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Edradour 2003 PTM (Peated Through Maturation), 14 YO, OB, 58.7%, B:2017, cask 149. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, maritime, round, fruity, on vanilla, light malty flavours and some toffee. Taste: Peaty, smoky, maritime, round, floral, on a complex, mellow and subtle peat smoke, seaweeds, some kippers, sea salt and a touch of liquorice. The finish is long, malty, round, slightly floral, peaty, smoky, mineral and dry, on dry maritime peat smoke, seaweeds, keepers, iodine, some nuts, sea salt and light floral flavours. Impression: A very good Edradour, round and floral, with a complex and maritime peat smoke. Matured in an ex Port Ellen cask, the whisky is rather peaty and intense, with a nice maritime flavours. The peat from the cask is rather intense. Rating: 15/20  FP:A4 |
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Speymalt Macallan 1967, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:2005. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round and mellow, floral, slightly nutty, on soft spices, leather, cocoa, some honey, tannins, and a light peat smoke. Taste: Rich to very rich, thick, intense, syrupy, floral, intense, complex, slightly bitter, on tannins, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some cloves, nutmeg and light aromatic herbs. The finish is long to very long, floral, complex, spicy to very spicy, mellow, slightly woody, fruity, nutty, sirupy and tannic, on walnuts, sultanas, nutmeg, cloves, some cinnamon, precious wood, orange, tangerine, cocoa and a touch of smoke. Impression: A very good whisky distilled at Macallan distillery, thick, fruity, floral, with an intense and complex sherry influence. With some light bitter and tannic flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:H2 |
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Red Snake for Taiwan, Blackadder, 59.7%, B:2017, Redneck RN21. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very smooth, fresh, on fresh orchard fruits, some vanilla and light fragrant flowers. Taste: Fresh to very fresh, malty, slightly creamy, on orchard fruits, some tangerine, honey, vanilla and grassy flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier, more floral and with some tobacco. The finish is medium, floral, fresh, slightly bitter, with on freshly pressed orchard fruits, vanilla and a light spiciness. Impression: A very fresh whisky, malty, slightly floral and lots of orchard fruits. Refreshing. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Red Snake Sherry Finish (Caroni Rum Finish), Blackadder, 59.5%, B:2017, cask Redneck RN27. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Round, floral, on toffee, fudge, peat smoke, brown sugar and vanilla. With nice sugary flavours. Taste: Spicy, intense, malty, slightly floral and fragrant, on treacle, brown sugar, some rubber, cinnamon, cloves, berries and fudge. The finish is medium to long, smooth, floral, spicy, intense, on treacle, some rubber, vanilla and a hint of smoke. Impression: A good, round, floral, intense and spicy whisky, quite sugary and with some rubber. The label is rather confusing, as it is mentioned Sherry cask finish on the label, but according to the information received it was a rum (Caroni) cask finish. Considering the flavour profile, the latter seems the correct one. Rating: 12/20 FP:D2 |
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Bunnahabhain 1991 For Taiwan, 25 YO, Blackadder, 50.5%, B:2017, Sherry butt 5436, Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, very round, vegetal, rubbery, on red berries, fresh rubber, leather, some cinnamon, vegetal condiment, round floral flavours, heather and nutmeg. Taste: Round to very round, sweet, fruity, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on treacle, rubber, sultanas, orange, some tangerine, nutmeg, cinnamon, lacquer and beeswax. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoother, rounder and with more leather. Impression: A very rich and spicy whisky, very round, with lots of tannins. Rating: 14/20 FP:H1 |
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Ben Nevis 1999 For Taiwan, 17 YO, Blackadder, 55.3%, B:2017, cask 207. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, light, fresh, on vanilla, some tobacco and light fragrant flavours. Taste: Rich, complex, well balanced, with some light exotic fruity flavours, light and delicate floral flavours and just a hint of spices. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, with some light exotic fruit flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on hops. Impression: A floral and slightly bitter whisky, with light and pleasant fruity flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Epsilon S1 Single Malt Sherry Butt finish, Glenwill, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Oaky, fresh, floral, on juicy oak, vanilla, orchard fruits, cinnamon and light spicy flavours. Seems young. Taste: Smooth, young, juicy to very juicy, on freshly sawn oak, vanilla, light creamy flavours, and some toffee. The finish is medium to long, fresh, oaky, juicy, slightly green and grassy, on vanilla, some heather, ginger and freshly sawn wood. Impression: A well made, young, fresh and juicy whisky. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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RO Single Malt Rum Cask Finish, Glenwill, 40%, B: 2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Fresh, smooth, slightly juicy and starchy, on orchard fruits, vanilla, and light floral flavours. Taste: Smooth, juicy to very juicy, starchy, slightly spicy, on orchard fruits, toasted wood, vanilla, soft spices, some melon, peach and starch. The finish is medium, smooth, juicy, rich, starch, on toasted wood, nuts, light floral flavours, peach and vanilla. Impression: A version close to the Epsilon, but slightly juicier, on toasted wood and less spicy. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Fary Lochan, OB, 47%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh to very fresh, light, malty, creamy, slightly starchy, on vanilla, fresh cream, and freshly crushed barley. Taste: Green, grassy, on diesel smoke, green malt, various spices, some vanilla and fresh nuts. The finish is medium, green to very green, grassy, on fresh hops, green malt, some almond and diesel smoke. Impression: A very green whisky, with flavours of green malt and nuts, and a moderately spicy finish. Original. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Finlaggan 2007 for Taiwan, OB, 53.8%, B:2016, cask 101. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young, very smooth, clean, maritime, peaty, smoky, oaky, on vanilla and some disinfectant. It becomes more intense as time passes. Taste: Oaky, maritime, mellow, slightly young, maritime, medicinal, on iodine and seaweeds. The finish is medium, oaky, salty, maritime, slightly oily, with some tar soap, iodine, seaweeds, oak spices, vanilla, and some camphor. Diluted, it becomes younger. Impression: A peaty, smoky and slightly young whisky, with some camphor and medicinal flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:A7 |
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Caol Ila 15 YO Orange Label, OB, (Bulloch & lade), 43%, B: 1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: On a delicious, complex and maritime peat smoke, camphor, seaweeds, iodine, some bandages and burnt wood. Excellent. Taste: Light, fresh, lemony to very lemony, salty, medicinal, on a citric, medicinal and slightly mineral peat smoke, tar, soot, camphor, iodine, bandages and lemon zest. Subtle and elegant. The finish is medium to long, citric, medicinal, peaty, slightly maritime and salty, on lemon zest, subtle and complex peat smoke, tar, soot, candied lemon, bandages, iodine and some camphor. Diluted, it becomes more on candied lemon. Impression: A complex, subtle and elegant Caol Ila, with candied lemon. A whisky with a nice complex peat smoke that was the hallmark of the old Caol Ila distillery style. Rating: 16/20 FP:A7 |
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Caol Ila 1977, Gordon & MacPhail, 63.8%, B:1980s Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty, oaky, maritime, slightly earthy, grassy and farmy, with some olives, vanilla, oak spice, tar, and peat smoke. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, peppery, citric, on peat smoke, iodine, some olives, tar, charcoal, citrus, burnt wood and oak spices. The finish is medium to long, peaty, oaky to very oaky, slightly tarry and grassy, rather intense, with some vanilla, oak spices, peat smoke and light earthy and farmy flavours. Impression: A rather oaky and mildly peated Caol Ila. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Komagatake 1988 for Shinanoya, 29 YO, OB, 60%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very sweet and mellow, fruity to very fruity, round, malty, slightly floral, on sweet oranges and tangerine, round floral flavours, honey, almonds, some mango, peach and cocoa. With time, it becomes slightly smoky. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, very smooth, on herb liqueur, Cointreau, freshly crush barley, guava, some banana, orange, tangerine, dry peat smoke, lacquer, a touch of Turkish delights and a dash of salt. The finish is medium, mellow, slightly dry and tannic, on leather, some roasted coffee beans, rancio, Turkish delights, rice cakes, orange, tangerine and a touch of leather. Diluted, it is slightly more on rancio and old leather. Impression: A very sweet and mellow Japanese singe malt, fruity, smooth and rather elegant, becoming slightly drier and more on tannins on the finish. Rating: 15/20 FP:G2 |
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Rosebank 1983, Signatory, 43%, B:1995, cask 1668/1669. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense to very intense, peaty, on a mixture of dry and sweet sherry, leather, cinnamon, orange, tangerine, some dried fruits, an old fashioned mineral peat smoke and light floral and malty flavours. Simply excellent! Taste: Rich, fruity to very fruity, creamy, floral, slightly nutty, on dry peat smoke, walnuts, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some peat smoke and nutmeg. The finish is long, floral, slightly dry, meaty and peaty, on dry Swiss meat (from Grisons), dry and mineral peat smoke, some tangerine, orange, dried fruits, nuts and cinnamon. Impression: A delicious sweet and floral Rosebank, on a nice and dry sherry influence, as well as some pleasant dry peat smoke. Complex, balanced and most enjoyable. Simply excellent. Rating: 17/20 FP:A3 |
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Tomatin 1984 for Shinanoya, OB, 44%, B:2016, cask 36504, 682 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very grassy, light, aromatic, on honey, lychees, freshly cut and slightly aromatic herbs, with some chamomile and lime blossom. Taste: Very light and grassy, aromatic, slightly bitter, on lime blossom, chamomile and a hint of vanilla. The finish is medium, light to very light, grassy and on the same flavours. Impression: A rather peculiar Tomatin, light to very light, very grassy, soft and on chamomile and lime blossom infusion. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Tomintoul 1977 for Singapore, 40 YO, OB, 44.9%, B:2017, 270 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow and round, gentle, slightly floral, sweet and fruity, on fresh orange and tangerine, with some high grade leather, roses, some papaya, mango, exotic fruits and a hint of peat smoke. Well balanced. Taste: Very mellow, floral, slightly fragrant, nutty, bitter and tannic, on fresh orange and tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, walnuts, some papaya, mango and other exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, floral, very mellow, on fresh walnuts, cinnamon, orange, fresh tangerine, some exotic fruits, cocoa, roasted coffee beans, and leather. Impression: A very mellow, rather floral and slightly soft Tomintoul, with nice fresh and sweet fruity flavours, also with a fair dose of walnuts. Thank you Benjamin. Rating: 15/20 FP:F1 |
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As we get it Pure Malt, MacFarlane, 100 Proof, B: 1970s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very sharp and intense, floral, on gooseberries, fresh grassy and fruity flavours and some melon. Taste: Very clean, sharp and floral, on gooseberries, some pineapples, heather, and lime blossom. The finish is medium, fresh to very fresh, floral, clean, and rather sharp, on gooseberries, some heather honey and melon. Diluted, it becomes slightly rounder. Impression: A very clean, sharp and intense pure malt, mainly on gooseberries. Thank you Benjamin. Rating: 13/20 FP:B1 |
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Ledaig 2004, Gordon & MacPhail, 55.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round to very round, clean, peaty, slightly smooth and maritime, with some dried fruits. Becomes more peaty and medicinal over time. Taste: Dry, tarry, peaty, maritime, intense, clean, rather smooth and medicinal, with light fruity flavours (tangerine), dry and tarry peat smoke, some tangerine, camphor, iodine and medicinal flavours. The finish is medium to long, clean, intense, peaty, maritime, medicinal, on camphor, peat smoke, iodine, tar, seaweeds, lemon zest and other medicinal flavours. Impression: A clean, dry, intense, peaty and medicinal Ledaig. Very good. Rating: 14/20 FP:D7 |
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Glen Grant Celebrations of the cask 1996, 20 YO, Carn Mor, 55.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round to very round, floral to very floral, smooth, slightly malty and fragrant, on round and soft spices, some ginger, vanilla, soft yellow fruits, and vanilla custard. Taste: Floral, spicy, fragrant, on ginger, spices, some vanilla custard, honey, lily of the valley and melon. The finish is medium to long, very round, smooth, malty, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on ginger, vanilla custard, fragrant spring flowers, some honey, heather, ginger and orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes more on orchard fruits and melon. Impression: A good, very smooth, round and very floral whisky. Nicely balanced. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenugie 1959, 18 YO, Cadenhead’s, 80 Proof, B:1977. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Rich, intense to very intense, sharp, fruity, on melon, watermelon, some papaya, exotic fruits, paraffin and grapefruits. Less fruity than the Hart Brother, but more intense, sharper, and slightly more peaty as well. Taste: Intense, peaty, grassy, slightly austere and peppery, on paraffin, old fashioned peat smoke, precious wood, some pink grapefruits, papaya and guava, dark chocolate, old leather, black liquorice and a touch of rancio and Pu-Erh. The finish is long, rich, syrupy, intense, slightly floral, grassy, peaty and meaty, on black liquorice, some green-grassy flavours, old fashioned peat smoke, precious wood, dried fruits, dates, and some Pu-Erh, grapefruit and bitter orange. Impression: An impressive Glenugie, very intense, spicy, rather austere and peaty, with a thick-syrupy mouth feel, a lovely peat smoke and some bitter fruity flavours. A whisky not that easy to judge as it is rather extreme, more peaty, austere and less fruity than the Glenugie distilled since the 1960s. An excellent one. Thank you Benjamin. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Glenugie 1965, 23 YO, Hart Brothers, 43%, B:1988. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very grassy and round, mellow, rich, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on melon, guava, papaya, some banana, and other exotic fruits. Excellent and with beautiful fruity flavours. Taste: Green, grassy, fruity to very fruity, round, on paraffin, guava, papaya, some banana, grapefruits, other exotic fruits, a hint of leather and dry tobacco. The finish is medium to long, green, grassy, round, mellow, on paraffin, exotic fruits, some leather, dry tobacco and green tea. Diluted, it becomes slightly drier and bitter (more grapefruits). Impression: A very good Glenugie, with the expected grassy and fruity flavours, rich and round, with some leather and tobacco in the finish, as well as light peat flavours. Lovely. I just wished the finish was longer. Rating: 17/20 FP:C2 |
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Lg7, Elements of Islay, 56.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Cheesy (Gruyère) initially, then it becomes peaty to very peaty, light, slightly oaky and maritime, on citrus, peat smoke, sea weeds, some sea shells, iodine and camphor. Taste: Dry to very dry, smoky, very peaty, salty, slightly maritime, on iodine, camphor, seaweeds, menthol and disinfectant. The finish is long, dry to very dry, very smoky and peaty, maritime, on camphor, tar and iodine, Diluted, there is some gentian. Impression: A very peaty and dry whisky, smoky, maritime, medicinal and with some gentian. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:A7 |
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Lagavulin Distillery Only, OB, 54.1%, B:2017, 7500 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold. Nose: Intense, smoky to very smoky, peaty, maritime, oaky, on peat smoke, oak spices, charred oak, some seaweeds, vanilla, charcoal and ashes. Taste: Intense to very intense, modern, sharp, oaky, peaty, maritime, slightly tarry, on charcoal, charred oak, peat smoke, some seaweeds, camphor, ashes, mint and a touch of tar. The finish is medium to long, very intense, modern, sharp, oaky to very oaky, peaty to very peaty, salty, on seaweeds, peat smoke, charred wood, liquorice roots, some iodine, camphor and oak spices. Diluted, it becomes more lemony. Impression: A marked contrasted to the first distillery only bottling. This version is sharp, oaky, intense, rather peaty, on charred wood and lemon. Earlier version was smokier but not as peaty as this one. This bottling reminds me of the Lagavulin 12 YO Special Releases, with slightly more complexity and more on charred wood. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:C6 |
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Ol’Dirty Port Charlotte Fresh Oloroso Sherry Cask, 10 YO, The Rare and Fine Whisky Sample Group, 55%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old Gold-amber Nose: Round, mellow, maritime, moderately peaty, elegant, on peat smoke, smoked bacon, some seaweeds, tar and soot. A very different version from the Maltbarn, much rounder, less peaty, but also more elegant. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, peaty, elegant, on seaweeds, peat smoke, toffee, orchard fruits, lots of smoke, some tar, tangerine, orange, fruit marmalade and high quality ham. The finish is medium to long, very round, meaty, smoky, peaty, smooth, slightly salty, on smoked ham and bacon, seaweeds, peat smoke, tangerine, orange, some spices, tar and soot. Diluted, it becomes saltier and more on ham cooked in asphalt. Impression: A surprising Port Charlotte, very round and mellow, elegant, rather meaty, and moderately peaty, but also more subtle than any other Port Charlotte I have tasted so far. This profile can be attributed to its maturation in a small cask. Thank you Donnie. Rating: 15/20 FP:D5 |
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Port Charlotte 2008, 8 YO, Maltbarn, 57.6%, B:2017, cask 81, 169 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty, intense, maritime, winey to very winey, spicy, on seaweeds, peat smoke, tar, red wine, some camphor, bandages and red berries. Taste: Winey to very winey, sweet, spicy, peaty to very peaty, oaky, maritime to very maritime, on smoked bacon, seaweeds, peat smoke, red berries, grapes and rather strong winey flavours. The finish is medium to long, oaky, maritime, peaty to very peaty, very winey, sticky, with on grapes, red berries, some spices, seaweeds, tar and smoked bacon. Impression: The whisky is good and well-made, intense, peaty to very peaty, but dominated by the wine cask, with a sticky-winey mouth feel. A wineshky. Not for me. Sorry. Thank you Markus. Rating: 10/20 FP:G7 |
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King Edward 1, OB, 43 GL, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smoky, peaty, maritime, slightly starchy, on peat smoke, some starch, soot, grainy flavours, dried fruits, caramel and peach. Good. Taste: Grainy, moderately peaty and smoky, slightly fruity and floral, on cooked cereals, orange, tangerine, heather honey, dried fruits, some apricots and peach. The finish is medium, rich, sweet, floral, fruity, peaty, on peach, apricots, tangerine, dried fruits, fudge, some toffee, peat smoke, seaweeds, liquorice and a touch of leather. Impression: A pleasant blend, smooth, and rather peaty, with some pleasant sweet fruity and starchy flavours. Thank you Stanislav N. Rating: 13/20 FP:G3 |
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Vat 69 (Cork), OB, 43%, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Aromatic, peaty to very peaty, tarry, slightly starchy, on dry, aromatic, tarry peat smoke, some sea brine, heather, tangerine, light spices and meaty flavours. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, light, peaty, floral, slightly grainy, aromatic, tarry and starchy, on dry, tarry and aromatic peat smoke, some charcoal, heather honey, light meaty flavours, dried fruits and yellow fruits. The finish is medium to long, smooth, smoky, peaty, slightly floral and aromatic, on dry aromatic peat smoke, some sea brine, light farmy flavours, heather honey, cinnamon and light sweet fruity flavours. Impression: A good to very good blended whisky, with an elegant aromatic and dry peat smoke, as well as some round sweet fruity flavours. Very enjoyable. Thank you Stanislav N. Rating: 14/20 FP:D4 |
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Ardbeg 2005, 12 YO, North Star, 51.9%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Very peaty, intense, maritime, citric, tarry, smoky, medicinal, on peat smoke, lemon zest, dry tar, oysters, sea shells and burnt wood, with a light influence from the cask. Taste: Fresh, peaty, smooth, maritime, slightly salty and medicinal, on peat smoke, fresh lemon juice, camphor, iodine, some pepper, tar and bandages. The finish is medium to long, rich, salty, maritime, peaty, on lemon, on peat smoke, tar, some soot, bandages and iodine. Impression: A very good expression of Ardbeg, smooth, close to the original TEN, with its peaty, medicinal and lemony flavours. It appears slightly younger than its age. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7 |
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Ardbeg 2000, 18 YO, Malts of Scotland, 51.5%, B:2018, sherry cask 180106, 525 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, sweet, peaty, moderately maritime and smoky, on sweet orange, tangerine, peat smoke, some cocoa and sea weeds. Well balanced. Taste: Round, mellow, fruity to very fruity, peaty, maritime, slightly medicinal, on peat smoke, tar, strawberries, tangerine, orange, seaweeds, iodine, camphor, dried fruits and cocoa. The finish is long, complex, sweet, fruity, round, mellow, smoky, peaty, slightly medicinal, with some camphor, iodine, seweeds, bandages, dried and sweet fruits, as well as some tar and cocoa. Diluted, it becomes very much on old fashioned smoked bacon. Impression: A very good and mellow Ardbeg, on a round, fruity and meaty sherry influence. Rating: 16/20 FP:E6 |
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Brora 1970 Platinum, 32 YO, Douglas Laing, 58.4%, B:2002, 297 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, farmy to very farmy, rather clean, smooth and waxy, on farmy peat smoke, some lemon zest, mustard, coastal influence and sweet barley. Subtle Taste: Waxy, peaty, smoky, complex, slightly tarry and coastal, with some mustard seeds, sea brine, camphor, iodine, tar, charcoal, soot, leather and citrus. The finish is very long, smooth, waxy, peaty, slightly farmy, meaty, tarry and sooty, on a farmy, tarry and slightly mineral peat smoke, with some citrus, camphor, soot, liquorice roots, coal and a light coastal influence. Diluted, it becomes more citric, sooty and coastal, with some leather. Impression: An excellent Brora, subtle, waxy, peaty and meaty. While it might not be as peaty as a 1972, it is very peaty, while it remained complex and rather subtle, with a faint cask influence (a clean/naked distillate). It tasted several years ago its siblings at 52.4%, and this is one is less salty but more sooty. Rating: 18/20 FP:A7 |
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Highland Park 8 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 57%, B: 1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smoky, peaty, on heather honey, light grassy and aromatic flavours, some mineral oil and resins. Very good. Taste: Waxy, slightly smoky, resinous and grassy, on mineral oil, heather honey, heather smoke, some old fashioned peat smoke, cinnamon, oil and camphor. Diluted, there are some tiger balms flavours. The finish is medium to long, oily, slightly waxy, smoky and peaty, rather resinous, on camphor, mineral oil, tiger balm, camphor and sea brine. Impression: A very good Highland Park, rather clean, intense, waxy and resinous, with some camphor and tiger balm. Rating: 15/20 FP:B4 |
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Highland Park 8 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 57%, B: 1970s Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty, intense to very intense, smoky, waxy, mineral to very mineral, on precious wood, humus, heather honey, peat smoke, dried fruits, prunes, cocoa, orange, tangerine and some cinnamon. Very intense and with an excellent old-fashioned sherry. More intense and peaty than the other 8 YO. Taste: Rich, intense, smoky, peaty, fruity, rich, resinous, slightly waxy, on leather, cinnamon, dried and sweet fruits, orange, peat smoke, humus, cocoa, some prunes, cooked orchard fruits, heather honey, and light meaty flavours. The finish is long, rich, sweet, fruity, and slightly waxy, on peat smoke, rich and sweet fruity flavours, cocoa, light meaty flavours and some precious wood. Diluted, the smoke becomes more intense, tarry, meaty and peaty. Impression: A delicious Highland Park, rich, fruity, on a sweet and tarry old fashioned peat smoke. Excellent! Rating: 18/20 FP:G6 |
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Highland Park Cask Strength Edition, OB, 57.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Oaky, intense, smoky, slightly peaty, floral and fragrant, on pear drops, caramel, honey, and some peat smoke. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, modern, floral, slightly young, spicy to very spicy, slightly smoky, on caramel, fragrant floral flavours, some pear drops, pepper, cocoa, and heather smoke. The finish is medium, modern, very oaky, spicy, floral, slightly young and floral, on caramel, pear drops, and bitter floral flavours, as well as some cinnamon and cloves. Impression: An exclusive bottling for Sweden. A slightly young and bitter Highland Park, rather floral, on caramel and a light smokiness. Rating: 11/20 FP:B3 |
Special Limburg Whisky Fair
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Glen Mhor 1937, Thompson Bros & MacRaild, 18 UP (48.6%), B:1959, 37 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Musky, sweet, peaty, dusty, fruity, slightly mineral and grassy, on humus, peat smoke, tangerine, orange, some light exotic flavours, herbs, some fudge, leather, old warehouse and a touch of heather honey. Taste: Rich, peaty, smoky, grassy, complex, mineral, fruity, slightly oily and waxy, on camphor, humus, orange, tangerine, some exotic fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, precious wood, mineral oil, various herbs (including aromatic ones), and a lovely old fashioned peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes slightly nutty and more on leather. Impression: A very good and enjoyable Glen Mhor, grassy, mineral and peaty, complex, on an old-fashioned mineral and aromatic peat smoke and a very good sweet and slightly nutty sherry influence. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Glen Mhor 1978 for Intertrade, 10 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 65.3%, B: 1988. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Light, fresh, floral, slightly bitter, aromatic and grassy, some peat smoke, aromatic and bitter flavours, as well as some milk, mineral oil and a touch of camphor. Taste: Clean, grassy, slightly bitter and aromatic, with some vomit, milk, peat smoke, light mineral and waxy flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on bitter and aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, herbal, grassy, slightly bitter, waxy and oily, with a light mineral smokiness and some bitter herbs. Impression: Not an easy Glen Mhor. Clean, intense, slightly mineral, waxy and on bitter aromatic herbs. Rating:10/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Mhor 1978, Gordon & MacPhail, 65.3%, B:1990s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, slightly aromatic, bitter and smoky, on humus, some peat smoke, light grassy flavours, mineral oil and fudge. More complex and rounder than the Intertrade version. Taste: Round, complex, grassy, waxy, with some humus, peat smoke, mineral oil, aromatic herbs, some dried fruits, orange, quince, Mirabelle, heather honey, leather, tobacco and a touch of caramel. The finish is medium to long, complex, waxy, grassy, slightly aromatic, with some bitter aromatic herbs, orange, tangerine, toffee and mineral oil. Impression: A very good, complex, grassy and waxy Glen Mhor, rather round and well balanced. Rating: 15/20 FP:G3 |
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Gillon’s Real Mountain Dew, OB, 45.30%, B:1890s. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Waxy, moderately peaty and smoky, slightly mineral, spicy and aromatic, with some tar, soot, peat smoke, rusted iron, light mineral flavours, some paraffin, a hint of eucalyptus and very light farmy flavours. Taste: Light, smooth, aromatic, subtle, waxy, resinous, with some subtle mineral and aromatic peat smoke, rusted iron, mustard seeds, a touch of soot, tar, eucalyptus and bandages. The finish is medium to long, waxy, resinous to very resinous, on pine wax, some peat, mineral and aromatic smoke, a touch of eucalyptus, tar and soot. Impression: It is not often you have the opportunity of tasting a whisky probably bottled in the 1890s by Gillon’s. As this company owned Glenury Royal distillery and amalgated in the early 1910s with Ainslie Heilbronn, it might indeed contain some Clynelish single malt. This whisky was pleasantly waxy, subtle, slightly mineral, peaty and aromatic, with no noticeable grain influence. A whisky with some Clynelish from the 19th Century? In any case, very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:D4 |
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Glen Garioch 3rd Millennium 1986, Samaroli, 45%, B:2000. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Light, soapy, aromatic, floral, slightly peaty and smoky, on grist, dried kippers, perfume, and tar soap. Special. Taste: Extremely soapy, very floral and fragrant, on perfume, lavender, some heather and cane sugar. The finish is medium to long, spicy, perfumy, fragrant, floral, on lavender, soap, some icing sugar, honey, ginger and heather. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter and more on honey. Impression: A very special Glen Garioch, with a mixture of icing sugar, honey, ginger and soap. Some Glen Garioch during the early-mid 1980s were very perfumy and this is a good example of that period. Rating: 07/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Garioch 1991, 23 YO, TheWhiskyCask, 51.3%, B:2015, cask 2928, Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Oaky, intense, rich, spicy, slightly smoky, well balanced, on oak spices, ginger, some vanilla, toffee, fudge, cocoa and dried fruits. Taste: Floral, slightly waxy and smoky, on heather honey, ginger, some spices, aromatic herbs, fudge, icing sugar, peat smoke and a hint of smoke bacon. Diluted, it becomes more on roasted coffee beans. The finish is medium to long, oaky, spicy, intense, slightly dry and waxy, on pine wax, aromatic herbs, a light smokiness, some ginger, heather honey and a touch of soot. Impression: A pleasant, oaky, well-balanced and slightly smoky Glen Garioch. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Garioch 1973 19.2,14 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 57.5%, B:1987. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Woaww, deliciously peaty, smoky and meaty, intense, complex, slightly sweet, on aromatic peat smoke, smoked bacon, aromatic herbs, heather, some sea brine and some fruit marmalade. Delicious. Taste: Waxy, aromatic to very aromatic, peaty to very peaty, intense, rich, smoky, meaty, mineral, on aromatic peat smoke, wax, spices, leather, soot, some camphor, bandages, heather smoke, a hint of honey and smoke bacon. Excellent. The finish is long to very long, complex to very complex, meaty, on aromatic peat smoke, smoked bacon, iodine, bandages, sea brine, some tar, soot, heater honey and a light sweetness. Diluted, it becomes much more medicinal, on bandage, camphor and some seaweeds. The peat smoke stays forever. Impression: A stunning Glen Garioch, heavily peated, moderately aromatic and with pleasant smoked bacon flavours, with intense and complex medicinal flavours. Surprisingly, it is not brutal or dry, but smooth and almost sweet, suggesting some old bottle effects. Glen Garioch from that vintage are very rare and this one is simply excellent. A masterpiece. Rating: 19/20 FP:C7 |
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Springbank Peated (Longrow) 1996 10th Anniversary, 22 YO, The Whisky Agency, 50.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Light, peaty, slightly dry and tarry, with some barley, dry and tarry peat smoke, grilled bread, bitter lemon, sea brine and a hint of liquorice. Taste: Dry, light, elegant, peaty to very peaty, smoky, and maritime, with some toffee, on dry pear smoke, ashes, tar, and liquorice. Rather subtle. The finish is medium to long, clean, subtle, slightly light, on dry and ashy peat smoke, some salt and root. Impression: A good Longrow, subtle, moderately peaty and with some roots. Rating: 15/20 FP:A5 |
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Springbank 5 YO Sutti Import, OB, 46%, B: 1970s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, sweet, smoky, peaty, intense, sooty, fruity, salty, on peat smoke, harbour-like flavours, coconuts, tangerine, orange, soot, tar, some coal, ashes, salt and rusted iron. Excellent. Taste: Rich, very intense and peaty, smoky to very smoky, mineral, on ashes, soot, tar, rusted iron, salt, mineral and ashy peat smoke, some charcoal, seaweeds, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg and a grapefruit. The finish is very long, rich, intense, peaty, smoky, mineral, ashy, tarry, sooty, on charcoal, sea salt, rusted iron, old fashioned peat smoke, tangerine, seaweeds, cinnamon, some leather, cocoa, old wood and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Excellent and complex. Diluted, it becomes slighty rooty and precious wood. Impression: An excellent sherried Springbank, deliciously rich and complex, rather peaty, on old-fashioned peat smoke and delicious fruity flavours. While it is labelled as a 5 years old single malt, it should certainly contain a substantial amount of markedly (much) older whisky to reach this level of complexity and balanced. Simply excellent. Rating: 18/20 FP:G6 |
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Springbank 1969, 26 YO, Signatory, 51.7%, B:1995, 790 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very close to the older versions, but sharper, slightly more intense, with less eucalyptus and camphor flavours. Taste: Intense, spicy, slightly oaky, smoky, peaty and salty, with some camphor, citrus and tangerine. The finish is long, very intense, spicy, slightly peppery and salty, smoky, maritime, with a slight bitterness and fruity notes. Complex. Impression: A complex, intense, smoky and maritime version of Springank. A most enjoyable whisky. More intense and lively than the slightly older versions. Rating: 18/20 FP:G4 |
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Springbank 1965 27.23, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 57.3%, B: 1993. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smoky, slightly peaty, mineral and farmy, with some austere and maritime flavour, some seabrine and light notes of cococunt, melon and vanilla. Taste: Salty, maritime, on eucayptus, some pine wax, slightly farmy notes, sea brine and harbour flavours, as well as some coconut. The finish is long, salty, slighty austere and aromatic, on harbour flavours, coconut, some peat smoke, pine wax and eucalyptus. Complex. Impression: A nice austere, rich, rather complex and maritime version of Springank, with a slightly mineral side. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Springbank 1969, 27 YO, Signatory, 51.8%, B:1996, 632 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Close to the 54% version, but slightly sweeter and fruitier, with less mineral influence. Taste: Very smooth, slightly salty, on tangerine, some orange and orange zest, with a touch of lemon and some seaweeds. Rich and on sweet fruity notes. The finish is medium to long, smoky, very smooth, with some peat smoke and sea brine, and a lot of smooth sweet and juicy fruity notes of orange and tangerine. Impression: A deliciously smooth and sweet Springbank, with some mineral peat smoke. Well balanced and harmonious. Rating: 18/20 FP:F3 |
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Springbank 1969, 26 YO, Signatory, 52.8%, B:1995, 440 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Colour: Nose: Very close to the 51.8% and 54% version, seems almost like a mix of both casks. Taste: Smooth, sweet, on honey comb, beeswax, some harbour flavours, a touch of salt and pepper, on smooth sweet fruity flavours, as well some some peat smoke. Slightly bolder than the 51.8% version and less fruity. The finish is medium to long, very bold and round, on beeswax, honey comb, a touch of bitter tobacco smoke, some peat smoke, with some cream fudge as well as very smooth and sweet sherry flavours. Impression: A well rounded, smooth and fruity version of Springbank, with a slightly austere and bitter finish. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 1993 Mission Gold Koval Cask Finish, 23 YO, Murray McDavid, 50.4%, B:2018, cask 15044. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, moderately spicy, oaky, maritime and smoky, slightly nutty, on vanilla, nuts, dried fruits, sultanas, some coconut, sea brine, seaweeds and a pleasant light peat smoke. Taste: Very round, fruity and sweet, mellow, smooth, slightly smoky, oaky, spicy and peppery, on dried and exotic fruits, sultanas, dried mangos, some coconuts, sea brine, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long, complex, mellow, sweet, fruity, rich, juicy, slightly oaky and smoky, with rich spices, exotic fruits, sweet fruits (mainly orange and tangerine), some cinnamon, nutmeg and sea brine. Diluted, some aromas of liquorice roots and black liquorice are released. Impression: A very good, rich, sweet and very fruity expression of Springbank, complex and slightly spicy. Matured initially in a sherry butt, before it was moved to a Koval (80 L) cask. Very enjoyable and drinkable. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 1998, 20 YO, Antique Lions of Spirit, 48.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, round to very round, sweet, slightly fruity, with loads of toffee, some smoke, dried fruits, and light maritime flavours. Taste: Surprisingly smooth, sweet and fruity, rich, very round, slightly rubbery, with some rucola, sea brine, smoke, sultanas, bloody orange, dried fruits, smoke, toffee and fudge. The toffee flavours are markedly lower than the nose suggested it. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, round, smooth, well balanced, slightly smoky, maritime, and rubbery, on toffee, fudge, some sea brine, high grade fresh rubber, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, sultanas and figs. Impression: A very round expression of Springbank, with very nice sweet mouth coating flavours, as well as some rubber, but not too much. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:H3 |
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Glen Scotia 1991 for Edinburgh Airport and World Duty Free, OB, 56.5%, B:2017 cask 857, 204 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, floral, slightly fragrant, smooth, slightly oaky, on perfume, some lavender, sea brine, mineral smoke, quince and a touch of melon. A very different profile from the Best Taste Trading. Taste: Rich, spicy, oaky, sweet, fruity, slightly smoky, on cooked cereals, peach, apricots, light spices, quince, Mirabelle, and fragrant floral flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly smokier. Impression: A surprisingly sweet and mellow Glen Scotia, on apricots, peach and some cooked cereals. A flavour profile close to a Bourbon. Rating: 13/20 FP:A2 |
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Glen Scotia 2001 for Best Taste Trading, OB, 54.1%, B:2017, cask 42, 288 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smoky, intense, “dirty”, on sea brine, harbour-like flavours, rusty iron, some vanilla, pastries, mineral smoke and coconut. Taste: Intense, dirty, slightly mineral, on coconut, mineral smoke, some dough, rusty iron, seaweeds, light floral flavours and harbour-like flavours. Balanced. The finish is medium to long, spicy, oaky, smoky, slightly maritime and mineral, on harbour-like flavours, peat smoke, light medicinal flavours, some bacon, seaweeds, rusty irons. Diluted, it becomes slightly more lemony. Impression: A very good, complex Glen Scotia, with pleasant old dirty smoke and harbour-like flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Old Perth 21 YO, D:1996, OB, 55.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral to very floral, round, slightly nutty and fragrant, on sultanas, figs, dates, very round and floral flavours, spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, some leather, orange, tangerine and polished wood. Taste: Round to very round, floral, fragrant, slightly rubbery and fruity, on sweet fruity flavours, some cinnamon, cloves, rubber, nuts, dried fruits, orange, and nutmeg. The finish is long, rich, spicy, floral to very floral, on lacquer, dried fruits, spices, cinnamon, orange, nutmeg, some leather and cloves. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tannic and bitter. Impression: A very good, floral, round, slightly fragrant and well balanced blended malt. Slightly more rubbery and less complex than the first batch. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Rock Oyster 18 YO, Douglas Laing, 46.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, dry, maritime, salty, mellow, on vanilla, seaweeds, mellow and complex peat smoke, and soft spices. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, salty, moderately smoky, peaty and maritime, with some vanilla, fudge and light medicinal flavours. The finish is medium, mellow, salty, slightly maritime and moderately peaty. Diluted, it becomes more starchy and with some cardboard. Diluted, it becomes softer, saltier and more maritime. Impression: A mellow, slightly soft, maritime and moderately peated whisky. Rating: 12/20 FP:A5 |
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Vega 1977, 40 YO, North Star, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, mellow, smooth, floral to very floral, fragrant, rich, on intense, spicy and floral aromas, dried fruits, oranges, cinnamon, some cloves, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Taste: Very mellow, round, smooth, complex, fruity to very fruity, on various and soft spices, soft leather, sweet fruity flavours, cinnamon, nutmeg, and some cloves. Slightly bitter. The finish is long, soft, mellow, sweet, fruity, spicy, on dried fruits, orange, tangerine, some mango and papaya, cinnamon and cloves. Diluted, it becomes more on roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very good, rich, spicy and very mellow blended malt, with a nice balance. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Blended Malt 1977, 40 YO, Thompson Brothers, 42.9%, B:2017, cask 15064. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow, floral and round, intense, spicy, complex, on high-grade leather, cinnamon, orange, nutmeg, cocoa and exotic fruits. Very good and well balanced. Taste: Intense, spicy to very spicy, floral, slightly bitter, on toffee, coffee, cocoa, leather, dried fruits, orange zest and some precious wood. The finish is long, complex, intense to very intense, floral, spicy, with some tannins, leather, previous wood, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, some tree sap and roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very good blended malt, surprisingly intense, complex, spicy to very spicy, floral and with light fruity flavours. More intense and spicier than the other recently tasted blended malts, but also slightly drier and more bitter. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Jack Ryan Single Malt Beggars Bush, 12 Y, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very round, malty, fresh, with some blackcurrant, orchard fruits, light oaky spices, exotic fruits and vanilla custard. Taste: Smooth, slightly spicy, oaky, and fruity, on vanilla, some orchard fruits, melon, vanilla and a hint of exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more oaky. The finish is medium, round, spicy, slightly oaky and fresh, on pear drops, some vanilla and melon. Impression: A good, fresh and round Irish whiskey, quite oaky and spicy. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Dunville Peated Three Crowns, OB, 43.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty to peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly aromatic, on dry, tarry and maritime peat smoke, some juniper bushes and berries. Taste: Young to very young, smooth, soapy to very soap, perfumy, on new make, peat smoke, some tar and soap. The finish is short to medium, young, peaty, smoky, tarry and slightly maritime, with some vanilla and juniper. Impression: A young to very young peaty Irish whiskey, with some soapy flavours. I liked the unpeated versions better. Rating: 09/20 FP:A5 |
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Speyside 1975, 42 YO, Antique Lions of Spirit, 49.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense to very intense, clean, rather sharp, floral, complex, slightly mineral, with clean, round and intense fino flavours, light mineral smoke, Mirabelle, quince jelly and some exotic fruits. Taste: Very intense, rich and complex, floral, rather mineral, slightly winey, with a clean fino influence, round and mellow fruity flavours, some mineral smoke, melon, guava, papaya, Mirabelle and other exotic fruits. Excellent. The finish is medium to long, rich, sweet, clean, mellow, complex, slightly mineral and smoky, on an excellent round fino influence, some Riesling, quince, Mirabelle and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter. Impression: An excellent, clean, intense, fino single malt with light mineral flavours and very nice fruity flavours. Rating: 18/20 FP:F2 |
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Seiran Peatside 2010, 7 YO, The Stillman.de, 61.7%, B:2017, Port Wood, 200 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth to very smooth, peaty to very peaty, dry, slightly winey and aromatic, on rather dry port, dried white grapes, dry and tarry peat smoke, slightly aromatic and maritime. Taste: Young, round to very round, peaty, salty, intense, smooth, oaky, floral, slightly aromatic, with some honey and light winey flavours. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and markedly more winey (Port). The finish is medium, smooth, round, syrupy, winey to very winey, peaty, on dried fruits, tarry and slightly maritime peat smoke. Impression: A smooth, round, rather young, intense peated whisky distilled close to Portsoy, with nice fruity and winey flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:G7 |
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Speyside 1976 TWA 10th Anniversary, 41 YO, The Whisky Agency, 46.1%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very fruity and sweet, mellow, round, slightly floral, on grapes, dried fruits, figs, orange, some tangerine and exotic fruits (mainly mango and guava). Taste: Very mellow and round, smooth, sweet to very sweet, fruity, slightly spicy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, leather, orange, some tangerine, berries and a touch of smoke. The finish is long, mellow, round, sweet, fruity, slightly floral, spicy and smoky. Diluted, it becomes smokier, more on leather, mango, exotic fruits, cloves, tannins and cocoa. Impression: A very good, sweet, rich and fruity Speyside whisky, with various fruity flavours, some leather and cocoa. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Speyside 1979 TWA 10th Anniversary, 38 YO, The Whisky Agency, 43.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, mellow, fruity, slightly mineral and smoky, on melon, Mirabelle, exotic fruits, and some citrus. Very good. Taste: Very mellow and smooth, round to very round, very sweet, fruity, on dried fruits, some peat smoke, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa and exotic fruits. The finish is long, very mellow, round and smooth and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on exotic fruits, including mango. Impression: A very good Speyside whisky, very mellow, softer and less intense than the other Speyside recently tasted. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Speyside 1972, 45 YO, Maltbarn, 53.2%, B:2018, cask 93, 299 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, rich, mellow, round, slightly winey and mineral (Riesling), with some aromatic herbs, exotic fruits, melon, and a hint of peat smoke. Less fruity, but more mineral and intense than the Lions Antique. Taste: Intense, mellow, floral, slightly dry, oaky and spicy, with some mineral smoke, oak spices, exotic fruits, citrus and a hint of tannins. The finish is long, mellow, slightly dry and oaky, fruity, on exotic fruits and some citrus. Rather complex. Impression: A very good fino Speyside, rather mineral, slightly drier and more oaky than the Lions Antique. Thank you Gene! Rating: 17/20 FP:D2 |
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Speyside 1973, 43 YO, Whiskybase, 46.5%, B:2017, Fino cask 9. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, intense, aromatic, fruity, slightly spicy and floral, with some exotic fruits and round spices. A profile between the Maltbarn and the Lions Whisky. Taste: Rich, sweet, intense, fruity, slightly floral and aromatic, with light grassy flavours, some exotic fruits, light mineral and winey flavours, citrus and aromatic herbs. The finish is long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on banana. Impression: A very good, slightly mineral and aromatic Speyside single malt, with a nice roundness and intensity. Nicely made, but slightly less intense than the ALOS. Rating: 17/20 FP: D2 |
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Speyside 1975 Fino, 43 YO, Antique Lions Spirits, 46.9%, B:2016, 230 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, very round, rather intense, slightly floral and aromatic, on soft spices, elegant and round fino flavours and lots of exotic fruits. Very good. Taste: Intense to very intense, mellow, slightly floral, aromatic and mineral, very fruity, on a mixture of sweet exotic fruits, light mineral and aromatic smoke, some Mirabelle, quince and citrus. Complex and well balanced. The finish is long, mellow to very mellow, rich, floral, fruity, mineral, slightly smoky and peaty, on a mixture of exotic fruits, mineral and slightly aromatic smoke, grapefruits and soft spices. Impression: An excellent, well balanced and complex fino matured single malt, with lovely mineral and slightly citric flavours. Rating: 18/20 FP:G2 |
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Clynelish 1997, 20 YO, Antique Lions Spirits, 48.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, sharp, mustardy, slightly mineral and smoky, on sea brine, citrus and a touch of peat smoke. Very good. Reminds me of the 1983 or early 1970s Clynelish style. Taste: Clean, sharp, waxy to very waxy, citric, mustardy, slightly smoky and peaty, on sea brine, some charcoal, citrus, peat smoke, heather and a hint of tar. The finish is long to very long and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good, intense, waxy, clean and citric Clynelish. One of the best Clynelish I have tasted from the “new” Clynelish distillery. Simply lovely. Rating: 17/20 FP:C2 |
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Clynelish 1997 Celebration of the Cask, 20 YO, Carn Mor, 57.0%, B:2017, cask 9441. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round, mustardy, on sea brine, orange, orange zest, wax, some leather, cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste: Very round, fruity, waxy, rich, slightly spicy and rubbery, on mustard seeds, tangerine, orange, orange zest, cinnamon, some nutmeg and sea brine. Diluted, it becomes more waxy, mineral, mustardy and citric. The finish is long, round, sweet, slightly waxy and mineral, with some mustard seeds, red berries, orange peel and sea brine. Impression: A very good expression of Clynelish, with a very nice round sherry influence. It becomes more mustardy and waxy with some water. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Tobermory 1995, 22 YO, Valinch & Mallet, 51.5%, B:2017, cask 17-202, 124 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, round, slightly mellow, creamy and salty, on sea brine, vanilla custard, some maritime smoke, light mineral flavours and lemon. Very good. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, round, creamy, with some lemon, sea brine, seashells, vanilla custard and a light smokiness. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more on tobacco. The finish is medium to long, mellow, very smooth, creamy, slightly maritime and salty, on sea brine, lemon, tobacco, smoke, seashells and vanilla. Impression: A very good, complex and creamy Tobermory, with nice flavours of seashells and cream. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Tobermory 1995 Old Train Line, 22 YO, JWWW, 44.3%, B:2018, 249 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light, very smooth, milky, salty, on sea brine and sea shells. Taste: Light to very light, smooth, slightly salty and maritime, very creamy, with some seashells and vanilla. The finish is medium, smooth, creamy, with light spices, some tobacco, pastries, lemon and vanilla custard. Diluted, it becomes creamier. Impression: A very creamy, round and smooth expression of Tobermory. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Bowmore 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow, round, elegant, complex, with soft spices, vanilla, melon, milk and honeydew melon. Very good. Taste: Balanced, round, grassy to very grassy, rather complex and juicy, slightly peaty and maritime, on honey, vanilla, light milky flavours and juicy fruits. The finish is medium, grassy to very grassy, round, slightly creamy, spicy, maritime and peaty, on honey, light minty and smoky flavours. Impression: A very good whisky, grassy, slightly peaty, well balanced, with pleasant fruity flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:A3 |
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Auchentoshan American Oak, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very smooth, green, fresh, slightly nutty, on vanilla, orchard fruits and some almonds. Taste: Smooth, green, spicy, slightly nutty, light, on vanilla, some fragrance and light creamy flavours. The finish is medium, light, smooth, green to very green, slightly spicy and nutty, on freshly cut grass, some honey and green nutty flavours. Impression: A nice, smooth and green whisky, pleasant to drink. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Ardbeg 1974, 15 YO, Samaroli, 57%, B:1999. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty, intense, maritime, slightly medicinal, on peat smoke, tangerine, some dried fruits, light spices, sea brine, some camphor, sea shells, and eucalyptus. Taste: Very intense, complex, peaty, very maritime, tarry, rooty, slightly sooty and mineral, on peat smoke, sea weeds, tar, hemp rope, soot, on bandages, disinfectant, camphor and iodine, with some dried fruits. The finish is very long, very intense and peaty, oaky, maritime, medicinal, smoky, on iodine, peat smoke, seaweeds, some liquorice roots, sultanas, other light sweet fruity flavours and bandages. Diluted, it become more medicinal, phenolic and rooty. Impression: An excellent intense and peaty Ardbeg, with nice light oaky and medicinal flavours. The intensity and balanced between the maritime peat smoke and the moderate sweet sherry influence work very well. While it might not the most complex Ardbeg from the 1970s, I really enjoyed its intensity. Rating: 18/20 FP:F8 |
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Ardbeg 1976 First Bottling, 25 YO, Silver Seal, 50%, B:2001. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, sweet, medicinal, smoky, on round and mellow peat smoke, tangerine, sultanas, some disinfectant, seaweeds and bandages. Taste: Mellow, round, sweet, peaty, medicinal, maritime, phenolic, on peat smoke, seaweeds, some tar, orange, bandages, light spices and disinfectant. The finish is very long, complex, round, mellow, medicinal, smoky, peaty, maritime, on seaweeds, peat smoke, bandages, disinfectant, some roots, tangerine, orange, dried fruits and some light mineral flavours. Impression: An excellent, medicinal, mellow, round and well balanced Ardbeg, combining a complex peat smoke and some sweet fruity flavours. Rating: 17/20 FP:F7 |
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Ardbeg 1975, 31 YO, OB, 54.2%, B:2006, cask 1375, 522 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, phenolic, mellow to very mellow, slightly round and sweet, on peat smoke, tar, mineral smoke, some seaweeds, phenols, bandages, disinfectant and some dried fruits. The peat smoke is excellent. Taste: Peaty, maritime, complex, salty, elegant, slightly medicinal, on peat smoke, sea brine, seaweeds, tangerine, some orange, disinfectant and bandages. Diluted, it becomes drier and more rooty. The finish is long to very long, complex, very peaty, medicinal, maritime, slightly salty, on dry peat smoke, some tar, liquorice roots, seaweeds and dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly more medicinal. Impression: An excellent, peaty, maritime and slightly medicinal Ardbeg, with an excellent slightly drying peat smoke and some sweet sherry influence. Rating: 18/20 FP:E7 |
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Ardbeg 1975 Feis Ile 2005, 29 YO, OB, 47.2%, B:2006, cask 4704, 270 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, peaty to very peaty, medicinal, maritime, on peat smoke, seaweeds, tar, bandages, disinfectant, some dried fruits. More medicinal than the 31 YO. Taste: Medicinal, smoky, peaty, slightly maritime, on peat smoke, seaweeds, disinfectant, bandages, phenols and some tar. The finish is very long, mellow, medicinal to very medicinal, smoky, peaty, and maritime, with some sweet and dried fruits, nice maritime and medicinal peats smoke. Lovely and very complex. Impression: An excellent, complex, mellow and well balanced Ardbeg, with an excellent complex peat smoke and nice medicinal flavours. Nice to taste again an Ardbeg from the glorious 1970s. Rating: 19/20 FP:F7 |
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Penderyn Myth, OB, 41%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very fresh, floral, fragrant, on varnish and paint remover. Taste: Subtle, elegant, slightly grassy, waxy and floral, with some citrus, vanilla, starch, pine wax and marmalade. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly starchy, with some green apples, pine wax, citrus and vanilla. Impression: A good whisky, smooth, showing a nice maturity, with light aromatic flavours and pine wax. Pleasantly balanced. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Cardhu 18 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, nutty, floral, spicy, with some vanilla, tangerine, nuts and a hint of smoke. Over time, it becomes sweeter and fruitier. Taste: Smooth, sweet, juicy, fruity, slightly floral and nutty, on honey, melon, vanilla, light spices and some nuts. The finish is medium, floral, smooth, nutty, spicy, slightly peppery and with some vanilla, marmalade and tangerine. Impression: A good, smooth, moderately spicy and nutty whisky, with a good balance. A nice all-rounder. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Cardhu 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Clean, light, floral, rather close, with some saw dust. Taste: Very smooth, light, floral, creamy, on hops, fresh cream and freshly sawn wood and some nutty flavours. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A very smooth, floral and creamy whisky. Well made and pleasant to drink. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Cardhu 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, fresh, light, floral, on vanilla, light spices, some nuts and light creamy aromas. Taste: Very smooth, spicy, on juicy oak, light nutty flavours, cinnamon, tangerine, some honey and orange. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, slightly floral and nutty, on juicy oak, some honey and various spices. Impression: A very smooth whisky, spicy and on juicy oak. Pretty good. Rating: 12/20 FP:C1 |
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Penderyn Port Wood, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, very aromatic, slightly winey, on bitter and aromatic herbs and tree sap. Good. Taste: Grassy, smooth, aromatic to very aromatic, on bitter herbs, some green pears, and various aromatic and slightly austere flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, mellow, aromatic, slightly austere and winey, with some aromatic herbs, grapefruits, melon, tobacco and vanilla. Impression: A very good whisky, smooth, with a nice mouth feel, and with pleasant aromatic flavours. Well made. Matured Rating: 15/20 FP:C2 |
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Edradour 2004, 11 YO, OB, 57.6%, B:2016, sherry cask 426, 674 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, intense, rich, on tannins, dark chocolate, leather, dried fruits, spices, cinnamon sticks, orange, dried oranges, dark chocolate and some dried meat. Taste: Floral, intense, rich, on leather, tannins, dried fruits, spices, orange, some tangerine, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa and precious wood. Diluted, it becomes sweeter and fruitier, including exotic fruits. Impression: A very heavy intense sherried whisky, fruity and with light tannins and wood spices. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Yamazaki 25 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, rich, spicy, floral, complex to very complex, heavily sherried, on rich spices, cinnamon, leather, nutmeg, orange, lacquer, exotic wood, some tangerine, melon, sultanas, figs and exotic fruits. Most charming. Taste: Rich to very rich, intense, floral, very fruity, spicy to very spicy, slightly peppery, rich, fruity to very fruity, on leather, exotic wood and fruits, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, lacquer, sultanas, figs, some cloves and treacle. The finish is medium to long, slightly dry and tannic and on the same flavours. Diluted, it become more bitter and drier. Impression: A well-matured, complex and spicy whisky, heavy on the European sherry casks with nice fruity flavours. Excellent, and I enjoyed it better neat, as the water tends to reinforce the dry and bitter flavours present in the whisky. An excellent whisky that deserves well its reputation. Rating: 17/20 FP:E1 |
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Ledaig Private Collection 2005, G&M, 45%, Bourbon finished in Hermitage Casks, 4100 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, round, grassy, moderately peaty and maritime, with some leather, tangerine, orange, light floral flavours, some maritime peat smoke, candied fruits and seaweeds. Nicely complex. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, dry, salty, maritime, slightly phenolic and medicinal, on leather, dry peat smoke, seaweeds, some honey, tangerine, and light nutty flavours. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, smoky, intense, maritime, slightly medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor, iodine, peat smoke, leather, orange, tangerine, some humus, spices, and disinfectant. Impression: A very nice mellow, sweet and nutty peaty whisky, with nice medicinal and maritime flavours. The wine cask influence is rather soft. Rating: 16/20 FP:D6 |
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Ledaig 2005, 12 YO, The Single Malts of Scotland, 54.8%, B:2017, cask 10071, 246 bottles. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Young, smooth, very peaty, maritime, on vanilla, seaweeds, camphor, peat smoke and a touch of seashells. Taste: Smooth, young to very young, very peaty, dry, ashy, and tarry, slightly maritime, on hemp rope, peat smoke, iodine, camphor and some seaweeds. The finish is medium, very dry and peaty, young, maritime, tarry, on hemp rope, seaweeds, peat smoke, some citrus peel and liquorice roots. Impression: A peat monster, dry and maritime that taste young. Rating: 12/20 FP:A8 |
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Ledaig 2005 Cellar Book for La Maison Du Whisky, Signatory, 56.6%, B:2017, Sherry Butt 900155, 634 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, floral, with lots of toffee and fudge. Taste: Round to very round, floral, slightly spicy, peaty and rubbery, on toffee, fudge, burnt rubber, slightly bitter caramel, some orange, tangerine, leather, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The finish is medium, slightly smoky, rubbery, round, spicy, on humus, orange, tangerine, toffee, fudge, some sea salt and peat smoke. There is a rather long persisting maritime peat smoke. Impression: It started on a round nose, with loads of toffee and fudge, as well as some rubber, before the peat smoke and the slightly fruity flavours come through. Complex and enjoyable. Rating: 15/20 FP:E5 |
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Ledaig 2005 for HNWS Taiwan 12th Anniversary, 12 YO, Cadenhead's, 61.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty, intense, complex, maritime, medicinal, on a rather smooth, mellow, tarry and medicinal peat smoke. A good one. Taste: Peaty, smoky to very smoky, medicinal, tarry, on intense oaky flavours, peat smoke, tar, some toffee, medicinal flavours and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes oakier and more on toffee. The finish is medium, very maritime, salty, and medicinal, on seaweeds, peat smoke, iodine and disinfectant. Impression: A good peaty and medicinal peated whisky, rather smooth and easy drinking. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Strathisla 'The Distillery Reserve Collection' 2003,13 YO, OB, 58.3%, Sherry Cask62274, 654 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Nutty to very nutty, smooth, floral, rich to very rich, round, on sultanas, plums, precious wood, some dried figs, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, and some exotic fruits. Very good. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, floral, sweet, fruity, on orange, exotic fruits, cinnamon, mango, sultanas, figs, light grassy and aromatic flavours. Delicious. The finish is long, rich, intense, floral, spicy to very spicy, on high grade leather, soft tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, sultanas, dried fruits, some cocoa, mango, exotic fruits and a touch of cloves. Diluted, it becomes sweeter. Impression: A delicious sweet and fruity whisky, with a most pleasant mouth feel, rich dried and sweet fruity flavours. From an excellent sherry cask bottled at the right time. I loved it. Rating: 18/20 FP:G1 |
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Kavalan 2009 'Solist', OB, 58.60%, sherry cask S090306024, 461 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very thick, intense, floral, on treacle, tannins, leather, dried fruits, dates, plums, lacquer, precious wood, orange, sultanas, cinnamon and some cloves. Very good. Taste: Thick, dry, tannic, floral, slightly astringent, on precious woods, lacquer, marmalade, orange, dry fruits, sultanas, dry tannins, leather, eucalyptus, some menthol. The finish is long, nutty, dry, astringent, tannic, slightly bitter, on cloves, marmalade, precious wood, dried fruits, walnuts, dark chocolate and some fruity flavours. Diluted, the tannins and the astringency growth more intense. Impression: A real sherry monster, on rich leather and tannins flavours, dried fruits and cloves. From a very good sherry cask, even if the wood is slightly too present to my liking. Rating: 15/20 FP:J1 |
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Edradour 2005 for Fortune and Drunken Master Bar, 11 YO, OB, 59.1%, B:2016, Oloroso Sherry cask 90. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round and floral, on fudge, cocoa, sweet juicy fruity flavours, sultanas, some dates, figs, and other pleasant complex flavours. Very good Taste: Floral to very floral, light, rich, spicy, slightly fragrant, on toffee, fudge, sultanas, dates, orange, tangerine, fudge cake, and light spices. The finish is long, elegant, complex, light, floral, on sticky fudge cake, cocoa, spices, sultanas, dates, figs, orange, tangerine, cinnamon and other spices. Impression: An excellent whisky. While it is a richly sherried whisky, it has very nice sherry flavours, with the whole surprisingly light and smooth. A remarkable well done whisky. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Glen Grant 1965 for La Maison Du Whisky, 51 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 43.6%, B:2017, First Fill Sherry Cask, 19 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Deliciously fruity, complex, mellow, floral, on honey, heather, light grassy flavours, aromatic herbs, mango, exotic fruits, orange, some tree sap, tangerine and a touch of eucalyptus. Taste: A delicious old, complex and aromatic whisky, on tree sap, aromatic and slightly bitter herbs, old furniture, precious wood, plums, sultanas, tannins, old leather, some mint, eucalyptus, earthy flavours, and pine tree sap, with a touch of peat smoke. The finish is very long, floral, aromatic, slightly austere, peaty, tannic and bitter, on walnuts, dark chocolate, orange, marmalade, tangerine, cinnamon, some red berries, Pu-Ehr tea, cocoa and cloves. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tannic and astringent. Impression: An excellent very old whisky, very complex, on tree sap, marmalade and some dried fruits. The wood is present, but well integrated. Unfortunately, there were only 19 bottles of this fine malt. A well deserved Supreme Winner at the latest Malt Maniacs Awards in the Ultra Premium Category. Rating: 18/20 FP:G1 |
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Kavalan 2009 Solist sherry, OB, 58.60%, B:2017, cask S090306031, 481 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Smooth, very intense, tannic, slightly fragrant, on varnish, orange, bitter orange, cinnamon, lacquer, cinnamon and precious wood. Taste: Very intense and spicy, floral, slightly astringent, tannic and acetic, on balsamic vinegar, marmalade, precious wood, cinnamon, lacquer, leather, wood furniture, some cloves, rancio, and orange liqueur (Cointreau). The finish is medium to long, rich, dry to very dry, floral, fragrant, bitter, on bitter herb liqueur (Appenzeller or Fernet Branca), marmalade, cloves, cinnamon and bitter orange. Heavy on tannins and quite bitter. Diluted, it becomes slightly fruitier. Impression: A nice complex and rich whisky, heavy on the wood, with a rather bitter and tannic dry finish. Rating: 15/20 FP:J1 |
Spécial Whisky Schiff Lucerne 2018
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Port Ellen 1978 Rare Malts, 20 YO, OB, 60.90%, B: 1999. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very intense and peaty, clean, slightly oaky, maritime and tarry, on vanilla, peat smoke, some seaweeds and light maritime flavours. Very different from the 1983. More intense and brutal. Taste: Very intense, salty and peaty, smoky, on iodine, vanilla, peat smoke, liquorice, paraffin, some mineral and diesel smoke, as well some kippers and seaweeds. The finish is long to very long, very peaty and intense, maritime, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, peat smoke, some tar, disinfectant, bandages and dry liquorice roots. Impression: Another excellent Port Ellen, very intense and peaty, maritime, slightly dry and medicinal. A very different style than the 1983. Rating: 18/20 FP:A8 |
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Port Ellen 1983 XO, 32 YO, Valinch and Mallet, 54.1%, B:2015, cask 1050. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, very smoky and maritime, on iodine, camphor, peat smoke, some seashells, bandages and diesel and mineral smoke. With a complex peat smoke. Excellent. Taste: Salty, maritime, very smoky, peaty, medicinal, on iodine, bandages, disinfectant, peat smoke, some camphor and menthol. The finish is very long, very smoky, peaty and phenolic, medicinal, on bandage, camphor, peat smoke, iodine, some menthol, seaweeds, tar and liquorice roots. Impression: An excellent Port Ellen, with a very complex, smoky and medicinal peat smoke. Well balanced and complex. The peat smoke seems to stay forever. One of the best Port Ellen from that vintage. From the same cask as the bottling for the Auld Alliance. Thank you Davide. Rating: 18/20 FP:A7 |
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Dalmore 2006, 10 YO, The Whisky Chamber, 55%, B:2017, cask 2128. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round to very round, slightly floral and spicy, on cherries, sultanas, some dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and winey flavours. Taste: Rich, intense, spicy to very spicy, floral, thick, chewy, slightly winey, on sultanas, grapes, dried fruits, orange, cinnamon, cloves and some tropical fruits. The finish is medium, thick, chewy, syrupy, slightly winey, on dried fruits, sultanas, orange, rich spicy flavours and light floral and nutty flavours. Impression: It is good to taste a sherried Dalmore. A rich, intense, thick, winey Dalmore, with intense spicy flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:H1 |
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Jura 20 YO One for All, OB, 51%, B:2018, 4992 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-dark amber Nose: Round, mellow, winey, syrupy, thick, on sultanas, dried fruits, red berries, some malty and sea brine flavours. Taste: Round to very round, mellow, rich, fruity, floral, slightly winey, on dried fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, grapes, some sea brine and exotic fruits. The finish is medium, thick, mellow, rich, slightly chewy, on dried fruits, light winey flavours, grapes, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves and sultanas. Diluted, it becomes rather winey and spicier, as well as with light salty flavours. Impression: A mellow, round, rich and thick Jura, with a combination of bourbon, sherry and wine casks. Well made, rather pleasant and not too winey. Rating: 14/20 FP:H1 |
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AWA Gewürtztraminer, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rich, malty, round, fruity to very fruity, on peach, Mirabelle, quince, some apricots and light spices. With time, it becomes slightly peppery and more sugary. Taste: Dry initially then spicy, malty, sweet, sugary, on peach, Mirabelle, quince and some pepper. It tasted like some rye whiskey matured in a sweet wine cask. The finish is medium to long, sweet, sugary, slightly dry and peppery, on quince, Mirabelle, peach and some apricots. Diluted, it becomes more sugary and fruitier. Impression: AWA, the Authentic Whisky D’Alsace is one of the two distilleries of the Alsatian Town of Uberach. A pleasant, easy drinking whisky, sweet and fruity, with some light dry peppery flavours. A good discovery and well made whisky. Worth tasting. Thank you Thierry. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Uberach Cask Jaune 2009, OB, 52.3%, B:2017, SCB cask 209F. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Intense, clean, malty, winey, slightly spicy and rubbery, with some dry white grapes, malt and yellow fruits. Taste: Rich, intense, winey, slightly rubbery and malty, on sweet wine, light rubber and light malty flavours. The finish is medium, malty, winey, slightly rubbery, with some dried fruits, grapes and light spices. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier, drier and more winey. Impression: An intense and rich whisky, with a strong winey influence from the Vin Jaune, a speciality from the French Jura. Not an easy whisky, due to its strong winey influence. A love or hate whisky. Thank you Thierry. Rating: 12/20 FP:E1 |
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GlenDronach 2004 Hand-filled, OB, 56.1%, B: 2017, cask 345/6630. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, rich, thick, syrupy, on dark berries, sultanas, plums, leather, cocoa, cinnamon, some roasted almonds and pleasant floral aromas. Very good. Taste: Rich, very intense, spicy, oaky, clean to very clean, slightly floral, on sultanas, leather, dark berries, some exotic fruits (mango and guava). The finish is long, intense, rich, clean, sharp, on dark fruits, leather, cocoa, dark chocolate, sultanas, some cinnamon, cloves, plums, dark berries (dark cherries and brambleberries) and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on dark chocolate and with some roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very clean, sharp and intense GlenDronach, rather floral and on dark chocolate. I enjoyed this style very much. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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GlenDronach 1994 Distillery Exclusive, 21 YO, OB, 53.2%, B:2017, cask 3399, 629 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Intense, rich, spicy, heavy, slightly oaky and smoky, on dark chocolate, sultanas, leather, tannins and some brambleberries. Rather mellow and different from the 2004. Taste: Complex, subtle, rich, on spices, tannins, wood spices, leather, some peat smoke, dark berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and subtle floral flavours. Rather thick and chewy. The finish is long, mellow, rich, complex, slightly woody, on leather, tannins, sultanas, dried fruits (figs and plums), some peat smoke, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark berries, cocoa and a touch of roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitterer. Impression: A different style of whisky than the 2004, smokier, mellower, and more complex, but also slightly more woody and bitter. Two different style, but of the same very high quality (with a slight preference for the 2004). Rating: 16/20 FP:H2 |
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Brora 1981, Signatory, 43%, B:1999, cask 569. Price: Colour: Straw-pale gold Nose: Intense, farmy to very farmy, peaty, smoky, mustardy, on peat smoke, soot, mineral oil and wax. Excellent. Taste: Mineral to very mineral, tarry, sooty, peaty, smoky, farmy to very farmy, on peaty, mineral, tarry and sooty smoke, some mineral oil, bandages and citrus. Oily to very oily with an intense peatiness. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal. The finish is long, dry, smoky, tarry, sooty, peaty, citric, on sooty peat smoke, camphor, bandages, smoked bacon, mineral oil, mustardy and on grapefruits. Impression: An excellent sooty, peaty, citric Brora with pronounced medicinal flavours. Surprisingly peaty and medicinal from a Brora from that vintage. Very different from the 1981 Millenium, for instance. Rating: 18/20 FP:A6 |
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Brora 1981, 22 YO, Duncan Taylor, 60.8%, B:2004, cask 1426, 251 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very round, mellow, waxy to very waxy, slightly smoky, mineral and farmy, on mineral oil, mustard seeds, citrus, some vanilla, smoke bacon, a light dry, sooty and tarry peat smoke. Very good. It becomes more on lemon peel and grapefruit with some aeration. Taste: Mellow, slightly dry, peaty, smoky and farmy, on citrus, mustard, rather strong farmy flavours, wax, mineral oil, grapefruit and dry peat smoke. The finish is medium to long, dry, rooty, citric, with on grapefruit, lemon peel, dry farmy flavours, some peat smoke, quince and toasted wood. Austere. With a strong dry, austere and farmy (stable) aftertaste. Impression: A rather difficult Brora, austere, dry, slightly farmy and peaty. Probably not to everyone’s taste. Rating: 15/20 FP:A3 |
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Glen Keith World of Whisky 20th Anniversary 1997, 20 YO, Signatory, 53.6%, B:2018, cask 72607, 247 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Floral, light, oaky, with some bitter orange, green apples and light and fragrant flavours. Taste: Floral, rich, spicy, rather creamy, on apples (cooked and green), some honey, almonds, orange peel and vanilla. The finish is medium, floral, fragrant, fresh, malty, creamy, and slightly peppery, on apples, vanilla, some almonds and bitter orange peel. Diluted, it becomes more peppery. Impression: The nose is slightly close and rather floral and fragrant, before becoming more complex, creamy and on apples on the palate. Very good. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Keith for Acla da Fans 1997, 20 YO, Signatory, 54.3%, B:2017, cask 72607, 318 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, oaky, with some bitter orange, green apples and light and fragrant flavours. Slightly rounder, sweeter and less oaky than the WoW bottling. Taste: Fresh, round, creamy, slighty mellow, rather fruity and floral, on honey, cooked apples, some almonds, vanilla, a hint of smoke of marzipan. The finish is medium, round, pleasant, well balanced, with soft spices, on honey, vanilla, cooked apples, light creamy and floral flavours, as well as some almonds. Diluted, it becomes rather creamy and slightly spicier. Impression: A very good expression of Glen Keith, close to the WoW, but slightly rounder, sweeter and fruitier. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenfiddich Distillery Only, 15 YO, OB, 55.6%, B:2017, batch 43. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, complex, subtle, floral, slightly spicy, on humus, orchard fruits, honey, some vanilla, cinnamon, as well as some sweet and dried fruits. Taste: Mellow, spicy, floral, slightly oaky, on orchard fruits, vanilla, some humus, smoke, honey and cinnamon. The finish is medium, rich, intense, floral, slightly spicy, on humus, orchard fruits, honey, some dried fruits and peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes fruitier, slightly spicier and more on humus. Impression: A good, rich and intense Glenfiddich, floral, on orchard fruits, honey and humus. Rating: 14/20 FP:D2 |
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Glengoyne Distillery Cask 2004, OB, 57.4%, B:2018, cask 3559. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very clean and floral, malty, fresh, fragrant, on hay, freshly cut flowers and a light bitterness. Taste: Very smooth, clean and floral, malty, floral, with light fresh fruity flavours, on hay, freshly cut flowers, some bitterness and fragrance. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitterer. Impression: A very clean and floral expression of Glengoyne, with a light fruity flavour. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Buair an Diabhail of Islay N°1 Port Cask, The Whisky Chamber, 57.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Red Nose: Very peaty, smoky and maritime, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, peat smoke, kippers, oak spices, wood smoke, some iodine, camphor, some light sweet, sugary and winey flavours. Very intense. Taste: Intense, oaky, peaty, smoky, slightly young, on round winey flavours, some sultanas, grapes, plums, dried fruits, iodine, peat and wood smoke. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, oaky, spicy, maritime, on peat smoke, some iodine, round winey flavours, grapes, sultanas and camphor. Diluted, it becomes rather winey, with strong Port flavours. Impression: A very good single malt distilled on the South shore of Lagavulin, very smoky, and a rather discreet Port influence when tasted neat. With water, the Port influence becomes much stronger. Rating: 15/20 FP:F7 |
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Buair an Diabhail of Islay N°1 for Awico Sauternes Cask, The Whisky Chamber, 57.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, peaty, smoky, maritime, round, on sweet white wine, seaweeds, spices, peat and wood smoke, some iodine and camphor. Taste: Very peaty, smoky and maritime, intense, slightly oaky, on sweet white wine, camphor, iodine, seaweeds, peat and wood smoke, as well as a touch of menthol. The finish is long, intense, very peaty, smoky and maritime, on iodine, peat and wood smoke, camphor, seaweeds, keepers, light oaky spices, some tar, soot and sweet winey flavours. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal and phenolic. Impression: A very peaty, medicinal and maritime Lagavulin. An excellent and very intense whisky that I enjoyed very much and with the right balance of Sauternes influence to round the edges. Thank you Willy. Rating: 17/20 FP:D7 |
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Glen Garioch 2000, 7 YO, Exclusive Malts, 58.2%, Red Wine Barrique cask 93, 328 bottles. Price: Colour: Red Nose: Very smooth and round, winey, on red grapes, light spices and aromatic flavours, red berries and nice malty flavours. Taste: Young, round to very round, smooth, winey, malty, slightly creamy and spicy, on grapes, with some strawberries, ginger, humus and heather. Diluted, it becomes spicier. The finish is medium, intense, rich, malty, round to very round, clean, slightly winey, with loads of crystalized ginger, on grapes and some humus. Impression: Avery clean and malty Glen Garioch, with rather strong winey flavours on the nose, becoming lighter on the palate, with some ginger and humus. A pleasant one. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Glen Garioch 1991 For Ramseyer’s Whisky Connection, 26 YO, Maltbarn, 51.6%, B:2017, 78 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, complex, aromatic to very aromatic, slightly waxy, on light aromatic peat smoke, some humus, ginger, heather and honey. Very good and well balanced. Taste: Mellow, waxy, rich, moderately spicy, rather aromatic, on heather honey, some candied ginger, humus, and a touch of peat smoke. Complex and well balanced. The finish is medium to long, rich, mellow, aromatic, slightly waxy, on humus, aromatic peat smoke and some ginger. Diluted, it becomes smokier and peatier. Impression: A very good Glen Garioch, intense, aromatic, complex, with a pleasant aromatic peat smoke. It is very nice to taste again some old fashioned Glen Garioch such as this one (and good value as well). Thank you Markus. Rating: 16/20 FP:B3 |
12 Mar 
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Glenburgie 1995 for Maltbarn, 22 YO, Signatory, 51.3%, B:2017, cask 6508. 246 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Rich, sweet, mellow, fruity, complex, slightly salty and sugary, on red berries, dried fruits, honey, some tangerine and light grassy flavours. Very good. Taste: Rich, sweet, fruity, intense, slightly grassy and floral, on honey, tangerine, dried fruits, some humus and smoke. Diluted, it becomes slightly salty, smokier and with some cocoa. The finish is long, syrupy, sweet, complex to very complex, slightly floral and dry, on treacle, dried fruits, cocoa, honey, light grassy and smoky flavours, candied oranges and sultanas. Impression: An excellent Glenburgie, complex, sweet, mellow, with rich fruity and honey flavours. I loved its balanced. Thank you Markus. Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
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Highland Park for World of Whisky 20th Anniversary, 15 YO, OB, 61%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, thick to very thick, intense, syrupy, with lots of dried fruits, on sultanas, treacle, honey, some heather and peat smoke, as well as some dark chocolate. Taste: Intense, spirity, floral, slightly dry and syrupy. The alcohol is rather strong, so let’s quickly add some water. Diluted, the whisky becomes clean, sharp, on dried and candied fruits (mainly orange), honey, light creamy and honey flavours, as well as some cocoa and sultanas. The finish is medium, clean, sharp, rather syrupy, on heather honey, dried fruits, sultanas, cocoa, light creamy flavours and some cinnamon. Some peat smoke progressively develops. Impression: Straight, the alcohol is rather present, but with water, a clean and sharp whisky shines through, with lots of dried fruits, on honey heather and cocoa. From a first fill American Sherry Oak Puncheon. Rating: 15/20 FP:F3. |
11 Mar
Special Whisky Schiff Luzern
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Wolfburn N°270, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smoky, peaty, slightly austere, waxy and maritime, with some sea brine, light vanilla, coconut and peach flavours. Taste: Waxy, slightly smoky, peaty, maritime, salty, with some sea brine, coconut, peat smoke, and light citrus aromas. The finish is medium to long, waxy, slightly citric, maritime, smoky, peaty and aromatic, with some peat smoke, humus, light aromatic and grassy flavours, as well as some coconut. Impression: A pleasant Wolfburn, made with unpeated malt, rather waxy and on ea brine, with a lingering rather maritime peat smoke, coming from the maturation in ex-Islay casks. Rating: 13/20 FP:A3 |
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Wolfburn Conrad Gessner for Switzerland, OB, 55%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, round, slightly spicy, on sea brine and some Gruyères cheese. With time, the Swiss cheese flavours disappear and are replaced by more mineral, austere, grassy and aromatic aromas. Slightly more subtle than the batch 270. Taste: Young, smooth, clean, on vanilla, banana, soft spices, some tobacco and a light smokiness and sea brine. The finish is medium, young, smooth, and slightly creamy, with some sea brine, vanilla, cream and coconuts. Impression: A whisky matured in 8 quarter casks and bottled for the Swiss market. The whisky is rather young and clean, slightly creamy and on soft spices. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Edradour 1968, 21 YO, Signatory, 46%, B: 1990, Cask 1990-4, 1300 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Nutty, earthy, grassy, slightly smoky and on pear. Taste: Very floral (plenty of geranium), earthy, spicy, humic, quite heavy, and minty. The finish is medium, heavy, fragrant, humic and on toffee. Impression: An interesting Edradour, sweeter than current versions. Thank you Patrick S. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Old Pogue Master Select, OB, 45.5%, Batch 6820. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, spicy, with huge notes of cinnamon, strong notes of corn syrup, some nutmeg, vanilla, apricots and treacle. A concentrate of cinnamon. Taste: Spicy, rich, with strong notes of rye, apricots, peach, cooked cereals, cinnamon, treacle and maple syrup. Chewy. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly fruity, with nice notes of apricots, peach, cinnamon and rye. Impression: The flavours of cinnamon and corn (maize) on the nose are impressive, with very nice rye-like influence on the palate. I really enjoyed the personality of this whisky. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Mortlach 1951 Private Collection, Gordon & MacPhail, 42%, B:2006, Cask 703/705, 110 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Smooth, rich, fragrant, floral, on dried fruits, melon, leather, tannins, red and black berries, rancio and a hint of smoke. Taste: Rich, very fruity, complex, rather tannic, floral, slightly astringent, on roasted coffee beans, varnish, lacquer and berries. The finish is long to very long, tannic, woody, astringent and floral, with a hint of smoke, lots of berries and some exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes more on fresh strawberries. Impression: A very old Mortlach, very fruity and mellow, with sweet berries, but also with strong bitter and astringent flavours coming from a very long maturation. Some might loves this, but this is simply too woody to my liking. Rating: 13/20 FP:I2 |
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Glenlochy 1965 Old Train Label, 39 YO, JackWiebers, 46.3%, B:2004. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Oaky, floral, smoky, slightly aromatic, on old fashioned peat smoke, nuts, almonds, and some straw. Taste: Grassy, waxy, aromatic to very aromatic, on camphor, some eucalyptus, smoke, some old engine oil, disinfectant and old fashioned smoke. The finish is medium to long, aromatic, herbal, and grassy, with some bitter herb liquor, smoke, humus, mushrooms and bitter orange. Diluted, it becomes more aromatic and slightly drier and more woody. Impression: A very good aromatic and intense old fashioned Glenlochy with a good complexity. Rating: 17/20 FP:B3 |
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Bally Delicious, 23 years
Master of Malt,
54%, B:2014. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, sweet, very floral, slightly peaty, juicy and on pastries. Taste: Sweet, juicy, oaky, aromatic, slightly floral, fragrant and aromatic, on vanilla and spices. The finish is medium, on almond, rich, spicy, oaky, vanilla, some aromatic flavours and light fragrant notes. Impression: A nice rich, oaky and aromatic whisky with a nice complexity. Very enjoyable. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Benrinnes 1998, 14 years,
Master of Malt,
57.8%, B:2012, 548 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Vegetal, round, on leather, slightly farmy, on tangerine and spices. Taste: Smooth, round, floral, vegetal, slightly rubbery, on leather, spices and tangerine. The finish is medium, rubbery, spicy, fruity, and vegetal, on spices and orange zest. Impression: A vegetal and rubbery sherried-influence whisky, with some fudge. Rating: 13/20 FP:G1 |
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Linkwood 1973, 36 YO, Daily Dram/LMDW, 50.4%, B: 2010. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Round, smooth, very mellow, malty, floral, slightly syrupy, with some ripe fruits and honey. Taste: Softy, spicy, very juicy, slightly grassy, malty, and smoky, with some overripe apricots, peach, melon and Mirabelle, as well as some heather and burnt wood. Rich. The finish is short to medium, sweet, slightly syrupy, round, fruity to very fruity, on honey comb, some grass and old smoke. Impression: One of these sweet old honeyed whiskies than can be drunk like a syrup. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:D3 |
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Coleburn 1970 Wine treated puncheon, 36 YO, Signatory, 62.4%, B: 2006. Price: Colour: Gold. Nose: Smooth, sweet, very grassy, juicy, with some white fruits, a touch of tangerine and some nice subtle smoky notes. Taste: Spicy, light, fresh, floral, spirity and slightly smoky. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee and thin to very thin. The finish is short, clean and slightly woody. Impression: A rather pleasant but thin on the palate. A whisky that probably lost its intensity due to a too long maturation. Rating: 10/20 FP:B2 |
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St-Magdalene 1975 Rare Old, Gordon & MacPhail, 43%, B: 2009, Refill sherry. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Light, very smooth, slightly grassy and floral. Taste: Smooth, slightly soapy, with some almonds and grapes. The finish is medium to long, slightly smoky, on white wine and a hint of smoke. Impression: A nice light and grassy whisky. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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St Magdalene 1982, Berry & Rudd, 46%, B: 2009, cask 2222. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Dry, clean, with some hay, slightly bitter and fragrant notes. Taste: Dry, smooth, malty, floral, fragrant to very fragrant, citrusy, clean and malty. The finish is medium, fragrant, floral, clean and slightly citrusy. Impression: A very fragrant version of St-Magdalene, with slight citrusy notes. Rather extreme. Thank you Martin. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Port Ellen 1976 Old Malt Cask, 25 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B: 2001, 522 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Smooth, slightly farmy, peaty, maritime, dry, intense, on seaweeds, iodine, TCP, dry peat smoke and some fish. A most pleasant nose. Diluted, it becomes slightly more farmy. Taste: Very dry, sharp, slightly zesty, maritime, intense, peaty, with some tangerine, seaweeds and chilli. Diluted, it becomes smoother and slightly fruity. The finish is very long, dry, peaty, maritime, with strong medicinal flavours and some citrus. Very intense. Impression: An excellent Port Ellen, sharp, very intense, medicinal and complex. Simply excellent. Rating: 18/20 FP:D7 |
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Port Ellen 1979 Platinum for World of Duty Free, 29 YO, Douglas Laing, 53.2%, B: 2009, 270 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Clean, peaty, meaty, slightly mineral andmaritime, with a rather good dose of iodine and camphor, as well as some seaweeds. Taste: Light, peaty, citric, slightly citrusy, mineral and subtle, with a light and delicate maritime influence. The finish is medium to long, light, subtle, slightly mineral, on liquorice roots, peat, some tar and iodine. Impression: A nice light and subtle Port Ellen, with nice citrusy notes. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Tullibardine 1989, 27 YO, The Maltbarn, 51.1%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, creamy, grassy, round, malty to very malty, on vanilla, some almond and starch. Taste: with strong armomas of fish and dry fish (salted “morue), smooth, salty, slightly maritime and floral, with some marshmallow. The finish is medium, rather floral and aromatic, on dry bacon and fish, some sea brine, aromatic herbs and honey. Impression: A rather peculiar whisky, with an unusual range of flavours. Rating: 10/20 FP:B1 |
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Tullibardine 1964, 27 YO, Cadenhead’s, 51.2%, B: 1992. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, floral, oaky, rather spicy, slightly nutty, with some yellow fruits, melon, a touch of quince and honey Taste: Spicy to very spicy, fruity, fresh, on fruits from the orchards, and a zest of tangerine. The finish is medium to long, slightly oaky, floral and tannic, fresh, on orchard fruits, melon and some vanilla, Impression: A very good Tullidardine, fresh, slightly sweet and on fruits from the orchards. Thank you Cyril. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Tullibardine 1988, OB, 56%, cask 540, B: 2009. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Smooth, round, fruity, on peach, mango, papaya and fresh grassy notes. Taste: Slightly smoky, quite spicy, grassy, smooth, fruity, oaky, on melon and peach. The finish is slightly thin, medium, spicy, oaky, slightly smoky and nicely fruity. Impression: A very nice and fruity Tullibardine, more complex and satisfying than the regular bottlings. Rating: 14/20 FP:F2 |
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Tullibardine 1965, OB, 48.3%, B:2008, cask 939. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, smooth, mellow to very mellow, floral, juicy, on very sweet fruity notes of orange, tangerine, guava and mango, a hint of peat smoke and slight metallic undertones. The sherry influence is excellent, fruity and well balanced with the flavours from the spirit. Taste: Oaky, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, with some sweet aromas of strawberries and treacle, on orange, cinnamon sticks, some clove, dried and candied fruits, tannins, leather and a drop of honey. The finish is medium to long, floral to very floral, on strawberries, some honey, a slight fragrance, cinnamon sticks, some clove and orange, as well as a few drops of pineapple and melon. Rather fresh. Diluted, it becomes slighter bitter and woody, with stronger tannins. Impression: A very good sweet and floral Tullibardine that I enjoyed very much tasting neat, while some water reinforces the woody and tannic influence from a long maturation. Rating: 17/20 FP: H1 |
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Speyside finest for La Maison du Whisky (LMDW), 41 YO, Douglas Laing, 50.9%, B: 2009, cask 3832, 216 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber. Nose: Very smooth and fruity, complex, on tangerine, leather and orange. Taste: Spicy, woody, slightly soapy, on tangerine, cloves, cinnamon and dry liquorice roots. The finish is medium, spicy, tannic, woody, astringent, rubbery, bitter, on dried fruits, plums, cinnamon, cloves and bitter orange. Impression: The nose was really nice, but then the wood kicks in. Too woody for me Rating: 11/20 FP:H3 |
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Port Ellen 1981, 19 YO, Sestante, 40%, Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty and maritime, lots of seaweeds, on dry fish and tar. Very intense for a whisky reduced to 40%. Taste: Salty to very salty, peaty, slightly dry and tarry, on seaweeds, some graphite and fish. The finish is medium to long, salty, fishy and rather round. Impression: A very nice round Port Ellen. The reduction to 40% enhances the fishy and salty notes. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7 |
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Mannochmore 1982 64.10, 23 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 60.8%, B:2005, 226 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold. Nose: Sweet, smoky, malty, with some toffee and canned fruits. Taste: Oaky, spicy, slightly smoky, with some coffee and fruits. The finish is medium, syrupy, slightly malty and smoky, on coffee and some fruits. Impression: A very nice daily dram, enjoyable, easy to drink and offering a certain complexity. Rating: 14/20 FP:D2 |
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Mannochmore 1984, 22 YO, King's Court Whisky Society, 59.8%, B: 2007, cask 4582. Price: Colour: Old Gold. Nose: Rubbery, slightly sulfury, on strawberries, orange and some floral notes. Taste: Dry, spicy, slightly salty and syrupy, on toffee, rubber, with some light floral and fragrant aromas. Diluted, it becomes more rubbery and surprisingly rougher. The finish is medium, rubbery, with a hint of smoke and toffee. Impression: A nice Mannochmore, but too much rubber to my taste. Rating: 13/20 FP:G2 |
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Old Rhosdhu 1979 Mission, 24 YO, Murray McDavid, 46%, B: 2004, 498 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold, Nose: Round, earthy, quite heavy, with a nice oakiness, on melon, peach and some peat smoke. Taste: Malty, floral, slightly soapy, syrupy, on pollen, tangerine, melon with some tobacco smoke. The finish is medium to long, thick, syrupy, slightly bitter, with some floral and peaty notes. Impression: A very nice and rich whisky that would surprise more than 1 whisky drinker. Reminding me somewhat of a Glenugie. Of note, the brand Old Rhosdhu is still used by the company, although the make is a different one from the old production. Rating: 15/20 FP:D3 |
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Scapa 2000 for La Maison Du Whisky, Gordon & MacPhail, 45%, B: 2010, cask 1073. Price: Colour: Gold. Nose: Fresh, floral, on pear, vanilla, with some sea brine, banana and smoke. Taste: Malty, smoky, slightly salty, fresh, grassy, with a zest of lemon and grapefruit. The finish is medium, round, fresh, grassy, with some salt, smoke and banana. Impression: A pleasant round and fresh Scapa. Rating: 11/20 FP:A2 |
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Strathclyde 1973, 33 YO, Duncan Taylor, 55.5% B: 2007, cask 74063. 165 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Grainy, spirity, creamy, some citrus and a light smokiness. Taste: Oaky, spirity, slightly smoky, with some vanilla and apricots. The finish is medium, slightly soapy, on caramel, vanilla, with some oakiness. Impression: A rather spirity Strathclyde, not overly complex. From a rather inactive cask. Rating: 09/20 FP:C1 |
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Kilbeggan 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2007. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Huge development on coconut flavours, light, sweet, on vanilla toffee, with a certain fruitiness. Taste: Smooth, on cereal mash, porridge, rye, apricot, coconuts, with spices and other fruity aromas. Diluted, it becomes slightly soapy. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly spicy and sweet on cereal mash, apricots and coconuts. Impression: A very smooth whiskey produced then at the Cooley distillery. It tasted rather like a grain whiskey. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Mosstowie 18 YO for Sestante, G&M, 64.8%, B: 1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold. Nose: Smoky, spicy, floral (jonquil), light, on heather and some caramel. Diluted, it becomes more floral, with some fresh grassy notes and on green apple. Taste: Very spicy, a bit harsh, oaky, smoky, floral and hot. Let's add quickly some water: diluted, it become more floral and on bitter chocolate. The finish is long, hot, dry, oaky, and slightly bitter, with some quince. Diluted, it becomes oakier, slightly woody, with flavours of burnt liquorice root. Impression: A correct Mosstowie, but a bit rough, with a strong caramel flavour. It needs some water. Rating: 12/20 FP:C2 |
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Inverleven 1977, 27 YO, Signatory, 51.0%, B:2005, cask 3600. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Sugary, slightly fruity and smoky, clean, fresh, on vanilla and malt. Taste: Soft, spirity, on hay, vanilla, smoke, caramel, and some fruitiness. The finish is medium, malty, on hay, pollen, with some toffee. Diluted, it becomes smokier. Impression: A malty, light whisky, with some smokiness. Thank you Alain M. Rating: 12/20 FP:C3 |
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Scapa 1960, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Slightly peaty, malty, smooth, with a nice oakiness, on summer flowers, banana and papaya. Taste: Slightly soapy and peaty, malty, salty, on coriander, some yellow fruits, mango and papaya. The finish is medium, smooth, floral, on malt, pollen, with some fruitiness. Impression: A good Scapa, slightly more peated the current bottlings. Rating: 13/20 FP:D2 |
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Scapa 1993 for LMDW, Gordon & MacPhail, 45%, B: 2007, cask 1605. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, malty, fresh, light, clean, on pollen, with some honey sweetness. Taste: Light, malty, slightly soapy, fruity (yellow fruits), slightly oaky and maritime, very smooth, with some sultanas. The finish is medium, juicy, malty, floral, oaky, and fruity. Impression: A very smooth Scapa, easy to drink. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Scapa 1992, 14 YO, OB, 60.6%, B:2006, batch: SC14001, Price: Colour: Gold-old gold. Nose: Nice soft fruity notes, on mango, guava, with a touch of smoke. Diluted, it becomes more on honey. Taste: Soft, smooth, fruity, with some spiciness and saltiness, and on pollen. The finish is medium, slightly oaky, smooth and fruity. General Impression: The flavour profile is quite similar to the G&M bottling, but with more intensity and complexity. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1 |
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Allt-a-bhainne 108.8 1994, 12 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 61%, B:2006, 570 b. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Nice, fresh, fragrant,floral, clean, with a discreet sherry influence. Diluted, it becomes creamier, on fudge and vanilla fudge. Taste: Malty, oaky, spicy, alcoholic, slightly floral and quite winey. Diluted, it becomes creamier, on fudge and light floral flavours. The finish is short to medium, dry, oaky, on bitter toffee, with a light orange note. Rather winey. Impression: A nice fresh and floral whisky, rich and tasting older than it is. Rating: 14/20 FP:E1 |
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Glenfarclas quarter casks 1988, OB, 46.1%, B:2008, 1478 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Nice and very round sherry nose, on clove, orange marmalade, vanilla and camomile. Taste: Very sweet and fruity, with lots of candied tangerine, with some melon and papaya, as well as some cinnamon. The finish is medium, spicy, sweet, fruity and sugary. Impression: This Glenfarclas is surprisingly sweet and fruity. A successful experiment. Rating: 17/20 FP: E2 |
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Linkwood 1964, Signatory, 49.3%, B:1990, cask 1860. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very mellow, smooth, slightly smoky, peaty and grassy, on humus, honey, tobacco and crystallised fruits. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, mellow, rather juicy, fruity, with some peat smoke, honey, sultanas, diverse juicy and sweet fruity flavours, as well as some tobacco. The finish is medium to long, spicy, slightly woody, on tobacco, peat smoke, some humus, tangerine, light tannins, oranges and some grassy notes. Impression: A very good, rather intense and complex Linkwood, on honey and grassy notes, as well as some pleasant old waxy peat smoke. Rating: 17/20 FP:E2 |
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Balblair 1964, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B: 1999. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smoky, peaty, austere, slightly aromatic, on smooth and round sherry flavours, orange, tropical fruits, some eucalyptus and pine wax. A flavour profile different from the current production. Taste: Fruity, austere, aromatic, on peat smoke, orange, eucalyptus, menthol, slight woody notes, tangerine, and a hint of juniper.The finish is long, slightly aromatic, austere, peaty ans smoky, with light notes of orange, tangerine, eucalyptus, juniper and other light spices. Impression: An old style of whisky, rather austere and with a nose starting on rather strong peat smoke flavours. Different from the current production, but very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:E3 |
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Port Ellen 1979 60th Anniversary, 30 YO, Douglas Laing, 55.6%, B: 2009, 234 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, round, slightly peaty and fishy, with some vanilla and a light mellow fruitiness. Medium peated. Taste: Dry to very dry, salty, with some camphor, seaweeds, iodine, menthol and a light fragrance. Intense and subtle at the same time. The finish is long, maritime, dry, peaty, with a touch of toffee, and some vanilla. Austere. Impression: An austere and dry expression of Port Ellen close to the Annual Release style, slightly dryer (due some extra wood influence?) Rating: 17/20 FP:A7 |
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Port Ellen 1983 Provenance, 26 YO, McGibbons, 46%, B: 2010, sherry butt 5746. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very peaty and maritime, intense, with some chocolate, coffee, seaweeds and some tangerine. Surprisingly peaty for a Port Ellen of that vintage Taste: Salty, maritime, peaty, slightly tarry and ashy, maritime, on tangerine and orange. Well balanced and sweet. The finish is long, maritime, on seaweeds, some tar, iodine, peat and pleasant sweet juicy and fruity notes. Impression: A most pleasant sweet and peaty highly drinkable Port Ellen. Well balanced too. Rating: 17/20 FP:E7 |
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Balblair 1997 for La Maison du Whisky, OB, 56.3%, B:2017, cask 1146. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round, mellow, smooth, juicy, fruity, slightly spicy, on sultanas, candied fruits, sweet oranges, tangerine, red berries, some figs and light aromas of exotic fruits. Very good. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, oaky, mellow, on soft fruity flavours, figs, sultanas, candied oranges, tangerine, some cinnamon, toasted wood, leather and guava. Diluted, it becomes slightly rubbery. The finish is medium, round, mellow, sweet, fruity, on candied fruits, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, some cloves, leather and fudge. Impression: A very good, round, mellow whisky with sweet candied fruits. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Nikka from the Barrel, OB, 51.4%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, smooth, mellow, silky, slightly peaty, on leather, candied and dried fruits, sultanas, soft exotic fruits, and some lacquer. Well balanced. Taste: Mellow, silky, moderately peaty, well balanced, and slightly soft, on dry peat smoke, jasmine, lychees, soft spices, and some dried fruits. The finish is medium, very smooth, silky, slightly peaty, on rice cake, with some soft spices and sugary fruity flavours. Impression: A very smooth and silky whisky, soft, and some pleasant peat smoke. Rating: 14/20 FP:E3 |
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Old Pulteney 1990 175th Anniversary Milan, 26 YO, Cadenhead’s, 52.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Mellow, intense, salty, slightly smoky, on sea brine, sea salt, some seaweeds, vanilla and a light smokiness. The sea brine influence is very pronounced and most enjoyable. Taste: Intense to very intense, spicy, maritime, salty, coastal, rather mellow, on sea brine, some melon, vanilla and a touch of mango and tobacco quid. The finish is medium, mellow, salty, complex, coastal, on sea brine, coconut, some melon, vanilla and a light smokiness. Impression: A very good and complex Old Pulteney, with a nice and intense saltiness. It is not often that one can taste such a salty Pulteney at this age. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Springbank 2003 175h Anniversary Aberdeen, 13 YO, Cadenhead’s, 57.0%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, slightly salty, round, with lots of fudge, on sea brine, a light smokiness and a touch of rubber. Taste: Intense, salty, rubbery, smoky, on fresh rubber, fudge, sea brine, some diesel smoke and red berries. The finish is medium, salty, rubbery, slightly smoky, on fresh rubber, sea brine, red berries and some sultanas. Diluted, it becomes saltier and more rubbery. Impression: A Springbank on rubber, salt and fudge. Not really my type of Springbank. Rating: 12/20 FP:D1 |
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Laphroaig 1977, OB, 43%. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly medicinal, on seaweeds, grapefruits, tropical fruits and a long intense slightly tarry peat smoke. The mixture of the peat smoke and the fruits is excellent. Taste: Smoky, peaty, maritime, slightly medicinal and citric, on pink grapefruit, peat smoke, some bonfire smoke and sea salt. The finish is long, very smoky, peaty, and maritime, on pink grapefruit, some sea brine and seaweeds. Impression: An excellent, complex and smoky Laphroaig, with a lot of pink grapefruits and some other fruity flavours. Rating: 17/20 FP:C4 |
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Old Taylor, 6 YO, OB, 40%, B: 1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Sweet, rich, intense, sugary, on corn syrup, peach, apricot, some pepper, cooked cereals, and a light fragrance. Very good. Taste: Smooth, spicy, rich, sweet, on sweet fruity flavours of tinned (canned) peaches and apricots, maple syrup, soft spices, some pepper, caramel and a slight fragrance. The finish is medium, sweet, complex, well balanced, fruity, and slightly spicy, on peach, apricots, maple syrup and light peppery flavours, as well as some caramel. Diluted, it becomes slightly soapy. Impression: A very good, sweet, rich and fruity Bourbon, with the right dose of spiciness. Rather intense and well balanced. From the old E.H. Taylor distillery. Thank you Enrico. Rating: 15/20 FP:B1 |
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Heaven Hill 1995, Cadenhead’s, 63%, B:2000. 216 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Fragrant, dry, spicy, oaky, pepper, on orange skin, marmalade, some vanilla and toasted wood. A rather dry version of Heaven Hill, that becomes smoother given time. Very intense. Taste: Intense to very intense, fragrant, dry, slightly peppery, on floral fragrance, pepper, rye, some peach, treacle and honey. The finish is medium, intense, dry, fragrant, on perfume, nuts, dusty pepper, some marmalade, toffee and oaky spices. Impression: A very intense, dry and peppery Heaven Hill. From far, the driest and most peppery whiskey I have tasted from that distillery. Thank you Martin. Rating:12/20 FP:A1 |
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Bowmore 2001 175th Anniversary for Baden, 16 YO, Cadenhead’s, 54.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty and maritime, dry, smoky, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, peat and wood smoke and some iodine, light notes of camphor. Rather subtle. Taste: Oaky, spicy to very spicy, bitter, peaty, maritime, on iodine, seaweeds, freshly sawn oak, lots of vanilla and light creamy flavours. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, oaky to very oaky, bitter, slightly maritime, on vanilla, vanilla custard, iodine, disinfectant, peat smoke and toasted wood. Impression: An original Bowmore, with a very peaty nose, and a rather oaky and creamy taste, with strong medicinal flavours. A whisky with a strong personality. Rating: 14/20 FP:A4 |
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Laphroaig 1998 175th Anniversary for Salzburg, 18 YO, Cadenhead’s, 57.4%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Maritime, peaty, very medicinal, slightly oaky, on toasted wood, camphor, disinfectant, lots of seaweeds, and some iodine. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, very smoky, peaty, maritime, on seaweeds, lots of smoke, some peat, iodine, disinfectant, kippers. The salty flavours become stronger over time. The finish is medium, mellow, salty, smoky, maritime, slightly peaty and medicinal, on sea salt, kipper, peat smoke, oak spices and some medicinal flavours. Impression: A Laphroaig with a flavour profile close the Bowmore, but saltier and smokier. Rating: 14/20 FP:A5 |
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Clynelish 15 YO,
Master of Malt
56.1%, B: 2013. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smoky, dry, peaty, floral, slightly aromatic, rather clean and meaty, with some tarry notes and on vanilla. Taste: Dry to very dry, bitter, clean to very clean, young and spirit. Let’s quickly add some water. Diluted, it remains spirity, burning your taste buds, with some sweet influence of a young whisky associated with a rather harsh and oaky mouth feel. Impression: A fierce, rather harsh and spirity whisky. It taste very young, as if the cask was inactive. Rating: 07/20 FP:A7 |
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Clynelish 1974, 32 YO, The Whisky Fair, 58.6%, B:2006, 266 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mineral, farmy, waxy, slightly austere and dry, on mustard, lots of grapefruits, some aromatic and slightly peated smoke. It becomes grassier over time and with some menthol. Very good. Taste: Round, waxy, slightly mineral, on sweet citric flavours, some mustard seeds, light farmy and smoky flavours, pink grapefruits and mineral oil. The finish is medium to long, waxy, citric, intense, slightly farmy and mineral, on pink grapefruits, light aromas of bitter lemon, some peat smoke and gentian. Impression: A very good old fashioned Clynelish, citric and rather farmy. The profile is close to some Brora. Rating: 17/20 FP:A3 |
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Tullibardine 1993 175th Anniversary Cologne, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 48.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, warm, slightly spicy, floral, creamy and fruity, on vanilla, some melon, mango and heather. Well balanced. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, floral, round, slightly peppery, winey and oaky, with some vanilla, melon, heather and oak extracts. The finish is medium, spicy to very spicy, floral, round, slightly winey, on heather, round spicy flavours, wood spices, light creamy and buttery flavours, as well as some perfume. Impression: A very good Tullibardine, combining intense spicy flavours with some soft creamy milky and vanilla flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenburgie 1992 175th Anniversary London, 25 YO, Cadenhead’s, 53.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light, subtle, floral, oaky, slightly fragrant, on oak spices, some vanilla, ginger, freshly sawn wood and a touch of honey. Taste: Spicy, rich, floral, intense, on warm and rich spicy flavours, vanilla, nice round floral flavours, warm vanilla custard and honey. The finish is medium, round, spicy, slightly floral, on round and soft honey flavours, round spices and floral flavours. Impression: A nicely balanced, round and floral whisky, with pleasantly round and warm vanilla custard. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Garioch Hand Filled 1999 Wine Cask, 18 YO, OB, 56.5%, B:2017, cask 1420. Price: Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Winey, mineral, slightly sweet, waxy, peaty and smoky, with an aromatic peat smoke, grapes, and grenadine syrup and metallic brushes. Complex to very complex. Smells like an old Glen Garioch from the late 1970s. Taste: Round to very round, winey, sugary, spicy, on ginger, grapes, fudge, butterscotch, some heather, light mineral flavours and grenadine syrup. Over time, it becomes slightly smokier and more mineral. The finish is medium, rather winey, spicy, on red grapes, fudge, some ginger, vanilla, and grenadine syrup. Impression: A Glen Garioch with a rather mineral and smoky nose and with a rather strong influence of red wine, slightly too much to my liking. Thank you Lorzeno. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Glen Garioch 1975 The Birds, Moon Import, 46%, B: 1990, barrel 5910, 706 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, smoky, dry, mineral, aromatic, slightly austere, on tar, some soot and farmy flavours. Very enjoyable. Taste: Intense, smoky, peaty to very peaty, farmy, waxy, citric, on peat smoke, citrus, some liquorice, smoked bacon and ham, aromatic herbs, pepper and ginger. The finish is long, intense, peaty, farmy, dry, waxy, slightly austere and aromatic, with some leather, citrus, quince, Mirabelle, pepper, tar, soot and cold ashes. Diluted, it becomes waxier, more aromatic, farmy, with some chocolate and pink grapefruit, with a twist of lemon Impression: An excellent Glen Garioch, intense, complex, peaty, with a nice waxiness and farmy flavours. A typical heavily peated Glen Garioch from the mid-1970s, slightly smooth. Not disappointed. Rating: 19/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Garioch Bottle Hand Filled 2000, 17 YO, OB, 53.7%, B:2017, cask 574. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Rather heavy and waxy, round to very round, creamy, with strong aromas of warm waffles, on maple syrup, vanilla custard, some heather honey, melon and quince. Taste: Waxy, spicy, round, mellow, on candied ginger, wax, some light mineral flavours, heather honey, melon, guava, mango and some other exotic fruits. Becomes fruitier over time. The finish is medium to long, waxy, on candied ginger, guava, papaya, vanilla, some honey and herbs candies (Ricola). Impression: A surprising Glen Garioch. On the nose, it was very round, creamy and on waffle, while on the palate, it delivered some very good sweet fruity flavours of mango and papaya. Very good! Thank you Lorenzo. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Teaninich 1993 175th Anniversary for Odense (Denmark), 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 52.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Mellow, rich, complex, very fruity, creamy, on vanilla, some papaya and soft exotic fruits. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, round, floral, slightly nutty, on vanilla, some pepper, mango, papaya and soft exotic fruits. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, round, mellow, fruity, with some humus and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on humus and tobacco. Impression: A very good and complex Teaninich, with nice spicy and fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A1 |
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Arran 1995 175th Anniversary for Berlin (Germany), 21 YO, Cadenhead’s, 49.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, very round, creamy, on vanilla, some melon and a touch of mango. Complex and mellow. Taste: Oaky, spicy to very spicy, floral, peppery, with some menthol, vanilla and mango. The finish is medium, spicy to very spicy, floral, and slightly bitter, with some hops and nuts. Impression: A whisky with a pleasant and round nose, but rather spicy and oaky on the palate. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Miltonduff 1966, Antica Casa, Marchesi Spinola, 61.4%, B:1990. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very intense and rich, spicy to very spicy, smoky, nutty, floral, complex, on nuts, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, humus, orange, old smoke with a hint of peat, some dried fruits and a touch of honey. A thick and very intense old fashioned type of sherry matured whisky. Excellent. Taste: Thick, heavy, chewy, resinous, floral, with loads of dried fruits, walnuts, some treacle, berries, candied oranges and pears. Complex and with an excellent mouth feel. The finish is very long, thick, chewy, resinous to very resinous, nutty, slightly smoky and floral, lots of dried fruits (including sultanas), cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg and cocoa. Impression: An excellent, rich and complex Miltonduff. An old style of sherry matured whisky and a nice thick and resinous mouth feel. I love this old style of whisky. I wished we had more malt like this one. Thank you Dirk! Rating: 19/20 FP:G2 |
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Bowmore Vault N°1, OB, 51.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Salty, maritime, young, smoky, slightly peaty, bitter and rooty, with some almonds, vanilla, seaweeds and peat smoke. Taste: Salty to very salty, rooty to very rooty, smoky, peaty, maritime, slightly young and light, on seaweeds, peat smoke, sea salt, some vanilla, almonds, tar and bitter rooty flavours. The finish is medium, salty, smoky, slightly oaky, with some peat smoke, bitter rooty flavours, vanilla and almonds Impression: A rather salty and young expression, rather smooth and moderately smoky. Not as intense or smoky as the Tempest, but saltier. Rating: 11/20 FP:A4 |
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Octomore 2011, The Whisky Agency and Acla Selection, 51.9%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Oaky, dry, tarry, very peaty, rather smooth, on dry peat smoke, tar, camphor, some spearmint, and liquorice roots. Taste: Intense to very intense, young, rooty to very rooty, peaty to very peaty, with some camphor, iodine, seaweeds, spearmint, vanilla, and tar. The finish is medium, intense, on a complex and medicinal peat smoke, with some iodine, camphor, and spearmint. Impression: A good intense Octomore, slightly oaky, with a rather rooty influence and a nice and rather complex peat smoke. It is rare to taste independent bottling of Octomore. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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Glenrothes 1988, OB, 43%, B:2011. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, floral, complex, fruity, slightly round and spicy, with some tangerine, orange and light aromas of honey and tropical fruits. Well balanced. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, slightly floral, on sweet and soft fruity flavours, exotic fruits, juicy tangerine, some orange juice, soft spices and a nice complexity. The finish is medium to long, juicy, floral, and fruity, on honey, light grassy flavours, tangerine, some orange, exotic fruits and orchard fruits. Impression: A very good, sweet, juicy, fruity and mellow Glenrothes, with a nice balance and complexity. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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J&B 20 YO Pure Malt, OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, rich, floral, nutty, on some dry smoke, peat smoke, leather, candied fruits, tangerine, cinnamon, various spices. Rather complex. Taste: Nutty to very nutty, smoky, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on tangerine some cold ashes, peat smoke, light aromatic flavours and a touch or oranges. The finish is medium, smooth, and mellow to very mellow, rich, nutty, on sweet and cooked fruits, mainly tangerine, some coal, ashes, and dry peat smoke. Complex. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on honey. Impression: A very good old fashioned whisky, with a mixture of nutty, floral and sweet fruity flavours, with a lingering dry mineral smoke. Rating: 16/20 FP:F3 |
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Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Spicy, floral, mellow, round to very round, on toffee, fudge, heather and rubber. More rubbery than the sherry cask. Taste: Rubbery to very rubbery, floral, fragrant, on rubber, vegetal condiment, orange, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium and on the same flavours, with some additional flavours of burnt matches. Diluted, it becomes more rubbery. Impression: A round, floral and very rubbery whisky. The rubber flavours are dominating the whisky, unfortunately. Rating: 10/20 FP:J1 |
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Glenrothes 1995 American Oak, OB, 45%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Spicy to very spicy, floral, on toffee, heather, some vegetal condiments and rubber. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, slightly floral and fragrant, on toffee, some fudge, orange, tangerine, cinnamon and cocoa. The finish is medium, round, spicy, oaky, grassy, with some cinnamon, toffee, fudge, heather and orange. Diluted, it becomes more oaky and on tobacco quid. Impression: A good expression of Glenrothes, with rather oaky-spicy flavours. It seems like the casks have been very active in this whisky made with 1st fill sherry cask only. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Dewar’s Ne Plus Ultra The Very Finest, OB, 43%, B:1955. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, smooth to very smooth, nutty, slightly smoky and mineral, with some aromatic herbs, honey, old mineral and slightly peaty smoke, walnuts and some pollen. Rather complex. Taste: Rich, smooth to very smooth, slightly grainy, starchy and aromatic, with some peat smoke, heather honey, walnuts, leather, old furniture, fruit jam and light mineral and nutty flavours. The finish is medium, mellow, rich, complex, slightly earthy and smoky, with some peat smoke, heather honey, humus, walnuts, old wet tobacco leaves for pipes, peach, apricots and tangerine. Impression: A nice smooth and well-balanced blend, rather complex, with a mixture of heather honey, nuts and a light smokiness. An old style and very enjoyable blend. Rating: 15/20 FP:G2 |
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Bell’s 20 YO Royal Reserve White Label, OB, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, floral, smooth, mellow, malty, nutty, slightly smoky, on honey, some honeycomb, vanilla and light malty and nutty flavours. Taste: Light, floral to very floral, slightly dry, resinous, peaty and aromatic, on dry flowers, some tobacco, honeycomb, humus and aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes dryier and with some hay. The finish is medium, grassy, floral, slightly resinous, smoky and fruity and on the same flavours as on the nose. Impression: A nice blend, but dryer and more floral than the Dewar’s and slightly less complex as well. Rating: 13/20 FP:F1 |
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White Horse Spring Cap (4/5 quart), OB, 86.8 Proof, B:1950s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Peaty, dry to very dry, floral, waxy, tarry to very tarry, sooty, resinous, slightly medicinal, on metallic wool, soot, peat smoke, seaweeds, old leather, tannins, sultanas, camphor, bandages, orange and some tangerine. Very good and very far from the current White Horse. Taste: Dry, waxy to very waxy, slightly grainy, aromatic, sooty and mineral, with some starch, peat smoke, tar, coal, soot, old sea weeds, sultanas, honey and old resins. The finish is medium, round, grainy, smoky, maritime, peaty, slightly fruity, on sultanas, orange, resins, spare ribs, smoked meat and earthy flavours. With strong BBQ flavours and some black liquorice. Impression: A very good and complex White Horse, slightly woody, on an intense, mellow peat smoke and with very strong flavours of BBQ meat grilled on a charcoal fire. The darkest White Horse that I have tasted so far and very different from the current production. Thank you Roger. Rating: 16/20 FP:G4 |
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Inchmurrin Whiskynerds 2003 Law, 14 YO, OB, 56.3%, B:2017, cask 17/169-1, 264 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Intense, smoky, slightly earthy, on cocoa, earthy peat smoke, dried and candied fruits, high grade leather, orange, some bloody orange, sultanas and humus. Taste: Rich, intense, peaty, slightly earthy and smoky, sweet, floral, on canned tropical fruits, sultanas, pineapples, cherries, plums, figs and raisins soaked in alcohol. The finish is long, thick, rich, intense, syrupy and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good expression of Inchmurrin, with a complex and rich sherry influence. Rounder and more chewy than the executive and less floral as well. Thank you Roger. Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
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