GlenDronach Hielan, 8 YO, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Soft, spicy, oaky, rather young, slightly smoky, with some lemon peel, vanilla custard, leather, and some vinegar. Different from the previous 8 years old.
Taste: Young, smooth, sweet, slightly smoky, on butterscotch, melon, a touch of lemon, and oak spices. The finish is short to medium, smooth, young, with some melon, vanilla and light notes of gooseberries.
Impression: A rather young GlenDronach, with some fresh flavours of melon and gooseberries.
Rating: 10/20 FP:C1

GlenDronach 1995 for Whiskybase, OB, 54.2%, B:2015, cask 3804, 694 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Floral, fragrant, smooth, spicy, on honey, red berries, some banana and hazelnuts.
Taste: Dry, intense, spicy, slightly rubbery, on red berries, tannins, leather, dried fruits (figs, dates and sultanas), orange peel, prunes and cocoa. The finish is medium to long, on dried fruits, cocoa, leather, prunes, some tannins and a touch of honey.
Impression: A good thick GlenDronach, with rather strong notes of prunes. It starts to show some wood. Thank you Bernhard!
Rating: 13/20 FP:G1

GlenDronach 1995 for The Whisky Exchange, 19 YO, OB, 55.4%, cask 4028. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Thick, heavy, on leather, treacle, balsamic vinegar, dried fruits, figs, tannins, honey, orange, cocoa and spices.
Taste: Bitter, spicy, on dark chocolate, leather, dates, balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate, toasted wood, tannins, with some strawberries. The finish is medium, bitter, chewy, on dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, tannins, leather, orange, roasted coffee beans and some dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes dry, more tannic and with very strong nutty flavours (walnuts)
Impression: A rather bitter and acetic version of GlenDronach, rather thick and syrupy, on dark chocolate and coffee.
Rating: 12/20 FP: G1

Glen Garioch 1990, 24 YO, Fighting Fish, 51.4%, B:2015, 177 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, rather fragrant, on pollen, beeswax and a touch of smoke. Becomes slightly cleaner and more mineral over time.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, salty, smooth, slightly smoky, with some liquorice, ginger and vanilla, with a light smokiness. The finish is medium, fragrant, floral, slightly citric and smoky. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter.
Impression: The whisky was rather smooth and pleasant, but with some water, it becomes with rather strong bitter and fragrant flavours.
Rating: 12/20 FP: A1

Glen Garioch 1993, 22 YO, Adelphi, 58.6%, B:2015, cask 775, 285 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, intense, thick, floral, on dried fruits, nuts, cocoa, leather, tannins, diverse spices and Christmas cake, as well as some candied orange.
Taste: Spicy, intense, floral to very floral, fragrant to very fragrant, on fudge, leather, tannin, toffee and honey, with a nice subtle aromatic influence, a sweet fruity influence, as well as some roasted coffee beans. The finish is medium to long, floral, bitter, dry, tannic, on over-infused black tea, toffee, some rubber and a rather strong fragrance.
Impression: A rather tannic, fragrant and astringent Glen Garioch, rather extreme, with some nice fruity flavours.
Rating: 14/20 FP:H2

Glen Garioch 1993, 21 YO, Ladies of the Glen, 56.4%, B:2015, cask 798, 250 bottles. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Smooth, softy, waxy, slightly aromatic, peaty, grassy and mineral, with on heather honey and light vanilla flavours.
Taste: Waxy to very waxy, very aromatic, citric, slightly smoky and peaty, nutty, with some roasted coffee beans, ginger and some dry tobacco leaves. The finish is medium to long, rather bitter, citric and aromatic, waxy, on vanilla, fudge, slightly green chestnuts and roasted coffee beans. Intense.
Impression: An intense, citric and aromatic Glen Garioch, with a gingery spiciness. The aromatic bitter note on the finish is rather pronounced.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A2

Glen Garioch 1993, 21 YO Director’s Cut, Douglas Laing, 57.4%, B:2014, ref 10353, 213 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, balanced, complex, slightly mellow, austere, grassy and smoky, rather aromatic, on ginger, vanilla, some heather and a touch of citrus.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, intense, slightly floral, austere, mineral and smoky, on aromatic peat smoke, some almonds, ginger, a touch of white pepper and some juicy sweet fruity flavours (Orchard’s fruits). The finish is medium, mellow, oily, on almonds, some aromatic and peaty smoke, as well as some heather honey and light grassy flavours. Diluted, it becomes more floral, fragrant, austere and slightly bitter.
Impression: A very good, complex and well balanced Glen Garioch.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A2

Bunnhahabhain Ceobanach, OB, 46.3%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale straw
Nose: Peaty, dry, smooth, smoky to very smoky, with strong rooty flavours, some liquorice and soot.
Taste: Very young, thin, sooty, maritime, peaty, on old seaweeds and tar. Taste like water with tar and charred wood, with some seaweeds. The finish is medium, young, charry, tarry, on soot, some seaweeds and salt.
Impression: I had difficulties with this whisky. It tasted young and with a combination of salted water, peat smoke and charred wood.
Rating: 07/20 FP:A5

Bunnhahabhain Toiteach, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Very peaty, intense, dry, tarry, slightly sooty and maritime, with some vanilla and seaweeds. Slightly young.
Taste: Young, peaty, salty, oaky, maritime, on burnt wood, tar, charcoal, seaweeds and soot. The finish is medium, light, salty, rooty, and maritime, with some liquorice and Orchard’s fruits. Young. Diluted, it becomes thinner and more of barbecue and charred wood.
Impression: A peated whisky, rather young, smoky and tarry.
Rating: 11/20 FP:A5

Clynelish 1988 Swiss Link 4, 24 YO, Alexander Weine, 48.8%, B:2013, cask 4550. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smooth, waxy, clean, slightly mineral and smoky, with some light notes of lime blossom flowers and Mirabelle.
Taste: Waxy, smooth, on fresh floral aromas, with some mustard seeds, a slight juiciness, a touch of vanilla and lime blossom flowers. Rather complex, subtle and well balanced. The finish is medium, waxy, slightly citric and on the same flavours as on the palate
Impression: A very nice, elegant, subtle and slightly waxy Clynelish, with light mineral flavours.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Clynelish 1997, 17 YO, Ladies of the Glen, 54.9%, B:2015, 267 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Round, smooth, on Dijon mustard and with some lemon and smoke.
Taste: Spicy, mustardy to very mustardy, on Dijon mustard, some vanilla, lemon peel and a slight bitter smokiness. The finish is medium, waxy to very waxy, mustardy, with some vanilla and lemon
Impression:  A good lemony and very mustardy Clynelish. Some might find the intensity of the mustard flavours too intense to their liking.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Clynelish 1997, 14 YO, Single Cask Collection, 56.8%, B:2012, cask 6891. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth, slightly salty and farmy, on toffee, orange, tangerine, some mustard seeds, and sea  brine.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, malty, waxy, on toffee, tangerine, orange, leather, beeswax, some citrus, sea brine and light notes of yeast extract. The finish is medium, citric, slightly waxy, juicy and fruity, on tangerine, orange, some leather, light mineral notes and quince.
Impression: A nice sweet and juicy sherried Clynelish, with a pleasant balance between the fruity influence of the sherry, some farmy flavours and the sea brine. Thank you Manfred!
Rating: 15/20 FP:F1

Clynelish Select Reserve Special Release 2015, OB, 56.1%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth, mellow, complex, round, waxy, with some citrus, peach, melon, mustard and a faint smokiness. Lovely.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, smooth, mellow, intense, oaky, waxy, slightly mineral, on ginger, diverse sweet and juicy fruity notes (orange, tangerine, peach and melon), a twist of citrus, some mustard seeds, candied quince, with light smoky and farmy flavours. Very pleasant and well balanced.  The finish is long, waxy to very waxy, round, mellow, juicy, on sweet fruity flavours (melon, peach, quince, some tangerine and citrus). Diluted, it becomes waxier and fruitier.
Impression: An excellent Clynelish, with several layers of flavours, with the waxy and fruity flavours well balanced and the right dose of spiciness. More to my liking than the Special Release 2014. A marriage of ex-bourbon first-fill American oak barrels, rejuvenated and refill American oak hogsheads, and ex-Sherry and refill European oak butts. Thank you Kate.
Rating: 17/20 FP:B1

Clynelish 1995 Sherry, 19 YO, Cadenhead’s, 54.6%, B:2015, 492 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Intense, round, slightly mineral and farmy, with some mustard seeds, toffee, tannins, leather, a touch of rubber, on dried fruits (dates and sultanas), as well as some bloody orange. Pleasantly fruity.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, round, waxy, slightly mineral and farmy,on juniper, cloves, cinnamon, some nutmeg, rubber, orange, leather, toffee and citrus. The finish is medium to long, on the same flavours, with a slightly more mineral touch, with some Iron and orange (a zest of Irn Bru).
Impression: I enjoyed very much the mineral, austere and spicy flavours, but less the rubbery and slightly yeasty-sulphury flavours. As a whole, it is a good to very good whisky, with a strong personality.
Rating: 14/20 FP:H1

Wolfburn, 3 YO, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Oaky, smooth, slightly floral, spicy to very spicy, with some ginger, light mineral flavours as well as some green apples. It shows already a nice maturity.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy to very spicy, some tobacco leaves, humus, light mineral flavours, as well as some smokiness, tar and green apples. The finish is medium, oaky, with some tobacco, toffee, green apples, tobacco smoke and a touch of humus.
Impression: For being 3 years old, the maturity of this whisky is rather impressive, without any noticeable youth (sweet-smooth-sugary) flavours than can be seen in several whiskies of that age. Well done.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Springbank 1965 Local Barley, OB, 52.4%, B:2001, cask 9. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Oaky, rich, salty, maritime, on wet wood, humus, peat smoke, coconuts, some tangerine, eucalyptus, fruity notes, diesel smoke and raisins soaked in alcohol.
Taste: Fruity to very fruity, on pineapples, coconut, passion fruit, guava, salt, some diesel smoke, vanilla, a touch of pepper and light notes of wet wood. Complex. The finish is long, oaky, fruity to very fruity, salty, coastal, on passion fruit, guava, mango, tangerine, some humus, peat smoke and wet wood.
Impression: A very good Springbank, salty and coastal, with pleasant fruity flavours. Quite different from the 1966 Local Barley. It is more woody and on exotic fruits, with some additional saltiness.
Rating: 17/20 FP:D4

Springbank Local Barley Western Highland 1966, 24 YO, OB, 61.2%, B : 1990, cask 442. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very rich, intense, smoky, slightly peaty, mineral and meaty, with some maritime flavours, rich and thick sherry notes, beeswax, orange, chocolate and a hint of camphor.
Taste: Rich, very intense, malty, fruity, slightly salty, on fruit cake, chrismas cake, toffee and fruity notes. Very strong. With water, it becomes smoother, very intense and round, rather mineral, with some peat smoke, harbour  and salty flavours, fruit cake, sweet fruity notes and many other things. Very complex and well balanced. The finish is long, chewy, mouth coating, slightly mineral, peaty and smoky
Impression: An excellent rich, complex, balanced slightly maritime Springbank matured in an excellent sherry cask.
Rating: 19/20 FP:H4

Springbank 1999 Local Barley, 16 YO, OB, 54.3%, B:2016. 9000 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, creamy, smoky, complex, slightly mineral on freshly crushed barley, some diesel smoke, harbour-like flavours, sea brine and coconut. Very good!
Taste: Creamy, salty, maritime, tarry, slightly mineral, on soot, peat smoke, freshly crushed barley, some light rich and sweet flavours (tangerine and melon), sea brine and seaweeds. The finish is long, smoky to very smoky, peaty, maritime, slightly salty, on sea brine, seaweeds and freshly crushed barley.
Impression: An excellent Springbank, complex, mature, with a delicious old-fashioned tarry and peaty smoke. A style reminding me of the old style of Springbank.
Rating: 17/20 FP:C4

Springbank 1999 Local Barley 10th Anniversary Springbank Society, 14 YO, OB, 57.6%, B:2014, 546 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Vegetal, maritime, farmy, slightly yeasty,  on orange, humus, smoke and some rubber.
Taste: Very rich, malty, spicy, maritime, complex, on coconuts, cashew nuts, smoke, slight farmy notes, and diverse spices. The finish is long, complex, salty, smoky, slightly farmy, on sea brine, harbour flavours, a hint of metallic brushes and fish, some humus and seaweeds.
Impression: An impressive and delicious Springbank, with a surprising complexity. The old Local Springbank were legendary, but this one is on its footsteps. The Local Barley are best recently bottled Springbank I have tasted so far. Contrary to old Local Barley produced between 1965 and 1970, the peat is coming from Inverness for this one.
Rating: 17/20 FP:E3

Dallas Dhu 1981, 23 YO, The Whisky Fair, 53.5%, B: 2005. Cask 424, 53.5%. Price:
Colour: Gold.
Nose: Round, smooth, on sunbathed barley, some light oaky notes, floral and a faint smokiness. Pleasant. Slightly spicier and more vibrant than the Van Wees.
Taste: Spicy, oaky, slightly soapy, malty, floral with some bitterness and sgreen apples. The finish is medium, oaky, spicy, slightly mineral, with some cold ashes and peat smoke, as well as some bitter floral notes.
Impression: A nice, expressive and intense Dallas Dhu, with some rather mineral and ashy notes contributing to a strong personality, but some unbalance as well.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A3

Dallas Dhu 1980 The Ultimate, Van Wees 46%, B: 2011, cask 2110
Colour: Straw-gold
Nose: Round, smooth, on sunbathed barley and a faint smokiness. Pleasant. With time, some mineral and distant notes of fish can be perceived.
Taste: Malty, rich, rather smooth, on juicy oak, some spices, and with some light floral and bitter notes. Complex. The finish is medium to long, smooth, round, juicy, slightly syrupy, malty, with a hint of smoke and a few drops of apple juice.
Impression: A very nice, smooth and malty Dallas Dhu, with a certain boldness and complexity. Very enjoyable to drink.
Rating: 16/20 FP:B2

Dallas Dhu 1981, 26 YO, Duncan Taylor, 53.3%, B: 2007, cask 422. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, round and malty.
Taste: Malty, slightly citrusy, intense to very intense, slightly smoky and dry, with some floral notes. The finish is medium, fresh, intense, slightly smoky, fragrant and malty.
Impression: A very pleasant intense and fresh whisky. A fine old Dallas Dhu. Thank you Martin.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Dallas Dhu 1980, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 2002. Price:
Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Smooth, floral, slightly immature and grainy (cereals).
Taste: Thin to very thin, smooth, starchy and with some cereals. The finish is short, smooth, with some toffee.
Impression: A very thin and simple whisky. Not bad, but too weak to get much pleasure out of it.
Rating: 08/20 FP:A1

Dallas Dhu 1975, 29 YO, Signatory, 45.5%, B:2004, cask 2353. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Light to very light, fresh, floral, fragrant, on pollen and light vanilla flavours. Smells like a blooming field in the last spring.
Taste: Smooth, very floral, light, slightly fragrant, on yellow flowers, a light fruitiness, a touch of liquid honey. The finish is medium to long, very smooth and light, floral, fragrant, with light notes of Mirabelle and melon, with a touch of honey.
Impression: A delicate, subtle light and slightly fruity Dallas Dhu.Thank you Nicola!
Rating: 14/20 FP:A2

Dallas Dhu 1982 For Historic Scotland, 24 YO, OB, 56.3%, cask 3739. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very round, vegetal, floral, on burnt sugar, some rubber, rancio, leather. Heavy on the sherry.
Taste: Floral, round, fragrant, on rubber, rancio, old leather, bitter orange, orange peel, burnt sugar, roasted nuts, and thick chewy intense sherry flavours. The finish is medium to long, fragrant, bitter, fragrant, nutty, and floral, on rubber and burnt sugar. Diluted, it becomes more bitter, nutty, on bitter caramel and roasted coffee beans.
Impression:  A beast of sherry monster, with huge tannic, bitter heavy and chewy sherry flavours. The sherry is overwhelming and too much for me.
Rating: 13/20 FP:E1

Glenallachie 1995, 20 YO, Liquid Sun, 52.3%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, round, mellow, subtle, on vanilla, light fruity flavours, some slightly sour berries and a drop of honey and grass.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, floral, round, on beeswax, soft and round floral flavours, some vanilla, peach, melon, cream, light and subtle aromas of grass mixed with some hay. The finish is medium to long, very smooth and round, floral, on beeswax, cream and elegant soft floral aromas.
Impression: The mouth feel is most pleasant, with a nice roundness and well-integrated flavours. A very good and subtle Speyside that one can enjoy sipping.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Allt-a-Bhainne 1993, 22 YO, Liquid Sun, 50.2%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Light, smooth, round, slightly creamy and malty, with some vanilla, light grassy notes and a few drops of fruits from the orchards
Taste: Smooth, floral to very floral, malty, creamy, round to very round, on honey, vanilla, some freshly cut flowers, peach and soft spices. Well balanced. The finish is medium, fresh, floral, grassy, smooth, slightly creamy and fragrant, with some soft spices, on vanilla, a touch of peach and a slight bitterness. Diluted, it becomes smoother and with a hint of smoke
Impression: A good, smooth floral and rather creamy Speyside whisky, with a pleasant freshness.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

Ainslie’s, OB, 40%, B:1980s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, spicy, sharp, oaky, and slightly farmy, with some mustard seeds, vanilla, caramel, green apples and a touch of tangerine. Spicier and more oaky than the spring cap version. With time, the aromas of caramel are getting more intense.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, oaky, floral, bitter, farmy, nutty, on strong flavours of caramel and bitter caramel, coffee beans and some leather. The finish is medium, oaky, very spicy, on bitter caramel and roasted coffee beans.
Impression: A rather rough whisky, spicy with strong notes of bitter caramel. The nose was rather pleasant, but the caramel is too strong to my liking on the palate.
Rating: 08/20 FP:C2

Ainslie’s Royal Edinburgh Spring cap, OB, 43%, B:1960s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, waxy to very waxy, slightly dry, mineral, peaty and smoky, on sweet fruity notes (tangerine, orange), some humus, citrus and light aromatic flavours.
Taste: Mineral, dry, smoky, waxy, aromatic to very aromatic, mineral, austere, farmy, with some marmalade, lemon peel and old stables. The finish is medium to long, austere, slightly dry, waxy, and spicy, on mustard seeds, lemon and orange peel, old fashioned aromatic and dry peat smoke, some ore, toffee and some “dirty” flavours.
Impression: An old style of blended whisky, rather austere, with a nice old fashioned aromatic and austere peat smoke. Maybe not the easiest blend, but if you like the old style of Clynelish distilled at Brora, then you might like it at lot. It is said to contain a high percentage of whisky distilled at the old Clynelish distillery. Very different from the more recent Ainslie’s. Thank you Phil and Simon.
Rating: 14/20 FP:C2

Kininvie 1990 The First Drops Batch 1, 25 YO, OB, 61.4%, B:2015, cask 20. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Extremely smooth, mellow, subtle, slightly floral, on vanilla, light spices and light and subtle soft fruity flavours. Complex.
Taste: Smooth, mellow, on light, complex and very fruity notes of apples, juicy oak, some green pear, melon, watermelon, honey and spices. The finish is medium to long, complex, subtle, elegant, on juicy oaky, and same sweet and fruity flavours as on the palate.
Impression: From some of the first cask distilled. The cask 8 is for Taiwan, the 20 for Continental Europe and the 21 for UK and the Nordic countries. Markedly more pricey than the previous releases, but also markedly better, to my opinion. The freshness is impressive and the whisky excellent.
Rating: 17/20 FP:A1

Aultmore 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Sraw
Nose: Very floral, fresh, malty, light, creamy, and a touch of vanilla and some green apples. Rather subtle.
Taste: Very fresh, floral, malty, slightly creamy, on green apples and pears, a light juiciness and grassiness. The finish is medium, grassy, juicy, fresh, with some honey and fruits from the orchards, a touch of banana and a light and slightly bitter fragrance
Impression: A nice light, floral and very fresh Aultmore on green fruits from the orchards.  Refreshing.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Balvenie 14 YO Carribean Cask, OB, 43%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, sweet, sugary, malty, with some honey, tropical fruits, vanilla, and some ginger.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, sweet, sugary, malty, on coconut, some tropical fruits, vanilla, honey, wood extracts, treacle and some rum influence. The finish is medium, oaky, spicy, on vanilla, ginger, rum, treacle and some coconut.
Impression: A rather oaky Balvenie with the Rum influence contributing to some sweetness and exotic fruits (mainly coconut). Thank you Jacek!
Rating: 13/20 FP:B1

Balvenie 30 YO, OB, 47.3%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, malty, juicy and fruity, with sweet and juicy exotic fruits (passion fruits, mango and guava), on honey, some melon, orange, cinnamon, apples, sultanas and other sweet spices. Excellent.
Taste: Smooth, slightly spicy, on honey, liquid honey, tropical fruits, pollen, melon, some apples, cinnamon, oak spices and a slight woodiness. The finish is medium, oaky, slightly woody, with rich honey flavours, tropical fruits, some ginger, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and light tannins.
Impression: The nose was very good, with rich and smooth pleasant tropical flavours, that persist on the palate, together some woody influence that brings the score slightly down. A very good product, but rather pricey .
Rating: 16/20 FP:C1

Balvenie Single Barrel 1989, 25 YO, OB, 47.8%, B:2015, c. 6999. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Malty, mellow, smooth, slightly smoky, on melon, watermelon, honey, spices, a touch of leather and barley husk
Taste: Smooth, elegant, malty, creamy, slightly fruity, spicy, on melon, watermelon, honey, liquid honey, a touch of smoke and some cinnamon. The finish is medium to long, subtle, malty, slightly fragrant and floral, on soft spices, rich honey notes and light juicy flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoky and bitter.
Impression: A very good malty and creamy Balvenie with nice honey notes. More subtle and elegant than the 12 YO.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill, 12 YO, OB, 47.8%, B:2015, cask 5851. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Intense, malty, spicy, oaky, slightly smoky and creamy, on toffee, honey, vanilla and ginger.
Taste: Malty, oaky, on freshly crushed barley, ginger, honey and lots of vanilla. The finish is medium, oaky to very oaky, on wood spices, ginger, bitter caramel, some bitter smoke, crushed barley, honey and a touch of melon.
Impression: An intense and very oaky Balvenie. Rough.
Rating: 12/20 FP:A1

Ardmore 1999, 11 YO, Van Wees, 46%, B:2010, cask 801159. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Sweet, peaty, oaky to very oaky, on vanilla, tar and some aromatic and floral flavours.
Taste: Dry, peaty, tarry, rooty, sweet, on ginger, aromatic herbs and some vanilla. The finish is medium, dry, rather sweet and juicy, peaty, aromatic, slightly rooty, with some vanilla, and ashes. Diluted, it become initially dryer and on ginger.
Impression:  An interesting Ardmore, with the dry peaty and tarry notes mixed with some sweet honey flavours.
Rating: 12/20 FP:A4

Ardmore Old Particular 2000, 15 YO, Douglas Laing, 48.4%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, very tarry, rooty, ashy, dry, slightly aromatic, with some ashes and liquorice roots. Becomes slightly smoother over time.
Taste: Dry, bitter, peaty, tarry to very tarry, ashy, rooty, aromatic, on wood spices, as well as sweet honey flavours. The finish is medium, peaty, tarry, aromatic, slightly rooty, dry and medicinal, with some liquorice and ginger. Diluted, it becomes more subtle, elegant, on complex peat smoke, seaweeds and some phenols.
Impression: A good, light, peaty to very peaty whisky, with a complex and subtle peat smoke.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A5

Arran For Sankt-Gallen Tattoo 2014, 13 YO, OB, B:2014, cask 1100, 246 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, floral, rich, complex, malty, with some sweet fruity notes (melon and vanilla), as well as oaky notes.
Taste: Light, spicy, oaky to very oaky, floral, and slightly fragrant, on dry tobacco leaves, some hay, malt, oaky spices, and lots of vanilla. The finish is medium, malty, very waxy, on honeycomb, beeswax, fresh floral notes and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes even waxier.
Impression: A very nice, round, malty and waxy Arran.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Arran for House of Single Malts 1996, 18 YO, OB, 55.2%, B: 2014, cask 709. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Very smooth, mellow, round, malty, slightly spicy and floral, on melon and some tangerine. Rather sweet and juicy, and with a touch of honey.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, smooth, slightly vegetal and fragrant, floral, on green curry, oak spices, tobacco leaves, tangerine, fudge and sultanas. The finish is medium, moderately spicy, waxy, malty, on cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and tangerine.
Impression: The sherry influence is rather moderate in this whisky, with a nice waxiness and loads of beeswax in the finish to give a round influence on the palate.
Rating: 15/20 FP:D1

Glen Mhor 1965, 26 YO, The Prestonfield, 56%. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Dry, light, slightly floral, with some hay, straw, old dry herbs and grass and liquorice roots. Rather different from the 6 YO OB.
Taste: Floral, light, aromatic, slightly dry and bitter, on mineral oil, graphite, some wax, a slight fruitiness and oakiness, chamomile, dried meat and wood chips. Complex. The finish is medium to long, rather oaky and dry, aromatic, slightly bitter, on herb liquor, camphor, some dried meat, humus, mineral oil, smoke and a slight peatiness.
Impression: Tasted head to head with the 6 YO, this Prestonfield was more heavy on the wood and less elegant and subtle. Very good but it suffered probably from the comparison. From the same batch as the Dun Eideann, but drier and less balanced.
Rating: 17/20 FP:B2

Glen Mhor 6 YO (Mackinlay), OB, 75 Proof, B: 1960s. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Smoky, mineral, slightly aromatic, on paraffin, oil, wax, graphite, old peat smoke and some lime blossom. An old fashioned style of whisky with a mineral-graphite nose. Remarkably complex for its age.
Taste: Light, slightly dry, floral, aromatic, mineral, austere, on graphite, mineral oil, aromatic and slightly bitter herbs, with liquorice roots and old cigars. The complexity is stunning. The finish is medium to long, light, aromatic, mineral, on old engine oil, some bitter aromatic herbs from the Alps, old smoke, some soot and old peat smoke from a croft house.
Impression: What to say when tasting such an old whisky. Amongst the full range of the old Glen Mhor Mackinlay bottles at the Crane in Tokyo, the 6 YO was recommended to me and if all 6 year old whiskies where of a such quality, my shelves would be full of young whiskies! The complexity is impressive and the style rather unique and smells good the old style of whiskies, with graphite, old engine oil and aromatic slightly bitter herbs. I am glad I had the opportunity of tasting this one (and I understand better Neil Gunn as well).
Rating: 19/20 FP:A3

Glen Mhor 1976, 15 YO, Cadenhead's, 60.9%, B:1992. Price:
Colour: Straw.
Nose: Mineral, flinty, light, grassy, on tangerine, some green fruits and old mineral smoke.
Taste: Grassy, light, fresh, slightly mineral, on starch and some smoky notes. The finish is medium, smoky, on tobacco leaves, pipe smoke, with a certain bitterness and freshness.
Impression: A light and fresh Glen Mhor, with only the slightest wood influence allowing the spirit to shine through the glass. Very pleasant.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A2

Glen Mhor 1965, Gordon & MacPhail, 43%, B: 2005. Price:
Colour: Amber.
Nose: Mellow, smooth, fruity, on strawberries and other stewed fruits.
Taste: Extremely sweet, smooth and mellow, on overripe fruit, strawberries, and nice juicy grassy notes. The finish is medium, smooth, mellow, fruity, on overripe and cooked fruits, as well as juicy grassy notes.
Impression: A deliciously mellow and smooth fruity Glen Mhor with a strong cooked fruity component. Dangerously drinkable.
Rating: 16/20 FP:D2

Glen Mhor 1965, 26 YO, Dun Eideann, 56%, B: 1991. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Juicy, fresh, fruity, floral, slightly malty and smoky, with some dry and mineral peat smoke, ashes, chocolate and almonds. Excellent.
Taste: Clean, grassy to very grassy, with some almonds, eucalyptus, peat smoke, juicy oranges, tangerine, a hint of salt, some almonds, white and milk chocolate and mineral smoke. Complex. The finish is long, slightly dry, mineral, smoky, with some peat smoke, tangerine, orange, some ashes, almonds, wallnuts, a hint of eucalyptus and on humus.
Impression: An excellent dry and sherried Glen Mhor with a pleasant mineral smokiness and slight fruity notes.
Rating: 18/20 FP:H2

Glen Deveron 20 YO for Travel Retail, OB, 40%, B:2014. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Malty, spicy, oaky, slightly harsh and on wood extracts.
Taste: Light, oaky, malty, slightly soapy, vegetal, and grassy to very grassy, with some tar and cresol. The finish is medium, grassy, malty, with lots of wet tobacco leaves, with some tar and tangerine.
Impression: A rather peculiar whisky, with rather strong notes of old wet tobacco leaves and tar. Glen Deveron is the single malt distilled at the Macduff distillery.
Rating: 10/20 FP:D1

Glen Moray 1988, 27 YO, Acla Selection & The Whisky Agency, 46.5%, B:2015, 90 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, malty, slightly creamy, fresh, juicy, with lots of fruits from the orchards and some fudge.
Taste: Spicy, oaky, fresh, fruity, with some wood spices, fruits from the orchards, pollen, some melon and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium, oaky, slightly woody and creamy, on wet wood, tobacco leaves, light grassy flavours and with some melon.
Impression: A Glen Moray with a fresh nose, on fruits from the orchards, becoming smoother and mellower on the palate, with some flavours of cured tobacco leaves.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Glen Spey The Passenger Ship For The Whisky Schiff, 34 YO, Jack Wiebers World of Whisky 42.7%, B:2015, 95 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, rather fresh, slightly spicy and meaty, with light grassy and vegetal flavours, as well as a touch of melon.
Taste: Round, mellow, floral, slightly spicy, with some wet wood, tobacco leaves, a slight fragrance, some vanilla and melon. The finish is medium to long, spicy, oaky, fresh, floral to very floral, with some vanilla, melon and hops.
Impression: A good, round and floral Glen Spey, rather spicy and with some hops.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

Kilchoman 2010 PX for The Whisky Exchange, OB, 58.3%, B:2015, cask 679/2010. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Peaty, clean, intense, maritime, on iodine, disinfectant and seaweeds. Slightly smoother and rounder than the Original Cask strength.
Taste: Peaty, smoky, rather smooth and young, clean, slightly maritime and oaky, on fresh seaweeds and light notes of disinfectant and spearmint. The finish is medium, dry to very dry, peaty, maritime, and medicinal, on disinfectant, iodine, a touch of sweetness and vanilla.
Impression: The influence of the Pedro Ximenez sherry cask is more than discreet. Good, still rather young to my liking.
Rating: 11/20 FP:A6

Kilchoman Original Cask Strength, OB, 59.2%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Very peaty and intense, clean, maritime, medicinal and slightly phenolic, with some seaweeds, seashells, tar, and hemp rope.
Taste: Peaty to very peaty, intense, slightly oaky, on ginger, seaweeds, some bandages, disinfectant, slightly aromatic, with some liquorice roots and a touch of fresh ginger. The finish is medium, young, peaty to very peaty, dry, rooty, tarry, on ashes, seaweeds, oak spices and liquorice roots.
Impression: A good, young and very intense and Peaty Kilchoman, than I enjoyed well.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A7

As we get it distilled at Macallan, 100 Proof, J.G. Thomson, 57.3%, B:1980s. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, slightly floral, on polished wood, some tangerine, orange, and gooseberries.
Taste: Very smooth, round, floral, fruity, rich, slightly smoky and peaty, with light spicy notes (mainly ginger), on orange, marmalade, some dried fruits, figs and dates. The finish is medium to long, slightly syrupy, thick and bitter, on marmalade, tangerine, orange, some peat smoke, treacle, a slight fragrance and light notes of berries.
Impression: A good Macallan, rich, intense, very smooth and with slight bitter notes of marmalade and spices.
Rating: 14/20 FP:E2

Kilchoman 2008 Vintage, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Farmy, smoky, maritime to very maritime, oaky, modern, on vanilla, oak spices and light floral flavours.
Taste: Light, maritime, dry to very dry, oaky to very oaky, slightly phenolic and tarry on oat cakes, apples, peat smoke, and some tar soap.  The finish is medium to long, peaty, dry to very dry, tarry, bitter, with some gentian and liquorice roots.
Impression: A dry to very dry whisky, with strong tarry notes and not as oaky as previous Vintages. Markedly drier and bitterer than the 100% Islay, while it tasted only moderately more peaty.
Rating: 12/20 FP:A6

Macallan Rare Cask Black for Travel Retail, OB, 48%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smoky, oaky, dry, slightly floral and nutty, on sultanas, figs, dates and light notes of marmalade.
Taste: Spicy, syrupy, slightly dry, salty, peaty, smoky and floral, on sea brine, some dates, other dried fruits, treacle, toasted wood, and light notes of tangerine. The finish is medium, slightly floral, dry, smoky and peaty, with light fruity notes, some treacle, wood smoke, toasted wood, figs and other dried fruits.
Impression: An unusual Macallan with thick, slightly chewy, smoky and slightly peaty (for a recent Macallan) flavour profile suggesting the use of some old ex-peated whisky casks. Lacks some balance. This whisky might surprise some Macallan enthusiasts.
Rating: 12/20 FP:D2

Kilchoman 100% Islay 5th Edition, OB, 50%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smoky, peaty to very peaty, very maritime, medicinal and phenolic, on seaweeds, some mineral flavours and light notes of vanilla.
Taste: Light, oaky, on sawdust, peat smoke, tar and dry seaweeds. The finish is medium, light, peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly dry, medicinal, with some bandages, disinfectant, phenols, tar and a touch of liquorice roots.
Impression: A good young and clean Kilchoman, moderately peaty, light, with a nice and elegant maritime peat smoke. Tasted more matured than the previous versions. I nice and positive improvement.
Rating: 12/20 FP:A4

Tobermory 1994, 20 YO, Scotch Single Malt Circle, 55.5%, B:2014, cask 5369. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold.
Nose: Round, smooth, with lots of fudge and toffee, some vegetal and floral notes, with some light maritime flavours.
Taste:  Spicy to very spicy, rich, round, on toffee, fudge, vegetal extract, some smooth sherry notes, chocolate powder and seabrine. The finish is medium and on the same flavours.
Impression: A Tobermory with the sherry casks contributing to very strong flavours of toffee and fudge, with a spicy mouth feel.
Rating: 13/20 FP:F1

Tobermory 1972 The Animals, Moon, 46%, B:2000, cask 1527-31. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Peaty, smoky, very maritime, slightly fragrant and floral, on oysters, some sea brine and disinfectant.
Taste: Maritime to very maritime, slightly mineral, on old peat smoke, some fragrance, a light sweetness,some disinfectant and violet. The finish is medium to long, slightly peaty, smoky, mineral, round, fragrant and mineral, with a nice salty-maritime influence and some medicinal flavours.
Impression: I have heard some rather negative comments on that bottle, but I was pleased to taste it for myself and I found the whisky very good. It is not as peaty as the Ledaig from that period, but a mineral peat smoke is well present. There are some slightly fragrant and bitter floral, but they are not unplesant.
Rating: 16/20 FP:A3

Benromach Peat Smoke 2006, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: A surprising nose, dry, on juniper, dry moss, eucalyptus, and some other flavours that I do not recognize. A unique nose and very different from the previous Peat Smoke. Over time, it becomes drier, aromatic and on light old fashioned peat smoke.
Taste: Light, clean, dry to very dry, peaty, with some liquorice roots, soot, slight maritime flavours and eucalyptus. A nice style of old fashioned and aromatic peat smoke. The finish is medium to long, light, dry to very dry, tarry, on aromatic old-fashioned peat smoke.
Impression: The nose is surprising at the start, but given time, it opens and delivers a pleasant old style of peaty smoke that I enjoy very much. Very different from the previous Peat Smoke.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A5

Ardbeg 1965, 14 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 70 Proof, B: 1980. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Delicious maritime and smoky, peaty, on seashells, sea water, oysters, seaweeds, sea salt, lots of soot, tar, ashes, old mineral oil, delicate peat smoke and some fishy notes.
Taste: Juicy, oaky, maritime, phenolic, on soot, tar, ashes, starch, iodine, some bandages, seaweeds, old engine oil and a hint of eucalyptus. Rather thin. Diuted, it becomes rather mentholated. The finish is medium to long, mineral, slightly thin, maritime and juicy, on sea salt, iodine, kippers, bandages, fish oil, some tar and soot.
Impression: A good, complex, old fashioned Ardbeg, with an old fashioned type of peat smoke, not as peaty as today’s production, but more subtle and elegant. Very good, but the 70 Proof (40%) can be felt. A few extra ABV would have been welcomed.
Rating: 17/20 FP:A6

Benromach 15 YO, OB, 43%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, mellow, round, spicy, rather floral, on leather, orange, tangerine, dried fruits, some sultanas. Complex and well matured. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee and fudge.
Taste: Oily, creamy, malty, thick, moderately rubbery and slightly yeasty, on toffee, dried fruits, sultanas, cooked apples, cinnamon, some tangerine and orange.
Impression: A good, rich and oily Benromach, with a heavier and thicker sherry influence than the 10 YO, with some more rubber as well.
Rating: 13/20 FP:D1

Benromach 10 YO, OB, 43%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Smooth, malty to very malty, round, with some spices, orange, tangerine and cardamom, toffee, as well as a slight smokiness and a touch of leather,
Taste: Smooth, malty, slightly smoky, on toffee, fudge, cooked apples, with some spices, cinnamon and tangerine. The finish is medium, malty, slightly smoky and floral, on cinnamon, cooked apples and peaches, some tangerine, toffee and dried fruits.
Impression: A well-made and rather complex whisky, with nice spicy and fruity notes.
Rating: 13/20 FP:D1

Inchmurrin 12 YO, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Rich, spicy, floral, slightly grassy, green, and nutty, on cooked fruits (apples), humus, some cinnamon, leather, hay, mango and tangerine.
Taste: Nutty, rich, juicy, grassy, on honey, some exotic and cooked orchard’s fruits, and some lemon zest. Very pleasant and with a hint of smoke. Diluted, it becomes juicier and more grassy, as well as with stronger fresh and light fruity flavours. The finish is medium to long, juicy, sweet, slightly nutty, on cooked orchards fruits, some tangerine, honey, malt, slight creamy notes and light tropical flavours.
Impression: A very nice and fruity Inchmurrin, juicy and grassy, with a nice complexity. Very pleasant and enjoyable whisky.  More expensive but a nice improvement over the previous 12 YO. A whisky worth tasting.
Rating: 14/20 FP:C1

Inchmurrin 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Light, smooth, mellow, floral, grassy, slightly nutty and creamy, with some tangerine, cooked apples and light notes of tropical fruits. Complex.
Taste: Citric, fruity, floral, rich, slightly spicy, grassy and nutty, on cinnamon, peach, tangerine, orange, some sultanas, a mixtures of fresh and dried fruit. The finish is medium to long, rich, complex, grassy, slightly spicy and nutty, with diverse fruity flavours including a touch of citrus.
Impression: A rich, mellow, fruity and complex Inchmurrin, with a rather strong sherry influence on spices and smooth sweet rich fruity flavours. A high quality single malt.
Rating: 15/20 FP:E1

Benromach organic 2010, OB, 43%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Very smooth, malty and young, round, with some peach, vanilla, raisins and a light touch of toffee.
Taste: Light, fresh, spicy, very smooth, young, floral, malty to very malty, very creamy, sweet, with some ginger, vanilla and fruits from the orchards. The finish is medium, very malty and creamy, round, young, smooth, with light spicy flavours, on vanilla and some floral flavours.
Impression: A young, fresh, round, malty, creamy and rather oily Benromach. I would not have mind a more mature version, but the result is already pretty good.
Rating: 11/20 FP:A1

Benromach 10 YO 100 Proof, OB, 57%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Intense, clean, with some varnish, vanilla and toffee.
Taste: Light, smooth to very smooth, young, creamy, malty, on vanilla and some cooked orchards fruits. Diluted, it becomes oilier, rounder, with some light rubbery flavours and dried fruits. The finish is medium, light, fresh, young, malty, slightly creamy and floral.
Impression: A version with the comparable “young” flavours as the organic, but less oily and mature. The “regular” 10 YO seemed more complex and matured than the 100% proof. Is the regular version simply a diluted version of the 43% or this is from a different cask selection?
Rating: 10/20 FP:A1

St-Magdalene 1982, 26 YO, Dun Behagan, 50%, cask 2219. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, grassy, slightly floral, on straw, some hay and light notes of stewed fruits, including some citrus and a hint of smoke.
Taste: Rather intense, floral, juicy, on honey, some fruity notes (melon, watermelon, vanilla), as well as some grassy notes. Pleasant. The finish is medium to long, smooth, slightly oily and grass, rather fresh and floral, with some dried flowers, honey, fruity notes.
Impression:  A very good, rather oily, smooth and fruity St-Magdalene and free of bitterness often present in the produce of this distillery.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Port Ellen 1978 Old Malt Cask, 24 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B: 2002, 474 bottles. Price:
Colour:  Gold
Nose: Intense, peaty to very peaty, maritime, on complex peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine and some medicinal flavours. Delicious.
Taste: Peaty to very peaty, intense, on pear drops, charcoal, some tar, iodine, seaweeds, other maritime flavours, slightly soapy, on vanilla and some seashells. The finish is medium to long, slightly maritime and bitter, on peat smoke, salt, seaweeds, some tar, charcoal and disinfectants. There is a nice lingering retro-olfaction on complex salty peat smoke.
Impression: A nice, elegant, peaty, rather intense and maritime Port Ellen, with some nice disinfectant flavours. It is nice to still have the chance of tasting some moderately young Port Ellen.
Rating: 17/20 FP:A6

Pittyvaich 1989, 20 YO, OB, 57.5%, B: 2009, 6000 bottles. Price:
Colour: Straw-gold.
Nose: Very fresh and clean, very lemony, with some light herbal and grassy flavours.
Taste: Light, matly, very fresh and lemony, with a very light smokiness, some toffee and vanilla. The finish is short to medium, malty, lemony, with some vanilla.
Impression: Tasted blind, I would have given it half its age. A very lemony, fresh and light whisky. It is rather clean, but I really enjoyed it.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A2

Pittyvaich 1990 Old Malt Cask, 15 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B: 2006, DL 2390, 340 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber.
Nose: Clean, fresh, spicy, on gingerbread, orange and tangerine.
Taste: Light, fresh, zesty, on lemon, tangerine. orange skin, and some spices. The finish is medium, clean, and fresh, on lemon and tangerine.
Impression: A nice and pleasant whisky, but slightly less complex than the 20 YO.
Rating: 14/20 FP:E2

Tamdhu 1988, Samaroli, 45%, B:2011, cask 3735. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth, elegant, floral, slightly rubbery, on leather, tannins, sultanas, light grassy and aromatic flavours. Very round.
Taste: Smooth, on rich spices, slightly herbal and malty, with a touch of rubber, on sultanas, rich spices and on toffee. The finish is medium to long, rich, complex, malty, with some aromatic herbs, fudge, light floral notes and stewed fruits.
Impression: A very good, rich, spicy and slightly aromatic whisky, with a nice light sherry influence.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A2

Coleburn 1983 Swiss bottling, 25 YO, D. A. Rattray, 45.9%, B: 2009, cask 1462, 107 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Very smooth, malty, with some hay, on humus and old bold peat smoke.
Taste: Smooth, round, rather smoky and dry, with some humus, and peat smoke. Diluted, it opens up and strong spicy notes are released, on humus, some mushrooms and old wood. The finish is medium to long, smoky, slightly grassy, with some toffee and a light bitterness.
Impression: A very good Coleburn that needs water to express at its full potential. Nice selection from Daniel Kissling.
Rating: 16/20 FP:C3

Glenglassaugh 1979, 34 YO, Signatory, 45.2%, B:2013, cask 1547. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth and sweet, fruity, mellow, on peach, light tropical fruity flavours, some heather honey and melon.
Taste: Slightly thin and spicy, slightly mineral, with some discreet peat smoke and nice rich sweet and fruity notes. The finish is medium to long, sweet, fruity, slightly mineral, floral, grassy, with some peat smoke, peach juice and sweet fruity notes.
Impression: A rather thin and subtle version of Glenglassaugh, with a nice sweet and fruity influence. Not the most typical Glenglassaugh, but enjoyable with its mineral profile.
Rating: 14/20 FP:C2

Port Dundas 1978, 35 YO, Fighting Fish, 59.70%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very smooth, mellow and round, grainy, on maize syrup, cooked cereals, peach, apricots, orange and cinnamon.
Taste: Very smooth and grainy, on cooked cereals, spirit, apricots, peach, orange, treacle, corn (maize) syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The finish is medium to long, grainy, very smooth, mellow, and slightly dry, on corn syrup, treacle, cinnamon, nutmeg, peach, apricots and some pecan nuts.
Impression: A complex grain whisky that tasted very much like a smooth and light bourbon. At this time, maize was probably used, which could explain this “bourbon-like” grain whisky. When tasted from a freshly opened bottled, it was rounder and with some rubber.
Rating: 15/20 FP:D1

Invergordon 1984 Circus, The Whisky Agency, 51.7%, B:2015, 597 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Oaky, slightly dusty and floral, round, on toffee, some leather, a touch of rubber, coffee beans and tangerine. Complex and subtle.
Taste: Very smooth, round, slightly vegetal, grainy, dusty and fruity, with some toffee, fudge, orange, tangerine, apricots, peach, a light smokiness. The finish is medium to long, very smooth, elegant, complex, slightly grainy, with some peach, apricots, grist, slightly mineral flavours and a touch of smoke.
Impression: A very good and complex grain whisky, with a flavour mix difficult to describe. It has  light bourbon-like flavours like the Port Dundas Fighting fish, but more complex, subtle, lighter and spicier. I enjoyed this one very much.
Rating: 16/20 FP:D1

Pittyvaich 1989, 25 YO, OB, 49.9%, B:2015, 5922. bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Light to very light, very smooth, fresh, clean, floral, slightly malty, with a zest of lemon and light notes of hay.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, oaky, floral, round, with some hay, mirabelle, melon and lemon zest. The finish is medium, very smooth, round, floral to very floral, with some melon, quince, mirabelle and a lemon zest.
Impression: A good Pittyvaich, very smooth, round and floral, with a slightly fruity influence. Seems slightly tired compared to the previous Pittyvaich Special Releases.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

Glenglassaugh 1968 Single Cask Sherry cask finish, 45 YO, OB, 44.3%, B:2015, cask 1601. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, mellow to very mellow, metallic, on humus, graphite, some tropical fruity notes (mango and banana), old leaves and some eucalyptus. Smells like very old whiskies and very different from the 40 YO.
Taste: Syrupy to very syrupy, on canned and syrupy tropical fruits (papaya, mango and guava), with some eucalyptus, acacia and lavender honey, as well as some spices. The finish is medium, syrupy, bitter, dry, tannic, on eucalyptus, lavender and canned tropical fruits.
Impression: The nose is lighter and more mineral than the 40 YO, while it is surprisingly thick and syrupy on the palate. As for the 40 YO, it is past its prime and the woodiness is too present to my liking.
Rating: 14/20 FP:G1

Glenglassaugh 40 YO, OB, 42.6%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very smooth, round, mellow, fruity, rich, on old furniture, worn leather, diverse spices, rich and rather sweet fruity flavours (orange, tangerine, mango, papaya), beeswax and some lichen. Well balanced.
Taste: Rich, spicy, slightly dry and tannic, on pineapples, mango, eucalyptus. The finish is medium, slightly woody, dry, tannic and mineral, with some rusted iron, eucalyptus, banana, some other tropical fruits, spices, and light slightly sour berries.
Impression: The nose was most pleasant, with rich intense sweet round sherry influence, while it is rather woody, dry and metallic on the palate. A good whisky, but unfortunately past his prime.
Rating: 14/20 FP:E2

Glenglassaugh 30 YO, OB, 44.8%, B:2013. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Rich, mellow, smooth, very fruity, grassy, on tropical fruits, Christmas cake, tangerine, mango, orange and raisins. Delicious.
Taste: Very smooth, mellow, juicy, fruity, grassy, complex, on raisin, orange, tangerine, mango, banana, some smoke and nice mild spices, as well as some polish. The finish is long, smooth, with some bitter tobacco smoke, some marmalade, mango, light grassy notes and spices. Slightly tannic and nutty.
Impression: A very good Glenglassaugh, with a delicious smooth, mellow and fruity nose and a mouth delivery of the same quality, with a slightly tannic and bitter finish. A very enjoyable whisky of high quality.
Rating: 17/20 FP:E2

Glenglassaugh Torfa, OB, 50%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, meaty, tarry, with very strong notes of fried bacon, on tar, soot, light floral and tropical fruit flavours.
Taste: Very peaty, young, sweet, very tarry, on lemon zest, ashes, some hemp rope, liquid tar and liquorice. The finish is medium, very peaty, tarry, slightly floral and fragrant, with some almonds, liquorice, root and ashes.
Impression: A young, very peaty and rather floral-fragrant Glenglassaugh. Very intense and tarry.
Rating: 09/20 FP:A8

St Magdalene 1978 Old Malt Cask, 24 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B:2002, 504 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very smooth, mellow, round, complex, floral, elegant, subtle, with a light smokiness, some peach, burnt sugar, stewed fruits, spring flowers, tannins, Christmas cake and rich spices.
Taste: Dry to very dry, slightly tannic, floral to very floral, fragrant, on sultanas, Christmas cake, some orange, bitter lemon, malts and some wet wood. The finish is medium, dry, woody, on wet wood, humus, a light smokiness, Christmas cake, rich spices, sultanas, dates, burnt sugar and dry flowers.
Impression: A whisky difficult to judge, as the nose is nice, round and heavy, with a sherry influence, while it is drier and woody on the palate.
Rating: 14/20 FP:H2

Ardbeg 1965, 28 YO, Cadenhead’s, 54.6%, B:1993. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Dry, mineral, peaty, smoky, on tannins, leather, humus, cocoa, seaweeds, disinfectant, chalk, rather sweet and fruity and with some tar.
Taste: Fruity, grassy to very grassy, slightly mineral, bitter, tannic and astringent, rather dry, peaty and chewy, on peat smoke, orange, tangerine, high grade leather, some humus, camphor, eucalyptus, chalk, seaweeds, almonds, bananas and kiwi. Very intense. The finish is long, intense, slighty dry and mineral, maritime, on old fashioned and complex peat smoke, with some tar, soot and salt, on camphor, chocolate, leather, oranges, almonds, humus, old wet wood and dried fruits. There is then a very long retro-olfaction on old dry peat smoke, like in an old croft house.
Impression: An excellent old style of Ardbeg, mineral and on old fashioned dry peat smoke and sherry influence. Some might find the wood slightly too present. It is present, but not unpleasant and I find that this adds some personality to the whisky.
Rating: 19/20 FP:F6

Ardbeg 1965, 39 YO, OB, 42.1%, B:2004. Price:
Colour: Old gold.
Nose: Peaty, woody, maritime, on damp old peat smoke, old seaweeds, some charcoal, with a very good depth. The peatiness is most pleasant. Diluted, some flavours of old socks are released.
Taste: Dry, peaty, salty, woody, astringent, on old wood and socks, as well as on old seaweeds. The finish is long, dry to very dry, peaty, tannic, astringent, bitter, and on old seaweeds.
Impression: A very sexy nose, but with a dry and tannic taste, indicates that the whisky spent too much time in contact with the wood. The intrinsic quality of the spirit is however excellent.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A7

George Stagg Junior, OB, 66.05%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, intense, rich, on maple syrup, pecan nuts, cloves, some spices, apricots, chocolate, caramel and orange.
Taste:  Smooth, very intense and hot. Water is added quickly. It is very smooth, on maple syrup, caramel, fudge, cinnamon, cloves, apricots, peach and pecan nuts. The finish is medium, spicy, with lots of maple syrup, pecan nuts, some peanut butter, apricots, orange, peach, toffee and chocolate. Diluted, it becomes very smooth, less complex, lighter and more citric.
Impression: A very intense whisky, with lots of maple syrup and pecan nuts. The nose is rather complex, but taste younger on the palate. A younger and less complex version than George Stagg from the Antique Collection.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Knob Creek Small Batch 100 Proof, 9 YO, OB, 50%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Nutty, floral, slightly fragrant, on peanuts, caramel, apricots, orange, caramel, nutmeg, spices and toffee. Elegant and complex.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, creamy, slightly fragrant and floral, light, subtle, on citrus, with some peanuts, orange, treacle and clove. The finish is medium, light, creamy,very smooth, fragrant, slightly floral, on citrus, cloves, treacle and a hint of anis.
Impression: A nice, elegant, smooth, creamy, elegant and floral whisk(e)y, much lighter and more floral than the Stagg Jr (two different styles). Thank you Jerôme.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A1

Thomas H. Sazerac 18 YO, OB, 63.4%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth, on wood polish, maple syrup, nutmeg, pecan nuts, rye spices and oaky flavours and strong notes of orange peel.
Taste: Very smooth, slightly astringent and bitter, on orange peel, apricots, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, rye spices, and some vanilla. The finish is long, bitter, fragrant, rather astringent, woody and rye spices, on apricots, orange peel, some cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and pecan nuts.
Impression: A good rye whisky, smooth, matured and complex, but with some woody astringency that might put off some whisky enthusiasts.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A1

Linlithgow 1982, 9 YO, Cadenhead’s, 62.6%, B:1992. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Very smooth, round, fruity to very fruity, on fruits from the orchards, freshly cut grass, a whiff of peat smoke and just a hint of farmy notes. Surprisingly smooth and elegant, without any harshness or new make like flavours. Impressive.
Taste: Smooth, light, fresh, floral, on liquid honey, some fruits from the orchards and melon. The finish is medium to long, smooth, elegant, intense, slightly floral, with some honey, freshly cut grass, hay and a touch of citrus. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitter, on liquorice and dried tobacco leaves.
Impression: A very good Linlithgow, smooth, well done, surprisingly complex for its age, well balanced and with a very pleasant mouth feel. Very enjoyable.
Rating: 15/20 FP:A1

Macnamara Rum finish, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold.
Nose: Floral, smooth, sweet, slightly sugary, on raisins, treacle and some leather, tannins and toffee.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy to very spicy, floral, slight sugary notes, apple and pear drops. The finish is medium, spicy, oaky, fresh, fruity, with fruits from the orchards, light sugary and smoky notes and a touch of vanilla.
Impression: A balanced, fresh and pleasant well-made blend, with a touch of rum influence. A good quality and value blend. Thank you Gilles!
Rating: 13/20 FP:A2

The Hive, 12 YO, Wemyss, 40%, B:2013. Price:
Colour:  Gold
Nose: Very smooth, slightly malty, rather sweet, on liquid honey and some light grassy and floral notes.
Taste: Grassy, juicy, very smooth, sweet, with a hint of menthol, eucalyptus and hay, some smoke and lots of liquid honey. The finish is medium, grassy, with some eucalyptus, on liquid honey, some hay and tobacco leaves.
Impression: A smooth and grassy blended malt, with lots of sweet honey. Nicely balanced, sweet and dangerously drinkable.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A2

Tomatin 1988 Joint bottling with Magnin Wine & Spirits, 25 YO, The Perfect Dram, 49.7%, B:2013. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Very smooth and floral, elegant, with just a touch of vanilla and fruits from the orchards. Well made.
Taste: Very smooth, slightly floral, with some fine notes of starch, light fresh fruity notes of pears. Subtle and elegant. The finish is medium, extremely smooth, floral, elegant, with clean malty flavours and light notes of fruits from the orchards, as well some other light fruity flavours.
Impression: A nice and elegant Tomatin “naked”, with almost not wood influence allowing to have the distillate to express fully. Very smooth and good!
Rating: 14/20 PA:A1

Tomatin 1993, 19 YO, The Warehouse 8, 46.4%, B:2013. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smooth, oaky, slightly floral, with a fair amount of fudge
Taste: Smooth, slightly fruity, fresh, with some fruits from the orchards, starch and light spicy flavours. The finish is medium, light, clean, slightly starch, with light fruits from the Orchards and light notes of tobacco.
Impression: Another naked Tomatin, light, smooth, with light notes of starch and fruits from the Orchards. A different profile from the OB. Thank you Gilles.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A1

Glenfarclas 1989 Limited Rare Bottling - Edition No.18 John Duns Scotus, OB, 46%, B:2014, casks 5249,5250,5251,5252,12992,13090, 2400 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Intense, meaty, slightly mineral, floral, rich, on leather, dark and dried fruits and on tangerine. Very good.
Taste: Rich, very sweet, fruity, with some pineapples, tangerine, orange, spices, dried fruits, some leather, honey and tannins. The finish is medium to long, slightly tannic, meaty and astringent, on leather, cocoa, some honey, dark and dried fruits, as well as some light sweet fruity notes.
Impression: An intense, rich and heavily sherry Glenfarclas, slightly tannic and astringent, but without any rubbery notes. Very enjoyable.
Rating: 16/20 PA:J1

Miyagikyo 10 YO, OB, 45%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, intense, on plums, tropical fruits, peat smoke, with a nice elegance.
Taste: Smooth, elegant, slightly peaty, on lacquer, exotic wood, some rose, jasmine, plums, tangerine and pear drops. The finish is medium, smooth, on exotic wood and flowers, sweet juicy notes, some slightly dry spices, lacquer and tangerine.
Impression: A very good, rich, smooth, fruity, intense and complex whisky.  Can still be found.
Rating: 14/20 PA:E2

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2007 Rockside Farm, OB, 50.1%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Juicy, very malty and fresh, on sea brine, on grist, seaweeds, sea salt and a hint of smoke.
Taste: Very fresh, oaky, slightly maritime and salty, with some grist, malt, sea brine, and light creamy notes. The finish is medium, maritime, fresh, light, oaky, slightly creamy, on sea brine, some grist and light smoky flavours.
Impression: A very fresh, light and creamy Bruichladdich. It has some sweetness from a young whisky, but it is rather well matured. Very refreshing.
Rating: 12/20 PA:A2

Bruichladdich  2003, 12 YO, Rest & Be Thankful, 59.3%, B:2015, 527 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Oaky to very oaky, on wet wood, sea brine, seaweeds, vanilla and some humus.
Taste: Smoky, oaky to very oaky, spicy, on ginger, sea brine, seaweeds, some diesel smoke and humus, and a hint of smoke. The finish is medium, maritime, oaky, slightly salty, with some humus, pear drops, sea brine, a hint of peat and diesel smoke.
Impression: A rather oaky Bruichladdich, with a heavy wood influence, on humus and some peat smoke. Slightly harsh.
Rating: 11/20 PA:A2

Bushmills 21 YO, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour:  Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth, mellow, balanced, slightly spicy and winey, with a madeira influence, some red berries, honey, mango and a touch of eucalyptus,
Taste: Smooth, mellow, rich, slightly starch, balanced, fruity, on mango, fruits from the orchards, tangerine, spices, some papaya, winey flavours, honey, vanilla and blackcurrant. The finish is medium to long, mellow, slightly waxy and spicy, on the same flavours.
Impression: At first tasting, I found the madeira influence slightly too strong to my liking, but at second tasting, it appeared more balanced and more pleasant and nicely complex. Bushmills single malt seems to mature well with age.
Rating: 14/20 FP:E1

Glen Garioch 1965 Full Strength, 21 YO, OB, 50%, B: 1986. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Intense, aromatic, smooth, smoky, peaty, slightly mineral, with some humidor, old tobacco leaves and camphor. Excellent.
Taste: Aromatic to very aromatic, very intense, waxy, spicy, smooth, herbal, complex and mineral, on peat smoke, some humus, mushrooms, old peat smoke, flint stones, camphor and ginger. The finish is long, rich, waxy, aromatic, smoky, peaty, mineral, on humidor, humus, old mineral peat smoke, some ginger, cold ashes and slight notes of mushrooms.
Impression: An excellent, complex, intense and rather smooth Glen Garioch, quite peaty and with an excellent complex old style of peat smoke.More complex and intense than the 43% version.
Rating: 18/20 FP:C6

Bushmills 16 YO, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, round, spicy, with slightly dry and sugary flavours, on leather, some Port, Christmas cake and spices. The Port influence is rather strong, but well integrated.
Taste: Smooth, slightly mellow and spicy, rather round and oily, on fresh fruits from the orchards and Port winey influence, some strawberries, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is medium, smooth, rather round, with some strawberries and diverse spices.  Diluted, it becomes more winey and slightly syrupy.
Impression: A more complex, oilier and richer version of the Bushmills 10 YO, with more winey flavours and a present, but well integrated Port influence.
Rating: 12/20 FP:E1

Bushmills 10 YO, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Smooth, round, slightly spicy, on orchards fruits, vanilla and some heather honey.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, spicy, on honey, vanilla, and fruits from the orchards. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, spicy, slightly creamy, on vanilla, some starch, and fruits from the orchards.
Impression: A good and very smooth Bushmills, with nice fresh fruits from the orchards. Heavier, spicier and more oily than the Original and the Black Bush.
Rating: 10/20 FP:A1

Glen Garioch 1972 for Oddbins, OB, 43%, B: circa 1995. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Intense, peaty, smoky, meaty, on tannins, leather, tar, soot, tropical fruits, some grapfruits, berries and dried fruits. Excellent, with intense old fashioned type of peat smoke.
Taste: Fruity, juicy, on tropical fruits, peat smoke, tar, mango, grapefruits, pineapples, slight medicinal flavours and aromatic flavours, soot, ashes, some cloves, leather and tannins. Well balanced. The finish is very long, smoky, peaty, chewy, on leather, tannins, ashes, soot, tar, aromatic peat, some chocolate, tropical fruits, orange and mango.
Impression: An excellent Glen Garioch, on heavy sherry notes, free of rubber, with intense chocolate, spicy and very fruity flavours combined with an old type of peat smoke. Delicious.  Taste like a more peaty and fruity version than the 1969 29 YO Archives Glen Garioch. Heartfelt thanks to Carsten !
Rating: 19/20 FP:G7

Bushmills Original, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Extremely smooth, fresh, grainy, on green apples, banana. Rather one-dimensional and neutral.
Taste: Very smooth and fresh, grainy, on fruits from the orchards, green apples, light spicy notes and vanilla. The finish is medium, fresh, grainy, on fruits from the orchards, some spices and vanilla.
Impression: A very grainy and rather neutral whisk(e)y, with a strong influence from the grain whisky and lots of fresh notes and orchards fruits. Seems young as well.
Rating: 07/20 FP:A1

Bushmills Black bush, OB, 40%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very smooth, fresh, spicy, with leather, on glühwein spices, cinnamon and candied oranges. More complex than the original.
Taste: Very smooth, grainy, spicy, on fudge, banana, tangerine, some cinnamon, Christmas cake, and fresh floral flavours. The finish is medium, fresh, spicy, on round and warm spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, light nutty flavours and tangerine.
Impression: A more complex version than the Original, with pleasant round and warm spices from the sherry wood. The grain is present, but more discreet than in the Original. Much more to my liking than the Original.
Rating: 11/20 FP:E1

North of Ireland 1988, 27 YO, Acla Selection and the Whisky Agency, 47.6%, B:2015, 201 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth, rich, intense, very fruity, slightly spicy, on orchards fruits, vanilla, some melon, Mirabelle, blackcurrant and a touch of menthol. Lovely.
Taste: Smooth, rich, complex, balanced, on honey, Mirabelle, some blackcurrant, melon, smooth soft floral notes and some fruits from the orchards. Very good. The finish is medium to long, smooth, mellow, balance, with some yellow fruits, melon, Mirabelle, honey, blackcurrant and apricots, as well as a touch of smoke.
Impression: A very good, complex and balanced Irish single malt, with a nice fruitiness.
Rating: 16/20 FP:B1

Hanyu 2000 for Zuma Roka, OB, 57.4%, B:2014, cask 919. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Intense, slightly spicy and smoky, on wood polish, exotic wood (sandalwood), slight notes of berries, nice floral flavours and some toffee.
Taste: Intense, spicy, slightly floral and smoky, with some ginger, fruit jam, vanilla, sandal wood, soybean sauce, a touch of prune and a nice roundness. The finish is medium to long, spicy, oaky, on ginger, vanilla, sandalwood, some smoke, prune juice and smooth floral flavours.
Impression: A very nice, intense, spicy and oaky Hanyu, with a light smokiness. A very good one. Thank you Enrico! Note: only sold by the glass at the Zuma Bar in London.
Rating: 16/20 FP:A2

Connemara 22 YO, OB, 46%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, very tarry, on BBQ, charcoal, light fresh floral notes, liquorice and some blackcurrant.
Taste: Smooth, mellow, slightly soft, peaty, tarry to very tarry, ashy, on soot, BBQ and charcoal. The finish is medium, smooth, mellow, slightly soft, peaty, tarry to very tarry, on charcoal, some heater and light creamy flavours.
Impression: A rather nice peated Irish single malt, with a strong tarry flavours, but also surprisingly soft and mellow, giving the impression of being older than it is.
Rating: 13/20 FP:A4

Connemara 118.3 Self-assured, buxom and rewarding 1991, 22 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 57.9%, B:2014, 206 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh, fruity, smooth, with lots of pear drops, some delicate peat smoke and maybe a whiff of tropical fruits.
Taste: Salty, smooth, fruity, fresh, with lots of tropical fruits, some spices, light notes of hopps and a touch of ginger. Slightly to moderately peaty. Diluted, there are some green apples as well as slightly more pronouced aromas of pear drops. The finish is medium, smooth, fruity to very fruity, peaty, with lots of fruits from the orchards.
Impression: A very smooth, fresh and fruity Irish whisk(e)y, with some peat smoke.The price was rather high (£218).
Rating: 15/20 FP:C4

Ardbeg 1976 for Velier, OB, 53.5%, B: 2002, cask 2396, 492 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very meaty, farmy, peaty, maritime, medicinal, on bacon, tar, soot, disinfectant, some seaweeds, cocoa, chocolate and bandages. Very intense and becoming very dry and peaty over time. Excellent.
Taste: Very peaty, salty, maritime and intense, peppery, medicinal, with some camphor, mouth-coating sherry influence on chocolate, seaweeds, bandages, pine wax, a touch of cough syrup, some bacon and farmy notes. Rather tarry. The finish is very long, peaty, dry and tarry, medicinal, maritime, slightly salty, on seaweeds, ashes, soot, cocoa, some fruity notes, eucalyptus, cough syrup, roasted coffee beans and old black tea.
Diluted, the flavours of cough syrup and eucalyptus are becoming stronger.
Impression: The nose was excellent, as the mouth feel, with a massive peat and tarry delivery. This whisky is complex, well balanced and impressive in intensity. The dryness and slight astringency coming from the cough syrup and some walnuts in the finish prevented me to give it the highest mark. As most Ardbeg 1976 from the cask 239X serie, this is an excellent sherried whisky.
Rating: 19/20 FP:H8

Port Askaig 100 proof, Speciality Drinks, 57.1%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale straw
Nose: Very peaty, dry, ashy, clean, very tarry, slightly maritime and salty, with lots of bacon and smoked meat, on bonfire smoke, seaweeds, seawater, some seashells and liquorice roots.
Taste: Clean, maritime, salty, dry to very dry, oaky, light, very peaty, smoky, with some seaweeds, sea spray and some wood smoke. The finish is medium, light, salty, maritime, peaty, smoky, tarry, with some hemp rope and liquorice root.
Impression: A good slightly young and very peaty Islay whisky, light and intense. Fresh and intense.
Rating: 14/20 FP: A7

Port Askaig 16 YO, Speciality Drinks, 45.8%, B:2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly salty, on seaweeds, tar, with some fish, hemp rope and diverse maritime flavours. Elegant.
Taste: Light, smoky, maritime, peaty, slightly salty and dry, with a light fruitiness, on tar, ashes and hemp rope. The finish is medium, peaty, smoky, tarry, dry, on liquorice, with a dash of citrus, bonfire smoke and some hemp rope.
Impression: A more complex and subtle version than the 100 Proof, but less peaty and intense.
Rating: 14/20 FP:A5

Cooley Celtic Cask N°4 2001 Madeira Finish, Ceathair, 46%. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, spicy, dry, winey, on grapes, dark berries, and some wood dust. Given time, it becomes smoother.
Taste: Smooth, winey, fruity, on strawberries, grapes, berries, honey and some orchards fruits and cooked fruits. The finish is medium, mellow, and slightly syrupy, on red berries, melon, Mirabelle, grapes and honey. Diluted, the winey flavours are getting stronger.
Impression: Initially, it seemed slightly rough and spicy, but given some time, it becomes smoother and with charming red berries.
Rating: 13/20 FP:E1

Writers Tears, OB, 40%, B:2014. Price:
Colour: gold
Nose: Very fresh, fruity, floral, light and with many pear drops. Refreshing.
Taste: Very light, fresh, malty, oaky, slightly spicy and on vanilla. The finish is medium, very light, fresh, malty, on pear and apple drops. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee, fudge, slightly bitter and fragrant.
Impression: A fresh and malty Irish Pot Still. Pleasant but surprisingly light. Thank you Gilles.
Rating: 12/20 FP:A1

Black and White Spring cap, OB, B:1960s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smoky to very smoky, round, mellow, fruity, rather peaty, well balanced, on ripe fruits, orange, tangerine, some humus, seaweeds and tropical fruits.
Taste: Smooth, bold, waxy, intense, spicy to very spicy, rather maritime, on humus, peat smoke, some salt and rich ripe fruits. Complex and well balanced, with some chocolate coming through progressively. The finish is long, rich, bold, fruity, slightly salty and maritime, fruity, on peat, some salt and diverse ripe and rather juicy fruits, Diluted, some aromas of cooked cereals, apricots and peach start to be released.
Impression: Tasted blind, it could be easily taken for a single or blended malt. The whisky is rich, intense and rather smoky, with some nice fruity flavours and a good heavy body. It cannot really be compared to the current production. An excellent old blend. No Proof or ABV indication on the bottle.
Rating: 16/20 FP:D3

Ainslie's Royal Edinburgh, OB, 40% (GL), B:1970s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Waxy, on old mineral peat smoke, seaweeds, some caramel, diesel smoke, green banana and old fashioned type of sherry influence, with some humus, old leather and tangerine. With a twist of citrus.
Taste: Light to very light, waxy, on citrus, some old mineral peat smoke, diesel smoke, some toffee, honey and green banana. The finish is medium, light, slightly mineral, smoky, with some peat smoke, green banana, diesel smoke, tangerine, leather, mustard seeds and caramel.
Impression: The nose was pleasant with its charming old mineral peat smoke as you can find in the old whiskies and in the old Clynelish distilled in the 1960s. However, it is rather thin and blander on the palate, suggesting a fair proportion of grain. I wish it was bottled at a higher strength. Thank you Nicolas!
Rating: 11/20 FP:C2

Howard MacLaren Special Scotch Whisky, OB, 43%, B: 1970s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Malty, creamy, floral, with very strong aromas of toffee and caramel. 
Taste: Floral to very floral, slightly spicy, malty and creamy, with some honey, a touch of smoke, light grassy flavours and on caramel.
Impression: A rather young and floral blended whisky with strong caramel suggesting that a fair amount of E150 caramel has been added to colour it.
Rating: 08/20 FP:A2