Springbank 1997 Rechar Sherry Warehouse Tasting, 19 YO, Cadenhead’s, 59%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Peaty, smoky, maritime, on very dried fruits, plums, leather, candied orange, cinnamon, various spices and some barbecue.
Taste: Floral, sweet, peaty, on pineapples, orange, some tangerine, marmalade, pepper, ginger, vanilla and lemon pie. Diluted, it becomes fresher, more floral, fragrant and bitter. The finish is medium to long, floral, fragrant, peaty, bitter, slightly aromatic, on spice, ginger, and some pepper.
Impression: A floral, rather fragrant and peaty whisky, becomes slightly bitter and more fragrant once water has been added. One of the peatiest Springbank I have tasted.
Rating: 14/20 PA:F5

Springbank 1966 Local Barley, 31 YO, OB, 53.0%, B:1997, cask 486. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Colour: Gold
Nose: Mellow, complex, mineral, slightly salty, mineral and smoky, on sweet wine (Sauternes), some peat smoke, sea brine, and coal. Very good. Diluted, it becomes more on mineral-fruity flavours.
Taste: Maritime, salty to very salty, dry, smoky, peaty, on old charcoal, dry peat smoke, some dried meat, coconut, sea salt, sea brine, some melon. The finish is medium to long, slightly oaky, dry, citric, smoky, and maritime, on grapefruits, coal, dry peat smoke, some melon, Sauternes wines, eucalyptus, coconut, sea brine and ashes. Diluted, it becomes smokier and saltier.
Impression: A fine Springbank, complex, rather maritime (sea brine), dry and smoky, with a fair dose of coal and peat smoke.
Rating: 18/20 PA:A3

Black Snake VAT6 2nd Venom PX finish, Blackadder, 59.3%, B:2016, 426 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Mellow, slightly floral, malty and earthy, on some woodland flavours, pollen and rather fresh flowers, as well as some sawdust.
Taste: Fruity, spicy, malty, on quince jelly, some vanilla, honeydew melon, honey, heather and some light sweet and ripe berries. Diluted, it becomes more mellow and fruitier, with pleasant and light woodland flavours.
Impression: A mellow and pleasant whisky, rather sweet and on woodlands flavours. Very good and with a rather mild sherry influence.
Rating: 15/20 PA:C1.

Black Snake VAT 11 1st Venom Oloroso sherry finish for Taiwan, Blackadder, 59.5%, B:2016, 433 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Clean, oaky, malty, soft, slightly floral, with some pollen, yellow flowers, vanilla and a touch of honey.
Taste: Smooth, light, slightly spicy, floral and soft, with some pollen, silk, light and soft spices, and a hint of liquorice. Subtle and elegant. The finish is medium to long, smooth, elegant, subtle, rather soft and with a light sherry influence.
Impression: A very elegant, subtle and smooth whisky, with a light to moderate sherry influence.
Rating: 16/20 PA:D1

Brora 1972 for World of Whiskies, 40 YO, OB, 59.1%, B:2014, 160 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, smoky, deliciously complex, farmy, medicinal, with dry seaweeds, stables, old dry peat smoke, some tar, iodine, light mineral and fruity flavours. An impressive whisky that balances extremely well smoothness and peatiness.
Taste: Peaty to very peaty, smoky, salty, rich, intense, medicinal, waxy, slightly tarry, on grapefruits, sea brine, old seaweeds, some mustard seeds, white pepper, farmy and medicinal flavours. Very complex. The finish is very long, very peaty and smoky, medicinal, slightly dry, maritime, with some seaweeds, tar, camphor, iodine, soot, old fashioned peat smoke, grapefruits, bandages, lemon zest and leather. Diluted, it becomes more citric (grapefruits), more farmy and with some tobacco smoke
Impression: A superb whisky, deliciously complex, with excellent peaty and smoky flavours. It has also very nice medicinal flavours. Difficult to believe it is 40 years old, considering the intensity of the peaty flavours. It is a very expensive whisky, but the result is stunning and if you can afford it, you will not regret.
Rating: 20/20 PA:B7

Bruichladdich 1965 Mayflower 80, Samaroli, 43%, B:1980, 1000 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Rich, intense, peaty, smoky, slightly farmy, on leather, orange, toffee, caramel, with some treacle and smoke.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, salty, slightly maritime, on liquorice, leather, sweet oranges, on coffee, fudge, caramel, peat smoke, some tangerine and treacle. Complex. Diluted, it becomes saltier and rather maritime. The finish is medium to long, very smooth and mellow, maritime, with strong notes of coffee, on peat smoke, caramel, high quality leather, tangerine, tannins, orange and toffee.
Impression: A very nice sherried Bruichalddich, with strong notes of toffee and caramel balancing the peat smoke and the saltiness. Slightly weak, but very enjoyable.
Rating: 17/20 PA:G5

Bruichladdich 17 YO for Moon Import, OB, 53%, B:1981. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Fresh, intense, floral, rather round, smoky, with some pollen, fudge and peat smoke.
Taste: Intense, oaky to very oaky, spicy, floral, maritime,  rather peaty, with some honey, pollen, vanilla, tangerine, summer flowers and tobacco. The finish is long, intense, oaky, spicy, very salty and maritime, floral, slightly bitter, austere and tannic, with some peat smoke and orange peel.
Impression: A very maritime, intense, salty and oaky Bruichladdich. Some might find it a bit rough, but I think it suits rather the personality of this malt.
Rating: 17/20 PA:D5

Ord 1962 Bouquet, Samaroli, 58.0%, B:1988, 720 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Aromatic, fresh, fruity, grassy, on almond, beeswax, aromatic herbs, honey, orchards fruits, some nuts, old furniture’s and a hint of smoke. Complex.
Taste: Intense to very intense, floral, nutty, slightly milky, with some tangerine, almonds, fine leather, candied orchards fruits, pear drops, marzipan and sandalwood. Complex. The finish is medium to long, grassy, round, slightly smoky, on almonds, beeswax, liquid honey, orchard’s fruits, light milky flavours, some tangerine, orange zest and pear drops. Quite resinous. Diluted, it becomes even more resinous.
Impression: A very good, intense and resinous Glen Ord, complex, with rich orchards fruits, honey and some tangerine.
Rating: 17/20 PA:D1

Glen Ord 1965 Old Train Line, 39 YO, JWWW, 41.0%, B:2004, cask 1373, 222 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh, grassy to very grassy, intense, on beeswax, almond, orchards fruits and some aromatic herbs and light mineral flavours.
Taste: Mellow to very mellow, mineral, metallic, grassy, on camphor, eucalyptus, cough syrup, beeswax and orchards fruits. The finish is long, rich, slightly mineral, metallic and resinous, on beeswax, orchards fruits and a touch of grapefruits. Diluted, it becomes more resinous, slightly woody and more citric.
Impression: A mellow, rather mineral and metallic version of Glen Ord, rather fresh, with some camphor and drops of apples and pears.
Rating: 17/20 PA: A1

Amrut 2011 Pedro Ximenez Sherry for Hot Malt Taiwan, OB, 56.5%, B:2016, cask 4122, 624 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very smooth and rich, mellow, elegant, complex, slightly floral, on nice soft leather, cinnamon, soft spices, some walnuts, plums and precious wood
Taste: Soft, smooth to very smooth, spicy, on cachou, sweet honey, some leather, precious wood, figs, plums, various berries and cachou. The finish is long, smooth, mellow, on leather, dried fruits and cachou. Diluted, it becomes slightly dry and more on treacle and thick honey.
Impression: A good smooth whisky on honey and sweet sherry.
Rating: 14/20 PA: B1

Amrut Intermediate sherry for Taiwan, OB, 57.1%, B:2016. B. N°30, Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Heavy, vegetal, slightly rubbery, with some vegetal condiment, on leather, treacle, orange, dried fruits, sultanas and a touch of sweet liquorice (Haribo) and exotic fruits.
Taste: Rich, heavy, chewy, floral, fruity, spicy, balanced, slightly malty and juicy, on leather, tannins, orange, dried fruits, black berries, cinnamon, nutmeg, some bloody orange, nuts, cocoa and light aromas of ground coffee.
Impression:  A good, mellow and complex whisky, thick, rich, on leather, dried fruits and a strong sherry influence, with some wood starting to show off. Matured in ex-bourbon cask with a final maturation (1 year) in ex-oloroso casks.
Rating: 13/20 PA:J1

Amrut Intermediate Sherry, OB, 57.1%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, rich, mellow, oaky, on dried fruits, some rubber, plums, treacle, orange, tangerine and sultanas. With a hint of sweet liquorice (Haribo).
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, slightly rough and vegetal, on orange, tangerine, vanilla, some rubber, liquorice, dried fruits and dried meat. The finish is medium, thick, chewy, and syrupy, on treacle, rubber, dried fruits and oaky flavours. Diluted it becomes more winey.
Impression: Initially smooth, it becomes more oaky. With lots of dried fruits, on oak spices and quite some rubber.
Rating: 11/20 PA:G1

Amrut Rye Single Malt, OB, 50%, B:2016, New US Oak. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very smooth and fruity, mellow, complex, slightly earthy and smoky, on exotic fruits, soft spices, on various types of leather and some dried fruits.
Taste: Extremely smooth, rich, spicy, and fruity, on leather, cinnamon, porridge, peach, apricots, some tropical fruits and treacle. The finish is medium to long, very smooth, fruity, on peach, apricots, cinnamon, banana, cachou nuts, spices and porridge.
Impression: A very good whisky, very smooth and with a mixture of fruit and soft spices reminding me of some Bourbons or aged grain whiskies. Not as spicy or peppery as I would have expected.
Rating: 16/20 PA:E1

Amrut Double Cask, OB, 46%, B:2016, cask 3451/3802. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Round to very round, smooth, slightly zesty and citric, with lots of fudge, as well as some exotic wood.
Taste: Very smooth, floral, slightly fragrant, on fudge, some toffee, vegetal condiment, leather, orange, tangerine, a hint of sea brine, rubber and waffles with maple syrup. The finish is medium, very smooth, spicy, floral, slightly fragrant, on vanilla, orange, cinnamon and fudge. Diluted, it becomes spicier, more fragrant and on maple and corn (maize) syrup.
Impression: A very smooth and floral whisky, round and with pronounced aromas of fudge. Well balanced and with a quite spicy attack with some water. A vatting of a Bourbon and PX sherry cask.
Rating: 14/20 PA:G1

Amrut Jamaica Rum Cask Finish, Blackadder, 61.2%, B:2016, cask BA25-2016, 166 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Malty, mellow, and slightly nutty, with some soft leather and flowers, and light earthy flavours.
Taste: Flora, intense, slightly aromatic and winey, with some humus, tobacco leaves, pepper, oak spices and nuts. The finish is medium, spicy to very spicy, with some humus, wet tobacco leaves, toffee and light malty flavours.
Impression: A spicy and intense whisky, on humus and a touch of toffee. Very good.
Rating: 15/20 PA:B2

Amrut, Blackadder, 61.4%, B:2016, cask BA24-2016, 172 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Rich, mellow, complex, malty, fruity, on old furniture, some honey wax, melon, vanilla, and lime blossom. Very good.
Taste: Rich, grassy, malty, intense, mellow, slightly fruity, with some humus, light spices and wet tobacco leaves, as well as light aromas of yellow fruits.
Impression: A very good mellow, rather complex whisky, with a pleasant mouth feel with a slight aromatic influence.
Rating: 16/20 PA:B2

Kavalan Bourbon Solist for YKE Taiwan, OB, 54%, B:2016, cask B080825038. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, extremely fruity, slightly smoky, on mango, passion fruit, banana puree, pollen, and a touch of leather. Lovely.
Taste: Very smooth, slightly fragrant, on porridge, toasted wood, peach, apricots, cinnamon, nutmeg, some orange zest and vanilla. The finish is long, very smooth, creamy, on porridge, orange blossom, orange zest, apricot, peach, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and some treacle.
Impression: A very enjoyable whisky, very smooth and well balanced, with a flavour profile reminding me of some of the best mellow Bourbon or grain whiskies.
Rating: 16/20 PA: A2

Kavalan Sherry Solist for Taiwan, OB, 58.6%, B:2016, S090306002. Price:
Colour: Amber-black
Nose: Very thick and heavy, tannic, floral, mellow, complex, on lots of leather, dried fruits, berries, precious wood, some beeswax, plums and walnuts.
Taste: Very rich and fruity, heavy on tannins, on leather, grapes, some salt, plums, varnish, precious wood, treacle, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and walnuts. Diluted, it becomes smoother, fruitier, spicier, more bitter, astringent and woody. The finish is long, dry, woody, heavy, slightly floral and fragrant, on grapes, leather, tannins and lots of dried fruits.
Impression: A whisky very heavy on the sherry, with lots of dried fruits, tannins and leather. Rich and thick. Slightly too tannic and woody to my liking, but very good and well made.
Rating: 15/20 PA: I1

Kavalan Port Matured for 3rd Taiwan Solist, OB, 58.6%, B:2016, cask O090615011A, 182 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, smooth, floral, fragrant, on orange, tangerine, cinnamon, precious wood, some sultanas, figs and nice aromas of leather.
Taste: Rich, spicy, slightly citric, sweet and austere, on grapefruits, lemon, leather, cinnamon, tangerine. The finish is medium to long, citric, sweet, slightly acetic, on dry and sweet grapes, grapefruits, some fudge, dried fruits and a hint of berries.
Impression: A very nice, slightly winey, citric and acetic whisky, with sweet and round fruity flavours. The Port influence works very well here, with flavours reminding me somewhat of a fino-matured whisky. Excellent.
Rating: 17/20 PA:E1

Kavalan Solist Port Cask, OB, 58.6%, B:2016, cask O090617023A, 175 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, malty, fruity, and slightly smoky, on apricots, tangerine, melon, grapes and some berries. Very good.
Taste: Mellow to very mellow, slightly citric and spicy, on grapefruits, lemon and other citrus, leather, some toffee, vinegar (balsamic vinegar) and nuts. The finish is medium to long, mellow to very mellow, slightly winey, citric and acetic, on figs, some dates, leather, honey, citrus, cinnamon, orange, tangerine and toffee.
Impression: A very good and mellow whisky, slightly winey, on dried fruits.
Rating: 16/20 PA:E1

Kavalan Solist Port Cask for Asia Palate Associate, OB, 59.4%, B:2016, cask O090619037A, 187 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Mellow, round, malty, slightly grassy, on honey, melon, some peach, vanilla and heather. Very good.
Taste: Rich, thick, heavy, nutty, slightly tannic and bitter, on precious wood, lacquer, tannins, leather, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg and some cloves. The finish is long, dry, smoky, tannic, bitter, mellow, slightly astringent, on lacquer, precious wood, cinnamon, walnuts, some cloves, orange and marmalade.
Impression: A good whisky, heavy, intense, rather bitter and tannic. Slightly too much wood to my liking.
Rating: 15/20 PA:I1

Kavalan Solist Moscatel for Asia Palate Association, OB, 54%, B:2016, cask MO100623025A, 496 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, slightly fragrant, some leather, and a hint of varnish and nuts.
Taste: Light, very smooth, malty, slightly floral, with some berries, leather, old furniture, tangerine, orange, orange juice, some cinnamon and a hint of clove and Christmas cake. The finish is medium to long, rather sweet and on the same flavours.
Impression: A light and very smooth whisky, with light fruity flavours of orange and tangerine. Rather sweet.
Rating: 16/20 PA:D1

Kavalan Solist Moscatel, OB, 55.6%, B:2016, cask S100623022A. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose:  Floral, fresh, intense, on vanilla, some tangerine, marshmallow and violet.
Taste: Smooth, floral, fresh, slightly fragrant, on toffee, some sea brine, fudge, tangerine, orange and aromatic flavours. Complex, rich and intense. The finish is rather long, rich, spicy, floral, slightly aromatic and malty, with some tobacco quid, hay, fresh flowers, vanilla, fudge and a hint of tangerine.
Impression: A nice, rich, floral, slightly spicy, intense, and well balanced. Very pleasant.
Rating: 16/20 PA:F1

Kavalan Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask Solist, OB, 55.6%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, round, floral, fragrant to very fragrant, on leather, orange, some peach, cinnamon, nutmeg, Christmas cake, sultana and dried fruits.
Taste: Rich, spicy, heavy, floral, intense, slightly spicy, on sweet and dried fruits, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some sultanas and dried fruits. The finish is medium to long, rich, floral, fruity, spicy to very spicy, syrupy, on leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, some treacle, cloves, sultanas, tangerine, orange, some bitter caramel and roasted coffee beans.
Impression: A very good floral sherried whisky, with a pleasant balance between the spices, leather and sweet-juicy fruits. Lovely.
Rating: 16/20 PA:G1

Omar Lychee Liqueur Barrel, OB, 51%, B:2016, 700 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Creamy, floral, slightly fresh, on jasmine, some light fruits from the orchards, sugary flavours (Lychees) and a fair dose of tropical fruits (mainly banana and mango) and a few leaves of mint.
Taste: Smooth, mellow, creamy, slightly floral, malty and starchy, on soft aromas of peach, apricots, banana, guava and pink grapefruit, as well as a light smokiness. The finish is medium, floral, fruity, slightly citric and peppery, with some light tannins, pear drops, lychees and the same other fruity flavours as on the palate.
Impression: A whisky distilled at the Nantou distillery with an original flavour profile. Good and without any excessive lychees flavours.
Rating: 14/20 PA:F1

Omar Black Queen Wine Barrel, OB, 56%, B:2016, 700 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber-black
Nose:  Thick, fruity, round, syrupy, spicy, nutty, on leather, dark berries, some tannins and wallnuts.
Taste: Very thick and chewy, with lots of berries, mainly brambleberries, spices (cinnamon), some hazelnuts, dark chocolate and leather. The finish is long, rich, spicy, winey, with lots of brambleberries, some dark chocolate, tannins, leather, old rubber, orange, tangerine, treacle, varnish and a hint of peach and apricots.
Impression: A very thick whisky, winey, round, with rich and intense aromas of brambleberries.
Rating: 86/ 15/20 PA:H1

Omar Plum Liqueur Barrel, OB, 51%, B:2016, 700 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Waxy, smoky, austere, aromatic, slightly peaty, on humus, marmalade, orange, leather, tannins, dry spices, plums, some ginger and light earthy flavours. With time, it becomes lighter and more floral.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, fruity, round, slightly fragrant, on orange zest, orange, some pineapples, coconuts, cinnamon, cocoa, a touch of ginger and cloves, as well as some tangerine. Rather zesty, sweet and fresh. The finish is long, round, smooth, moderately fruity, slightly spicy and waxy, with light smoky and austere flavours, some leather, honey, ginger, tannins, dried fruits, plums, cocoa, tangerine, orange, cinnamon, treacle and a few other spices.
Impression:  A very good whisky, rich, intense, spicy, with a pleasant and thick sherry-like influence.  The plums flavours are not as strong as expected. Rather complex and most enjoyable, if you like them slightly austere and aromatic, as I do.
Rating: 17/20 PA:G3

Box The Festival 2016, OB, 53.9%, B:2016, 1000 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very malty and starchy, on almond, grist, marshmallow, some vanilla, white chocolate and a rather pleasant fragrance.
Taste: Oaky, malty, starchy, slightly spicy and sour, on marshmallow, roasted nuts, a slight fragrance, some almonds, peach, apricots and porridge. The finish is medium, nutty, slightly fragrant and malty, on Irn Bru, peach, apricots, porridge, roasted nuts and some blond chocolate.
Impression:  An original malty and nutty whisky, with aromas reminding me of the Scottish soft drink Irn Bru.
Rating: 14/20 PA:D1

Armorik Dervenn, 2012, OB, 46%, B:2016, 1500 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Floral, spicy, slightly dry, smoky and fragrant, with some apples, vanilla, and wood spices, as well as some leather. Rather complex and slightly musty.
Taste: Spicy, slightly smoky, floral, malty and maritime, with some cream, vanilla, ginger, vanilla custard, pollen, yellow flowers, herbal tea (lime blossom and chamomile), a trickle of yellow fruits and honey. The finish is medium, very round and smooth, floral, on pollen and a hint of yellow fruits, honey and herbal tea (lime blossom and chamomile).
Impression: A smooth and round whisky, with a hint of spices and calming effects from herbal teas. Tasted blind.
Rating: PA:14/20 C2

Doctor’s Special (Macnish), OB, 1970s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth, slightly dry, waxy, resinous and smoky, with a touch of grassy and mineral flavours.
Taste: Mineral, fresh, grassy, resinous, waxy, slightly nutty and spicy, with some peat smoke, heather honey, humus and a touch of citrus. The finish is medium, slightly waxy, resinous, floral and smoky, with some vanilla, humus and grassy flavours. Diluted, it becomes more floral, slightly nutty and with some pear drops.
Impression: A good blend, grassy, slightly mineral, smoky and resinous and a nice balance.
Rating: 13/20 PA:C1

Hiram Walker Jamie’08, OB, 43%, B: 1980s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, slightly fragrant, on vanilla, some honey and caramel.
Taste: Very smooth and grainy, on apples, some pear, vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, starch and pepper. The finish is medium, very smooth, grainy, on cereals, some cooked apples, pears and caramel. Diluted, it becomes light and pleasant smoky.
Impression: A very smooth and floral blended whisky, with a strong component of grain.
Rating: 09/20 PA:B1

William Cadenhead blend, 12 YO, Cadenhead’s, 46%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Mellow, round, malty, green, on honey, some sweet fruity flavours, vanilla and melon.
Taste: Grassy, green, malty, on fudge, honey, light spices and slight aromatic herbs. The finish is medium to long, floral, malty, with some fudge, light grassy flavours, pollen and honey.
Impression: A charming, smooth, green and malty whisky. Well balanced and a very high quality blend.
Rating: 15/20 PA:D1

Passport, OB, 40%, B:1990s. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Bland, monolithic, grainy, with a hint of vanilla and some perfume. Rather tasteless.
Taste: Very smooth, soft, grainy, slightly spicy, peppery and spirity, with some starch, porridge and light creamy flavours. The finish is short to medium, soft, very smooth and grainy, with some feints and vanilla.
Impression: The palate was rather correct but the nose and finish were rather bland and spirity, with even some feinty flavours. A whisky to drink on the rocks or with soft drinks.
Rating: 07/20 PA:A1

Blue Hanger 13th Limited Release for Hot Malt, Berry Bros & Rudd, 45.6%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Peaty, very smoky, tarry, on leather, strong aromas of barbecue and smoked meat, bacon, some candied orange,
Taste: Very peaty, dry, on humus, candied orange and fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, old leather, some aromatic herbs, bacon and barbecue. Nicely spicy.  The finish is medium, spicy, smoky, moderately peaty and meaty, quite citric, on candied citrus, leather, tannins, cocoa and some sweet fruits. Diluted, it becomes more on fudge, citrus and rounder.
Impression: A very good, rich and peaty whisky, with nice peaty flavours and a good roundness. Pleasant and with a spicy mouth feel on the palate. A blended malt.
Rating: 15/20 PA:D6

Vin de Table for La Maison du Whisky, Compass Box, 40%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Straw
Nose: Very young, clean, round, sweet, peaty, on new-make, on schnapps, vanilla, some tar and pear drops.
Taste: Very young, sweet, malty, moderately peaty, on schnapps, some hops and green apples and pears, with light oaky and vanilla flavours. The finish was short to medium and on the same flavours.
Impression: A very young and sweet whisky, moderately peaty, on schnapps and green apples and pears. A Whisky de Table.
Rating: 08/20 PA:A5

Glen Garioch 1995 for Spirits Salon, 20 YO, Formosa, 57%, B:2016, cask 135. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Round, mellow, fragrant and aromatic, on vanilla, some yellow fruits and a whiff of peat smoke.
Taste: Round, slightly mellow, aromatic and smoky, with a light fragrance, some candied and dried fruits, yellow fruits and honey. Complex. The finish is long, rich, complex, round, with some tobacco leaves, dried fruits, nuts and a slight smokiness. Diluted, it becomes slightly aromatic and bitter.
Impression:  A very good, mellow and round whisky, with an initial whiff of smoke of the nose, moving then to round flavours of dried fruits and some light nutty notes.
Rating: 16/20 PA:B2

Brora 30 YO Annual Release 2004, OB, 56.6%, B: 2004. Price:
Colour: gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, farmy, spicy, peppery, coastal, on seabrine, tar, some light mineral and ashy notes, with some vanilla, kelp and a hint of citrus.
Taste: Peaty, dry, intense, fruity, farmy, oaky, waxy, on pineapples, stables, peat smoke, pepper, and lemony flavours. The finish is long to very long, peaty, smoky, complex, lemony, on strong farmy notes, lemon juice, pepper, some light fruity notes and tar.
Impression: An excellent complex, peaty and very farmy Brora. Very intense. A whisky without compromise. Note: This is not a 1974 vintage! Same rating as last time.
Rating: 19/20 PA:A8

Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Colour:  Gold
Nose: Clean, peaty to very peaty, tarry, floral, oaky, slightly maritime and medicinal.
Taste: Mellow, subtle, complex, medicinal, peaty, on peat smoke, camphor, iodine, disinfectant, some seaweeds, hemp rope and tar. The finish is medium to long, complex, mellow, balanced, moderately peaty, maritime, and medicinal, on disinfectant, iodine, camphor and a touch of spearmint.
Impression: A complex, well-balanced peated whisky that one enjoys sipping and keeping in the mouth to savour. A blended malt, with a greater proportion of Caol Ila than the Green label. Includes malts from Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Cardhu. Excellent and good value. Tasted blind.
Rating: 17/20 PA:A5

Johnnie Walker Green Label blended malt, 15 YO, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Rich, spicy, floral, on humus, nuts, some cardamom and BBQ
Taste: Rich, round, smooth floral to very floral, fragrant to very fragrant, with some geranium, coriander, a hint of smoke, tobacco, humus and yellow fruits. The finish is medium to long, rich, floral, fragrant, slightly spicy and fizzy, on vanilla, pollen and a hint of passion fruits.
Impression: A round and smooth floral and fragrant whisky, with a dash of spices and tropical fruits. Tasted blind. A pleasant and well-made vatted (blended) malt.
Rating: 13/20 PA:C1

Dalmore Regalis, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, creamy, on sultanas, dates, grapes, some vanilla and a touch of ginger. Round.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy to very spicy, creamy, floral, on vanilla, nice round flavours of dried fruits, sultanas, grapes, some ginger and apples. The finish is medium to long, spicy, oaky to very oaky, floral, round, creamy, on dried fruits, sultanas, grapes and some ginger.
Impression: A well balanced Dalmore, round, with a very pleasant amoroso sherry influence contributing to dried fruits and the ex-bourbon casks contributing to the vanilla and ginger flavours. Good and I wish they could release a 100% sherry matured Dalmore.
Rating: 13/20 PA:D1

Dalmore 1996, L’esprit du whisky, 54.4%, B:2012, cask 9092/58, 50 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, oaky to very oaky, maritime, floral,slightly smoky, with some lavender, fragrance, grapefruits and candied lemon.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, smooth, sweet, smoky, on grapefruit, some fragrance, lavender, marshmallow, starch, orange, grapefruit and tangerine. The finish is short to medium, smooth, floral, slightly fragrant and smoky, with some dried fruits and citrus. Diluted, it falls apart.
Impression: A rather oaky, floral, smooth and fragrant Dalmore, with little smoke.
Rating: 11/20 PA:D3

Dalmore 1995 Age of Exploration, OB, 45%, B:2014. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Smooth, round, rich to very rich, slightly winey, on berries (red and blackurrant), dates, some treacle, cocoa, leather, vanilla, tobacco and a touch of toffee.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, on ginger, vanilla, honey, figs, some treacle, blackcurrant and light winey flavours. Thick and syrupy. The finish is medium to long, thick, syrupy, chewy, winey, on treacle, honey, some cocoa, tobacco, blackcurrant and lime blossom berries syrup. The syrupy flavours of lime blossom syrup become stronger once diluted.
Impression:  A surprising Dalmore, matured in white oak cask, followed by a further maturation in wine casks and finished in Oloroso casks.  The result is a surprisingly thick and chewy Dalmore with rich flavours. Very good and thank you Jacek!
Rating: 15/20 PA:E1

Dalmore 2006, 10 YO, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Clean, floral, creamy, on vanilla, ginger, cinnamon and chestnuts.
Taste: Floral, oaky, creamy, on vanilla, ginger, some cinnamon, chestnuts, a hint of tobacco and some tangerine. The finish is medium, oaky, nutty, slightly creamy, on ginger and vanilla.
Impression: A fresh, rather oaky and nutty Dalmore on vanilla. Matured for 8 years in first fill bourbon and then in ex-refill bourbon casks.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A1

Highland Queen, OB, 43%, B:1964. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smoky to very smoky, grassy, slightly peaty, resinous and with light aromatic herbs.
Taste: Light, grassy, smoky to very smoky, aromatic, resinous, sooty, slightly aromatic and mineral, some aromatic herbs, with a touch of honey, leather, shoe polish and fudge. The finish is medium to long, mineral, smoky, resinous, sooty, slightly peaty, aromatic and grassy, with some fudge, vanilla and candied citrus.
Impression: An enjoyable blend, resinous, smoky, with a light old-fashioned peat smoke and some mineral flavours. Very good.
Rating: 13/20 PA:D3

Ballantines 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:1990s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, floral, slightly grassy and round, on toffee, some caramel, apples, orange and a hint of smoke.
Taste: Light, floral to very floral, grainy, starchy, on vanilla, apples and caramel. The finish is short, thin, light to very light, grainy, floral to very floral, starchy and some caramel.
Impression: A bland whisky, floral, smooth, on caramel and a strong influence of grain whisky. I prefer the current NAS version of Ballantine’s. Rather tasteless.
Rating: 07/20 PA:C1

Ben Wyvis 1968, 31 YO, Signatory Vintage, 51%, B:2000, cask 685, 191 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Mineral to very mineral, waxy, slightly citric, on metallic brushes, some smoke, mineral oil, green olives and candied lemon. Very good.
Taste: Citric, mineral, waxy, on candied lemon, some lime blossom, vanilla, mineral oil, green olives and aromatic herbs, with a whiff of smoke. The finish is rather long, mineral, slightly waxy and citric, with some candied lemon and grapefruit, mineral oil, green olives and light aromatic herbs.
Impression: A very good Ben Wyvis, more mineral and elegant than the other casks that I have tasted so far. I enjoyed these mineral and slightly citric flavours very much. Thank you Bernhard for your help!
Rating: 17/20 PA:A3

Kornog Sant Ivy 2016, Glann Ar Mor, 59.1%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Very fruity, bold, mellow, slightly smoky, with loads of soft tropical fruits and some citrus.
Taste: Mellow, round, complex, malty, slightly grassy and smoky, with soft and ripe tropical fruits, precious wood, soft and elegant spices. The fruits flavours are delicious. The finish is long, complex, very fruity, slightly spicy, with lots of ripe and tropical fruits, some soft and mellow nutty flavours and high grade worn leather, as well as some tangerine, orange and cinnamon.
Impression: A superb whisky, mellow, on soft and ripe tropical flavours wrapped in delicate and soft leather. The balance and complexity is impressive. A whisky you want to keep forever close to you.Tasted blind.
Rating: 18/20 PA:D3

Kornog Roc'h Hir, Glann Ar Mor (OB), 46%, 2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose:  Dry to very dry, austere, peaty, on liquorice, aromatic, and with some gentian.
Taste: Very young, rough, with some new-make sweetness, on grilled bread, dry peat smoke and some gentian. The finish is medium, fierce, fragrant, bitter to very bitter, very young, on grilled bread and some juniper berries. With a dry, tarry and sooty retro-olfaction.
Impression: A rough, fierce and bitter whisky that taste very young. Extreme and not to my liking. Sorry. Tasted blind.
Rating: 07/20 PA:A7

Les Moissons (Organic spirit), Domaine des Hautes Glaces, 42%, B: 2015. Price:
Colour: Pale gold-gold
Nose: Very fresh, green and malty, young, and on freshly cut grass.
Taste: Malty, creamy, very smooth, green, grassy and on vanilla. The finish is short, very malty and creamy, smooth and with a hint of wood smoke.
Impression: A very fresh, green and smooth spirit. Clean and simple. As it was bottled under 3 years of age, it was labelled as spirit. The 3 years old version has been bottled at the end of 2016. Merci Florian.
Rating: 10/20 PA:A1

S.11#01 New Organic Spirit, Domaine des Hautes Glaces, 42%, B: 2016. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Spicy to very spicy, clean, malty, smooth and fresh.
Taste: Floral, slightly dry and astringent, with very strong aromas of freshly crushed rye, green and malty. The finish is medium, spicy, rich, fruity, green, slightly floral, on freshly crushed rye, some vanilla and liquorice.
Impression: Not yet a whisky (less than 3 years old), this spirit is very different from the Moisson, with very strong aromas of rye. It will be interesting to taste it as it matures. Thank you Florian.
Rating: 11/20 PA:A1

Millstone 1996 for Taiwan, 19 YO, OB, 50.5%, B:2016, US oak cask 1375, 265 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Peaty, intense, round, floral, on exotic wood, tangerine, some citrus, orange zest and marmalade, as well some wax and mustard seeds.
Taste: Very fruity, slightly peaty and smoky, mellow, complex, with delicious sweet and slightly soft exotic fruits (passion fruits, banana, mango, papaya and other exotic fruits). The finish is long, sweet, round, mellow, on a basket of exotic fruits, and some grapefruits.
Impression: A delicious complex, mellow, fruity and slightly peaty whisky just as I like them. Simply delicious and one of the very best whisky I tasted in 2016. Please give me more whiskies like this one!
Rating: 19/20 PA:E3

Millstone 1996 For Taiwan, 19 YO, OB, 50.1%, B:2016, Oloroso sherry cask 4090, 322 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Creamy, vegetal, spicy, on fondor (vegetal condiment), some salt, eucalyptus, cough candies, fur tree sap and rancio. Very unusual.
Taste: Mellow to very mellow, waxy, on eucalyptus, fur tree sap, cinnamon, orange, tangerine, some rubber, cloves, leather and tannins. The finish is medium to long, chewy, complex, slightly tannic and astringent, on cloves, some rubber, eucalyptus, fur tree sap, dried oranges, cocoa, balsamic vinegar and honey.
Impression: An old, mellow to very mellow whisky, with complex flavours and a nice freshness. I found it difficult to difficult to describe, but the complexity and mouth feel is most enjoyable.
Rating: 17/20 PA:G1

Cragganmore 1972 Connoisseur’s Choice Brown Label, 15 YO Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 1987. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smoky, aromatic, resinous, slightly spicy, on eucalyptus, with some heather, metallic brush and pine wax.
Taste: Spicy, grassy, aromatic, slightly nutty, on humus, moss, woodland, some heather, metal polish and pine wax. The finish is medium, grassy, nutty, slightly floral and aromatic, on heather, honey and some eucalyptus. Diluted, it becomes more on bitter caramel.
Impression: A Cragganmore rather different than the current production, smokier, more on humus and nutty flavours. Very pleasant.
Rating: 15/20 PA:G1

Blair Athol 1988, 28 YO, Acla Selection, 47.3%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Floral to very floral, spicy, slightly fragrant, on ginger, vanilla, some freshly cut grass and green orchard’s fruits.
Taste: Smooth, mellow, floral to very floral, slightly spicy, on honey, vanilla, some ginger, heather honey, pepper and green apples. The finish is medium, clean, smooth, floral and quite peppery.
Impression: A clean, floral, smooth and rather peppery version of Blair Athol, well made, and without any rough edge. Not necessarily my favourite style of whisky, but the quality is very good.
Rating: 13/20 PA:B1

Invergordon 1972 Pangalactic Whiskyblasters, 44 YO, The Whisky Agency, 49.4%, B:2016, 42 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Rich, intense, round, mellow, on cooked cereals, peach, apricots and some cinnamon and maple syrup.
Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, bitter orange, peach, apricots, maple syrup, cooked cereals and toasted oak. The finish is long, rich, intense, spicy, on cooked cereals, maple syrup, cinnamon, pecan nuts, peach, apricots, and toasted oak, as well as light milky flavours.
Impression: A very different profile than the Cambus, richer, heavier and more complex. Very good.
Rating: 16/20 PA:E1.

Cambus 1988 The Lost Distilleries of Scotland, 28 YO, The Whisky Agency, 47.4%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Extremely smooth, creamy, on maize, peach, cooked cereals, porridge and vanilla. Very good.
Taste: Clean, very smooth, grainy, creamy, on wheat, peach, porridge, cooked cereals and some fragrance. The finish is medium to long, clean to very clean, smooth to very smooth, grainy, with some varnish, porridge and vanilla.
Impression: A very clean, smooth and rather light grain whisky.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A1

Dimple 12 YO import Sacco, OB, 40%, B:1960s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, mellow, floral, slightly nutty, resinous and mineral, with lots of caramel, on dried fruits, marmalade and some smoke. Rather complex.
Taste: Smooth, mellow, floral, mineral, slightly smoky, aromatic and resinous, on orange peel, some aromatic herbs, marmalade and light spices. The finish is medium, resinous, spicy, aromatic, slightly smoky and mineral, with some candied oranges, spearmint, slight bitter and some honey.
Impression: A very good blend, with a pleasant mixture of mineral flavours, peat, candied fruits and some aromatic herbs. Quite some caramel on the nose. Thank you Stéphane C.
Rating: 14/20 PA:D2

Bell’s Pure Malt Over 5 years import Ghirlanda, OB, 40%, B:1970s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh, intense, mineral, quite smoky and dry, with some bitter flavours, bitter orange and aromatic herbs. Very good and with flavours reminding me of the excellent old Dufftown.
Taste: Light, smoky, peaty, dry, aromatic, and slightly floral, with some caramel, moss, woodlands, camphor and bitter oranges. Very good. The finish is medium to long, dry, smoky, slightly peaty, on camphor, some bitter oranges and cough syrup.
Impression: A good, dry, intense and smoky vatted malt, with a fair dose of peat and camphor. If you had the chance of tasting the old Blair Athol and Dufftown from the 1960s-early 1970s, then you will the influence of these malts in this whisky. I liked it very much! Thank you Stéphane C.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A4

Buchanan De Luxe import Sagna & Figi, 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:1970s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smoky, clean, very grainy, grassy to very grassy, on honey, some orchard’s fruits, starch and humus.
Taste: Very grainy, light to very light, clean, slightly austere and smoky, on honey, some vanilla, orchard’s fruits, as well as some light mineral flavours. The finish is short to medium, light, clean, slightly smoky, with a hint of smoke, some honey, vanilla, grassy flavours and some apple drops.
Impression: A blend with a strong grain component, clean, rather monolithic, grassy and with some honey. Thank you Stéphane C. for giving me the opportunity of tasting it.
Rating: 08/20 PA: C1

House of Scotland, OB, 43%, B:1970s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh, clean, grainy, slightly grassy, on apple and pear pie, caramel, some orange, peach and tangerine.
Taste: Grassy, slightly smoky, spicy, floral and metallic, with some apple pie, caramel, and a few drops of honey. It becomes slightly maritime and with a whiff of smoke when water has just been added. The finish is short to medium, grainy, grassy, and slightly floral, on caramel, some honey and a whiff of peat smoke.
Impression: A slightly smokier blend that the Buchanan, drier as well and on caramel. More Islay malt? A correct blend. Thank you Stéphane C.
Rating: 09/20 PA: B2

Caol Ila 2003, Gordon & MacPhail, 59.6%, B:2014. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Very peaty, tarry, ashy, dry, on hemp rope, lots of seaweeds, some camphor and disinfectant.
Taste: Very peaty, intense and dry, smoky, tarry, salty, maritime, on hemp rope, a slight sweetness, on seaweeds, disinfectant and camphor. The finish is long, peaty, smoky, maritime, ashy, medicinal, tarry, with a slight sweetness, on camphor and iodine.
Impression: A very intense, clean, intense and peaty Caol Ila. Straighforward, but very pleasant. Thank you Jerôme.
Rating: 15/20 PA: D8

Caol Ila 1979, 25 YO, OB, 58.4%, B:2006, 6000 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Mellow to very mellow, round, fruity, with some quince, peat smoke, grapefruit, starch, tar, and lime blossom. Quite soft.
Taste: Mellow to very mellow, dry, fruity to very fruity, slightly citric and tarry, on quince, grapefruit, cooked apples, marzipan and sea salt. The finish is medium, very salty, maritime, citric, and slightly tarry, on salted liquorice, camphor, some eucalyptus, quince, citrus and medicinal flavours. Quite fruity.
Impression: A rather mellow expression of Caol Ila, salty and quite fruity. Pleasantly balanced and moderately peated.
Rating: 14/20 PA:C5

Caol Ila for Sestante, 15 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 65.3%, B:1986. Price:
Colour : Pale gold
Nose : Intense, peaty, slightly zesty and mineral, light notes of oak and vanilla, some seaweeds and charcoal.
Taste : Clean, intense, oaky, lemony, on peat smoke and some salty notes. Diluted, it becomes more intense and zestier. The finish is medium to long, lemony, citric, slightly bitter and austere, with salt and peat smoke.
Impression : A clean, sharp and very intense whisky, but not very complex.
Rating : 16/20 PA:A7

Caol Ila (1974) Old Malt Cask, 26 YO, Douglas Laing, 50% (miniature). Price: (70 cl equivalents)
Colour: Straw.
Nose: Peaty, tarry, on cold ashes, seaweeds, ripped pear, oysters, and some anis.
Taste: Dry, very peaty, salty, and maritime, on hemp rope, diesel smoke and pear. The finish is long, peaty, maritime, on cold ashes and liquorice.
Impression: A great Caol Ila, very peaty, with a nice mixture of peat and pear. Quite peaty for its age.
Rating: 18/20 PA:A7

Caol Ila Moch, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Young, peaty to very peaty, maritime, dry, tarry, on liquorice, hemp rope, some vanilla, camphor and menthol.
Taste: Smoky, oaky, fruity, rich, moderately peaty, rich, juicy, sweet, on tangerine, seaweed and some sea brine. Mellow. The finish is medium, clean to very clean, peaty to very peaty, slightly young and malty, tarry to very tarry, with some hemp rope, camphor, seaweeds and disinfectant.
Impression: A fresh, peaty, tarry and peaty whisky, with little wood influence. Better neat than with some water.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A7

Caol Ila 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Pale gold-gold
Nose: Clean, dry, tarry to very tarry, maritime, on hemp rope, some iodine, seaweeds, bacon and light medicinal aromas.
Taste: Maritime to very maritime, peaty, smoky, clean, on iodine, citrus, some disinfectant, seaweeds, hemp rope and peat smoke. The finish is medium, dry, quite floral and fragrant, bitter, with some citrus, seaweeds, charcoal, seaweeds and camphor.
Impression: A citric, clean and fragrant peated whisky, rather extreme. Not for the faint hearted.
Rating: 13/20 PA: A7

Caol Ila 1999 for Taiwan, Gordon & MacPhail, 58.2%, B:2016, cask 305346. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, tarry, complex, sweet, nicely sherried, on dried fruits, orange, tangerine, peat smoke and tar. Very good.
Taste: Round, peaty, smoky, rooty, slightly tarry, aromatic, on seaweeds, tar, orange, dried fruits and fudge The finish is medium to long, very maritime, smoky to very smoky, tarry, on seaweeds, peat smoky, light oaky flavours and some disinfectant. There is a long smoky, peaty and maritime retro-olfaction.
Impression: A very good, peaty, smoky and maritime whisky, with some fruity influence on the nose that disappears on the palate.
Rating: 15/20 PA: E7

Caol Ila 1997, 19 YO, Sansibar, 40.2%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Sweet, juicy, mellow, fruity to very fruity, with some peat smoke, lots of oranges, a complex tarry dry peat smoke and some hemp rope.
Taste: Soft, juicy to very juicy, on orange juice, tangerine, some peat smoke, tar, hemp rope, seaweeds, iodine and camphor. The finish is medium to long, tarry, peaty, maritime, smoky, juicy, soft and mellow, on orange and tangerine juice, some seaweeds and tar.
Impression: A Caol Ila with a very low natural strength. The whisky is very good, juicy, with a nice complexity, softness and balance between the fruitiness of the sherry and the tarry peaty whisky. Its low strength makes it easy to drink neat.
Rating: 15/20 PA:F5

Caol Ila 2005, Spirit of Scotland, 46%, B:2014, cask 301536. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very clean, smooth, peaty, smoky, maritime, tarry, quite medicinal, with some liquorice root and soot. Cleaner, sharper and more medicinal than the 2004 vintage.
Taste: Dry, medicinal to very medicinal, clean, on iodine, disinfectant, seaweeds, and bandages, with some bitter lemon. The finish is long, peaty, smoky, very medicinal, phenolic, tarry, slightly dry, with some bitter lemon, bandages, iodine and soot.
Impression: A more medicinal and phenolic version than the 2004, and of the same quality.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A7

Caol Ila 1996, Douglas of Drumlanrig, 57.7%, B: 2013, LD 10173. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very clean, intense, peaty to very peaty, oaky, maritime, on peat smoke, some camphor and seaweeds, with a slight fragrance and bitterness (gentian). Smells rather young.
Taste: Slighty young, oaky, very intense and peaty, maritime, spicy, with some gentian, hemp rope, and rather strong notes of peat smoke. The finish is long, peaty, and maritime to very maritime, intense, on hemp rope and some iodine. 
Impression: A very peaty, intense, slightly citric and rather maritime Caol Ila.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A8

Glenlochy 1974 Connoisseurs Choice, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 1980s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose:  Smoky, peaty, bold, floral, grassy, complex, on humus, some mushrooms and other flavours. Very nice.
Taste: Rich, waxy, bold, slightly citric, aromatic and peaty, on humus, old wood, some quince, melon, heather and lime blossom. The finish is medium, intense, slightly fragrant, waxy, grassy, nutty, bitter and floral, with some peat smoke, old wet wood, gentian, caramel, and heather.
Impression: A bold, old, intense Glenlochy with pronounced notes of humus and old wood. A nice style of whisky, but maybe not that easy to approach.
Rating: 13/20 PA:C2

Millburn 1972, Gordon & MacPhail, 46%, B: 2006. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold.
Nose: Smoky, oaky, mineral, with slight floral notes, on marmalade, camomile and some sea breeze.
Taste: Oaky, round, quite sweet, smoky, slightly mineral, grassy, with some marmalade. The finish is medium to long, smoky, slightly bitter, mineral, fruity and on cold ashes.
Impression: A round and sweet Millburn, pleasantly smoky and mineral. Very good.
Rating: 16/20 PA:E4

Ardbeg 1993 Authentic Collection, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 47.7%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smoky to very smoky, maritime, peaty, medicinal, phenolic, with some creosote, spearmint, seaweeds and disinfectant. With a subtle and medicinal peat smoke.
Taste: Salty to very salty, maritime, slightly oak, on seaweeds, fish, sea shells, medicinal flavours, some camphor, iodine, tar and sea tang. Diluted, it becomes rather odd, soapy to very soapy and on old fish. The finish is medium, maritime, peaty, smoky, with lots of seaweeds, some camphor, ashes, old tobacco smoke, quid and tar soap. Diluted, it becomes soapier.
Impression: The nose was very pleasant and the initial impression on the palate was good, but when kept in the mouth or when water is added, it becomes soapy to very soapy, in a rather unpleasant way. A whisky to be tasted without water.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A6

Caol Ila 2004, Spirit of Scotland, 46%, B:2014, cask 306643. Price:
Colour: Pale gold-Gold
Nose: Smooth, slightly sweet and malty, tarry, clean, on dry and maritime peat smoke, hemp rope and some medicinal flavours.
Taste: Smooth, peaty, tarry, and maritime, on hemp rope, seaweeds, some soot, ashes and liquorice roots.  The finish is medium to long, maritime, peaty, smoky, and maritime, on seaweeds, tar and dry liquorice roots.
Impression: I did not like these Caol Ila Spirit of Scotland when I tasted them last year, but after tasting them again and from a different angle, I like it much better. A smooth version of Caol Ila, of high quality, that deserves to be tasted. Thank you Christian M.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A7

Ardbeg 1974, OB, 50.7%, B:2006, cask 4989. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Intense, complex, maritime, peaty, smoky, with some seaweeds, disinfectant, sultanas, complex peat smoke and a light vanilla flavour.
Taste: Smoky, salty, maritime to very maritime, with some pears drops, tar, ashes, iodine, seaweeds, spearmint, liquorice and old oil. The finish is long, medicinal, peaty, smoky, complex, slighty tarry, ashy, medicinal and mineral, with some seaweeds, spearmint, complex peat smoke and some liquorice.
Impression: A complex, subtle, maritime and  medicinal old fashioned Ardbeg.
Rating: 17/20 PA:A6

Ardbeg 10 YO White Label, OB, 80 Proof, B:1960s. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, oaky, slightly meaty, maritime and mineral, with some dried meat, iodine, and old diesel smoke.
Taste: Juicy, peaty, rather fruity, medicinal and maritime, with some cough syrup, old fashioned mineral peat smoke, sea spray, BBQ and a touch of soot. The finish is medium, mineral, elegant, smoky to very smoky, subtle, maritime, on iodine, disinfectant, some lemon zest and wood smoke.
Impression: A nice, balanced, subtle, smoky and mineral old style of Ardbeg. These old Ardbeg are less peaty and oaky than the current products, but more subtle. I really enjoy this style. Less complex than the 12 YO White Label bottled in 1966.
Rating: 18/20 PA:A5

Ardbeg 1974, 22 YO, Sestante, 40%, B:1997. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Maritime, medicinal, on peat smoke, camphor, iodine and light notes of fruits from the orchards. Complex, elegant and subtle.
Taste: Thin, maritime, slightly juicy, sweet and medicinal, with fruits from the orchards, peat smoke, some tar, ashes, iodine and seashells. The finish is medium, rahter smooth and thin, maritime, medicial, on camphor, iodine and with some seashells.
Impression: A very medicinal Ardbeg, with a complex peat smoke flavour. Very good, but rather thin. Some additional abv would have been welcomed.
Rating:16/20 PA:A6

Ardbeg 1991 Old Malt Cask, 18 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B:2009, ref 5449. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Peaty, smoky to very smoky, oaky to very oaky, with some fudge, vanilla, seaweeds, iodine, wet liquorice roots and hemp rope.
Taste: Maritime to very maritime, oaky, peaty to very peaty, very smoky, on iodine, seaweeds, some camphor and lemon juice.
Impression: Not the most peaty Ardbeg, but nicely smoky, maritime and on with some lemon juice, as well as rather stong oaky influence. Thank you Christian M.
Rating: 16/20 PA:A6

Glen Grant 15 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 57%/100 Proof, B: 1970s. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Rich, intense, malty, round, mellow, grassy, complex, on various types of honey (flower, heather and fur tree), tangerine, some orange and tropical fruits (including some banana and guava).
Taste: Rich, intense, complex, spicy to very spicy, floral, fruity to very fruity, on tangerine, orange, some guava and other tropical fruits, and dry peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes bolder and fruitier (more bananas). The finish is medium to long, bold, intense, complex, floral, slightly fragrant, on tropical fruit puree, dry spices and some dry peat smoke,
Impression: A very good, complex, fruity, well balanced and slightly peaty Glen Grant. These old Glen Grant are excellent whiskies.
Rating: 17/20 PA:E2

Blair Athol 1998 80.000 bottles on the Wall, 18 YO, Whiskybase, 55.50%, B:2016, cask 2768, 276 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Very fresh and aromatic, light and floral, with strong aromas common sea-buckthorn berries.
Taste: Light, floral to very floral, aromatic, with some heather and lot of common sea-buckthorn berries. The finish is medium, light, fresh, floral, aromatic, slightly malty, on common sea-buckthorn berries and some heather.
Impression: A light, fresh and aromatic Blair Athol with a strong influence of common sea-buckthorn. Original. Thank you Bernhard.
Rating: 12/20 PA:A1

Glen Grant 1992, 20 YO, Maltbarn, 54.1%, B:2013. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth and floral, light, on straw, vanilla and light creamy aromas.
Taste: Very smooth, mellow, floral, round, grassy, with some honey, vanilla and a touch of tangerine. The finish is medium, mellow, grassy, on honey, vanilla and light floral flavours.
Impression: A very smooth and round expression of Glen Grant, without any roughness, with a faint sherry influence.
Rating: 14/20 PA:C1

Glen Grant 10 YO, Gordon & McPhail, 57%/100 Proof, B:1970s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh, floral, rather light, on vanilla, some tangerine, melon and a hint of mango and smoke
Taste: Dry, floral to very floral, fragrant, spicy to very spicy, slightly bitter, on vanilla and hay, as well as some fruity flavours.
Impression: A particularly dry, floral and fragrant version of Glen Grant, with a weak fruity influence.
Rating: 13/20 PA:B1

Glen Grant 1949, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1980s (75cl). Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Smooth, very aromatic, on eucalyptus, menthol, other aromatic herbs, some smoke, metal polish, peach and myrtle.
Taste: Mellow to very mellow, spicy, aromatic, slightly floral, on aromatic herbs, eucalyptus, some heather, myrtle, redcurrant, wood smoke, a slight peatiness, wood and metal polish as well as some peach and bitter orange. The finish is long, aromatic, austere, slightly bitter, on eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, some metal polish, peat and wood smoke, as well as some orange peel and humus.
Impression: A mellow and very aromatic version of Glen Grant, on eucalyptus, metal polish and aromatic herbs. A fine example of old style and aged Glen Grant.
Rating: 17/20 PA:G2

Glen Grant 1949, 64 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:2014, First Fill Sherry cask 2200 and 3185. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Peaty, dry, fruity, slightly tarry and ashy, on exotic fruits, mango, some honey, eucalyptus and pine sap.
Taste: Mellow, rich, sweet, fruity, aromatic to very aromatic, sultanas, slightly austere, on exotic fruits, tangerine, mango, pink grapefruits, melon, and a hint of bitter herbs from the Alps. The finish is long to very long, rich, very complex, slightly smoky, austere and aromatic, smoky, on grapefruits, tropical fruits, sultanas, some peat smoke, melon, Mirabelle, and a hint of eucalyptus.
Impression: Another superb whisky, close to the 1961 and 1954, but sweeter and with some extra complexity. Tasted blind.
Rating: 19/20 PA:G3

Tobermory 1995, 20 YO, Acla Selection, 48.4%, B:2015, cask 0342, 114 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, subtle, maritime, on sea brine, some iodine, a light mineral and slightly meaty smokiness. Very good.
Taste: Very smooth, round, slightly oily and maritime, with some fresh grassy flavours, a slight saltiness and fresh juicy oaky flavours. The finish is medium, slightly salty, creamy, smoky, and maritime, on subtle medicinal flavours and a hint of spearmint. Diluted, it becomes more oily and creamy, with some hop and a touch of smoke.
Impression: Tobermory tends to be a rather bland unpeated whisky. This bottling is was a positive surprise, flawless, with a faint influence of the cask, resulting in a smooth and subtle whisky, slightly maritime and medicinal. Very good!
Rating: 15/20 PA:A1

Croftengea 2006, 10 YO, Acla Selection, 51.6%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Pale straw
Nose: Very peaty, meaty, smoky, malty, slightly starchy, with some vanilla and roasted coffee beans.
Taste: Smooth, rich, malty, peaty, smoky, slightly mineral and meaty, on vanilla and with a dash of lemon. The finish is medium, smoky, peaty, slightly malty and meaty, on vanilla and some sea brine.
Impression: A well made peated whisky distilled at Loch Lomond. The nose is peaty to very peaty, but not as dry as the peated Islay whiskies and with a more malty and sweeter flavour profile.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A5

Port Askaig 100 proof, Speciality Drinks, 57.1%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Clean, peaty to very peaty, maritime, phenolic, dry and slightly bitter. Young.
Taste: Sweet, young, peaty to very peaty, oaky and phenolic. The finish is short to medium, very peaty, slightly maritime and phenolic, on vanilla and a hint of liquorice.
Impression: A young, sweet and very peaty whisky. If you like them young and heavily peated, you will like this one very much. Tasted younger than the one last year.
Rating: 13/20 PA:A8

Caol Ila 1980, 36 YO, Cadenhead’s, 52.3%, B:2016, 210 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold-gold
Nose: Peaty, smoky, elegant, complex, slightly citric, austere and aromatic, with a light mineral and subtle peat smoke, as well as light fruits from the orchards.
Taste: Smooth, waxy, slightly aromatic and malty, some citrus, spices (some mustard seeds and pepper), with a hint of austere smoke, vanilla and round flowers. The finish is medium to long, rather waxy and spicy, on vanilla, diverse spices, a slight bitterness and distant aromatic herbs.
Impression: A whisky in transition, as the flavours are pleasant and diverse, from round floral flavours to spices and some austere-aromatic aromas, but lacking some balance. Lightly peated.
Rating: 14/20 PA:C2

Omar 2009, OB, 56.2%, B:2016, bourbon cask 11090148, 213 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Very fishy, oily, maritime, on anchovies and some sea salt. Very unusual.
Taste: Fishy, fresh, juicy, oily, slightly grassy, on anchovies, freshly catch fish, sea salt, a hint of thyme, olives and aromatic herbs. The finish is rather long, fruity, grassy, slightly fishy and aromatic, with some aromatic herbs, tropical fruits, grapefruit, papaya and guava.
Impression: Not a very easy whisky. The nose is rather fishy and oily, with some aromatic herbs and becoming quite fruity on the palate.
Rating: 13/20 PA:D1

Millstone 2013, OB, 52.5%, B:2016, sherry cask 2627, 334 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Rich, intense, thick, on pistachio, roasted nuts, walnuts, some vegetal condiment, dried meat and some unrecognized flavours (burnt paper?).
Taste: Rich, spicy, vegetal, on celery, orange, tangerine, rich spices, some leather, dried meat, roasted nuts and dried fruits. The finish is medium to long, on leather, rancio, old leather, some walnuts, orange, tangerine, fudge, some round and exotic fruits, as well as light vegetal flavours.
Impression: A very good and balanced whisky, on soft leather, spices and various fruits flavours.  Most enjoyable and impressively matured for being only 3 years old!
Rating: 16/20 PA:E1

Omar Sherry Cask 2009, OB, 57.6%, B:2016, cask 1090758, 187 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, spicy, intense, smooth, slightly fragrant, on precious wood, red berries, lacquer, beeswax, orange, some marmalade, plums, cinnamon and dark chocolate.
Taste: Soft, slightly floral and fragrant, on soft spices, orange, chestnuts puree, cinnamon, honey and walnuts. The finish is medium to long, very nutty, floral, on chestnuts purée, orange, some marmalade, rubber, leather, and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes fruitier.
Impression: Not an easy one. With strong aromas of chestnuts purée and with light fruity flavours.
Rating: 13/20 PA:F1

Omar 2012 Virgin Oak, OB, 57.8%, B:2016, cask 01120006, 187 bottles. Price:
Colour:  Amber
Nose: Rich, silky, smooth, mellow, on precious wood, high grade leather, some beeswax, peach, apricots, tangerine, orange and soft spices. Excellent.
Taste: Rich, intense, spicy, complex, very fruity, slightly creamy, on tropical fruits, tangerine, orange, some cinnamon and milk chocolate. The finish is long, rich, fruity, complex, slightly creamy, on tropical fruits, cocoa, orange and tangerine. Diluted, it becomes slightly nutty.
Impression: An excellent, rich, intense and complex whisky, with gorgeous exotics fruits.  I want more whiskies like this one. Omar is the brand of whisky produced by Nantou, a distillery owned by the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation (TTL). A whisky of impressive quality and very fairly priced (around 50 euros).
Rating: 18/20 PA:G2

Glen Garioch 1998, 17 YO, Adelphi, 56.7%, B: 2016, 152 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Oaky, malty, slightly floral, spicy and farmy, with some vanilla and mustard seeds.
Taste: Rich, intense, slightly malty and fruity, with some dried fruits, sultanas, some oregano and light aromatic flavours. The finish is medium to long, mellow to very mellow, complex, fruity, aromatic, slightly smoky and peaty, and on dried fruits and sultanas.
Impression: A very good whisky, with a mellow, complex and fruity finish, leaving a pleasant sweet and fruity aftertaste. The nose was rather spicy and mustardy.  This is one of the first Glen Garioch sherry from the start of the unpeated period of the distillery.
Rating: 15/20 PA:D2

Glen Grant 1954, 59 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 2014, casks 1821 and 1822. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Peaty, dry, tarry, slightly aromatic, bitter, and austere, on leather, cocoa, cinnamon, dark berries, some dark chocolate, exotic fruits, date, dried fruits and cloves. Slightly drier and more tannic than the 1961, with a similar flavour profile.
Taste: Mellow, rich, fruity to very fruity, austere, complex, slightly peaty, on grapefruit, tropical fruits, other citrus, peat smoke, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The finish is long to very long, complex, slightly dry and tannic, fruity, citric, on exotic fruits, dry peat smoke, some eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves and berries.
Impression: A rich, complex old whisky, with a most pleasant combination of peat smoke, exotic fruits and citrus. Close to the 1961, from a refill bourbon cask and a first fill sherry cask. Remarkably well matured.
Rating: 19/20 PA:H3

Glen Grant 1961, 52 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 2014, First Fill sherry cask 6200. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose:  Peaty, dry, tarry, intense, oaky, on exotic fruits, orange, with some wood smoke, tangerine, soft spices and a hint of leather. The combination of peat and exotic fruits is gorgeous.
Taste: Very mellow, soft, complex to very complex, slightly peaty, austere, aromatic and citric, on exotic fruits, grapefruits, some old complex and aromatic peat smoke and some eucalyptus. The finish is long, smoky, complex, slightly peaty, austere and aromatic, on exotic fruits, grapefruit, some wood smoke, berries and a hint of eucalyptus.
Impression: A very old Glen Grant, mellow, with a gorgeous fruity and peaty nose, more austere, aromatic and citric on the palate, with light tannins and old wood aromas. I am very fond of this style of Glen Grant, more peated than the current production.
Rating: 19/20 PA:G3

Glen Grant 1964 The Animals, Moon Import, 46%, B:1989, butt 1,2 & 3. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, intense, thick, floral, on a mixture of old style dry and fruity sherry notes, on cocoa, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, tangerine,  some sultanas, dates and other dry fruits and a hint of dry peat smoke. Excellent.
Taste: Rich, fruity, very intense, thick, syrupy, dry, slightly bitter, on dried fruits (including dates, sultanas), cocoa, old leather, wild berries, orange, tangerine, and some dry meaty peat smoke. The finish is long, very complex, floral, rich, intense, on red and blackcurrant, cocoa, leather, dry fruits, some tropical fruits, air-dried and smoked meat and orange peel.
Impression: An excellent old style of Glen Grant, on a fine dry sherry influence, some peat smoke and lovely fruity flavours. Delicious.
Rating: 18/20 PA:H2

Glen Grant 1976 Prenzlow collection, Jack Wiebers, 52.9%, B:2009, 67 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smoky, intense, rich, fruity, with lots of dark berries, some cherries, leather, tannins, old furniture, beeswax and vegetal condiments.
Taste: Very intense, thick, chewy, slightly rubbery and bitter, vegetal, on leather, nutmeg, berries, orange and tangerine. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, floral to very floral, bitter, on berries, old leather, tangerine, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices.
Impression: A very intense, floral sherried Glen Grant, thick and chewy, without any excessive rubbery flavours. Very good.
Rating: 17/20 PA: G2

Glen Grant 1972 Private Stock, 39 YO, The Whisky Agency, 51.4%, B:2011. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Very floral, fruity and smooth, on red berries and tangerine, some brambleberries, tropical fruits and orange, as well as some cinnamon sticks.
Taste: Very smooth, juicy, light, fruity to very fruity, grassy, slightly resinous, on honey, tropical fruits, some eucalyptus, spearmint, orange, tangerine, nutmeg, beeswax, slightly aromatic and bitter herbal flavours as well as some tannins showing off. The finish is long, floral, fruity, dry, tannic, spicy to very spicy, grassy, aromatic, on berries, brambleberries, fur tree wax and eucalyptus.
Impression: The nose was excellent, smooth, subtle and elegant, and started on the palate at the same level of quality, but then the age (tannins, dryiness and eucalyptus) becomes rather apparent,with a finish slightly too tannic to my liking. Thank you Dirk.
Rating: 16/20 PA: G1

Zuidam Milstone 1998, 17 YO, OB, 55.5%, B:2016, cask 2530. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, spicy, fruity, on rich spices, Christmas cake, dried fruits, sultanas, figs, some orange, candied orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of cloves.
Taste: Rich, intense, spicy, on cinnamon, leather, old leather, some tannins, red berries, cumin, nutmeg, cloves, figs and sultanas. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, on leather, tannins, nutmeg, cloves, wallnuts and Dundee cake.  Diluted, it becomes slightly  bitter, astringent and on cachou.
Impression: A very good heavily sherried whisky, with lots of leather, some fruity flavours, dried fruits and some tannins, without being too bitter or astringent.
Rating: 15/20 PA: J1

Amrut 2006 Virgin oak for Hot Malt Co., 7 YO, OB 60.0%, B:2016, cask 958, 102 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose:  Very peaty, meaty, farmy, dry, intense, complex, slightly austere and aromatic, on worn leather, orange, tangerine, some dried fruits and a hint of berries. Excellent.
Taste: Very peaty and tarry, ashy, very fruity, spicy, farmy, on orange juice, some tangerine, leather, cocoa, dried meat, dried fruits, and light aromatic flavours. The finish is long, intense, meaty, farmy, very peaty, slightly tarry and aromatic, on leather, sweet, juicy and dried fruits, as well as some cocoa, pineapple and pepper.
Impression: A superb whisky, heavily peated and with a strong fruity influence on leather and dried fruits. Very well balanced, with very pleasant farmy and meaty flavours. Give me more whiskies like this one! Simply delicious. With the flavour profile and the colour, difficult to believe it came from a virgin oak cask. One of my personal favourite of the MMA 2016.
Rating: 19/20 PA:E7

Port Charlotte 2003, 12 YO, Blackadder, 61.1%, B:2016, cask  622, 284 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose:  Very peaty, dry, maritime, smoky, on hemp rope, old leather, seaweeds, orange, some tangerine, smoked bacon and tar. Very good.
Taste: Very peaty and dry, smoky, intense, aromatic, tarry, ashy, slightly citric, on leather, orange, some tangerine, soot, marmalade and sea brine. The finish is medium to long, peaty to very peaty, sooty, ashy, tarry, on old leather, some marmalade, liquorice, citrus, orange, humus, BBQ and smoke bacon.
Impression: An excellent peaty, tarry and rather sooty whisky, with pleasant aromas of smoke bacon, nicely complemented by the sherry. Lovely.
Rating: 17/20 PA:E8

Kavalan Sherry Solist for HNWS, OB, 57.8%, B:2016, cask S090608021A, 524 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber-dark amber
Nose: Very intense, rich, slightly fragrant and bitter, on dried fruits, some roasted coffee beans, honey, tangerine and orange.
Taste: Smooth very smooth, creamy, slightly bitter, on cinnamon, fudge, a touch of rubber and some marmalade. The finish is medium to long, on cinnamon, some fudge, rubber, apricots, marmalade and a hint of liquorice roots.
Impression: A whisky, smooth and creamy, with a mixture of toffee and some rubber. A good one, although it is not really my style.
Rating: 14/20 PA:G1

Kavalan Sherry Cask Solist for the Whiskies Fans Society, OB, 59.4%, B:2016, cask S090306015, 519 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, fragrant, floral, on precious wood, incense, beeswax, plums, dried fruits, tannins, cinnamon and orange.
Taste: Rich, floral, complex, slightly bitter and astringent, on roasted cofffe beans, cocoa, juicy oranges, some tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, lacquer, dried fruits, sultanas and cherries. The finish is long, complex, floral, slightly astringent, tannic and woody, on walnuts, orange, tangerine, Pu-erh, dark chocolate, cocoa and leather.
Impression: A very complex, rich, mellow whisky with a heavy sherry influence, without being too dry or bitter.
Rating: 17/20 PA:I2

Highland Park 1992 Acla Selection N°4, 24 YO, Acla Selection, 50.0%, B:2016, 82 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smoky, rather complex, slightly maritime and peaty, on heather honey, vanilla,  light aromatic flavours and grapefruits.
Taste: Zesty, slightly smoky, on candied lemon, heather, some grapefruits, liquid honey and green apples. Diluted, it becomes more on green apples. The finish is medium to long, slightly waxy, mineral and smoky, with some sea brine, honey, vanilla, grapefruit, some candied lemon and aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more rooty.
Impression: A nicely made Highland Park, with nice zesty flavours, some green apples and a subtle smokiness.
Rating: 16/20 PA:A4

Isle of Jura 1975  Amoroso finished in Port Pipes for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 51.7%, B:2016, cask 2, 784 bottles. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Spicy to very spicy, intense, round, on fudge, toffee, some rubber, aromatic smoke, juniper berries, dates, ginger and light earthy flavours.
Taste: Round, thick, spicy to very spicy, intense, rather rubbery, on toffee, rubber, light aromatic flavours, toffee, roasted coffee beans, orange, marmalade, dark chocolate, some cinnamon and thyme. Diluted, it becomes smoother, more juicy and fruity, with the spicy flavours becoming dryer and bitterer.
Impression: Close to the 200, but spicier, rubbery and slightly bitterer as well, with both whiskies sharing a similar profile. Very good.
Rating: 16/20 PA:H3

Isle of Jura 1986, 30 YO, Cadenheads, 42.5%, B:2016, 66 bottles. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Smooth to very smooth, waxy, slightly spicy and mineral, with some honey, vanilla and lime blossom. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, slightly waxy, with some seabrine, blackurrant, light aromas of orchard’s fruits, almonds, lemon peel and honey. The finish is medium, slightly waxy, citric and mineral, with some almonds, blackcurrant, light spices and honey.
Impression: Slightly thin, but a pleasant, light, fresh, rather waxy and slightly mineral Jura. Thank you Philip.
Rating: 14/20 PA:A1

Chichibu 2011 for La Maison Du Whisky, OB, 61.3%, B:2016, cask 1401. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, dry, tarry, slightly rooty and bitter, with some camphor and a hint of spearmint. Elegant and very pleasant.
Taste: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, smoky, subtle, slightly mellow, with some spearmint, camphor, tar and disinfectant. The finish is medium to long, peaty, smoky, and medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor and disinfectant. Diluted, it becomes more on disinfectant. With a very long peaty and medicinal retro-olfaction.
Impression: A very good peaty whisky, with lots of medicinal flavours and disinfectant, mellow and reminding me of the style of the Ardbeg from the 1972 vintage.
Rating: 18/20 PAA5

Ben Nevis 1996, Acla Selection, 47.3%, B:2016, cask 1096, 50 bottles. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Fresh to very fresh, round, intense to very intense, floral, oaky, on vanilla, some vanilla custard, dough, apricots, spring flowers and a touch of heather.
Taste: Very round, fresh, intense, smooth, malty, slightly spicy-oaky, with nice intense fruity flavours, with some melon, apricots, peach, vanilla, gooseberries, hops and tobacco leaves. The finish is medium, very intense, round, slightly floral and malty, on tobacco leaves, vanilla, some apricots, good berries and white pepper.
Impression: A very intense, round and fresh Ben Nevis, with nice fruity flavours coming from the oak. Well balanced.
Rating: 13/20 PA: B1

Laphroaig  Masterpieces 1996 For The Whisky Show, 20 YO, Specialty Drinks, 50.6%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Peaty, tarry, rather smooth and sweet, on seaweeds, lots of dry smoke, ashes,  and some soot.
Taste: Very dry, peaty, smoky, austere, peaty, on soot, tar, smoked and fried bacon, over-infused black tea, dried kelps, some citrus, leather, orange, dried fruits and a fair dose of soot.
Impression: A very dry and sooty Laphroaig, on leather, bacon, and some dry sherry influence. A whisky with a strong personality that I enjoyed very much.
Rating: 16/20 PA: E6

Glenmorangie Tarlogan, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Oaky, fresh, creamy, slightly mineral and smoky, with some gooseberries, vanilla and heather honey.
Taste: Oaky to very oaky, green, spicy to very spicy, slightly bitter and spicy, with some freshly cut grass, honey, gooseberries and honeydew melon. The finish is medium, spicy, green, oaky, slightly creamy and grassy, on vanilla, honeydew melon, some ginger and a light smokiness.
Impression:  The nose was pleasantly creamy, slightly fruity and mineral, rather spicy on the palate and oaky. Seems like some components are rather young. A travel retail version made with virgin oak and ex-bourbon casks.
Rating: 13/20 PA: A1

Glendronach 1993, 21 YO, OB, 59.6%, B:2016, cask 38, Oloroso Butt, 622 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, heavy, thick, heavily sherried, nutty, on dried fruits, leather, heavy tannins, treacle, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange and walnut.
Taste: Rich, spicy, slightly vegetal, with some sea brine, walnuts, leather, tannin, various spices and fruity flavours (orange, orange juice and some tangerine). The finish is long, thick, rich, chewy, slightly tannic and floral, on thick leather, dried fruits, tangerine, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, cherries, some nutty and light aromatic flavours and humus.
Impression: A heavy and sherried whisky, intense, well balanced, and with a pleasant nuttiness and fruitiness.
Rating: 17/20 PA: I2

Kavalan Solist For Red on Tree 4th Anniversary, OB, 57.8%, B: cask S060904050, 519 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Smooth, floral, fruity, spicy, on leather, tannins, orange, tangerine, precious wood, lacquer and cinnamon.
Taste: Rich, fruity, floral, on precious wood, lacquer, orange, candied orange, some exotic wood, beeswax, and some aromatic herbs. The finish is medium to long, complex, rich, spicy, tannic, slightly woody, with some eucalyptus, acacia tree sap, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some Pu-erh and coffee.
Impression: A very good whisky, with deep and complex flavours, intense and some flavours that you would expect to find in a very old whisky that matured well.
Rating:16/20 PA:H1

Kavalan Solist for Drink Fun, OB, 58.6%, B:2016, cask  S060821035, 512 bottles. Price:
Colour: Black
Nose: Floral, very thick, heavy, tannic, spicy and bitter, on Dundee cake, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, bitter orange, leather, dried fruity and loads of tannins, on old furniture, varnish and beeswax. Massively sherry.
Taste: Rich, very thick, chewy, dry, tannic, lots of wood, mint, some aromatic herbs, treacle, orange, marmalade, tangerine, cinnamon, cloves and old furniture. Diluted, it becomes smoother, more pleasant, on plums and brambleberries. The finish is long, thick, on heavy but rather soft spices, on leather, tannins, precious wood, old furniture and brambleberries.
Impression: The nose is very heavy on the sherry, thick and bitter, slightly lighter on the sherry on the palate and without any unpleasant rubbery flavours. I have not seen many whiskies as dark as this one. A Sherry monster that would appeal also to non-sherry freaks. Very good!
Rating: 17/20 PA:G1

Coleburn 1972 Connoisseur’s Choice, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1990s. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose:  Malty, slightly mineral, waxy and smoky, on dried aromatic herbs, some peat smoke and dry lemon.
Taste: Soft, malty, slightly thin, green, with some peat smoke, citrus, dry aromatic herbs, a few drops of liquid honey and freshly cut grass. The finish is medium, malty, slightly dry, smoky, peaty and tarry, with some citrus, honey and aromatic herbs.
Impression: A nice old-fashioned whisky, with a pleasant dusty-rusty old peat smoke, but rather weak and think. A whisky that would have benefited from a few extra ABV.
Rating: 12/20 PA:A3

Laphroaig Quarter Cask, OB, 48%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smoky, peaty, modern, oaky to very oaky, maritime, on bacon, BBQ, tar and some soot.
Taste: Light, oaky, maritime, salty, and starchy, with some camphor, tar and BBQ. Rather thin. The finish is medium, thin, maritime, smoky, peaty, oaky and on seaweeds.
Impression: Although it is bottled at 48%, it tasted closer to 40%. The whisky was oaky, maritime, and smoky to very smoky and with some tar. Rather young.
Rating: 11/20 PA:A6

Laphroaig 2001, 15 YO, The First Editions, 59.8%, B:2016, Refill Butt, ref HL1287. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smoky, peaty, maritime, complex, on a mixture of peat and bonfire smoke, seaweeds, some tar and hemp rope. Rather subtle.
Taste: Rooty, peaty, smoky, maritime, on hemp rope, tar, some soot, peat and bonfire smoke, as well as cold ashes.  The finish is long, complex, subtle, smoky, peaty, with some citrus, light aromas of orange and tangerine, dry roots, seaweeds and camphor
Impression: A complex, charming Laphroaig, with a most pleasant peat smoke, and just a touch of sherry.
Rating: 17/20 PA:D7

Aultmore 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very fresh and floral, grassy, with strong aromas of apples, on apricots and some pear drops.
Taste: Grassy to very grassy, floral to very floral, slightly soapy, with some coriander, apricots, banana puree, apples and some pear drops. The finish is medium, fresh, floral, grassy, slightly soapy, on apricots, apples, some banana and pears.
Impression: A nice fresh and floral Aultmore, with a mixture of apricots and orchard’s fruits.
Rating: 13/20 PA:B1

Aultmore 1990 XOP, 25 YO, Douglas Laing, 54.4%, B2016, ref DL11066, 302 bottles. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich, thick, floral, on dried fruits, orange, leather, chocolate, fruit cake, apricots, tannins, and a hint of toffee.
Taste: Rich, thick, chewy, floral, intense, on roasted coffee beans, cocoa, dark chocolate, orange, thick leather and tannins, dry fruits, cinnamon, clove, some marmalade, apples, bananas and heather. The finish is medium to long, rich, thick, tannic, syrupy, floral, slightly bitter, on roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, Christmas cake and some bitter orange.
Impression: A very intense, thick and heavily sherried Aultmore.  The sherry influence is very strong, but fortunately not too bitter or extreme.
Rating: 16/20 PA:I1

Glenburgie 1995, 21 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 58.1%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Amber-dark amber
Nose: Very heavy, thick, floral, vegetal, spicy, meaty, on broth, vegetal condiment, dried and dark fruits, plums, honey, nutmeg and some cherries.
Taste: Rich, floral to very floral, fruity to very fruity, thick, slightly meaty and aromatic, on dried and dark fruits, cocoa, orange, tangerine, dark chocolate, some cinnamon, honey, pineapples and a touch of rubber. Lovely.
Impression: I have not been impressed by the Glenburgie I tasted over the last year, with the exception of a 1966 Glenburgie bottled almost 10 years ago by… G&M.  This version from 1995 is very good, rich, intense, thick and on chocolate. If you like the sherry versions of Glenburgie, do not miss this one. And if you have tasted a Glenburgie, this might be a good start!
Rating: 16/20 PA:H1

Glen Grant 50 YO for The Whisky Exchange, Gordon & MacPhail, 49.4%, B:2016, cask 3720. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Intense, rich, complex, mellow to very mellow, on eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, chocolate, some sultanas and cooked fruits. Very elegant and pleasant.
Taste: Intense, fragrant, bitter, aromatic, spicy to very spicy, on eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, bitter orange, orange, some honey and dried fruits. The finish is long, slightly mineral, thin and citric, on eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, slight woody flavours and marmalade.
Impression: A venerable old Glen Grant, with a rather light sherry influence, citrus, bitter orange, eucalyptus and some honey.  Very good, if you like this style of whisky, as I do.
Rating: 17/20 PA:D1

Glen Garioch 1991, 25 YO, Hunter Laing, 50%, B:2016, Ref 12811. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Smoky, slightly peaty, austere, aromatic and bold, with some humus, tobacco leaves, vanilla, oak and nuts. An old style of Glen Garioch, charming and moderately mellow.
Taste: Spicy to very spicy, rich, aromatic, waxy, slightly austere, smoky and mineral, on humus, tobacco, vanilla, ginger and some Haribo gummy bears. The finish is long, subtle, complex, aromatic, slightly austere, and moderately smoky, with a light touch of peat, some honey, vanilla, humus and aromatic herbs.
Impression: A most pleasant old style of Glen Garioch, aromatic, spicy to very spicy, slightly austere and with a pleasant smokiness.
Rating: 17/20 PA:A4

Country of Antrim bourbon Selection N°6, 24 YO, Acla Selection, 44.7%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Extremely fruity, rich, bold, on passion fruits, guava, mango, some pineapple, and blackcurrant. Delicious.
Taste: Very fresh, fruity, citric, smooth, slightly creamy, with lots of tropical fruits, mango, guava, pineapples, mango, and papaya. The finish is medium to long, rather bold, fruity, slightly citric, mineral and spicy, on papaya, guava, with some grapefruits, lemon, dried tobacco leaves and white chocolate.
Impression: delicious and very fruity Irish single malt, with loads of guava, mango and papaya, more citric and on grapefruits on the finish.
Rating: 17/20 PA:A1

Country of Antrim 1991 selection N°5, Acla Selection, 47.8%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold-amber
Nose: Very smooth, elegant, bold, slightly smoky, on cocoa, passion fruits, mango, guava, papaya,Swiss milk chocolate, some leather, sultanas and other dried fruits.
Taste: Rich, bold, slightly creamy, fruity to very fruity, spicy, slightly citric, mineral and smoky, on dried fruits, blackcurrant, mango, papaya, tangerine, guava, orange, some passion fruits and sultanas. The finish is medium to long, on coffee, leather, grapefruits, sultanas, some dates, chocolate, guava, mango, papaya, orange, tangerine, and roasted coffee beans.
Impression: Another delicious Irish single malt from Acla Selection, close to the Bourbon N°6, but with the sherry influence contributing to aromas of coffee, leather, dried fruits and chocolate. The sherry influence is mild.
Rating: 18/20 PA:E2

Givran 1994 Old Particular, 21 YO Douglas Laing, 51.5%, B:2015, ref 11003. Price:
Colour: Pale straw
Nose: Mellow to very mellow, smooth to very smooth, creamy, on porridge, peach, apricots, almonds, vanilla and some soft spices.
Taste: Very smooth, mellow, grassy, creamy, grainy, slightly floral, on porridge, some peach, tangerine, marzipan, apricots and honey. Very good and subtle. The finish is medium to long, grainy, smooth, on porridge, slightly bitter almonds, vanilla, some peach, apricots, pears and light creamy flavours
Impression: A very good, smooth, mellow and grainy whisky, with subtle flavours of peach, apricots and almonds. More complex and intense than the Givran OB.
Rating: 15/20 PA:A1

Port Dundas 1988 Old Particular, 27 YO, Douglas Laing, 57.3%, B:2016, ref D11129. Price:
Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Mellow, very smooth, fragrant, slightly creamy, on porridge, some varnish, apricots, vanilla and grassy flavours.
Taste: Smooth to very smooth, fragrant, floral, spicy, mellow, round, on cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted wood, some ginger, cooked apples, maize (corn) and maple syrup. The finish is medium to long, very mellow, smooth, grainy, on porridge, apricots, cinnamon, some apple and pears, nutmeg, maple and maize (corn) syrup.
Impression: A very good grain whisky, with a very different flavour profile than the Givran, rounder, spicier and more on corn and maple syrup. From a closed distillery.
Rating: 15/20 PA:C1

Tomatin 1965 The Animal, Moon, 46%, B:1989, cask 124, 125, 126. Price:
Colour: Gold –old gold
Nose: Smooth, round, slightly waxy and spicy, with nice round fruity notes (peach, melon and pineapples) and a hint of smoke
Taste: Smooth, floral, grassy, fragrant, with some hay, freshly cut grass, ginger, melon, peach, banana and a hint of smoke. Diuted, it becomes bolder, waxier and with some citrus. The finis is medium to long, bold, waxy to very waxy, slightly spicy (pepper and ginger), with some citrus, freshly cut grass, orange peel, some melon and tangerine, with a hint of bitter smoke.
Impression: A very round and waxy Tomatin, bold and on candied fruits.
Rating: 15/20 PA:C2

Tomatin 1965 Oat Mint, 43 YO, Daily Dram, 47.1%, B:2009. Prix:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Mellow, round, smooth, with some ripe tropical fruits.
Taste: Spicy, oaky to very oaky, woody, rather waxy, grassy, on round and candied fruits, vanilla, melon and a fair dose of citrus. The finish is medium to long, dry, woody, oaky, fruity, on banana puree and citrus, with a hint of smoke and eucalyptus.
Impression: A rather citrusy Tomatin with the oaky notes from a long maturation in a cask showing off on the palate. Good, but past its prime. Thank you Bernhard.
Rating:13/20 PA:C2

Tomintoul Tlath, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very smooth, gentle, slightly floral and malty, on vanilla, some apricots and honey.
Taste: Young, slightly malty, gently, sugary (new make-like), juicy, oaky, slightly grassy, lots of freshly crushed barley, on green apples and pears, and some vanilla. The finish is rather short, sweet, sugary, with lots of freshly crushed barley, on green apples and pears, as well as some liquorice.
Impression: It taste rather young, if not very young. This is the new entry-range gentle Tomintoul. Although I prefer my whiskies mature, this combination of sweet-sugary flavours with abundant aromas of freshly crushed barley works quite well in this whisky.
Rating: 10/20 FP:A1

Tomintoul Five Decades, OB, 50%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Mellow, moderately spicy and gently, slightly nutty, on fine leather, some tropical fruits, tangerine, sweet fruits and honey. Well balanced.
Taste: Rich, spicy, smooth, mellow, gentle, on tropical fruits, fruits sherbet, some honey, nuts (mainly almonds), sweet fruity flavours (including orange, tangerine and peach), cinnamon and soft spices. The finish is mellow, smooth, gentle, nutty, slightly spicy, with some candied ginger, hazelnuts, almonds, exotic fruits, honey and a hint of vanilla.
Impression: This was bottled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the distillery. It was comprised of whisky distilled in 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005. The Tomintoul whisky carries very well its name of “gentle”, as this is indeed a very gentle, smooth and pleasant whisky, nutty, with nice aromas of tropical fruits and without any harshness. Very good.
Rating: 16/20 FP:F1

Kilchoman Sauternes, OB, 50%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Old gold
Nose: Smooth, sweet, winey, smoky, peaty, and maritime, on fudge, white grapes, tar and seaweeds.
Taste: Dry, smoky to very smoky, musty, winey, on wet wood, seaweeds, caramel and peat. The finish is medium to long, smoky, peaty, and maritime, on caramel, seaweeds, white wine, and tar.
Impression: A Kilchoman matured in Sauternes, with a mixture of winey and caramel flavours, as well as a pronounced maritime and smoky influence.
Rating: 10/20 FP:D7

Kilchoman Cask Strength, OB, 56.9%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold
Nose: Very peaty, maritime and dry, smoky, on grilled bread, a dry peat smoke fire from a Scottish croft house, soot and ashes. I love it.
Taste: Dry to very dry, very tarry and peaty, on liquorice, dry seaweeds, grilled bread, barbecue, old dry peat smoke and some light austere flavours and handcrafted smoked ham and bacon. The finish is long, dry, peaty to very peaty, smoky, and meaty, on barbecue, some disinfectant, soot, ashes, seaweeds and camphor.
Impression: An excellent Kilchoman, dry to very dry, peaty, on camphor and some meaty flavours. The maturity and complexity is surprising. My best Kilchoman so far.
Rating: 16/20 FP:A8

Kilchoman Sanaig, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price:
Colour: Gold-old gold
Nose: Very peaty and maritime, smoky, tarry, earthy, on seaweeds, camphor, some iodine, citrus, dried fruits. Very good
Taste: Dry, ashy to very ashy, tarry to very tarry, rooty, earthy, on burnt wood, seaweeds, dry liquorice, ashes, camphor, vanilla and some iodine. The finish is medium to long, very maritime and smoky, peaty, rooty, oaky, slightly tarry, on vanilla, some fudge, citrus and dried fruits.
Impression: A good to very good whisky, very smoky, nicely peaty and with a strong maritime and medicinal flavour, quite oaky and slightly youth.
Rating: 14/20 FP:C7