For the full list of tasting notes, click here

Before reading the tasting notes, please read the tasting notes comments

09 Aug 22

Springbank 1992 for Japanwhisky, 28 YO, Sansibar, 42.8%, B :2020, cask 28. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, green, mineral, maritime, slightly peaty, with some camphor, light mineral and peat smoke flavours, disinfectant and a twist of lemon. Very good. Taste: Complex, mineral, smoky, sightly maritime, medicinal and sooty, on old fashioned mineral peat smoke, engine oil, some grassy flavours, camphor, sea shells, and camphor. The finish is medium to long, mineral, sooty, slightly citric, on sea brine, mineral oil, disinfectant and some mineral peat smoke. Impression: An excellent old style of Springbank, on sea brine, peat smoke and disinfectant. I enjoy this style very much. Rating: 17/20 FP:A3

25 Jul 22

Glen Garioch 2009 Hand-filled, OB, 58.3%, B:2022, cask 1408. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round to very round, on ripe malt, high grade leather, some lacquer, round and sweet dried fruits flavours (dates, sultanas), precious wood, light floral flavours and shoe polish. Taste:  Very round and smooth, malty, fresh, on soft spices, ripe barley, sultanas, dates,  honey, leather, some lacquer, tannins, marshmallows, honey and spices. The finish is medium to long, very round and smooth, silky, malty, on leather, dates, sultanas, honey, some lacquer, cinnamon and candied oranges. Diluted, it becomes fruitier, but also slightly tannic, Impression:  A particularly round and smooth Glen Garioch, rolling on the tongue, without any bitterness or rubbery flavours, but on dried fruits, lots of honey and high grade leather. A very good sherry expression of Glen Garioch. Rating: 14/20 FP:E1

12 Jul 22

Clynelish 16 YO The 4 Corners of Scotland, 16 YO, OB, 49.3%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Farmy, oaky, waxy, greasy, with some fresh citrus, oak spices, vanilla and ripe exotic fruits, as well as light flavours from the stable. A mixture of oak spices and sweet fruity flavours. Taste: As my sample leaked through the journey home, tasting notes on the palate are provided only as diluted. The whisky is nicely sweet, rich, complex, grassy, waxy, on ripe tropical fruits, light farmy and oaky spices. The finish is long, rather sweet, grassy and waxy, with nice fruity flavours, some oak spices and citrus serbet. Impression: When I tasted it neat at the distillery, the oak spices were rather intense, but back home, it was rounder, more balanced and less oaky. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

07 Jul 22

Glen Garioch 2012 Missouri Oak Hand-filled, 61.6%, B:2022, cask 1363. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, slighlty spicy and malty, with a touch of aromatic herbs, some vanilla, butterscotch, heather, honey and oak spices. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, intense, spicy, fresh, slightly floral, malty and aromatic, on fresh aromatic herbs, oak spices, vanilla, some heather, vanilla and a touch of toffee. The finish is long, fresh, smooth, oaky, spicy, aromatic, slightly floral and nutty, on toffee, vanilla, oak spices, some aromatic herbs and heather. Diluted, it becomes creamier. Impression: Tasted fresher, smoother (younger) and more fragrant than the Kentucky Oak, slighltly creamier and oaky as well and less spicy. A version close to the Kentucky, with some sweetness from the Minnesota. This trilogy shows the influence of the origin of the wood. Best to be tasted head to head. I like this concept and whisky very much. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

30 Jun 22

Clynelish 20 YO 200th Anniversary, OB, 57.3%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Sweet, mellow, rich, very fruity, with lots of fruits (passion fruits, guava, orange, sultanas and melon) and some beeswax. Delicious. The sherry is very well integrated with the bourbon casks. Taste: Spicy, waxy, intense, peppery, on orange, beeswax, citrus zest, leather, guava, passion fruits, some sultanas and light farmy flavours. The finish is long, rich, spicy, peppery, fruity, rich, on orange, sultanas, round leather, exotic fruits, some candlewax and light peaty, sooty and farmy flavours. Diluted, it becomes more pepper initially, before this flavour is replaced by sweeter honey flavours. Impression: The balance between the sherry bodega casks and the bourbon barrels works very well in this whisky, with nice fruity flavours topping waxy and slightly farmy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1

25 Jun 22

Brora 1980 Prima & Ultima, OB, 49.4 %, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Farmy, mineral, smoky, complex, slightly waxy, on old mineral oil, stables, rather aromatic and farmy peat smoke, aromatic, some candied citrus, bandages and soot. Excellent. Taste: Mellow, peaty, smoky, elegant, citric, on heather, mineral and rather farmy peat smoke, citrus, sea brine, some soot, bandages, stables and other austere and aromatic flavours. Rather peaty. The finish is long to very long, complex, mellow, peaty, smoky, aromatic, slightly citric and waxy, with light grassy and aromatic flavours, some manure, peat smoke, disinfectant, bandages and iodine. The finish is very long, peaty, smoky, farmy, on aromatic herbs, peat smoke, bandages, iodine, some disinfectant, burnt heather, tar, soot and sea brine. Impression: An excellent Brora made with the last casks from 1980. This Brora is remarkably complex and peaty, with lovely and strong flavours, close in the style of the 1977 Brora. A whisky that does not disappoint. Thank you Andrew! Rating: 19/20 FP:A6

16 Jun 22

Strathisla 2002 Distillery Reserve,  19 YO, OB, 55.6%, B : 2022, bourbon cask 27053. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, fruity, floral, slightly grassy, on honey, ripe exotic fruits, some round floral flavours, some vanilla, banana and marshmallow. Very good. Taste: Fruity, grassy, floral, juicy, on ripe exotic fruits, lovely grassy flavours, some quince, a slight spiciness, a touch of tobacco leaves and a hint of smoke. The finish is long, complex, grassy, floral, on honey, fruity flavours, round floral flavours, some spices, orchards fruits and bananas. Impression: A very good  Strathisla, rather grassy and fruity, on honey, and a touch of smoke. Mellow and mature, without any woody flavours. Rating:16/20 FP:A2

10 Jun 22

Clynelish 21 YO Art of Distilling, Elixir, 56.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, round, mineral, slightly waxy and lemony, with some vanilla, light aromatic and austere flavours, with a coastal influence. Taste: Mineral, citric, waxy, slightly austere, aromatic and juicy, on citrus, lemon, some quince, heather honey, vanilla and melon. The finish is medium to long, mellow, waxy, slightly coastal, lemony and citric, with some heather, vanilla, light creamy flavours and beeswax. Impression: A mellow, mineral, coastal and clean citric version of Clynelish. Well made and pleasant to drink. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

08 Jun 22

Glen Garioch Hand-filled Kentucky Oak 2012, 61.8%, B:2020, cask 1359. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, spicy, gingery, slightly aromatic, on oak spices, some candied ginger, humus, vanilla and a touch of austere and aromatic herbs. Sharper and more intense than the Minnesota. Taste: Intense, spicy, gingery, moderately oaky, on candied ginger, fudge, aromatic herbs, some vanilla, toffee and a touch of candied lemon. The finish is medium, oaky, spicy, rather aromatic, on oak spices, heather honey, some aromatic herbs, candied ginger and a touch of humus. Impression: This version is very much of what you would expect a cask strength version of Glen Garioch to be, intense, spicy, rather complex, with some ginger and light aromatic flavours. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

04 Jun 22

Ballechin 2005, 16 YO, DramCatcher, 54.4%, B2021, cask 342. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, peaty, slightly dry and tarry, on a rather aromatic peat smoke, aromatic herbs, smoked ham and bacon, leather, some dried fruits, toffee, soot and toffee. Taste: Round, fruity, smoky, peaty, rather syrupy, slightly aromatic, rather complex, on high grade leather, sultanas, high grade leather, dates, figs, some candied oranges, cinnamon, smoked ham and bacon. The finish is long, syrupy, round to very round, on soft leather, sultanas, figs, dates, smoked ham and bacon and light floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes more peated. Impression: A lovely expression of Ballechin, from an excellent sherry cask, without any rubbery or bitter flavours. An excellent pick from this Swiss bottler Dramcatcher. Rating: 16/20 FP:G5

03 Jun 22

Bowmore 1997 Fino, Samaroli, 43%, B:2021, cask 54. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Round, mellow, fruity, on guava, mango, ripe exotic fruits, quince, a light and elegant smokiness. Great fruitiness. Taste: Complex, round, syrupy, rather maritime and salty, moderately smoky and peaty, on nice round and syrupy exotic fruits, sea brine, sea salt, maritime peat smoke, some iodine, smoked ham and bacon. The finish is long, round, syrupy, maritime, peaty, slightly smoky, on round syrupy exotic fruits, some citrus (pink grapefruits). Diluted, it becomes slightly peppery, with some toffee and smokier. Impression: An excellent aged Bowmore matured in ex-fino casks, with lovely round fruity flavours, leaving a nice syrupy mouthfeel, with an elegant peat smoke and maritime influence. The reduction to 43% probably enhances the elegance of this whisky and works well in this whisky. I just wished the price was also reduced. Rating: 17/20 FP:D3

02 Jun 22

Caol Ila 2009, 11 YO,  Acla Selection, 53.4%, B :2021, cask 319093. Price: Colour:  Pale gold Nose: Very peaty, intense, salty, maritime, on peat smoke, iodine, hemp rope, seaweeds, some vanilla and tar. Very good. Taste: Dry, oaky, peaty, tarry, salty, on dry and maritime peat smoke, iodine, hemp rope, vanilla and some vanilla flavours. The finish is medium to long, very peaty, intense, rather clean, maritime, medicinal, slightly oaky, on peat smoke and hemp rope. Impression:  A very good, clean, intense, maritime and very peaty Caol Ila. All what you can expect from Caol Ila. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7

31 May 22

Bruichladdich 1970 Valinch, OB, 47.3%, cask 5085. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, complex, slightly peaty and smoky, fruity to very fruity, on ripe orchards fruits, tropical fruits (papaya and guava), a lovely round peat smoke, some seabrine and marzipan. Deliciously fruity and complex. Taste: Maritime, salty, smoky, complex, intense, fruity, on juicy orchards fruits, sea brine, sea salt, peach, papaya, mango, some maritime and round peat smoke, and a touch of vanilla and marzipan. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, complex, maritime, slightly austere and peaty, on nice rich and juicy orchards fruits, papaya mango, some peat smoke and sea salt. Impression: A delicious aged and complex Bruichladdich, the first valinch bottled at the distillery at the time of its reopening. More peated than the Bruichladdich distilled later on. Rating:18/20 FP:A3

30 May 22

Secret Islay 2011, 10 YO, DramCatcher, 53.3%, B: 2021, cask 3494. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Maritime to very maritime, rather complex, smoky, peaty, moderately salty, on iodine, disinfectant, a nice and rather mellow peat smoke, seaweeds, and some sea shells. Very pleasant. Taste:  Smoky to very smoky, maritime, on iodine, disinfectant, a nice maritime peat smoke, some burnt wood, seaweeds, and a touch of liquorice and vanilla. The finish is long, rather smoky and complex, maritime, on disinfectant, peat smoke, seaweeds,  some vanilla and charred wood. Impression: A very good Islay single malt, nicely smoky and maritime distilled at Laphroaig. Remarkably complex for 10 years. Matured in a Port barrique, the Port influence is rather modest, as the Port flavours are rather mild and well integrated with the distillate, but more noticeable on the mouthfeel, giving more weight to the whisky. Rating: 15/20 FP:A5

29 May 22

Secret Islay Single Malt 2013 for Tokyo 3Rivers, The Whisky Agency, 54.7%, B:2021. Price: Colour:  Old gold Nose: Peaty, oaky, smoky to very smoky, maritime, on burnt wood, seaweeds, oak spices, some hemp rope and vanilla. More on wet wood and vanilla than the Caol Ila from Acla. Taste:  Winey, peaty, smoky, slightly winey, on rancio, leather, celery, popcorn, caramel, some burn candles and some disinfectant. The finish is medium, on popcorn with caramel, peat smoke,  iodine, seaweeds, leather, rancio, sultanas and burnt candles and matches. Impression:  An Islay single malt with a strong influence from an usual PX cask. The whisky is rather thick and syrupy, with strong flavours of popcorn coated with caramel, peat smoke, some dried fruits and burnt wood. An usual flavour profile and not so much to my liking. Rating: 11/20 FP:G5

26 Mai 22

Cameronbridge 1974, 46 YO, The Whisky Agency, 40.1%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, complex, mellow, fruity to very fruity, on porridge, tropical fruits, peach, some vanilla, dried fruits, watermelon and pastries. Very good Tasting: Grainy, fruity, thin to very thin, with some canned peach, tropical fruits, cinnamon and cooked cereals. The finish is extremely short and abrupt. Impression: A grain whisky with a lovely rich, mellow and fruity nose, but it has just time to reach your palate that it fades and falls apart. Just bottled above the legal strength. When tasted from a freshly opened bottled, the finish seems longer, suggesting that this bottle must be consumed quickly. Do not add any water! Very good, but taste rather thin and weak. Rating: 10/20 FP:C1

25 May 22

Cameronbridge 1974, 46 YO,  Dramcatcher, 37.6%, B: 2021, cask 3. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rather fruity, on elderberries flowers, some lychees, vanilla, pastries, peach and a light fragrance. Rather light and subtle. Tasting: Light, mellow, fruity, rich, on canned peach, vanilla, some pears, lychees, elderberries and a light fragrance. The finish is medium, mellow, on canned peach, vanilla, some pears, tropical fruits and porridge. Diluted, it becomes more on orchards fruits. Impression: As the distillate went below the 40%, this is not classified as a Grain whisky, but as a grain spirit. The spirit is refreshing, rather mellow and fruity, that could make it pleasant to drink during the summer. Rating: N/A (as not a whisky)

23 May 22

Dornoch 2017, OB, 54.2%, B:2022, cask 16. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Hot, young, oaky, oily, greasy, on varnish, sea brine, green nuts, some celery, green malt, gentian and light mineral flavours. Taste: Very smooth, clean, young to young, on green orchards fruits, light honey, oily and grassy flavours. The finish is medium, oily, green, fruity, on green orchards fruits, some sea brine, light malty and oily flavours. Diluted, it becomes younger, smoother and more on green malt. Impression: A very young whisky, clean, and smooth. Immature, but it shows a nice, pleasant, green, rather fruity and slightly malty distillate of high quality. Made with Plumage archer malt and brewer yeast (B). Curious to taste older expressions from that distillery. Rating: 10/20 FP:A2

 

22 May 22

Dailuaine Dreisatz/ Ramseyer’s whisky connection, 9 YO, Signatory, 55.6%, B:2021, cask 308749. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Fresh, oaky, floral to very floral, slightly grassy, on vanilla, fresh spring floral flavours, and a light oakiness. Taste: Fresh, floral, smooth, slightly smoky and oaky, with some tobacco leaves, spices, floral flavours, quince and Mirabelle. The finish is medium, fresh, smooth, spicy, with some tobacco leaves, quince, plums and Mirabelle. Impression:  A whisky with flavours reminding me of drying tobacco leaves, some bitter and aromatic herbs (including quinine) mixed with some pink pepper and fresh and slightly fragrant floral flavours. A refreshing and well-made Dailuaine. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

19 May 22

Bimber Virgin Oak 2018, C. Dully Selection, 59.5%, B:2022, cask 320. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense to very intense, very floral, spicy, oaky, on vanilla, charred wood, nice fresh floral flavours, vanilla custard, crème brulée and some banana. Very nice. Taste: Smooth, floral, fresh, intense, oaky, slightly hot, on crème brulée, banana, cinnamon, vanilla, oak spices, cinnamon, marmalade, charred wood and fresh floral flavours. Diluted, it become more on cinnamon and slightly smoother. The finish is medium to long, rich, oaky, rather floral, on vanilla, fresh floral flavours, oak spices, butter, charred wood, orange blossom, some cinnamon and orange peel. Impression: My first taste at an independent bottling of Bimber, from the C. Dully Selection. This Bimber is just four years old, but it shows a remarkable maturity and complexity, and the Virgin oak  works very well with the Bimber distillate. Well balanced and most enjoyable. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

16 May 22

White Horse Spring Cap, OB, 43%, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, round, balanced, smoky, peaty, on old sooty peat smoke, dried fruits, leather, sultanas, round floral flavours, some mango and other ripe fruity flavours. Very good and rather complex. Taste:  Intense, smoky, peaty, rather sooty and tarry, with nice mellow fruity flavours, leather, sultana, orange, some heather and light floral flavours, as well as some humus and old furnitures. The finish is long, rather complex and on the same flavours, with a slight bitterness and rusted mineral on the finish, Impression: I haven’t tried for a long time a White Horse whisky, but this one as definitely a content of Islay single malt and a pleasant mild sherry influence. Very good.  Thank you Bernhard! Rating: 16/20  FP:D3

13 May 22

Springbank Local Barley, 10 YO, OB, 51.6%, B:2022. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Slightly smoky and peaty, malty, rather fresh, with a light peat smoke, light salty and mineral flavours, as well as vanilla. Taste: Clean, fresh, malty, on lemon cake, vanilla, mineral oil, sea brine, camphor, some humus and sour flavours. The finish is medium, oaky, woody, rather bitter and sour, humus, wet socks, vanilla, some lemon zest and light mineral and peaty flavours. Diluted, it becomes saltier, smokier and more mineral. Impression:  A nice Springbank, rather mineral and clean, but with a rather rough and oaky finish. Seems like the bourbon casks were rather active. Some water helps to remove the sourness on the finish and to enhance the sooty-smoky flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:A3

12 May 22

Strathisla 15 YO Distillery Exclusive, OB, 48%, B :2022. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, floral to very floral, rather complex, on very smooth and round sherry flavours, sultanas, high grade leather, dates, summer flowers and some orange. The balance and roundness on the nose is impressive. Taste: Round, floral, juicy to very juicy, on leather, sultanas, bloody orange, honey, pineapples, some red berries, nice floral flavours, cinnamon and a touch of lacquer. Nicely balanced. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and sweeter. The finish is long, smooth, silky, rich, complex, floral, on honey, leather, some cinnamon, orange, dates, sultanas, dark berries, cherries and pineapples. Impression: Woaww. That is a change from the previous Strathisla OB! This is a new Strathisla available only at the distillery and a very impressive one, with a beautiful sherry influence, very fruity, silky and leaving a moreish feeling on the tongue, with lots of roundness. If you stop at the distillery, make sure to buy at least one bottle! Rating: 17/20 FP:G1

11 Mai 22

Bushmills 2010 Cuvée Causeway Collection for Germany, OB, 54.8%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Winey, oaky, malty, slightly gristy, on red wine, toffee, oaky spices, some pepper, nuts and some toffee. Diluted, it becomes more oaky, winey and with some roasted coffee beans. Taste: Winey, malty, slighly oaky, on a mixture of winey and oaky flavours, some toffee, roasted coffee beans and black berries. The finish is medium, oaky, moderately winey and spicy, on pears, red wine, some tannins and black berries. Impression: A good and intense Bushmills, from a vatting of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks finish in cuvée casks, probably red-wine casks. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1

10 May 22

Brora 1982 Distillery Exclusive “Hidden Beneath”, 39 YO, OB, 58.2%, B:2021, cask 582, 150 bottles. Price: Nose:  Round to very round, waxy, on vanilla, beeswax, some custard, candied citrus fruits, light farmy flavours, pollen and heather. Taste: Waxy to very waxy, rather fruity, slightly farmy and peppery, with a zest of lemon, some heather, vanilla, underlying spices, candied citrus. The finish is long, waxy, austere, farmy, slightly peaty, on candied citrus, beeswax, stables, some ashes and hint of mineral flavours. Impression:  Unfortunately the sample I brought home leaked and *could only taste it diluted, therefore these tasting notes should be interpreted with caution. This single cask is limited to 150 bottles and sold exclusively at the Distillery. Diluted, this whisky was most enjoyable, waxy and rather farmy and lovely candied citrus flavours, without any blemish of age. Probably the most farmy 1982 Brora I have tasted. Rating: 18/20 FP:A2*

08 May 22

Clynelish 12 YO Hand-filled batch 1, OB, 59.7%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Fresh, grassy, waxy, slightly spicy, on vanilla, some citrus, honey and tropical fruits. Taste: Light, fresh, waxy, intense, malty, on oak spice, vanilla, candlewax, orchards fruits, lychees and some other tropical fruits. The finish is medium to long, very waxy, green grassy, on green malt, orchards and tropical fruits. Impression: This might not be a very complex whisky, but the quality of the spirit shines through this bottle, as the wood influence is most discreet, allowing to reveal the green, grassy, waxy and fruity character of the distillery. Very pleasant. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

06 May 22

Glen Garioch 2012 Hand-filled Minnesota Oak, OB, 61.1%, B:2022, cask 1355. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Spicy, round, creamy, on butterscotch, vanilla, crème brulée, some heather honey and fudge. Diluted, it becomes markedly fresher, with some floral and orchards fruits flavours. Taste: Spicy, fresh, oaky, rather smooth, on sawdust, ginger, vanilla, sevilla orange, leather, charred wood and some heather honey. Diluted, it becomes smoother, more on ginger beer and stronger oaky flavours.The finish is medium to long, oaky, spicy, slightly aromatic, on charred wood, vanilla, orange, ginger, some heather honey and light aromatic herbs. Impression: A nice Glen Garioch, rather round and creamy on the nose, becoming fresher and smoother once it reaches your palate. The influence of the American oak is strong, with lots of vanilla flavours and a generally round profile. The sweeter of the trilogy. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

02 May 22

Glen Garioch 1988 Private stock for Taiwan, The Whisky Agency, 47.9%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, slightly smoky, mineral and earthy, complex to very complex, with a light and mellow aromatic peat smoke, some heather, candied ginger, some humus and damp clothes. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, on soft aromatic, mineral and slightly peat smoke, slightly grassy, with some humus, mushrooms and a touch of candied orange and a dash of nuts. The finish is long, very mellow, slightly mineral, rather grassy, on soft aromatic herbs and spices, honey, some mushrooms, humus, a light peat smoke and a slightly sappy mouthfeel, as well as light floral and slightly fragrant flavours. Impression: A very mellow expression of Glen Garioch, rather subtle, with a nice mouthfeel and elegant and complex aromatic and grassy flavours. As the flavours are rather soft and subtle (i.e., not very intense), a whisky to savour best neat and with a fresh palate. Should have been best bottled earlier, to my humble opinion. Rating: 15/20 FP:B2

 

26 Apr 22

Wolfburn Gessner #2 for Switzerland, OB, 55%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, fruity, light, slightly coastal and maritime, on schnapps, some mineral oil Taste: Oily, fruity, fresh, slightly oaky, yeasty and coastal, on oak spices, some vanilla, liquorice roots, a light coastal peat smoke, some hops and schnapps. The finish is medium, oaky, spicy, intense, slightly coastal and winey. Impression: A rather oaky and winey expression of Wolfburn with some fruit schnapps. Tasted rather young to my liking. Rating: 12/20 PA:E2

25 Apr 22

Annandale 2015,  6 YO, The Whisky Chamber, 61.0%, B:2021, cask 449. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peated to very peated, oily, smoky, dirty, aromatic, rather intense, on peat smoke, old mineral oil, aromatic herbs, some vanilla, ginger, gentian and sea brine. Rather complex. Taste: Oaky, peaty, smooth, rather young and rough, on oaky spices, liquorice roots, mineral oil and some peat smoke. The finish is medium, rather dry and on the same flavours. Impression: The nose was nice and promising, but on the palate, the youth of the whisky is immediately apparent. A good whisky, but that would have deserved a longer maturation. Rating: 12/20 FP:A6

24 Apr 22

Bushmills 10 YO Sherry Cask, OB, 40%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, malty, fruity, juicy, on sweet juicy and fruity flavours, light oaky spices, orange, some tangerine, cinnamon and tannins. Taste: Oaky, spicy, malty, slightly gristy, on oak spice, pears, some black berries, orange, tangerine and cinnamon. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A good Bushmills, with the finish in sherry casks giving a nice fruitiness, on top of the rather active ex-bourbon casks used for the initial maturation. A longer maturation in sherry cask might have improved the balance. Rating: 12/20 FP:C1

23 Apr 22

Isle of Jura 1990 10th Anniversary, 30 YO, Sansibar, 46.5%, B:2020. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, rather sharp, moderately salty, with a soft sweet side, sunbathed barley, some sultanas, orange zest and marzipan. Well balanced. Taste: Clean, malty, maritime, oaky, slightly spicy, on juicy oak, some vanilla, sea brine, sea salt, a touch of leather, sultanas and orange. The finish is medium, satly, moderately malty, slightly floral, with some worn leather, sea brine, a touch of orange and toffee. Diluted, it becomes softer and slightly thinner. Impression: A rather elegant and subtle Isle of Jura, initially rather clean, and then becoming progressively more complex and mellow. Matured in a sherry cask, but the influence is rather faint. A good whisky. Rating : 14/20 FP:B1

18 Apr 22

Benrinnes 1997 for Waldhaus am See, 22 YO, Signatory, 55.1%, B:2020. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Rich, fruity, intense, thick, slightly bitter and rubbery, on tannins, slightly overinfused black tea, high grade rubber, mango, rose hip, orange, leather, dates and figs. Taste: Floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, fragrant and aromatic, tannic, on orange, marmalade, mango, black tea, rose hip, leather, lacquer and fresh rubber. The finish is long, floral to very floral, tannic, on old leather, blackcurrant, lacquer, marmalade, black tea, rose hip high, grade rubber, some blueberries, dates and figs. Impression: A challenging whisky. It has the typical fragrant and slightly rubbery profile of the distillery, associated with thick and syrupy flavours from the sherry,  heavy on tannins, while combining a nice fruitiness. The tannins are well present, as well as some bitter spices, but not astringent. The mouthfeel reminds me the feeling left after fresh blueberries and blackcurrant. A whisky difficult to rate, but definitely worth tasting. Rating : 15/20 FP:G1

15 Apr 22

Clan Colla 19 YO, OB, 46%, B :2020. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round to very round, sweet, fruity, on leather, high grade round rubber, dried fruits, candied orange, cinnamon, high grade leather and some honey. Taste: Round to very round, mellow, slightly syrupy, malty, spicy and fruity, on leather, cinnamon, dates, sultanas, red berries, some tannins, chocolate, coffee beans, vanilla, and oak spices. The finish is long, round, syrupy, rather fruity and oaky, on dried fruits, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, leather and some oak spices. Diluted, it become markedly more fruity. Impression: A Irish single malt matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in ex-Oloroso casks. A good whisky, with intense round flavours of dried fruits and leather coming from the Oloroso cask, with lingering oaky flavours from the ex-bourbon casks. With some water, the Oloroso shows a very nice fruitiness. Rating : 13/20 FP:A1

11 avr 22

Clan Colla 11 YO, OB, 46%, B :2022. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Intense to very intense, rather complex, fruity, with some light mellow and slightly aromatic peat smoke, vanilla and butterscotch. Taste: Intense, moderately oaky and peaty, fruity, slightly malty, on round and mellow peat smoke, some seabrine, orchards fruits, vanilla, butterscotch and some rather salty and maritime retro-olfaction. Diluted, it becomes more on maritime peat smoke. Impression: An Irish whiskey matured in ex-bourbon and ex-peated casks, well balanced, with a moderate and rather mellow peat smoke. The peat is mild and provides some punch and originality to this well-made whiskey. Rating : 13/20 FP:A4

08 Apr 22

Glen Garioch Virgin Oak N°2, OB, 48%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, spicy, aromatic, on ginger, cereals, vanilla, some cloves, sawdust and dry aromatic herbs. Taste: Oaky, fresh, spicy, in ginger, oak spices, vanilla, some heather, humus, light green and aromatic flavours, as well as some pears. Rather intense. With time, it becomes more aromatic, spicier and with some butterscotch. Diluted, it becomes spiocier. The finish is rather long, spicy, intense, oaky, aromatic, slightly nutty, on vanilla, aromatic herbs, ginger, some butterscotch and pears. Impression: I find that the Virgin oak works well with the ginger-spicy and aromatic flavours of the spirit, giving it an additional spiciness. I really like this style, but some might find it too oaky. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

05 avr 22

Secret Orkney Acla Selection N°10 1998, 20 YO, Acla Selection, 50.5%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, rather floral and rubbery, on dried fruits, tannins, leather, cinnamon, orange peel, nutmeg, fresh floral flavours and some lacquer. Taste: Clean, intense, floral, slightly fragrant, on tannins, dried fruits, sultanas, dates, orange peel, some lacquer, clove, a mix of floral and grassy flavours, as well as some nutmeg, cinnamon and honey. The finish is medium to long, on the same flavours. Impression: A single malt mixing a clean, fresh and slightly oaky profile, with sweet and rather velvety round and honey flavours. Initially, there was a whiff of rubber, but it disappeared after a few minutes, leaving round flavours on the palate and a sweet layer of leather and dried fruits in the palate. Rating : 14/20 FP:D1

04 avr 22

Ardnamurchan AD 07.21.05, OB, 46%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Maritime, salty, smooth, peaty, slightly young, on sea brine, sea salt, maritime peat smoke, iodine and some vanilla. Taste: Salty, tarry, zesty, on liquid tar, maritime peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds, some disinfectant, vanilla, dough, pepper and sea salt. The finish is long, salty, maritime, peaty, on sea salt, seabrine, dough, tar, peat smoke, some iodine, seaweeds and camphor. Impression: A peaty with a strong maritime and sea salt influence, not very complex, but pleasant to drink and sharing some similarities with a well-known single malt from Skye. Rating : 14/20 FP:A5

03 Apr 22

In memoriam of Mr Grallet, the founder of the Rozelieures distillery, who passed away last week

Rozelieures ex-fût unique de Rhum HSE, OB, 43%, B:2022. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Moderately peaty, rather round, sweet and winey, on round and sugary flavours of candied sugar, a nice and slightly aromatic peat smoke. Very pleasant. Taste: Smooth, light, fresh, juicy, oaky, moderately sugary, with a lingering sooty, dry and tarry peat smoke, light floral flavours and some sweet sugary-winey flavours. The finish is medium, rather light, elegant, and moderately peaty, on dry and tarry peat smoke, sweet sugary flavours, some grist and soot. Impression: The whisky might be slighly smooth and young, but it shows a remarkable balanced between a delicious tarry and sooty peat smoke, light malt and floral flavours. As the whisky has not rested too long in the Rhum cask, the influence from that spirit is light, complementing well the peaty side of this whisky. The barley was peated only to 6 ppm, but it seems stronger. Rozelieures is now changing their label, so that the cask number will be visible. Rating : 14/20 FP:C3

02 Apr 22

The Dublin Liberties Irish single malt, 10 YO, OB, 46%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, malty, fruity, on ripe orchards fruits, gooseberries, some spices, aromatic herbs and light grassy flavours. Taste: Oaky, intense, grassy to very grassy, malty, on orchards fruits, oak spices, vanilla, gooseberries and some butterscotch. The finish is medium, grassy to very grassy, moderately oaky, spicy and buttery, on vanilla, some orchards fruits and oak spices. Impression: A nice fruity and very grassy Irish whiskey, on orchard’s fruits and some oaky flavours. Diluted, the oaky flavours are more pronounced. Rating : 12/20  FP:C1

 

01 Apr 22

Ledaig 2011 Dreisatz / Ramseyer’s Whisky Connection Bordeaux finish after Ballechin, 10 YO, Signatory, 51.5%, B:2021, cask 17. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Winey, peaty to very peaty, rather dry, moderately oaky and maritime, on a dry maritime peat smoke, vanilla, oak spices, some seaweeds, winey flavours and iodine. Taste: Peaty, oaky, moderately maritime, complex, rather balanced, with a nice winey sweetness, peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds and red grapes. The finish is long, peaty, medicinal, round, rather balanced, on iodine, seaweeds, red grapes, light oaky spices and some vanilla. Impression: A lovely expression of Ledaig, heavily peated, with the Bordeaux wine cask influence contributing to a nice balance between the intense peat smoke and the winey sweetness, rounding the edges and making it more easy to drink than the Signatory expression. Matured in ex-Ballechin cask with a finish in Bordeaux red wine cask. Rather complex for its age. Rating: 14/20 FP:D6

29 mar 22

Ledaig 2007, 13 YO, Signatory, 59.7%, B:2020, refill sherry cask 70550. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Dry, peaty, maritime, intense, smoky, salty, moderately oaky, on dry maritime peat smoke, oak spices, vanilla, seaweeds and some medicinal flavours. Taste: Intense to very intense, dry, very peaty, maritime and rather oaky, on vanilla, oak spices, a dry maritime peat smoke, some idione, disinfectant and seaweeds. The finish is long, dry, oaky, peaty to very peaty, maritime, on vanilla, peat smoke, seaweeds and disinfectant, liquorice roods and with a light sweetness on the finish. Impression: A very intense and peaty expression of Ledaig, maritime and without compromise. Rating: 15/20 FP:B7

23 mar 22

Hogmanay Single Malt volume 2 2007, 13 YO, The whisky Chamber, 57.9%, B:2020,  Oloroso quarter cask 10A. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, peaty, maritime, slightly medicinal, on maritime peat smoke, seaweeds, some camphor, iodine and sea salt, as well as some oak spices. Taste: Intense, peaty, oaky, salty, maritime, on vanilla, peat smoke, some round winey flavours, sultanas, liquorice roots, seaweeds and iodine. The finish is medium,  peaty, rather syrupy, maritime, on leather, sultanas, dates, seaweeds, some red grapes, iodine, peat smoke and seaweeds. Impression: A very nice expression of a single malt distilled at the Lagavulin distillery, with a complex and lovely peat smoke, and round and syrupy flavours from the Oloroso cask more present on the finish. Rating: 15/20 FP:D6

20 mar 22

Cambus 1991 for Heads and Tails Canada,  The Whisky Agency, 51.1%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Grainy, rather spirity and fragrant, with some vanilla and whole grains cereals. Taste: Fresh, spirity, hot, grainy. Let’s quickly add some water: it remains spirity, hot and rather bland. The finish is medium, grainy, rather hot, with some vanilla, varnish, fragrance and whole grain cereals. Impression: A strong contrast with the Signatory bottling, rather monotone, bland and   burning on the palate. No my cup of spirits. Rating: 10/20 FP:A1

13 mar 22

Wolfburn cask N°318, OB, 46%, B:2022. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oily, coastal, mineral, slightly peaty and aromatic, with a touch of oak spices, seaweeds, seabrine and vanilla. Very nice. Taste: Fresh, maritime, oily, smoky, slightly peaty, coastal, on old dirty and aromatic peat smoke,  sea brine, some mineral brush, oak spices and a touch of seaweeds. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Impression: A very nice expression of Wolfburn, rather peated for this distillery, with nice oily and coastal flavours. I enjoyed it very much. Rating: 14/20 FP:B3

04 mar 22

Cambus 1991 For Waldhaus am See,  30 YO, Signatory, 57.0%, B: 2021,  Sherry cask 34111. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, fruity, grainy, rather complex, on ripe fruits, orange, some leather, porridge and  light fragrant flavours. Intense. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, grainy, on porridge, ripe fruits, including peach and orange, nice floral flavours, some quince and cooked cereals. The finish is long, fruity, mellow, on vanilla, fragrant floral flavours, some quince, peach and porridge. Diluted, it becomes more velvety, with lovely balanced flavours of cooked cereals, cinnamon and some heather. Impression: A lovely, rich, rather complex, fruity and intense Cambus. Very enjoyable. Rating : 15/20 FP:C1

27 Fev 22

Glen Grant 1967, 5 YO, OB, 40%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Aromatic, austere, slightly peaty, dirty, slightly floral, on aromatic and austere peat smoke, aromatic herbs, and dry heather bushes with mineral notes. Taste: Austere, oily, aromatic to very aromatic, herbal, slightly floral, on a very nice aromatic and mineral peat smoke, heather, some quince, vanilla and dry bushes. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Austere to very austere. Impression: A lovely austere, aromatic and rather peaty Glen Grant, very different from the current production, with only a fait influence of the oak, leaving the austere peat smoke from the Highlands to shine. I love this old style of Speyside (and Highland whiskies). Thank you Markus. Rating: 16/20 FP:B5

14 Feb 22

Strathearn Peated 2014 ex-Port, Uniqueness of the cask, 55.4%, B :2018, cask 092. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, smooth, peaty, oaky, on aromatic peat smoke, toffee, fudge, some candied pears, vanilla and light aromatic herbs. Smelled younger and smoother than cask 084. Taste: Oaky, floral, smooth, rather young and intense, slightly zesty and smoky, with round spices, oak, vanilla and fresh floral flavours. The finish is medium, on the same flavours, as well as on aromatic smoke and some orchards fruits. Impression: It tasted markedly younger than the cask 084, but also fruitier and less peated. Rating: 13/20 FP:A4

03 Feb 22

Man O’Sword 2015, OB, 60.9%, cask 271. Price: Colour:  Old gold Nose: Complex, intense, rather round and sweet, slightly peaty, mineral and austere, on nice sherry amontillado flavours, dry, but elegant, mineral, slightly peaty, herbal and aromatic. The combi Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, rather young and clean, with some herbal and aromatic flavours, as well as some nutty and a touch of smoke. Taste: Smooth, young, clean, rather spirity, rather oaky, slightly fierce, on vanilla, wood polish, some light herbal, aromatic and smoky flavours. The finish is medium, oaky, smooth, slightly herbal and aromatic, on vanilla and some round floral flavours. The moderate peat smoke needs time to be released. Impression: A sharp contrast to the Awico bottling, markedly less matured, smooth, more oaky and less complex, with a touch of varnish. Rating: 13/20 FP:A3

31 Jan 22

Annandale Amontillado 2015, Awico, 58.9%, B:2020, cask 481. Price: Colour:  Old gold Nose: Complex, intense, rather round and sweet, slightly peaty, mineral and austere, on nice sherry amontillado flavours, dry, but elegant, mineral, slightly peaty, herbal and aromatic. The combination of the amontillado and the slightly peaty and mineral flavours from the spirit work very well together. Taste: Dry, intense, rather mineral, herbal and aromatic, with some peat smoke, dry grapes, some nuts, leather and mineral soot. Impression: An excellent Annandale bottled by Willy Cotting. The whisky might only be five years old, but it is complex, well matured and with a delicious integration from a full maturation in ex-amontillado sherry casks. Amontillado matured single malts are rare. I loved it. Rating: 16/20 FP:D3

28 Jan 22

Caol Ila 2007 for Heads and Tails, The Whisky Agency, 52.9%, B :2019. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Light, clean, peaty to very peaty, maritime, smoky, oaky, tarry, on dry peat smoke, sea weeds, sea salt and some vanilla. Taste: Dry, peaty to very peaty, intense, smoky, salty, on maritime and dry peat smoke, oaky flavours, citrus and some tar. The finish is medium, peaty, tarry, dry, young, oaky, on maritime peat smoke, some iodine and citrus. Impression: A clean and light Caol Ila, with a rather dry maritime peat smoke, that taste rather young. Rating : 12/20 FP:A6

27 Jan 22

Loch Lomond Oloroso 2012 for Best Taste Trading, OB, 54.4%, B:2021, cask 18/667-4. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, round, floral, sweet, moderately rubbery, with loads of dried fruits, rubber, orange, cinnamon, some cloves, floral flavours, malt and some tannins. Taste: Round to very round, rubbery, floral, fragrant, with loads of fresh rubber and dried fruits, orange, cinnamon, cloves, leather and some round floral and malty flavours. Diluted, it becomes more bitter. The finish is medium to long, round, floral, rubbery, rather sweet and fragrant, on dried fruits, cinnamon, orange peel, some cloves, liquorice roots, leather and tannins. Impression: A Loch Lomond dominated by a strong sweet oloroso influence, with lots of cinnamon and dried fruits, as well as some bitter flavours. The rubbery flavours are fortunately not too astringent or bitter. Mainly for sherry freaks. Rating: 13/20 FP:G1

25 Jan 22

Isle of Jura 1992, 29 YO, The Maltbarn, 47.3%, B:2021, cask 176. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, elegant, on sea brine, light mellow malty flavours, some light floral and fruity flavours, as well as some hops and almonds. Taste: Rich, salty, malty, on hops, malt, spices, herbs, some toffee and a fair dose of pink grapefruit. Zesty. Diluted, it becomes fresher and more intense. The finish is intense, spicy, malty, salty, on hops, herbs, some citrus and a touch of mint. Impression: On the nose, it is rather smooth and elegant, but as soon as the liquid touches your palate, you can taste an intense salty and rather citric expression of Isle of Jura, rather complex and zesty. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

22 Jan 22

Lagavulin Offerman Guinness Finish, 11 YO, OB, 46%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Heavy, smoky, vegetal, round, on stout, vegetamine, peat smoke and some sea salt. The influence of the Guinness is rather intense and tends to take over the spirit. Taste: Round, salty, smoky, maritime, on vegetal extract, round and heavy stout flavours, some lemon, sea salt, iodine and some seaweeds. The finish is medium, salty, smoky, on stout, lemon, sea salt and medicinal flavours. Impression: A Lagavulin finished in Guinness oak casks. The round influence of the Guinness is clearly present and provides an original profile to this whisky. Tasted at the same time as the Special Release, it is markedly smoother, rounder and less intense, even when both are reduced at the same strength. Rating: 13/20 FP:B5

19 Jan 22

Lagavulin 12 YO Special Release 2021, OB, 56.5%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Very smoky, peaty, medicinal, salty, rather dry and ashy,  on peat smoke, seaweeds, light oak spices, antiseptic, tar, some rooty flavours and lemon. Very intense. Taste: Very intense and smoky, peaty, maritime, on sea brine, disinfectant, peat smoke, sea salt, some dry roots and lemon. The finish is very intense, long, and smoky, peaty, on sea salt, disinfectant, some oak spices, lemon, seaweeds, tar and dry roots. Diluted, it retains is intensity. Impression: An excellent Lagavulin, very intense, smoky and zesty. A Lagavulin with no compromise. Rating:16/20 FP:A7

13 Jan 22

Starward Ginger Beer 2017, OB, 48.0%, B:2021, cask 6. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: On ginger beer, sugar,  fresh ginger, with some candy sugar, light buttery and citric flavours. Taste: Sweet, sugary, spicy, on fresh ginger, ginger beer and sugar, as well as some citrus. The finish is medium, spicy to very spicy and on ginger beer. Impression: A very special whisky with very strong ginger beer flavours, more like a sweet alcoholic version of ginger beer than whisky. If you do not like ginger beer, like Fever Tree, best to avoid it. Rating:12/20 FP:A2

 

10 Jan 22

Strathearn Peated 2014, Uniqueness of the cask, 56.4%, B :2018, cask 084 New Charred American Oak Cask. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Elegant, peaty, rather complex, moderately oaky, smoky, on aromatic and slightly dry peat smoke, some floral flavours, roots, charred oak, vanilla, and liquorice. Taste: Peaty, floral, aromatic, intense, oaky, spicy, on charred wood, ashes, aromatic peat smoke, liquorice roots, some vanilla, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes more floral and slightly coastal. The finish is medium to long, smoky, peaty, rather round and oaky, on aromatic peat smoke, charred oak, liquorice, some soot, ashes, vanilla and light floral flavours. Impression: A very nice single malt, with a “highland style” of peat smoke, more aromatic and less maritime or salty than Islay single malt. The peat is also moderated and the presence of the charring of the cask is well present, with the whole rather well integrated and pleasant. It tasted more matured than a 4-year old whisky. Rating: 15/20 FP:A5

05 Jan 22

Loch Lomond Peated Grain, OB, 46%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Light, fresh, malty, with a nice dry peat smoke, some floral and nice round malty flavours. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, fresh, slightly zesty, rather elegant and floral, with some nice dry and slightly floral peat smoke. The finish is medium to long, with a nice dry peat smoke, slightly floral and aromatic, with some green malt, a touch of hay and citrus. Diluted, it becomes slightly fragrant and more floral. Impression: My first peated grain whisky, rather elegant, fresh and complex, with a lovely peat smoke, combing the impression of a rather dry peat smoke with a round aromatic and slightly floral peat smoke, allowing the whole to be rather round. A very nice made  and enjoyable whisky. Very good value too. Rating: 14/20 FP:A5

01 Jan 22

Strathearn Unpeated new charred American oak, Uniqueness of the Cask, 57.4%, B :2018, Cask 081. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Fresh, floral to very floral, round, spicy, on vanilla, vanilla custard, nice round and rather mellow floral flavours, some almond and ripe orchards fruits. Taste: Intense, round, floral, spicy, moderately grassy, with very nice round and floral flavours, vanilla, vanilla custard, spices, green grass and some ripe orchards fruits. The finish is medium, grassy,  round, floral, on yellow fruits, gooseberries, vanilla, vanilla custard, green grass, spices, and some ripe orchards fruits. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and spicier, as well as slightly buttery. Impression: A very enjoyable Strathearn matured in an octave. An intense, fresh and floral single malt, with a very nice mouthfeel, remarkably complex and lovely various fruity flavours. Rating : 15/20 FP:A1

27 Dec 21

Swissländer Fino, OB, 40%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Clean, slightly malty and winey, with round fino flavours and some spices. Taste: Clean, malty, with nice round fino flavours, rather sweet and winey and on grapes. Diluted, it becomes fruitier. The finish is medium, clean, round, malty, rather winey, on grapes, some spices and a rather sweet fino influence. Impression: A nice whisky, well made and easy to drink, with a full maturation in ex-fino casks. The fino influence is surprisingly sweet in this whisky. Rating:12/20 FP:G1

22 Dec 21

Isle of Raasay Batch 002, OB, 46.4%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Maritime to very maritime, coastal, salty, peaty, dirty, intense, on dry maritime peaty smoke, iodine, sea brine, sea salt, harbour like flavours, coconuts, seaweeds and some winey flavours. The maritime influence is very strong and pleasant. Taste: Dry, salty, maritime, oaky, winey, on grapes, on oak spices and coconut, as well as some tobacco leaves. The finish is rather long, maritime, salty and winey, on coconut, iodine, sea salt, seaweeds and grapes. Impression: A nicely made whisky, complex, with a strong maritime and coastal influence, tasting like a mixture of old Campbletown whiskies, with some winey influence. A assembly of peated and unpeated malt, matured each in 4 different types of casks (i.e., 8  casks in total). Rating:15/20 FP:D4

20 Dec 21

Irten’ ge Project 1 2012, 8 YO, OB, 48.0%, B:2019, cask 198/222. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, bold, malty, very fruity, intense, on ripe yellow and  exotic fruits, vanilla custard, sunbathed barley and some cinnamon. Taste: Oily, malty, bold, round, fruity, on cinnamon, orange peel, peach, papaya, vanilla custard and other soft spices. The finish is medium to long, malty, complex, fruity, on cinnamon, ripe exotic fruits, orange peel and sun bathed barley. Impression: A really impressive whisky, complex, fruity and bold, with fruity flavours reminding me of old Speyside whiskies with its ripe fruits with a dash of mellow Bourbon whiskies. Made with Golden Promise barley. A very good surprise from the distillery founded by Dany Kissling and his partners in Switzerland. Of note, the distillation date was erroneous on the label and should read as 2011 instead of 2012. Rating:16/20 FP:A1

17 Dec 21

Bunnahabhain 1987, 33 YO, Maltbarn, 49.5%, B:2021, cask 175. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very mellow, round, coastal, fruity, slightly grassy and maritime, on ripe yellow fruits, banana, papaya, some heather, light grassy and aromatic flavours. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, slightly salty, spicy and oaky, on ripe yellow fruits, some coastal flavours, spring flowers, sea salt, some pineapples, apricots and dried fruits. Diluted, there are some peaches. The finish is medium, salty, coastal, round and mellow, on ripe yellow fruits, some spices, heather and light round floral flavours. Impression: An elegant Bunnahabhain, round, mellow, fruity and rather maritime, slightly more intense and with a touch of wood less than the Acla selection. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2

16 Dec 21

Bunnahabhain Acla Edition 11 1987, 34 YO,  Acla Selection, 53.4%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, slightly maritime and smoky, on ripe bananas, some heather, coastal brine, apricots and a light round smokiness as well as some soft spices. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, slightly spicy, coastal and fruity, on ripe bananas, exotics fruits, some heather, sea brine and light aromatic flavours. The finish is mellow to very mellow, fruity, slightly dry and oaky, with light coastal flavours, on vanilla, almonds, apricots, bananas and some exotic fruits. Impression: A very nice and elegant Bunnahbahain, rather fruity, but with some dry woody  underlying flavours. A whisky bottled just in time. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2

12 Dec 21

Bunnahabhain 2014 Heavily Peated Staoisha for Ramseyer’s whisky connection, Signatory, 57.9%, B:2021, Cask 10620. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Maritime, peated, smoky, slightly salted, on charred (burnt wood), peat smoke, iodine, sea weeds, peat, some liquorice and dark chocolate.  The charred wood is slightly less present than the Whisky Bibliothek, but also slightly less peated. Taste: Oaky, maritime, peaty, smoky, slightly floral, on burnt wood, peat smoke, sea brine, seaweeds, sea salt, liquorice, oak spices, some heater and tar. Impression: A whisky with a nose close to the Whisky Bibliothek, but with less intense flavours of charred wood on the palate. I like this one slightly better, but this is a matter of choice and tasting both of them head to head will help you to select one that fits your taste better. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6

09 Dec 21

Bunnahabhain 2014 Heavily Peated for Whisky Bibilothek, 8 YO, Signatory, 59.2%, B:2021, cask 10593. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Heavily peated, maritime, slightly salty, on charred (burnt) wood, peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds, some tar, iodine, black liquorice and other maritime flavours. Intense. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, peaty, ashy, slightly satly and maritime, on charred wood, liquorice, tar, ashes, coal and oak spices. The finish is medium, on charred wood, black liquorice, sea weeds, sea salt, peat smoke and tar. Impression: A heavily peated Bunnahabain matured in a de-charred and re-charred cask. The cask was very heavily charred (Alligator) and thus the influence of charred wood is very present and the whisky not as peated as expected from tasting younger expressions of heavily peated Bunnahabhain. A whisky that I enjoyed, although I wished the charred wood flavours were lighter. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6

06 Dec 21

Ardbeg 2001 Private Reserve Wu Dram Clan, 20 YO, OB, 46.6%, B:2021, cask 348, 155 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very complex, maritime, peaty, smoky, mellow,  on iodine, lemon, peat smoke, disinfectant, some ashes, vanilla, seaweeds,  and some hemp rope. Elegant. Taste: Peaty, maritime, medicinal, smoky, maritime, on peat smoke, apples, lemon peel, some vanilla custard, seaweeds, iodine, tar and ashes. Mellow. The finish is medium, smoky to very smoky, peaty, medicinal, maritime, on iodine, seaweeds, peat smoke, some tar, vanilla, lemon peel, soot, apples and a touch of hemp rope. Impression: I was very curious to taste this aged Ardbeg, as the team behind the Wu Dram Clan enjoy fine whiskies and as the official small batches of Ardbeg (Ardbeg 18, 22 and 23 YO OB) left me with a mixed feeling.  This Ardbeg has a lovely complexity, reminding me of the complex and medicinal peat smoke of the Ardbeg from the 1970s, with citrus, soot and a very nice balance. More complex than the Ardbeg previously mentioned and slightly more intense. The whisky was mellow to very mellow to enjoy neat, as with water it becomes to weak and thin to my liking. Seems like the Ardbeg distilled after 1998 do not age as well as the Ardbeg from the 1970s, but very happy to taste again a complex Ardbeg as this one. Rating: 18/20 FP:A5

02Dec 21

Myagikyo Peated Limited Edition 2021, OB, 42%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Smooth, slightly peated, malty and floral, with some light floral and buttery flavours and starch. Soft and rather thin. Taste: Smooth, round, slighlty peaty, with some dry, aromatic and floral peat smoke, butter and starch. The finish is medium to long, very smooth, slightly peaty and aromatic, floral with some starch and almonds Impression: A very lightly and vcry smooth expression of the Myagikyo, rather thin and slightly more complex than the Yoichi. Rating:12/20 FP:B3

30Nov 21

Yoichi Unpeated Limited Edition 2021, OB, 42%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Light, very smooth, slightly coastal, with some starch, light floral flavours  a hint of smoke and orchards fruits. Very soft and rather thin. Taste: Very smooth, thin, moderately coastal, with some peat smoke, peach, starch, fresh light floral flavours and some sea brine, as well as some almond. Diluted, it becomes smoother and more floral. The finish is medium, very smooth, starchy, floral, on round and light floral flavours, some sea salt, peat smoke, peach and a touch of green orchards fruits. Impression: A very smooth and rather thin expression of Yoichi, showing a coastal and slightly peaty profile. A well made whisky, but very thin and rather unidimensional. I miss the Yoichi with an age statement. Rating: 11/20 FP:A2

25Nov 21

Glen Moray 2008, 12 YO, C. Dully Selection, 55.4%, B:2021, cask 5664. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Intense, fresh, malty, moderately floral, round, on vanilla custard, fresh floral flavours, some gooseberries and a touch of spices. Nicely balanced. Taste: Fresh, light, intense, malty, rather round and balanced, on yellow flowers, vanilla, some oak spices, geranium and gooseberries. The finish is medium to long, round, floral, well balanced, on fresh floral flavours, vanilla, vanilla custard, some geranium and lilly of the valley flavours. Impression: A very nice expression of Glen Moray, well balanced, floral, fresh and intense, and a light pleasant roundness. Glen Moray is a distillery producing very nice single malts, but unfortunately, with a low visibility. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

23Nov 21

Islay Single Malt 1985, 33 YO, C. Dully Selection, 47.1%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, smoky, maritime, intense, complex, on maritime peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds, some citrus and sea shells. The peat smoke is deliciously complex and lingering, old style of peat smoke. Taste: Salty to very salty, mellow, fruity, maritime, slightly fragrant, on seaweeds, iodine, peat smoke, some exotic fruits, lavender, sea shells and gooseberries. The finish is medium to long, mellow, maritime, salty, on iodine, seaweeds, peat smoke, some tar, exotic fruits and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes smokier. Impression: An excellent old and mellow Islay single malt distilled at the Bowmore distillery, with a rather smoky and peat nose and finish, mellow and well balanced and with only a moderate fragrance on the palate. Very good value compared to the official bottlings. Rating: 17/20 FP:A3

18Nov 21

Bladnoch 14 YO, OB, 46.7%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, bold, malty, raisins, sultanas, leather, dried fruits, some oak spices, cocoa, orange, cinnamon and Christmas cake. Very nice and well balanced. Taste: Round, malty, spicy, moderately oaky, on dried fruits, orange peel, sultanas, cinnamon, some nutmeg, dark chocolate, leather and a touch of lacquer. The finish is medium to long, nutty, moderately oaky, on leather, dried fruits, sultanas, orange, some ripe floral flavours, dark chocolate and Christmas cake. Diluted, it becomes fruitier. Impression: It has been a long time since I had the opportunity of tasting an official bottling and this is one is very good, with lots of dried fruits, chocolate and leather coating your palate. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1

17Nov 21

Talisker Special Release 2021, 8 YO, OB, 59.7%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very coastal and smoky, oaky, tarry, intense, salty, on strong flavours of smoke (peat and burnt wood) and various maritime influence (sea salt, iodine, seaweeds), iodine and some tar. Taste: Very intense and smoky, maritime, iodine, on burnt wood (charred), iodine, seaweeds, lemon, pepper, peat smoke, and seaweeds. The finish is long, tarry, rooty, maritime, on iodine, citrus, liquorice roots, burnt wood and smoke, seaweeds and some tar. Impression: A very intense and smoky Talisker, with strong maritime flavours. Smokier than the standard 10 YO. Rating: 15/20 FP:A6

 

11Nov 21

Waterfords The Cuvée, OB, 50%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, oily, winey, on vanilla, green orchards fruits, floral flavours and some banana as well as some Pu-Erh tea. Taste: Fresh, young, smooth, malty, moderately green and spicy, on orchards fruits, vanilla custard, banana and some dried tobacco leaves, as well as light exotic fruits. The finish is medium, malty, oily, on banana, vanilla and fresh malty flavours. Diluted, it becomes more oily and on gooseberries. Impression: A nice, clean and young whisky, with a pleasant body. Tasted first from a bottle freshly opened after a long transit, it tasted rather unbalanced. At the second tasting a few days later, it had positively changed to a balanced whisky, with rich green fruity and malty flavours. Rating : 14/20 FP:C1

09Nov 21

Highland Park Single Cask series for Hermann Brothers 2007, 12 YO, OB, 65.6%, B:2020, cask 4608. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, sweet, fruity, slightly coastal, on ripe orange, some exotic fruits, sultanas, leather, a touch of cinnamon and a hint of smoke. Well balanced and juicy. Taste: Rather hot when tasted neat. Diluted, it is round, sweet, juicy, rather fruity, on leather, ripe orange, some peat smoke, tobacco quid, lacquer, black liquorice, sultanas and tangerine. Impression: A very nice round Highland Park, on leather, dry and juicy fruits, as well as some leather. Rather hot at full strength, but you just need to add a few drops of water and it becomes very pleasant. Rating: 16/20 FP:D2

 

01Nov 21

Torabhaig, OB, 46%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Sweet (young), salty, smoky, maritime, on iodine, seaweeds, peat smoke, some vanilla and juicy oak. Reminds me strongly of the Talisker bottled 20 years ago with its maritime peat smoke. Taste: Sweet to very sweet (sugary), maritime, salty, on dry maritime peat smoke, lots of iodine, juicy oak, dry maritime and oily peat smoke, some hemp, tar, soot and seaweeds. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: From the second distillery built on Skye, this whisky shares a strong similarity with the other distillery on the island, with maybe a more pronounced peat smoke. Rating: 14/20 FP:A5

28Oct 21

Secret Grain 1976, 43 YO, Dramcatcher, 45.1%, B:2020, cask 940006. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Grainy, round, on cooked cereals, fragrance, moderately floral, with some melon, vanilla and cooked orchards fruits. Taste: Grainy, round, moderately fragrant and oily, slightly spicy, on vanilla, fragrance, porridge, cooked cereals and a touch of exotic fruits. The finish is medium, grainy, round, moderately fragrant, on vanilla, fragrance, some porridge and cooked fruits. Impression: Compared to the Givran, it is mellower, more complex, and less burning. According to the label, this was distilled at the Dumbarton grain distillery. A good whisky from a lost distillery and very affordable. Rating: 14/20FP: A1

27Oct 21

Givran 1989 XOP for Hermann Brothers, Douglas Laing, 31 YO,  56.9%, B:2021, cask 14434. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Grainy, rather hot, fragrant, with some vanilla, porridge and perfume. The alcohol is rather burning. With water, it improves markedly, becoming mellower, more fruity, on melon, some papaya and vanilla custard. Taste: Grainy, fragrant, hot, floral, on porridge, melon, vanilla and some exotic fruits. Diluted, it become more floral and fragrant, on fragrant floral flavours, some varnish The finish is medium and hot. Let’s add quickly some water: it becomes more grainy, on cooked cereals, vanilla and floral fragrance. Impression: Tasting neat with a rested nose, the alcohol is very present and almost burning. With water, it becomes mellower, more elegant and fragrant. Intense and rather clean. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

26Oct 21

Komagatake Limited Edition 2020, OB, 50%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, fresh and floral, balanced, with some starch, vanilla and fresh summer flowers, as well as a touch of spices. Taste: Smooth, well balanced an rather bold and malty, with some starch, malt, toffee, sultanas, some dried fruits (including plums and apricots) as well as some exotic fruits. Diluted, it become rather spicy and with some pipe tobacco. The finish is medium to long, malty, starchy, smooth, on spices, some dried fruits, nuts and round floral flavours. Rather complex. Impression: The whisky is rather young (approximately 5 years old), but nicely smooth, balanced, with nice spicy flavours and some dried fruits. A rather complex expression of that distillery. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1

23Oct 21

Irish single malt whiskey 1998, Samaroli, 40%, B :2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, gristy, slightly dry and oaky, with some gooseberries, blackcurrant, oak spices and pears. Taste: Light, delicate, on gooseberries, blackcurrant, some aromatic herbs, soft spices and a touch of orchards fruits. The finish is short to  medium, delicate, rather green, slightly malty, with some berries and light oaky flavours, as well as orchards fruits. Impression: Distilled at Cooley, this malt is light and rather delicate, but flavours are not very intense and finish rather short, probably due to the reduction to 40%. Slightly too thin to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP:A2

22Oct 21

Secret Irish 2002, 17 YO, Dramcatcher, 48.7%, B:2020, cask 11464. Price: Colour: Pale gold-Gold Nose: Intense, fresh, slightly malty and spicy, on orchards fruits, freshly ground malt and some gooseberries. Very pleasant. Taste: Intense, green, malty, bold, rather juicy, on cooked orchards fruits, melon, some berries, round malty flavours, vanilla, vanilla custards and pear drops. Balanced and rich. The finish is medium to long, malty, green, rather intense, on nice bold malty flavours, vanilla, melon, orchards fruits, some spices and light vegetal flavours. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and slightly smoky. Impression: A  very nice bold and intense Irish whisky bottled by a new Swiss independent bottler, Dramcatcher.  I enjoyed the balance between the sweet malty flavours and round fruity flavours. A whisky with a very nice body and without the dry oaky flavours too often encountered in several secret Irish single malts. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

17Oct 21

Glen Garioch 2011, Samaroli, 45%, B :2021, cask 1537. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Intense, oaky, spicy, rather aromatic, on ginger, vanilla, spices, aromatic herbs, some heather, grist and light floral flavours. Taste: Rich, intense, spicy, moderately aromatic and floral, on heather, honey, aromatic spices, vanilla, some ginger and floral fragrance. Diltued, it becomes smoother, more aromatic and on candied ginger. The finish is medium, round, floral, aromatic, on round spicy flavours, some ginger, aromatic herbs and heather. Impression: A very nice, round, rather aromatic Glen Garioch, with some ginger, heather and other round spices and aromatic herbs. Balanced and rather complex for a 10 YO whisky. Independent bottlings of Glen Garioch are rather uncommon lately, unfortunately. Rating:15/20 FP:A1

14Oct 21

The Blended Whisky 1980, 31 YO, Samaroli, 40%, B :2021, cask 18. Price: Colour : Amber Nose : Rich, mellow, complex, spicy, aromatic, on ginger, vanilla, oak spices, leather, sultanas, heather, some honey, aromatic herbs, light floral flavours and a touch of cereals. Very nice and rather intense. Taste: Very mellow and round, slightly grainy, peaty and smoky, with some ginger, banana, vanilla, almonds, cooked cereals (including maize/corn), sultanas and strawberries. The finish is long, round, sweet, moderately grainy, on cooked cereals, ginger, vanilla, sultanas, strawberries, some ripe oranges and heather. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic and on old aromatic peat smoke, with some austere and slightly fragrant flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more fragrant. Impression: A vatting of 80% Glen Garioch and 20% of North British grain. The nose taste very much like the old style of Glen Garioch, rich, aromatic and with a light aromatic peat smoke, while on the palate, the influence of the grain is rather dominant, round and on cooked cereals. On the finish, it starts on a round and grainy mouthfeel before moving to a more intense, spicy, aromatic and austere peat smoke flavours. The vatting of the malt and grain whisky works rather well, although I wished they had bottled it as a Glen Garioch single malt. I suppose that the Glen Garioch went below 40% and they added the grain to increase the abv above 40%. The blend had a final maturation in a sherry cask. Rating: 16/20 FP:F3

08Oct 21

Bimber For Fine Food Switzerland, OB, 58.6%, B :2021, cask 205. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, intense, malty, slightly mineral and oily, with some green apples and black berries. Taste: Round, intense, malty, floral, moderately spicy and oily, on aromatic herbs, vanilla, berries, some green apples and ginger. The finish is medium to long, aromatic, spicy, rather complex, on green apples, ginger and some black berries. Diluted, it becomes smoother and slightly more oaky. Impression: A rather impressive whisky, rich, balanced, aromatic, moderately spicy and a surprising complexity for such a young whisky. A tour de force. Very nice.  Rating: 15/20 FP:A2

06Oct 21

Blended Malt 1993, 27 ans, Sélection C. Dully, 53.2%, B:2021, Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, spicy, intense, on leather, fine tannins, spices, dried and candied fruits, orange, toffee, and a touch of peat smoke. Very complex and well balanced. Delicious. Taste:  Rich, very complex and complex, intense, with rich spices, high grade leather, dried and candied fruits (sultanas, orange, dates and figs mainly),soft floral flavours, cinnamon, Christmas cake, lots of oranges, some liquorice a touch of coastal flavours. Lovely. The finish is long, rich, spicy, floral, rather thick and complex, on leather, dried fruits, cinnamons, some tannins, orange, dark chocolate and spiced bread. Diluted, it becomes more tannic and bitter. Impression: An excellent aged blended malt from Edrington, with a nose smelling like the old Macallan 100% sherry matured. The whisky is very complex, rich and fruity. Most enjoyable and it is best tasted neat. I just wished the finish was longer. A very good value whisky too. One of the best recently bottled malt whisky I tasted. Rating :  17/20 FP:H2

03Oct 21

Goldwaescher Pure Rye, OB, 43%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy to very spicy, round, slightly mineral and floral, with strong notes of rye, some grilled bread, vanilla and light winey flavours. The Rye flavours are very intense, but not very dry or coarse. Taste: Smooth to very smooth initially, fresh, on green orchards fruits, grilled bread, some nice lavender and other fragrant flowers from the South of Europe, grapes, vanilla, and nice spices (rye). The finish is medium, smooth, slightly starchy, very spicy, slightly mineral, on grilled bread, vanilla, some grapes, green orchards fruits and nice floral flavours. Impression: A 100% Swiss rye whisky, made with local Swiss rye, local water, Swiss yeast and virgin oak casks. Distilled at Diwisa using pot still, the Rye flavours are very nice and intense, and compared to most US Rye whiskies, the whisky does not taste or bitter, but the rye flavours are intense and rather smooth. A good surprise. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

02Oct 21

Waterfords Biodynamic Luna 1.1, OB, 50%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Young, sweet, fresh, floral, malty, light, slightly earthy, on vanilla, freshly crushed barely, banana, and some tobacco leaves. Very different from The Cuvée. Taste: Clean to very clean, fresh, floral, on vanilla, almonds, fragrant floral flavours, some spice and green vegetal flavours. The finish is medium, clean, fresh, malty, green, with some apples, spices, almonds, sultan and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes rather winey, on sweet wine. Impression: A nicely made whisky, clean and light, with some sweet winey flavours, once water is added. Slightly too young to my liking, but I like the concept very much. Rating :  12/20 FP:B1

29Sep 21

Lindores MCDXCIV, OB, 46%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oily to very oily, malty, slighty spicy, nutty and herbal, on vanilla, some green apples and light floral flavours. Taste: Oily to very oily, sweet, sugary, on sweet barley, spices, grapes, orange, strawberries and some nuts. The finish is medium, oily, malty, on grapes, green apples, nuts, winey flavours as well as some floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more winey. Impression: This is the first release from the Lindores distillery, aged in ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. The whisky taste rather young (sweet) and the ex-red wine influence is rather strong. A good whisky for its age, although the flavours are rather unbalanced. Rating : 11/20 FP:D1

 

06Sep 21

Strathisla 1949, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 2006. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Aromatic, floral, waxy, moderately dry, fruity, on a mixture of wax, aromatic herbs, sultanas, orange and some exotic fruits. Complex. Taste: Smoky, mineral, peaty, mellow, slightly waxy, rather aromatic, slightly soft, on an earthy and aromatic peat smoke, light floral flavours, some heather honey, leather and candied citrus. The finish is medium to long, slightly tannic and woody and on the same flavours. Impression: A surprisingly peaty version of Strathisla, complex, slightly tannic and soft. Very good, but slightly soft and thin. Thank you Patrick S. Rating: 16/20 FP:E3

30Aug 21

Glenfarclas 1.31 1969, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 52.4% B:1991. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Aromatic, mellow, slightly grassy and floral, subtle, with elegant grassy and aromatic flavours, some humus and peat smoke, with a hint of mineral flavours. Taste: Grassy, aromatic, mellow, complex, with a nice delicate and mineral peat smoke, metallic wool, aromatic herbs, light grassy and floral flavours and some light stone fruits flavours. The finish is long, complex, mineral, moderately aromatic, on stone fruits, aromatic and grassy flavours, as well as some elegant peat smoke and light spicy flavours. Diluted, there are some light flavours of fruit jam. Impression: A very good, complex, elegant, rather mineral and peaty expression Rating: 17/20 FP:C3

20Aug 21

Bunnahabhain Moine 2008 French Oak Finish Feis Ile 2019, 11 YO, OB, 57.4%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, tarry, ashy, dry, oaky, on dry peat smoke, tar, oak spices, some seaweeds and sea brine. Taste: Very peaty, intense, oaky, tarry, ashy, on soot, dry peat smoke, oak spices, some seaweeds and seabrine. The finish is long, peaty, tarry, rooty, oaky, on dry peat smoke, tar, oak spices and see weeds. Impression: A rather oaky expression of Bunnahahbain, but with a very pleasant intense and tarry peat smoke. Rating: 16/20 FP:A8

26Juil 21

Bunnahabhain Feis Ile 2020 Madeira Cask, 19 YO, OB, 53%, B :2020. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Winey, sweet, on dried fruits, some seabrine, sweet wine, dried grapes, and a touch of smoke Taste: Oaky, spicy, winey, slightly rough, winey and salty, with some sea brine, oak spices, dried fruits and grapes. The finish is medium, oaky, modern, on oak spcies, dried wine, grapes. Impression: A rather oaky expression of Feis Ile with a strong dried influence of the Madeira cask. Rating : 14/20 FP:G2

15Juil 21

Bowmore Feis Ile 2019, 15 YO, OB, 51.7%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to vcry peaty, smoky, maritime, moderately oaky, on an intense dry peat smoke, oak spices, some seaweeds and a touch of yellow fruits and vanilla. Taste: Dry to vcry dry, oaky, maritime, very peaty, smoky, on seaweeds, dry peat smoke, oaky spices, vanilla, light floral flavours as well as some yellow fruits. Impression: A modern and rather expression of Bowmore, with intense peaty and smoky flavours. Very enjoyable. Rating : 15/20 FP:A7

11Juil 21

Glen Scotia 2002 Oloroso Finish Dunnage Tasting 2021, OB, 58.7%, B:2021, cask 2019/618/81. Price: N.A Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense to very intense, round, slightly oaky, on oak spices, some vanilla, light sea brine and a touch of dried fruits. Taste: Intense to very intense, oaky, spicy, with some sultanas, dried fruits, vanilla, oak spices and sea brine, The finish is medium, oaky to very oaky, rather spicy, on oak spice, vanilla, some dried fruits and sultanas, Impression: A whisky with a rather oaky profile, from a refill bourbon cask and a final maturation in a first fill oloroso cask. As for the Port, the influence of the refill bourbon cask is rather pronounced and the final maturation brings some sweetness without dominating too much the whisky. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1

06Juil 21

Glen Scotia 2002 Ruby Port Finish Dunnage Tasting 2021, OB, 53.8%, B:2021, cask 2019/609/80. Price: N.A Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Intense to very intense, round, sweet, slightly winey and oaky, with a strong influence of the Port. Taste: Intense to very intense, round, rather sweet and winey, on grapes and a pronounced round Port influence. The finish is medium to long, round, sweet, winey, on sultanas and Port. Diluted, it becomes more salty and sea brine, as well as slightly rubbery. Impression: Matured in a refill bourbon cask with a final maturation in a first fill ruby port. Neat, the whisky is clean and round, rather intense. Diluted, it becomes more salty, but also slightly rubbery. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1

30Juin 21

Glen Scotia 1999 Dunnage Tasting 2021, OB, 59.0%, B:2021, cask 2018/256/2. Price: N.A Colour: Gold Nose: Very intense, round, slightly oily and floral, with a nice mellowness, some yellow fruits, vanilla, light honey flavours, as well as some sea brine and light round floral flavours. Taste: Mellow, rich, complex, mellow, on nice yellow fruits, vanilla, some nice mellow floral flavours, light oily flavours as well as some coconut. The finish is long, mellow, slightly oily and maritime, with a nice fruity and floral flavours, as well as some butter. impression: A nice contrast to the 2015, markedly more complex and mellow, with nice fruity and slightly floral flavours. From a refill bourbon, with a final maturation in a refill bourbon cask. Rating: 16/20 FP:B1

27June 21

Glen Scotia 2015 Dunnage Tasting 2021, OB, 60.5%, B:2021, cask 1535, 1st Fill Bourbon. Price: N.A Colour: Gold Nose: Oily, intense, moderately maritime, on sea brine, some seaweeds, vanilla, coconut, light spices and mineral oil. Rounder than the double cask. Taste: Young to very young, clean, hot, intense, spicy, slightly floral, with some vanilla, heather and oak spices. Diluted, it becomes lighter, smoother, more on vanilla and with some spring meadow flowers. The finish is medium, clean, slightly floral, with some oak spices, fresh spring flowers, round vanilla flavours and some coconuts. impression: A rather young and clean whisky, with nice round vanilla and floral flavours, smooth and well balanced. Young but promising, showing a very nice clean distillate. Rating: 11/20 FP:A1

25Juin 21

Glen Scotia Double Cask, OB, 46%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, spicy, oily, slightly maritime, on sea brine, coconut, vanilla, some oil, oak spices and a hint of sweetness. Taste: Smooth, oily, maritime to very maritime, with a fair dose of sea brine, on coconut, harbour-like flavours, mineral oil, spices, cinnamon and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes more on vanilla and oak spices, with a little more smoke. The finish is medium, spicy to very spicy, slightly young and smoky, with a hint of sultans. impression: A nice oily, rich and spicy Glen Scotia, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in pedro ximenez casks to contribute to a light sweetness. Rating: 13/20 FP:D2

01Juin 21

Glen Elgin 1988, 30 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 51.1%, B:2019, Cask 4319, Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, complex to very complex, floral, grassy, slightly nutty, on dried and stewed fruits, honey and nice sweet exotic fruits. Excellent. Taste: Mellow, complex to very complex, oily, slightly austere, grassy, aromatic, with a light underlying smokiness, candied citrus, exotic fruits, spices and some humus. Very good! The finish is long, complex, slightly citric, austere and aromatic, with nice mineral flavours, a subtle smokiness and candied grapefruits, as well as some lovely discreet floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes fruitier. Impression: An excellent fruity, complex, with nice citric and austere flavours. Rating: 17/20 FP:D2

26May 21

Bunnahabhain Moine 2008 French Oak Finish Feis Ile 2019, 11 YO, OB, 57.4%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, tarry, ashy, dry, oaky, on dry peat smoke, tar, oak spices, some seaweeds and sea brine. Taste: Very peaty, intense, oaky, tarry, ashy, on soot, dry peat smoke, oak spices, some seaweeds and seabrine. The finish is long, peaty, tarry, rooty, oaky, on dry peat smoke, tar, oak spices and see weeds. Impression: A rather oaky expression of Bunnahahbain, but with a very pleasant intense and tarry peat smoke. Rating: 15/20 FP:A8

23May 21

Balblair 10 YO, OB, 40%, B:2005. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, fruity, malty, slightly grassy, on juicy oaky flavours, honey, some grassy flavours, orange peel, dried fruits and orchards fruits. Taste: Malty to very malty, grassy to very grassy, round, slightly spicy, juicy and oaky, on nice round malty flavours, honey, some oak spices, grass, orange peel and dried fruits. The finish is medium, malty, rather grassy, moderately spicy, on honey, malt, light floral flavours as well as some orange peel. Impression: A nice rich, round and malty Bablair, on honey and nice moderate honey flavours, with probably a fair amount of sherry casks used in the mix. Thank you Martin. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1

21May 21

Mistery Islay Single Malt 1992 for Waldhaus am See, 28 YO, Signatory, 52.8%, B:2021, cask 6773. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smoky, maritime, peaty and complex, on seabrine, sea salt, iodine, some camphor, phenol, seaweeds and lapsang souchong. Very good. Taste: Complex, phenolic, maritime, peaty, smoky, medicinal, on old peat and bonfire smoke, sea salt, citrus, some lapsang souchong and a long lingering maritime peat smoke, as well as a touch of almond. Elegant and most enjoyable. The finish is long, complex, medicinal, phenolic, on seabrine, seaweeds, lapsang souchong, peat smoke, and some citrus. Impression:  A very good, elegant, smoky and rather peaty whisky distilled at the Laph… distillery on the South shore of Islay, with a nice citrus twist. A whisky that I enjoyed very much sipping. Rating: 17/20 FP:A5

20Mai 21

Clynelish 1965 for Corti, 21 YO, Duthie’s, 86 US proof, B:1986. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, smooth, velvety, on high grade leather, delicate and subtle peat smoke, orange, heather, with some sea brine soot, “barbour” jacket wax, and metallic flavours and light spices. Superb nose. Taste: Rich, smooth, waxy, juicy, slightly mineral, peaty and smoky, with some sea brine, light metallic flavours, some candied lemon, orange and tangerines, a few mustard seeds, and old mineral peat smoke. Extremely well balanced. The finish is long to very long, waxy, mineral, on mustard seeds, sea brine, old mineral peat smoke, rancio, old fine leather, some heather, citrus, lemon zest, old furniture, nuts (including a light touch of walnut and maple syrup), orange, tangerine and did I missed something? Impression: An excellent Clynelish distilled at the old Brora distillery, combining excellent mineral smoky notes with a delicious mild sherry influence. Beautiful. Rating: 19/20 FP: F3

19May 21

Benromach Cask Strength 2008 batch 1, OB, 57.9%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Meaty, peaty, maritime, slightly aromatic, on tar, dried meat, peat smoke, vanilla, light vanilla and malty flavours. More intense and complex than the 10 YO. Taste: Round, malty, complex, aromatic, slightly smoky, on round spicy flavours, a round peat smoke, some rubber, marmalade, orange, cinnamon, cloves, candied ginger and nice malty flavours.  Diluted, it becomes markedly smoother, rounder, with some rubber, tannins, and more walnuts. The finish is medium, balanced, malty, nutty, moderately smoky and aromatic, on walnuts, ginger, some toffee, rubber, aromatic herbs, leather, dried and candied fruits, with some underlying aromatic dry peat smoke Impression: A nice whisky, more intense and complex than the 10 YO, with some dried fruits. Rating: 14/20 FP:C3

06Mai 21

Kilchoman 2011 Single Cask The Little Big Book  for LMDW, 7 YO, 56.3%, Sherry Cask 621/2011. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, bold, maritime, slightly meaty, on dry maritime and slightly tarry peat smoke, some dry roots, sultanas, oranges and seaweeds. Taste: Round, tarry, slightly young, rubbery and spirity, on oak spices, tar, some soot, fresh rubber, sultanas, dates, strawberries and seaweeds. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A slightly young Kilchoman, heavily sherried, with some rubber and a light bitterness. Rating: 13/20 FP:F7

04May 21

Glenburgie 2007 20 Rue d'Anjou, 12 YO, Signatory, 63.6%, B: 2019, cask 9000777. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, floral, spicy, nutty, on dried fruits (mainly sultanas and figs), cinnamon, some nutmeg, cloves, vegetal condiment, orange, tangerine, and Christmas cake. Taste: Spicy, floral to very floral, fragrant, very bitter, on perfume, floral fragrant flavours, cinnamon, nutmeg, rubber and some unidentified aromas. The finish is medium, bitter to very bitter, floral, fragrant to very fragrant, on perfume, tannins, bitter orange and tannins. Impression: A sherry monster, on heavily bitter and tannic flavours. Rating: 09/20 FP:I1

30 Apr 21

Clynelish 1989 Moody Lions, 22 YO, The Whisky Agency, 50.9%, B:2011, 267 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, floral, aromatic, complex to very complex, on humus, some grass, honey, aromatic herbs, vanilla and cooked apples. Very good Taste: Very aromatic, floral, spicy, slightly bitter and salty, on sea brine some citric fruits, aromatic and bitter herbs, some cooked apples and thyme. The finish is rather long, spicy, aromatic, on aromatic herbs slightly bitter, some humus, honey and cooked apples. Impression:  A very good, complex and rich whisky, with very pleasant aromatic flavours, and only with light waxy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:C2

27 Avr 21

Dalwhinnie 15 YO James Buchanan, OB, 40%, B:1980s. Price: Colour Old gold Nose: Complex, slightly austere, waxy, peaty, ashy, malty with light floral flavours, some mineral and dry peat smoke. Markedly different from the current Dalwhinnie. Taste: Austere, waxy, peaty, tarry, rather mineral, on old fashioned mineral and austere peat smoke, some honey, wax and a hint of orange peel. The finish is long, mineral, austere, peaty, slightly grassy and waxy, with some honey, metallic brush, soot and orange peel. Impression: A very surprising Dalwhinnie, reminding of some old austere, waxy, and rather smoky old Highland single malts. Most enjoyable and so different from the current production. If you find such an old bottle, do not hesitate to buy one! Rating: 16/20 FP:D4

22 Apr 21

Glendronach 2009 for the Netherlands, 11 YO, Hart Brothers, 58.1%, B:2020. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, intense, spicy, with lots of dried fruits, lovely round tannins and spices, sultanas, orange and leather. Taste: Rich, intense, spicy, floral, with nice round tannins, sultanas, dried fruits, orange peel, some dates and oaky flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, spicy, floral, on dried fruits, spices, tannins, some fudge and oaky flavours. Impression: A nice rich and intense Glendronach, on dried fruits but also with a rather oaky influence. Thank you Martin. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1

19Apr 21

Kavalan Solist Moscatel, OB, 56.3%, cask MO100625025A. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral, thick, syrupy, heavy, on treacle, marmalade, leather and loads of dried fruits. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, on a mixture of fresh and dried fruits, some aromatic herbs and spices, leather and tannins. The finish is long, rich, thick, rather syrupy, moderately floral and spicy, on leather some fudge, cocoa, sultanas, tannins, orange and cinnamon. Impression: A whisky with a very thick and heavily sherry nose, but getting more fruity and less tannic on the palate, with rich and nice candied and dried fruits. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1

16Avr 21

Ledaig 2004, 10 YO, Signatory, 61.4%, Sherry butt cask 900171. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, dry, very peaty, smoky, moderately oaky, on dry and maritime peat smoke, some sea brine, oak spices and seaweeds. Taste: Very intense, peaty and oaky, maritime, on seaweeds, maritime peat smoke, iodine, camphor, vanilla and oaky spices. Slightly hot. The finish is medium to long, peaty, maritime, intense, smoky, on iodine, seaweeds, camphor, vanilla and some smoked bacon. Diluted, it becomes more on iodine and camphor. Impression: A slightly young whisky, very intense, peaty and maritime. Powerful and with a sherry rather shy. Thank you Martin. Rating: 13/20 FP:A8

15Apr 21

Longrow 2001 Society Bottling,  14 YO, OB, 53.2%, B:2016, Fresh sherry butt, 600 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very intense, tarry and peaty, smoky, maritime, on meaty and smoky peat smoke, smoked meat, seaweeds, some dried fruits, phenols and ashes. Delicious. Taste: Very peaty and intense, maritime, tarry, on soot, peat smoke, some ashes, diesel smoke, seaweeds, camphor, smoked bacon and dried fruits. The finish is medium to long, round, peaty, maritime, smoky, on smoked meat, seaweeds, camphor, some dried fruits and metallic flavours. Diluted, it becomes more oaky and slightly bitter. Impression: A lovey and very peaty Longrow, intense and with some nice round dried fruits flavours. Very good! Thank you Martin. Rating: 16/20 FP:D7

14Apr 21

Bruichladdich 2002 for ARen Trading, 16 YO, Archives, 59%, B:2018, Sherry Hogshead, cask 884, 240 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, heavy, floral, tannic, on leather, tannins, thick spices, orange, tangerine, sultanas and other dried fruits. Taste: Dry, tannic, thick, nutty, on heavy spices, treacle, marmalade, some rubber, lacquer varnish, lacquer and tobacco smoke. The finish is long, thick, floral, heavy on tannins and dried fruity, rather dry and tannic, on leather, marmalade. Impression: A very nice, thick and heavily sherried single malt, on tannins and lots of dried fruits. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1

11Apr 21

Kavalan Solist Sherry 2010, 8 YO, OB, 59.4%, B:2018, cask S100201015A, Oloroso Sherry, 481 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Thick, heavy, tannic, floral, nutty, dry, on lacquer, heavy tannins, spices, sultanas, dried fruits, cinnamon and some cloves. Taste: Dry, floral, very fragrant, on strong varnish, lacquer and wood polish flavours, rubber, some rocket, bitter herbs and marmalade. The finish is rather long, dry, floral, astringent and with lots of varnish and bitter herbs. Impression:  A very dry and bitter whisky. Rating: 10/20 FP:G1

08Avr 21

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique, OB, 57.8%, cask W120302034A. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, rich, nutty, malty, floral, heavy, on tannins, lacquer, spices, nuts, sultanas, some winey flavours, lots of dried fruits, some cocoa and toffee. Taste: Rich, floral, fragrant to very fragrant, spicy, on lacquer, varnish, apricots, peach, juicy oaky flavours, some melon, tannins, cloves and incense. The finish is medium, dry, very floral and fragrant and on the same flavours. Impression:  A very floral and fragrant whisky, with rather strong varnish and flavours. Close to a Cognac in style. Rating: 12/20 FP:I1

06Apr 21

Glentauchers 2009, 10 YO, Asta Morris, 51.5%, B :2019, AM102. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Soft, round, floral, vegetal, on toffee, fudge, some dried fruits, cinnamon, nice round and soft floral flavours. Taste: Spicy, floral, rich, on tannins, wet wood, orange, cinnamon, sultanas, peach, and other sweet fruity flavours. Nicely complex. The finish is long, sweet, floral, complex, nicely balanced, with sweet fruity flavours, nice soft tannins (fresh soft leather), honey, and light grassy flavours. Very good! Impression: A very nice and usual expression of Glentauchers, very sweet and fruity, surprisingly complex for its age, with nice honey, grassy, and sweet fruity flavours, as well as tannins to give weight. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1

05Apr 21

Strathmill 1976, 31 YO, A.D. Rattray, 48.4%. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rather fresh, malty, slightly green, rather light and elegant, some fresh barley, vanilla and a touch of quince and gooseberries. Taste: Fresh, malty, slightly green and spicy, on fresh barley, some vanilla, spices and gooseberries. The finish is medium to long, fresh, malty, slightly green, on vanilla and some gooseberries. Impression:  A nice fresh and malty Strathmill, with some nice fruitiness. Thank you Martin. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

04Avr 21

Glenesk 5 YO, OB, 40%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, green, fresh, malty, slightly fragrant, with freshly crushed malt and barley and vanilla. Taste: Clean, fresh, malty, green, slightly spicy, with some fresh malt, light fresh floral flavours and vanilla. The finish is medium, clean, fresh, slightly green amd malty. Impression: A nice fresh, green and clean single malt from the lost distillery of Glenesk  / Hillside. Not overly complex, but well balanced and rather mature for its age. Thank you Martin. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1

01Apr 21

Ainslie's Royal Edinburgh for Fourcroy, OB, 40%, B:1977 Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Waxy, mineral, smoky, metallic, slightly peaty and austere, on wax, some quince, candied lemon, metallic brush and ashes. Very nice old fashioned nose. Taste: Waxy to very waxy, citric, smoky, austere, with a nice old fashioned smoke with some peat, smoked bacon candied citrus, light metallic and mineral flavours as well as a touch of toffee. The finish is medium to long, round, smoky, mineral, slightly peaty and citric, with some toffee, peat smoke, citrus and various mineral flavours. Slightly austere as well. Impression: A lovely waxy and mineral blend produced by Ainslie & Heilbron, with a lovely smokiness and candied citrus. Fourcroy was the importer for Belgium for Clynelish and the Ainslie’s brands. Thank you Martin. Rating: 16/20 FP:E2

31Mar 21

Ardbeg Drum Feis Ile 2019, OB, 46%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose:  Peaty to very peaty, intense, maritime, smoky, on seaweeds, maritime peat smoke, some light sugary sweetness, vanilla, camphor and seaweeds. Taste: Young, sweet, peaty to very peaty, maritime, on iodine, seaweeds, light sugary flavours, peat smoke, and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes younger and less complex. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Impression: A very nice peaty Ardbeg, with a sweet and sugary influence from the Rum finish. Diluted it tasted younger. Rating: 15/20 FP:A6

30Mar 21

Ardbeg Wee Beastie, 5 YO, OB, 47.4%, B:2021. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Young, peaty, smoky, maritime, on peat smoke, seaweeds and camphor. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, clean, smoky to very smoky, maritime, slightly oaky, on iodine, camphor, seaweeds, peat smoke and some vanilla. Diluted, it becomes more salty and citric. The finish is medium, clean, round, slightly young, on peat smoke, iodine, lemon zest, seaweeds and some camphor. Impression: A new entry in the Ardbeg range. It is only 5 years old, but it shows already a nice maturity. Smoky and peaty. A good one. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7

29Mar 21

Ben Nevis 1998 Spiders from Mars for the Caskplan participants, 21 YO, Archives, 48.2%, cask 188, 24 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, fresh, slightly oaky, on fresh vanilla, malty flavours, some hopps and light and fresh oaky flavours. Less complex and mellow than the Archives 1996. Taste: Fresh, light, malty, slightly green and floral, on vanilla, some green malty and grassy flavours, as well some oaky and tobacco leaves flavours. The finish is medium, rather clean and malty, slightly oaky and smoky. It becomes rounder and with some orchards fruits with some water. Impression: A rather clean version of Ben Nevis, fresh and less complex and round than  the 1996. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

28Mar 21

Ben Nevis 1996 Fishes of Samoa, 24 YO, Archives, 49.9% cask 887. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, malty, complex slightly grassy and spicy, on nice grassy flavours, stewed fruits, vanilla, some vanilla custard and light oaky flavours. Nicely complex Taste: Mellow, rich, complex, grassy, malty, on juicy vanilla and grassy flavours, some quince, nice sweet flavours, vanilla custard, light fruity flavours and a hint of smoke. The finish is long, juicy, malty, grassy, with some vanilla and light honey flavours. Diluted, there is a hint of tobacco quid. Impression: A very nice, mellow, rich, malty and grassy Ben Nevis, with a nice balance of flavours. Very good! Thank you Martin. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

27Mar 21

Carsebridge 1979, 30 YO, Duncan Taylor, 48.8%, B:2010, cask 33043, 69 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy, intense, slightly peppery, on vanilla, spices and crushed pepper. Smells rather young and intense. Taste: Mellow, grainy, slightly spicy, on cooked corn (maize), a light fragrance and some stewed fruits and porridge. The finish is medium to long, mellow, on cooked cereals, porridge, vanilla, cooked corn and a slight fragrance. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant. Impression: A very nice mellow Grain whisky, with a light spiciness and cooked corn (maize). Thank you Martin. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

26Mar 21

Dumbarton 1987, 29 YO, Whiskybroker, 52.5%, B:2016, cask 25240, 143 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow to very mellow, grainy, on vanilla, porridge, light grassy fruity and nice mellow yellow fruits, with a light fragrance. Taste: Grainy, slightly green and spicy, with some green cereals, vanilla and a light fragrance. The finish is medium, grainy, on porridge, some vanilla and light spices. Impression: A nice grain whisky, with a mellow fruity nose, while getting fresher and more spicy on the palate. Thank you Martin. Rating:14/20 FP:A1

25Mar 21

Irish Single Malt Whiskey 1993, 25 YO, Liquid Art & Beacon Spirits, 48.1%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold -old gold Nose: Round, malty, slightly green, with some vanilla, blackurrant, pear drops and a light fragrance. Taste: Malty, round, slightly oaky and spicy, with some vanilla, pear drops and light oaky flavours. The finish is medium, malty, slightly green and spicy, on vanilla, light oaky and pear drop flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly fruitier. Impression: A nice round, malty, slightly oaky and spicy flavours. A good one tasting younger than the age on the label. Thank you Martin. Rating : 13/20 FP:A1

24Mar 21

Brothers in arms Irish single malt whiskey, 14 YO, Vom Fass, 43%, B:2015. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, malty, slightly green, with some vanilla, pear drops and green malt. Taste: Fresh, young, oaky, rather green, some vanilla, oak spice, pear drops and green malt. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant. The finish is medium, green, young, malty, slightly spicy. Diluted, it was more fragrant. Impression: A clean, fresh and rather green Irish single malt, that taste rather young. Thank you Martin. Rating : 12/20 FP:A1

22Mar 21

Special Edition 7  Highland Single malt 1987, 32 YO, Acla Selection, 50.1%, B:2019, 120 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rich, slightly nutty, on heather, sultanas, some dried fruits, walnuts and honey. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, nutty, slighty spicy, on dried fruits, heather, honey and some candied fruits. The finish is medium to long, complex, on dried fruits, walnuts, honey and some candied fruits. Impression:  A very nice mellow old Highland single malt, with dried fruits, a nice mouthfeel and nutty flavours, without any dryness. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2

20Mar 21

Omar 2013, 6 YO, OB, 57.3%, B:2019, cask 21130075, 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead, 239 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Fragrant, floral, slightly rubbery, on nice soft spices, orange, marmalade, tannins, lacquer, some tannins, leather and rubber. Taste: Floral, fragrant, clean, slightly spicy and bitter, on red berries, dried fruits, leather, cinnamon, lacquer, some tannins, orange and marmalade. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter. Impression: A nice smooth, floral, fragrant and lacquered whisky. Rating: 16/20 FP:H1

17Mar 21

A Secret Highland Distillery 2000, 19 YO, Liquid Treasures, 55.6%, B:2020, cask 1442, 325 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Complex, intense, balanced, waxy to very waxy, with nice light vanilla flavours, some gooseberries, light spicy and mineral flavours. Taste: Intense, complex, waxy, mineral, on beeswax, some very pleasant mineral flavours, almonds, shoe wax, some gooseberries, pear drops and vanilla. The finish is long, waxy, complex, slightly spicy, mineral and on the same flavours. Impression:  A secret Highland distillery with a very character and light mineral flavours, that is unique to Clynelish. A very good complex and balanced whisky distilled in the village of Brora. Rating: 17/20 FP:A1

12Mar 21

Tomatin 2006, 12 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018,  Amontillado Sherry Limited Edition. Price: Colour:  Old gold Nose: Round, thick, tannic, slightly acetic, on oak spices, heavy tannins, leather, vegetal condiments, dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves and some rubber. Taste: Acetic to very acetic, round, on toffee, balsamic vinegar, rubber, tannins, leather and sultanas. The finish is medium, acetic and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more acetic and rubbery. Impression: A whisky with a very strong Amontillado influence, rather acetic, rubbery and on dried fruits… Rating: 12/20 FP:D1

09Mar 21

Glenrothes 1997, 21 YO, Cadenhead's, 57.1%, B:2019, 510 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral, round, rather mellow, slightly oaky, with some vanilla, light grassy and oaky flavours, as well nice floral flavours. Taste: Okay, spicy, intense, floral, slightly fragrant, on oak spices, some pepper, fresh floral flavours, green melon, apples and freshly cut grass. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A nice, oaky, green and spicy Glenrothes, with fresh floral flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1

05Mar 21

Kavalan Solist Pedro Ximenez, OB, 56.3%, Cask PX100630005A, 481 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Round to very round, floral, moderately creamy and malty, on fudge, nice creamy and round fruity flavours, as well as some lacquer and candied fruits. Taste: Floral, malty, fragrant to very fragrant, with some lacquer, candied fruits, vanilla, oak spices, tangerine, orange, and wood polish. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Impression: A rather floral and fragrant whisky, on candied fruits and some lacquer. Rating: 13/20 FP:F1

27Fev 21

Bn7 2001, Elixir Distillers, 55.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, rich, complex, aromatic, with some floral flavours, fudge, humus, soft spices, mellow fruity flavours, aromatic herbs and round malty flavours. Excellent. Taste: Mellow, round, floral, fragrant, aromatic, grassy, slightly malty, with some spices, fragrant floral flavours, humus, dried fruits, nice round grassy flavours mixed with some aromatic herbs. Nicely balanced. The finish is long, complex, balanced, malty, aromatic, slightly grassy, floral and fragrant. Impression: An excellent, rich, complex, floral, fragrant, and on dried fruits. I enjoyed the balance very much. Very well made. Rating:17/20 FP:F2

25Feb 21

Amrut Kadhambam, OB, 50%, B:2019, 3600 botttles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Floral to very floral, round, on tannins, some lacquer, juicy oak, exotic fruity, cinnamon and light grassy flavours. Taste: Floral, spicy, slightly oaky, balanced, rather fruity, on oak spices, some cinnamon, ginger, exotic fruits, marzipan, marmalade and lacquer. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, slightly fruity, on sultanas, leather, some tannins, black liquorice, exotic fruits, ginger, oak spices and dark chocolate. Impression:  A nicely balanced whisky, rich, fruity, spicy and with a pleasant complexity. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1

07Feb 21

The Old Man of Hoy Orcadian 12 YO For Taiwan, Blackadder, 58.8%, B:2019, Hogshead, C#OMH 2019-3, 365 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Gristy, slightly young, light and coastal, with a light smokiness, some orchards fruits, vanilla and sea brine. Taste: Salty, maritime, slightly oaky, on vanilla, some heather, seabrine, a hint of smoke and seashells. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes smokier, slightly rooty Impression: A nice maritime, slightly salty and smoky whisky. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2

02Feb 21

Glen Moray Raw Cask 2007, 10 YO, Blackadder, 57.6%, B:2018, cask 5688. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very sweet and fruity, fresh, on freshly pressed green pears, nice malty and grassy flavours, as well as a hint of spices. Taste: Fresh, floral, malty, slightly green, on green apples and pears, some oaky, malty and grassy flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more peppery. The finish is medium, malty, oaky, spicy, peppery, rather intense, slightly floral, on nice fresh malty flavours and some pepper. Impression: A nice and intense Glen Moray, rather sweet, smooth and fruity on the nose, with initial flavours of green orchards fruits, before becoming more spicy and peppery. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2

31Jan 21

The GlenAllachie Cask Strength Batch 3, 10 YO, OB, 58.2%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, floral, rather intense, moderately spicy, on nice floral and fragrant flavours, stewed fruits, exotic fruits, Taste: Round to very round, floral, slightly grassy, with some honey, lemon, vanilla custard and nice round stewed fruits flavours, as well as soft spices. Nicely balanced. Diluted, it becomes slightly more aromatic. The finish is medium and on the same flavours Impression: A nice GlenAllachie, very round, but also rather intense, well balanced and nicely fruity. Very good value. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1

30Jan 21

The GlenAllachie 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, nutty, rather heavy, slightly floral, on nice spices, leather, dried and dark fruits, Christmas cake, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and humus. Taste: Mellow, floral, on soft and round spices, sultanas, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, praline, nice fragrant flowers, some orange, tangerine, exotic fruits, including mango. Impression: A very good floral, mellow and rather complex whisky, on soft spices and nice fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1

29Jan 21

Timorous Beastie 18 YO Blended Malt, Douglas Laing, 46.8%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Intense, oaky, spicy, rather mellow, slightly malty and floral, with round spices, nice round floral flavours and some honey. Taste: Floral, mellow, fruity, slightly spicy, on honey, some humus, nice round fruity flavours and light aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes smoother. The finish is medium, rather mellow and on the same flavours. Impression: A very nice, mellow and slightly aromatic blended malt, with nice honey flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

28Jan 21

Millstone Special # 17 Moscatel 2010, OB,  46%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow, round to very round, vegetal, slightly floral, on vegetal condiment, leather, tannins, various dried fruits and some fragrant flowers. Taste: Round, malty, slightly floral, acetic and fruity, on sultanas, dried fruits, some vegetal condiment, round spices and dark chocolate. Diluted, it becomes rounder, fruitier and more malty. The finish is medium to long, malty, floral, on spices, cachou, sultanas, light acetic flavours, dried fruits and some vegetal condiments. Impression: A very nice expression of Millstone, with a slightly acetic and dry influence of the Moscatel. Slightly too much to my liking when tasted neat, but then it becomes more balanced and smoother once diluted. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1

27Jan 21

Ballechin Vintage 2009, OB, 46%, B:2019, Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, dry, slightly floral and aromatic, on dry peat smoke, some aromatic herbs, soot and tar. Taste: Dry, tarry, peaty, slightly floral, with some phenols, dry and tarry peat smoke, some aromatic herbs and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium, dry, rooty, tarry, sooty and on dry aromatic peat smoke Impression: A very peaty, dry and tarry expression of Ballechin. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7

26Jan 21

Glendronach 1993, 25 YO, OB, 53.9%, B:2019, cask 6251. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, floral, complex, slightly spicy, on round floral flavours, Christmas cake, some toffee, spices, fruits and sultanas. Taste: Rich, floral, spicy to very spicy, complex, slightly nutty, on orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, Christmas cake, leather, sultanas, and some exotic fruits. The finish is long, spicy, rich, nutty, slightly tannic and bitter, on dried fruits, nuts, orange, marmalade, leather, tannins, cinnamon and some cloves. Diluted, it becomes more tannic and bitter. Impression: A very nice, rich, floral, intense and rather spicy Glendronach, becoming with on tannins after some dilution. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1

 

25Jan 21

Invergordon 1974, 44 YO,  The Whisky Blues, 46.5%, B:2018, cask 29, refill butt, 250 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very fruity, sweet, round, on peaches, cooked cereals, some exotic fruits, apricots and nice cinnamon flavours. Taste: Very round, grainy, sweet, slightly fragrant, on cooked cereals, peach juice, apricots, some light perfume flavours and mango. The finish is medium to long, rich, mellow, fruity, grainy and on the same nice flavours, with some cinnamon. Impression: A very nice, mellow, sweet and fruity Invergordon. Rating: 16/20 FP:D2

22Jan 21

Aultmore 13 YO Collective 3.3, 2006, LMDW, 48%, B:2019, 1st Fill Sherry Butt, Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, fruity, sweet, complex, with nice sweet exotic fruits flavours (mango puree, pineapples and some coco nut), vanilla and light creamy aromas. Very good! Taste: Mellow, sweet, very fruity, on delicious and very abundant fruity flavours. The  finish is long to very long, sweet, extremely fruity, mellow, complex and very nicely balanced. Impression: A deliciously sweet, round and fruity Aultmore. The fruitiness is delicious and it seems much older than the age indicated on the label. Rating: 17/20 FP:A1

21Jan 21

Invergordon 1974 For Hot Malt Art Series, 45 YO, Signatory, 45%, B:2019, cask 30, Bourbon Barrel, 228 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Complex, round, mellow, on cinnamon, stewed fruits, vanilla, nice floral flavours, and some custard. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, round, fruity, on stewed fruits, cinnamon, some cardamom, a light fragrance, apricots and some nutmeg. The finish is long, mellow, fruity, slightly fragrant, on stewed fruits, apricots, some peach, nice floral and slightly fragrant flavours and soft spices. Impression: A very nice mellow grain whisky, slightly fragrant and with nice stewed fruits Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

19Jan

Glenrothes 1996 Connoisseur Society, The Maltman, 47.8%, cask 1627, Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask, 259 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Round, floral, rather close, with some leather, melon, apricots and plums. Taste: Round, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on sultanas, cinnamon, some nutmeg, cloves, and fragrant floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes more bitter. The finish is medium to long, fragrant, floral, tannic, bitter, on coca, coffee beans, dried figs, sultanas, nuts and fragrant floral flavours. Impression: A very fragrant and rather tannic Glenrothes, very heavy on the sherry. For the sherry bombs lovers. Rating:12/20 FP:G1

18Jan

Whisky Trail Jazz Groove Vol.1: Mortlach 1993, 26 YO, Elixir Distillers, 56.2%, cask #85, 190 bottles. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Meaty, heavy, floral, spicy, on meaty flavours (mainly ham), some vanilla, melon and other fruity flavours. Rather complex and balanced. Taste: Floral, intense, complex, on very nice complex spices, some light smoky and meaty flavours, precious wood, humus and light aromatic herbs. The finish is long, complex, aromatic herbs, some precious wood and various spicy and fruity flavours. Impression: A very nice complex and rather aromatic Mortlach, with a nice meaty nose. Rating: 15/20 FP:B2

17Jan

Highland Region Malt 1996 for Taiwan, 22 YO, The Whisky Agency, 48.4%, B:2018, 340 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral, heavy, complex, grassy, slightly fragrant, with some varnish, nice grassy-waxy flavours, melon, quince and orchards fruits. Taste: Bold, grassy, waxy, fruity, floral, malty, slightly spicy, on vanilla, nice grassy and malty flavours, some spices, a hint of smoke, melon and orchards fruits. The finish is medium, bold, malty, and on the same flavours. Impression: A nice bold, malty, grassy-waxy and rather complex whisky, with a nice mouthfeel. A single malt apparently distilled in the town of Brora. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1

11Jan

MacNair's Blended Malt Lum Reek 21 YO, OB, 48%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, nicely floral, slightly peaty, with some heather, honey and vanilla. Taste: Mellow, slightly floral, with a nice mellow peat smoke, nice fruity flavours, as well as some elderberries flowers syrup. The finish is long, sweet, fruity, and on the same flavours Impression: A very nice, mellow, fruity and well balanced blended malt. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1

 

02Dec

Kilnachtan Blended Malt, Le Liquoriste, 43%, B:2019. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Bold, spicy, rich, rather intense, on humus, oak spices, some toffee, light floral flavours and nuts Taste: Floral, round, spicy, slightly bold, on humus, some toffee, fragrant flowers, caramel, sultanas and carambar. Rather fresh. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant. The finish is medium to long, fresh, floral, fragrant, on humus, caramel, some dried fruits and fresh fragrant flowers. Impression: A whisky rather bold rich, intense and spicy on the nose, becoming rather floral and fragrant on the palate, and even more fragrant on the palate, with some nutty and caramel flavours. A good one. Rating: 12/20 FP:F1

Previous page

Copyright © 2006-19 Patrick Brossard. All Rights Reserved.