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Inchmurrin Whiskynerds 2003 Executive, 14 YO, OB, 54.6%, B:2017, Cask 17/171-1. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smoky, intense, earthy, fruity, on sweet and dried fruits, plums, figs, humus, earthy smoke, leather, some fudge and light aromatic herbs. Taste: Floral, fragrant, perfumy, peaty, tarry, slightly salty, earthy and dry, on leather, sultanas, tannins, cocoa, round smoke, cooked fruits, some black liquorice, orange and some dry herbs. The finish is medium, round, floral and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly on hops and with some roasted coffee beans. Impression: A whisky with a very intense and complex rather fruity sherry influence, becoming rather round and floral on the palate, with soft smoke and black liquorice. Thank you Roger. A vatting of the bourbon cask Order and the sherry cask Law. Rating: 15/20  FP:F3 |
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Glen Garioch Renaissance Chapter 3, 17 YO, OB, 50.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Rich, intense, spicy to very spicy, slightly aromatic and waxy, with some heather, butterscotch, fudge, orange, light spices and a light smokiness. Complex and well balanced. Taste: Warm, spicy to very spicy, waxy, rather peppery, with some heather, cinnamon, citrus peel, honey, orange and light winey flavours. Diluted, there are more flavours of red berries. The finish is medium, winey, spicy, and slightly waxy, on red berries, cinnamon, fudge, orange and honey. Impression: A whisky difficult to evaluate, as it is rather aromatic, spicy and winey on the nose, before becoming smoother and mellower on the palate, on winey flavours and red berries. Thank you Lorenzo. Rating: 14/20 FP:G2 |
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Glen Garioch 1991 Old Malt Cask, 15 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B:2016, Ref 3016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Aromatic to very aromatic, smoky, slightly peaty, mineral and austere, on aromatic herbs, mineral and dry peat smoke, some ginger and other spices. Taste: Aromatic to very aromatic, austere, rather dry and spicy, on dry and aromatic peat smoke and some ginger. The finish is medium to long, rather dry, austere and aromatic, with a light peat smoke and some ginger. Impression: This might not be the easiest Glen Garioch, but I really enjoyed this dry, aromatic, austere and slightly peaty old style “Old Meldrum” whisky. Thank you Manfred. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Aberfeldy 21 YO, OB, 40%, B:2007. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, nutty, dusty, on honey, lime blossom tree, with a zest of orange-tangerine. Less clean and fresh than the 12 YO. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoky. Taste: Malty, juicy, with a slight spiciness and smokiness, on orange and tangerine. The finish is medium, malty, juicy, on tangerine and orange. Impression: A very pleasant and juicy malt whisky, worth tasting. Rating: 14/20 FP:D2 |
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Aberfeldy 28 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, malty, with loads of honey, on rich heather honey, guava, papaya, melon dew and grapefruits aromas Taste: Mellow, smooth, subtle, citric, malty, on honey, guava, grapefruits, vanilla, and other exotic fruits. Very good. The finish is medium, citric to very citric, on grapefruit, some honey and exotic fruits. Impression: The nose was excellent, with loads of honey and nice malty flavours, as you would expect from an Aberfeldy. On the palate, it is surprisingly citric, mainly on grapefruits and with lighter fruity and honey notes than on the nose. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Springbank 2000 for Port of Holmsund, 17 YO, Whiskybroker, 41.6%, B:2017, Refill Demarara cask 630, 196 bottles. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Fresh, rather clean, salty, and maritime, slightly mineral, with a light sweet winey influence of port, on coconut, sea brine, some diesel smoke, light rooty and earthy flavours. Very good. Taste: Fresh, rather clean, slightly salty, maritime, smoky and peaty, with a light sweet sugary influence from the Port, some coconut, sea brine, diesel smoke, vanilla, a touch of heather and liquid honey. Dilutes, it becomes slightly sweeter and with some red grapes and berries. The finish is medium to long, smoky, rather fresh and clean, on sea brine, diesel smoke, some seaweeds, coconuts, vanilla, camphor and light sugary flavours. Diluted, it appears more subtle and the complexity more perceptible. Impression: An interesting and good whisky. The abv is remarkably low for a cask strength whisky, suggesting maturation in a cold and humid warehouse. As expected by its pale colour, the influence of the cask is rather thin, with a discreet sweet Port influence that becomes slightly more present once a few drops of water have been added. The whisky is rather complex, slightly mellow and round, with a high quality distillate, more peaty and mineral than official bottlings. It is very good to taste again a “naked” and well-made Springbank. Thank you Kjell. Rating: 14/20 FP:G3 |
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Port Charlotte for Friends of Holmsund/Umeå 2003, 14 YO, Whiskybroker, 60.0%, B:2017, refill sherry cask 857, 372 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Woaww! A very intense, peaty, smoky, maritime and complex whisky, on disinfectant, camphor, seaweeds, peat smoke, some kelp, iodine, camphor, humus and wet wood. The peat smoke is remarkably complex. Most pleasant. Taste: Oaky, maritime, intense to very intense, smoky, peaty, slightly mellow, on disinfectant, camphor, iodine, wet wood, seaweeds, peat smoke, and some spearmint. Complex to very complex. The finish is long to very long, oaky, intense, spicy, maritime, smoky to very smoky, peaty, medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor, toasted wood, iodine, some menthol, charcoal and wet liquorice roots. Impression: A remarkably complex and intense Port Charlotte, with a complex peat smoke and the typical flavour profile of the distillery, with some toasted wood and rather strong maritime and medicinal flavours. The sherry influence is rather discreet. An excellent whisky. Thank you Kjell. Rating: 17/20 FP:C6 |
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Glenmorangie 1995 125.21 A Jackpot of Christmas spices, 13 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 56.4%, B: 2009, 268 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, elegant, on home made fudge and rich spices, with slight mineral notes Taste: Smooth, oaky, juicy, slightly mineral, on milk extract, fudge and some pleasant rounded flavours as well as some cooked apples. The finish is medium to long, oaky, juicy, spicy, with some apples and heather. Impression: An elegant and very balanced and harmonious whisky. Most enjoyable. Rating: 15/20 FP:B1 |
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Glenmorangie 1981, 10 YO, OB, 59.2%, B:1992, cask 946. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Smooth, malty, slightly juicy and oaky, on toffee, fudge and a touch of melon. Taste: Intense, oaky, slightly mineral, on shortbreads, wood, toffee and fudge. Diluted, it becomes lighter, juicier and less on toffee. The finish is medium to long, oaky, on fresh wood, dough, toffee, fudge and floral notes. Impression: At full strength, the notes of toffee and fudge are pronounced and some water is needed to release more juicy and lighter flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Linlithgow 1975 Silent Stills, 22 YO, Signatory, 51.7%, B: 1998, 335 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, slightly smoky, with a touch of peat and honey, with some light sweet fruity notes, mainly quince. Taste: Bitter, floral, fragrant, rather round, on hay and straw, with some bitter smoke. Unbalanced. The finish is short to medium, rather waxy, floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, round, on rancid cream, hay, vanilla and some oaky notes. Impression: The nose was very seductive, while it is rather deceptive on the palate. Not a whisky for me (rancid and fragrant). Sorry. Thank you Tomas. Rating: 09/20  FP:A1 |
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Ocean Special Old, 6 YO, Mercian, 40%. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Spicy, very round, fruity, on candied fruits, some Mirabelle, quince jelly, light earthy flavours, cinnamon, and honey. Very good. Taste: Very smooth and grassy, round to very round, slightly spicy, on honey, quince, peach, Mirabelle and some cinnamon. The finish is medium, grassy to very grassy, round, slightly spicy and sweet, with some cinnamon, peach, apricots, Mirabelle and quince. Diluted, it becomes more earthy, spicier, smokier and slightly rooty. Impression: A good whisky bottled by Mercian, who owned then Karuizawa. The backbone seems like it is coming from the Karuizawa distillery. Rating: 13/20 FP:D2 |
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Springbank Society Bottling 2007, OB, 57.1%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, sweet, sugary, round, slightly maritime and winey, with some sea brine, sweet grapes, coconut, and a light smokiness. Taste: Maritime, salty to very salty, slightly bitter and smoky, with some sea brine, sea salt, coconut, peat smoke and sweet grapes. Diluted, it becomes smokier. The finish is long, rich, intense, slightly smoky and earthy, on sea brine, coconut, light earthy and winey flavours. Impression: A very good Springbank, intense, slightly spicy, and quite smoky on the finish. Rather smoky for a Springbank. Thank you Bernhard! Rating: 15/20 FP:E3 |
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Glengoyne Director’s Special, 40 YO, Single Malts of Scotland, 56.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow, complex, elegant, silky, on soft leather, spices, tannins, figs, sultanas, oranges, cherries, cinnamon, some cloves, candied fruits and a dash of exotic fruits. Very well balanced. It becomes spicier over time. Taste: Intense, rich, spicy, floral, on pineapples, leather, cinnamon, cloves, tannins, cocoa and orange. It becomes more on cloves over time. The finish is long, rich, complex, spicy to very spicy, on bloody and bitter orange, tannins, tangerine, cinnamon, a fair dose of cloves, precious wood, some cocoa, thyme, and roasted coffee beans. Impression: A lovely, complex, intense and spicy Glengoyne. Heavily sherried, with the tannins presents, but not unpleasantly bitter or to dry. For a whisky of its age and quality, it is rather fairly priced. Rating: 17/20 FP:H1 |
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Caroni 1997 Taipei Bar Show, The Spirits Shop Selection, 59.6%, B:2017, cask 299, 189 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Heavy, tarry, floral, slightly fragrant and vegetal, on vegetamine, fermented herb liquors, liquid tar, brown sugar, coal, some meaty flavours, as well as some banana, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Taste: Heavy, round, intense, floral, fragrant, on fermented herb liquors, liquid tar, coal, some phenols, exotic fruits, banana and brown sugar. The finish is long, round, sugary, heavy, on fermented herb liquors, liquid tar, coal and some exotic fruits. Impression: A heavy Caroni, on fermented herb liquors, tar and coal, as well as some exotic fruits. Rating: FP:N/A |
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Glen Garioch 1991, 25 YO, Cadenhead’s,47%, B:2017, 222 bottles. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Complex, intense, aromatic, slightly earthy, smoky and peaty, on dry aromatic and complex peat smoke, with various and complex aromatic and herbal flavours. Rather peaty for a Glen Garioch. Taste: Rich, intense, complex, slightly floral, grassy, smoky and peaty, with some sea brine, aromatic peat smoke, green apples, liquorice roots and heather. The finish is medium, aromatic, smoky, slightly peaty and rooty, with some liquorice roots, sage, heather, and some bitter aromatic herbs. Impression: A very good, complex, aromatic and slightly waxy whisky. Rather peaty for a Glen Garioch from the early 1990s. Most enjoyable. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Glen Garioch 1968, 29 YO, OB, 56.6%, B: 1997, cask 626. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Woaww! Very deep, rich and complex, mellow, peaty, aromatic, on brambleberries, complex aromatic peat smoke, guava, other exotic fruits, some sage, black liquorice, sultanas and figs. Taste: Very complex, rich, mellow, fruity, peaty, aromatic, on guava, mango, other exotic fruits, various berries, some tar, leather, tannins, aromatic herbs, sultanas, grapes, figs and liquorice. The finish is long to very long, rich, complex, aromatic, fruity, on aromatic peat smoke, liquorice, tar, cocoa, tannins, leather, sultanas, exotic fruits and some figs. Impression: A very rich, intense, complex, peaty and aromatic whisky, mellow and on exotic fruits. Simply excellent. This Glen Garioch 1968 from the Archive selection show an impressive balance between a rather complex aromatic peat smoke, leather and rich fruity sherry flavours. Rating: 19/20 FP:G5 |
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Miltonduff 1967, 36 YO, Duncan Taylor, 40.1%, B: 2006, cask 5417, 132 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Surprisingly fresh and floral, on pollen and honey. Clean, intense, on cream fudge and with a nice oakiness. Diluted, it becomes like a basket of tropical fruits, with banana, mango and goyava. Taste: Deliciously sweet, on warm banana, orange, beeswax, with a slight Thai spiciness and some smokiness. Diluted, it becomes more on canned fruit syrup and tropical fruits. The finish is medium-long, complex, on ripe and tropical fruits and tobacco leaves. Impression: I appreciated this Miltonduff very much, that gets even better with a few drops of water. Rating: 17/20 FP:C2 |
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Tamdhu 1969, 34 YO, Duncan Taylor, 40.2%, B :2004, cask 7314 Price: Colour : Gold Nose : Smooth, mellow, round and on pleasant notes of tropical fruits and some chocolate. Excellent. Taste : Smooth, mellow to very mellow, fruity, bold, with some humus, orange, tangerine, exotic fruits, some honey and grassy notes. The finish is medium, mellow to very mellow, smooth, on anis seeds, some tannins, raisins, melon, honey and some grassy notes. Diluted, it becomes more floral. Impression : A rather fruity Tamdhu, bold, fruity, with nice exotic fruits on the nose. Slightly thin and old on the palate. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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BenRiach 17 YO PX finish, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, oaky, slightly floral, with lots of vanilla, some dried fruits, sultanas, and a few drops of honey. Taste: Oaky, spicy, slightly floral, on oak extracts, vanilla, some sultanas, dried fruits, bits of orange and cinnamon. The finish is medium, floral, quite thick, on sultanas, dried fruits, some treacle, fudge and rather pronounced oaky flavours. Impression: A rather oaky expression of BenRiach, with a strong ex-bourbon influence. The influence of the Pedro Ximenez casks, where it spent its last maturation, becomes more pronounced on the finish and with some water added. Rating: 13/20 PA:D1 |
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Spice Tree Extravaganza, Compass Box, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy to very spicy, grassy, slightly waxy, on honey, fruits from the orchards, spices, cinnamon, some marmalade, cinnamon, peach and apricots. Quite light, but rich, spicy, creamy and rather complex. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, slightly waxy and grassy, on orange, ginger, cloves, marmalade, honey, and some creamy flavours. Impression: A nicely made vatted malt made with malts from Glen Ord, Clynelish, Benrinnes, Dailuaine, Teaninich and Allt-a-Bhainne. An older version of the Spice Tree and with more sherry influence. The sherry influence is present, but rather discreet, with strong spicy flavours, on nutmeg, cloves and some light aromas of orange. Rating: 14/20 PA: D1 |
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Teaninich 1982, 21 YO, The Bottlers, 62.3%, B:2004, cask 7202. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very intense, thick, floral to very floral, on leather, tannins, almonds, some game and polished wood. Very good. Taste: Floral to very floral, rubbery, fruity, with loads of toffee, some coffee, toasted almonds, oranges, Christmas cake, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium, fragrant, bitter, tannic, on toasted almonds, coffee beans, leather and rubbery notes. Impression: A heavily sherried whisky, rather chewy and floral. Rather rubbery. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Glendullan 1978 Rare Malts, 26 YO, OB, 56.6%, B:2005. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very intense, floral, round, floral, oaky, on round notes of pollen, beeswax, herbal infusion, fruits (pear drops and peaches). Taste: Intense, fresh, spicy, floral, very round, slightly creamy-waxy, on peach, pear drops, vanilla, cooked cereals, melon, and a very slight smokiness. The finish is medium, round to very round, mellow, floral, on vanilla, slight fruity notes, some verbena tea and fresh ginger roots, as well as a touch of bitter lemon. Impression: A good, fresh, round and floral Glendullan. Rating: 14/20 PA:B2 |
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Glentauchers 1997 Fighting Fish, 19 YO, Jack Wiebers World of Whiskies, 51.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Floral to very floral, light, fresh, on sweet fruity flavours, green orchard fruits and lychees. Taste: Floral to very floral, fruity, fragrant, slightly round, on round fragrant flavours, light fruity flavours, some aromatic herbs and light milky flavours. Diluted it becomes more on hops and tobacco. The finish is medium, floral, round, slightly aromatic and light, rather fresh, with some tobacco, vanilla, and light sweet fruity flavours. Impression: A good, floral, well-balanced whisky, with a light fruitiness and light oaky flavours. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Cotswold Inaugural Release Batch 01/2017, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young to very young, very smooth, slightly spicy and winey, on vanilla, grapes and light spicy flavours. Taste: Young, smooth to very smooth, milky, slightly spicy and winey, on grapes, vanilla and honey. Diluted, it becomes more on strawberries and raspberries. The finish is short to medium, very smooth, slightly spicy and winey, with light floral flavours, vanilla, tangerine and grapes. Impression: A young, smooth and rather pleasant whisky. For being only 3 years old, this English whisky shows already a nice balance. Rating: 10/20 PA:E1 |
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Arran 2000 My Precious (for Whiskybase), 15 YO, OB, 56.9%, cask 2000/135. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, rich, mellow, floral, on yellow fruits, juicy malt and tangerine. Well balanced and complex. Taste: Mellow, oily, creamy, on sweet malty flavours, slightly fragrant flowers, tangerine, orange, mild spices (cinnamon and some nutmeg), with light nutty aromas. The finish is medium, creamy, malty, slightly floral and mellow, on sweet and round fruity flavours of melon and tangerine. Impression: A very nice, well balanced, creamy, mellow and slightly fruity Arran. Thank you Manfred. Rating: 15/20 PA:E1 |
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Arran Batch 1, That Boutique Y, 49.1%, B:2013, 211 b., Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, light, floral to very floral, slightly dry and fragrant, on fresh fragrant flowers, some hay and vanilla. Taste: Floral to very floral, malty, fragrant, with fresh fragrant flowers, pepper, ginger, vanilla and some orchards fruits. Slightly creamy as well. The finish is medium, floral, and fragrant, with some straw, dry tobacco leaves, vanilla and orchard’s fruits. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter. Impression: A very floral and fragrant expression of Arran with a slightly bitter finish. Not an easy one. Thank you Jerôme. Rating: 12/20 PA:A1 |
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Blair Athol 1988 Whisky Schiff 2017, JWWW, 51.3%, B:2017, 103 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very floral, fragrant, slightly milky and grassy, on green orchard fruits, light floral and fragrant flavours and some honey. Taste: Floral to very floral, round, rather complex, slightly fragrant, grassy, round, and spicy, on vanilla custard, melon, some banana and exotic fruits, light spices and milky flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly peppery. Impression: A very good Blair Athol, floral, slightly fragrant and with nice round and light fruity flavours. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Glen Keith 1993, 23 YO, The Whisky Agency, 48.6%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, with some vanilla, green apples and light fresh green flavours. Taste: Light, fresh, green to very green, milky, floral, balanced, on cooked apples, some vanilla and milk. The finish is medium, green, light, fresh, floral, with some orchard fruits, vanilla, and a touch of honey. Impression: A nice, light, fresh and green Glen Keith. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Linkwood 1989, The Spirits Shop’ Selection, 50.8%, B:2015, 192 bottles. Price:. Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very mellow, round, floral, rich, complex, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on melon, mango, guava, some banana and other exotic fruits. Very good! Taste: Very mellow, round, floral, rich, complex, fruity, slightly fragrant, on honey, light spices, melon, vanilla, light creamy flavours and some round exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes spicier and slightly smoky. The finish is medium, fruity, floral, round, slightly grassy, creamy and round, on melon, vanilla, some creamy flavours and light exotic fruits. Impression: A very mellow whisky, round, grassy, with some honey and round fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 PA:A2 |
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Port Charlotte 2005 10th Anniversary Bottling, 12 YO Monnier, 57.1%, B:2017, cask 666, 108 bottles. Price:. Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, peaty, smoky, tarry, and maritime, on leather, seaweeds, iodine, camphor and tar. Taste: Intense, smoky, peaty, maritime, rooty, farmy, slightly medicinal and round, on tar, peat smoke, leather, menthol, sultanas, some fudge, seaweeds and camphor. The finish is medium to long, mellow, round, maritime, slightly medicinal, on iodine, peat smoke, camphor, some menthol, seaweeds, and medicinal flavours. Impression: A complex, mellow, round, maritime and medicinal Port Charlotte and nicely balanced. Very good, and surprisingly pricey (329 CHF)!. Rating: 15/20 PA:C7 |
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Langatun Peat Unplugged, OB, 62%, B:2017, cask 308. Price:. Colour: Gold Nose: Very smoky, peaty, dry, slightly oaky, on smoked meat, BBQ, lots of tar, some liquorice, camphor and iodine. Taste: Very young, smooth, malty to very malty, tarry, peaty, smoky, slightly maritime and medicinal, on liquorice roots, vanilla and oak spices. The finish is medium, oaky, peaty, tarry, malty, slightly salty and medicinal, on liquorice root, black liquorice, peat smoke, sea brine and tar. Impression: A spirit matured for 6 months, and while the attack on the palate is young, it shows a remarkable complexity. This is the first peated distillate from the Swiss distillery of Langatun I have tried and it is very promising, with nice and complex peaty flavours. Rating: PA: A6 |
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Arran 2000 for La Maison du Whisky, 17 YO, OB, 54.6%, B:2017, cask 2000/136, 143 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very fruity and sweet, malty, juicy, on canned (tinned) peaches, mango and juicy pineapples. Very good. Taste: Rich to very rich, very sweet and fruity, floral, slightly malty, on fruit jam, canned (tinned) peaches, mango, orange, dried and candied orange, exotic fruits, cooked apple and some lime. The finish is medium to long, very sweet and fruity, rich, intense, slightly malty, on candied and dried fruits (orange, mango and exotic fruits). Diluted, it becomes more on dry tobacco and cigar leaves, with a light smokiness. Impression: A surprisingly sweet and fruity Arran. A whisky that improves in the bottle over time. The fruity flavours are excellent, with a lot of orange, including dried and candied orange, as well as some round honey flavours. One of the best Arran I have tasted over the last years. Rating: 17/20 PA:G1 |
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Arran 2000 Single Cask for Whisky and More, 7 YO, OB, 54.1%, cask 2006/009. Price: Colour: Pale cold Nose: Malty, intense, heavy, smooth, floral, slightly smoky, on vanilla, some vanilla custard and light notes of apricots. Taste: Heavy, malty, nutty, floral, slightly farmy, with some caramel, citrus and honey. The finish is medium, spicy, malty, nutty, slightly farmy and rough, on oak spices, ginger, vanilla and some pepper. Impression: A nice, malty and rather heavy Arran, with a pleasant nose and slightly rough and young on the finish. Rating: 13/20 PA:A2 |
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Rozélieures Fumé Collection, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, intense, rubbery, peaty, smoky, on burnt rubber, dried fruits, dark chocolate, sultanas, dried fruits and orange. Taste: Light, very smooth and round, slightly rubbery, on dried fruits, red berries, sultanas, grapes, some dark chocolate. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A moderately peated (25 ppm) French whisky matured exclusively in ex-sherry cask. The result is a very round, sweet and winey whisky, with a moderate peaty influence. Rating: 14/20 PA:A5 |
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Macallan 8 YO (small 8, screw cap), OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral to very floral, meaty to very meaty, on rich spices, sweet and cooked fruits, chocolate, lots of soft leather, cinnamon, light nutty flavours, sultanas and a touch of smoke. Quite juicy. Taste: Very sweet and juicy, floral, grassy to very grassy, meaty, on honey, juicy fruity flavours of cooked orchard’s fruits, cinnamon, cocoa, and some marshmallow. The finish is medium to long, floral, complex, juicy, fruity, grassy, slightly meaty, on leather, juicy cooked fruits from the orchards, various dried fruits, honey, cinnamon, some Christmas cake spices and cocoa. Impression: This might not be the most complex Macallan, but it is deliciously smooth, grassy and juicy. Dangerously drinkable. A perfect daily dram. Thank you Enrico! Rating: 17/20 PA:F2 |
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Macallan Reflexion 1824 Series, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price:. Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, rich, round, slightly smoky andfruity, on sweet fruity flavours, light spices, some leather, cocoa, orange, tangerine, dried fruits, light oaky flavours, and a hint of peat smoke Taste: Rich, spicy, rather intense, sweet, fruity, mellow, round, with light spicy flavours, sweet fruits, tangerine, orange, exotic fruits, dried fruits, some cocoa, peach, and toffee. The finish is medium, complex, moderately spicy, fruity, juicy, slightly oaky, on peach, tangerine, orange, exotic fruits, fudge, cocoa and a hint of peat smoke, Impression: Fruity, moderately juicy and slightly spicy, it is a rather easy drinking whisky and a very good Macallan. I only wished the flavour intensity was more pronounced. Rating: 16/20 PA:G2 |
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Ardmore 2003, 13 YO, Sgaile.ch, 46%, B:2017, cask 801289, 312 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oaky to very oaky, peaty, slightly aromatic, with lots of wood spices, aromatic peat smoke and other complex smoky flavours. Taste: Intense, tarry, sooty, smoky, peaty, oaky to very oaky and aromatic, on aromatic peat smoke, toasted wood, and tar. The finish is medium, intense, peaty, smoky, aromatic, oaky, on toasted wood, aromatic and tarry peat smoke. Impression: An intense Ardmore, with a strong influence of smoky and aromatic peat smoke. Rather oaky and pleasant. Rating: 16/20 PA:A5 |
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Dailuaine 1992, 21 YO, Sgaile.ch, 46%, B:2013. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, floral to very floral, intense, on soft spices, vanilla and some almonds. Taste: Very smooth and floral, round, spicy, slightly grassy, on honey, freshly cut grass and flowers, vanilla and some almonds. The finish is medium to long, spicy, floral, intense, grassy, on vanilla, almond, complex spicy and floral flavours. Diluted it becomes more complex and spicier. Impression: A very good, complex, grassy and rather intense Dailuaine. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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LP 8 1998, Elements of Islay, 53.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty and smoky, intense and maritime, on disinfectant, grapes, berries, iodine, seaweeds and tar. Complex and well balanced. Taste: Mellow, complex, winey to very winey, sugary, maritime, and medicinal, on peat smoke, grapes, iodine and seaweeds. The finish is long, intense, complex, maritime, winey to very winey, peaty, smoky, on seaweeds, grapes and menthol. Impression: An intense Laphroaig with a final maturation of 8 years in a Madeira cask. Very good and with an intense winey influence. Rating: 16/20 PA:E8 |
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Inchgower 1997 Waldhaus am See, 20 YO, Signatory, 60.7%, B:2017, cask 4296. 168 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, salty, on toffee, fudge, some leather, honey, orange, vanilla and soft spices. Taste: Intense, rubbery, salty, on fudge, burnt rubber, tar, burnt matches, oranges and sultanas. The finish is medium, rubbery, round, salty, on burnt matches, fresh rubber, orange, dried fruits and some exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes fruitier. Impression: An intense and round Inchgower, with very nice fruity flavours, but also some burnt matches. A rather difficult whisky. Some might love it. Rating: 13/20 PA:G2 |
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Skara Brae 1999, Cooper’s Choice, 51%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Oaky, intense, slightly maritime, rather smooth, on vanilla, some spices, heather and a hint of smoke. Taste: Intense, light, smooth, fresh, slightly oaky, spicy, on vanilla, orchard fruits, some creamy flavours, pear drops and a hint of tobacco. The finish is medium, oaky, floral, fresh, spicy, with some heather, pear drops and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes oakier, more on sea brine and some lemon. Impression: A good, fresh and spicy whisky from the closest distillery of the Scapa Flow. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Yamazaki Mizunara 18 YO, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Oaky, spicy to very spicy, with some candied ginger, sandalwood, exotic wood, vanilla, tangerine, pine wax and a touch of bitter lemon. Intense, with nice flavours from the Japanese oak Mizunara. Taste: Waxy (tree sap), creamy, spicy, with some fudge, tangerine, pine wax, sandalwood, incense, and light creamy flavours. The finish is medium to long, spicy, creamy, slightly sappy-waxy-resinous, with some sandalwood, bitter orange, oaky and creamy flavours. Impression: An eagerly awaited whisky at the end of the year 2017. Although I was not fortunate to buy a bottle, I managed to purchase a sample thanks to Roger and the Thomson bros. It is very good, with a nice influence from the Mizunara oak, thus contrasting markedly with the “standard” Yamazaki 18 YO. However, I wished the oaky flavours were slightly less intense and the whisky more mellow and complex. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Royal Lochnagar 1972 Platinum Rum finish, 32 YO, Douglas Laing, 60.5%, B:2014. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, intense, nutty, floral, with some humus and vanilla. Rather heavy and slightly earthy. Taste: Smooth, intense, oaky, rather juicy, spicy, floral, on vanilla, some lemon pie, orange, melon, pollen and some grassy notes. The finish is long, spicy, slightly peppery, smoky, nutty, floral and intense, with lots of vanilla, some melon, honey, and a touch of ginger, Impression: A very nice and complex Royal Lochnagar with a surprising intensity. Aged Royal Lochnagar are rare and this is one is very good. The Rum influence is discreet. Thank you Lukas and Philipp. Rating: 15/20 PA:A2 |
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Inverleven 1977, 29 YO, La Part des Anges, 54.8%, cask 363, Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Grassy, earthy, quite heavy, with some nuts and woodiness. Diluted, it becomes more on lemon and parsley. Taste: Citric to very citric, grassy, slightly bitter with some strange notes, slightly cardboardy and meaty, on walnuts and wax tree. Diluted, it becomes more on tobacco. The finish is medium, round, grassy, oaky and resinous. Impression: A quite pleasant and drinkable Inverleven. Rating: 12/20 PA:A1 |
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Millburn 1970 Platinum, 34 YO, Douglas Laing, 50.9%, B:2004. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very floral, rich, slightly oaky, with notes of toffee, light smoky notes and some light notes of humus. Taste: Grassy to very grassy, with some humus, wet wood, old bonfire smoke, some slightly sour berries, marshmallow, bubble gum, some spices, wax and light notes of eucalyptus. Diluted, it becomes spicier and slightly woody. The finish is medium to long, grassy, slightly aromatic, with some eucalyptus, menthol, slight woody notes, some humus, honey and light fruity notes. Impression: A good, rather grassy, round and mellow Millburn. Rating: 14/20 PA:B2 |
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Millburn 1976 for the Whisky Shop, 25 YO, Douglas Laing, 58.9%, B: 2002, 276 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, sweet, round, mellow, on honey, honeycomb, heather as well as light spices. Taste: Smooth, soft, on honey, light sweet floral notes, some heather and mild spices. Soft and subtle. The finish is long, slightly oaky-woody, with a slight astringency, some smoke, delicate floral notes and honey. Impression: A deliciously smooth and soft whisky, easy drinking, with a slight woody astringency in the finish. Rating: 15/20 PA: B3 |
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Glenturret 1980, 33 YO, The Whisky Agency, 42.8%, B:2013, 253 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Herbal, aromatic, floral, vegetal, round, with some hops and a slight bitterness. Taste: Herbal, aromatic, fresh, with some eucalyptus, pine wax, hops and vanilla. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, fragrant, on humus and wet wood. Impression: A rather aromatic and herbal Glenturret, round and well made. Rating: 13/20 PA: A2 |
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Glenturret 1977, 34 YO, Master of Malt, 47.9%, B:2012, 247 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow, very fruity, slightly mineral, on yellow fruits, some pineapples, a hint of hops and spearmint. Very good. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, fruity, complex, on yellow fruits, hops, some pineapples and mineral flavours. Over time, it becomes more on pineapples. The finish is medium to long, slightly mineral, on pineapples, with some sea brine, tangerine, hops and yellow fruits (mainly quince and peach). Impression: A very good mellow Glenturret, with pleasant yellow fruits. Rating: 16/20 PA: A1 |
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Tamnavulin 1967, Sansibar, 40.3%, B: 2012. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, green, malty, on ripe bananas, cucumbers, cinnamons and herbal tea. Taste: Very smooth, sweet, malty, on banana, pear juice and some custard. Rather fresh. The finish is medium, very smooth and mellow, on pear juice and some smoky oaky notes. Very fresh and with some wood spices. Impression: A very smooth and fresh Tamnavulin, slightly thin and with nice notes of banana. Rating: 15/20 PA: A2 |
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Tamnavulin 40 YO Director’s Special, The Single Malts of Scotland, 40.6%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very mellow and round, smooth, malty, very fruity, slightly mineral, on banana, banana purée, quince, mango, papaya, some heather honey and melon. Very good. Taste: Rich, mineral, citric, on lemon, lime, papaya, heather honey, melon, some quince and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium to long, slightly mineral and thin, very mellow, some citrus, lemon, lime, lime blossom, papaya, quince and banana. Impression: A very good, mellow and round Tamnavulin, slightly mineral, on lime, banana and lemon. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Benrinnes 1984, 24 YO, Signatory, 58.6%, B: 2008, cask 115, 598 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Floral, light, fragrant to very fragrant, with some yeast extract, tangerine, bitter orange and faint notes of vomit. Taste: Fragrant to very fragrant, floral, intense to very intense, with some varnish and apples. The finish is medium, fragrant to very fragrant, floral, bitter, slightly austere and with faint notes of vomit. Impression: A very fragrant and floral Benrinnes. Not bad, but not really my style of whisky. Rating: 10/20 PA:D1 |
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Benrinnes 1980, 20 YO, Dun Bheagan, 46%, B:2001. Price: Colour : Gold. Nose : Very special nose, a mixture of exotic fruits and energy drinks, with some pear, peat smoke and sweat. Taste: Very smooth, light grassy notes, floral, with some pear, honey and lime blossom. The finish is medium, clean, smooth, delicate, malty, with a lot of honey. Impression: A very unusual whisky, that taste very much like diluted honey. Rating: 11/20 PA:A1 |
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Bladnoch 1990, 19 YO, OB (Bladnoch Forum), 54.6%, B:2009, barrel 30534, 181 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense to very intense, very fresh, floral, okay, juicy, on apples, lemon and some smoke. Taste: Floral to very floral, light, fragrant, oaky to very oaky, spicy to very spicy, with some fruity notes, lemon and apples. The finish is medium, fragrant to very fragrant, very floral, oaky, with some fudge and smoky notes. Impression: A very nice, fresh, floral and fragrant single malt, with a twist of lemon and some smoke. Very pleasant. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Bladnoch 20 YO, OB, 55%, B:2010. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, fresh, floral, on toffee, fudge and some farmy notes. Taste: Fresh, light, slightly smoky, citric, oaky to very oaky, spicy, with a touch of pineapples. The finish is medium, fragrant, floral, oaky, with some fudge and spices. Impression: A good, fresh and floral Bladnoch, with a stronger toffee influence than the Bladnoch Forum. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Scapa 1975, 25 YO, Silver Seal, 50%, B: 2001. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rather fresh, coastal and smoky, slightly mineral and juicy, on sea spray, some dates, honey and heather. Heavier and more woody than the SMWS. Taste: Rich, oaky, complex, maritime, floral, slightly nutty, on heather, smoke, and honey. The finish is medium, oaky, sweet, smooth, on heather honey, some smoke and toffee. Impression: A nice, rich and complex Scapa, with a nice smoothness. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Scapa Seaside holiday dram 2002 17.3, 11 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 55.5%, B: 2013, 251 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Taste: Fresh, slightly coastal and smoky, rather smooth and juicy, with some sea spray, a hint of diesel smoke, some citrus and heather. Nose: Fresh, very light and floral, with light spicy and woody notes, some liquorice roots and hay. The finish is medium, very light, fresh, slightly oaky, with some hay, smoke, a touch of heather and some sea spray. Impression: A good, light, fresh, coastal and slightly smoky Scapa. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Glenmorangie 1971 Culloden, OB, 43%. Price: Colour: Old gold -amber Nose: Smooth, very mellow, slightly meaty, floral, fruity, with some peat smoke, on oranges, some tangerine, spices, wood furniture, beeswax and tropical fruits. Rather thick. Taste: Smooth, spicy, slightly woody, on pollen, tangerine, orange, tobacco leaves, some humus, peat smoke, a touch of liquorice roots and a slight saltiness and sea brine. The finish is medium, rather tannic and woody, on peat smoke, tobacco leaves, some chocolate, spices, humus and orange. Impression: The 1963 was delicious and although this version shares some similarities, it is heavier and the wood is rather loud. Rating: 15/20 PA:H2 |
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Glenrothes 1989, 24 YO, Carn Mor, 54.8%, B: 2014, cask 11192. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Oaky, slightly floral, on leather, thick tannins, dried fruits, treacle and some smoke and spices. Taste: Fruity, rich, velvety, floral, on tangerine and orange, with some leather, cocoa, spices, cinnamon, cloves, dried fruits and rubber. The finish is long, rather dry, woody and tannic, with some fruity and floral notes, on rubber, tannins, leather, oranges, tangerine and diverse spices. Impression: An interesting combination of fruit, dark sherry influence and tannin, with a certain dose of rubber. Pretty good, but slightly too woody and rubbery for me. Rating: 13/20 PA:I1 |
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Springbank 1969, Dun Eideann, 48.8%, B: 1995, cask 92/239-1, 685 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, heavy, slightly on humus, bold and old peat smoke, some quince, Mirabelle, humidor and maritime flavours. Excellent and old fashioned. Taste: Fruity, slightly syrupy, peaty, maritime, smoky, slightly salty, on quince, tangerine, peach, some papaya, old peat smoke, with a light citrusy twist. Complex. The finish is long, syrupy, fruity, smoky, peaty, maritime and slightly salty. Impression: The quality of the old Springbank is well known. This one is no exception, with the flavours evolving over time, a very nice old bold and slightly drying peat smoke that you can smell on some old croft houses in the Highlands, complemented by subtle and elegant syrupy notes (refill sherry cask?). In any case, a whisky that I enjoyed thoroughly. Rating: 19/20 PA:D5 |
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Bunnahabhain 1980, 33 YO, Acla Selection, 45.4%, B:2013 (Labelled in 2017), 52 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, round, maritime, slightly smoky and fruity, on round and sweet fruity flavours, some seaweeds and maritime smoke. Taste: Mellow, sweet, rich, fruity to very fruity, maritime, slightly salty, on honey, orange, tangerine, leather, soft spices, fruit jam and tobacco smoke. The finish is long, complex, maritime, salty, slightly smoky, on fruit jam, dried fruit, honey, orange, tangerine, some salt and leather. Impression: An excellent, sweet, fruity and maritime Bunna. Well balanced and with a sweet sherry influence. This whisky was bottled in 2013, but forgotten in a warehouse, before it was rediscovered and labelled in 2017. Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
Special The Whisky Showrossard
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Bunnahabhain 1989, The Whisky Exchange, 44.9%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, maritime to very maritime, slightly smoky, with some sea brine, tobacco smoke, vanilla and seaweeds. Very pleasant. Taste: Floral to very floral, fragrant, slightly maritime and salty, on quince, melon, honeydew melon, vanilla, light grassy flavours and some honey. The finish is long, round, mellow, slightly salty, maritime and smoky, with some sea salt, tobacco, seaweeds, vanillin and melon. Impression: A nice, round and mellow Islay, with a light smokiness and pleasant maritime flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Millstone 2005 100 Rye, OB, 50%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy to very spicy, peppery, intense to very intense, on apricots, some peach, vanilla and light creamy flavours. A rather smooth rye whisky, with a nice complexity. Taste: Smooth, spicy, floral, slightly fragrant and peppery, on peach, apricots and some fresh cream. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, peach, apricots and cooked cereals. Impression: This whisky is made of 100% rye grain, 100% small pot still distillation, matured for 100 months in 100% new American oak barrels and bottled at 100° Proof (50%). Contrary to some American Rye where the rye can be dry and bitter, the rye is well present in this whisky, combined with rather creamy and malty flavours. I am quite impressed by the work done by Patrick Zuidam and his team to produce such a balanced rye whisky. Well done. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Millstone 2000, 12 YO, Sherry, OB, 46%, B:2016, cask 0102080. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, round to very round, malty, creamy, with some juicy orange and tangerine. Taste: Spicy, intense, round, sweet, slightly vegetal and rubbery, on leather, toffee, some burnt rubber, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and a hint of earthy flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, juicy, sweet, slightly earthy and rubbery, on orange, tangerine, some humus and honey. Impression: A very good, sweet, juicy and rich whisky, well balanced and pleasant. Although is a labelled as a 12 years old whisky, the whisky is indeed 16 years old. Rating: 14/20 FP:H1 |
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Bladnoch 1990, 27 YO, Antique Lions of Spirits, 49.4%, B:2017, 276 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, fresh, elegant, slightly malty and creamy, on orchard fruits, some vanilla and almonds. Very good. Taste: Rich, intense to very intense, spicy to very spicy, fresh, slightly smoky, on round orchard fruity flavours, some vanilla, almond and light creamy flavours. The finish is long, balanced, elegant and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good, clean, elegant and rather complex Bladnoch, with a nice freshness and mouth feel. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Bladnoch Adela Oloroso, 15 YO, OB, 46.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, malty, fresh, slightly starchy and winey, on sultanas, some orange, tangerine, cinnamon and orchard fruits. Rather juicy and fruity. Taste: Creamy, malty, spicy, juicy, slightly winey and peppery, on dried fruits, vanilla, some rubber, orange and grapes. The finish is medium to long, spicy, winey, floral, slightly malty and creamy, with some toffee, honey and freshly cut grass. Moderately rough and oaky. Impression: A pretty good Bladnoch, with a rather oaky finish and rather intense winey flavours. The finish in Oloroso casks seems rather aggressive. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Old Perth 1996, 21 YO, Morrison & Mackay, 55.4%, B:2017, 335 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, complex, floral, spicy, complex, on cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, some leather, tangerine, light floral aromas and a hint of humus. Taste: Juicy, rich, spicy to very spicy, complex, floral, on cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, tangerine, honey, cocoa, sultanas, ginger bread, some pepper and nuts. The finish is long, rich, complex, spicy, floral, slightly nutty, on cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, orange, tangerine, Christmas cake, sultanas, marmalade, some tangerine and nuts. Impression: A very intense, complex, rich, spicy and floral sherried blended malt, with nice nutty and fruity flavours. Very good! Rating: 17/20 FP:H2 |
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White Horse (US import), OB, 70 Proof (40%), B:1960s. Price: Colour : Old gold Nose : Smoky, peaty, rather maritime, on seaweeds, some tar, iodine, farmy notes and a touch of rubber Taste : Rather smooth, on toffee, caramel, fudge, slight floral notes, starch, some honey and dried grass. The finish is medium, soft, smooth, slightly peaty and floral, with some maritime and medicinal flavours. Impression : The nose was rather peaty and maritime, but smoother and softer on the palate. A smooth and soft blended whisky. Rating : 13/20 FP:C3 |
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Chivas Ultis, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, spicy, floral, mellow, nutty, with some leather, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, light grassy flavours and a touch of toffee. Taste: Rich, spicy, intense, complex, floral, fruity, on cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, some tangerine and tropical fruits. Well balanced. The finish is medium, floral, fragrant, juicy, and slightly fruity, with some spices and sweet fruity flavours. Impression: A nice, rich, complex, floral and spicy blended malt, based on the malts used for the Chivas blend. With malts of at least 12 years of age. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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Copper Dog Blended Malt batch 16/0673, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth, floral to very floral, rich, slightly fragrant, on toffee, round floral, light spicy and fruity flavours. Well balanced and rather complex. Taste: Smooth, floral, rich, juicy, slightly young, malty, floral, on green orchard fruits and light milky flavours. Diluted, it becomes creamier and more on fudge. The finish is medium to long, creamy, floral, light, smooth, slightly fruity and juicy, on tangerine, some light oaky spices, fudge. Impression: A nice, light, smooth, spicy and well balanced blended malt. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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GlenDronach 1995 For Lateltin Switzerland, 52.8%, B:2017, cask 3042, 629 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, slightly floral, fruity to very fruity, on orange, tangerine, soft spices, mango and other exotic fruits. Deliciously fruity. A fruit basket. Excellent. Taste: Very round, rich, fruity, mellow, slightly floral, with loads of fudge, on orange, leather, cocoa, exotic fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of smoke. Diluted, it becomes rounder. The finish is long, rich, complex, slightly floral and chewy, on dried fruits, toffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, plums, dried fruits, sultanas, orange and some exotic fruits. Impression: A very good, rich, round and fruity GlenDronach, with a nice moderate spiciness. Well balanced and most enjoyable. Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
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GlenDronach Peated Port Wood, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, round, slightly sweet and winey, on various spices, aromatic peat smoke, sultana, vanilla, some hemp rope and light oaky flavours. Taste: Oaky, dry, slightly floral and spicy, with light winey flavours, some sweet sugary flavours and a dry aromatic peat smoke and a light coastal influence. Diluted, it becomes younger. The finish is medium to long, floral, with a combination of dry aromatic peat smoke and sweet winey (Port) flavours. Impression: A good peated GlenDronach, with a nice Port Wood influence. Rating: 14/20 FP:G7 |
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Irish Malt 1989, 28 YO, Antique’s Lions Collection, 49.3%, B:2017, 209 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, rich, rather intense, slightly mineral, on exotic fruits and some pink grapefruits. Close to the North Irish, although slightly rounder. Taste: Rich, smooth, mellow, intense, on pink grapefruits, mango, other exotic fruits and light mineral aromas. The finish is medium to long, mellow, smooth, complex, fruity, slightly citric, on grapefruits and exotic fruits, and some starchy flavours. Impression: A very good Irish single malt, smooth and mellow, on grapefruits and exotic fruits. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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North Irish single malt 1989 for World of Whisky, 27 YO, Signatory, 42.9%, B:2017, 92 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, rich, rather intense, slightly mineral, on exotic fruits and some pink grapefruits. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, slightly starchy and round, on pink grapefruits, mango and some exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, rich, smooth, and mellow, on pink grapefruits, mango and some exotic fruits. Impression: Another very good, sweet, smooth and mellow Irish single malt, slightly rounder and more balanced than the Antique. Rating: 17/20 FP:A1 |
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Irish Single Malt Sherry Cask 2001, 15 YO, Sansibar and Van der Boog, 50.2%, B:2017, 161 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, intense, sweet, fruity, slightly mineral, on orange, dried fruits, some tangerine, leather and a hint of burnt matches, Taste: Rich, spicy, sulphury, sweet, juicy, spicy, on toffee, burnt watches, leather, orange and tangerine. The finish is medium, juicy, rich, sweet, rubbery, sulphury, on orange, tangerine and some exotic fruits. Impression: When I tasted it the first time in a cold tent, it tasted pretty good, but tasted again in standard condition, aromas of rubber and sulphur are released. Rating:11/20 FP:H1 |
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Irish Single Malt XO, The Nectar of the Daily Dram, 49.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very smooth, light, slightly oaky, on green orchard’s fruits, pear drops and some vanilla. Taste: Very smooth, spicy, young, slightly sweet, on green orchard fruits, light spices, some cream and vanilla. The finish is medium to long, malty, creamy, and rather bold, on orchards fruits, with some honey and creamy flavours. More spicy than on the palate. Impression: A young, smooth and rather creamy single malt, with strong flavours of orchards fruits. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Caledonian 1987 Waldhaus am See, 30 YO, Signatory, 53.3%, B:2017, cask 23479, 226 bottles. Price: Colour: gold-old gold Nose: Creamy to very creamy, mellow, rich, complex, on maize (corn), treacle, cinnamon, some peach and melon. Very pleasant. Taste: Spicy, mellow to very mellow, rich, intense, creamy to very creamy, on peach, treacle, cinnamon, maize (corn) syrup, honey, and ripe apricots. The finish is long, complex, mellow and on the same flavours as on the palate. Impression: A very mellow, complex, well balanced and deliciously creamy grain whisky. An excellent and very pleasant grain whisky. Nice selection from the team at World of Whisky. Rating: 17/20 FPC1 |
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Invergordon 1973, 44 YO, The Nectar of the Daily Dram, 48.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Intense, spicy, slightly floral and fragrant, with some varnish, pepper, lacquer, vanilla, and cooked cereals. The spicy flavours remind me of rye. Taste: Smooth, mellow, intense, spicy, floral, slightly fragrant, on varnish, cooked cereals, glue and cooked cereals. The finish is medium, smooth, fragrant, slightly floral, on varnish, glue, light spices, cinnamon and a touch of pepper. Impression: An intense whisky, fragrant, on varnish and some lacquer, without any woody influence. Rating:14/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Elgin 1995 Kreuzritter, 21 YO, Monnier (Jack Wiebers), 52.1%, B:2017, 257 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, grassy, floral, fruity, slightly mineral, on honey, melon, vanilla, yellow fruits, and elderberries flowers. Very good. Taste: Round, creamy, floral, mellow, complex, slightly spicy and fragrant, on almonds, vanilla, honey, various spices and some vanilla custard. The finish is medium, floral, grassy, spicy to very spicy, intense, on oak spices, vanilla, some honey, freshly cut flowers and vanilla custard. Impression: A pleasant Glen Elgin, grassy, on honey and with nice floral flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Elgin 1995, The Nectar of the daily dram, 53.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oaky, spicy, floral, slightly mellow, on honey, melon and some vanilla. Markedly more oaky and spicy than the version of Monnier. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, floral, fragrant, on vanilla, fragrant flowers and light nutty flavours. The finish is medium to long, intense, floral, spicy and complex, with some vanilla and banana. Diluted, it becomes more on hops. Impression: An intense, floral and very spicy Glen Elgin. More intense and spicier than the Monnier. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Langatun American Barrel Aged 2011, OB, 45.6%, B:2017, cask 187. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, malty, some orchard fruits, vanilla and a touch of toasted wood. Taste: Very smooth, rich, malty, slightly round, some melon, vanilla and a hint of smoke and spices. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter and fruitier. The finish is medium, smooth, malty to very malty, round, slightly oaky and grassy, on vanilla, honey, juicy oak and some apples. Impression: A very good Swiss single malt, malty, smooth and on juicy oak. It is very good to taste for once a Langatun without any wine finish or maturation. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Highland Park Voyage of the Raven, OB, 41.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, light, slightly juicy, on vanilla, and a touch of heather and smoke. Taste: Young, light, oaky, spicy, slightly bitter, floral and fragrant, with some heather, vanilla, honey, peat smoke and light maritime flavours. Diluted, it becomes thin to very thin, with light oaky flavours. The finish is rather short, with light spicy flavours, some vanilla and juicy oak. Impression: A light, thin and young whisky, with slight oaky and floral flavours. The smoke is very discreet. A rather bland Highland Park. It probably suffered from the reduction to 41.3%. Rating: 10/20 FP:A3 |
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Glenglassaugh 2009 Single Cask for Lateltin Massandra Aleatico, OB, 56.2%, B:2017, cask 2214, 565 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-red Nose: Round to very round, winey, fruity, rich, on grapes and spicy red wine. Taste: Rich, winey, intense, fruity, young, smooth, on grapes, sultanas and orange. The finish is medium, round, rich, winey to very winey and on grapes, with some honey, melon and orange. Impression: A round, smooth and winey wineshky. Intense and spicy, but too much wine influence to my liking. Rating:11/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenglassaugh PX Finish, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, fruity, rubbery, sweet, on fresh and burnt rubber, orange, toffee, sultanas and leather. Taste: Very rich, fruity, intense, sweet, on strawberries syrup, tangerine, orange, on candied berries and honey. The finish is medium, sweet, round, very syrupy, sweet, on strawberries and dried fruits. Impression: A slightly young whisky, sweet, very fruity, rich and on strawberries. Rating: 13/20 FP:G1 |
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BenRiach 25 YO, OB, 46.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, mellow, fruity to very fruity, sweet, on quince, melon, elderberries flowers and a touch of sweet lemon. Taste: Mellow, grassy, slightly floral, round, bold, fruity, slightly citric, with some honey, grapefruits, vanilla, melon and light exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, citric, mellow, complex and fruity, with some honey, grapefruits and some other sweet fruity flavours. Impression: A very good, mellow, complex whisky, with fruity flavours slightly citric. Rating: 16/20 FP:C1 |
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Tobermory 1994 The Clan, 23 YO, Sansibar, 57.9%, B:2017, 242 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, subtle, fruity, slightly mineral, on tangerine, orange, some sea brine, honey and light grassy flavours. It becomes fruitier over time. Taste: Maritime, round, slightly malty and salty, on sea brine, some sea salt, tangerine, orange, a hint of smoke and a touch of camphor. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee and cocoa. The finish is medium, rather salty, with some sea brine, orange, tangerine, marmalade and toffee. Impression: A smooth and mellow Tobermory, balanced, with nice light saltiness and pleasant fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Beinn Dubh The Flying Scotsman, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Sweet, sugary, floral, winey, with lots of dried fruits, grapes, liquorice and fragrant flowers. Taste: Very smooth, sweet, sugary, winey, spicy, floral, and slightly salty, on grapes, with some salmiak, black liquorice (Haribo), fragrant flowers and caramel. The finish is medium, floral, smooth, round, floral, rather fragrant, on caramel, black liquorice and red grape juice. Impression: I was curious tasting again the black whisky, as the previous Cu Dubh produced by the Speyside distillery left me strong memories. This new version is a mixture of bourbon and Red Port cask, with added caramel to darken the content. Better than the Cu Dudh and a rather correct whisky. Rating: 08/20  FP:D1 |
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AnCnoc Peatheart Batch 1, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Floral, smooth, slightly young, peaty to vey peaty, smoky, on aromatic and dry peat smoke, some tar and apples. Very good. Taste: Very peaty, smooth, smoky, intense, slightly floral, on apples, peat smoke, tar and some liquorice roots. The finish is medium, smooth, subtle, peaty, on dry peat smoke, some tar and apples. With a lingering peat smoke. Impression: A good AnCnoc, with a pleasant peat smoke, and a touch of sea brine and sea salt. The smokiest and most complex of the peated AnCnoc I have tasted. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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BenRiach 22 YO Peated PX Finish 2nd edition, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, smoky, moderately peaty, on dry, complex and aromatic peat smoke, tar, some BBQ, sultanas, dried fruits, tangerine and light exotic fruits. Taste: Sweet, slightly salty, dry and smoky, on peat smoke, salmiak, liquorice, peat smoke, tangerine, some dried and exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, smoky, slightly dry, peaty and salty, on peat smoke, some dried and exotic fruits, as well as a touch of salted black liquorice. Impression: A very good BenRiach, with a lingering peat smoke, slightly salted, with some liquorice and sweet fruity flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:D5 |
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BenRiach 2005 Port Peated Batch 14, OB, 53.1%, B:2017, cask 2679, 713 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Dry, peaty, floral, intense, slightly sugary and winey, dry peat smoke, cocoa, tar and light dry winey flavours. Taste: Winey, intense, peaty, aromatic, sugary, on candyfloss, strawberries, sweet winey flavours, dry and aromatic peat smoke and a light fragrance. The finish is medium to long, dry, aromatic, slightly fragrant, winey and syrupy, on dried fruits, red berries, and dry tarry and aromatic peat smoke. Impression: A combination of a dry, peaty and aromatic smoky BenRiach associated with rich, sweet and sugary flavours. Good, but the general flavour profile might not be to everyone’s taste. Rating: 13/20 FP:G6 |
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Orkney Islands 2000, 17 YO, Acla Selection, 51.7%, B:2017, 120 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, smooth, slightly smoky and maritime, with some sea brine, vanilla and heather. Taste: Round, slightly maritime and spicy, on heather, oaky spices, heather, light earthy smoke and some cream. Diluted, there are some light nutty flavours. The finish is medium to long, slightly maritime and salty, on vanilla, light creamy and oaky flavours. Impression: A good modern Highland Park, with a typical flavour profile of the distillery, and some additional creamy flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP: A3 |
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Orkney Islands 2002, 15 YO, Acla Selection, 51.7%, B:2017, 90 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, slightly floral and malty, on toffee, some peat smoke, sea brine, honey and tangerine. Taste: Round, nutty, slightly maritime and salty, with some toffee, fudge, vanilla, tangerine, light green and floral flavours. The finish is medium, oaky, rather salty, with a light maritime peat smoke, some earthy flavours, light citric flavours and heather. Impression: A version with a discreet sherry influence, close to the 2000, with less earthy flavours, but more toffee flavours. Another good one from a distillery founded in 1798 in Orkney. Rating: 14/20 FP: D3 |
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Aultmore 25 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, spicy, rich, on leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, sultanas, some cocoa and mango. Taste: Smooth, round, floral, on leather, with some rubber, red berries, redcurrant, treacle, honey, dark chocolate, dates, sultanas, and light pineapple flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, thick, malty, on sultanas, dried fruits, orange, leather, some tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg and old books. Impression: A very good Aultmore matured in ex-bourbon casks, before undergoing a final maturation in sherry casks. The sherry contributes to thick and chewy flavours, as well as dried fruity. Lovely. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Speyside 1973, 44 YO, The Nectar of the daily dram, 52.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, intense, floral, aromatic, slightly citric, with some austere and aromatic herbal flavours, tree sap. A very good and aged sherry Speyside, with a fino-like influence. Taste: Rich, floral, round, slightly aromatic and austere, with some sea brine, peach, aromatic herbs, tree sap, and marmalade. The finish is long, intense, aromatic, slightly grassy and austere, with some marmalade, grapefruits, bitter orange and a few drops of honey. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic and austere. Impression: A very good, complex, intense and aromatic whisky, from a sherry cask, with the flavours suggestive of a fino cask. Rating: 17/20 FP: D1 |
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Cragganmore 1985 37.60 Oranges, spices and London honey, 29 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 52.4%, 182 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow to very mellow, floral, on honey, heather, some vanilla and lime blossom. Taste: Mellow, oaky, floral to very floral, soft, slightly fragrant, on heather, honey, some pepper, vanilla and yellow fruits. The finish is medium, floral, mellow, slightly woody, on heather, honey, vanilla and yellow fruits (some Mirabelle and quince). Impression: A mellow to very mellow Cragganmore, floral, slightly fragrant, on light aromas of yellow fruits, with some woody flavours in the finish. Rating: 13/20 FP: A1 |
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Cragganmore 1993, 20 YO, A.D. Rattray, 54.2%, B:2013, cask 1977. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, floral, slightly aromatic and bitter, on fudge, heather, vanilla and some quince. Taste: Round to very round, smooth, on fudge, heather, honey and vanilla. The finish is medium, floral, smooth, round, on heather, fudge and some vanilla. Diluted, it becomes more spicy and with some pear drops. Impression: A round, smooth, quite intense Cragganmore with some round flavours of fudge. Rating: 13/20 FP: A1 |
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Craigellachie 1999 Exceptional Cask Series for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 54.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very fresh, light, floral, malty, slightly creamy, with some orchard fruits, vanilla and honey. Well balanced. Taste: Rich, malty, creamy, green, juicy, on orchard fruits, honey, light floral flavours, soft spices, freshly cut grass and vanilla. The finish is medium, rich, complex, floral, grassy, slightly spicy, creamy and juicy, on orchard fruits and a light fragrance. Diluted, it becomes slightly more floral, bitter and on tobacco. Impression: A very good, creamy and fresh Craigellachie, with nice fresh orchard fruit flavours and some honey. Rating: 16/20 FP: A1 |
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Cragganmore 1989 “Art Nouveau Ladies”, The Whisky Agency, 52.1%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Floral, complex, moderately spicy, with a light smokiness, nice grassy flavours, on heather, some citrus and a hint of vanilla. Fresh and very pleasant. Taste: Mellow, complex, grassy, slightly floral, on heather, honey, some citrus, a light waxiness and light aromatic flavours. The finish is medium to long, waxy, citrusy, and slightly aromatic, with some tobacco, lemon juice, heather, and a hint of sea brine. Impression: A very good Cragganmore, mellow, complex, with some citrus and light waxy flavours. Very enjoyable. Rating: 15/20 FP: B2 |
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Highland Park 1995 for The Whisky Exchange, Gordon & MacPhail, 53.2%, B:2017, cask 1498. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Earthy, slightly smoky and peaty, on heather honey, vanilla, some humus, light fruity flavours (lemon peel, gooseberries and some orange). Rather complex Taste: Intense, oaky, spicy, rather citric, on coconuts, lemon peel, red berries, some heather honey, vanilla and candied citrus fruits. The finish is medium, rich, rather intense and citric, on citrus, green apples, some heather, peat smoke and sea brine. Diluted, it becomes slightly earthy, salty and smokier. Impression: A good Highland Park, rather intense and citric, with a pleasant earthy peat smoke. Rating: 15/20 FP: C3 |
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Speyburn 15 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, oaky, spicy, slightly dusty and nutty, with some orange, tangerine, toffee and soft spices. Taste: Malty, round, smooth, floral, on soft spices, honey, orange, some tangerine, dark chocolate, heather honey and dried fruits. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, slightly bitter and fragrant, with some honey, tangerine, pepper, dark chocolate and lemon peel. Impression: A good spicy and rich Speyburn, rather oaky. Rating: 13/20 FP: D1 |
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Highland Park The Dark, 17 YO, OB, 52.9%, B:2017, 28000 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, intense, rather rich, slightly smoky and salty, on homemade fudges, some orange, tangerine, cinnamon, and heather and a touch of mango. Well balanced. Taste: Rich, intense, rather spicy, on leather, toffee, various spices, orange, with a lingering peat smoke, some vegetal condiments, dried fruits, cocoa, tannins, heather, citrus and sea brine. The finish is long, spicy to very spicy, smoky, syrupy, slightly floral, on peat smoke, leather, tannins, cocoa, heather honey, some sea brine, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, vegetal condiments and treacle. Diluted, the peat smoke becomes slightly drier and more on roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very good Highland Park, rather smoky, with a coastal influence and nice spicy sherry flavours. Matured exclusively in first fill sherry casks, the sherry is well balanced and not overwhelming. An enjoyable whisky. Rating: 15/20 FP: G3 |
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Highland Park Full Volume 1999, OB, 47.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smoky, round, slightly peaty and oaky, with a light sea brine, some lemon peel, vanilla, light creamy flavours and honey. Taste: Smoky, slightly peaty and salty, on lemon peel, coconut, vanilla, a rather round peat smoke, some heather honey, light citric flavours and gooseberries. The finish is medium, smoky, slightly floral, oaky and salty, on heather, some peat smoke, vanilla and coconut. Impression: A nice and round Highland Park, rather easy drinking with a round and sweet peat smoke. Rating: 14/20 FP: A3 |
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The Chita, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Light to very light, very smooth, with light vanilla, mango and exotic frutis flavours. Taste: Light to very light, very smooth, grainy, with some starch, peach, mango and exotic fruits. The finish is medium, light, smooth, slightly spicy, with some vanilla, mango, and pear juice. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier and with light winey flavours. Impression: A light grain whisky, smooth, with light to very light exotic fruits. Not very expressive. Matured in a combination of American oak, ex-sherry and ex-wine casks. Probably a good mixer. Rating: 09/20 FP: A1 |
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Carsebridge 1982, 34 YO, Signatory, 49.4%, B:2017, cask 74603. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Very smooth and mellow, slightly grainy, with some vanilla, varnish, light spicy and fruity flavours. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, grainy, on varnish, some milk powder, dried apricots and peach. The finish is short to medium, grainy, with some dried fruits and light creamy flavours. Impression: Although it is very old and mellow, it is not very complex or intense. Rating: 10/20 FP: A2 |
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Widow Jane, 10 YO, OB, 45.5%, B:2016, cask 1089. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, spicy to very spicy, on treacle, cinnamon, nutmeg, treacle, slightly earthy, some ground coffee beans, and burnt sugar. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, rather round, sweet, on cherry, dried fruits, sultanas, treacle, peach, apricots, cinnamon, nutmeg, icing sugar and pepper. The finish is medium to long, intense, spicy, slightly peppery, on walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, icing sugar, peach and burnt sugar. Impression: A rich, intense and spicy whiskey, rather round, with nice peppery flavours and burnt sugar. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Sonoma Cherrywood Rye, OB, 47.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, spicy, slightly soapy, round, winey, peppery, on cloves, cherry, dried fruits, marmalade, cinnamon and treacle. Taste: Smooth, soapy, oaky, on bread, cherries, cloves, light spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. The finish is medium to long, smooth, spicy, intense, rich, on sultanas, cherries, and candied fruits, some cinnamon and marmalade. Diluted, it becomes more on smoked ham and BBQ. Impression: A good and original Rye whisky, rather smooth and light spicy flavours. Rating: 13/20 PA:D1 |
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Cardhu 12 YO, OB, 70 Proof, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, juicy to very juicy, slightly malty, waxy and grassy, on honey, pear, some peat smoke, light mineral flavours and pink grapefuits. Taste: Light, starchy, mellow, slightly austere and citric, with some peat smoke, honey, grapefruits and light aromatic and slightly bitter flavours. The finish is medium, aromatic, slightly smoky and bitter, with some caramel, grapefruits, light peat smoke, vanilla and tangerine. Impression: A good old-fashioned Cardhu, rather different from the current production, more peaty and austere. A good one, although slightly less intense than the version bottled at 43% for the Italian market. Rating: 14/20 PA:C2 |
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Blair Athol, OB, 70 proof, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Light, floral, slightly mellow, aromatic and starchy, with some old fashioned and slightly mineral peat smoke, Mirabelle, tangerine and tree sap. Taste: Floral, round, slightly aromatic and starchy, with some pollen, old peat smoke, quince, Mirabelle and vanilla. Quite thin. The finish is short to medium, slightly spicy, nutty and smoky, on caramel, with some starch, tree sap, aromatic herbs and tangerine. Impression: A floral, round and slightly austere Blair Athol, with a light smokiness. A good one, but markedly thinner and less complex than the 80 Proof version. Rating: 12/20 PA:C2 |
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Talloch, A. B. Grant, 86 Proof, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smoky, peaty, smooth, slightly grainy, on old-fashioned peat smoke, some sea brine, seaweeds, and starch. Taste: Dry, tarry to very tarry, ashy, rooty, on old-fashioned peat smoke, some caramel, a touch of citrus and sea brine. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, smoky, on BBQ, dry old fashioned peat smoke, some caramel, sea brine and soot. Impression: A good old-fashioned dry and peaty whisky, with some sea brine. A lovely old-fashioned peat smoke. Thank you Nicolas. Rating: 15/20 PA:A5 |
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Old Comber, 30 YO, OB, 40%, B: 1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, bold, waxy, malty, fruity, on ripe orchard fruits, honey, some dried apricots and sweet dry sherry flavours. A very nice old Pot Still Irish whiskey. Taste: Soapy, woody, on eucalyptus, pine wax, some pepper and grapefruits. Musky. The finish is medium, woody, and bitter, on pinewax, some honey, grapefruits and a light smokiness. Impression: A whiskey with a charming old pot still nose, but slightly less pleasant on the palate, rather soapy and with some pine wax. I have tasted better whiskies, but it is a decent one and with a good historical value, as the Old Comber distillery was closed in 1952 and was considered as one, if not the best Irish distillery. This Pot Still was bottled in the 1980s. Rating: 13/20 PA:D1 |
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Karuizawa Ocean Special Old Whisky, 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, grainy, on caramel, with some fish and salt. Taste: Very smooth, grainy, slightly salty, sugary, on honey, light grassy flavours, some cardboard, peach, lacquer, varnish and a touch of dry fish. Diluted, it becomes more on walnut infusion and some diesel. The finish is medium, very smooth, sweet, on caramel, peach juice, some diesel, dry fish and honey. Impression: A very smooth whisky, rather light, with grainy-like flavours, some peach, honey and dry fish. Unusual. Tasted like a blend with a high grain content. Rating: 12/20 PA:A1 |
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Brenne, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, light, on green banana and banana. Taste: Very light and smooth, on banana and green banana. The finish is medium, very smooth, light and on banana. Impression: A French whisky, that tastes more like a banana liqueur, than whisky. Original, but as I do not like banana, definitely not a whisky for me. Rating: 08/20 PA:A1 |
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Tomatin 36 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very fruity, slightly austere and aromatic, on mango, pears, tangerine, grapefruit, some cinnamon, pineapples, and light earthy flavours. Very good. Taste: Very mellow, sweet to very sweet, fruity, on mango, pineapple, exotic fruits, honey, some grassy and aromatic herbs, lemon sherbet, vanilla and soft spices. Diluted, it becomes slightly more citric. The finish is medium rich, intense, slightly citric, sweet and aromatic, on melon, some aromatic herbs, grapefruits, pineapples and exotic fruits, as well as hint of tobacco and smoke. Impression: An excellent whisky, rich, intense and complex, with various fruits (sweet and citric), as well as some slightly aromatic and austere flavours. A vatting of bourbon and sherry casks. Rating: 18/20 PA:G1 |
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Tomatin Earth, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, malty, peaty, dry, smooth, young, with lots of pear, vanilla and some dough. Taste: Fresh, fruity, young, smooth to very smooth, slightly creamy, on dry peat smoke, pear juice, and some toffee. The finish is short to medium, fresh to fresh, on grilled bread, pear juice, some creamy flavours and dry peat smoke. Impression: A young, smooth to very smooth Tomatin, with moderately dry peat smoke. Rating: 10/20 PA:A5 |
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Suntory Special Reserve Whisky, OB, 43%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Winey, spicy, on plums, old wet wood, orange, leather, lacquer and some soya sauce. Taste: Special. Sugary, sweet, on ice tea, honey, orange, some leather, orange, soya sauce and plums juice. The finish is medium, sweet, juicy, sugary, on plums, some orange, lacquer and winey flavours. Diluted, it is more on hazelnuts. Impression: “A blend of malt distilled and aged at the Yamazaki distillery”, in other words, a Yamazaki. In terms of flavours, there is a fair dose of plums and some hazelnuts, giving the impression of plum wine casks used for the maturation of some of its content. Do not try to compare it with the Karuizawa single malts. Rating: 11/20 PA:E1 |
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Suntory Excellence 80th Anniversary, vatted malt of Yamazaki, OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, on petrol, sweet fruity flavours, plums, orange, some varnish, lacquer and incense. With time, the petrol and varnish flavours diminish and the whisky becomes sweeter and fruitier, more on honey. Taste: Rich, spicy, mellow, slightly sweet, on cinnamon, orange, orange peel, some citrus, peach, lacquer, honey, precious wood, rose wood and light earthy flavours. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, creamy, sweet, fruity, on orange, orange peel, cinnamon, some lacquer, dried fruits, honey and a touch of aromatic herbs. Impression: A good malt whisky, rather sweet, with nice dry and candied fruit flavours. More complex and elegant than the Special Reserve. Rating: 13/20 PA:D1 |
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FEW Bourbon, OB, 46.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, grainy, quite sweet, on cinnamon, honey, peach, apricots, some maple syrup and cooked cereals. Very pleasant and well balanced. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, spicy, grainy, on cooked cereals, orange, tangerine, and some orange peel, cinnamon and maple syrup. Well balanced. Diluted, it becomes creamier. The finish is medium, sweet, rich, intense, spicy, mellow, grainy, creamy, on peach, apricots, treacle, and various spices. Impression: Avery good, smooth and mellow Bourbon, on soft spices and a nice fruitiness. I enjoyed it very much. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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FEW Rye, OB, 46.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy to very spicy, slightly dry and nutty, with some treacle, thick honey, cinnamon, and some cereals dusts. Taste: Dry to very dry, dusty, nutty, spicy, slightly fragrant and peppery, with some dusty cereals, on dry spices, treacle and a light fragrance. The finish is medium, dry, spicy to very spicy, on marmalade, orange, ginger, some pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Impression: Markedly drier than the Bourbon, but rather smooth for a Rye whiskey. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Inchmoan 1992 Peated Island Collection, OB, 48.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Dry, peaty to very peaty, coastal, farmy, on peat smoke, some pineapples, melon, vanilla, beeswax and light floral flavours. Very good and some reminiscence of Brora single malt. Taste: Coastal, peaty to very peaty, waxy, slightly dry, tarry and farmy, with some lemon, heather honey, vanilla, light aromatic herbs and peat smoke. Diluted, there are some additional pineapples and melon flavours. The finish is medium to long, peaty, dry, slightly waxy, meaty, coastal and aromatic, with some lemon, beeswax, vanilla and light peppery flavours. There is a long peaty, dry, slightly farmy and aromatic retro-olfaction. Impression: An impressive Inchmoan, with a dirty and farmy peat smoke that reminds me of the Brora from the mid-late 1970s. A complex whisky, with a beautiful peat smoke that I enjoyed very much. I hope Loch Lomond will continue releasing whiskies of such quality in the future! Rating: 17/20 PA:A6 |
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Loch Lomond 1966, 44 YO, OB, 40%, B:2011, 1640 bottles. Price: Colour: Straw-gold Nose: Rich, mellow, smooth, slightly floral, with light grassy and honey notes, some pears and a touch of peach. Taste: Spicy, smooth, rather light and aromatic, on tobacco leaves, starch, some liquid honey, smoke, light maritime flavours and coconut. The finish is medium, light, slightly smoky, aromatic, and bitter, with some citrus and tobacco smoke. Impression: The nose is very pleasant and the body pleasant, with some bitter and citric notes in the finish, becoming rather strong when water is added. It is the oldest Loch Lomond ever bottled, light in taste, but not weak as some other old whiskies and with very little woody influence. A pleasant whisky. Rating: 13/20 PA:A3 |
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Koval Millet, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, creamy, on juicy oak, freshly crushed cereals, and on fresh and green orchard fruits. Nice and fresh. Taste: Fresh, light, smooth to very smooth, fruity, juicy to very juicy, with light notes of peach, apricots, and honeydew melon. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A very smooth, light and fresh whiskey made with a grain rarely used for whisky, millet. I used to use millet broth as a child and I enjoyed the sweetness and freshness of that cereal, with some sweet fruity flavours. Rating: 13/20 PA:A1 |
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Koval Four Grains, OB, 47%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very fresh, malty, on various freshly crushed cereals and light creamy flavours. More complex than the millet, spicier and oakier. It shares a similar core to the Millet, while one can feel the difference in grain composition. Taste: Juicy to very juicy, slightly creamy and grassy, on vanilla, peach, apricots, light and sweet fruity flavours, various cereals, some honey and orchard fruits. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly spicy and on the same flavours. Impression: A whisky with the same freshness and sweetness than the millet, slightly more complex and spicier. Rating: 14/20 PA:A1 |
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Octomore 2008, 7 YO, Rest & Be, 65.6%, B:2015, cask 2008000394. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Maritime to very maritime, on a seashore with the kelps drying under the sun, a dry peat smoke and a gentle sweetness on the back, as well as some rooty flavours. The peat is rather gentle, but becoming more phenolic and on petrol over time. Taste: Smooth, slightly young and sweet, very peaty, salty to very salty, maritime, on dry and tarry peat smoke, a slight sweetness, seaweeds and some candied lemon. The finish is long, tarry, slightly smooth and young, on dry and tarry peat smoke, candied lemon and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes more rooty and medicinal. Impression: A slightly smooth and young Octomore, with a long dry, tarry, and peaty retro-olfaction. A nice one. Rating: 14/20 PA:A7 |
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Octomore 8.3 Master Class 308 PPM, 5 YO, OB, 61.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty, dry, maritime, on bread dried over a peat fire, seaweeds, dry tarry and peaty flavours and just a hint of sweet winey flavours. Very intense. Taste: Young, oaky, slightly smooth and winey, on dry peat smoke, some leather, smoked meat, a light sweetness and some grapes. The finish is medium to long, young, oaky, peaty, winey, slightly rooty and tarry. Impression: A rather young version of Octomore and although it was made with Barley peated to 309 PPM, it does not taste more peaty than a Port Charlotte. The peat smoke is dry and tarry and complemented by the wine influence from the various wines casks used for its maturation. Rating: 13/20 PA:D6 |
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Hellyer’s Road Original Roaring Fourty, OB, 46.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Extremely smooth and malty, light, fresh to very fresh, on pears, vanilla, some apricots and sweet exotic fruits. Taste: Young, smooth to very smooth, green, malty to very malty, floral, on green pears, some vanilla, melon and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, slightly young, green and bitter, with some tobacco quid. Impression: A very smooth, young, clean, fresh and malty Hellryer’s. Rating: 08/20 PA:A1 |
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Hellyer’s Road Peated, OB, 46.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peated, smooth, dry, tarry to very tarry, slightly salty and maritime, with some melon, vanilla, sea weeds and dry tarry peat smoke. With time, it becomes more on grilled bread. Nicely peated. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, peaty, dry, slightly tarry, maritime, young, salty and malty, on dry peat smoke, slightly rooty, with some vanilla and soot. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, smoky, tarry, malty, on dry and tarry peat smoke, with some seaweeds, tobacco, vanilla, soot and nuts. Diluted, there are some light peanuts and hazelnuts flavours released. With a long dry peated retro-olfaction. Impression: A good whisky, with a rather intense, maritime peat smoke, becoming slightly maltier with some water. Rating: 12/20 PA:A6 |
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Hellryer’s Road Lightly Peated for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 64.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Sweet, malty, moderately peated, on melon, vanilla, flower honey, some apricots and exotic fruits. Taste: Dry, peaty, fruity to very fruity, on mango, papaya, exotic fruits, honey, dry peat smoke, floral honey, some melon, vanilla and dry peat smoke. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, slightly tarry and malty, on dry peat smoke, floral honey and a touch of peanut. Diluted, the peanuts and hazelnuts flavours are slightly more intense. With a dry, maritime and slightly peaty reto-olfaction Impression: A very good, dry, peaty and maritime whisky from Tasmania, with a good complexity and maturity. Rating: 14/20 PA:A5 |
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Tomintoul 21 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow, grassy to very grassy, fruity, on honey, pink grapefruit, juicy oak, vanilla and melon. Taste: Mellow, grassy to very grassy, sweet, fruity, on honey, pink grapefruits, juicy oak, some mango, melon, vanilla and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes creamier and more on exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, fruity, sweet, grassy, malty, creamy, on honey, tropical fruits, some citrus and vanilla. Impression: A mellow, rather complex, malty and fruity Tomintoul, with pleasant exotic fruits. Rather intense, even if it has been reduced to 40%. A good value whisky. Rating: 15/20 PA:C1 |
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Tomintoul 40 YO, OB, 43.1%, B:2017, 500 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on mango, gooseberries, grapefruits, some exotic fruits, heather and freshly crushed barley, with a touch of aromatic herbs and eucalyptus. Very good. Taste: Warm, complex, spicy, on tobacco, exotic fruits, liquorice, coffee, light floral flavours, some leather, vanilla, melon, and a touch of eucalyptus and aromatic herbs. Diluted, aromas of dark chocolate are released. The finish is medium, mellow, slightly oaky and spicy, with some citrus (mainly grapefruits), exotic fruits, coffee, cocoa and light aromatic flavours. Diluted, it becomes thinner. Subtle (gentle). Impression: A vatting of 4 American oak casks and the oldest official Tomintoul released so far. A gentle whisky, with a warmth mouth feel, citrus and tropical fruits. Very good, although I found it slightly thin in the finish. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Glen Scotia 25 YO, OB, 48.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, slightly oily, with some sea brine, vanilla, heather honey, pepper and light earthy flavours. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, smooth, slightly oily, with some diesel smoke, honey, heather, quince, melon and papaya. The finish is long, mellow, slightly salty, on diesel smoke, “dirty” oily smoke, heather, sea brine, some vanilla and melon. Diluted, it becomes waxier and on diesel smoke. Impression: A nice mellow Glen Scotia, with a rather complex diesel smoke aromas, as well as sweet flavours of honey and heather. Rating: 15/20 PA:A2 |
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Glen Scotia 1992 for The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Agency, 49.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, oily, slightly salty, mineral and maritime, on diesel smoke, vanilla, some quince, honey and citrus. Rounder than the 25 YO OB. Taste: Salty, spicy, peppery, oaky, oily, on sea brine, diesel smoke, some candied citrus, heather, honey and black pepper. The finish is medium, oaky, peppery, slightly bitter and oily, on old tobacco leaves, black pepper, heater, diesel smoke, vanilla, some quince and cloves. Impression: A nice, mellow and oily Glen Scotia, on sea brine and some honey sweetness. Rating: 14/20 PA:A2 |
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Benromach triple distilled 2009, OB, 50%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very smooth, light, fresh to very fresh, malty to very malty and on pears. Taste: Very light and smooth, young, malty, on freshly crushed barley, green orchard fruits and some green olives. The finish is short to medium, smooth, young and malty, on orchard fruits and just a touch of vanilla and dough. Impression: A very light and smooth BenRomach that taste rather young and with some green orchard fruits. A nice experiment and the first release from a triple distilled whisky from this distillery. I am looking forward tasting some older expression of this triple distilled. Rating: 09/20 PA:A1 |
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Benromach 2009 for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 58.7%, B:2017, cask 116. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, peaty, slightly dry and malty, on grilled bread, pears drops, and freshly crushed barley. Taste: Dry to very dry, young, smooth, peaty to very peaty, on peat-smoked grilled bread, soot, dry soot, ashes, aromatic herbs, and a light freshness. The finish is medium, dry to very dry, sooty, ashy, on dry tarry peat smoke, light aromatic flavours and peat smoked grilled bread. Impression: A nice Benromach on a very dry and tarry peat smoke and bread grilled over a peat fire. From the same vintage as the triple distilled, but tasted markedly older. Rating: 14/20 PA:A7 |
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Bruichladdich 2006, 10 YO, The Whisky Chamber, 59.1%, B:2016, cask 1396. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense to very intense, rich, spicy, slightly vegetal and rubbery, on humus, sea brine, toffee, some sea salt, rubber, seaweeds, nutmeg and cinnamon. Taste: Intense, maritime, salty, rubbery, rather vegetal, on vegetal condiment, fudge, toffee, some rubber, red berries and sultanas. The finish is medium to long, rich, thick, spicy, slightly maritime and rubbery, on vegetal condiment, rubber, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt and some seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes more floral and on blood oranges. Impression: A very intense and rich Bruichladdich, rather maritime and vegetal, on toffee and some rubber. Rating: 13/20 PA:J2 |
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Bruichladdich 1965, 24 YO, Gordon & MacPhail/Turatello, 54.2%, Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, floral, complex, peaty, maritime, slightly meaty and mellow, with some leather, seaweeds, chocolate, and nice round flavours of cooked fruits. Taste: Salty, oaky, maritime to very maritime, floral, spicy to very spicy (quite some pepper), with some old peat smoke, seaweeds, humus, sea brine, sea salt, melon and thick chewy fruity notes. Complex. The finish is medium to long, oaky, slightly mineral, peaty and smoky, with some diesel smoke, seaweeds, sea salt, and stewed fruits. Diluted, it becomes smoother, but remains rather austere and slightly aromatic. Impression: A very good, oily and maritime Bruichladdich, rather peaty and smoky, with a slightly austere and aromatic flavour. Rating: 16/20 PA:E4 |
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Bruichladdich Sherry 1990 for Travel Retail, 25 YO, OB, 48.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very smooth and mellow, fruity, slightly salty, woody and maritime, on cinnamon, some nutmeg and light tobacco and earthy flavours. Taste: Sweet, mellow to very mellow, maritime, salty, slightly fruity, on tangerine, orange, seaweeds, sea salt, humus and some tobacco. The finish is medium, mellow, mineral, sweet, on sea salt, orange, tangerine, some honey, seaweeds, nutmeg and cinnamon, as well as a touch of anise seeds. Impression: A mellow, sweet, slightly mineral and maritime Bruichladdich that seems somewhat tired. Rating: 13/20 PA:G2 |
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Islay (distilled at Bruichladdich) 1992, 24 YO, FEW barrels, 49.6%, B:2016, cask 2148, 204 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, fresh, elegant, slightly mineral, on orchard fruits, melon and some honeydew melon, with a touch of smoke. Refreshing. Taste: Mineral, fresh to very fresh, slightly smoky and peaty, on orchard fruits, some melon, peat smoke, sea brine, a whiff of diesel, and honeydew melon. Diluted, it becomes slightly saltier and peatier. The finish is medium to long, fresh, slightly smoky and salty, on orchard fruits and a touch of tobacco. Impression: A very natural Bruichladdich, with no discernable cask influence, while it is nicely matured, on fresh orchard fruits and slightly peaty and maritime flavours. I enjoyed it very much. Rating: 14/20 PA:A2 |
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Karuizawa 1984, OB, 56.8%, B:2013, cask 3663, 354 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very smooth, mellow, rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, complex, on precious wood, lacquer, orange, plums, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, ashes, tannins and various spices. Very good. Taste: Very floral, mellow, round, austere, rather aromatic, on aromatic herbs, eucalyptus, lacquer, precious wood, plums, soybean sauce, bitter orange and some camphor. The finish is medium to long, austere, aromatic, mellow, earthy, on sultanas, aromatic herbs, bitter orange, tree sap, eucalyptus, menthol and anise seeds. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic and earthy, with a touch of coffee. Impression: The nose was very smooth and spicy, with a pleasant sherry flavour, while on the palate it reminds of some very old Strathisla, with austere aromatic herbs. We do not have the heavy thick sherry influence of an Oloroso or PX cask, but more towards an amontillado or Manzanilla sherry cask. Rather unexpected, but very good. Thank you N. Rating:17/20 PA:G2 |
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Karuizawa Geisha, 31 YO, 59.4%, B:2017, 225 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Meaty, vegetal, mellow, smooth, round, slightly floral, on high grade leather, orange, nutmeg, some cinnamon, marmalade, exotic fruits, tangerine, sultanas, dried fruits, cumin, and anise seeds. Close to the 1984, but slightly fruitier and more on leather. Taste: Rich, intense, floral, slightly dry and tannic, with loads of pineapples, on orange, tangerine, some marmalade, tannins, dry leather, cinnamon, cloves, Pu-ehr tea, earthy flavours, incense and lacquer. Diluted, it becomes smoother and fruitier. The finish is long, floral, smooth, mellow, slightly dry, tannic and bitter, on leather, plums, orange liqueur, orange, sandal wood, sultanas, light earthy flavours, varnish and lacquer. Diluted, it becomes fruitier, but also more bitter and astringent. Impression: A nice, rich and intense Karuizawa, with a pleasant complexity, but the wood is rather present, slightly too much to my liking. Thank you N. Rating: 16/20 PA:J1 |
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Longmorn 1964 for Corti Brothers, 21 YO, 43%, B:1986. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, very aromatic, grassy, rather smoky, light, on soot, with some metallic notes, eucalyptus and linseed oil, as well as light notes of apricots, old smoke and aromatic dry herbs (fennel and absinthe). Taste: Light, sweet, grassy, with lots of liquid honey, on heather, eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, fennel, some eucalyptus and light tropical fruity flavours. Diluted, it becomes sweeter, slightly more fruity and with more honey. The finish is medium, smooth, sweet, fruity, grassy, on honey and light aromatic herbal herbs. Impression: A Longmorn infused with liquid honey? The influence of the wood is very light allowing the distillate to show off: sweet, smooth and slightly fruity, with a very nice balance and a lingering light smokiness. Rating: 17/20 PA:A2 |
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Longmorn 1989, 28 YO, Vallinch & Mallet, 45.4%, B:2017, cask 17-0128. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rich, floral, fruity, on cooked fruits, Mirabelle, quince, melon, some vanilla, light grassy and honey flavours, as well as a touch of smoke. Very elegant. Taste: Very mellow, soft, rich, floral, rather fragrant, slightly spicy, oaky and smoky, on honey, freshly cut flowers, some nuts, green orchard fruits, some green melon and tobacco leaves. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, fragrant, bitter, on hay, freshly cut and fragrant flowers, some tobacco and bitter caramel, as well as green apples. Diluted, it becomes bitterer and more fragrant. Impression: A complex Longmorn, mellow, with a nice fruity notes and a rather floral, green and fragrant palate. Rating: 15/20 PA:A1 |
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Longmorn 16 YO, OB, 48%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, malty, slightly creamy and fruity, on orchard fruit, vanilla and some banana and sultanas. Rounder and more complex than the Distiller’s Choice. Taste: Smooth, round, malty, slightly spicy, creamy and nutty, on orchard fruits, a nice spiciness, some floral and fragrant flavours, vanilla, a zest of orange and tangerine, as well as some soft malty flavours. The finish is medium to long, floral, fragrant, slightly malty and creamy, with some tobacco leaves, orange zest, bitter orange, fragrant flowers, hay, and anise seeds. Impression: A markedly better Longmorn than the Distiller’s choice, more intense, complex and balanced. A good one. Rating: 13/20 PA:C1 |
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Longmorn Distiller’s choice, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth, floral, oaky, slightly dusty and malty, with some vanilla, a touch of ginger, apples and nuts. Taste: Floral, fragrant, on green apples, some schnapps, almond, vanilla and floral flavours. The finish is sort to medium, rather bland, floral and bitter. Diluted, it becomes almost tasteless, with just some schnapps and light bitter floral aromas. Impression: A rather bland and young Longmorn. Probably reduced too much. Better to try to the previous bottling or the new16 YO. A tried it earlier this year and liked it better. Batch variation or problem with the sample? Rating: 08/20 PA:B1 |
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Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 4, OB, 51.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, clean, oaky, slightly malty, on vanilla, oak spices, tangerine, some cinnamon, leather, orange and honey. Smelled like ex-American oak sherry casks. Taste: Spicy, oaky, rather clean, malty to very malty, on heather honey, vanilla, orange, cinnamon, some cocoa and vanilla custard. The finish is medium, fresh, malty, oaky, spicy, with some orange and tangerine. Impression: A good Balvenie, rather oaky and with a fresh rather clean sherry influence. Seems younger and oakier than the previous edition. Rating: 14/20 PA:D1 |
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Balvenie 14 YO Caribbean Cask, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, malty to very malty, creamy, sweet, sugary, on brown sugar, coconut, vanilla, some treacle and toffee. Taste: Sugary, malty, slightly creamy, on freshly crushed barley, some pineapple, sweet sugary flavours, treacle, fudge and honey. The finish is medium, malty, slightly winey, sugary and oaky, with some dry Port influence and vanilla. Rather fresh. Impression: A fresh, oaky and malty Balvenie matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Caribbean rum casks. A good whisky, but I am slightly struggling with the balance between the Rum influence and the spirit. Rating: 11/20 PA:D1 |
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Balvenie 2002 Peat Week, 14 YO, OB, 48.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Malty, creamy, peaty, tarry, slightly aromatic, on vanilla, tar, some soot, dry peat smoke and honey. Pleasant. Taste: Sweet, malty, round, peaty, smoky, slightly tarry, on smoked bacon, some peat smoke, BBQ, liquorice, honey and a touch of salt and aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, smoky, tarry, malty, with some honey, dry tarry peat smoke, liquorice, cocoa and a touch salt. Impression: A very nice and original Balvenie combining the sweet malty flavours of the Balvenie with a nice tarry peat smoke. The whole is rather on the sweet side and well balanced. Made with peated barley (30 ppm) and not matured in an ex-peated cask. Rating: 14/20 PA:B4 |
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BenRiach 2006 For La Maison du Whisky, 11 YO, OB, 57.6%, B:2017, Sauternes, cask 1856. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, floral, thick, fruity to very fruity, winey, sugary, on loads of dried fruits, sultanas, treacle, grapes, wine gum and some exotic fruits. Taste: Sweet to very sweet, sugary, rich, on grapes, wine gum, dried fruits, exotic fruits, sweet white wine, some light oaky and honey flavours. The finish is medium, sweet to very sweet, sugary to very sugary, on grapes, exotic fruits, melon, sweet white wine and light floral and oaky flavours. Diluted, it becomes more oaky and winey. Impression: An oaky, sweet to very sweet BenRiach with an intense sweet white wine influence. The Sauternes wine finish is very present. Rating: 14/20 PA:G1 |
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BenRiach Cask Strength batch 1, OB, 57.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Spicy, slightly oaky and floral, with some ginger, light malty and floral flavours as well as some orchard fruits. Taste: Slightly oaky, spicy and floral, with some ginger, vanilla, honey and a light fruity flavour, with a touch of melon and tangerine. The finish is medium, spicy, oaky, with some ginger, vanilla, a touch of honey, spices and marmalade. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoother and more on orchard fruits. Impression: A pretty good, spicy and oaky BenRiach, slightly floral and with some ginger spices. Rating: 11/20 PA:C1 |
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Orma Corvatsch 2013, OB, 44%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Smooth to very smooth, malty, creamy, winey, on grapes, some peat smoke, vanilla, pepper, ginger, and wine gum. Taste: Smooth, winey to very winey, malty, spicy, peppery, mineral, on red grapes, vanilla, sugar and wine gum. The finish is medium, very smooth and winey, mineral, on wine gum and some sugary flavours from the Port. Diluted, it becomes more winey. Impression: A vatting from a Pinot Noir red wine and a Port Cask. The whisky is very smooth, with a nice mineral side and very strong winey flavours. For the ones who like wineshky. A whisky fully matured on the Glacier of Corvatsch close to St-Moritz. Rating: 10/20 FP:G1 |
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Orma 11-4 Pinot Noir 2011, OB, 44%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Red-amber Nose: Very smooth, malty to very malty, creamy, winey, on wine gum, vanilla and dried fruits. Taste: Dry, spicy, peppery, thick, winey to very winey, oaky, on pepper, red wine, light mineral flavours, strawberries and various spices. The finish is medium, very smooth and winey, peppery, on strawberries and light mineral notes. Diluted, it becomes more on black pepper and on cloves. Impression: The quality of the whisky is good, but dominated by the red wine. Too much for me. Another one for the amateur of wineshky. Rating: 09/20 FP:G1 |
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GlenDronach 1993 for La Maison du Whisky and The Nectar, 24 YO, OB, 52.4%, B:2017, cask 401, 659 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Floral, clean, on tannins, leather, soft spices, cinnamon, orange, some cooca, orange and chocolate powder. Taste: Rich, intense, smoky, very spicy, on cloves, cinnamon, dark chocolate, light peaty and earthy flavours. The finish is medium to long, dry, slightly tannic, rooty, bitter and astringent, with some marmalade, orange zest, bitter coffee, ginger and cloves. Impression: A rather bitter and earthy GlenDronach, on tannin and spices. Too bitter to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP:I1 |
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GlenDronach 1995 for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 48.9%, B:2017, cask 3054. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, floral, smooth, rich, on soft flowers, vanilla, light creamy flavours, cinnamon, cocoa, orange, tangerine, humus and some delicate woody flavours. Taste: Smooth, floral, rich, sweet, fruity, on orange, tangerine, some berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and dried fruits. The finish is medium, sweet, smooth, slightly fruity and rubbery, on cinnamon, liquorice, orange, milk chocolate, honey and burnt rubber. Impression: A good, rich and sweet GlenDronach with light rubbery flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP: G1 |
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Tennessee 2003, The Whisky Agency, 52.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, balanced, complex, on peach, apricots, treacle, some cinnamon, nutmeg, precious wood, cooked cereals and a hint of varnish and lacquer. Taste: Very round, grainy, smooth to very smooth, mellow, slightly bitter, on varnish, tannins, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some melon, honeycomb, toasted wood, and nutmeg. The finish is long, smooth, mellow, elegant, rich, moderately spicy, on orange, marmalade, treacle, orange, peach, some apricots, porridge, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and candied orange. Diluted, it becomes slightly more bitter. Impression: A very good, smooth and mellow whiskey, with a nice balanced. Well done. Rating: 15/20 FP:F1 |
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Heaven Hill 1996 175th Anniversary, 20 YO, Cadenhead’s, 50.8%, B:2017, Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, very mellow, slightly soft, on treacle, corn syrup, honey, cinnamon, canned (tinned) peach and light floral flavours. Creamier than the TWA. Taste: Dry, smooth, soft, slightly bitter and astringent, on soft creamy flavours, porridge, cinnamon, nutmeg, some marmalade, bitter orange, cloves and liquorice. The finish is medium, bitter, fragrant, creamy, floral, on bitter orange, cinnamon and cloves. Diluted, it becomes more tannic and with some coconut Impression: A smooth and mellow creamy whiskey, but the wood is rather well present. Rating: 12/20 FP:D1 |
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Ledaig 2000, 17 YO, Cooper’s Choice, 55.5%, B:2017, Sherry cask 800116. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty, maritime, intense, on a complex mineral peat smoke, seaweeds, tar, camphor and some kippers. Lovely. Taste: Intense to very intense, very peaty, salty, citric, maritime, on camphor, peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds, a mineral peat smoke and a mixture of citrus. Diluted, it becomes more on disinfectant. The finish is long, medicinal, peaty, maritime, tarry, on iodine, camphor, peat smoke, some seaweeds and other medicinal flavours. Impression: A very good and medicinal Ledaig, with a lovely and complex peat smoke. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Ledaig 2010 For Waldhaus Am See, 7 YO, Signatory, 46%, B:2017, cask 700383. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Very peaty, dry, tarry, maritime to very maritime, clean and salty. Taste: Very peaty, intense, oaky, maritime, slightly smooth and young, on tar, peat smoke, seaweeds, dry liquorice roots, sea salt, iodine, camphor, a light sweetness and hemp rope. The finish is medium, very peaty, rooty, tarry, on dry peat smoke, light maritime and medicinal flavours, a complex tarry and maritime peat smoke. Slightly young. Diluted, it seemed slightly younger. Impression: Not very old, but already rather matured, with a lovely complex peat smoke. Rating: 13/20 FP:A7 |
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GlenDronach 1991 Kingsman, 25 YO, OB, 48.2%, B:2017, 2500 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, rich, spicy, fruity, slightly floral, on cinnamon, orange, treacle, dried fruits, sultanas and high grade leather. Taste: Rich, intense, mellow, spicy to very spicy, on orange, ginger, marmalade, cocoa, truffle (chocolate), cinnamon, precious wood, some earthy and various spices. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, complex, slightly earthy, on various spices, some bitter orange, tangerine, leather and cocoa. Diluted, it becomes more on cocoa. Impression: It might not be the most intense or complex whisky, but I enjoyed its elegance and the nice spicy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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GlenDronach Cask Strength batch 6, OB, 56.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense to very intense, floral to very floral, clean, on orange, cinnamon, precious wood, dried fruits, orange and cocoa. Very smooth. Taste: Floral to very floral, rich, on tannins, precious wood, marmalade, candied orange, cinnamon, ginger, and Christmas cake. The finish is medium, spicy, with lots of oranges, cinnamon, soft floral flavours, plums, precious wood and old furniture. Impression: A clean, nice, rich and round sherried GlenDronach with nice spicy flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:H1 |
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Macallan Edition N°2, OB, 48.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich to very rich, intense, floral, spicy, on orange, dried fruits, sultanas, some tangerine, cinnamon and a touch of cloves. Elegant and with some honeycomb. Taste: Rich, smooth to very smooth, mellow, on soft spices, cocoa, some leather, milk chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg and toffee. The finish is medium, rich, spicy, smooth, floral, on cocoa, cinnamon, some leather, light nutty flavours, sweet fruity flavours, honey, melon, tangerine, orange and a dash of mango. Diluted, it becomes spicier. Impression: A rich, smooth and sweet Macallan, fruity and slightly creamy, with a pleasant intensity. Nice to taste again an affordable and pleasant Macallan. More like this one, please! Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Macallan Edition N°3, OB, 48.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, clean, floral, spicy, slightly fragrant, some red berries, lacquer, various spices, high-grade leather and milk chocolate. Slightly more elegant than the N°2. Taste: Rich, intense, floral, elegant, spicy to very spicy, well balanced, with some strawberries, cinnamon, leather, cocoa, a light fragrance and a touch of sweet fruits and honey. Impression: Another very good Macallan, slightly more elegant and fragrant than the N°2. The quality is very good, and with a flavour profile close to the Rare Casks. Very good, even it is not as complex or intense, as the Macallan bottled in the early 2000s. Rating: 15/20 FP:H1 |
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Macallan 12 YO Sherry, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, smooth, floral, soft, slightly vegetal, on cinnamon, soft spices, some ginger, lacquer and orange. Taste: Floral, soft, sweet, slightly starchy, on toffee, fudge, tangerine, slightly fragrant flowers, some orange, berries and cinnamon. The finish is medium, sweet, soft, floral, slightly spicy, on honey, tangerine and some cinnamon. Diluted, it becomes spicier. Impression: A soft version of Macallan, quite sweet and with a moderate sherry influence. With water, it becomes slightly spicier and more pleasant. A gentle approach to Macallan. Rating:10/20 FP:E1 |
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Kavalan Amontillado, OB, 56.3%, B:2017, cask AM110314027A. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, spicy, floral, on exotic wood, some lacquer, cocoa, roasted coffee beans, vanilla, light herbal flavours and fudge. Taste: Rich, aromatic, slightly floral, on fudge, cocoa, leather, mint, coffee, aromatic herbs, marmalade, cherries and some lemon. The finish is medium, round, complex, well balanced, with some tannins, leather, mint, marmalade, aromatic herbs, cherries, sultanas, cinnamon, some cloves, nutmeg and cocoa. Impression: Another Kavalan, of the same high quality as the Manzanilla but more aromatic. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Kavalan Manzanilla, OB, 57.8%, B:2017, cask MA110223010A. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, smooth, complex, on leather, orange, melon, some sea salt, dried fruits, cocoa, fresh mint and apples. Very good. Taste: Rich, spicy, round, floral, on cocoa, mint, apples, vanilla, dry apricots, cinnamon, some sea salt and fudge. The finish is medium, round, rich, slightly floral, on leather, cocoa, toffee, orange, tangerine, mint, cinnamon, dried fruits, sultanas and some sea salt. Diluted, it becomes more on roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very good, rich, complex, spicy and well balanced Kavalan. Well done. Rating:16/20 FP:G1 |
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Irish Single Malt for The Whisky Exchange 1990, 27 YO, The Whisky Agency, 46.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, complex, elegant, balanced, on exotic fruits (lychees, melon, mango, passion fruits and other fruits such as papaya), with light grassy and creamy notes. Taste: Smooth, mellow to very mellow, spicy, fruity to very fruity, slightly woody and creamy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, mango, papaya, white pepper, some banana flambée and other exotic fruits. The finish is medium, mellow, fruity, slightly starchy and woody, with some citrus, orchard fruits and exotic fruit. Impression: A very good Irish single malt, with a lovey nose full of exotic fruits, becoming rather mellow and softer on the palate, with slightly woody flavours on the finish. Although it slightly less intense than the previous bottling of Irish single malts, this very enjoyable whiskey. Rating: 16/20 FP:B1 |
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Irish Pot Still Chestnut finish, Method and Madness, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-brown Nose: Malty, creamy, fresh, and on pleasant intense chestnut puree flavours, with light floral, spicy, humus and woodland honey flavours Taste: Juicy, sweet, round, bold, fruity to very fruity, on honey, quince, chestnut purée, mango, apricots, orange and peach. The finish is medium to long, rich, sweet, malty, slightly spicy and peppery, on orange, peach, chestnut puree, cinnamon, tannin and some apricots. Impression: A rather bold, fruity and rich Irish Pot Still, with rather strong aromas of chestnut puree. A vatting of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, with a final maturation in ex- French chestnuts casks. An original experimentation that sold out within days. Rating: 14/20 FP:E1 |
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Teeling Brabazon N°1 Sherry, OB, 49.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, sweet to very sweet, rich, fruity, on honey, candied fruits, orange, tangerine, some honey, leather and vegetal flavours. Very different from the N°2. Taste: Sweet, mellow, smooth, fruity, slightly green, on honey, some leather, orange and light earthy flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, mellow, slightly earthy, with some leather and light vegetal flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on leather, ginger and earthy flavours. Impression: A good whiskey, quite spicy, on leather and some earthy flavours. The oaky flavours are quite pronounced. Rating: 12/20 FP:F1 |
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Teeling Brabazon N°2 Port, OB, 49.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rather spicy, slightly oaky, smooth, sweet and young, on sweet and sugary wine influence, sultanas, grapes, some pina colada and candied yellow fruits. A rather sweet and sugary Port influence. Taste: Sweet, sugary, winey, smooth to very smooth, with some pina colada, light oaky flavours and toffee. The finish is medium, sweet, smooth, sugary, on sweet fruity flavours and light winey flavours. Impression: A pretty good Irish single malt, with a rather sweet and sugary Port influence. I like this Port influence, even though it is not fully integrated with the smooth malty flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:F1 |
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Teeling The Revival Volume 3 Pineau des Charentes, 14 YO, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, sweet, sugary, winey, on coconut, pears, pineapples, and some candied fruits. Taste: Very smooth, sweet, on pineapple, sweet and sugary fruity flavours, some coconut, honey, light bitter and aromatic herbs, and light winey flavours. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, sweet, slightly citric, bitter and aromatic herbs, with some pine tree sap, aromatic herbs, dried pineapples, coconut and a light bitterness. Impression: A smooth, mellow and sweet Teeling, with sweet and sugary winey flavours, mainly on pineapples and some coconut, as well as some light bitter and aromatic flavours. Very good, with a pleasant and original flavour profile. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1 |
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Teeling the Revival Volume IV (4) Muscat, 15 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Rather dry and winey, green, on grapes, sawdust, some orchard fruits, vanilla and melon. Taste: Dry, oaky, spicy, slightly peppery, green, sweet and winey, on honey, grapes, some orchard fruits and a smoothness developing over time. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly green, dry, winey and aromatic, with some pepper, dry winey flavours and some vanilla. Impression: Quite different from the volume 3, on rather dry winey flavours. Not an easy one. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Ballechin 2004 for The Whisky Exchange, 12 YO, OB, 54.5%, B:2017, cask 330, 251 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very intense, peaty and farmy, tarry, ashy, on BBQ, peat smoked grilled bread, some seaweed, vanilla and a touch of aromatic herbs. Very good. Taste: Initially smooth and sweet, it becomes then very dry and ashy, tarry, slightly oily, grassy and aromatic, on BBQ, peat smoked grilled bread, some citrus, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium to long, tarry, ashy, dry to very dry, slightly floral, on BBQ, light farmy flavours, some vanilla, camphor, a hint of toffee, cinnamon and cloves. Diluted, it becomes drier. Impression: A very dry and ashy whisky, on BBQ and light floral flavours. A well made whisky, with a dry peatiness reminding me of some early batches of Octomore. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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Chichibu Peated for The Whisky Exchange 2012, OB, 63.2%, B:2017, cask 2088. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, dry, tarry to very tarry, slightly aromatic, maritime and medicinal, on BBQ, vanilla and some bacon. Taste: Very dry, smoky, aromatic, slightly sweet, on toffee, honey, peat smoke, some fudge, tar, vanilla and liquorice. The finish is medium to long, dry, peaty to very peaty, slightly tarry and coastal, with some aromatic, peaty and bonfire smoke, light mineral flavours and a touch of vanilla. Impression: A good, peaty and dry Japanese single malt, with flavours close to the some Islay single malt. Already well matured for its age. Promising and looking forward tasting older versions of Chichibu. Rating: 12/20 FP:A7 |
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AnCnoc 24 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, rich, sweet, floral, slightly creamy, on heather honey, dried fruits, sultanas, some leather, and freshly crushed barley. Very nice. Taste: Spicy, floral, rich, citric, slightly oaky, on leather, tannins, sultanas, dried fruits, some balsamic vinegar, orange, tangerine, nuts, marmalade and tree sap. The finish is long, floral, rich, slightly malty and nutty, on spices, dried fruits, light aromatic herbs, oaky spices, some pepper, leather, treacle, fudges and vanilla. Impression: A very good and complex AnCnoc, less oaky and spicy than the 18 YO, and with sweeter and deeper sherry flavours. Bourbon matured, with 2 years of final maturation in sherry casks. Rating: 15/20 FP:E1 |
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AnCnoc 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, smooth, malty, crisp, floral, sweet, on honey, vanilla, light spices, sultanas, some orange, tangerine and lemon. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, floral, slightly bitter, on citrus, pepper, vanilla, toffee, melon, light creamy flavours, lemon peel, oaky flavours and some gooseberries. The finish is long, intense, spicy, oaky, and moderately peppery, on honey, vanilla and some dry and spicy sherry flavours. Impression: An intense, oaky and spicy AnCnoc, with a slightly dry sherry finish. A good one. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Aberlour Triple Cask, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Spicy, rich, malty, slightly floral and oaky, on honey, some cinnamon, nutmeg and dry aromatic herbs. Rather light in flavours. Taste: Light, grassy, malty, slightly oaky, aromatic, bitter and earthy, on vanilla, nuts, dried fruits, tree sap and toffee, some orange and tangerine. The finish is medium, floral, smooth, round, on sultanas, cinnamon, some heather, orange and tangerine. Diluted, it becomes slightly fruitier and more on caramel. Impression: The whisky is rather rich and spicy, but slightly light, probably due its reduction at 40%, with a pleasant spicy and fruity finish. A whisky that will be found on the supermarket shelves in France, the biggest market for Aberlour. Rating: 12/20 FP: D1 |
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Aberlour Casg Annamh, OB, 48%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, clean, round, spicy, quite rich, with light malty flavours, on Christmas cask, ginger bread, some honey, tangerine, orange, a touch of leather, cinnamon and cloves. Rounder, more intense and more complex than the triple cask. Taste: Floral, rather oaky, slightly fragrant, spicy, earthy, bitter and aromatic, with some oak extract, pepper, heather, orange and cinnamon. The finish is medium, oaky, floral, on ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and light aromas of tangerine and orange. Impression: A rather oaky Aberlour with gingery flavours. Available at specialist retailers. Rating: 11/20 FP:D1 |
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Aberlour 13 YO for La Maison du whisky, OB, 58.0%, B:2017, cask 34595. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, malty, intense, slightly floral and nutty, on cinnamon, nutmeg, leather, honey, oranges, some dark chocolate, marmalade and candied fruits. Taste: Rich, malty, floral, rich, spicy to very spicy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, leather, dried fruits, some marzipan, fudge and sultanas. The finish is long, rich, spicy, intense, on cinnamon, marmalade, dried fruits, sultanas, a touch of ginger, almond and figs. Diluted, it becomes more on fudge and toffee. Impression: A very good, well-balanced, rich and spicy Aberlour, with nice dried fruits flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Glen Grant 1995, 21 YO, Signatory, 52.5%, B:2017, cask 88219/20, 384 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, floral, sweet, fresh, juicy, with some freshly cut grass, vanilla and toffee. Taste: Smooth, fresh, spicy to very spicy, floral, juicy, and citric, on pepper, fresh floral flavours, oak spices, some pepper, vanilla, honey and toffee. The finish is medium to long, floral, on honey, toffee, juicy oak, some apples and citrus. Impression: An intense, fresh, and rather spicy expression of Glen Grant. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Glen Grant 1954, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:2014, Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich to very rich, floral, slightly smoky, peaty and aromatic, on tannins, high grade leather, grapes, dates, some figs, dark chocolate, raspberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, eucalyptus and slightly austere aromatic herbs. Excellent. Taste: Very smooth, aromatic and rich, grassy, slightly floral and tannic, on old leather, eucalyptus, some menthol, old and precious wood, lacquer, aromatic herbs, dark chocolate, some berries, dried fruits, rancio and incense. The finish is long, elegant, smooth, moderately tannic and bitter, on rancio, balsamic vinegar, a delicate peat smoke, dried fruits, orange, sultanas, dates, figs, beeswax and a touch of berries. Impression: A very old and complex Glen Grant. As it is has spend approximately 60 years in a cask, the wood tannins are present, but without being unpleasantly astringent. With an elegant sherry influence and a light peat smoke. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:H1 |
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Glen Grant 2005, Gordon & MacPhail, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, intense, floral, on dried fruits, sultanas, red berries, some freshly crushed barley, tangerine, orange and fresh flowers. Very pleasant. With time, it becomes more on fudge and toffee. Taste: Juicy, fresh, floral, spicy, on grapes, dried fruits, cinnamon, orange, tangerine, fudge, some toffee, strawberries, freshly cut grass, a touch of balsamic vinegar and parsley. The finish is medium to long, smooth, juicy, floral, slightly oaky and spicy, on fudge, toffee, some red berries, grapes, light creamy flavours, orange and tangerine. Diluted, it becomes more on caramel and bitter. Impression: A very nice, rich and juicy Glen Grant, with pleasant sweet fruity flavours and toffee. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Springbank 1994, 23 YO, The Nectar of the Daily Dram, 50.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Dry, peaty, maritime, smoky, and slightly salty, with some artichoke, dry, aromatic and austere herbs, diesel smoke, and light rooty flavours. An old school Springbank. Taste: Complex, mellow, dry, salty, peaty, smoky, slightly rooty, salty, mineral and aromatic, with a light fruity influence. The finish is long, clean, dry, austere, aromatic, moderately peaty and smoky, on dry and bitter aromatic herbs, dry peat smoke, light maritime and harbour flavours, some citrus and orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic. Impression: An old style, aromatic and rather peaty Springbank, with a very limited wood influence. Pure and lovely. Rating: 17/20 FP:A4 |
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Springbank 2000 Port Wood Private Bottling for Awico, 15 YO, OB, 50.9%, B:2015, cask 134. Price: Colour: Amber-red Nose: Very smooth, sweet, slightly maritime and smoky, with a light winey influence from red Port, some harbour flavours, a light peat smoke and a touch of dried meat. Elegant. Taste: Floral, fresh, intense, slightly maritime, salty, smoky and winey, with some diesel smoke, vegetal condiment, red berries, grapes, harbour-like flavours and seaweeds. The finish is medium to long, slightly maritime, salty, winey and rubbery, on berries, wine gum, grapes, some seaweeds and red fruits. Diluted, it becomes saltier. Impression: A Springbank fully matured in ex-Port wood resulting in a smooth and sweet winey well-integrated Port influence. Rating: 15/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 12 YO, OB, 56.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, maritime, slightly smoky, peaty and floral, rather rich, on leather, some tannins, charcoal, light meaty, salty and rubbery flavours. It becomes more rubbery over time. Taste: Salty, juicy, maritime, smoky, slightly sweet, winey, fruity and salty, on dried fruits, orange and tangerine zest, sultanas, some peat smoke, rubber, red berries, diesel smoke and light harbour and seaweeds flavours. The finish is long, round, rubbery, maritime, salty, with some sea salt, fresh rubber, round fruity flavours, leather and light meaty flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitter and more meaty. Impression: An intense Springbank round to very round, with a strong salty and rubbery influence. A good Springbank, although it is slightly too rubbery to my liking. Rating: 14/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, maritime, slightly salty, floral, smoky, and round, with some dried fruits, orange, tangerine, harbour flavours, red berries and a light maritime peat smoke. Very good and elegant. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, elegant, fruity, salty, slightly rubbery, with a light peat smoke, fresh rubber, red berries, cherries, sea salt and some burnt rubber. The finish is long, mellow, smooth, rubbery, salty, maritime, on fresh and burn rubber, some red berries, orange, peat smoke, sea salt, leather and light meaty flavours, as well as cinnamon and cardamom. Diluted, it becomes saltier, more rubbery and with sweet liquorice. Impression: As for the 12 YO, the proportion of sherry is only 30%, but it dominates the whisky, with rather strong rubbery flavours. A good and rich whisky, but too much rubber to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP:H3 |
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Buair an diabh of Islay N°1 2008, The Whisky Chamber, 58.0%, B:2017, 372 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very peaty, smoky and maritime, intense, well balanced, on seaweeds, tar, some spices, dried fruits, leather, tar and some smoked meat. Very good. Taste: Intense, oaky, spicy, slightly round, with a touch of sweetness, on liquorice roots, tar, seaweeds, sea salt, with some disinfectant, dried fruits and a touch of camphor. Diluted, it becomes more on dried fruits, candied oranges and more maritime. The finish is long, round, very peaty, smoky, maritime, on seaweeds, some dried fruits, disinfectant, camphor, leather, candied oranges and a touch of cocoa. Impression: An excellent sherried whisky distilled in a distillery in the South Shore of Islay. It reminded strongly of the old 16 YO from that distillery with the white horse label, but more intense. Thanks Willy! Rating: 17/20 FP:E6 |
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Buair an diabh Tempt the Devil XI, The Whisky Chamber, 57.9%, 2016, 230 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, intense, and smoky, maritime, oaky, on vanilla, hemp rope, some liquorice roots. Taste: Intense to very intense, oaky to very oaky, clean, peaty, smoky, on liquorice, vanilla, seaweeds, some sea brine and camphor. The finish is long, maritime to very maritime, intense, peaty to very peaty, maritime, on camphor, seaweeds, disinfectant, some bandages and kippers. Impression: A very intense, oaky and peaty whisky from the South of Islay. More medicinal, oakier and appeared also slightly younger than the 58.0% version. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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Lagavulin 12 YO Special Release 2017, OB, 56.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty and maritime, oaky, modern, salty, on dry fish, seaweeds, disinfectant, liquorice, light mineral and lemony flavours, some mineral wool and light earthy and bonfire smoke. Taste: Very oaky, intense, peaty, peppery, very oaky (modern), peppery, earthy, oily, maritime, on burnt wood, dry tar, soot, dry liquorice, vanilla and camphor. The finish is long to very long, very dry, oaky and peaty, maritime, tarry to very tarry, with lots of dried liquorice roots, peat smoke, bonfire smoke, camphor, some humus and medicinal flavours. Diluted, it becomes even drier and more aromatic and bitter. Impression: A very peaty, oaky and dry Lagavulin, modern, with lots of dry liquorice roots and camphor. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7 |
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BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1, OB, 56%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very smooth, sweet, malty to very malty, creamy, on dry peat smoke, some tar, light floral flavours, grapefruits, and heather honey. Taste: Very smooth, young to very young, peaty, malty, slightly creamy, on dry peat smoke, tar, aromatic herbs, soot, hemp rope, light coastal flavours, some honey and light bitter herbs. The finish is medium, initially smooth and sweet, becoming drier, peaty to very peaty, smoky, on dry and aromatic peat smoke, some tar, earthy flavours and aromatic herbs. Impression: A very smooth and rather young peated whisky, initially sweet, before it becomes dry to very dry on the finish, with a rather aromatic peat smoke. I enjoyed the peat smoke and looking forward tasting more matured versions of that peated BenRiach distilled under Billy Walker ownership. Rating: 10/20 FP:A6 |
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Caol Ila 18 YO Unpeated Special Releases 2017, OB, 59.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rich, spicy, complex, slightly floral and maritime, with some lemon and vanilla. Rather fresh and malty, with some musk. Taste: Juicy, salty, slightly citric, floral and creamy, on pineapples, some melon, orchard fruits, pepper, tobacco and a touch of toffee. Complex and warm. The finish is medium to long, smooth, warm, salty, slightly creamy, on orchard fruits, pineapples, some melon and a touch of pepper, as well as some juicy oak and berries. Diluted, the maritime and the salty flavours become intense to very intense. Impression: I have not tried the unpeated Caol Ila for several years and the previous ones I tasted were rather sweet and young. This one is very good, with strong maritime and salty flavours, as well as some hemp rope and pleasant floral-fruity flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Caol Ila 2002, Valinch & Mallet, 52.8%, sherry cask 17-002. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Young, dry to very dry, fresh, tarry to very tarry, maritime, salty, intense, slightly aromatic, on peat smoke, dry tar, hemp rope, dry liquorice roots, seaweeds, some bandages and iodine. Taste: Dry to very dry, maritime, smoky, tarry to very tarry, on hemp rope, dry tar, dry liquorice roots, seaweeds, some kippers, and bandages and disinfectant. The finish is long to very long, very dry, tarry and maritime, salty, smoky, peaty, on old hemp rope, seaweeds, old fish, disinfectant and soot. Diluted, rather strong aromas of coffee and roasted coffee beans appear. Impression: The sherry influence is discreet to very discreet. On the nose it appeared slightly young and dry, but on the palate, it became very intense and dry, very tarry and with strong hemp rope flavours. A rather extreme Caol Ila, that we do not see very often, and that I enjoyed tasting. Rating: 16/20 FP:C8 |
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Ardbeg 1993 Campbeltown Festival, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 52.4%, B:2017, Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Maritime to very maritime, peaty, smoky to very smoky, slightly oily, mineral and medicinal, on kippers, seaweeds, phenols, cough syrup, bandages and menthol. Less peaty and intense than the An Oa, but also more medicinal, subtle and complex. Taste: Mellow, smoky, maritime, slightly oily, mineral, medicinal and salty, on seaweeds, subtle peat smoke, citrus, some lemon zest, bandages, camphor and other medicinal flavour, and pencil shaving. The finish is long, mellow, medicinal, maritime, rather subtle, slightly tarry, on peat smoke and some citrus. There is a very long medicinal and enjoyable peat smoke, which is remarkably complex. Impression: A mellow, complex and medicinal Ardbeg, with a light mineral and oily influence. The peat smoke is most enjoyable. Very good, although it is “only” moderately peated. Rating: 17/20 FP:A4 |
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Ardbeg An Oa, OB, 46.6 %, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, smoky and maritime, intense, oaky to very oaky (“modern”), on wet seaweeds, vanilla, some phenols, camphor, burnt wood and lemon Taste: Sweet, slightly young and juicy, oaky to very oaky, maritime, rather salty, on cinnamon, some pepper, lemon, seaweeds and camphor. The finish is medium, oaky to very oaky, maritime, salty, modern, slightly sweet and young, on seaweeds, vanilla, a light sweetness, some dried fruits, lemon, camphor and a touch of menthol and coffee beans. Impression: A modern and oaky Ardbeg, intense, slightly sweet and young. Pleasantly maritime, but it tasted younger and less complex than the Ten. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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Blair Athol 1993 Special Releases 2017, 23 YO, 58.4%, B:2017, 5514 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich to very rich, spicy to very spicy, floral, nutty, with lots of dried fruits, sultanas, leather, honey, orange, cinnamon and a light fragrance. A very nice rich sherry influence. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, nutty to very nutty, rich, intense, floral, on toffee, fudge, orange zest, aniseeds, some treacle, honey and bitter orange, as well as a touch of humus. With time, it becomes more on dark chocolate and orange zest. The finish is long, intense, spicy, complex, rich, on dried fruits, spices, sultanas, leather, some honey, nutty flavours, aniseed, dark chocolate and toffee. Diluted, it becomes more on liquorice and orange juice. Impression: A very good, rich and spicy Blair Athol, floral and nutty, with a most pleasant sherry influence. Lovely. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Blair Athol 1975 Rare Malts, 27 YO, OB, 54.7%, B: 2003. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Smooth, round, slightly mellow, rather sweet, with some tangerine, melon, raisins and light floral notes. Pleasant. Taste: Sweet, rather round and smooth, with some tangerine, melon, raisins and nutty flavours. The finish is medium, sweet, rather fruity, with some nutty (walnuts) flavours and floral notes. Impression: A very good whisky, rather complex and flavours suggesting some sherry influence. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1 |
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Teaninich 1999 Special Release 2017, 17 YO, OB, 55.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth, intense, floral, slightly spicy, on juicy oak, toffee, some almonds, vanilla, hazelnuts, lemon, apples, malt and juicy fruity flavours. Taste: Smooth, sweet, spicy, green, grassy, slightly floral, on juicy oaky, lemon, icing sugar, wine gum, some toffee, coffee beans and citrus. The finish is medium, sweet, juicy, slightly peppery, bitter and citric, on bitter lemon, some vanilla, a touch of toffee and freshly cut grassy. Diluted, it becomes smoother, fresher, with an initial peppery burst, on toffee, green fruits and more pears. Impression: A fresh and smooth whisky, with pleasant green and juicy fruity flavours, rather sweet and some pepper. The first Teaninich in the Special Release serie and a good one. More subtle and complex than the old Fauna & Flora serie. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Elgin Special Release 2017, OB, 54.8%, B:2017, 5352 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, fresh to very fresh, green, intense, sweet, well balanced, malty, slightly grassy, with some toffee, orchard fruits, honey, orange, roasted coffee beans, melon, and a few drops of tangerine. Very pleasant. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, green, grassy, slightly malty and floral, on green apples, orchards fruits, some hazelnuts, coffee beans, pepper, oak spices, toffee, cinnamon, tangerine, a touch of orange and lemon. Rather fresh. The finish is medium, sweet, rather spicy and oaky, slightly green and malty, with some coffee, green tea, malt, orchard fruits and tangerine. Diluted, it becomes smoother, juicier, more on lemon, green orchard fruits and freshly cut grass. Impression: A vatting of ex-bodega casks with spirit made using Pombe yeast and another part using conventional yeast and matured in refill European oak butts. Although it has matured in ex-sherry casks, the influence of the sherry is very mild, allowing the sweet and grassy flavours of the Glen Elgin to shine. Thus, it also contrasts with the previous Glen Elgin Special Release version. I enjoyed this one very much and enjoyed its richness and freshness. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1 |
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Port Ellen 17th Release 1979 Special Release 2017, 37 YO, OB, 51.0%, B:2017, 2988 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, subtle, elegant, complex, on a nice old style peat smoke, slightly maritime and fruity, with some quince, Mirabelle, leather, exotic fruits and more dry and phenolic peat smoke developing over time. Most pleasant. Taste: Smooth and mellow, maritime, slightly citric and fruity, slightly to moderately peaty and smoky, with some tar, TCP, bandages, camphor, seaweeds, grapefruit, lemon, exotic fruits, honeycomb, leather and soft floral flavours. Very well balanced, complex and elegant. Diluted, there are a few drops of orchard fruits. The finish is long, smooth, mellow, slightly maritime, smoky, peaty, salty, earthy and velvety, with some peat smoke, liquorice, exotic fruits, honey, Mirabelle and quince jelly, as well as sea salt, tar and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tarry, earthy and fruity. Impression: An excellent Port Ellen. Probably not for you if you are looking for a peat blast, but if you like a subtle and elegant whisky, then you might fall in love with this one. More Rolls Royce than Ferrari. The elegance and balance of this Port Ellen is simply excellent, with a lingering maritime smokiness, a subtle and slightly earthy peat smoke enveloped by light exotic fruits. Rating: 18/20 FP:B4 |
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Port Ellen N°3 1982, 27 YO, whiskyforum.se, 61.0%, B:2010, sherry cask 2858, 102 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, oaky, maritime to very maritime, peaty, smoky, on seaweeds, light medicinal flavours, orange, some sea salt, kippers and aromatic herbs. With time, it becomes slightly rubbery Taste: Maritime, salty, oaky, and intense, on tangerine, orange, seaweeds, some iodine, salt, liquorice, peat smoke, smoked fish and citrus. The finish is medium to long, smoky, maritime, tarry, moderately peaty and salty, on liquorice, tar, peat smoke, seaweeds, some dried seaweeds, tangerine, orange and leather. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tarry and rootier. Impression: A moderately peated Port Ellen, nicely rounded and maritime, becoming drier on the finish and some sweet fruity flavours to round the corner. A very good, pleasant and rather smooth Port Ellen. Thank you Kjell! Rating: 16/20 FP:F5 |
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Single Grain 31 YO irish Whiskey, Method and Madness, 52.5%, B:2017, cask 21614. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Deliciously smooth, mellow and fruity, with an excellent balance, on mango, peach, apricots, light grassy flavours, banana, honey, and precious wood. Excellent. Taste: Very mellow, sweet, grainy, smooth to very smooth, very complex, slightly fragrant and floral, on perfume, treacle, corn syrup, peach, mango, honey, some banana and precious wood. The finish is long, very mellow, syrupy, grainy, on a mixture of corn (maize) syrup and dough, peach, apricots, light fragrant flavours, some fudge, mango, honey, precious wood and cinnamon. Impression: A deliciously mellow, sweet and syrupy grain whisky, with an impressive balance. One of the best grain whisk(e)y I have tasted. A style that I enjoy very much. I wished the price (1500 euros) was softer. Rating: 17/20 FP:C1 |
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Port Dundas 1964 Special Releases 2017, 52 YO, OB, 44.6%, B:2017, 725 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very mellow, sweet, on corn (maize) syrup, fruit salad, incense, precious wood, some almond, vanilla and banana. Elegant and most pleasant. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, very fruity, juicy, grainy, on honey, peach, apricots, mango, guava, some other exotic fruits, orchard fruits, cinnamon and light oaky flavours. The finish is long, mellow, fruity, slightly oaky and creamy, on peach, apricots, mango, cinnamon, some apples and a touch of pineapples. Diluted, some wood and a light astringency are showing up, with some cinnamon, peanut butter and more fur tree honey. Impression: A most pleasant whisky, mellow and complex and remarkably fruity. Fairly priced for such an old and excellent grain whisky. Rating: 17/20 FP:C1 |
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Collectivum XXVIII, OB, 57.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, nutty, spicy, fruity, oaky, on vanilla and some toffee. With time, it becomes more complex and fruitier. Taste: Intense to very intense, young, nutty to very nutty, spicy to very spicy, on toffee, apples, some fudge, light floral and fragrant flavours, various nuts, almonds, light creamy flavours, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus. The finish is medium, nutty, spicy, intense, slightly floral and fragrant, on cinnamon, various nuts, vanilla, apples, some toffee and fudge. Diluted, it appears younger, more nutty, fragrant and floral. Impression: A blended malt from all active malt distilleries of Diageo. An intense, spicy and nutty whisky. Neat, flavours of nuts, mainly chestnuts, were very strong, but if you let it breath a few minutes, it becomes more balanced, less nutty and slightly fruity. A good one. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Caperdonich 1977 175th Anniversary, 39 YO, Cadenhead’s, 50.4%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, complex, floral, thick, slightly fragrant, mellow and nutty, on red berries, orange, leather, tannins, balsamic vinegar, dried fruits and walnuts. Taste: Rich, intense to very intense, very nutty, floral, on dried fruits, sultanas, dates, walnuts, balsamic vinegar, orange, tannins and leather, with light fruity flavours. The finish is long, dry, nutty to very nutty, tannic, astringent, floral, slightly fragrant, on orange, balsamic vinegar, dried fruits and walnuts. Diluted, it becomes more tannic, astringent and bitter. Impression: The nose was very rich and intense, on thick sherry. On the palate, it is initially very good, but on the finish it becomes rather tannic, nutty and astringent. Slightly too woody on the finish to my liking. Rating: 15/20 FP:J1 |
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Banff 1976 175th Anniversary, 40 YO, Cadenhead’s, 51.2%, B:2017, 192 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rich, fruity, intense, slightly waxy, smoky and peaty, on humus, cooked fruits, honey, orange, melon, some pineapples, peaches and other fruits. Lovely and complex. Taste: Rich, fruity, slightly smoky, grassy, peaty and maritime, with some liquorice, tobacco leaves, tinned pineapples, melon, Mirabelle, other fruits flavours and some herbal infusion, including chamomile. Slightly fragile and with some wood, but also slightly hearthy and some humus. The finish is medium, rather fruity and grassy, slightly thin, earthy and aromatic, with some smoke, rooty flavours, tinned fruits and herbal infusion. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic and on peat and tobacco smoke, as well as slightly more rooty. Impression: A very good old style whisky, complex, mellow, rather earthy and aromatic, on old peat smoke and pleasant fruity flavours. I really enjoyed this one. I found it at time slightly too thin to give it a higher rating. Rating: 17/20 FP:A2 |
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Pure Single Malt 1967, Berry Bros & Rudd, 43%, B:1981. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, on chervil, parsley and some farmy notes and on toffee. Taste: Juicy, slightly oaky, with lots of toffee, some fur tree honey, mild spices, a slight peaty smokiness and farmy notes. The finish is medium, floral, slightly grassy, farmy, peaty and on toffee. Impression: An interesting pure malt whisky, very likely from the Speyside, with a rather unusual but pleasant flavour profile. Rating: 14/20 FP:C3 |
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Littlemill 1991 175th Anniversary, 26 YO, Cadenhead’s, 52.6%, B:2017, 182 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Grassy, floral to very floral, on hay, straw, lavender, some peach, honey, and eucalyptus, with light fruity flavours. Taste: Floral, dry, grassy to very grassy, fruity to very fruity, slightly smoky, on freshly cut grass, some dry peat smoke, banana, peach, apricots, and aromatic herbs. Very intense. The finish is long, intense, rather clean, grassy, fruity, on hay, straw, aromatic herbs, stewed fruits and blond chocolate, with a hint of smoke. Diluted, it becomes cleaner and sharper. Impression: A very different Littlemill from the OB, drier and cleaner, more intense, but also less fruity, complex and mellow. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Littlemill 27 YO Private Cellar, OB, 51.9%, B:2017, 500 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Grassy to very grassy, bold, floral, slightly smoky and aromatic, on dry herbs, some eucalyptus and honey. Very good, Taste: Grassy to very grassy, intense, moderately spicy, on stewed fruits, citrus (including grapefruit), honey, freshly cut grass, some lavender, precious wood and peat smoke. Complex. The finish is medium to long, grassy, citric, slightly smoky, peaty, aromatic and dry, with some lavender, spices and aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes slightly more citric and spicier. Impression: A lovely Littlemill, rich and grassy and quite aromatic and citric, with pleasant fruity flavours. Slightly dryer and more aromatic than most independent bottlings of Littlemill bottles a few years ago. Rating: 17/20 FP:C1 |
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Brora 1982 Special Release 2017, 34 YO, OB, 51.9%, B:2017, 3000 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Round to very round, waxy, clean, slightly mustardy, smoky, coastal and smoky, with some citrus, apples and sunbathed barley, pleasant “dirty” flavours and a touch of Mirabelle. A lovely 1982-Brora style nose. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, intense, peppery, waxy, citric, slightly coastal and smoky, on lemon peel, black pepper, mustard weeds, sea brine, some chilli, stewed fruits, heather, Pu-Erh tea, mirabelle and a touch of aniseeds. The finish is medium to long, waxy, spicy, peppery, slightly coastal and farmy, with some sea brine, lemon peel, cooked apples, vanilla, black pepper, mustard seeds, a few drops of bitter citrus. Diluted, it becomes more peppery, slightly dry and more on liquorice. Impression: On the nose, we are clearly on the style of the Brora 1982, with almost no peat, while it is noticeably less waxy than the numerous independent bottling of Brora of this vintage bottled almost 10 years ago. This Brora is charming, very good, with a mixture of coastal, waxy, slightly farmy flavours, pepper and some apples. A rather different style than last year, but very enjoyable. Of note, Diageo announced this week a £35mio investment to restore the Brora and Port Ellen distillery, with production to start in 2020, just 1 year after its 200th anniversary. Rating: 17/20 FP:B2 |
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Convalmore 1984 Special Release, 32 YO, OB, 48.2%, B:2017, 3972 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fruity to very fruity, intense, slightly bold, on quince, Mirabelle, melon, cooked apples, candied lemon and some vanilla custard. Complex and well balanced. Taste: Oaky, mellow, spicy to very spicy, slightly peppery, floral, grassy and aromatic, on tobacco quid, stewed fruits (apples and pears), candied citrus, with some chilli, quince, mirabelle, melon, vanilla custard, nutmeg and cardamom. Diluted, it becomes more oaky and peppery. The finish is medium, oaky, intense, spicy, peppery, slightly floral and bitter, on apples, pepper, some chilli, citrus and stewed fruits. Impression: After the excellent Special Release from 2013, I was keen on tasting this younger version. From refill American hogshead, this is a very different whisky. While the nose was intense and with very charming various fruity flavours, the oaky flavours, pepper and chilli kick in immediately on the palate. The whisky is very good, intense and oaky, and thus contrasts with the intense sweet fruity flavours from the previous Special Release. Seems younger than the age on the label. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Convalmore 1977 175th Anniversary, 40 YO, Cadenhead’s, 56.8%, B:2017, 522 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Fruity, creamy, mellow, grassy, slightly bold, on apples, nutmeg, some cinnamon, oranges, candied citrus, humus, dried fruits and light aromatic herbs. Markedly more earthy and on humus than the OB. Taste: Grassy, mellow, fruity to very fruity, intense, spicy, earthy, with some humus, honey, candied orange and citrus, green apples, some freshly cut grass, herbal infusions and some tree sap. Lovely and well balanced. The finish is medium to long, intense, rather grassy, mellow and sweet, slightly earthy, on humus, old wet wood, moss, candied citrus, some leather, orange and tangerine juice, bitter lemon and grapes. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tannic and with some grape juice. Impression: A very different expression from the 32 YO, mellower, more grassy, sweeter and fruiter, but also less intense and spicy. From a sherry butt. I enjoyed this one slightly better. Of note, a blend of the two works very well. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Blended #1 Batch 3, 35 YO, That-Y boutique, 46.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, elegant, well balanced, slightly floral and grassy, with some leather, cocoa, peach, light aromatic flavours, Swiss milk chocolate and a touch of honey. Taste: Sweet, grassy, mellow, floral, slightly spicy and smoky, on liquid honey, grassy and aromatic flavours, some heather honey, fur tree sap, a touch of apricots and cinnamon. Pleasantly balanced. The finish is medium to long, sweet, floral, rather juicy, with a light spiciness, orange, tangerine, a few drops of peach juice, some sultanas, dark chocolate, honey, light grassy and aromatic flavours. Diluted, it becomes sweeter, fruitier but also shorter. Impression: A mellow, very sweet, grassy and pleasant complex blended whisky, with all the flavours well married that makes it very drinkable. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:F1 |
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Glenrothes 1996, 21 YO, Awico, 53.1%, B:2017, cask 7/1996. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow, floral, spicy, slightly creamy, on vanilla, vanilla custard, cream, and light spices. Taste: Floral, round, slightly spicy, on oak spices, nutmeg, some tobacco, vanilla and ricotta. The finish was medium, floral, round, slightly mellow, on vanilla, some honey, tobacco and vanilla custard. Impression: Another very good Glenrothes, slighthly more on tobacco and less sweet than the Acla Selection. It is nice to see independent bottlings from that distillery, as the official range proposes rarely cask strength version of this brand. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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BenRiach 30 YO Peated, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smoky, peaty, thick, on old tar and leather, sultanas, dried fruits, some candied oranges, soot and old croft house smell. Very good, with a persisting old peat smoke flavours that I enjoyed very much. Taste: Dry, smoky to very smoky, peaty to very peaty, on intense and lingering peat smoke from a croft house, peat smoked leather, dried fruits, candied oranges, soot and tar. The finish is long to very long, smoky, peaty, on old worn leather, old peat smoke, candied oranges, dried fruits, sultanas and some rusted iron. Diluted, it becomes drier and more on coffee beans. With a very long peaty retro-olfaction. Impression: A delicious BenRiach, with an intense old-fashioned peat smoke (slightly meaty), rather mineral and on leather. I loved this peat smoke, with a nice dry and slightly fruity sherry influence. Rating: 17/20 FP: H5 |
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Glenburgie 1995 White Turf for Waldhaus am See, Signatory, 46%, B:2016, cask 6511. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, clean, fresh, on vanilla, freshly cut grassy, some hay and a light spicy flavours. Taste: Fresh, floral to very floral, slightly malty and creamy, on orchard fruits, honey, some tobacco leaves, light spicy flavours and milky flavours. Subtle and elegant. The finish is medium, floral, clean, slightly fragrant, bold and malty, on orchard fruits, fresh floral fragrance and a touch of toffee. Diluted, it becomes rather spicy, bold and on dry tobacco leaves and cardamom. Impression: An elegant, subtle and floral version Glenburgie. Very enjoyable. Rating: 14/20 FP: A1 |
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Glenburgie 1997, Cooper’s Choice, 46%, B:2017, cask 9320. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very intense and thick, heavy, vegetal, floral, with loads of leather, cocoa and dried fruits, on sultanas, figs, some red berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange. A sherry monster. Taste: Tannic to very tannic, very thick, chewy, floral, slighltly sulphury and rubbery, on fresh rubber, vegetal condiment (Maggi), dried fruits, sultanas, figs, some red berries, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long, thick, chewy, floral, on vegetal condiment, some rubber, dried fruits, parsley, rubber and a touch of sulphur. Diluted, it becomes more rubbery and slightly more fruity, Impression: A sherry monster, thick and chewy, on dried fruits, some vegetal condiment and light rubbery-sulphury flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP: J1 |
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The Last Drop Blended Whisky 1971, OB, 46.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, floral, complex, slightly spicy, on honeycomb, peach, apricots, cinnamon, nutmeg, leather, tannins, sultanas, dried fruits (including dates and figs), orange, some cocoa, dried apricots, acacia honey and a touch of tree sap. Remarkably complex. Taste: Rich to very rich, complex, very intense, surprisingly fruity, on peach juice, some tinned (canned) pineapples, dried apricots, honey, light grassy flavours, a hint of smoke and a touch of dried fruits. The finish is long to very long, very complex, fruity to very fruity, slightly grassy, grainy and aromatic, on peach and pineapple juice, dried apricots, liquid honey, some cocoa, a touch of fur tree sap and cream, with a hint of smoke. Impression: A vatting of 40 different whiskies blended in 1983 as a 12 years old, then matured for 9 years in sherry casks and reracked in ex-bourbon casks for a further 24 years. The nose was initially driven by the flavours of grain whisky before the flavours from the malt gained in intensity. The palate was excellent, well balanced, with sweet sherry flavours and juicy flavours of mix-fruits juice and a long finish. A flawless whisky, very fresh and fruity that hides its age very well. One, if not, the best blended whiskies I tried so far. Simply excellent Rating: 18/20 FP: F2 |
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The Last Drop blended whisky 50 YO, OB, 51.8%, B:2017, 898 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Grainy, very mellow, slightly smoky, rich, floral, slightly bitter, on cocoa, some fur tree sap, peach, apricots, cinnamon, some dark chocolate and a slight smokiness. The grainy flavours are very strong initially, before the elegant flavours from the malt whiskies, with a light smokiness comes through. Smoother and slightly more bitter and tannic than the 1971. Taste: Aromatic, bitter, floral, complex, on fur tree sap, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted and charred wood, as well as some dark chocolate and cloves. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, grainy to vey grainy, on cocoa, bitter lemon, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some leather, tannins, dark chocolate, aromatic herbs, tree sap, cloves, peach and apricots. Impression: A blend of 50 whiskies blended as a 30 year old before being filled in Oloroso casks from a further 20 years. A different whisky from the 1971, more elegant, but also more bitter, tannic and less fruity. A very good whisky, but I enjoyed the abundant fruitiness and honey flavours from the 1971 better. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Laphroaig 1998, Spirits shop collection, 59.8%, B:2016, Price: N.A. Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, oaky, peaty, smoky, slightly maritime, on kippers, some iodine, peach and vanilla. Light and subtle. Taste: Floral, round, oaky, subtle, moderately peaty, on fudge, a touch of lemon, vanilla custard and a light spiciness. The finish is medium, floral, mellow, round, with some fudge, toffee, light rooty flavours and some delicate peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes rounder and slightly more creamy. Impression: A rather floral, round and subtle Laphroaig, moderately peaty. Rating: 13/20 FP:A3 |
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Laphroaig 1996, Spirits shop collection, 60.5%, B:2016. Price: N.A. Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, peaty, smoky, subtle, slightly maritime, medicinal and mineral, with some ore, rusted iron and a zest of lemon. Less oaky and more subtle than the 1998. Taste: Mellow, maritime, slightly salty, peaty and smoky, rather intense, on delicate peat smoke, iodine, some bandages, camphor and light vanilla and mineral flavours. The finish is medium to long, subtle, slightly smoky and fruity, on citrus, peat smoke, light medicinal flavours and light sweet fruity flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter and with some fudge. Impression: A pleasant, subtle, rather balanced Laphroaig, more intense and complex than the 1998. Rating: 14/20 FP:A4 |
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Glenfiddich White Storm, 21 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold- old gold Nose: Smooth, sweet, round, sugary, slightly floral, on apple and pears, with a hint of smoke and toffee. Taste: Sweet, rich, slightly winey, spicy and floral, on fruit jam, grapes, icing sugar, dough, vanilla and some green apples. The finish is medium to long, mellow, rather sweet, sugary and winey, on white grape juice, liquid honey, vanilla, some sultanas and orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes sweeter. Impression: Finished in Ice Wine casks from the Pellier Estate, this Glenfiddich differs from the standard range by its sweet and sugary flavours, as well as by some winey flavours. The traditional Glenfiddich fans might not like it, but I enjoyed this one, as it was easy drinking and fresh, ideal to accompany some desserts. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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No Name, Compass Box, 48.9%, B:2017, Price: n.c. Colour: Straw Nose: Very peaty, intense, dry, maritime, tarry, on hemp rope, seaweeds, some disinfectant, iodine, pepper and a touch of bitter lemon. With a nice complex peat smoke, intense and balanced. Taste: Very peaty, dry, slightly waxy, on lemon, seaweeds, peat smoke, some medicinal flavours, a few drops of quince and Mirabelle. Complex and intense. The finish is long, complex, waxy, maritime, slightly dry and salty, on dry and tarry peat smoke, some bitter lemon, seaweeds, camphor and iodine. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoother. Impression: The No Name is a vatting of Ardbeg, Caol Ila and some Clynelish. A real tour de force, as this whisky is very peaty, rather dry and clean, without being astringent and delivers on the palate the waxiness from the Clynelish that merged with the complex vatting of the Ardbeg and Caol Peat smoke. For me, this is a masterpiece of vatting, as all components are harmoniously married. Rating: 17/20 FP:A7 |
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Kilchoman 2007 Sherry Butt for La Maison du Whisky, 10 YO, OB, 59.3%, B:2017, cask 417/2007. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, peaty, smoky, maritime, fruity, tarry, rather complex, on peat smoke, some seaweeds, tar, tangerine, orange, leather and iodine. Very good. Taste: Dry to very dry, intense, oaky, tarry to very tarry, slightly medicinal, on iodine, camphor, peat smoke, some spearmints, roots, tar and ashes, with a dash of citrus and leather, before the maritime flavours kick in. The finish is long, extremely dry, peaty, smoky, rooty to very rooty, with strong aromas of seaweeds, some leather, orange, tangerine, tangerine and dried fruits appearing progressively. Diluted, it becomes sweeter. Impression: A surprising Kilchoman, as the nose was rather sweet and docile, but the palate is very dry, intense and peaty. It needs to breath, as the maritime flavours needs some time to develop. Not an easy one, but it can be rewarding. Rating: 14/20 FP:E7 |
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Caol Ila 2004, 12 YO, The Maltbarn, 54.7%, B:2017, 175 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, intense, clean, tarry, round, maritime, on seaweeds, camphor, some red berries, dried fruits, orange and light farmy flavours. Taste: Intense, peaty to very peaty, smoky, maritime to very maritime, salty, slightly peppery, on seaweeds, peat smoke, candied citrus, lemon curd, hemp rope, seaweeds, medicinal peat smoke and dry tar. The finish is medium, round, peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly sweet, on peat smoke, sea salt, camphor, disinfectant, hemp rope, orange, tangerine, some candied fruits. Diluted, it becomes more oaky and peppery. Impression: The first time I tasted it, I found it slightly too round and soft, but if you give it some time to breath, then the intensity and peppery flavours, as well as the medicinal flavours are getting stronger, with a dash of sweetness from the sherry to round the whisky. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:D6 |
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Caol Ila 2003 for Ramseyer’s whisky connection, Gordon & MacPhail, 58.6%, B:2015, cask 302250. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Clean, subtle, smoky, peaty, maritime, on seaweeds, subtle and mellow peat smoke, hemp rope, disinfectant and some camphor. Taste: Mellow, maritime, smoky, moderately peaty, on seaweeds, iodine, some camphor, sea salt, a zest of lemon, and peat smoke. The finish is medium, mellow, maritime, on seaweeds, camphor, some iodine, disinfectant, candied lemon, lemon curd and a touch of hemp rope. Diluted, it becomes more maritime and on lemon curd. Impression: A surprisingly mellow Caol Ila, rather complex and with a strong salty and maritime influence, as well as pleasant lemon curd flavours. Rather complex and tasted like an old Caol Ila. Very good. Rating: 14/20 FP:C5 |
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Linkwood 1997 for Waldhaus am See, 20 YO, Signatory, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow to very mellow, malty, bold, fruity, grassy to very grassy, on honey, some aromatic herbs, yellow fruits and a touch of smoke. Taste: Round, mellow, grassy to very grassy, bold, malty, and floral, on yellow fruits, orchards’ fruits, and quince. The finish is medium to long, complex, on yellow fruits, orchards’ fruits, hay, honey, a slight spiciness and a touch of smoke. Impression: A very pleasant and round Linkwood, grassy, on honey and bold fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Linkwood 1997 for Waldhaus am See, 20 YO, Signatory, 56.4%, B:2017, cask 7542. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow, floral, bold, malty, with some hay, fudge, leather and yellow fruits. Taste: Spicy, intense, floral, quite hot, on vanilla, some hay, straw and a light clean fruitiness. The finish is medium, clean, intense, rather floral, on vanilla, some straw, and a touch of honey. Diluted, it becomes slightly fruitier. Impression: Straight, the alcohol is rather present and adding some water increases the fruitiness of the whisky, while it remains cleaner and sharper than the 46% version. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Port Charlotte Double Wood Private Cask Kjell Oberg, 15 YO, OB, 54.9%, B:2017, cask 0002, 267 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, peaty to very peaty, smoky, maritime, with a lovely complex dry, tarry and maritime peat smoke, on seaweeds, tar, some tannin, figs, grapes and various spices, round and slightly winey flavours, Taste: Maritime, salty, tarry, peaty, smoky, complex, slightly winey and peppery, on seaweeds, tar, disinfectant, light medicinal flavours, grapes, sultanas, some leather, cocoa and pepper. Diluted, it becomes more winey, with some leather, tannins and chocolate. The finish is long, complex, peaty, smoky, salty, peppery, maritime, on cocoa, light winey flavours, seaweeds, tar, some soot, hemp rope, cocoa, sultanas, dried figs, black pepper and some grape candies from Cyprus. Diluted, it becomes slightly more winey Impression: I am usually not very found of wine finished whiskies, but in this case, the Port Charlotte was transferred from a bourbon to a wine cask (claret, Chateau Haut-Brion) in which it stayed for 10 years. Thus, the peat had the time to marry well with the wine flavours which are present, but never dominating and contributing probably to the peppery flavours and giving also a nice roundness and sweetness to the whole. The long, complex and subtle peat smoke was excellent. A very good whisky. Thank you Kjell. Rating: 16/20 FP:E6 |
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Glenrothes Speyside 1996, 20 YO, Acla Selection, 49.6%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very round, mellow, floral, slightly fruity and spicy, on vanilla custard, melon, quince, some heather and ripe apples. Taste: Spicy, round, floral, creamy, on apples, a touch of tobacco smoke, wood spices, cinnamon and fudge. Diluted, it becomes creamier. The finish is medium, round, floral, creamy, rather spicy, with some fudge, vanilla custard and a touch of melon. Impression: A very good Glenrothes, rather intense, floral, with creamy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Highland Park 1990 For Ramseyer’s Whisky Connection, Gordon & MacPhail, 55.1%, B:2015, cask 5101. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smoky, maritime, peaty, mellow, slightly mineral, on heather honey, peat smoke, vanilla’s custard and slight austere flavours. Very good. Taste: Mellow, complex, balanced, fruity, slightly mineral, grassy, and smoky, on pineapple, seaweeds, heather honey, lemon curd, melon, peat smoke, and some lemon. Slightly austere and aromatic. The finish is medium to long, complex, intense, slightly aromatic, smoky, grassy and austere, on melon, heather honey, lemon curd, rhubarb and mineral peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes slightly smokier. Impression: A very good Highland Park, complex, intense, slightly mineral, and a pleasant fruitiness and smokiness. A nice selection from Markus. Rating: 17/20 FP:A5 |
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Highland Park 12 YO for Ferratero, OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Old Gold Nose: Smoky, complex, round, on a delicious smooth peat smoke, sea brine, some seaweeds, light fruity flavour of tangerine, heather honey and soft spices. Very good. Taste: Very smooth and sweet, on honey, soft peat smoke, heather honey, some light spicy and maritime flavours, a touch of salt, some bonfire smoke, tangerine and orange peel. The finish is medium to long, round, thick, sweet, on peat smoke, lots of heather honey, some bonfire smoke, tangerine, sweet oranges and seaweeds. Impression: A lovely Highland Park, dangerously drinkable, with sweet honey and fruity flavours combined with a very nice peat smoke. Thank you Fabrice Rating: 16/20 FP: E3 |
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Highland Park Valkyrie, OB, 45.9%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young, salty, malty, smoky to very smoky, oaky, smooth, on vanilla, some green fruits and heather honey. Taste: Very young and smooth, smoky to very smoky, peaty to very peaty, maritime, slightly salty, on vanilla, dry peat smoke, soot and some green fruits. Diluted, it becomes greener, more grassy and on dry tarry peat smoke. The finish is medium, young, smooth, smoky, salty, peaty, on dry peat smoke, some tar, soot and heather honey. Diluted, it becomes slightly mineral, green and grassy. Impression: A rather smoky and peaty version of Highland Park, slightly dry and young to very young. Rating: 11/20 FP: B6 |
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Bowmore 10 YO Oloroso and Wine Cask matured for Travel Retail, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber-red Nose: Maritime to very maritime, salty, round, slightly winey, on sweet candies (Haribo Strawberries), peat smoke, red berries, some spice, tannins, vanilla, leather, seaweeds and a touch of parsley. Very sweet. Taste: Very sweet and winey, oaky, maritime, perfumy, on Haribo candies, strawberries, redcurrant, spices, leather and tannins. The finish is medium, sweet, maritime, smoky, peaty, winey, slightly smoky, on seaweeds, strawberries, tannins and a touch of leather. Diluted, the finish becomes more winey. Impression: A winey and rather oaky expression of Bowmore, on red berries and salt. An original version. Rating: 10/20 FP: G6 |
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Bowmore 1988, OB, 47.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, smoky, maritime to very maritime, floral, salty, on sea brine, a touch of fragrance and of lavender, a complex peat smoke and some seaweeds. A very good nose. Taste: Very fragrant, maritime, smoky, on lavender soap, perfume, salt and seaweeds. The finish is medium, very fragrant and perfumy, smoky, with loads of lavender. Impression: A very fragrant version of Bowmore on Lavender. For the ones who likes this style. Rating: 11/20 FP:A5 |
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Karuizawa 30 YO For Speciality Drinks, OB, 58.2%, Cask 5347. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Deep, intense, floral, rich, complex, on high grade leather, sultanas, dried fruits, lacquer, plums and exotic wood. Taste: Very smooth, rich, complex, floral, rather aromatic and fruity, on red berries, leather, sultanas, some melon, various spices, lacquer, plums, tangerine and a touch of tannins. Diluted, it becomes woodier. The finish is medium to long, rich, complex, floral, slightly woody, dry and spicy, with some sultanas, plums, dried fruits and tannins. Impression: An old Karuizawa, with a rich, deep, and intense nose and very good flavours on the palate, although some woody and tannins are noticeables. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Brora 1981 Straight From The Cask, Signatory, 58.3%, B:2003. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Meaty, smoky, slightly peaty, vegetal, rubbery and coastal, with some sultanas, beeswax, humus, orange, peat smoke and light flavours of vegetal condiment. Taste: Dry, spicy, peaty, citric, farmy, slightly meaty, with some humus, wet wood, metallic sponge, orange, mustard seeds, tangerine, and various farmy flavours. The finish is medium to long, woody, bitter, farmy, earthy, slightly aromatic, on citrus, mustard seeds, some peat smoke, stables, tangerine, orange and humus. Diluted, it becomes rather bitter, woody and austere. Impression: A rather farmy, bitter, earthy, slightly aromatic and peaty Brora. Not a very easy, as it has a strong personality. Rating:15/20 FP:E4 |
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Clynelish 1973 2nd bottling for La Maison du Whisky, 33 YO, The Prestonfield, 54.6%, cask 8913, 439 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Mineral, waxy, citric, slightly peaty, on beeswax, candied orange, some grapefruit, humus, peat smoke, tree sap, and mustard seeds. We are rather close to the old Clynelish (Brora) white label for Edward & Edward. Taste: Intense to very intense, smoky, very waxy, citric, on lemon peel, peat smoke, grapefruit, guava, Mirabelle, quince, beeswax, some mustard seeds and light farmy flavours. The finish is long, complex, waxy to very waxy, citric, slightly peaty and smoky, on beeswax, grapefruit, lemon peel, candied citrus, some quince, Mirabelle, tangerine, orange and pepper. Diluted, it becomes waxier, on honey and spice bread (Leckerli), as well as some candied pink grapefruit. Impression: I tried the first bottling almost a decade ago and pleased to have the opportunity of finally tasting it (thank you Trong for your help to source it). Well, this Clynelish is excellent, with a flavour profile reminding very strongly the legendary Clynelish 12 YO 56.9%, with slightly more roundness and mellowness. Simply excellent. Rating: 19/20 FP:D3 |
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Lagavulin 1990 The Syndicate, 20 YO, OB, 48.1%, B: 2010, cask 4395. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smoky, peaty, complex, maritime, slightly medicinal and spicy, on seaweeds, iodine, sea brine, some tar and barbecue. Very elegant and balanced. Taste: Salty to very salty, intense, maritime to very maritime, on lemon zest, peat and bonfire smoke, some liquorice, wood spices, seaweeds, iodine, kippers and camphor. Complex. The finish is long to very long, maritime, salty, very smoky, peaty, and slightly medicinal, with some camphor, spearmint, iodine, bandages, peat and bonfire smoke, as well as some BBQ. Diluted, it becomes more rooty and slightly drier. Impression: An impressive Lagavulin, very intense, maritime and salty. Quite massive and not for the faint hearted. I found it more intense and complex than the other 15 YO versions of Syndicate. There is some woody flavours, but I think it works well here. I loved this one. Rating: 18/20 FP:A7 |
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Lagavulin 1990 The Syndicate, 25 YO, OB, 44.0%, B:2015, cask 4394. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold. Nose: Mellow to very mellow, smoky, on bonfire and peat smoke, light oaky flavours, some disinfectant, seaweeds, dry meat and leather. More gentle and less intense than the 20 YO. Taste: Very mellow, gentle, subtle, with yellow fruits, vanilla custard, sea brine, candied ginger, some menthol, bandages, citrus, peat and bonfire smoke, and a touch of pepper. The finish is long, mellow, salty, maritime, moderately smoky, slightly peaty, on citrus, some yellow fruits, vanilla, and wood smoke. With some wet wood as well. Impression: A very mellow Lagavuin, quite gentle and on wood smoke, as well as light fruity flavours and a rather discreet smokiness. Very good, but I prefer the more intense and younger Lagavulin. Rating: 15/20 FP:A4 |
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Glenlivet 25 YO Silver Jubilee, OB, 75 Proof, B:1977. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very fruity, sweet, floral, mellow, spicy, complex, slightly peaty, earthy and smoky, on humus, dried fruits, Christmas cake, orange, and some tropical fruits. Taste: Very mellow, soft, floral, peaty, smoky, on ginger, peat smoke, light aromatic herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruits (sultanas, apricots and orange) and a touch of pepper. The finish is medium, floral, juicy, soft, slightly earthy, dry, peaty and spicy, on peat smoke, juicy and dried fruits, some pepper, cinnamon and light aromatic flavours. Impression: A very good Glenlivet distilled around 1952 and thus, explaining the rather peaty and slightly aromatic profile, with pleasant sweet and juicy flavours. Slightly weak and some extra abv would have been beneficial. Rating: 16/20 FP:D4 |
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Laphroaig 2006, Cooper’s Choice, 46%, B:2013, refill sherry. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Young to very young, very peaty, smoky, maritime and oaky, on seaweeds, vanilla, sea salt and tar. Taste: Young to very young, smoky, peaty, oaky and very maritime, on seaweeds, bandages, disinfectant and camphor. The finish is medium to long, very medicinal, smoky and smoky, on tar, iodine, camphor, bandages, some liquorice root, vanilla, seaweeds and seashells. Impression: A very clean, smoky and medicinal Laphroaig, with only a faint sweetness from the butt. Tasted rather young and with a different flavour profile from the mainstream Laphroaig and less oaky as well! Thank you Manfred! Rating: 13/20 FP:A8 |
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Lagavulin Jazz Festival 2016, OB, 54.5%, B:2016, 3200 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oaky, maritime, intense, dry, medicinal, on camphor, iodine, leather, some menthol and a touch of tobacco. A rather modern version of Lagavulin. Taste: Round, salty, smoky, slightly maritime and peaty, on leather, toffee, fudge, seaweeds, some iodine, menthol, vanilla, tobacco and a light bitterness. The finish is medium to long, dry to very dry, oaky, maritime, smoky, rather bitter, on liquorice roots, camphor, iodine, seaweeds, some bandages, old leather and toffee. Diluted, it becomes bitterer. Impression: A dry and bitter expression of Lagavulin that I was struggling with. The wood influence is strong and the result too dry and bitter to my liking. Thank you Manfred. Rating: 12/20 FP:B5 |
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Woflburn Klyver #2, OB, 50%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Coastal, oaky, slightly smoky and mineral, with some honey, aromatic herbs, some buckthorn and light spices Taste: Oaky, coastal, slightly maritime and mineral, with some spices, a touch of smoke and aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, on a mixture of coastal, slightly maritime, aromatic flavours, as well as some wax, buckthorn and a touch of vanilla. Impression: A slightly young, but well made Highland Whisky, with a pleasant mixture of mineral, coastal (sea brine) and slightly aromatic flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:C2 |
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Woflburn 128, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young, coastal, oaky, on vanilla, some sea brine and a touch of smoke. Taste: Young, slightly rough, rather spicy and oaky, on vanilla, some toffee, light floral flavours as well as some green fruits from the orchards. The finish is medium, oaky, rather young, slightly rough and coastal, with some vanilla, aromatic herbs and a touch of smoke. Diluted, it becomes maltier and with some hops. Impression: A pretty good Wolfburn matured in small casks (40 L) that taste rather young and slightly rough. I enjoyed the Klyver better. Rating: 11/20 FP:B2 |
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Rozelieures Tourbé collection, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Intense, peaty, round, peaty to very peaty, tarry, on peat smoke, with some vanilla, tar, sea brine and seaweeds. Clean and well balanced. Taste: Light, young, subtle, elegant, peaty, round, aromatic peat smoke, tar, some roots, sea brine, disinfectant and soot. The finish is medium, peaty, smoky, rather maritime and light, round, slightly salty and young, on disinfectant, tar, some vanilla and freshly crushed barley. Impression: The whisky has the freshness and sweetness of a slightly young whisky, but with a nice balance and a most pleasant and complex aromatic peat smoke, rather maritime and with some sooty influence, as well as a dash of air dried beef meat. The Rozelieures is a French single malt from Lorraine with a peatiness reminding me of some Islay single malt. Made from local (French) barley. Well done! Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Orma Peated 12.4 Cask Edition, OB, 53%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Winey to very winey, smoky to very smoky, peaty, meaty, slightly rubbery, on peat smoke, dry meat (Graubündner (air dried beef) meat), spices, pepper, grapes, burnt rubber and some red berries. Original. Taste: Winey to very winey, rubbery to very rubbery, meaty, spicy, peppery, slightly malty, on grapes and some sulphur. The finish is medium to long, very winey, peaty, tarry, on grapes, strawberries, tar, pepper and malty flavours. Impression: A very special peated Orma, with a combination of the winey flavours from the Pinot Noir cask and the peat smoke that do not work for me. A Winesky. Rating: 07/20 FP:F5 |
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Octomore 8.1 Masterclass, 8 YO, OB, 57.8%, B:2017, 42000 bottles. Price: . Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean to very clean, light, peaty, on tar, some vanilla and light maritime flavours. The nose is rather closed. Taste: Peaty, round, floral, peaty, slightly salty, on vanilla, toffee, light creamy flavours and some peat smoke and seaweeds. The finish is medium, peaty, round, slightly maritime and medicinal, on toffee and light creamy flavours. Impression: Where is the peat gone? A rather light and subtle Octomore, with a rather elegant and complex peat smoke, but the peat intensity is surprising low. It tasted markedly less peat than e.g., a Port Charlotte 10 YO. Do not expect a peat blast, but a subtle peatiness. Rating: 10/20 FP:A6 |
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Speyside 1973, 44 YO, Acla Selection, 41.7%, B:2017. Price: . Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, complex, elegant, slightly floral, with some herbal and grassy flavours. Taste: Grassy, mellow to very mellow, slightly woody, austere and aromatic, on aromatic herbs, light fruity and floral flavours. Complex. The finish is medium to long, aromatic, austere, slightly dry and bitter, with light, dry and slightly fragrant floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more austere and aromatic. Impression: These undisclosed Speyside are very good or excellent. This one is no exception and the stocks are going very low. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Speyside 1973 For Shinanoya, 44 YO, Maltbarn, 48.8%, B:2017. Price: . Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, complex, elegant, slightly floral, with some herbal and grassy flavours. Very close to the Acla selection, slightly more austere and mineral. Taste: Aromatic to very aromatic, grassy, mellow to very mellow, slight austere and mineral, with some lemon, green fruits, slightly floral and bitter fruity flavours. The finish is long to very long, aromatic, grassy, slightly austere, floral and on aromatic herbs. Impression: A version close to the Acla Selection, slightly drier and more aromatic and austere. Both whiskies are of the same quality, while their flavours profile is slightly different, with the Maltbarn more on Fino. Rating: 17/20 FP:F1 |
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AnCnoc Peter Ankle Ingredients, OB, 46%. Price: . Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Rich, floral, malty, slightly meaty and vegetal, with some leather, toffee, various spices, tangerine, orange, lemon and a touch of honey. More complex than the bricks and warehouse. Taste: Round, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on toffee, some fudge, vegetal flavours, light spices, and a moderate sherry influence. The finish is medium, floral, with some sherry influence, spices and toffee. Impression: Amongst the Peter Ankle serie, it is one of the most complex one, with a well noticeable sherry influence. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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AnCnoc Peter Ankle Warehouse, OB, 46%. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Malty, fresh, floral to very floral, slightly oaky, on freshly cut flowers, with some honey, green pears and gooseberries. Taste: Floral to very floral, fragrant, on lemon peel, vanilla, freshly cut flowers, some green pears, honey and berries, with a touch of spices. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, citric, malty, slightly milky, on toffee, lemon peel, freshly cut flowers and some bitter toffee. Diluted, the bitter, toffee and fragrant flavours are getting rather strong. Impression: A very floral, rather fresh and citric AnCnoc. Refreshing. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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AnCnoc Peter Ankle Bricks, OB, 46%. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, clean, malty, floral, slightly fragrant, on green fruits, with some lemon and a touch spices and toffee. Cleaner and slightly less complex than the Warehouse. Taste: Very floral and fragrant, light, clean, with some vanilla, spices and lemon. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, on vanilla, lemon zest and some pepper. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and on toffee, with stronger lemon flavours. Impression: A clean, floral and fragrant AnCnoc with strong lemon flavour. Not very complex. Rating: 10/20 FP:A1 |
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AnCnoc Peter Ankle Travel Retail Luggage, OB, 46%. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Young, very fresh, malty, floral to very floral, on hops, green apples and some honey. Taste: Young, light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant and spicy, on toffee, some milk, lemon and green fruits. The finish is medium, clean, young, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on lime and lemon, some honey, green apples and a touch of spices Impression: A floral, young and green AnCnoc. Fresh. Rating: 10/20 FP:A1 |
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AnCnoc Peter Ankle Casks, OB, 46%. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Fresh, floral, on toffee, vanilla, some green fruits, honey, fresh leather and gooseberries. Taste: Spicy, floral, slightly malty and fragrant, with some toffee, honey, light spices, a touch of leather, tangerine and chocolate. The finish is medium, floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, with some spices, honey and leather. Diluted, it becomes slightly rubbery. Impression: A floral and rather spicy version of AnCnoc, more complex than the luggage. Rating: 11/20 FP:D1 |
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Ardbeg 1975 Connoisseurs choice, 12 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1987. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, meaty, intense, maritime, smoky, rooty, farmy, slightly mineral, on camphor, tar, seaweeds and stables. Impressive and excellent! Taste: Dry, peaty to very peaty, waxy, maritime, smoky, mineral, farmy, rooty, slightly grassy, on seaweeds, sea salt, peat smoke, kippers, iodine, camphor, some menthol, tobacco, pepper, a touch of chilli, and mineral oil. Lovely. The finish is medium, very peaty, smooth, smoky, farmy, maritime, slightly mineral, tarry, on stable, peat smoke, diesel smoke, camphor, some iodine, pepper and kippers. Impression: Woaww, an excellent and very intense Ardbeg, with loads of peat smoke, balanced maritime flavours and the complex peat smoke from the Ardbeg of the mid-1970s. While some whiskies reduced to 40% lack of power, the reduction probably provided some smoothness while retaining a most pleasant intensity. Thank you François (The Golden Promise) Rating: 18/20 FP:A7 |
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Ardmore 1993 Whisky-online Exclusive, 22 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 49.9%, B:2015, cask 5750. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold. Nose: Mineral, smoky, slightly peaty, mineral and round, on lime, gooseberries, aromatic peat smoke, mint, some white chocolate and honey. Well balanced. Taste: Dry, oaky, aromatic, spicy, peppery, sharp, with some lime, bitter lemon, grapefruits, a slight waxiness, some farmy flavours, gooseberries, slightly sour berries, mint and eucalyptus. It becomes rather aromatic and slightly austere over time. The finish is medium to long, sharp, dry, oaky, slightly bitter, farmy and austere, on ginger, pepper, bitter lemon, some aromatic peat smoke and slightly sour berries. Impression: A sharp, spicy, dry and oaky Ardmore, starting on a mineral and round nose, before becoming rather dry and bitter on the palate. Avery good one. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Ardmore 1988, 23 YO, Pearls of Scotland, 45%, B: 2014, cask 2455. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, fruity, waxy, grassy, slightly mineral, peaty, smoky and farmy, on honey, gooseberries, some vanilla, lime, and a sweet oakiness. Taste: Grassy, waxy, aromatic, on honey, flower honey, freshly cut grass, some aromatic herbs, mint and spearmint. The finish is medium, sweet, oaky, grassy, slightly aromatic, farmy and fruity, on gooseberries, honey, light aromatic herbs, some bitter lemon peel, vanilla and lemon curd. Over time, there is a pleasant sweet and aromatic influence and it becomes more grassy and on honey as well Impression: A sweet aromatic Ardmore, rather grassy and on honey, becoming slightly more austere and smoky on the finish. Different from the 1993 for Whisky Online but very good. Thank you Angelina. Rating: 15/20 FP:A3 |
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Ballantruan 10 YO, OB, 50%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, moderately peaty, slightly young and malty, on toffee and fudge. Taste: Smooth, young, slightly malty, on peat smoke, sea brine, iodine, disinfectant, a hint of liquorice, lemon and hemp rope. The finish is long to very long, mellow, peaty, smoky, minty, some iodine and camphor. Subtle and very enjoyable. Impression: A complex, mellow and subtle peaty whisky. I love the subtle and complex peat smoke of this whisky. A marked improvement since its first batch. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Tomatin 18 YO Oloroso sherry cask, OB, 46%. B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, intense, aromatic, spicy to very spicy, with some humus, ginger, and floral flavours. Taste: Very round and smooth, slightly aromatic and malty, on hops, ginger, vanilla, some aromatic herbs, a touch of toffee and green apples. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, round to very round, slightly malty and aromatic, some tobacco, ginger and nutty aromas. Impression: A very good and round whisky, well made, with a nice light spiciness. Rating: 14/20 FP:C2 |
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Tomatin 1976, 38 YO, OB, 46.7%, B: 2016, cask 30132. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very sweet and fruity, bold, malty, on mango, passion fruits, guava and a hint of smoke. Taste: Rich, bold, very fruity, slightly spicy, on mango, exotic fruits, some pepper, tobacco leaves and oaky flavours. Diluted, it becomes spicier (more pepper and on some ginger). The finish is medium to long, rich, bold, slightly spicy and grassy, on humus, some honey and exotic fruits. Impression: An excellent whisky, with a superb sweet and fruity nose, on tropical fruit, and more spicy and on humus on the palate. A fruit basket, as expected from a Tomatin of that vintage. Well done. Rating: 17/20 FP:C2 |
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Tomatin 14 YO Port Casks, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, slightly malty, with some fudge, tangerine, melon and a light spiciness. Taste: Light, rather thin, floral, on fudge, pollen, fresh flowers and herbs candies. The finish is medium to long, floral, on pollen, herb candies (Ricola) and fudge. Impression: A whisky tasting like a fudge or a fudge with whisky? Smooth, not very intense, but well balanced and with lots of fudge melting on the tongue. Rating: 14/20 FP:E1 |
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Port Charlotte 2005 for HNWS, 10 YO, Strange Ways, 60.7%, B:2016, cask 2005001572, 303 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smoky, moderately peaty, mellow, slightly dry and farmy, with some vanilla and a slight fragrant influence. Taste: Light, young, on varnish, fragrance, peat smoke, liquorice root and a touch of vanilla. The finish is long to very long, peaty, rooty, bitter, on dry to very dry peat smoke, with some gentian and liquorice root. Diluted, it becomes slightly medicinal. Impression: A rather naked whisky, with very little wood influence, but with a clean, dry peat smoke, slightly aromatic and rather bitter, especially in the finish. Matured in an ex-Madeira wine cask. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Bruichalddich Black Art 1992 5.1, 24 YO, OB, 48.4%, B:2016. Price: Colour: old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, rich, spicy, winey to very winey, on grapes, sultanas, some strawberries, seaweeds, nutmeg, Christmas cake and a hint of smoke. Taste: Rich, fruity, rather winey, slightly maritime, on sweet fruits, grapes, leather, orange, sultanas, dried fruits, some dry and tannic wine(s) and a hint of smoke. The finish is medium, winey, slightly dry and tannic, on grapes, a mixture of some dry, tannic and sweet wine, some sultanas, sea salt, pineapples, coconuts and a hint of smoke Impression: A good, mellow, rich, fruity and winey Black Art, with an undisclosed type of casks used at least, when released. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Paul John Peated Select Cask, OB, 55.5%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, tarry, aromatic, slightly austere, on smoked bacon, cumin, aromatic herbs, some tangerine, leather and a hint of heather. Very good. Taste: Very peaty, young, clean, peaty, tarry, fresh, on smoked bacon, tar, soot, with some citrus, disinfectant, camphor, spearmint and a light smoothness. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes fresher and more of spearmint. Impression: A rather heavily peaty, with some spearmint providing a nice freshness. Very pleasant. Rating: 16/20 FP:A7 |
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BenRiach Quarter Cask Peated, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, oaky, aromatic, spicy, rather dry and slightly tarry and on vanilla. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, intense, spicy, peaty to very peaty, aromatic, slightly dry and tarry, with some vanilla and light floral flavours. The finish is medium to long, dry, peaty, aromatic, oaky, slightly floral, with some toffee, honey, humus and wet wood. Impression: A peaty and rather aromatic whisky, oaky, and with toffee. Slightly young but pleasant. Mature exclusively in quarter casks. Rating: 12/20 FP:A6 |
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BenRiach 1989 Virgin Oak, 22 YO, OB, 50.6%, cask 5620. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, round, spicy, oaky, and slightly creamy, on vanilla, a hint of smoke, some marzipan and cinnamon. Taste: Very creamy, floral, milky, grassy, on juicy oak, light and soft spices, fruits from the orchards, green apples and pears, marzipan and some cinnamon buns. The finish medium to long, spicy (ginger and some pepper), creamy, slightly floral and fragrant, on almonds, light bitter flavours of over-infused tea and light nutty flavours. Impression: A very creamy and spicy BenRiach getting more spicy on the palate. The influence of the virgin oak is well present. Thank you Martin. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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BenRiach 1976 for The Whisky Agency, 49.6%, B:2012, cask 963. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very fruity, rich, bold, slightly mellow, peaty and smoky, with some tannins, humus and tropical fruit. Taste: Rather salty and floral, slightly citric and oaky, with some citrus, peat smoke, pink grapefruits and diverse tropical fruits. Very expresive. The finish is medium to long, intense, salty, citric, with some tropical fruits, grapefruits and aromatic peat smoke. Impression: Rather subtle and not a fruit bomb as I would have expected. Quite mellow and soft. Was the bottle opened for too long ? Rating: 16/20 FP:D4 |
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BenRiach 1997 for the 60th Anniversary of La Maison du Whisky, OB, 54.3%, B:2016, cask 96962, 222 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, slightly fragrant and floral, with some blackcurrant and hay. The fruity flavours are very discreet. Taste: Smooth, oaky, floral, with light fruity flavours, on vanilla, vanilla custard, some peach, light tropical flavours, grapefruit, honey and a hint of smoke. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly dry, austere, and woody, on citrus, honey, green pineapples, a hint of smoke, menthol and tobacco. Impression: A rather citric and slightly woody BenRiach, with light tropical fruits and some honey. Rather dry and with the wood well noticeable. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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BenRiach 1998 Triple-distilled for La Maison du Whisky PX finish, 17 YO, OB, 57.5%, B:2015, cask 6395, 667 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, smooth, very fruity, on tropical fruits, dried fruits, raisins and honey. Taste: Smooth, rich, fruity, intense, rather thick, on dried fruits, raisins, dried figs, cinnamon, nutmeg, juicy orange, some leather and macadamia nuts. The finish is long, very smooth and fruity, rich, on dried fruits, tropical fruits, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves and a hint of menthol. Impression: An excellent BenRiach, very smooth and fruity, with strong spices and a pleasant richness. Well-balanced and very pleasant to drink. Rating: 17/20 FP:E1 |
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Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3, OB, 52.2%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich, spicy, oaky, slightly floral, on tannins, leather, dried fruits, vanilla, honey, sultanas and cinnamon Taste: Spicy to very spicy, oaky, very nutty, floral, with lots of dried fruits, on honey, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, some clove and ginger. The finish is medium, very spicy, on leather, tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, chestnuts, orange, some tangerine, vanilla and honey. Impression: A vatting of casks distilled between 1989 and 1993. This Balvenie is very spicy and nutty, with strong oaky notes. A good Balvenie, although dominated by these flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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Oban 14 YO, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round to very round, smoky, peaty, slightly floral, with some vanilla and pollen. Taste: Smooth, round, slightly soft, creamy and smoky, with some sea brine, vanilla, pollen and very soft spices, as well as light aromas of quince, fresh vanilla and a hint of yellow fruits. The finish is medium, very soft and smooth, creamy, on vanilla, some pollen and a touch of aromatic herbs and peat smoke. Impression: This might not be the most complex or intense whisky, but I liked very much its smoothness and softness, with a touch of sea brine and peat smoke. Rating: 13/20 FP:A2 |
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Oban Little bay, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Fresh, fruity, juicy, slightly peaty and tarry, and lots of pear drops. Taste: Fresh, juicy, on pear drops, some apple drops, a slightly austerity and mineral smokiness. The finish is medium, mellow, rather fresh, on mineral peat smoke, slightly aromatic and austere, with some apple and pear drops and heather honey. Impression: I enjoyed its elegance and its subtle moderate peat smoke. While the nose is fresh and on orchard’s fruits, becoming mellow on the palate. Very good. Tasted fresher and peatier than the 14 YO. Seemed to have improved since the first batch. Rating: 15/20 FP:A3 |
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Glen Grant 1952, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1981. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich, very fruity, mellow, sweet, on exotic fruits, passion fruits, some aromatic herbs, various dried fruits and soft floral flavours. Complex and well balanced. Taste: Rich, spicy, floral, round, mellow, complex, on peat smoke and a complex mixture of exotic fruits, some dried fruits, orange and cocoa. The finish is long, complex, rich, mellow, slightly floral, round and sweet, on exotic fruits, peat smoke, some spices, cocoa, tangerine, mango and dark chocolate. Impression: An excellent rich, mellow, complex and well balanced Glen Grant, with a delicious sherry influence and some well integrated peat smoke. I love these old bottling of Glen Grant from G&M. Rating: 18/20 FP:F3 |
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Mortlach 1997 for Asia Palate Association, 18 YO, Chieftains, 58%, B:2015, cask 5238, 623 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, fruity, juicy, slightly floral, on orange juice, light vegetal flavours and aromatic herbs. Taste: Fresh, aromatic, sweet, juicy, on orange, tangerine, some marmalade, light grassy flavours and a touch of fur tree sap. The finish is long, moderately aromatic and grassy, fruity, complex, on orange, tangerine, some cinnamon and light aromas of vegetal condiment. Impression: A very good whisky, with a light sherry influence (especially for a first fill sherry), with a most pleasant moderately aromatic influence. Rating: 17/20 FP:E1 |
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Glen Garioch 1990 for Waldhaus am See, 26 YO, Signatory, 54.3%, B:2016, cask 2693. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, smooth, slightly peaty, smoky, waxy and aromatic, with some spices, ginger, old tobacco, leather, vanilla and a touch of treacle. Taste: Rich, spicy, oaky, waxy, mellow, on ginger, treacle, some fudge, aromatic herbs, slightly dry and aromatic peat smoke, tobacco, citrus and leather. The finish is medium, waxy, spicy to very spicy, slightly oaky, smoky and aromatic, with a mixture of toffee, fudge, ginger, pepper and leather, some dark chocolate and citrus. Impression: A very good, intense and waxy Glen Garioch, rather spicy, with light citric and bitter flavours. A whisky with a strong personality. Rating: 15/20 FP:C2 |
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Glen Garioch 1989 Cream of the crop, Wemyss, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, spicy, intense, mellow, with light floral notes, on vanilla, honey, some toffee and aromatic smoke. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, fruity, juicy, slightly waxy and aromatic, on honey, honeycomb, some peach, Mirabelle and quince, and a lingering dry peat smoke. Diluted it becomes slightly more aromatic. The finish is long, big, waxy, very fruity, slightly spicy and aromatic, on juicy and cooked fruits, some peach, Mirabelle, quince, honeycomb, heather honey, a touch of melon and a light dry slightly aromatic peat smoke. Impression: A very enjoyable big and waxy Glen Garioch, with very nice and rather intense fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Glen Grant 1988, 29 YO, Adelphi, 52.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, complex, well balanced, fruity, on yellow fruits, Mirabelle, a touch of smoke and some huckleberries. Very good. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, slightly spicy, floral and fragrant, on vanilla, yellow fruits, white chocolate, soft spices and some soft fragrant flowers. The finish is medium to long, round, smooth, mellow, rich, on vanilla, some heather honey, yellow fruits, huckleberries and white chocolate. Well balanced. Diluted, it becomes more on vanilla and slightly spicier. Impression: A very smooth, well-balanced and complex Glen Grant, with a honey sweetness. Lovely. Rating: 17/20 FP:B1 |
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Mortlach 25 YO, OB, 43.4%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, sweet, round, fruity, mellow, slightly smoky and with some round fruity flavours. Taste: Light, spicy to very spicy, fragrant, slightly floral, with some aromatic herbs, vanilla and heather. The finish is medium to long, light, soft, mellow, on bitter tobacco leaves, ginger and pepper, with some heather and vanilla. Impression: A light, spicy, mellow, and slightly bitter whisky. Rather fresh and floral. I enjoyed the first batch better. Rating: 12/20 FP:C1 |
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Mortlach 18 YO, OB, 43.4%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, rich, complex, on old furniture, honey comb, some orange, leather, tannins, wallnuts and toffee. Taste: Light, fresh, floral, smooth, slightly fragrant, on vanilla, fresh and fragrant flowers, with some quince and honeydew melon. The finish is medium, smooth, fresh, light and floral, with some vanilla, a hint of fudge, honeydew melon and liquid honey. Impression: A dark whisky that hides a light, fresh and floral flavour, with a touch of fudge. Not bad, but some extra abv might have increased the overall experience. Rating: 12/20 FP: F1 |
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Longmorn 1999 Distillery Reserve Collection, 16 YO, OB, 59.6%, B:2015, butt 10449, 816 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Malty, clean, floral, fragrant, on marzipan, white chocolate and some geranium. Original. Taste: Floral, clean, with a hint of toffee, some marzipan, marshmallow and glazed nuts. The finish is medium to long, floral, slightly nutty, with some toffee, fresh almonds and flowers. Diluted it become more on caramel and with some tobacco. Impression: A good combination of fresh floral flavours and some caramel. A nice and enjoyable whisky available at the distilleries of the Chivas group. Rating: 14/20 FP: G1 |
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Ledaig 2005 For Taiwan, 10 YO, Signatory, 56.6%, B:2016, cask 900149, 616 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty, rich, maritime, slightly medicinal and rooty, on dried fruits, sultanas, dates, figs, seaweeds, disinfectant, wet wood, spices and orange. Very good. Taste: Very intense, dry, tarry, maritime, salty, spicy, on rancio, roasted almonds and coffee beans, dark chocolate, some aromatic herbs, hemp rope, red berries, cinnamon, leather, orange, tangerine and a hint of tropical fruits. Diluted, it becomes more floral, slightly fragrant, bitter and with slightly rubbery flavours. The finish is long, intense, well balanced and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more fruity and bitter. Impression: An excellent heavily sherried whisky with dry peaty smoke and a hint of aromatic herbs. The combination and balance of flavours work very well. Rating: 17/20 FP:F7 |
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Ledaig 1998, 18 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 62.7%, B:2017, Butt 800032. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty, intense and tarry, maritime, slightly medicinal, on seaweeds, some camphor and burnt wood. Very good. Taste: Dry to very dry, very peaty, maritime, medicinal, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, camphor, burnt wood and some disinfectant. Diluted, it becomes dryer, more rooty, with some toffee and tangerine. The finish is medium to long, very peaty, with a mixture of dry and maritime peat smoke and some light sweet fruity flavours, as well as a hint of toffee. Impression: A very intense and peaty whisky, with a very dry mouth feel at the start before a light sweetness comes out. Quite extreme. Some might love it, while some might find it “too much”. In any case, a high quality whisky. Rating: 16/20 FP:C8 |
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Lagavulin 16 YO, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty, tarry and smoky, maritime, dry, oaky, on iodine, disinfectant, some hemp rope and lemon. Taste: Oaky, rooty, maritime, peaty, slightly bitter, on camphor, iodine and seaweeds. The finish is medium to long, dry, rooty, oaky, peaty and smoky, on wet wood, iodine, seaweeds, disinfectant, liquorice roots and camphor. Impression: A lovely medicinal peaty and maritime whisky. The disinfectant and camphor seems to stay forever on the palate. The Lagavulin 16 remains one of my favourite standard whiskies. A very good value whisky. Rating: 17/20 FP:A7 |
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GlenDronach 1994, 22 YO, OB, 51.6%, B:2017, PX Cask 3379. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, velvety, floral, on precious wood, treacle, walnuts, dried fruits, orange, lacquer, cinnamon, some cocoa and nutmeg. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, intense, rich, floral, on precious wood, cinnamon, nutmeg, some tannins, pepper, cloves, dried fruits, orange, tangerine, dates and figs. The finish is long, thick, tannic, slightly bitter, on cocoa, dark chocolate, figs, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts. Diluted, it becomes bitterer and more tannic. Impression: An intense, thick and spicy GlenDronach with a rather bitter and tannic finish on dark chocolate. Not for the faint hearted. Rating: 15/20 FP:I1 |
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GlenDronach 1993, 24 YO, OB, 59.2%, B:2017, cask 43. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, spicy, floral, slightly bitter, on dark chocolate, leather, cocoa, some dried fruits, treacle, and nuts. Taste: Very intense, rich, thick, bitter, floral, slightly fragrant and astringent, on tannins, cloves, leather, dark chocolate, sultanas and coriander. The finish is long, dry, bitter, intense, floral, rather astringent, slightly fragrant, on spices, dark chocolate, tannins and dried fruits. Impression: A dry and bitter GlenDronach, rather extreme. Maybe not to anyone’s taste. Rating: 14/20 FP:J1 |
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GlenDronach 1992, 25 YO, OB, 57%, B:2017, Cask 89. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Musky, intense, spicy, on tannins, leather, treacle, orange, tangerine, some smoke, smoked meat, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa and ovaltine. Taste: Very intense, floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, on dark chocolate, tannins, leather, ovaltine, nutmeg, cinnamon and some cloves. The finish is medium to long, dry, tannic, bitter, on leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, exotic wood, some cloves, marmalade, cocoa. Diluted, it becomes more tannic, woody and astringent. Impression: A musky and rather meaty GlenDronach, dry and bitter, with quite some tannins. Diluted, the wood is too present to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP: J1 |
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GlenDronach 1990, 27 YO, OB, 53.4%, B:2017, PX cask 7005. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, floral, slightly fragrant, nutty and bitter, on walnuts, precious wood, dried fruits, cocoa, some cinnamon, cloves and leather. Taste: Very mellow, soft, floral, smooth, slightly floral, with some leather, nuts, aromatic spices, cinnamon, milk chocolate, tangerine, orange and sultanas. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more tannic, dry and woody. Impression: A very different profile than the 1992 cask 52, weaker, softer, more mellow and subtle, with more wood and dry spices on the finish. The contrast with the cask 52 is quite impressive. Rating: 14/20 FP:H1 |
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GlenDronach 1992, 25 YO, OB, 58.5%, B:2017, cask 52. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, floral, very intense, mellow, on treacle, dried fruits, sultanas, precious wood, walnuts, lacquer, various spices (including cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom). Very good! Taste: Rich to very rich, intense, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, nutty and spicy, with light fruity flavours, high grade leather, treacle, cinnamon, orange, some nutmeg, dates, sultanas, precious wood and tannins. The finish is long, rich, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, tannic and dry, on nuts, treacle, orange and some dried fruits. Impression: The nose was superb, rich, complex and intense, and a most pleasant mouth feel, becoming slightly dry and tannic on the finish. Rating: 16/20 FP:H1 |
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GlenDronach 1995, 21 YO, OB, 52.6%, B:2017, PX cask 4418. Price: Colour: Dark gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, smooth, mellow, floral, spicy, with a touch of rubber, on dried fruits, Christmas cake, sultanas, figs, dates, some treacle, precious wood, cocoa and leather. Taste: Rich, floral to very floral, spicy, round, slightly fragrant, on Christmas cake, sultanas, figs, dates, treacle, some orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and pineapple. Complex. The finish is long, round, thick, complex, smooth, spicy, on rich spices, leather, cocoa, treacle, various dried fruits and some pineapples. Well balanced. Impression: An excellent GlenDronach that I enjoyed very much, with a thick and rich texture, coating well the palate and balanced dried fruits and spices, with a good complexity. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Ardbeg 21 YO, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very complex, peaty, maritime, smoky, on seaweeds, tar, some camphor, charcoal and pepper. Most pleasant. Taste: Peaty, smoky, maritime to very maritime, peppery, on seaweeds, camphor, tar, some ashes, peat smoke and disinfectants. Complex and it keeps evolving. The finish is medium to long, maritime, peaty, smoky to very smoky, slightly tannic, on seaweeds, some camphor, ashes, tar, mint and disinfectants. Impression: A very good, complex, maritime and peaty Ardbeg, with a lovely nose. I just wished it was slightly more intense. Rating: 17/20 FP:A6 |
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Lagavulin Feis Ile 2017, 16 YO, OB, 56.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, smoky to very smoky, oaky to very oaky, maritime, slightly salty, spicy and winey, on sultanas, grapes and some sweet Moscatel influence. Taste: Dry, winey to very winey, peaty, smoky, maritime, oaky to very oaky, peppery and slightly bitter. The finish is medium to long, dry, bitter, on sultanas, sweet Moscatel influence and dry oaky flavours. Impression: An oaky version of Lagavulin with a strong influence from the Moscatel. For the ones who enjoy a Moscatel finished whisky. Rating: 12/20 FP:A6 |
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Glenfarclas 1989 Family Cask for Asia Palate Association, 26 YO, OB, 55.1%, B:2015, cask 13029. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, well balanced, floral, slightly malty, on rich and smooth fruity flavours, some tannins and cocoa. Very good and harmonious. Taste: Spicy, intense, fragrant, slightly floral, on roasted coffee beans, cocoa, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium, spicy, bitter, tannic, on leather, dry leather, coffee beans, some marmalade and dried fruits. Impression: A heavily sherried whisky, intense, bitter whisky. Slightly too tannic and bitter to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP:F1 |
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GlenDronach 1995 for Shiuh Heng Co. Ltd, 21 YO, OB, 54.6%, B:2016, PX cask 1523, 684 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on cinnamon, orange, tangerine, nutmeg, as well as some mango and light exotic fruits. Taste: Sweet to very sweet, smooth, on sea brine, subtle rich and pleasant fruity flavours of mango, tangerine, orange, some dried fruits and cinnamon. Slightly creamy. The finish is long, complex, rich, subtle, slightly peppery, on sweet juicy fruits, some cinnamon, soft leather, orange, tangerine, mango and a touch of banana. Impression: An excellent sweet and juicy whisky, with subtle, rich and harmonious flavours and some coastal/sea brine influence. Dangerously drinkable. Rating: 18/20 FP:D2 |
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Inchgower 1980, 26 YO, Adelphi, 59.8%, B:2007, cask 4710, 58 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very thick, intense, nutty to very nutty, slightly bitter and fragrant, on leather, tannins, treacle, spices, sultanas, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate and some roasted coffee beans and walnuts.. Taste: Rich, thick, heavy, chewy, tannic, spicy, slightly bitter, on cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruits, lacquer, exotic wood, walnuts, sultanas, dates, precious wood and cloves. The finish is medium to long, rich, thick, chewy, bitter, tannic, astringent, on cloves, cinnamon, some over-infused black tea, sultanas, dates, orange, blood orange and walnuts. Impression: A very thick, intense and heavily sherried. A true sherry monster. Too much for me. Rating: 12/20 FP: I1 |
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Highland Park Dark Origins, OB, 46.8%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, malty, slightly smoky, on toffee, fudge, pollen, vanilla, some sea brine and a hint of tangerine and sultana. Taste: Round, malty, on toffee, fudge, a hint of salted butter, burnt sugar, tangerine and rubber. The finish is medium, slightly floral, on toffee, fudge, some burnt sugar and tangerine. Impression: A whisky on toffee, fudge, with some sea brine and tangerine. Rating: 13/20 FP:E1 |
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Glenlossie 1998 for Vive la Vie, 17 YO, Hunter Laing, 54.3%, B:2015, 250 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Soft to very soft, light to very light, subtle, on chamomile, very light sugary flavours, some elderberry flowers syrup and Rivella (a Swiss soft drink made with milk serum). Taste: Light, very floral, malty, and slightly milky, with some lemon, quince, and Rivella (Swiss soda with milk serum). The finish is short to medium, light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, milky and bitter. Impression: A light, floral, slightly fragrant and milky whisky. Not bad, but not my style. Rating: 10/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenlivet 1979 for Lung Family, 34 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 49.1%, B:2014, cask 19560. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, grassy, green, malty, with some green fruits and gooseberries. Taste: Fruity, green, grassy, malty, with some green fruits, vanilla, gooseberries and green mango. The finish is medium, fruity, green, slightly grassy and floral, with some gooseberries. Diluted, it becomes sweeter and more fruity. Impression: A very pleasant malty and slightly floral whisky, with a nice fruity mouth feel, without being fragrant or bitter. No peat or heavy sherry, but very well done. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenkinchie 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Fresh, fruity, malty, on pears, some honey and heather. Taste: Fresh, malty, starchy, on pears, some honey, heather and banana. Diluted, it becomes more fresh, slightly grassy and spicy. The finish is medium, malty, fresh, slightly grassy and fragrant, with some heather, honey, a touch of aromatic herbs, banana and citrus. Diluted, there is a light bitterness. Impression: A nice, fresh, light and starchy whisky, moderately grassy and with slightly mineral flavours in the finish. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenglassaugh Revival, OB, 46%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral, smooth to very smooth, creamy, on fudge, light floral and fragrant flavours, with some vanilla, tangerine, soft spices, yeast and oaky flavours. Taste: Floral, smooth to very smooth, on fudge, some toffee and light aromas of tangerine and yeast. The finish is medium, floral, and slightly fragrant, on fudge, some toffee and some yellow flowers. Impression: A rather floral and smooth whisky, with a fair dose of toffee and fudge, as well as a light fragrance. Rating: 11/20 FP:C1 |
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Glenglassaugh Evolution, OB, 50%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, fresh, on freshly cut grass, vanilla, some hay and a light fragrance. Taste: Very smooth and malty, light, mellow, grassy, on vanilla and honey. Slightly spicy. The finish is medium, smooth, malty, grassy, complex, mellow, slightly bitter, on vanilla and a touch of honey. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter, slightly nutty, on vanilla and some honey. Impression: A very smooth, light, mellow and malty whisky, with some honey and light aromas of yellow fruity flavours developing over time. Since the last time I tasted it (2012), the age of the content has increased and the quality as well. Very good. Tasted blind. Rating: 15/20 FP:B2 |
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Glenfarclas for The Whisky Exchange 2007, OB, 51.1%, B:2016, casks 435 & 456. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Nutty, smooth, slightly mellow, rich, with intense spicy flavours, on peanuts, leather, some mushrooms, dried fruits and hazelnuts. Taste: Rich, spicy, floral to very floral, malty, slightly nutty and creamy, with some nutella, rich and sweet fruity notes, including mango and other exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, floral, nutty, fruity, juicy, on leather, spices, cocoa, old leather and some tropical fruits. Impression: A lovely whisky, malty, rich, with pleasant nutty flavours combined with tropical and juicy fruits, I wish that more whiskies aged less than 10 years would have the same quality as this one. Well done. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Glenfarclas 1990 Family Cask for HNWS, OB, 54%, B:2015, cask 4710, 614 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, syrupy, slightly nutty, spicy to very spicy, on high grade leather, orange, candied fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cocoa, roasted coffee beans and dried fruits. Taste: Rich, intense, spicy, fruity, spicy to very spicy, slightly tannic, on orange, tangerine, figs, dried fruits, sultanas, some grapes, leather, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium to long, spicy, tannic, slightly bitter, on cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, candied fruits, orange and tangerine. Impression: An intense and spicy heavily sherried whisky, fruity, nutty and tannic. Rating: 16/20 FP:H1 |
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Glenfarclas 1989 Family Cask, OB, 54.7%, B: 2014, cask 13026, 628 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, floral, nutty to very nutty, on wet wood, wood extracts, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, some dates and figs. Taste: Very smooth, elegant, almost silky, slightly nutty and juicy, with nice and rich spices, on tangerine, orange, cinnamon, leather, beeswax, some tobacco leaves, wild berries, a hint of honey and exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, very rich and smooth, spicy, floral, on leather, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some precious wood, tannins, wild berries, dark cherries, nuts and cardamom. Impression: A very good sherried whisky, with a nose initially nutty, with an excellent smooth, rich and spicy mouth feel. I love this smoothness and balance in this whisky. From an excellent sherry cask that gave a lot of flavours to the whisky, without dominating it. Flawless. Rating: 17/20 FP:H1 |
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Glenfarclas Family Cask 1994, OB, 53.7%, B:2016, cask 3882, 287 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, syrupy, heavy, bitter, slightly nutty, on tannins, leather, dried fruits, treacle, Christmas cake, candied orange and spices. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, very fruity, slightly nutty, on leather, tannins, cinnamon, Christmas cake, orange, tangerine, nutmeg, walnuts and some fruit juice. The finish is long, rich, spicy, on tangerine, orange, Fanta, some cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted coffee beans and cocoa. Impression: A thick, heavy, very rich, fruity heavily sherried whisky, with very pleasant aromas of orange juice and a light bitterness. Rating: 17/20 FP: I1 |
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Glendullan Singleton, 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016, Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Waxy, slightly austere and mustardy, on vanilla, some citrus, honey and pollen. Taste: Grassy, slightly waxy, aromatic, austere and farmy, on vanilla, some pollen and heather. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly grassy, on pollen, elderberry flowers, some honey and a touch of grapefruits Impression: A pleasant whisky, soft, rather grassy and a few drops of honey to sweetened the whole. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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GlenDronach 1993, 19 YO, OB, 58.1%, B:2012, cask 467, 613 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Nutty, floral, spicy, farmy, slightly meaty, on treacle, nutmeg, some precious wood, banana and other light exotic fruits. Taste: Smooth, spicy, slightly floral and fragrant, malty, on fudge, some toffee, orange, tangerine, soft spices and pollen. The finish is medium to long, smooth, slightly creamy, floral and malty, with some pollen, fudge and a slight fragrance. Impression: A very smooth, slightly fragrant whisky, on fudge and a soft floral fragrance. Rating: 15/20 FP:E1 |
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Glencadam 19 YO Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Limited Edition, OB, 46%, B:2016, 6000 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, malty, floral, on fresh flowers, some hay, flour, honey and vanilla. Taste: Rich, light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, with light aromas of fudge, tangerine, a hint of orange juice and berries. Diluted, it becomes much spicier (celery, some ginger, a hint of pepper and vegetal condiment). The finish is medium to long, spicy, slightly floral, complex, rich, well balanced, with some fresh and dry flowers, caramel, fudge tangerine and light fruity flavours. Impression: A nice and complex whisky, with a mixture of floral flavours, caramel and a nice light and sweet fruity aromas. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Glen Ord Singleton Signature, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Malty, starchy, light, rather fresh, slightly floral, and a few drops of orchard’s fruits. Taste: Smooth, grassy, slightly spicy, on tobacco leaves, a touch of cachou, a few drops of honey and humus. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A good, smooth and grassy whisky, with some woodlands influence. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Glen Ord Singleton 18 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Slightly austere, fragrant and grassy, with some almond, honey, light grassy and mustard flavours and a few drops of orchards fruits. Taste: Waxy, slightly citric, aromatic and farmy, on mustard seeds, some grapefruits and discreet aromas of vanilla. The finish is medium to long, waxy, mustardy, and slightly citric. Diluted, it becomes spicier (peppery and with some ginger). Impression: A very good waxy whisky, rather light and subtle, with pleasant light citric and mustardy flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Ord Singleton 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, mellow, round, slightly floral, spicy, sour and citric, on vanilla, some grapefruit and fizzy citrus. Taste: Starchy, smooth, mellow, with light citric, austere and peaty smoke. The finish is medium, slightly austere, smoky, and citric, with a hint of grapefruit, light tannins and tobacco. Impression: A smooth and mellow whisky, slightly citric and austere. Rating:14/20 FP:D2 |
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Glen Ord Singleton 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very floral and fresh, fragrant, smooth, on fresh leather, dry biscuits, some cumin, yellow fruits, macadamia nuts, and precious wood. Taste: Very smooth and round, floral, slightly fragrant, on fudge, a hint of smoke, some leather, tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg, liquorice (cachou), macadamia nuts and precious woods, as well as some dried fruits. Diluted, there are some tobacco aromas released. Impression: A very smooth, round and floral whisky, quite spicy and slightly nutty. Well made. Rating: 14/20 FP: G1. |
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English Whisky & Co Peated Raw Cask, Blackadder, 66.3%, B:2016, cask 279, 259 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young, clean, fresh, very peaty, tarry, rooty, and maritime, on hemp rope, some phenol, disinfectant and spearmint. Taste: Young to very young, very peaty and intense, maritime, smoky, on iodine, camphor, seaweeds, disinfectant, vanilla, some tar and soot. The finish is medium to long, dry, very peaty, smoky, young to very young, on disinfectant, iodine, camphor, soot, tar, some lemon and vanilla. Impression: The whisky taste young to very young, (or little interaction with the cask), very peaty, medicinal, maritime, on dry smoke, some citrus, tar and iodine. A very intense and well-made peaty whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP:A8 |
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Edradour 2004 Warrior for GI Jane 2004, OB, 59.2%, B:2016, cask 476. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, rich, round, mellow, rather meaty, on leather, dried fruits, some tangerine, orange, tar, and other sweet juicy fruity. Taste: Peaty to very peaty initially, very round, rather meaty and farmy, on sweet juicy flavours, leather, orange, tangerine, sultanas, dates, cinnamon and a touch of seaweeds. The finish is medium, very intense and round, peaty, farmy, slightly meaty, on dried fruits, tannins, lots of leather, and some cocoa and fruity flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on chocolate. Impression: A whisky initially rather peaty whisky, with a thick and round sherry influence, rather farmy and intense. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP: E5 |
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Edradour Warrior Series for GI Jane 2005, 10 YO, OB, 55.9%, B:2016, cask 52. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, sweet, round, on toffee, some yeast and vegetal condiment. With time the vegetal and yeasty flavours are getting lighter and on vanilla, some pollen and a hint of honey. Taste: Oaky, spicy, on roasted nuts, leather, slightly spices, some pollen and vanilla. The finish is medium, intense, nutty, slightly grassy, with some hay, toffee, dried fruits and slightly fragrant flowers. Diluted, it becomes thinner, subtle and light. Impression: A good sherried Edradour, on leather, nuts and toffee. Rating: 14/20 FP: A1 |
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Edradour 2003 for Fortune, 12 YO, OB, 58.4%, B:2016, cask 911, 696 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, floral, fragrant, with some yeast, hops, parsley, ham and Gruyere. With time, the cheesy flavours disappear and are replaced by more fruity flavours. Taste: Fruity, smooth, juicy, on tangerine, some hops, parsley, honey, vanilla and melon. The finish is medium, smooth, fruity, juicy, with some fudge, honey and light fruits from the orchards. Impression: A very good, smooth, juicy, fruity and well balanced whisky. Very enjoyable to drink. The quality of the Edradour distilled since Andrew took over the distillery is markedly better than most previous distillates. Just let it breath for a few minutes. Rating: 15/20 FP: D1 |
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Brora 1972 Rare Malts, 22 YO, OB, 58.7%, B:1995. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very intense, extremely peaty, complex, coastal, farmy to very farmy, on paraffin, sea brine, camphor, maritime peat smoke and a touch of leather. The intensity of the complex peat smoke is impressive. Woaww. Taste: Dry, intense, farmy to very farmy, peaty, citric, spicy, slightly earthy and aromatic, on dry fish, camphor, humus, some liquorice, menthol, seaweeds, beeswax, lemon peel, hemp rope, mustard seeds and almonds. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoother. The finish is very long, very peaty and intense, dry, complex, farmy, coastal, waxy, on camphor, spearmint, sea brine, some light earthy, mineral and aromatic flavours, some mustard, almonds and pepper. Diluted, it becomes waxier and more on camphor. With an ever lasting farmy (manure) peat smoke. Impression: When you bring the nose close to your glass, the peat smoke hits your nostrils with a delicious complex and farmy peat smoke that brings you close to heaven, complement by camphor, some mustard and coastal influence. Simply excellent and the legendary reputation is well deserved for anyone who enjoys this style of whisky, like me. Thank you so much Benjamin for this gorgeous treat! Rating: 20/20 FP:A7 |
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Brora 1972 Rare Malts, 22 YO, 61.1%, B:1995. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, peaty to very peaty, intense, farmy, citric to very citric, coastal, dry, spicy, slightly meaty, on peat smoke, lemon peel, sea brine, camphor and some tree sap. Cleaner, drier, more citric, slightly less farmy and complex than the 58.7%. Taste: Waxy, citric to very citric, peppery, peaty, dry, rather clean, on camphor, lemon peel, bitter lemon, camphor, farmy peat smoke, some bandages, spearmint, light earthy and coastal flavours. Markedly more citric and lemony than the 58.7%. The finish is long to very long, peaty, waxy, farmy, citric to very citric, moderately medicinal, on peat smoke, camphor, iodine, spearmint, some eucalyptus, lemon peel, lemon juice, bitter lemon, other citrus, leather, and a hint of almonds. Impression: Comparing these two legendary Brora was very instructive, as I was expecting two similar whiskies. These two Rare Malts are quite different, with the 58.7% being very intense, farmy and peaty, while the 61.1% is markedly more citric and on camphor, with light medicinal flavours. Both are excellent whiskies, but the 58.7% is more to my taste. Sadly, few whiskies with this style are being produced. Thank you Gunnar for your help with sourcing this sample. Rating: 19/20 FP:A6 |
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Dufftown 1979, Golden Cask, 51.5%, B:2010, cask CM156, 359 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, slightly floral and fragrant, on red berries, orange, tannins, precious wood and a hint of varnish. Taste: Smooth, sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy, on tangerine, orange, various spices, and some exotic wood. The finish is medium to long, smooth, slightly fragrant and floral, on lacquer, some orange, marmalade and light spices. Impression: A whisky with a very intense sherry influence on the nose, lighter and smoother on the palate, with a pleasant fruitiness. Rating: 12/20 FP:I1 |
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Cragganmore 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, green, slightly malty, on green fruits (mainly green apples), some vanilla and liquid honey. Taste: Green, slightly waxy, mineral and spicy, with some mustard seeds, pepper, vanilla and a touch of green apples and Mirabelle. The finish is medium, smooth, waxy, slightly citric and mineral, on mustard seeds, some pepper, sea brine and a hint of green apples and bitterness. Impression: A very nice, slightly waxy and mineral whisky, with a touch of bitterness and some mustard seeds. Subtle and rather complex. A classic that is constantly of high quality. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Craigellachie Very Old Reserve 31 YO, OB, 52.2%, B:2016, Ltd Batch No. 04-6137. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, rich, complex, on mellow fruits, some passion fruits and a hint of mineral smoke. Taste: Intense, spicy to very spicy, slightly waxy and mineral, on vanilla, mustard seeds, with a hint of Mirabelle and citrus. The finish is medium to long, mineral, waxy, spicy (mustardy), slightly peppery and oaky, on vanilla, some heather, a light smokiness and some grapefruit. Impression: The oldest official Craigellachie I have tasted so far, very mellow and good, with a rather mineral flavour profile. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Ledaig Sherry, 11 YO, Cadenhead’s, 61.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty, intense and maritime, tarry, slightly salty, on tar, hemp rope, seaweeds, sea salt, iodine, some camphor and a touch of menthol. Taste: Very smooth and maritime, peaty to very peaty, smoky, tarry, slightly sour, on iodine, citrus, seaweeds, peat smoke, a whiff of fudge and tangerine. The finish is long, intense, maritime to very maritime, smoky, peaty, tarry, slightly medicinal, on peat smoke, idine, camphor, tar, seaweeds, bandages, and a light sweetness. Impression: A very intense and peaty Ledaig, with strong maritime flavours and a most discreet sherry influence. Very good. Thank you Manfred! Rating:14/20 FP:B7 |
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Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask Series 1983 for the Chinese Whisky Society, 33 YO, OB, 52.4%, B:2016, 588 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow, silky, elegant, floral, on dried fruits, sultanas, spices (cinnamon and some ginger), honey. Taste: Mellow, very subtle, smooth, floral to very floral, rather spicy, on ginger, honey, some pepper, cinnamon, dried fruits, sultanas, oranges, light aromatic herbs, candied ginger, vanilla, tobacco leaves and a touch of heather. The finish is medium, very mellow, spicy, and slightly floral, on ginger, cinnamon, some pepper, honey, melon, vanilla, and sultanas and light aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on melon and with a touch of tropical fruits. Impression: Only a few official single casks of Aberfeldy have been bottled to date, but all were markedly younger that this mellow and very subtle Aberfeldy finished for 5 years in an ex-marsala cask. The spices (ginger, some pepper, aromatic herbs and cinnamon) probably coming from the wine cask give a certain freshness and intensity to this whisky, where all the flavours are very subtle (i.e., well integrated). A most enjoyable whisky. Thank you Derek. Rating: 17/20 FP:E1 |
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Clynelish 1996, 19 YO, Adelphi, 49.1%, B:2016, cask 11446, 174 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, peaty, smoky, coastal, complex, rather subtle, with some tar and light notes of disinfectant. Excellent. Taste: Rich, waxy, smooth, fruity to very fruity, lots of mango, some passion fruit and banana. The finish is medium, waxy, mellow, sweet, with lots of mango, on passion fruits and banana, as well as some pink grapefruit. Impression: A very good and fruity whisky, waxy and mellow that starts to show a slight woodiness. Rating: 15/20 FP:C2 |
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Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu 2010, 6 YO, Blackadder, 59.7%, B:2016, cask 2630, 311 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Moderately peaty, smoky, slightly rooty, dry and tarry, complex, on camphor, seaweeds and some bitter lemon and light aromatic flavours. Taste: Rooty, peaty, maritime, rather dry and tarry, on anise seed, aromatic herbs, some citrus, tar, roots and kumquats. The finish is long, smoky, peaty, maritime, and slightly bitter, with some liquorice roots, quinine and some light soft fruity flavours in the back. Impression: A pleasant whisky, which I found rather difficult, with a subtle balance between the peat, the bitterness and rooty flavours. Remarkable complex for its age. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Cardhu 18 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round to very round, fruity to very fruity, on melon, some tropical flavours and fur tree sap. It becomes sweeter and fruitier over time. Taste: Thin, sweet, starchy, slightly malty, with light fruits from the orchards, and marshmallow. The finish is short, smooth, thin, slightly starchy, and with very weak flavours. Diluted, it is almost tasteless. Impression: Initially, the nose was rather pleasant and promising, but after a few minutes, the intensity decreased. It is very weak on the palate and diluted, it tasted more like than flavoured water. Please bottle it at a higher strength! Rating: 09/20 FP:A1 |
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Cardhu 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, slightly waxy and grassy, with a light touch of bitter lemon and light spices. Taste: Spicy to very spicy (mustard and some pepper), slightly waxy and grassy, with some honey, grapefruit and a light farmy flavour. The finish is medium, slightly waxy, with some caramel, sea brine and a few mustard seeds. Impression: A pretty good and nicely spicy whisky. I wished the finish was more intense. Markedly spicier than the 12 Y YO. Rating: 12/20 FP:B1 |
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Cardhu 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smoky, slightly spicy to spicy, on bacon, BBQ, some light floral flavours and pollen. Taste: Light, very floral, fragrant, on vanilla, coriander, slightly aromatic, with a hint of tobacco leaves and citrus. The finish is medium, very round, smooth and fragrant, floral, with some tobacco, vanilla and coriander. Impression: A well-made whisky, pleasant and good value in mainland Europe (around 30 euros). Rating: 11/20 FP:A1 |
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Bunnahabhain Blossom for Hot Malt Taiwan, 24 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 51%, B:2016, cask 7398, 270 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Subtle, smooth, peaty, on vanilla, some dry peat smoke and light soft floral and maritime flavours. Taste: Smoky, slightly grassy, aromatic, salty and peaty, with a touch of tar, lemon zest, ginger and a hint of fresh tobacco leaves. The finish is medium to long, slightly waxy, smoky, grassy, and aromatic, with light spicy and aromatic herbs. Impression: A very good slightly smoky and aromatic whisky, smooth and well balanced and quite complex. I like this style of whisky very much. Rating: 15/20 FP:A3 |
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Blair Athol 1988 for Taiwan, 26 YO, Signatory, 56.1%, B:2016, Wine treated butt 6846, 624 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smoky, floral, and slightly fragrant, on toffee, fudge, Christmas cake, cinnamon, nutmeg and a zest of mango and rubber. Taste: Rich, thick, floral, juicy, dry, winey, vegetal, with some sweet liquorice (Haribo), treacle, dry spices and flowers. The finish is medium, dry, woody, earthy, winey, nutty, spicy, on liquorice and dry fruits.. Impression: A special whisky, winey, spicy, dry and tannic, with some earthy flavours and liquorice. Difficult to rate. Rating: 13/20 FP:E1 |
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Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 45, OB, 60.28%, B:2013. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich to very rich, intense, spicy, floral, smooth, on orange, chocolate, nuts, cinnamon and some berries. Very good. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, floral, slightly nutty, on red berries, grapes, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, tangerine, chocolate, leather, tannins, some roasted coffee and a touch of pepper. The finish is medium, heavy, spicy to very spicy, tannic, floral, nutty, on black pepper, leather, tannins, cinnamon, orange, tangerine, ginger, some cloves, bitter orange, red berries, chestnuts and dark chocolate. Impression: A heavy, intense, rich and spicy Aberlour, with lots of orange. Seems slightly rougher and spicier than the other batches I have tried. Always a very good value whisky. Thank you Manfred. Rating: 14/20 FP:J1 |
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Mortlach 1995 Refill sherry, 17 YO, Cooper’s choice, 46%, B:2013. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very fruity, rich, floral, on orange, tangerine, guava, some peach and papaya. Lovely. Taste: Very fruity, sweet, smooth, well balanced, floral, slightly spicy, on peach, guava, papaya, honey, tangerine, juicy oranges, cinnamon buns and some banana. The finish is long, deliciously fruity and juicy, slightly floral, smooth, complex, well balanced, on a mixture of exotic fruits, tangerine, tangerine and cinnamon. Excellent. Impression: I haven’t tasted many recent Mortlach of this quality, with deliciously fruity, sweet and juicy flavours. Excellent! Thank you Manfred for this good surprise. Rating: 17/20 FP:E2 |
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Classic of Islay, JWWW, 56.4%, B:2014, cask 2725. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, smoky and maritime, medicinal, oaky, on iodine, seaweeds, with a touch of menthol and wet woods. Smells good the Lagavulin shore. Taste: Smooth, young, maritime, smoky, peaty, salty, on sea salt, seaweeds, camphor, nuts, a light leather and nutty sherry influence. The finish is medium, maritime, peaty, smoky to very smoky, oaky, modern, nutty, with lots of iodine and camphor, on leather, some toffee and liquorice roots. Diluted, it becomes more on iodine and camphor, but seems younger as well. Impression: The nose was great, becoming rather heavy and oaky on the palate, with rather strong flavours of iodine and camphor. Seems rather young, like a 6 to 7 years old sherry matured, with a rather active influence from the cask. Thank you Manfred. Rating: 14/20 FP:D6 |
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Classic of Islay, JWWW, 56.1%, B:2014, cask 531. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, smoky, maritime, intense, oaky, on fudge, leather, iodine, some bandage, camphor, seaweeds. Slightly rounder and more on toffee than the cask 2725. Taste: Maritime to very maritime, salty, oaky, on leather, nuts, pepper (black pepper), sea salt, kipper, burnt wood and peaty smoke, with light aromas of camphor, toffee and iodine. Heavier and less medicinal than cask 2725. The finis is medium, rather clean, smoky to very smoky, quite heavy, maritime, on peat smoke, spearmint, some camphor, pepper and liquorice roots. Diluted, it becomes slightly more medicinal and with some dark chocolate. Impression: A cleaner and slightly heavier version than cask 2725, slightly less complex as well. These Classic of Islay are fairly prices cask strength Islay single casks from the South shore of Islay. Rating: 13/20 FP: C5 |
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Blair Athol 1988 For Fortune (Taiwan), 25 YO, Signatory, 59.6%, B:2014, casks 6920 & 6924. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, floral, fragrant, elegant, subtle, harmonious, and light aromas of toffee. Taste: Very smooth, quite spicy, rich and fruity, with some tobacco leaves, yellow fruits, vanilla custard and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium to long, round, smooth, slightly malty, on vanilla, yellow flowers, with a touch of liquorice and dried flowers. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter, with some burnt rubber. Impression: A very good, smooth and floral whisky, rather fresh with a pleasant light and well-integrated spiciness. Better without water. Rating: 16/20 FP: E1 |
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Blair Athol 1988 For Fortune (Taiwan), 26 YO, Signatory, 57.0%, B:2015, Wine treated butt 6804. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very vegetal, spicy, on vegetal condiment, toffee, caramel and some fudge. Taste: Vegetal, rubbery, spicy, floral, on burnt rubber, caramel and some vegetal condiment. The finis is medium, very rubbery, spicy, and fragrant, on caramel, burnt sugar and some vegetal spices. Impression: A very rubbery whisky, fragrant and vegetal. Not my style. Sorry. Rating: 09/20 FP:G1 |
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