peel, nutmeg, photocopy paper, brown paper, hints of tobacco leaf. With water, orange peel, lemon curd, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Green tea, peaches, photocopy paper, brown paper, sandalwood, nutmeg, fresh baked bread. With water, photocopy paper, peaches, lemon curd, malted grains.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, nutmeg, sandalwood, cornflakes, hints of nutmeg.
Comments:
Cask 12150. Quite citrusy and weighty, lots of layered flavours with a good degree of intensity. Water brings out a dry paperiness and more lemon curd, as well as stone fruit. A good dram, a fine example of young whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Single Cask, Duncan Taylor
Single malt - Lowlands
Dark gold
53.6% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peaches, malted grains, orange peel, nutmeg, photocopy paper, brown paper, hints of tobacco leaf. With water, orange peel, lemon curd, malted grains.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, cool, mouth coating.
Tasting: Salty sweet. Green tea, peaches, photocopy paper, brown paper, sandalwood, nutmeg, fresh baked bread. With water, photocopy paper, peaches, lemon curd, malted grains.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, nutmeg, sandalwood, cornflakes, hints of nutmeg.
Comments:
Cask 12150. Quite citrusy and weighty, lots of layered flavours with a good degree of intensity. Water brings out a dry paperiness and more lemon curd, as well as stone fruit. A good dram, a fine example of young whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Eden Mill 2018 Release
Eden Mill 2018 Release
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
46.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, raisins, lohan fruit, sea salt, nutmeg, cloves, hints of tobacco leaf.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet. Honey, raisins, chocolate, lohan fruit, raspberry jam, cloves, tobacco leaf.
Finish: Medium. Lohan fruit, raisins, cloves, chocolate, cream, tobacco leaf.
Comments:
Light and refreshing, lots of fruit notes. Typically early release whisky, flavoured with sherry casks for sweetness and maximum appeal. A decent dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Lowlands
Amber gold
46.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, raisins, lohan fruit, sea salt, nutmeg, cloves, hints of tobacco leaf.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, mouth coating, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet. Honey, raisins, chocolate, lohan fruit, raspberry jam, cloves, tobacco leaf.
Finish: Medium. Lohan fruit, raisins, cloves, chocolate, cream, tobacco leaf.
Comments:
Light and refreshing, lots of fruit notes. Typically early release whisky, flavoured with sherry casks for sweetness and maximum appeal. A decent dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Circumstance 3yo Inaugural Grain Whisky
Circumstance 3yo Inaugural Grain Whisky
Official bottling
Single grain - Bristol
Pale orange gold
42.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, sandalwood, molasses, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Light body, mouth coating, tingly, slightly warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Fresh baked bread, honey, raisins, orange peel, vanilla, brown paper, cinnamon, hints of leather.
Finish: Short. Vanilla, honey, fresh baked bread, raisins.
Comments:
1:11:129:37 - not quite sure what these codes mean. Last number is number of months in cask perhaps. It’s cereally and rather sweet, young, fresh and intense. Quite a nice dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single grain - Bristol
Pale orange gold
42.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange peel, sandalwood, molasses, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: Light body, mouth coating, tingly, slightly warm.
Tasting: Sweet. Fresh baked bread, honey, raisins, orange peel, vanilla, brown paper, cinnamon, hints of leather.
Finish: Short. Vanilla, honey, fresh baked bread, raisins.
Comments:
1:11:129:37 - not quite sure what these codes mean. Last number is number of months in cask perhaps. It’s cereally and rather sweet, young, fresh and intense. Quite a nice dram.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Reservoir Wheat 2yo Batch 1
Reservoir Wheat 2yo Batch 1
That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Master of Malt
Single grain - Virginia
Amber
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Nectarines, strawberries, honey, green tea, photocopy paper, hints of condensed milk.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Green tea, nectarines, honey, lemon zest, white pepper, chamomile, hints of cinnamon.
Finish: Short. White pepper, chamomile, nectarines, lemon zest.
Comments:
Fruity, lots of herbal notes, but they’re quite gentle and mostly in the background. No water required, I felt that would kill some of these gentle background notes. A rather short finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Master of Malt
Single grain - Virginia
Amber
47.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Nectarines, strawberries, honey, green tea, photocopy paper, hints of condensed milk.
Mouthfeel: Light body, cool, loosens, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Green tea, nectarines, honey, lemon zest, white pepper, chamomile, hints of cinnamon.
Finish: Short. White pepper, chamomile, nectarines, lemon zest.
Comments:
Fruity, lots of herbal notes, but they’re quite gentle and mostly in the background. No water required, I felt that would kill some of these gentle background notes. A rather short finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
The Cairn 3yo First Peek
The Cairn 3yo First Peek
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber orange
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, orange peel, grapefruit, green tea, honey, hints of cream. With water, cream, vanilla, peaches, green tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, clay dust, orange peel, grapefruit, honey, lemon zest, green tea, hints of coffee. With water, cream, honey, peaches, green tea.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, white pepper, honey, orange peel, hints of coffee.
Comments:
Really intense flavours, lots of citrus and malty sweetness with a fragrant coffee note lurking in the background. Water brings out more honey, cream and some tannins. A very good inaugural bottling.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Amber orange
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Malted grains, orange peel, grapefruit, green tea, honey, hints of cream. With water, cream, vanilla, peaches, green tea.
Mouthfeel: Light body, loosens, volatile, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Malted grains, clay dust, orange peel, grapefruit, honey, lemon zest, green tea, hints of coffee. With water, cream, honey, peaches, green tea.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, white pepper, honey, orange peel, hints of coffee.
Comments:
Really intense flavours, lots of citrus and malty sweetness with a fragrant coffee note lurking in the background. Water brings out more honey, cream and some tannins. A very good inaugural bottling.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday, 22 January 2026
Jack Daniels American Single Malt (Oloroso Sherry Cask)
Jack Daniels American Single Malt (Oloroso Sherry Cask)
Official bottling
Single malt - Tennessee
Amber red
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, brown paper, aluminium foil, molasses, brown sugar, black tea.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, warm, expands.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Aluminium foil, molasses, brown sugar, brown paper, black pepper, coffee.
Finish: Short. Coffee, black pepper, aluminium foil, brown sugar.
Comments:
Sweet, malty, but with much of that brown paper note that characterises American whisky for me. Some metallic notes apparent on the tongue to keep it interesting, and then a short intense finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Tennessee
Amber red
45% ABV
Dram
Nose: Honey, brown paper, aluminium foil, molasses, brown sugar, black tea.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, warm, expands.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Aluminium foil, molasses, brown sugar, brown paper, black pepper, coffee.
Finish: Short. Coffee, black pepper, aluminium foil, brown sugar.
Comments:
Sweet, malty, but with much of that brown paper note that characterises American whisky for me. Some metallic notes apparent on the tongue to keep it interesting, and then a short intense finish.
Verdict:
I like this.
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
End of the World Whisky Blend
End of the World Whisky Blend
Master of Malt
Blend
Amber
44.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, raisins, malted grains, white grapes, honey, prunes.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, astringent, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Raisins, cooked rice, white grapes, peaches, orange peel, malted grains.
Finish: Short. Coffee, raisins, malted grains, orange peel.
Comments:
A fruity, fun blend, lots of cereal notes alongside too. It’s a bit one dimensional but that’s what blends are meant to do. Highly enjoyable and a very decent whisky.
Verdict:
I like this.
Master of Malt
Blend
Amber
44.4% ABV
Dram
Nose: Orange juice, raisins, malted grains, white grapes, honey, prunes.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, expands, astringent, cool.
Tasting: Sweet. Raisins, cooked rice, white grapes, peaches, orange peel, malted grains.
Finish: Short. Coffee, raisins, malted grains, orange peel.
Comments:
A fruity, fun blend, lots of cereal notes alongside too. It’s a bit one dimensional but that’s what blends are meant to do. Highly enjoyable and a very decent whisky.
Verdict:
I like this.
Timorous Beastie
Timorous Beastie
Douglas Laing
Blend
Golden
46.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Green apples, cream, honey, heather, lemon zest, nectarines, hints of fresh cut grass.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, cool, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Green apples, cream, lemon zest, honey, molasses, cinder toffee, hints of smoke.
Finish: Medium. Gentian, smoke, cinder toffee, honey.
Comments:
Quite a complex blend, with a distinctive smoky appley note. It’s builds to a complex finish that is both smoky and sweet. A very elegant whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Douglas Laing
Blend
Golden
46.8% ABV
Dram
Nose: Green apples, cream, honey, heather, lemon zest, nectarines, hints of fresh cut grass.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens, cool, astringent.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Green apples, cream, lemon zest, honey, molasses, cinder toffee, hints of smoke.
Finish: Medium. Gentian, smoke, cinder toffee, honey.
Comments:
Quite a complex blend, with a distinctive smoky appley note. It’s builds to a complex finish that is both smoky and sweet. A very elegant whisky.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Friday, 16 January 2026
Glenallachie 15yo
Glenallachie 15yo
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dark amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, chocolate, raisins, black pepper, brown butter, molasses, hints of cooked rice.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, slightly astringent.
Tasting: Sweet. Raisins, honey, chocolate, molasses, black pepper, fresh baked bread, hints of peaches.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, honey, raisins, hints of brown butter.
Comments:
Nutty, sweet and cereally, lots of chocolate and molasses. No water required, it’s extremely easy drinking and easy on the nose and tongue. A very approachable dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Speyside
Dark amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Leather, chocolate, raisins, black pepper, brown butter, molasses, hints of cooked rice.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, cool, slightly astringent.
Tasting: Sweet. Raisins, honey, chocolate, molasses, black pepper, fresh baked bread, hints of peaches.
Finish: Short. Fresh baked bread, honey, raisins, hints of brown butter.
Comments:
Nutty, sweet and cereally, lots of chocolate and molasses. No water required, it’s extremely easy drinking and easy on the nose and tongue. A very approachable dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
New Riff 8yo
New Riff 8yo
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber red
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cola nuts, strawberry jam, oak chips, milk chocolate, black pepper, vanilla, honey.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, slightly astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Honey, strawberry jam, cola nuts, milk chocolate, cream, apricots, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Apricots, strawberry jam, brown sugar, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
I prefer bourbon to be aged a bit more than 5 years, so this is good for me. Quite chocolatey and sweet, builds to a long fruity finish. A good dram indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - Kentucky
Amber red
50% ABV
Dram
Nose: Cola nuts, strawberry jam, oak chips, milk chocolate, black pepper, vanilla, honey.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, slightly astringent, tingly.
Tasting: Sweet sour. Honey, strawberry jam, cola nuts, milk chocolate, cream, apricots, black pepper.
Finish: Long. Apricots, strawberry jam, brown sugar, fresh baked bread.
Comments:
I prefer bourbon to be aged a bit more than 5 years, so this is good for me. Quite chocolatey and sweet, builds to a long fruity finish. A good dram indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
For the Dolls 13yo
For the Dolls 13yo
Milroys of Soho
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of copper
54.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, malted grains, white pepper, lemon zest, sandalwood, cotton sheets. With water, pears, lemon zest, cotton sheets, sandalwood.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Malted grains, lemon zest, cotton sheets, peanuts, fresh cut grass, hints of yoghurt. With water, pears, malted grains, acetone, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Molasses, yoghurt, white pepper, vanilla, pears.
Comments:
Bottled in support of trans rights. Quite lactic, with plenty of laundry smells and fresh lemons. Water brings out notes of pears and acetone, then it turns more herbal and grassy. Quite an interesting dram, rewards time and introspection.
Verdict:
I like this.
Milroys of Soho
Single malt - Speyside
Golden, hints of copper
54.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Yoghurt, malted grains, white pepper, lemon zest, sandalwood, cotton sheets. With water, pears, lemon zest, cotton sheets, sandalwood.
Mouthfeel: Light body, thickens slightly, loosens, tingly.
Tasting: Sour bitter. Malted grains, lemon zest, cotton sheets, peanuts, fresh cut grass, hints of yoghurt. With water, pears, malted grains, acetone, fresh cut grass.
Finish: Medium. Molasses, yoghurt, white pepper, vanilla, pears.
Comments:
Bottled in support of trans rights. Quite lactic, with plenty of laundry smells and fresh lemons. Water brings out notes of pears and acetone, then it turns more herbal and grassy. Quite an interesting dram, rewards time and introspection.
Verdict:
I like this.
Great Jones Distillery Reserve 10yo
Great Jones Distillery Reserve 10yo
Official bottling
Single bourbon - New York
Amber
52.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, oak chips, chocolate, cream, honey, brown sugar. Wit water, honey, cola nuts, oak chips.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, loosens.
Tasting: Sweet. Vanilla, honey, white pepper, chocolate, brown sugar, malted grains. With water, honey, brown sugar, sandalwood, honey.
Finish: Long. Oak chips, brown sugar, malted grains, chocolate.
Comments:
A Manhattan distillery, makes creamy, chocolatey whisky. This one is quite sweet and honeyed, takes water well. - very interesting dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single bourbon - New York
Amber
52.5% ABV
Dram
Nose: Vanilla, oak chips, chocolate, cream, honey, brown sugar. Wit water, honey, cola nuts, oak chips.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, hot, tingly, loosens.
Tasting: Sweet. Vanilla, honey, white pepper, chocolate, brown sugar, malted grains. With water, honey, brown sugar, sandalwood, honey.
Finish: Long. Oak chips, brown sugar, malted grains, chocolate.
Comments:
A Manhattan distillery, makes creamy, chocolatey whisky. This one is quite sweet and honeyed, takes water well. - very interesting dram.
Verdict:
I like this.
Sunday, 11 January 2026
Aberfeldy 18yo 1999 Handfilled Cask #3
Aberfeldy 18yo 1999 Handfilled Cask #3
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Mahogany
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, camphor, roast beef, malted grains, chocolate, white pepper, hints of cream. With water, camphor, honey, orange peel, hints of roast beef.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, mouth coating, astringent, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, white pepper, sandalwood, orange peel, chocolate, honey, hints of cloves. With water, chocolate, white pepper, honey, orange peel.
Finish: Long. Camphor, white pepper, orange peel, cloves.
Comments:
Herbal and rich, but with a creaminess that’s quite lactic. Paired with the other dominant note of chocolate, it’s really quite delicious. Water brings out more chocolate, honey and orange peel. A very good whisky indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Mahogany
57% ABV
Dram
Nose: Raisins, camphor, roast beef, malted grains, chocolate, white pepper, hints of cream. With water, camphor, honey, orange peel, hints of roast beef.
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, mouth coating, astringent, hot.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Raisins, white pepper, sandalwood, orange peel, chocolate, honey, hints of cloves. With water, chocolate, white pepper, honey, orange peel.
Finish: Long. Camphor, white pepper, orange peel, cloves.
Comments:
Herbal and rich, but with a creaminess that’s quite lactic. Paired with the other dominant note of chocolate, it’s really quite delicious. Water brings out more chocolate, honey and orange peel. A very good whisky indeed.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Aberfeldy 18yo 1998 Handfill
Aberfeldy 18yo 1998 Handfill
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Golden brown
55.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Camphor, white pepper, malted grains, mangoes, orange peel, cream, vanilla. With water, raisins, malted grains, white pepper, hints of camphor.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet salty. White pepper, raisins, orange peel, mangoes, chocolate, cream, hints of coffee. With water, malted grains, raisins, hints of coffee.
Finish: Long. Camphor, cream, orange peel, white pepper.
Comments:
Herbal and spicy, reminds me of nothing so much as an alcoholic Irn-Bru. Water brings it more maltiness and more peppery spice. Long and herbal finish, extremely enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Official bottling
Single malt - Central Highlands
Golden brown
55.2% ABV
Dram
Nose: Camphor, white pepper, malted grains, mangoes, orange peel, cream, vanilla. With water, raisins, malted grains, white pepper, hints of camphor.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, astringent, tingly, mouth coating.
Tasting: Sweet salty. White pepper, raisins, orange peel, mangoes, chocolate, cream, hints of coffee. With water, malted grains, raisins, hints of coffee.
Finish: Long. Camphor, cream, orange peel, white pepper.
Comments:
Herbal and spicy, reminds me of nothing so much as an alcoholic Irn-Bru. Water brings it more maltiness and more peppery spice. Long and herbal finish, extremely enjoyable.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Kidalton 22yo
Kidalton 22yo
Vintage Reserve, Milroys of Soho
Single malt - Islay
Amber gold
53.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, smoke, passionfruit, mangoes, malted grains, apple juice. With water, lemon zest, germolene, apple juice, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, hot, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Mangoes, smoke, peat, apple juice, malted grains, lemon zest. With water, lemon zest, sea salt, smoke, apple juice.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, smoke, coffee, dark chocolate, peat.
Comments:
Not your usual Ardbeg, doesn’t have the deep chocolate and coffee notes. Instead it’s quite fruity, with plenty of tropical fruits including mangoes and passionfruit. Water brings out a saltiness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Vintage Reserve, Milroys of Soho
Single malt - Islay
Amber gold
53.7% ABV
Dram
Nose: Peat, smoke, passionfruit, mangoes, malted grains, apple juice. With water, lemon zest, germolene, apple juice, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Light body, tingly, hot, mouth coating.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Mangoes, smoke, peat, apple juice, malted grains, lemon zest. With water, lemon zest, sea salt, smoke, apple juice.
Finish: Long. Malted grains, smoke, coffee, dark chocolate, peat.
Comments:
Not your usual Ardbeg, doesn’t have the deep chocolate and coffee notes. Instead it’s quite fruity, with plenty of tropical fruits including mangoes and passionfruit. Water brings out a saltiness.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Coperies Single Malt (French Fortified Wine Cask Finish)
Coperies Single Malt (French Fortified Wine Casks Finish)
Official bottling
Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Molasses, raisins, raspberry jam, black pepper, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, cool, expands slightly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Molasses, raspberry jam, magic marker, surgical spirit, dark chocolate, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, dark chocolate, orange peel, vanilla, hints of new plastic.
Comments:
Very estery with lots of volatile flavours. Notes of antiseptic and surgical spirit predominate, followed by a wave of dark chocolate. It’s got a bitter, fragrant finish, mostly coffee with some estery fruit.
Verdict:
I like this.
Official bottling
Single malt - Poitou-Charentes
Amber
46% ABV
Dram
Nose: Molasses, raisins, raspberry jam, black pepper, coffee.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, tingly, cool, expands slightly.
Tasting: Sour sweet. Molasses, raspberry jam, magic marker, surgical spirit, dark chocolate, hints of orange peel.
Finish: Medium. Coffee, dark chocolate, orange peel, vanilla, hints of new plastic.
Comments:
Very estery with lots of volatile flavours. Notes of antiseptic and surgical spirit predominate, followed by a wave of dark chocolate. It’s got a bitter, fragrant finish, mostly coffee with some estery fruit.
Verdict:
I like this.
Monday, 5 January 2026
Pe5
Pe5
Elements of Islay, Specialty Drinks Ltd
Single malt - Islay
Pale gold
57.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Creosote, lemon juice, tarry rope, fish sauce, dates, angelica root, smoke, hints of star anise. With water, dates, leather, acacia honey, hints of star anise.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slightly oily, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Creosote, peat, smoke, soot, dates, sea salt, magic marker, star anise, hints of acacia honey. With water, leather, soot, dates, lemon juice.
Finish: Medium. Creosote, soot, peat, smoke, lemon juice, magic marker.
Comments:
Quite bitter and savoury, with complex layers of flavour. Water brings out some sweetness, alongside a big wave of soot. A rather chemical dram but well aged with huge complexity.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
Elements of Islay, Specialty Drinks Ltd
Single malt - Islay
Pale gold
57.9% ABV
Dram
Nose: Creosote, lemon juice, tarry rope, fish sauce, dates, angelica root, smoke, hints of star anise. With water, dates, leather, acacia honey, hints of star anise.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, slightly oily, cool, tingly.
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Creosote, peat, smoke, soot, dates, sea salt, magic marker, star anise, hints of acacia honey. With water, leather, soot, dates, lemon juice.
Finish: Medium. Creosote, soot, peat, smoke, lemon juice, magic marker.
Comments:
Quite bitter and savoury, with complex layers of flavour. Water brings out some sweetness, alongside a big wave of soot. A rather chemical dram but well aged with huge complexity.
Verdict:
I like this a lot.
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