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Longrow 2002, 15 YO, Cadenhead’s, 51.4%, B:2018. Price:  Colour: Deep amber Nose: Round to very round, mellow, peaty, on grapes, sultanas, cocoa, sweet exotic fruits and light farmy and medicinal flavours. Very good and very fruity, with the peat smoke is rounder, less intense and complex than the Longrow 1973 Sherry FoD. Taste: Round, rather farmy, syrupy and peaty, intense, slightly syrupy, on dry peat smoke, some tar, liquorice, plums, grapes, sultanas and exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, syrupy, slightly dry, farmy and nutty, on plums, grapes, sultanas, leather, dry slightly maritime and tarry peat smoke, some dry roots and exotic fruits. Impression: A style of Longrow that I enjoy very much. The colour was very dark, but the whisky was surprisingly round, sweet and fruity. Very good. Rating: 17/20  FP: G6 |
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Longrow 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, mellow, moderately peaty, slightly rubbery, with some orange, orange peel, tar and a slightly medicinal peat smoke. Taste: Round, oaky, moderately peaty and smoky, slightly floral, with some tar, dry peat smoke, rubber, strawberries, melon, sea brine, sea tang, and marmalade. The finish is medium to long, with a rather round mouth feel and a dry and slightly maritime and tarry peat smoke, with some quince and light floral flavours. Impression: Although it is made with heavily peated barley, the recent Longrow are not as peated as one could expect. The whisky is rather round, with a nice dry peat smoke and rather easy drinking, with some round fruity flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:D5 |
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Speyside Region Malt 1976, Acla Selection & Sansibar 45.2%, B:2018. Price:  Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very round, mellow, on dried and stewed fruits, orange, honey, sultanas, soft spices, including cinnamon. Nicely balanced. Taste: Round, very floral, slightly fragrant and woody, with some tannins, leather, honey, round floral flavours, some marmalade and jasmine. Slightly soft. The finish is medium, round, very floral, some tangerine, orange, vanilla and honey. Diluted, it becomes spicier, slightly more woody and with some tobacco. Impression: The nose was rather pleasant, very round on the palate, but also quite soft and with some light woody flavours. As the whisky spent a long time in the word, it became rather soft. Rating: 14/20 FP:F1 |
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Speyside Malt 1973, 43 YO, The Whisky Agency/ The Whisky Exchange, 44.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich, floral to very floral, spicy to very spicy, rather intense, with candied citrus, honey, tangerine, and some sweet fino-like flavours. Complex. Different from the other Speyside. Taste: Intense, spicy, round, slightly soft, on nice fino-like flavours, some grapes, tangerine, elderberries flowers, melon and a light smokiness. Complex and nicely spicy. The finish is long, round, complex and on the same flavours. Impression: A complex and elegant blended malt whisky, rich, moderately spicy, with a light smokiness and round fino-like fruity flavours and a few drops of honey. With a very nice mouthfeel. Rating: 16/20 FP:F2 |
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Speyside 1979, 38 YO, Acla Selection, 43.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, fruity, rather intense and spicy, on melon, orange, some sultanas, tangerine, cinnamon and honey. Rounder, fresher and more intense than the 1976, but also slightly less complex. Taste: Very round, fruity, slightly spicy and floral, on round sweet fruity flavours, melon, quince, some elderberries flavours, and lemon peel. Elegant. The finish is long, round to very round, slightly aromatic and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good whisky, very round, slightly floral and spicy, with nice round and slightly soft fruity flavours. Slightly more intense and austere than the 1976 Rating: 15/20 FP:E1 |
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Laphroaig 1997 for La Maison du Whisky, 18 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 52.2%. B:2016. Prix: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty, intense, clean, maritime, rooty, on seaweeds and some iodine. Lighter than the Sansibar. Taste: Smooth, grassy, smoky, maritime, moderately peaty, with some coriander, liquorice root and liquid tar. The finish is medium, mellow, and smooth, on bitter lemon, roots, peat smoke and some coriander. Diluted, is becomes more rooty Impression: A very different expression than the Sansibar, smoother, with some coriander aromas. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Laphroaig 1997 for The Whisky Exchange, 18 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 53.8%, B:2015, cask 46. Prix: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty and intense, maritime, smoky, slightly medicinal, on camphor, some iodine and seaweeds. Taste: Very peaty, intense, maritime to very maritime, tarry, on seaweeds, camphor, iodine and disinfectant. The finish is long, very intense and peaty, oaky, maritime, on lots of disinfectant, some camphor, iodine and tar. Impression: A very good and intense peaty whisky, lovely, with pleasant medicinal flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A8 |
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Bowmore 1998, 20 YO, Acla Selection & Sansibar, 54.1%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, smoky, elegant, and medicinal, on dry maritime peat smoke, sea salt, sea brine and some camphor. Nicely complex and medicinal. Taste: Salty, medicinal, slightly dry and oaky, on disinfectant, bandages, dry rooty peat smoke, some seaweeds and iodine. The finish is long, medicinal, slightly dry, oaky, tarry, phenolic, and on dry and rooty peat smoke, iodine, camphor and sea brine. Diluted, it becomes slightly on menthol, more medicinal and on camphor. Impression: A very nice, elegant, rather subtle and complex Bowmore, with pronounced medicinal flavours. Very good, with a most discreet sherry influence. Rating: 16/20 FP:C5 |
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Laphroaig 18 YO, Sansibar, 53.4%, B:2015. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Peaty, intense, clean, maritime, with lots of seaweeds and some iodine. Rather clean at full strength Taste: Intense, oaky, maritime, slightly salty and citric, maritime, slightly tarry and with a nice complexity. The finish is medium, maritime, peaty, with some lemon juice, liquorice root and a complex tarry and maritime peat smoke. Diluted, it become slightly more bitter, rooty and citric. Impression: A very good middle aged Laphroaig, with a slightly bitter and citric edge. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7 |
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Bowmore 10 YO for Travel Retail, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price:  Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, very sweet and round, maritime, moderately smoky and peaty, slightly medicinal, on sultanas, leather, dried fruits, some cherries, cocoa and sea salt. Taste: Smooth, salty to very salty, slightly vegetal, medicinal and smoky, on toffee, sweet juicy fruity flavours of orange and tangerine, with some cocoa, cherries, honey and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes more juicy. The finish is medium, smoky, fruity, slightly peaty, on sweet and round sherry, some leather, sultanas, dried fruits, cherries, cocoa, tangerine, orange, seaweeds and light medicinal flavours. Impression: Made from Spanish sherry oak, with a good and sweet sherry influence, and a moderate smoky and moderate maritime and salty influence. Well made. Some additional ABV might have enhanced the complexity of this pleasant whisky. Rating: 14/20 FP:I4 |
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Bowmore 15 YO for Travel Retail, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Oaky, maritime, round, moderately smoky and maritime, on vanilla, honeydew melon. Taste: Very sweet, juicy, medicinal, slightly maritime, on melon, seaweeds, peat smoke, melon, honey, some vanilla, quince and Mirabelle. Diluted, it becomes more salty, bitter and maritime. The finish is medium, smoky, salty, and maritime to very maritime, slightly bitter, on seaweeds, some peat smoke, iodine, light medicinal flavours, vanilla, heather, liquorice and tar. Impression: A good Bowmore, not as smoky as most current bottling, giving a nice smoothness and making it rather easy to drink. Not as oaky as you would expect from first fill bourbon casks, suggesting a good cask selection. Rating: 14/20 FP:A5 |
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Bowmore 18 YO for Travel Retail, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Maritime, on rather complex and dry mineral peat smoke, sultanas, dried fruits, some dates, plums, melon and a drop of exotic fruits. Becomes slightly medicinal over time. Taste: Sweet, juicy, salty, very maritime, smoky, quite juicy, slightly bitter, on iodine, some disinfectant, liquorice, tar soap, tangerine, a touch of orange, cocoa, leather, sultanas and dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes bitterer and quite rubbery. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Impression: A pretty good and rather complex Bowmore, quite rich. Diluted, it becomes slightly too bitter and rubbery for me on the finish. Rating: 13/20 FP:E4 |
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St-Moritzer 6 YO, OB, 60%, B:2018, cask 004. Price: Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Peaty, smoky, aromatic, spicy, tarry, winey, on dry and tarry peat smoke, some hemp rope, grapes, light meaty and BBQ flavours, as well red berries. Taste: Winey, peaty, tarry, soapy, on red berries, tar, hemp smoke, seaweeds and grapes. The finish is medium, peaty, tarry, winey, on peat smoke, hemp rope, tar, berries and grapes. Impression: A whisky very different from the 15 YO, peaty and winey. Merlot cask finished. A peated wineshky. Not really for me. Rating: 09/20 FP:H6 |
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Springbank 1995 For The Whisky Schiff, 22 YO, The Maltman, 46%, B:2018, Octave cask 100004. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, mellow to very mellow, slightly nutty, with some sea brine, nuts, vanilla, and coconuts. Taste: Oaky, slightly bitter and nutty, on stewed fruits, nuts, some mineral peat smoke, tar, figs, wood resins, sea brine and coconuts. The finish is medium, round, very mellow, on dried fruits (sultanas, figs and plums), nutmeg, cinnamon, some cloves, old wood and nuts. Diluted, it becomes rounder and slightly salty. Impression: Tasted the first time during the Whisky Schiff, it tasted rather soft and bland. Fortunately, in normal conditions and at a lower temperature (room temperature) and it tasted much better, richer, smokier and slightly peaty. Rating: 16/20 FP:C3 |
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Springbank 1993 Cask Owner, 14 YO, OB, 49.7%, cask 546, 480 bottles. Price: N.A. Colour: Gold Nose: Mineral to very mineral, peaty, smoky, on flint stone, old peat smoke, light spices, aromatic and slight austere mineral smoke, with some seabrine, melon and a touch of vanilla. Very good! Taste: Complex, elegant, mineral, smoky, peaty, slightly aromatic and farmy, with mineral peat smoke, sea brine, some gooseberries, juicy oak, melon and a touch of soot. Excellent. The finish is long, mineral, smoky, rather peaty, slightly waxy, with a very elegant and fine peat smoke, slightly sooty, on gooseberries, some sea brine and a touch of melon. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier. Impression: A very impressive Springbank, complex, and with a delicious fine and elegant mineral peat smoke. This reminds me of the 25 YO Springbank Millenium. I love it! Thank you whisky.auction. Rating: 17/20 FP:A4 |
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Berry Bros & Rudd, B:1950s. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Bold, waxy, slightly smoky and nutty, on humus, honey, some mineral oil and almond. With time, there are some mushrooms. Taste: Waxy to very waxy, smoky, moderately peaty, with some humus, mineral oil, peat smoke, beeswax, walnuts and tangerine. The finish is medium to long, waxy, slightly peaty, smoky and nutty, on old-fashioned peat smoke, some humus, beeswax and tangerine. There is a long sooty retro-olfaction. Impression: A very good waxy and moderately smoky with some old-fashioned peat smoke and nice light juicy flavours. Lovely. Thank you whisky.auction Rating: 16/20 FP:F3 |
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Glen Demsey Old Pure Malt, OB, 43%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Spicy, floral, resinous, slightly vegetal, smoky, peaty and waxy, with some orange, candied tangerine, wax and various spices. Good. Taste: Very floral, round, waxy, resinous, on oak spice, herbs, honey, light grassy and smoky flavours. The finish is medium, round, vegetal, slightly waxy, on herbal liqueurs, resins, orange and malt. Diluted, there is some cardboard and malt. Impression: A nice resinous, round, floral and rather herbal whisky. Rather pleasant and easy drinking. Rating: 11/20 FP:G1 |
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Karuizawa 1980 Warren Khong, OB, 62%, B:2014, cask 6476. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth, round, spicy, with some red berries, honey, soybean as well as some exotic floral and fruity notes. Very good, with a nice mixture of fresh, intense and floral notes, with some sandalwood and light soft fruity notes. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, intense, on ginger, oak spices, some sandalwood, vanilla, light creamy notes, as well as some melon and a touch of mango and yellow fruits. The finish is medium, smooth, floral, spicy to very spicy, with a light smokiness and some diverse fruity flavours. Impression: A very nice, spicy, rich, rather complex and smooth Karuizawa that I enjoyed very much. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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North Port 1974, Sestante, 66.1%, B:1989. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Fresh, floral, intense, balanced, slightly peaty, smoky and mineral, slightly grassy, with some humus, smoke and olives. Taste: Fresh to very fresh, fragrant to very fragrant, floral, rather round and slightly smoky. The alcohol is rather present. Diluted, it becomes rounder and softer. The finish is medium, round, floral, fresh, fragrant, with some hay, quince and yellow flowers. Impression: A pleasant Brechin distilled at the North Port distillery, fresh, floral and fragrant. Thank you Carsten. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Black Tot Last Consignment, Speciality Drinks, 54.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber-brown Nose: Round, vegetal, heavy, on sugar cane syrup, molasses, some pineapples, prunes, liquid tar, and tobacco quid. Taste: Thick, rich, heavy, very syrupy, fruity, on tannins, liquid tar, molasses, black liquorice (Haribo), some pineapples, cooked apples, orange, and dry plums. The finish is long very heavy, syrupy and tarry, slightly floral, on tannins, tar, and lots of liquorice, some plums and orange blossom. Impression: A very good Rum, very heavy and syrupy, on thick flavours of black liquorice and tar. I am not used tasting such heavy rum, but I enjoyed it very much. Rating: 16/20 |
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Caroni 1997, 21 YO, Rum Nation, 46%, B:2018, 860 bottles. Price: Colour: Brown Nose: Mellow, floral, on cocoa, cinnamon, orange, orange peel, tannins, some tar and peat smoke. Taste: Round, floral, sweet, moderately tarry, on slightly green pineapples, fresh tar, tannins, molasses, and with a nice mellow maritime peat smoke and some orange blossom. The finish is long, smoky, and moderately heavy, on molasses, some orange blossom, maritime peat smoke, light floral flavours, liquid tar and some phenols. Impression: A very good Caroni, well balanced, rather light for a Caroni, with a well-integrated peat smoke coming from the ex- Caol Ila peated casks. The influence of the peated cask on rum seems to work better than Caroni casks used to matured Islay whiskies. Rating: 16/20 |
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Caroni 1998, 18, Kill the Devil, 65.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Brown-old gold Nose: Heavy, round, tarry, on tannins, leather, orange blossom, cinnamon, some lacquer, roasted coffee beans and precious wood. Heavier, drier and more tarry than the Rum Nation. Taste: Fresh, aromatic, round, on tropical fruits, light molasses flavours, some oak spices, tar and green almonds. Rather light and floral. The finish is medium, fruity, on exotic fruits, green almonds, light molasses flavours, some honey, mango and light tarry flavours. Impression: One of the lightest Caroni I have tried, round, rather floral and fruity. Rating: 13/20 |
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Oban Special Release 2018, 21 YO, OB, 57.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, spicy, oaky, slightly spirity, with some sea brine, fresh floral flavours, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange. With time, it becomes more balanced and fruitier. Taste: Round, spicy, rather salty, with a light peat smoke, tangerine, orange, cinnamon, light oaky and peppery flavours, some cocoa and melon. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, there are some juicy oaky flavours; it becomes slightly smokier and drier liquorice roots. Impression: Not an easy whisky. At first tasting, I was rather disappointed, as the sherry influence was very weak and the whisky rather oaky and spicy. However, the more I tasted it, the more I liked it. The whisky is rather oaky and spicy, but nicely austere, with a light peat smoke and dry rooty flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:D3 |
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Glen Spey 1981, 15 YO, Cadenhead’s, 62.2%, B:1996. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, grassy, floral, slightly smoky, complex, with a mixture of grassy and floral flavours and some light fresh fruity flavours. Taste: Grassy, round, floral, slightly malty and creamy, with some caramel, freshly cut flowers and a touch of smoke. The finish is medium to long, grassy, floral, rather round, on hay, with fresh grassy and floral flavours, some round honey, chamomile, pollen, and a touch of caramel. Diluted, it becomes extremely round. Impression: A very good Glen Spey, with a soft and very round mouth feel and nice grassy and floral flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1 |
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Four Roses Single Barrel, OB, 50%, B:2018, Barrel LE.18.5G. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, pleasant, on cooked cereals, cinnamon, peach, toasted oak, caramel and soft spices. Taste: Spicy, rich, slightly peppery and creamy, on cinnamon, peach, apricots, cooked cereals and some nutmeg. The finish is medium, rather soft, and on the same flavours. Impression: A nice Bourbon, rather spicy and rich on the palate initially, before becoming softer and smoother on the finish. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Four Roses Small batch 130th Anniversary, OB, 59.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, complex, rather elegant, on nice cinnamon, light creamy flavours, raspberries, peanuts butter, apricots and elegant floral flavours. Mellow, more balanced, complex and creamier than the other small batch. Taste: Rich, complex, intense, floral, on ginger, cinnamon, some maple syrup, raspberries and pecan nuts. The finish is long, rather spicy, complex, intense, on cinnamon, nutmeg, some ginger, pepper, peach, apricots, raspberries and vanilla custard. Impression: A very good Four Roses, complex et spicy. Longer, spicier and more complex than the other small batch. Rating:16/20 FP:A1 |
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Glen Moray 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, malty, spicy, on juicy oak, vanilla, tangerine, some melon, and oaky spices. Taste: Soft, juicy, thin to very thin, on juicy oak, some slightly bitter caramel, melon, vanilla custard and light grassy flavours. The finish is medium, slightly dry and bitter, on juicy oak, some melon and tobacco. Rather thin. Impression: A whisky with a pleasant note and a promising palate, but it tastes rather thin. The reduction to 40% is probably too much. Rating:11/20 FP:D2 |
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Glen Moray 18 YO, OB, 47.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Malty, oaky, juicy, spicy, on vanilla, some melon, freshly sawn wood and mango. With nice spices. Taste: Rich, oaky to very oaky, malty, slightly juicy, on vanilla, freshly sawn wood, some pepper and melon. The finish is long, intense, spicy to very spicy, oaky to very oaky, slightly peppery, on vanilla and freshly sawn oak. Impression: A rather intense Glen Moray, with a rather strong influence of virgin oak, which dominates the whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP:A2 |
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Glen Moray 1990, 28 YO, Acla Selection, 49.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, creamy, malty, elegant, on white chocolate, mango, melon and some passion fruits. With time, it becomes fruitier and more on exotic fruits. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, slightly floral, with soft, rich and ripe fruity flavours, on mango, papaya and passion fruits. Slightly austere. Diluted, it is more on peach, apricots and some pink grapefruits. The finish is long, slightly to moderately austere and citric, on exotic fruits, grapefruits, some peach and apricots. Impression: A very good and rather complex Glen Moray mixing austere, citric and exotic fruity flavours. A good value whisky. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Laphroaig 1996, 22 YO, Whiskyhood, 55.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty, maritime, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, kippers, peat smoke, some iodine and light phenolic flavours. Taste: Mellow, medicinal, peaty, smoky, rather medicinal, on camphor, iodine, seaweeds, bandages and some spearmint. The finish is long, medicinal, peaty, smoky, slightly medicinal, on camphor, a nice elegant peat smoke and fresh spearmint. Impression: A very pleasant Laphroaig, with an elegant and complex peat smoke, slightly mellow and with a pleasant freshness coming from some spearmint or ice mint. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Laphroaig 1998 Small Batch, 20 YO, Cadenhead’s, 54.3%, B:2018. Price:  Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, maritime, medicinal, elegant, on camphor, seaweeds, iodine and maritime peat smoke. With a very nice peat smoke. Taste: Oaky, peaty, maritime, rather bitter and rooty, on camphor, iodine, oak spices, dry liquorice roots and peat smoke. The finish is long, dry, rooty and on the same flavours. Impression: A Laphroaig with a very enjoyable and rather complex nose, but then it gets dry, bitter and rooty. Not an easy one. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Loch Lomond Single Grain, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, round, slightly malty and grainy, clean, with some malt and apples. Taste: Round to very round, creamy, grainy, slightly spicy, on icing sugar, some freshly ground cereals, peach, apricots and green orchard fruits. The finish is medium, creamy, fresh, on vanilla and fresh orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes more on lemon tart. Impression: A nice fresh, round and creamy whisky, with a nice mouthfeel and pleasant to drink. A nice grain whisky, surprisingly matured for its young age. Rating: 11/20 FP:A1 |
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Loch Lomond 12 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, spicy, slightly malty, on juicy oak, vanilla, some peach, apricots, pear and soft spices. Nicely round. Taste: Spicy, nutty, with some leather, vanilla, peach and nuts. The finish is medium, nutty, spicy, with some dried fruits, nuts, peach, leather and some cooked orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes spicier and with some slightly bitter toffee. Impression: A nice round, spicy whisky, rather fresh and with some nice malty flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:D1 |
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Loch Lomond 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Nutty, malty, spicy, round, moderately mellow, some leather, orange, cinnamon, nuts, and cardamom. Taste: Complex, moderately spicy, nutty, grassy and malty, slightly mellow, with some peach, soft spices and light aromatic herbs. Nice and more balanced than the 12 YO. Diluted, it becomes juicier. The finish is medium, grassy, malty, slightly floral, bitter and nutty. Impression: A good whisky, balanced, rather complex, with nice grassy, malty and juicy flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Highland Park 1996 XOP, 21 YO, Douglas Laing, 47.0%, B:2017, cask DL12209. 283 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, very round, malty, with some sea brine, heather, round yellow fruity and honey. Well balanced. Taste: Very mellow, soft, round, fruity, juicy, slightly grassy and mineral, with some juicy oak, liquid honey, vanilla, melon, light mineral flavours and a hint of smoke. With a pleasant mouth feel. The finish is long, mellow, bold and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes smoky and with some dry tobacco leaves. Impression: A nice ex-Bourbon matured Highland Park, very round, with some light mineral and smoky flavours. With a lovely mouth feel. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Highland Park 1966 Prenzlow Collection, JWWW, 41%, B.2004. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, rich, fruity, on sweet and mellow fruits, heather honey, some heather peat smoke, candied oranges, melon and a few exotic fruits. Very good. Taste: Rich, aromatic, complex, moderately smoky and peaty, on aromatic peat smoke, peach, melon, heather honey, some Mirabelle and quince. Diluted, it becomes more on stewed fruits. The finish is long, complex, deliciously fruity, on a nice round slightly aromatic peat smoke and a nice combination of stewed and candied fruits, including citrus. Impression: An excellent Highland Park, with nice light aromatic herbs and stewed fruits. After having tasted some recent Highland Park, I enjoy even more these old ones. Rating: 18/20 FP:B3 |
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Linkwood 12 YO for Parma Import, OB, 43%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Slightly smoky, peaty, austere, floral, with some hay, peat smoke, candied lemon, some toffee, heather, vanilla and some quince. A very good old style of aromatic and slightly austere Speyside whisky. Taste: Round, waxy, floral, smoky, slightly peaty, aromatic, austere and grassy, on quince, some vanilla, heather, light floral and grassy flavours, as well as some humus and mineral oil. The finish is long, complex, rich, smoky, floral, moderately peaty and grassy, slightly spicy, on slightly fragrant flavours, heather honey, mineral oil and some quince. Impression: A very nice old style of Speyside whisky, with a nice light austere and aromatic peat smoke, some mineral oil and humus. A different style than the current production. Produced at the old Linkwood distillery (Linkwood A). Rating: 16/20 FP:D3 |
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Glenallachie 18 YO, OB, 46.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral, nutty, spicy, rather intense, on various nuts, light spices, dried fruits, and sultanas. With time, it becomes fruitier, with some peach and orange. Taste: Floral, nutty, slightly fragrant and malty, with some orange, peach, sultanas, freshly cut flowers, cocoa and fresh leather. The finish is medium, round, floral, slightly spicy, nutty and malty, on nuts, some cream, with various candied fruits and a touch of citrus. Diluted, it becomes more nutty, with some tobacco and ground coffee. Impression: A nice Glenallachie, rather spicy and nutty, with a pleasant complexity. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Highland Park Single Cask 2003 For Switzerland, 15 YO, OB, 59.1%, B:2018, cask 2118. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round, fruity, slightly mellow, on heather, sea brine, some sultanas, candied orange, honey and a whiff of smoke. Taste: Oaky, round, sweet, slightly oaky and spicy, with some sultanas, a dry sherry influence, light nutty flavours, heather honey, a touch of smoke and sea brine. Rather complex. Diluted, more on milk chocolate. The finish is medium to long, rich, on dried fruits (mainly sultanas and dates), heather honey, orange, some light peat smoke, nut, and a few exotic fruits. Impression: A nice, very round Highland Park, on leather, cocoa and dried fruit, with a light dry sherry influence. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:G2 |
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Highland Park 1974 Online Tasting, OB, 52.6%, B:1998. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, aromatic, peaty, smoky, slightly dry and tannic, on bloody oranges, leather, precious wood, heather peaty smoke and some orange skin. An excellent complex and old style of peated Highland Park. Taste: Aromatic, deep, complex, peaty, on rich sherry flavours, beeswax, walnuts, heather honey, heather peat smoke, old leather, some sea brine, sultanas, figs, exotic fruits and Barbour wax. The finish is long, complex to very complex, slightly smoky, peaty, nutty and meaty, on dried meat, peat smoke, heather honey, old leather, some peat smoke, dried fruits, oranges, beeswax, light aromatic herbs, cinnamon and other spices. Impression: A delicious complex, rich and most pleasant old style of Highland Park, with a nice peat smoke, on heather honey, some aromatic flavours, with an excellent sherry influence, combining dried fruits, leather and nutty flavours. These flavours are well present, but not dominating and well balanced. A tour de force and a beautiful whisky. This bottle was sold at an auction organized by Highland Park, with a starting price of £200 (which was then equivalent to 400 euros, at today’s price). Thank you Stephan! Rating: 18/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 2001 Private Cask, 17 YO, OB, 50.1%, B:2018, Port cask 123, 234 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, complex, maritime, with some sultanas, grapes, high grade soft leather, sea brine, a light peat smoke and some coconut. With time, it becomes slightly peatier and on old slightly sooty smoke. Very good. Taste: Intense, spicy, smoky, peaty, maritime, on plums, sultanas, some juicy exotic fruits, orange, grapes and other sweet fruity flavours. Complex, well balanced and with a nice mouthfeel. The finish is long, mellow, and very complex, on cane sugar, dry and slightly tarry peat smoke, sea brine, grapes, some leather, dry meat and a drop of pineapples. Impression: As for all private casks, no indication about the cask type is provided on the label. For this whisky, it was matured in first fill Port Cask and the result is really good, even for someone like me, who is not a fan of Portwood whiskies. The whisky was rather round and mellow on the palate and the Port rather discreet, while it becomes smokier and peatier on the palate, with nice leather flavours and a very good Port influence, combining some sweet and dry fruity flavours. It is very balanced and with a lovely mouth feel. Not only the best Port Wood Springbank that I have tried, but one of the best recently bottled Springbank in general. Thank you Nick. Rating: 17/20 FP:G3 |
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Hazelburn 2001 Private Cask, 17 YO, OB, 49.3%, B:2018, Refill sherry cask 36, 276 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, elegant, slightly malty and nutty (hazelnuts), with some sea brine, light mineral and harbour-like flavours. Slightly fruitier and less smoky and peaty than the Springbank. Taste: Malty, fruity, juicy to very juicy, mellow, on soft leather, orange, tangerine, some hand made fudges, sea brine, soft spices and tarte tatin. The finish is long, very pleasant, on soft spices, stewed fruits, tarte tatin, nice malty flavours, some orange, tangerine and mango. Diluted it becomes slightly bolder and spicier, with light nutty flavours and some butterscotch. Impression: A mellow and well balanced whisky, on nice cooked fruits flavours, tarte tatin and soft spices (mainly cinnamon). The oldest Hazelburn I have seen and tasted. Dangerously drinkable. Thank you Nick. Rating: 16/20 FP:D1 |
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Knappogue Castle Twin Wood, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, floral, fresh to very fresh, on orchards fruits, some stewed fruits, candied oranges, blackcurrant and cinnamon. Taste: Fresh, green, malty to very malty, on green orchards fruits, blackurrant, some sultanas, orange, tangerine, cinnamon and a drop of honey. The finish is medium, fresh and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good, fresh, juicy, fruity and malty Irish whisk(e)y, with a nice complexity. A distillery with a rather low profile, but producing quality products. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Rampur PX Finish, OB, 45%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Spicy, malty, on ripe and cooked apples, grapes, sultanas, some grist, melon and guava. Taste: Fresh, spicy, malty, on juicy oak, melon, tangerine, some pineapples, sultanas and grapes. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and juicier. Impression: A nice malty and juicy Indian single malt, with some grapes and dried fruity flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:G1 |
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Paul John Peated, OB, 55.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, aromatic, slightly austere and smoky, on smoked meat, BBQ, aromatic smoke, austere herbal flavours, thyme and other indiscernible flavours. Very good. Taste: Spicy, rich, intense, maritime, slightly salty, rubbery and round, on sweet and dry fruity flavours, sea brine, some sea salt, peat smoke and various fruity flavours. Very complex. The finish is long, complex, intense, rich, fruity to very fruity, slightly salty and peaty, on a mixture of sea brine, smoke, light aromatic and spicy flavours. Diluted, there is some tobacco smoke and slightly bitter, Impression: A very good whisky, very complex, with a mixture of austere maritime flavours and slightly citric fruits. I loved this flavour mix. Rating: 16/20 FP:C4 |
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Glenfiddich Cask Of Dreams, OB, 48.8%, B:2011. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, creamy, with lots of fudge, on toffee, cocoa, milk chocolate, some honey and grassy flavours. Taste: Sweet, sour, fruity, grassy, oaky, on honey, some aromatic herbs, milk chocolate and mango. The finish is medium to long, grassy, slightly aromatic and oaky, on mango, some apricots, honey and dry tobacco leaves. Impression: A rather fruity and sour whisky, slightly citric and oaky. Rating: 13/20 FP:C2 |
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Glenfiddich Winter Storm Batch 2, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Juicy, sweet to very sweet, floral, on Mirabelle, sweet sugary white wine, some light malty and orchards fruits flavours. Taste: Sugary, sweet, malty, slightly floral, on orchards fruits, some ice wine and a nice mouth feel. The finish is medium, juicy, sweet, sugary, on sweet and sugary winey flavours and some orchards fruits. Impression: A nice, sweet and sugary Glenfiddich. Not overly complex, but very easy to drink. Rating: 14/20 FP:C2 |
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Glenfiddich Fire & Cane, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Moderately peaty, sweet, sugary, with some cane sugar, some round vanilla flavours and rather sugary (treacle) rum flavours. Taste: Light, fresh, moderately peaty, sweet, sugary, with some cane sugar and sugary rum. The finish is medium, sugary, peaty, rather well balanced and with nice cane sugar flavours. Impression: Rather different from the standard Glenfiddich, but the mixture of moderately peated Glenfiddich with the sweet sugary influence from the Rum casks results in a nicely balanced and rather pleasant to drink whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP:A4 |
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Macallan Terra, OB, 43.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral, round, juicy, on tangerine, juicy oranges, some honey, cinnamon and a hint of fudge Taste: Weak, thin, floral, juicy to very juicy, fruity, on orange, tangerine, some cinnamon, honey, nutmeg, light tannins and leather flavours, as well some home made fudge. Diluted, it falls apart. The finish is short, thin to very thin, weak, floral, juicy, sweet, with soft spices, some toffee, orange and cinnamon, as well as a hint of cloves. Diluted, it becomes even thinner and with a mixture of caramel and fudge. Impression: Well, difficult to rate this whisky, as the flavour intensity is so thin. Even if it has a higher ABV than the others, it seems even thinner than the others. Taste almost like whisky flavoured water. Rating: 10/20 FP:D1 |
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Macallan Enigma, OB, 44.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, tannic, moderately complex, on sultanas, orange, leather, some tangerine, tannins, cocoa and a hint of rubber. Taste: Floral, spicy to very spicy, slightly tannic and woody, with some bitter caramel, orange, tangerine, sultanas, candied oranges, honey, nice floral and fragrant flavours and a hint of smoke. The finis is medium, floral, rich, spicy, rather complex, slightly fragrant, on dried fruits, cinnamon, cocoa, some roasted coffee beans, tannins and high grade leather. Diluted, it becomes spicier, more intense, complex and drier, with more pronounced caramel flavours. Impression: A pretty good Macallan, floral, spicy, rather complex and good. On the palate it is initially rather thin, but then the spices comes in and the flavours get slightly more complex. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Carsebridge 1973 Sovereign, 42 YO, Hunter Laing, 53.1%, B:2017, Ref HL12366. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, grainy, on porridge, some peach, apricots, soft spices and a touch of toffee. Very good. Taste: Spirity, round, rather complex, with some porridge, varnish, tangerine, peach, apricots and a hint of leather and orange. The finish is medium, pleasant, round, grainy, on porridge, cooked apples, some tangerine, orange, leather, cinnamon, peach, apricots and toffee. Diluted, it becomes rounder. Impression: More complex than the younger recently tasted grain whiskies, heavier well and with more sweet and stewed fruits. Rating: 13/20 FP:E1 |
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Carsebridge 48 YO Special Release 2018, OB, 43.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, floral, grainy, very mellow, sweet, fruity, complex, on porridge, orange, some maple and corn syrup, tin (canned) peaches and apricots. Very good. Taste: Very round and mellow, complex, floral, with a nice mouthfeel, porridge, apricots, peaches, cinnamon, some nutmeg, corny syrup, and rich spices. The finish is long, very sweet and complex, intense, round to very round, on porridge, toffee, orange, tangerine, sultanas, exotic fruits, peach, apricots and various spices. Impression: An excellent, complex and very fruity Grain whisky, without any blemish of age. Well done! Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Cameronbridge 1995, Cooper’s Choice, 46%, B:2016, cask 11198. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Round, sweet, fresh to very fresh, with some varnish, a touch of cooked corn, on almonds and pitaya (dragon fruit) Taste: Light, fresh, slightly milky and fragrant, on freshly cooked corn and doughnuts. The finish is medium, fresh, light, very smooth, sweet, milky, with some almond and cooked fruits. Impression: Tasted first during an event, the taste was more intense and complex, but 3 days after, it tasted more neutral and milky. Rating: 10/20 FP:A1 |
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Ye Auld Toun for Giaccone, 43%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Floral, round, with some fudge, wax, beeswax and light mineral flavours, as well as berries. Taste: Light, fresh, slightly grassy, with some humus, beeswax, mineral oil, eucalyptus, toffee and a light farmy peat smoke. The finish is medium, waxy, greasy, oily, slightly peaty, with some humus, light floral flavours and butterscotch. There is a retro-olfaction on some old fashioned and slightly aromatic peat smoke, that reminds me of the Clynelish from the 1960s. Impression: A very good, round blended whisky on wax and some old fashioned smoke. Rating: 14/20 FP:A3 |
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Clynelish 1996 for The Whisky Exchange, 21 YO, 52.0%, B:2018, cask 11390. Price: Colour: Old gold –amber Nose: Waxy, round, mustardy, rather fruity and spicy, on orange, some tangerine, honey and a hint of smoke. Very good. Taste: Waxy, mellow, citric, on candied citrus, light mustardy and farmy flavours, some cooca, marmalade and a few drops of honey. Rather intense. The finish is long, waxy, round, rather spicy, citric and mustardy, on citrus, marmalade, spices, some tobacco and melon. Diluted, it becomes spicier and slightly rooty. Impression: An intense and waxy Clynelish, rather spicy, with nice moderate fruity sherry flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP: E1 |
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Clynelish 1995, 22 YO, The Nectar, 56.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, mellow, waxy, floral, on pollen, soft and sweet mellow fruity flavours (mainly ripe citrus), some light spices (including mustard). Taste: Very mellow, spicy, slightly oaky and mustardy, on pollen, some honey, rubber, leather, grapefruits and wood. The finish is medium, spicy, citric, and slightly woody, on pink grapefruits and mustard seeds. Diluted, it becomes rather woody, citric, bitter and rubbery. Impression: A very mellow and citric Clynelish, with some nice sweet flavours, but it becomes rather woody and rubbery once some water has been added. Too long in the cask? Rating: 13/20 FP:G1 |
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Macallan Quest, OB, 40%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Floral to very floral, round, fresh, round, on toffee, fresh floral flavours and some caramel. Taste: Floral to very floral, rather fragrant, with some bitter caramel, orange, tangerine, sultanas and tannins. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, bitter, slightly fragrant and young, on cinnamon, some nutmeg, leather, tannins and caramel. Diluted, it becomes rather thick on caramel, and slightly more bitter and dry. Impression: A round and rather floral Macallan, with a fair dose of caramel. Rather young and simple. Rating: 11/20 FP:F1 |
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Macallan Lumina, OB, 41.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, floral, on toffee, fudge, sultanas, orange, some orange and cinnamon, with a light fragrance and bitter caramel. Taste: Light, rather thin and juicy, rather bitter, on fudge, some fresh and fragrant flavours. Slightly more complex than the Quest, but it tastes even thinner. Diluted, it becomes very thin, on toffee and quite spicy. The finish is short to medium, spicy, floral, with some leather, tannins, juicy fruits and some caramel. Impression: A version slightly spicier and more complex than the Quest. Rather thin and weak. It would certainly benefit from a higher ABV. Rating: 12/20 FP:E1 |
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Springbank 8 YO for Japan, OB, 43%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Nicely austere, peaty, smoky, on aromatic peat smoke, aromatic and bitter herbs, some sea brine, light mineral flavours and flint stone. An excellent old style of whisky. Taste: Light, grassy, very aromatic, austere, mineral, slightly thin, on aromatic peat smoke, nice aromatic and slightly grassy herbs, mineral oil, and some sea brine. The finish is long, slightly thin, nicely aromatic, on mineral oil, sea brine, dry peat smoke, some coconuts, diesel oil, kippers and a few drops of slightly green apples. Impression: An excellent old style of Springbank, on an aromatic and slighty dry and dirty old style of peat smoke, mineral oil and some harbour like flavours. Very good, but I wished it was bottled at 46%, as it was slightly too thin to give it a higher rating. Thank you very much Roger! Rating: 16/20 FP:A5 |
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Springbank 9 YO Local Barley, OB, 57.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, malty, slightly mineral, with some dry peat smoke, bold barley flavours, sea brine, diesel smoke and some harbour-like flavours. Very good and rather complex. Taste: Round, smooth, malty, slightly young, salty and sour, on freshly crushed barley, some lemon peel, a light peat smoke and sea brine. Well balanced and rather bold. Diluted, it becomes more malty and with some more lemon. The finish is medium, round, bold, rather smooth and malty, with light salty and slightly lemony flavours. Impression: While it might appear slightly young on the nose, it is nicely balanced, smooth, with nice salty flavours, some lemon and nice bold intense malty flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:C2 |
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Springbank 10 YO Local Barley, OB, 57.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Slightly sour and malty, with light malty flavours, some grist, vanilla and green vegetal flavours. More discreet than the 9 YO. Taste: Slightly oaky and dry, with light salty and coastal flavours, some coconut, a light smokiness, some grassy and slightly aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, malty, smoky, rather maritime, with some lemon, grapefruits, freshly crushed barley, light oaky flavours and a hint of gentian. Diluted, it becomes less complex, slightly bitter and maltier. Impression: Rather silent on the nose, it becomes more pleasant and complex on the palate, with nice slightly aromatic, maritime and mineral flavours. A whisky best to enjoy neat, as it becomes rather simpler once some water has been added. Thank you Markus. Rating: 12/20 FP:A2 |
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Tomatin 30 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Fruity, floral, rich, rather complex, slightly mellow, with some gooseberries, vanilla, melon, and candied citrus. Taste: Rich, round, nutty, on toffee, roasted coffee beans and nuts, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, some cloves, honey and apples. The finish is long, round, spicy, rather nutty, slightly smoky, on candied citrus, some gooseberries, cinnamon, cloves, papaya and honeydew melon. Impression: A very nice and complex Tomatin, rather nutty, with candied fruits and spices, Rating: 15/20 FP:E2 |
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Tomatin 36 YO, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Elegant, slightly floral, with pleasant and slightly sour and citric flavours, on melon, some mango, ginger, pear and soft spices. Very good. With time, it becomes rounder and fruitier. Taste: Rich, complex, slightly austere, on pink grapefruit, candied citrus (mainly grapefruits), some ginger, vanilla, pears, gooseberries, passion fruits and papaya. Diluted it becomes rounder, and more on cloves and cardamom The finish is long, rich, floral, nutty, on honey dew melon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, some tropical fruits candied citrus and some pears. Impression: A very nice and complex Tomatin, with a nice mixture of citrus, exotic fruits, some pears and nice spicy flavours. Rating: 17/20 FP:E2 |
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Speyburn 2004 for Switzerland, 14 YO, OB, 52.5%, B:2018, bourbon cask 258. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, slightly floral and malty, on hops, vanilla and some gooseberries. Taste: Moderately spicy, floral, slightly malty and fragrant, on vanilla and some gooseberries. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier and more on gooseberries. Impression: A nice good malty whisky, with a fair dose of hops. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Speyburn 2004 for Switzerland, 14 YO, OB, 52.5%, B:2018, sherry cask 244. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, floral, slightly malty, on round sherry flavours, sultanas, cinnamon, some orange, dates, figs and a light fragrance. Taste: Very round, floral, on toffee, fudge, sultanas, dried fruits, cinnamon, some mango, orange and tangerine. Rather sweet and fruity. The finish is medium, round, sweet, fruity, slightly floral, on nice dried fruits, orange, mango and some tangerine juice. Diluted, it becomes more on burnt sugar. Impression: A nice, round, rather sweet and fruity Speyburn, on dried fruits and caramel. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Chichibu Imperial Stout, OB, 59.5%, B:2018, cask 3537. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, rather complex, slightly mineral and spicy, with some hops, humus and a touch of mineral oil. Very nice. Taste: Spicy, rich, rather complex, slightly mineral and grassy, with some hops, mineral oil, humus and a few drops of pears. Diluted, it becomes more on hops, spicier and with some beer. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, rather complex and grassy, on hops, some beers and humus. Impression: A very good Chichibu, rather grassy, with some mineral oil and nice hops flavours. Rating:14/20 FP:C2 |
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Chichibu London Edition, OB, 56.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, slightly mineral, with some humus, oaky spices and light orchards fruits. Taste: Round, grassy, slightly floral and mineral, with some pear drops, nice grassy flavours, and tobacco leaves. Diluted, it becomes slightly creamy. The finish is medium, rather spicy, with some hops, oak spices, and orchard fruits. Slightly young. Impression: A good whisky, rather rich, with some humus and rather young. Rating. 11/20 FP:C2 |
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Givran Sovereign 1991, 25 YO, Hunter Laing, 58.9%, B:2017, Ref HL13285. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Very clean, simple, grainy, rather spirity, with light slightly sour and milky flavours. Taste: Clean, grainy, simple and spirity, with some porridge, vanilla and cooked fruits. The finish is medium, smooth, grainy, with some varnish, light vanilla and milky flavours. Impression: ZzzZz A rather simple and clean grain whisky, rather spirity. Not bad, but not much is going on here. Rating: 09/20 FP:A1 |
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Carsebridge 1982, 35 YO, Signatory, 48.9%, B:2018, cask 74604. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Clean to very clean, grainy, and slightly milky. Less floral and milky than the Givran. Taste: Round, grainy, on porridge, some vanilla, apricots and corn syrup. The finish is medium, rather grainy and spirit, with some porridge, peach, light milky flavours and a few drops of treacle. Impression: A good grain, with a rather round mouth feel. A rather simple and spirity expression from that distillery. Rating:11/20 FP:C1 |
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Port Charlotte 2001, 17 YO, The Maltbarn, 52.3%, B:2018, 155 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, mellow, peaty, rather complex, slightly maritime and medicinal, with some toffee, seaweeds, iodine, and a nice mellow maritime peat smoke. Taste: Medicinal to very medicinal, maritime to very maritime, tarry, intense, complex, on disinfectant, iodine, camphor, bandages, tar, some soot and light mineral flavours. Complex and slightly farmy. Diluted, it becomes rather salty and slightly rooty. The finish is long, dry, tarry, rooty, maritime, peaty, medicinal, rather salty, on iodine, camphor, tar, soot, dry liquorice roots, sea salt, seaweeds, bandages and disinfectant. Impression: A very nice complex, peaty and rather medicinal Port Charlotte. Very pleasant. Slightly too dry on the finish to give it a higher score. The oldest Port Charlotte I have tried so far. Thank you Markus. Rating: 16/20 FP: A6 |
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Port Charlotte 2002, 15 YO, Spirit of Islay (whisky broker), 60.2%, B:2018, cask 1161. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty, complex, rather mellow, with nice round mellow maritime peat smoke flavours, seaweeds, some sweet fruity flavours of orange, tangerine, on sultanas, iodine and bandages. An excellent nose. Taste: Intense, powerful, maritime, medicinal, slightly mineral, on sultanas, red berries, seaweeds, iodine, bandages, juicy oranges, some tangerine, camphor, soot and elegant medicinal flavours. Diluted, it becomes rather tarry, slightly oaky and with some dried seaweeds. The finish is long, intense, complex, medicinal, maritime, peaty, tarry, on red berries, seaweeds, iodine, some camphor, bandages, orange, tangerine, sultanas and a hint of toffee. Impression: An excellent rich, complex and intense Port Charlotte, rather tarry and with a nice and elegant sherry influence. Well balanced and a style that I enjoy very much! Thank you Philipp and Lukas Rating: 17/20 FP: G7 |
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Cameronbridge 1984, 33 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 55.8%, B: 2017, butt 19281. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex to very complex, mellow, subtle, silky, on exotic woods, some plums, exotic fruits, sultanas, round aromatic herbs. Taste: Rich, very intense, smooth, floral, slightly fragrant, with some varnish, lacquer, exotic wood, mustard seeds, orange, tangerine, soft leather and cloves. The finish is long, intense, mellow, fruity, floral, with an impressive complexity of flavours, from exotic wood (Mizunara), light aromatic flavours and exotic fruits. Impression: An impressive grain whisky, very complex, well balanced, on soft spices and rolling on your tongue like silk. Excellent. One of the finest, if not the best grain whisky I have tasted so far. Rating: 18/20 FP: G1 |
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Ben Nevis 1995, 21 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 52.7%, B:2017, butt 656. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, floral, silky, on exotic wood, lacquer, incense, light oaky flavours and some peach. Taste: Smooth, starchy, sweet, well balanced, slightly oaky, with light spicy notes, exotic wood and fruits, some pear, vanilla and almonds. The finish is medium to long, well balanced, starchy, grassy, smooth, on green pear, some vanilla, almonds, exotic woods and light exotic fruits. Impression: A very elegant, subtle, smooth and well balanced whisky, with light elegant fruity flavours. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP: D2 |
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Macallan Rare Cask Batch 1, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich, floral, mellow, rather spicy and complex, on cinnamon, cardamom, orange, tangerine and nice floral flavours. It seemed more intense and complex than the earlier version of the Rare Cask. Taste: Juicy to very juicy, spicy, floral, slightly peppery, on cocoa, cinnamon, orange, some marmalade, nutmeg and precious wood. The finish is long, dry, complex, rather sweet and juicy, on cocoa, roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, dark chocolate, orange, tangerine, praline, nice floral and slightly fragrant flavours, as well as some nutty and woody flavours. Diluted, it becomes nuttier and woodier, with some black berries. Impression: A whisky with a nice rich, floral and rather complex nose, with a pleasant mouth feel, but slightly dry and rather woody on the finish. Rating: 14/20 FP:G2 |
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Macallan Classic Cut 2018, OB, 51.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round to very round, floral, slightly young, clean, on fudge and some slightly fragrant flavours. Markedly simpler than the Rare Cask. Taste: Young, clean, floral, spicy, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on fudge, fresh floral flavours (roses and others flowers), orange, cinnamon, some cloves, marmalade and exotic wood. Diluted, it becomes more floral, fragrant, bitter and on caramel. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, intense, spicy, rather dry, on cinnamon, fudge some pepper, orange, tangerine, honey and fresh floral flavours. Impression: A clean, spicy and very floral Macallan, with a fair dose of fudge. It tasted rather young, but it is pretty well made and looking forward tasting older versions of Macallan of this quality. Rating: 13/20 FP:I1 |
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Octomore 9.1 156 PPM, OB, 59.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty, dry, clean, intense and maritime, on disinfectant, tar and camphor, before it becomes more winey and on spearmint. Taste: Dry to very dry, peaty to very peaty, intense, and maritime, on phenols, seaweeds, iodine and some spearmint. The finish is medium to long, very dry and peaty, intense, maritime, phenolic, on tar, peat smoke, iodine, seaweeds and some disinfectant and winey flavours. Impression: A very good, heavily peated, dry and tarry Octomore, with light winey flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP: C8 |
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Octomore 9.3, OB, 62.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Young, peaty, maritime, slightly milky, on tar, winey flavours, and light sugary aromas. Less peaty, intense and matured than the 9.1 Taste: Round, young, smooth, peaty, smoky, maritime, oaky, slightly milky, with some winey flavours and red berries. The finish is medium, very peaty, dry, tarry, with some winey (grapes) and red berries flavours Impression: A whisky that taste markedly younger than the 9.1, more winey and smoother. Rating: 11/20 FP:D7 |
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Williamson 2011 For Ramseyer’s Whisky Connection, 6 YO, Liquid Treasures, 59.3%, B:2018, 51 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very maritime, peaty, smooth, slightly young, on seaweeds, sea salt, peat smoke, some iodine, sea shells and camphor Taste: Salty to very salty, intense, maritime to very maritime, smooth, slightly young, on maritime and salty peat smoke, seaweeds, some moderate oaky flavours. The finish is medium to long, intense, smoky, maritime, peaty, and slightly tarry, on vanilla, seaweeds and dry rooty peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes saltier and more maritime. Impression: A remarkably matured whisky distilled at Laphroaig, very maritime and smoky, and with some oaky spices. Rating: 15/20 FP:A6 |
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Laphroaig 1998, 18 YO, The First Editions, 59.4%, B:2017, ref HL14482. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Complex, peaty, smoky, rather mellow, maritime, slightly rooty, on a rather complex dry and maritime peat smoke, some camphor, iodine, seaweeds and other light medicinal flavours. Taste: Complex, slightly mellow, rather smoky and medicinal, elegant, on a rather complex and elegant peat smoke, with some medicinal and maritime flavours. The finish is long, complex, elegant, with a nice medicinal peat smoke. Impression: A very good Laphroaig, more elegant and subtle than the 2000. Rating: 15/20 FPA6 |
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Laphroaig 2000, 16 YO, The First Editions, 58.1%, B:2017, Ref HL13277. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Rooty, smoky, oaky, rather medicinal, peaty, on sea shells, seaweeds, peat smoke, sea brine and dry liquorice roots. Rather dry. Taste: Clean, oaky, rather light and medicinal, on dry peat smoke, hemp rope and some seaweeds. Slightly austere. The finish is medium, clean, maritime, peaty, slightly medicinal and oaky. Diluted, it becomes slightly more medicinal and with some camphor. Impression: A good and clean Laphroaig, rather light and dry. Rating: 13/20 FP:A5 |
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Bowmore 1996, 22 YO, Hidden Spirits, 53.6%, B: 2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, medicinal to very medicinal, maritime, on camphor, medicinal peat smoke, iodine and some seaweeds. Taste: Light, fresh, smooth, peaty, slightly rooty, on medicinal peat smoke, with some spearmint, marshmallow, seaweeds and iodine. The finish is long, light, and elegant, on a medicinal peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine and camphor. Impression: A very nice, elegant and medicinal Bowmore. I really like this style of Bowmore. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Bowmore 21 YO, Dramfool, 52.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Round, peaty, maritime, slightly oaky, on seaweeds, peat smoke, and light medicinal flavours. Rounder, more oaky and less medicinal than the Hidden Spirits. Taste: Slightly oaky, salty, rooty and round, peaty, medicinal, with light spices, peat smoke, iodine, some spearmint and camphor. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A version close to the Hidden Spirits, but rounder and more oaky. Rating: 15/20 FP:A5 |
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Suntory Toki, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price:  Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, rather bland, grainy, slightly starchy and smoky, with some vanilla. Taste: Very smooth, young, grainy, on starch, some vanilla and green orchard fruits. The finish is medium, smooth, grassy, grainy, with some green fruits and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes very watery. Impression: A young and grainy whisky, with some orchards fruits. Rather bland and tasteless. A good mixer? Rating: 08/20 FP:A1 |
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Nikka Days, OB, 40%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very grainy, bland to very bland, slightly starchy, with some light green orchards fruits. Smells rather young. Taste: Light to very light, smooth to very smooth, on green orchards fruits and starch. The finish is rather short, young, smooth, very light and with some vanilla. Diluted, there is a light smokiness. Impression: The Suntory was rather bland and grainy, while this one is even more tasteless and lighter. A whisky difficult to rate, as we are moving towards the flavour profile of a Vodka. A whisky that should not alter the taste of your coke. Boring. Rating: 07/20 FP:A1 |
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Cl 8, Elements of Islay, 55.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, dry, intense, smoky, slightly floral, on dry peat smoke, slightly aromatic, some humus, tar and BBQ. Complex and pleasant. Taste: Peaty, smoky, maritime, dry, tarry to very tarry, rooty, on dry peat smoke, some seaweeds, toffee and light medicinal flavours. The finish is medium, mellow, maritime, and slightly medicinal, on peat smoke, tar, menthol, seaweeds and light medicinal flavours. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal and on menthol. Impression: A very good whisky, with a mellow dry peat smoke and light medicinal flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A6 |
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Glengoyne 21 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, light, slightly smoky, with some exotic fruits, vanilla and peach. Taste: Light, starch, grassy, floral, slightly spicy and peppery, becoming more intense over time, on melon, vanilla, honey and a very light smoky flavour. The finish is long, complex, subtle, floral, slightly starchy, with some exotic wood and fruits. Diluted, it becomes spicier and with some tobacco smoke. Impression: A very smooth, mellow, elegant, slightly floral and fruity whisky. Very harmonious. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Orkney Islands 1999 for Charles Hofer, 17 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 55%, B:2017, cask 42. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, smoky, slightly peaty, on heather honey, sea brine, some Mirabelle and apples. Very good. Taste: Light, smoky, rather salty and maritime, on sea brine, a delicate maritime smoke, on kippers, burnt seaweeds, some green orchards fruits and a touch of liquid honey and Mirabelle. Diluted, it becomes smokier and peatier The finish is long, subtle, moderately smoky, slightly peaty, with lots of sea brine, some sea salt, sea tang, seaweeds, liquid honey, heather, Mirabelle and apples. Impression: A very nice and elegant single malt distilled in Orkney and not from Scapa. Well made and enjoyable to drink. Rating: 15/20 FP:A3 |
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Highland Park 1999 for the 10th Anniversary of TWA, The Whisky Agency, 51.7%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, slightly aromatic and smoky, with a light delicate peat smoke, some green apples and a light mineral influence. Rather subtle and very different from the BBR. Taste: Oaky, intense, moderately complex, on candied orchards fruits, some smoke, a light peatiness, on heather honey, some quince jelly, melon and sea brine. The finish is rather long and on the same flavours. Impression: Rounder, slightly more complex, but less subtle than the BBR. Thus, both of the same quality. It is nice to taste some nice and naked Highland Park Rating: 15/20 FP:B2 |
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Beathan 2010, 7 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 50%, B:2017, butt 59-60. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, aromatic, round, slightly spicy, on aromatic smoke, some fudge, vanilla, toasted wood dried fruits and caramel. Taste: Smooth, oaky, thin, peaty, aromatic, rather young, on oak spices, aromatic peat smoke, some toasted wood, sea brine, smoked meat and fudge. The finish is medium, young, oaky, peaty, on aromatic peat smoke, sea brine, seaweeds, tar and toffee. Impression: A pleasant rather modern whisky, with a nice aromatic peat smoke. Rating: 13/20 FP:C5 |
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Ardmore Legacy, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, some freshly cut flowers and vanilla. Taste: Light, very floral, grassy to very grassy, slightly fragrant, on vanilla, honey and some honeydew melon. The finish is medium, smooth, floral, slightly fragrant and grassy, on honey, vanilla, and some freshly cut flowers. Impression: A good, light, subtle and floral whisky. A rather unpeated Ardmore or is this a question of batch? Rating: 12/20 FPA2 |
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Laphroaig 29.210 A Chimney sweep’s lunch box 18 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 55.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, very smoky, maritime, with some seaweeds, wet wood, tar, peat smoke, light floral flavours, apples and fudge. Taste: Light, floral, peaty, maritime, salty, tarry, on hemp rope, vanilla and seaweeds. Quite oaky. Diluted, it becomes more on toasted wood and iodine. The finish is medium, maritime, smoky, smooth, light, tarry, on peat smoke, hemp rope and iodine. Impression: A good peaty and maritime whisky, rather smooth and light. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Highland Single Malt 19 YO, Matisse, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Nutty, spicy, rubbery, on toffee, vanilla, orange, sultanas and some figs. Taste: Clean, floral, nutty, spicy, slightly rubbery, with some marmalade, oak spices, orange and round spices. The finish is medium, round, spicy, mellow, on pollen, vanilla, light floral and fragrant flavours, as well as some marmalade and sultanas. Impression: A smooth, round and pleasant whisky, slightly rounder and mellower than the 15 YO, with some sherry influence. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Glenallachie Speyside Whisky Festival 2018, 12 YO, OB, 48.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, fresh, smooth, slightly fragrant, on vanilla, almonds, freshly cut flowers and a touch of spices. Taste: Very floral, fresh, slightly fragrant, nutty, creamy and malty, on nice fresh and rather fragrant flowers, freshly crushed barley, light spices, cinnamon, vanilla and some candied lemon. The finish is rather long and clean, creamy, floral, with light spices and on vanilla. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier and more nutty, and with some dry tobacco. Impression: A good, fresh and floral Speyside whisky, with pleasant creamy and slightly fragrant flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Glengoyne 28 YO for Travel Retail, OB, 46.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, round, slightly malty, with nice round floral flavours, lots of sultanas, on cinnamon sticks, some orange, tangerine and fudge. Very good and complex. Taste: Initally very round, fruity, floral, and round, becoming more spicy over time and on rubber, fresh and burnt one. The rubber then dominates the whisky. The finish is long, rubbery, slightly bitter, woody and astringent, on burnt and fresh rubber, wood, sultanas and marmalade. Diluted, it becomes unpleasantly rubbery, bitter, tannic and astringent. Impression: A whisky with a charming round and sherry nose, but then the rubber and the tannins kick in. A sherry monster. For the ones who do not mind drinking old wood sherry whiskies, Rating: 10/20 FP:G1 |
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Annandale Man O’Sword, OB, 61.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Peaty, mineral, slightly oily, with some grist, olive oil, dry and tarry peat smoke, some bitter and aromatic smoke, and freshly crushed barley. Very good. Taste: Young, smooth, malty, peaty, with some freshly crushed barley, some pear drops, dry and slightly aromatic peat smoke, some tar and a mixture of mineral and vegetal oil. The finish is medium, tarry, dry, on aromatic and dry maritime peat smoke, some mineral oil and pepper. Impression: A young and nicely made Annandale, moderately peaty and dry. From a single cask as well. It tastes younger than the Words. The peat smoke is very pleasant. Rating: 12/20 FP:A4 |
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Annandale Man’O Words, OB, 61.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Peppery, malty, slightly floral, on grist, some pear drops, light mineral and oily flavours, olives, and a ground pepper. Taste: Fresh, malty, slightly creamy, on freshly pressed and slightly green orchards fruits, some oaky spices and a touch of pepper. The finish is medium, slightly mineral and oily, with some green orchard fruits, grist and some green olive oil. Impression: A single cask from the recently rebuilt Annandale distillery. The whisky shows already a nice maturity and nice gristy aromas. Promising. Rating: 13/20 FP: B2 |
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Aultmore 16 YO Centenary, OB, 60%, B:1997. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, nutty, floral, very round, with lots of soft leather and tannins, sultanas, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, and a touch of high grade rubber and coriander. Taste: Rich, very round, mellow, on sultanas, cooked pineapples, old worn leather, cinnamon, some treacle, nuts and nutmeg. Complex. The finish is long, round to very round, floral, complex, on nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, precious leather, tannins, dried fruits some walnuts and a touch of cloves, Impression: A very nice and round Aultmore, from an excellent sherry cask, with lots of leather, soft spices and some nuts. Well made and complex. Thank you Whisky.Auction Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Cragganmore 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light to very light, subtle, very smooth, on pear juice, some light tarry smoke, artichoke and some herbs. Taste: Light to very light, young, smooth, slightly floral, on juicy oaky, a light smokiness, some fudge and a hint of tar. The finish is medium, smooth, slightly smoky and floral, some orchard fruits, with a hint of tar, smoke and fudge. Impression: A very nice fresh and slightly floral whisky, with a nice light smoky flavours. A style reminding me of some old Speyside whiskies. Rating: 13/20 FP:A2 |
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Oban Little Bay, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh to very fresh, light, elegant, on vanilla, orchard fruits and some almonds, toffee and light oaky flavours. Very good. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, spicy, light, nutty to very nutty, on green apples and some caramel. The finish is medium, floral, nutty, slightly spicy and oaky, on caramel, green apples and some hazelnuts. Impression: A good smooth, nutty and slightly spicy whisky. Rather different from the 14 YO. Rating: 12/20 FP:A2 |
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Dalwhinnie 15 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light, subtle, very smooth, on orchard fruits and vanilla. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, slightly spicy and nutty, with some toffee, tannins, leather and dried fruits. The finish is medium, floral, smooth and mellow, slightly nutty and spicy, with some leather, honey, fudge, dried fruits and apples. Impression: A nice smooth whisky, rather complex and with some pleasant heather honey flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Singleton of Glen Ord 18 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow, rather complex, slightly bold and fruity, on honey, vanilla, some light grassy, nutty and spicy flavours. Taste: Light, very smooth, grassy, slightly spicy, on juicy oak, honey, vanilla, melon, some quince, sultanas and tangerine. The finish is medium to long, sweet, grassy, on juicy oaky, honey, some cinnamon, almonds, vanilla, toffee and juicy orange. Impression: A very smooth and juicy whisky, sweet, on honey, spices and light nutty flavours. Slightly sweeter and more malty than the Cardhu 15 YO. Rating: 12/20 FP:C1 |
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Caol Ila Moch, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, tarry, peaty to very peaty, maritime, on dry peat smoke, seaweeds, some hemp rope, iodine and disinfectant. A good peated whisky. Taste: Smooth, slightly light, peaty to very peaty, maritime to very maritime, smoky, salty, on iodine, seaweeds, tar, peat smoke, vanilla and some kippers. The finish is medium to long, salty, peaty, smoky, and maritime, on peat smoke, seaweeds, tar, iodine and some disinfectant. Impression: Altough it taste like it has been reduced markedly, the quality of the whisky is good, with a nice maritime peat smoke. Rather salty and maritime. A good one. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Wolfburn Langskip, OB, 58%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oaky, dirty, slightly oily, on mineral oil, sea brine, some vanilla, light spices, and a touch of smoke. Taste: Young, smooth, oaky, on green orchard fruits, mineral oil, gooseberries, some peat smoke and sea brine. The finish is medium, young, oaky, slightly maritime, on mineral oil, sea brine, and some orchard fruits. Impression: A good whisky, rather mineral and oaky. It taste rather young. Rating: 12/20 FP:B2 |
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St-Moritzer 15 YO, OB, 59%, B:2018, cask 003. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, malty, rather mellow, moderately winey and oaky, with some aromatic and slightly austere peat smoke, grapes, and dried fruits. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, winey, floral, slightly floral, aromatic and creamy, with a light aromatic smoke, grapes, some spices and mineral oil. The finish is medium, mellow to very mellow, oily, winey, malty, with some spices, grapes and dried fruits. Impression: A nice malty, oily, mellow and slightly smoky whisky, with a moderate winey flavour. The oldest bottled Swiss whisky. Distilled on the parking place of the Waldhaus am See hotel in St-Moritz. Rating: 13/20 FP:G2 |
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Ledaig 2002 Old Particular, 15 YO, Douglas Laing, 48.8%, B:2017, cask DL11755. Price: Colour: Pale straw Nose: Very peaty and tarry, light, clean, maritime, on hemp rope, iodine, bitter and slightly farmy peat smoke and some gentian. Taste: Clean, very peaty and medicinal, with lots of iodine, dry and tarry peat smoke, some gentian, seaweeds and bandages, with light farmy flavours. The finish is long, tarry, ashy, very peaty and maritime, on bandages, iodine and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes more rooty. Impression: A very good and very peaty Ledaig that smells strong of the hospital disinfectant. Rating: 16/20 FP: A7 |
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Ledaig The Future of Whisky 2005, 12 YO, Elixir Distillers, 58.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round to very round, peaty, on nice round sweet sherry flavours, some seaweeds, iodine, light farmy flavours and candied fruits. Taste: Round to very round, slightly sweet and farmy, on candied oranges and tangerine, some sultanas and dates. The peat seems rather discreet. The finish is medium to long, thick, intense, syrupy, farmy to very farmy, peaty, slightly maritime and iodine, on candied orange and tangerine and treacle. Impression: A very nice and round Ledaig, very different from the Douglas Laing, less peaty, but also rounder, sweeter and fruitier. Rating: 15/20 FP: E4 |
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Method and Madness Virgin Hungarian Oak finish, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth and juicy, round, malty, with soft oak spices, cinnamon, gingerbread and some berries. Very pleasant. Taste: Fresh, juicy to very juicy, oaky, spicy, round, on cinnamon, juicy oak spices, orchard fruits, some toffee and blackcurrant. The finish is medium, spicy, slightly dry and peppery, round, on oak spices, some malty flavours and blackcurrants. Impression: A very nicely made Irish whiskey, with nice round and juicy oaky flavours and some berries. Rating: 13/20 FP: C1 |
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Nose Art Irish Single Malt 1991, Whisky Doris, 48.0%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Fresh to very fresh, intense, very fruity, with lots of blackcurrant, some orchard fruits and fresh mint. Very refreshing. Taste: Fresh to very fresh, light, fruity, on blackcurrant, some candied grapefruits, mint and orchards fruits. The finish is medium to long, slightly oaky, with a touch of fudge and on the same flavours. Impression: A very good, fresh and well balanced Irish single malt, with intense blackcurrant flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP: A1 |
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Bellevoye Triple Malt Red Label, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-red Nose: Sweet, smooth, winey to very winey, spicy, slightly malty and floral, on grapes, a touch of pepper and round malty flavours. Taste: Sweet, malty, spicy, floral, very winey, soapy, on freshly crushed barley, grapes, vanilla and oaky flavours. The finish is medium, round, sweet, very winey, malty, moderately soapy and fragrant, sweet, fruity, on peach, grapes and apricots. Impression: A vatting of 3 French single malts, floral, very winey and rather soapy. Unusual. Rating: 08/20 FP:E1 |
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Bellevoye Triple Malt Black Label tourbé, OB, 43%. B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smoky, aromatic, peaty, slightly earthy, on an elegant peat smoke and light aromatic flavours. Taste: Light, aromatic, peaty, maritime, slightly salty and earthy, on a delicate earthy and aromatic peat smoke, some seaweeds, sea spray and fresh malty flavours. The finish is medium, elegant, smoky, peaty, slightly earthy and aromatic, on a delicate earthy and aromatic peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes lighter and thinner, and the peat smoke more delicate. Impression: A nice whisky, with an elegant moderately peated smoke. My favourite of their range. Rating: 13/20 FP:A5 |
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Bravo Bourbon batch 30, 7 YO, Hotel Tango, 45%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very mellow and round, fruity to very fruity, well balanced, with lots of peach, on apricots, treacle, spices, vanilla custard, some exotic fruits and precious wood. Very pleasant. Taste: Spicy, mellow, smooth, slightly peppery, on peach, apricots, porridge, vanilla, some papaya and ground pepper. The finish is medium to long, mellow to very mellow, balanced, spicy, rather complex, with various sweet fruits flavours, cinnamon and treacle. Impression: A very balanced, mellow, and rather fruity bourbon, with a nice complexity. Rating: 16/20 FP:C1 |
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Heaven Hill, OB, 86 Proof, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Spicy, rich, peppery, mellow, very smooth, on treacle, cinnamon, pecan nuts and some almonds. Very good Taste: Spicy to very spicy, rich, mellow, rather creamy, with some tobacco, eucalyptus, mint and starch. The finish is medium and on the same flavours, Impression: A very nice Heaven Hill, pleasantly drinkable and spicier than the current production, with a noticeable dash of rye. Seems lower than 86 proof but very good! Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Ireland Single Malt 1989, Nectar of the Daily Drams, 29 YO, 48.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, malty, fresh, juicy, on orchard fruits, some blackcurrant, light berries, sultanas, figs, some freshly crushed barley, tangerine and cinnamon. Very good. Taste: Round, fresh, slightly woody and spicy, on red and black currant, orchard fruits, dried fruits and some tangerine. The finish is medium, round, mellow, slightly woody and spicy, on cinnamon, dried fruits, berries and tangerine. Impression: A very good Irish whisk(e)y, mellow, round and on dried fruits. Rating: 15/20 FP:G1 |
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Very Old Irish Malt, Liquid Treasures, 49.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very fresh, light, slightly young, on green orchard fruits, some spices and pepper. Taste: Fresh to very fresh, light, oaky, on juicy oak, green orchard fruits, some pepper and melon. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A very fresh and light Irish whisk(e)y and on green orchards fruits. Good, but no as complex, intense or rich, as the 24+ yo age statement Irish single malts I tried so far. Rating: 11/20 FP:A1 |
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Caol Ila 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, mellow, dry, very maritime, on mellow and slightly aromatic peat smoke, camphor, some iodine, seaweeds, kippers and a touch of vanilla. Taste: Mellow, very maritime and smoky, peaty, salty, on iodine, camphor, mellow peat smoke, some seaweeds, spearmint, bonfire smoke and kippers. The finish is long, very smoky and maritime, peaty, salty, on iodine, peat smoke, camphor, some kippers, seaweeds and menthol. Impression: A lovely mellow whisky, with a lovely maritime peat smoke. Most enjoyable. Rating: 15/20 FP:A5 |
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Glenkinchie 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Clean, fresh, light, sweet, slightly malty and on orchard fruits. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, floral, creamy, with some toffee, nice round and sweet fruity flavours and fudge. The finish is medium, slightly spicy, floral and citric, rather light, with light creamy and slightly citric flavours. Impression: A nice, smooth and rather light whisky, slightly creamy and some citrus. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Bold, rich, complex, fruity, mellow to very mellow, on citrus, some melon, vanilla and exotic fruits. Taste: Starchy, mellow, slightly malty and grassy, on husk, some smoked barley, vanilla, citrus and light flavours of exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, creamy to very creamy, slightly citric, with some melon, banana and fudge. Diluted, it becomes creamier. Impression: A very good, mellow, well balanced and rather creamy whisky. Rating: 14/20 FP:C2 |
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Singleton of Glen Ord 15 YO, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow to very mellow, citric, on grapefruits, vanilla, almonds, and light creamy flavours. Taste: Mellow, citric, rather light, slightly smoky, with some coffee, roasted almonds, vanilla and grapefruits. The finish is medium, on the same flavours and slightly more coffee flavours. Slightly woody. Impression: A nice mellow, rather light and citric whisky, with the wood starting to show off. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Dailuaine 2001 Lotions and Potions, Wemyss Malts, 46.0%, B:2018, 300 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Rich, spicy, grassy, malty, on honey, various spices, heather, some lemon curd and stewed fruits. Taste: Spicy, rather rich, grassy and sweet, on honey, nice grassy flavours, some heather and lemon curd, as well as a touch of leather. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more lemony. Impression: A good, grassy, spicy and rich Dailuaine, with a nice balance and complexity. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1 |
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Blair Athol 1998 Fruit Forager’s Basket, Wemyss Malts, 56.9%, B:2018, 213 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral, sharp, spicy to very spicy, with some cloves, juniper, light soapy and fragrant flavours, as well as a hint of butter. Taste: Floral to very floral, fragrant to very fragrant, slightly soapy, on pineapples, various spices, slight winey flavours and some heather honey. The finish is medium, rich, floral, rather spicy and on pineapples. Diluted, it becomes slightly creamy, spicier and more floral. Impression: A very good floral Blair Athol, rather fragrant, with a rather spicy finish. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Kavalan Solist Port 2009, OB, 56.3%, B:2016, cask O090908012A, Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very rich, intense to very intense, on lacquer, some varnish, leather, spices, strawberries, orange and glue. Rather round and slightly winey. Taste: Rich, round, intense, fruity to very fruity, spicy, moderately winey, on red berries jam, some rubber, cinnamon, sultanas, leather and toffee. Diluted, it becomes more complex and intense, with some black liquorice. The finish is long, rich, complex, fruity, spicy, moderately winey, on red berries jam, leather, orange, cinnamon and some precious wood. Impression: An excellent whisky, round, fruity, complex and nicely spicy. Well balanced and with nice round and sweet flavours. Nice to taste a well made Port matured Kavalan. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenburgie The Distillery Reserve Collection 1999, 17 YO, 52.6%, B:2017, 1st Fill Barrel 6237. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Bold, smooth, floral, fragrant, slightly spicy, with some quince, Mirabelle, vanilla and pleasant fragrant flavours. Taste: Rich, complex, mellow, smooth, moderately fruity and grassy, on honey, Mirabelle, quince, some starch, grapefruits, mango and exotic fruits. The finish is medium, rich, complex, intense, nicely balanced, grassy, slightly citric, on grapefruits, melon, quince, mango, some exotic fruity, light creamy flavours and with a hint of smoke, Impression: An excellent, rich, complex and mellow whisky that matured well and developed some lovely fruity flavours. Rating: 17/20 FP:D1 |
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Caol Ila 1984, 33 YO, Cadenhead’s, 54.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, dry, tarry, smoky, maritime, rather round, on dry peat smoke, tar, hemp rope and some maritime flavours, as well as light fruity flavours. Pleasant. Taste: Very peaty, intense, floral, fragrant, dry, slightly bitter, on aromatic peat smoke, camphor, some bitterness, tar and freshly cut flowers. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more maritime and on seaweeds. Impression: I have not tasted often tasted a whisky that combines peat smoke and floral aromas that way. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Glenburgie 1993, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 53%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light, fresh, floral and fragrant, on vanilla, soft spices and some floral and fragrant flavours and light fruity flavours. Taste: Fresh, floral, fragrant, light, slightly fruity, on freshly cut flower, some honey and grassy flavours, vanilla and a touch of spices. The finish is medium to long, fresh, floral, fragrant, with some vanilla, honey and light grassy and bitter flavours. Impression: A nice fresh and fragrant whisky, rather light and some nice grassy flavours. A good one. Rating: 14/20 FP: A1 |
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Benromach 1977, OB, 56%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rich, complex, floral, elegant, on polished wood, light malty and creamy flavours, as well as some quince and a touch of citrus. Taste: Green, malty, complex, slightly citric, mellow, on wood spices, beeswax and honeycomb. The finish is medium, very round, and smooth, on honeycomb and beeswax, with some dry fruits. Impression: A mellow and very round whisky, with lots of beeswax and honeycomb, and some dried fruits. Rating: 15/20 FP:B1 |
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Glenlossie 1993, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 56.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow, round, complex, rich, rather intense, malty, floral, with some dry and freshly cut flowers, vanilla and straw. With time, it becomes greener. Taste: Green, round, spicy, floral, slightly malty, with some varnish, green vegetables, freshly sawn wood, vanilla and tree sap. The finish is medium, with a combination of green, grassy, milky and floral flowers flavours. Impression: A green, milk and floral whisky. Original. Rating: 13/20 FP:C2 |
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Benromach 2009 for LMDW Chronicles, OB, 59.9%, B:2018, cask 354. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty, complex, aromatic, slightly earthy, well balanced, slightly floral and with a very nice aromatic and elegant earthy peat smoke. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, fresh, intense, light, floral, on a very nice, light and elegant aromatic, tarry and slightly earthy peat smoke, some vanilla and sea brine. The finish is long, peaty, eathy, aromatic, moderately tarry, slightly floral, on peat smoke and some almonds. Impression: A very nice rather peaty and aromatic Benromach. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:A6 |
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Benromach 1998 20th Anniversary, 20 YO, OB, 56.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, slightly floral, on stewed fruits and soft spices. Well balanced. Taste: Floral, very round, slightly aromatic and spirity, on aromatic herbs, some toffee, rubber, dried fruits, Mirabelle, and light tarry peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes more floral and more on sweet fruity flavours. The finish is medium, mellow, slightly peaty and aromatic, on light sweet fruity flavours, Mirabelle, some tangerine and quince. Impression: A nice floral and rather mellow Benromach, with a sweet fruity flavour edge. Rating: 14/20 FP:E2 |
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Benromach 2009 Triple Distilled, 8 YO, OB, 50%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Light to very light, young, on varnish, vanilla, green almonds, and a hint of solvent. Taste: Fresh, young, light, on varnish, on green orchard fruits, some green almonds and light grassy flavours. The finish is short to medium and on the same flavours. Diluted, there are some additional tobacco flavours. Impression: A young, light and fresh whisky, with some varnish. Rating: 11/20 FP:A1 |
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Benromach 15 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, rich, malty, slightly nutty and spicy, with some tangerine and vanilla, and a light fruity flavour. Taste: Rich, malty, creamy, slightly fruity, nutty and citric, on dried apricots, vanilla, some tangerine, quince, honey and light spices. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, slightly rubbery, malty, fruity, and floral, on dried apricots and some honey and nutty flavours. Impression: A nice pleasant, rich and rather complex whisky, on dried fruits (mainly apricots). Rating: 13/20 FP:G1 |
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Compass Box Double Single, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, fragrant, smooth, slightly grassy, on vanilla, freshly cut flowers and grass, some rose water and a hint of almonds, as well as some physalis. Taste: Grassy, floral, spicy, slightly waxy and salty, on vanilla, some almond, aromatic herbs and light bitter flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, creamy to very creamy, malty, floral, slightly aromatic, on vanilla, some honey, gooseberries, green pears and slightly bitter herbs. Impression: A green, fresh, floral and intense whisky. Refreshing. A blend of Glen Elgin and Givran. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Imperial 1997, Gordon & MacPhail, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, mellow to very mellow, complex, elegant, slightly mineral, on citrus and a hint of smoke. Very nice. Taste: Complex, grassy, mellow, slightly spicy and green, with some fudge and caramel, on light grassy flavours and light aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, grassy, slightly floral and malty, on caramel, some aromatic herbs, light vegetal flavours and humus. Impression: A good, grassy and mellow whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP:D1 |
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Irish Single Malt for The Whisky Exchange 1990, 27 YO, The Whisky Agency, 51.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rich, complex, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on mango, peach, papaya and other exotic fruits. Lovely. Taste: Floral, elegant, smooth, mellow, on melon, mango, papaya and other tropical fruits. The whole is rather light, but complex and subtle. The finish is medium to long, complex, rich, elegant, smooth and with light exotic fruits. Lovely. Diluted, it becomes bolder and heavier, with a hint of smoke. Impression: A very nice, light, subtle and floral whisky, with elegant exotic fruits flavours. Rating: 17/20 FPC1 |
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Springbank Art of Whisky for The Whisky Exchange, 24 YO, Elixir Distillers, 57.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, mellow, floral, rather light and slightly fragrant, on nice fruity flavours (melon, vanilla and some quince), as well as sharp spicy flavours. Very good and well balanced. Diluted, it becomes more on diesel smoke. Taste: A rather special whisky, smooth, floral, with a floral peat smoke, some aromatic smoke, light grassy flavours and a touch of tar, as well as some alps bitter liqueur (Appenzeller). The finish is medium, floral, slightly smoky, salty and tarry, with some seaweeds, kipper and coconut. Diluted, it becomes smokier and bitter. Impression: A rather special whisky, with a mixture of aromatic, smoky and maritime flavours. Not an easy one. Rating: 14/20 FP:A3 |
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Laphroaig 10 YO for Zehnder Zürich, OB, 43%, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Sooty to very soot, peaty, smoky, rather aromatic and rooty, slightly dry and nutty, on citrus (mainly grapefruits), soot, tar, and old leather. Very good! Taste: Light, citric, complex, sooty to very sooty, peaty to very peaty, salty, dry, on seaweeds, seashells, sea salt, soot and tar. The finish is medium, rather light and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more woody and sooty. Impression: A very good, complex, citric, peaty and sooty Laphoraig. I wish there was a cask strength version of that one, as the 43% and probably so evaporation, it is slightly weaker than I would like. An extremely rare bottling for the Switzerland. Drier, more peaty and slightly less fruity than the 10 YO bottled in the early 1970s. Rating: 16/20 FP:DG5 |
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Glenburgie 1998, 18 YO, The Single Malts of Scotland, 53.9%, B:2017, cask 900900. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very fruity, mineral, slightly citric, on Mirabelle, quince, some pink grapefruits, mineral flavours, some ore and elderberries flowers. Very good. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, very fruity, slightly floral, rich, on dried and mellow fruits, some honey, light aromatic herbs and grapefruits. The finish is long, complex, mellow, slightly bitter and aromatic, on grapefruits, melon, tree sap and light waxy flavours.Impression: A mellow to very mellow whisky, complex, intense and on nice fruity flavours. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:D2 |
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Kavalan Selection for LMDW, OB, 57.1%, B:2017, Rum cask M111104067A. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, slightly mineral and green, on varnish, gooseberries, light mineral flavours, some melon and glue. Taste: Fruity, floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, on yellow fruits, gooseberries, various spices, some quince, Mirabelle and a light smokiness. The finish is medium to long, aromatic, slightly spicy, complex, bitter, on bitter aromatic herbs and some sweet fruits. Impression: A complex, mellow and very aromatic round whisky. Lovely. Rating: 16/20 FP:B1 |
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Bunnahabhain 1979 Artist, over 35 YO, LMDW, 47.9%, B:2018, sherry butt 9521. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, malty, salty, rubbery, on dried fruits, sultanas, figs, orange, cinnamon, exotic spices and fruits, and other round fruity flavours. Taste: Salty, rubbery to very rubbery, sulphury, maritime, round, on fresh rubber, dried fruits, marmalade, leather, tannins, red berries and vegetal condiments. The finish is long, rather maritime, round, rubbery, slightly bitter, floral and tannic, on leather, nuts and dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes more astringent and bitter. Impression: The whisky in itself was good, but there is a strong rubbery influence from the sherry and if you add some water, it becomes more bitter and astringent, Rating: 12/20 FP:G2 |
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Bunnahahbhain 27 YO, Single Malts of Scotland, 48.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, floral, maritime, fresh, rather salty, slightly smoky, on vanilla, some melon, lemon zest and sea brine. Well balanced. Taste: Round, fresh, mellow, rather complex and well balanced, slightly salty, with some tobacco, vanilla, honey, sea brine, a touch of citrus and seaweeds. Diluted, it improves markedly, becomes much more spicier, more intense, salty and with a touch of mineral oil. The finish is medium, salty, slightly maritime and spicy, on vanilla, with some tobacco, smoke, fish oil, almonds, and a touch of citrus. Impression: A very good whisky that I found rather close when tasted neat, but that opens nicely with just a few drops of water. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Kilchoman 2007 20th Anniversary LMDW, OB, 56.6%, B:2017, cask 196. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Dry, maritime, very peaty, clean, and medicinal, on peat smoke, iodine, some camphor, seaweeds and iodine. With time, it becomes more on dry to very dry hemp rope. Taste: Intense, dry to very dry, very peaty, maritime, on hemp rope, dry peat smoke, seaweeds, camphor, light oaky flavours and some gentian. The finish is medium to long, very dry and peaty, intense, oaky, maritime, slightly medicinal, on vanilla, seaweeds, peat smoke, camphor and hemp rope. Impression: A very dry, intense, peaty and maritime whisky, on dry hemp rope. Rating: 15/20 FP:A8 |
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Bunnahabhain Moine 2007 Straight from the cask for LMDW, Signatory, 56.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Light, clean, floral to very floral, slightly dry and bitter, on vanilla, some hay and straw. Taste: Light, moderately peaty and maritime, floral, slightly bitter, with some mellow peat smoke, sea brine, light floral flavours, seaweeds, some toffee and camphor. The finish is medium, floral, moderately bitter, with some old wood smoke, peat smoke, and seaweeds. Diluted, it becomes more floral and very bitter. The dry, bitter and aromatic peat smoke seems to stay forever. Impression: A whisky combining floral and bitter flavours, with some oaky peat smoke and some humus. Rating: 16/20 FP:D5 |
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Karuizawa The Imperial Purple (Murasaki) Geishas for the Whisky Exchange, 31 YO Geisha, Elixir Distillers, 60.1%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, floral, spicy, slightly dry, fragrant and bitter, on exotic fruits, cocoa, tannins, leather, exotic woods, cinnamon, some cloves and orange. Taste: Rich, spicy, floral, slightly fragrant, on nice exotic fruits, orange, tangerine, some precious wood, tannins, marmalade, herb liqueur, plums and lacquer. Diluted, it becomes more mutty. The finish is long, complex, mellow, slightly fragrant and nutty, on exotic fruits, tangerine, some lacquer, wood, tannins, cocoa, roasted coffee beans, leather and plums. Diluted, it becomes slightly more woody and on plums liqueur. Impression: It is a very good, complex, rich, floral and rather fruity Karuizawa, very well made, but slightly drier and more woody than the 29 YO. Rating: 17/20 FP:I1 |
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Karuizawa The Imperial Purple (Murasaki) Geishas for the Whisky Exchange, 29 YO, Elixir Distillers, 58.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very complex, rich and floral, on precious wood, lacquer, cinnamon, some cloves, plums, polished furniture, some leather and berries. Excellent. Taste: Rich, spicy, very complex, fruity to very fruity, elegant, on rich spices, exotic fruits, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, lacquer, precious woods, some dried fruits, sultanas and plums. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on cocoa, exotic fruits and plums, with a touch of smoke and dry leather. The finish is long to very long, rich, very complex, floral, round, mellow, rather fruity, on cocoa, exotic fruits, lacquer, dried fruits, exotic woods, some leather and a touch of peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes more on Swiss milk chocolate. Impression: One of the best Karuizawa I have tasted and the best since several years. Extremely well balanced, fruity, elegant and very complex. Simply excellent. If you can afford it, do not hesitate. The content is at least as good as the label is nice. Rating: 19/20 FP:G2 |
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Blended Whisky #1, 50 YO, That boutique y whisky, 46.6%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very mellow, rich, grainy, fragrant, well balanced, on peach, apricots, porridge, vanilla, cinnamon and some nutmeg. Taste: Very mellow, smooth, round, rich, grainy, slightly fragrant, with some porridge, peach, apricots, cinnamon and toasted wood. The finish is medium, grainy, smooth, mellow, rich, slightly spicy and fragrant, on peach, apricots, nutmeg and cinnamon. Impression: A very nice, very mellow blended whisky, with a nice grain whisky influence. Rating: 16/20 FP:D1 |
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The Glenlivet 2001 Distillery Reserve Collection, 16 YO, OB, 57.5%, B: 2017, 2nd Fill sherry butt 6060. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very light and smooth, delicate, light, fragrant, and some peach. Neat, the nose is very close. Taste: Subtle, smooth, elegant, slightly floral and fragrant, with some nuts, lacquer and marmalade. The finish is medium, floral, fragrant, with some peach, melon, grapes and light flavours of humus. Impression: A delicate and subtle whisky, smooth, with light floral and fragrant flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Brora 1976 61.1, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 63.6%, B:1989. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, dirty, farmy, waxy, slightly tarry and coastal, on peat smoke, some coal, light farmy flavours and lemon zest. More intense, oaky and heavier than the 1976 Douglas Laing. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, farmy, rooty, slightly oaky, peppery, tarry and sooty, initially on cooked pineapples before getting drier, peatier, more tarry and sooty over time, on citrus, oak spices and a hint of mustard. The finish is long to very long, peaty, rooty, oaky, slightly farmy, on dry and ashy peat smoke, oak spices, some liquorice roots, mustard and farmy flavours. Impression: A very different Brora from the early 1970s, less subtle, more oaky and farmy. We are very close to the 1977 style, with its farmy, oaky and rooty flavours, while it seems peatier than most 1977. Rating: 17/20 FP:A7 |
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Lochside 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 43%, B: 1980s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Grassy to very grassy, mellow, fruity, on tropical fruits, honey, freshly cut grass, light mineral flavours and some wax. Taste: Very grassy and mellow, grainy, on cooked cereals, heather honey, peach, apricots, cinnamon and light waxy and mineral flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, grainy, sweet, fruity, grassy to very grassy, on aromatic herbs, tropical fruits, some mango, wax and a touch of camphor. Diluted, it becomes more grainy. Impression: A very grassy and mellow Lochside, rather waxy, on heather honey and exotic fruits. Very good! Is it really a single malt and not one of these Lochside blended at birth? Rating: 17/20 FP:D2 |
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Glen Albyn 10 YO, OB, 43%, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mineral, slightly metallic, grassy, smoky and green, on humus, pineapples, freshly cut grass, papaya, mango, some peat smoke, mineral oil and wax. Taste: Grassy, slightly mineral and metallic, with some peat smoke, humus, green apples, pineapples and mango. The finish is medium, bitter, grassy, and slightly metallic, on humus, pineapples, rocket, orange juice, some nuts, wax, grapefruits and a light peat smoke. Impression: A rather grassy and metallic whisky, with some humus and various fruity flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:C3 |
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Rosebank Unblended Single Malt, 15 YO, Zenith, 50%, B:1980s. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very clean, sharp, intense, floral, on fresh floral flavours, some fragrance, citrus, vanilla, chamomile and a hint of smoke. Taste: Light, clean, floral, slightly smoky and peaty, on rosewater, quince, apricots, and vanilla, with some floral fragrant flavours. Diluted, there is some cocoa coming through. The finish is medium, clean, floral, slightly fragrant and grassy, on honey, some vanilla, peach, apricots, light floral and fragrant flavours, and a hint of smoke. Impression: A clean and light version of Rosebank, rather close on the nose, sweeter and fruitier on the palate. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Highland Park 1967 Mission, 35 YO, Murray McDavid, 40.1%, B:2002. Price: Colour: Old Gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, smoky, peaty, slightly earthy and mineral, on heather honey, peat smoke, some melon, quince, Mirabelle, light metallic flavours, with some wax and camphor. Very good. Taste: Smoky, resinous, slightly peaty, dry, smoky and earthy, on heather and peat smoke, some melon, tangerine, light mineral and aromatic flavours, as well as some dry woody spices. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on cocoa and coffee. The finish is medium to long, smoky, peaty, slightly waxy and aromatic, with some heather and peat smoke, a touch of tangerine, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes slightly more resinous. Impression: A nice resinous Highland Park, with a nice heather peat smoke, and slight woody flavours. An old style of Highland Park. Rating: 16/20 FP:C3 |
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Hibiki 21 YO, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow, complex, rich, slightly peaty and smoky, on lacquer, exotic wood, almonds, some soft leather, plums, and exotic fruits. Very elegant. Taste: Very smooth and mellow, slightly grainy and peaty, with some lacquer, exotic wood, plums, almonds, light spices, exotic fruits and a touch of peat. The finish is medium to long, mellow, complex, slightly spicy and grainy, with some stewed orchards fruits, lacquer, leather, exotic fruits and a hint of peat smoke. Impression: A remarkable mellow and well-balanced blended whisky, that rolls on the mouth pleasantly and with a very pleasant light spicy and fruity influence from the Japanese oak (Mizunara). Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
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Kavalan King Car, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Clean, light, on freshly sawn wood, vanilla and some floral flavours, including rose. Taste: Oaky, spicy, juicy, on mango and pear juice, juicy oak, some vanilla and various dried fruits. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: A good whisky, rather juicy and round. Rating: 12/20 FP: C2 |
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Macallan Gold Double Oak, OB, 40%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral to very floral, smooth, slightly spicy and fruity, on dried fruits, some tangerine, orange and leather. Rather juicy and weak. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, spicy, juicy, malty, floral, round, on orchard fruits, juicy oak, some spices, cinnamon, melon and tangerine. The finish is medium, floral, oaky, rather light, on orchard fruits, some spices, melon and tangerine. Impression: A rather good whisky, rather oaky and complex. Unfortunately the flavours are rather weak, certainly due its reduction to 40%. A few extra abv could really help. Rating: 11/20 FP:D1 |
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Macallan Edition N°4, OB, 48.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Oaky to very oaky, creamy, malty, spicy, on citrus, some cream, freshly sawn wood, dried fruits and spices. With a strong influence from the oak. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, floral to very floral, oaky to very oaky, on dried fruits, sultanas, leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, orange, tangerine and marmalade. The finish is medium, oaky to very oaky, floral, creamy, spicy, on vanilla, some orange, sultanas, freshly sawn oak and berries. Diluted, it becomes rather tannic and slightly rubbery. Impression: I really enjoyed the N°2 and N°3, as I found them as nicely made Macallan, intense and good value. This one is aged in a combination of 7 cask types, including 5 first fill. The presence of the first fill oak is very present, especially with regards to the oaky flavours, slightly too much to my taste. Rating: 14/20 FP: E1 |
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Kavalan Classic, OB, 40%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, bold, malty, on almonds, round spices, light floral flavours, some leather, tannins, orange, polished furniture, lacquer and exotic fruits. Very good. Taste: Oaky, round, floral, slightly mellow, on vanilla, juicy oak, nice round floral flavours and a touch of candied lemon. Diluted, it becomes richer, more intense, spicier, with some sultanas, orange, lacquer and tannins. The finish is medium, round to very round, malty, floral, on almonds, some fresh floral flavours, vanilla, and spices. Impression: A very good introduction to Kavalan, well made, and rather complex. A vatting of ex-bourbon, sherry and wine casks. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Kavalan Sherry Oak, OB, 46%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Winey to very winey, very vegetal, round, floral, on vegetal condiment, leather, some coleslaw and vinegar. Taste: Round to very round, floral, vegetal to very vegetal, spicy, winey, on leather, tannin, vegetal condiment, some rubber, sultanas, and bitter orange. The finish is medium to long, tannic, rubbery, floral, spicy, rather bitter, on fudge, sultanas, tannins, fresh rubber, some inner tubes, marmalade, lacquer, wood polish, cinnamon and cloves. Diluted, it becomes more on fudge and more tannic. Impression: A whisky with a strong and sherry dominated influence, with lots of tannins, vegetal condiments and some rubber. Not the easiest one. For the sherry freaks. Rating: 11/20 FP:G1 |
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Springbank 1995 2nd edition, 21 YO, Greedy Angels, 54.7%, B:2017, 288 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mineral, smoky, moderately peaty, light oaky flavours, slightly mellow, with some sea brine, diesel smoke, almonds and vanilla. With time, it becomes slightly more oaky.Very good. Taste: Oaky, salty, slightly smoky and mellow, with some tobacco, sea salt, harbour-like flavours, diesel smoke, orchard fruits, slightly mineral peat smoke and light spices. The finish is medium, slightly mineral, smoky, peaty, with some almonds, aromatic herbs, gooseberries, and a mineral and slightly aromatic peat smoke, Diluted, it becomes slightly juicier and with some Mirabelle. Impression: A very nice and elegant Springbank, rather mellow, with a light mineral influence. Very good. Thank you Markus. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Springbank 1995 3rd edition, 22 YO, Greedy Angels, 53.7%, B:2017, 200 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Oaky, sweet, slightly mineral and smoky, with some sea brine, citrus, light aromas of orange, tangerine and aromatic herbs. Rounder and sweeter than the 2nd edition. Taste: Oaky, mellow, slightly smoky, and maritime, with some tobacco smoke, light sweet fruity and mineral flavours, leather and citrus. The finish is medium to long, oaky, slightly salty, on tobacco, soft spices, some citrus, light aromatic and mineral flavours, as well as some bitter orange. Diluted, it becomes slightly on bitter caramel. Impression: A rounder, sweeter and more oaky version than the 2nd edition. While the second edition was only ex-bourbon casks, this one is a vatting of an ex-bourbon and an ex-sherry cask. I found the 2nd edition more elegant. Thank you Markus. Rating: 15/20 FP: D2 |
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Domaine des Hautes Glaces Moissons, OB, 44.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Very young, smooth and malty, grassy, with some freshly crushed barley, grass, and vanilla. Taste: Very young, rough, on freshly grinded barley, barley dust and some orchard fruits. The finish is short, very malty, rough, with some orchard fruits and vanilla. Impression: A whisky just about 3 years old, but it taste like a new make. Way too young to my liking. Rating: 07/20 FP:A1 |
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Domaine des Hautes Glaces Flavis 2010, OB, 56.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Winey, very malty and round, slightly nutty, rather fresh, with some grapes, spices and nuts. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, winey to very winey, malty, on grapes, fresh inner tubes, and berries. The finish is medium to long, very winey, rubbery, on grapes, freshly crushed barley and freshly burnt rubber. Impression: More matured than the Moisson but dominated by strong winey and rubbery flavours. Rating: 07/20 FP:G1 |
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Fettercairn 28 YO, OB, 42%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, malty, starchy to very starchy, fruity to very fruity, on melon, vanilla, light spices and some aromatic herbs. Slightly weak. Taste: Very mellow, juicy, grassy to very grassy, slightly spicy and salty, on freshly cut grass, aromatic herbs, honey, some grapefruits, melon, hops and vanilla custard. The finish is medium to long, rather complex and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier and with some tobacco. Impression: A very good, grassy and rather complex whisky, but I wished it was bottled at a higher strength. Rating: 16/20 FP:C1 |
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Glenfarclas 2002 Family Cask, OB, 57.6%, B:2017, cask 3779. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very spicy, intense, floral to very floral, on high grade leather, tannins, intense spices, sultanas, tangerine, orange, sultanas, cocoa and some dark chocolate. Taste: Round, spicy to very spicy, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on toffee, spices, leather, cocoa, some roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and a light fragrance. The finish is long, rather dry, moderately spicy and bitter, with some high-grade rubber, nuts, cocoa, leather and toffee. Diluted, it becomes drier and more bitter. Impression: A very spicy Glenfarclas, intense, on leather, but also rather bitter and spicy. Not for the faint hearted. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Springbank 1993 Cask Owner Fonseca Port Wood, OB, 50.9%, B:2014, cask 444, 274 bottles. Price: N.A. Colour: Amber Nose: Winey to very winey, round, sweet, on grapes, dried fruits, then some mineral peat smoke, sea brine and diesel smoke comes through. A complex whisky what needs times to lower the initial winey flavours and to get more mineral and smoky flavours coming through. Taste: Winey, moderately sugary, mineral, salty and smoky, on mineral peat smoke, moderate Port winey flavours, some leather, orange, berries, and grapes. Diluted, it becomes more sugary. The finish is medium to long, mineral, salty, winey, slightly smoky, on dried fruits, grapes, some mineral and peaty smoke, leather, and brambles. Impression: On the nose, it started on rather strong and winey Port Flavours and with time, the character of the whisky comes through. The whisky is pleasant mineral and smoky, and worked well with the Port Influence. In conclusion, a very good Port Matured Springbank. Thank you whisky.auction Rating: 15/20 FP:G3 |
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Springbank 1997, 20 YO, The Maltman, 55.5%, B:2017, cask 290, 276 bottles. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Very round and rubbery, bitter, on toffee, burnt rubber, treacle, orange and marmalade. Taste: Very rubbery, dry, bitter, perfumy, slightly vegetal, on burnt rubber, treacle, coffee and perfume. The finish is long and on the same flavours. Impression: A sherry monster with loads of burnt rubber, on toffee, treacle and perfume. For sherry monster freaks. Not my cup of rubber, sorry, of whisky. Rating: 09/20 FP:J1 |
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Springbank 1993 Sherry Cask Masterpieces, Elixir Distillers, 52.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, mellow, spicy, slightly maritime, farmy, peaty and smoky, with some aromatic slightly maritime smoke, old worn leather, orange and candied tangerine. Very good. The sherry influence is rather moderate. Taste: Complex, rather smooth and mellow, slightly smoky, salty and peaty, with some citrus, sea brine, fudge, flint stone, et light sweet sherry influence. Very good and balanced. Diluted, it becomes slightly spicier and peatier. The finish is medium to long, round, complex, moderately fruity and mellow, slightly sweet, mineral and smoky, with some sea brine, sultanas, toffee and a touch of marmalade. Impression: Un well made Springbank, with a moderate sweet and fruity sherry influence that works well with the slightly maritime and mineral distillate. Rating: 16/20 FP:F2 |
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Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength, OB, 56.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round to very round, malty, slightly rubbery, on fudge, vegetal condiments, some rubber and sea brine. Good, but not as complex, maritime or peaty than the 1993 Springbank. Taste: Round, oaky, salty, slightly maritime and smoky, on fudge, toffee, sultanas, sea brine, sea salt, some tangerine, orange, red berries and a touch of smoke. The finish is medium, very round, pleasant, with round sherry influence, some seabrine, fudge, tangerine, a touch of smoke and leather. Impression: A nice and round Springbank, smooth and pleasant to drink, but not as smoky or complex as the Masterpieces. Rating: 14/20 FP:H2 |
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Clynelish 1997, 21 YO, Antique Lions of Spirit, 52.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Light, smooth, mellow, subtle, rather complex and farmy, on farmyard, mustard weeds, some candied lemon, vanilla, a touch of honey and gooseberries. Very good! Taste: Spicy, mustardy, slightly peppery, waxy, and farmy, on candied citrus, some aromatic herbs and coastal flavours. The finish is medium to long, intense, citric, mellow, slightly waxy, on citrus, pepper and light farmy flavours. Diluted, it becomes spicier and with some tobacco. Impression: A very good, spicy, rich and rather intense Clynelish. Rating: 17/20 FP:A1 |
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Clynelish 1997, Spirits Shop Selection, 57.9%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Close to the ALOS, but rounder and fruitier. Taste: Smooth, mellow, spicy, oaky, slightly waxy and mustardy, on humus, stable, pepper, farmyard, some lemon, various spices and a touch of orange. The finish is medium to long, citric, slightly woody, farmy and spicy, on oak spices, some orange and farmy flavours. Impression: A good Clynelish, with a stronger oaky and farmy influence than the ALOS, but also slightly rounder and fruiter. A vatting of an ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Jura 1988, OB, 53.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Dark brown Nose: Floral, round, mellow, on apple tarts, spices, sweet winey flavours, brambles, cocoa, and sugar. Taste: Rich, oaky, winey, thick, sugary, on thick and winey Port influence, sugar, burnt wood, cinnamon, cardamom, black liquorice and brambles. The finish is long, wine y, mellow, rather intense, spicy and thick, on bramble, sugary Port winey flavours, burnt wood, some char and dark chocolate. Impression: A Jura matured in small ex-bourbon casks, with a final maturation in ex-Tawny port wood. It is very dark in colour, rather intense and thick, with a strong Tawny port influence, brambles and some burnt wood. Very good and rather different from other Isle of Jura. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Linkwood 1997 Collective 2.0, 21 YO, La Maison du Whisky, 58%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, mellow, rich, floral, and slightly grassy, on honey, mango, hay, light aromatic herbs, and peach. Taste: Rich, spicy, light, floral to very floral, rather spirity, on peach, apricots, some hay, gooseberries, rose water, honey, and mango. Diluted, it becomes more vanilla custard. The finish is long, spicy, floral, light, on peach and apricots juice, vanilla, mango, rose water, some gooseberries and hay. Impression: A nice Linkwood, with light floral flavours and nice fruity flavours, as well as spices, with the alcohol being rather present. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Craigellachie 1994 Exceptional Cask Series for Whisky L Port Finish, OB, 54.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Intense, mellow, fruity to very fruity, floral, malty, slightly sweet , aromatic and winey, on round floral flavours, herbal flavours, winey flavours, some peach, sugar and melon. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, floral, round, slightly citric, winey and sugary, on sweet wine, grapes, some citrus, honey, light juicy fruity flavours, and aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, round, floral, winey, rather mellow, on honey, grapes, aromatic herbs, apricots, some citrus and Port. Impression: A very nice Craigellachie, mellow, slightly citric and on honey. The Port influence is rather present, and the integration of flavours could be better. Thank you Derek. Rating: 15/20 FP:D1 |
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Royal Brackla 2006 for Whisky Schiff Hallwilersee 2018, 11 YO, Signatory, 58.8%, B:2018, cask 310848.
Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Round, malty, floral to very floral, slightly spicy, on orchard fruits, almonds, vanilla and some green fruits. Well made. Taste: Floral, smooth, intense, spicy to very spicy, grassy, on orchard fruits, green fruits, almonds, honey, and intense spicy flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, round, intense to very intense, spicy, floral, with some almonds, vanilla, melon, oak spices, and pepper. Diluted, it remained intensely spicy. Impression: An intense, spicy and floral Royal Brackla. It might not be the most complex one, but it is very well made and enjoyable. Thank you the Hermann brothers. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Islay Distillery 25 YO, That boutique y whisky, 48.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty to to very peaty, tarry, sooty, dry, slightly aromatic, on dry tarry peat smoke, quite a lot of soot, light aromatic smoke and some lemon. Taste: Mellow, peaty, tarry, slightly maritime, aromatic and woody, on a mellow peat smoke combining maritime and aromatic flavours, some citrus, leather and liquorice. The finish is medium to long, smoky, slightly peaty, salty and aromatic, on a very nice mellow peat smoke, some tar and soot, as well as light woody flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more maritime. Impression: A very good whisky, with a complex, mellow and subtle peat smoke. Rating: 17/20 FP:A6
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Kavalan Peaty Cask Distillery Exclusive, OB, 58.6%, B:2017, cask R070521006 First Filled Peaty cask. Price: (70cl equivalent) Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, rich to very rich, spicy, nutty to very nutty, on nuts, leather, tannins, light floral flavours and some orange. Taste: Smooth, rich, spicy to very spicy, very floral, fragrant, on freshly cut flowers, wood spices, cinnamon, some curry, melon, vanilla and slightly green pineapples. The finish is medium to long, rich, floral, on pineapples, orange, some tangerine, spices, leather and tannins. With some light nutty flavours. Diluted it becomes nuttier. Impression: A rich, spicy, and nutty whisky, with pleasant and intense floral and spicy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Bruichladdich 1991 for CWS, 25 YO, OB, 48.8%, B:2018, French Oak Cask. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smoky, winey, sweet, slightly maritime and peaty, on peaches, mango, papaya, apricots, other ripe and sweet fruity flavours, some sea brine, sea salt and a light dry peat smoke. Complex. Very good. Taste: Sweet, salty to very salty, maritime, smoky, moderately peaty and citric, on citrus, sweet exotic fruits, peat smoke, sea salt, oak spices, honey, some banana and mango puree. The finish is long, salty, maritime, citric, on peat smoke, sea salt, seaweeds, iodine, bonfire smoke, exotic fruits and some citrus. Impression: An excellent Bruichladdich, rather intense and complex, with a strong salty and maritime component, with a lovely and rather dry peat smoke. Probably the best recently bottled Bruichladdich I have tasted. I loved the combination of peat, citrus and exotic fruits. Thank you Derek. Rating: 18/20 FP:G4 |
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Bruichladdich 18 YO for Giorgio d’Ambrosio, R.W. Duthie, 43%, B:1980. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smoky, peaty, maritime, on exotic fruits (including passion fruits, papaya and mango), grapefruits, dry maritime and tarry peat smoke, and some aromatic herbs. Excellent. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, salty, smoky, on grapefruits, peat smoke, tar, soot, old bonfire smoke, sea brine, diesel oil and some exotic fruits. Complex and very elegant. Diluted, it becomes saltier and more citric. The finish is long, with a lingering tarry, sooty and complex peat smoke, grapefruits, some seaweed, exotic fruits, sea salt, iodine, a touch of camphor and menthol. Impression: An excellent, rich, intense and peaty expression of Bruichladdich, on a complex peat smoke, with citrus and some exotic fruits. I love d it. Rating: 18/20 FP:G5 |
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Highland Park 14 YO Loyalty of the Wolf, OB, 42.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smoky, sweet, sour, on heather honey, gooseberries, some marmalade and baby vomit (?). Not the most pleasant. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, salty, maritime, slightly soapy and bitter, on bitter orange, honey, some spices and smoke The finish is medium, very oaky, slightly sour, on vanilla, some butter, bitter orange, spices, and baby vomit. Impression: An oaky and sour expression of Highland Park for Travel Retail. No need to rush to an airport to get this one. The bottle is very nice though. Rating: 09/20 FP:C3 |
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Highland Park 16 YO Wings of the Eagles, OB, 44.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smoky, oaky, slightly peaty and maritime, with some bonfire smoke, peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine, cream, orange and dough. Taste: Woody, creamy, slightly smoky, maritime and spicy, with some honey, marmalade, almond, light fragrant and floral flavours and gooseberries. The finish is medium, oaky, creamy, slightly smoky and fragrant, with some peat smoke, seaweeds, almonds, honey and marmalade. Diluted, it becomes smokier, spicier and with some tobacco Impression: Slightly more complex and less sour than the Wolf. A correct whisky, Rating: 11/20 FP:D3 |
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Caol Ila For Ramseyer’s Whisky Connection, 8 YO, Signatory, 55.6%, B:2018, cask 314664. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very clean and peaty, smoky, slightly maritime, an intense, clean, and rather maritime peat smoke, an intense smokiness, with some sea brine, seaweeds, tar and hemp rope. Very good. Taste: Clean, peaty to very peaty, tarry to very tarry, smoky to very smoky, on sea weeds, camphor, iodine, peat smoke, menthol and hemp rope. The finish is medium to long, intense, peaty, maritime, clean, peaty, on tarry hemp rope, seaweeds, camphor and some iodine. Impression: It might be slightly young and not the most complex whisky; however, it is very well made, clean, with a very pleasant peat smoke, intense and tarry, with just a faint influence of the wood. Very good. Rating: 15/20 FP:A7 |
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Caol Ila For 20th Anniversary of Wadlhaus am See 2009, 8 YO, Signatory, 58.7%, B:2018, cask 317866. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Maritime to very maritime, peaty, smoky, intense, salty, slightly smooth, floral and fragrant, on peat smoke, seaweeds, fresh fragrant floral flavours and some hemp rope. Rather different from the Ramseyer’s version, more maritime, saltier and less peaty. Taste: Smooth, peaty, maritime, slightly young and oaky, on freshly sawn oak, peat smoke, seaweeds, some iodine, camphor and sea salt. Diluted, there is a huge release of phenols, iodine and camphor. The finish is medium to long, peaty, salty, smooth, slightly young, and maritime, on peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine, camphor and some peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes more on camphor and iodine. Impression: A smooth Caol Ila, tasting slightly young, with lots of iodine and camphor. Rating: 12/20 FP:C6 |
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Caol Ila 35 YO Special Releases 2018, OB, 58.1%, B:2018, 3276 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow to very complex, complex, peaty, moderately floral and smoky, slightly mineral, on dry and meaty peat smoke, dried fruits, some exotic fruits, light mineral flavours, and a touch of mint. Very complex and enjoyable. Taste: Complex, mellow, peaty, smoky, subtle, fruity, with some almonds, peat smoke, rich and rather intense spices, sweet exotic fruits, orange, dried fruits, tannins and wood. The finish is long, mellow, complex, subtle, on delicate slightly farmy peat smoke, dried fruits, exotic fruits, some almonds, dried fruits, camphor, iodine, menthol and spearmint. Impression: An excellent Caol Ila, distilled in the early 1980s (1983 according the oral information received), with a mixture of American oak hogsheads and American and European oak butts. The peat smoke is complex, subtle and refined, slightly meaty as well, with some wood on the palate. The first time, I found it rather woody, but more pleasant the second time with some aeration. Not the most intense whisky, but elegant and complex. For the other special releases 2018, will see if I can find samples of them. Rating: 18/20 FP:G4 |
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Royal Brackla 1997, 19 YO, Berry Bros & Rudd, 46%, B:2017, cask 9911. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very smooth, mellow, round to very round, malty, slightly creamy and floral, with some vanilla, vanilla custard and melon. Taste: Fragrant to very fragrant, floral, slightly salty and round, with some hay, light floral flavours, vanilla, apples and soft spices. The finish is medium, round, smooth, floral, fragrant, slightly fruity, with some apples and light oaky and spicy flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on caramel and on green apples. Impression: A good, fresh, floral and fragrant whisky, with some green apples. Rating: 13/20 FP:A1 |
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Glenrothes 1997, 9 YO, Whisybase, 58.8%, B:2017, sherry cask 15404. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral, fragrant, with lots of toffee and fudge, and an intense fragrance. Taste: Floral, fragrant, on hay, straw, vanilla and some toffee. The finish is medium, round, on almond, vanilla, freshly cut flowers, some green and grassy aromas, as well as some ripe pears. Diluted, it becomes more on green chestnut, toffee and cream. Impression: A very good, fresh, floral and creamy whisky, with a pleasant mouth feel. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Myths and Legends Unicorn 1988, CWS 53.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, mellow, complex to very complex, with a moderate dry and elegant peat smoke and very elegant floral flavours. I loved the balance of flavours. Taste: Complex to very complex, elegant, slightly to moderately peaty, mineral and tarry, on guava, papaya, some banana, dry and mineral peat smoke, some melon, tar, and honey. The finish is long, slightly dry, peaty, mineral and tarry, with some leather, orange, tangerines, pralines, exotic fruits, heather honey, and melon. Diluted, it becomes slightly more austere and with more gooseberries. Impression: The Unicorn is a peated bottling of Macallan. Except for some bottlings distilled prior to the 1950s, I never had the chance of tasting a peated expression from that distillery. I do not know how the CWS managed to get hold of this cask, but I love this one. The peat smoke reminds me of the famous Macallan 1946, with light to moderate peat smoke, combining some austere, mineral and tarry flavours. In addition, it has light pleasant aromas of exotic fruits. Although it is from a first fill sherry influence, the influence of the sherry is rather mild and on dried fruits. This might not be the flavour profile that you might expect from this distillery, but I love this combination of flavours. Thank you Derek. Rating: 18/20 FP:C4 |
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Macallan 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, round, floral, slightly fragrant and spicy, with lots of caramel. Taste: Floral to very floral, slightly fragrant and spicy, on caramel, some orange, tangerine, and toffee. Diluted, it becomes rather thin, more floral and on caramel. The finish is medium, floral, round to very round, with light spices, some tannins, toffee, orange, cinnamon, cloves, nuts and a very light fragrance. The bitter caramel flavours are rather pronounced. Impression: A rather smooth and floral whisky, with lots of caramel, light spicy flavours and some complexity. Compared to earlier versions of a decade ago, it appears much softer, less spicy and intense. Rating: 12/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenallachie 1990 50th Anniversary, 27 YO, OB, 54.6%, B:2018, cask 2517. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Rich, intense, mellow, floral, slightly rubbery, on leather, nuts, lots of toffee, rubber, some tannins, spices, tangerine and citrus. Rather heavy and syrupy. Taste: Floral to very floral, mellow, on stewed fruits, soft spices, orange, tangerine, leather, some coca, sultanas and dried fruits, with light nutty flavours. The finish is medium, spicy and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes fruitier, mellower and more complex, and with some milk chocolate. Impression: A nice and complex whisky, on a sweet and sherry influence. Rating: 16/20 FP:E1 |
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Glenallachie 1990 50th Anniversary, 28 YO, OB, 57.7%, B:2018, cask 986. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Vegetal, floral and with an abundance of vegetal condiments (Maggi). Unusual. Taste: Floral, rich, intense, rather tannic and vegetal, with lots of vegetal condiments, on fragrant flowers, nuts, rubber, tannins, bitter coffee and some dried fruits. The finish is medium, floral, spicy, vegetal, rather dry, on tannins, coffee beans and dried fruits. Impression: A different expression of Glenallachie than the others, with a very vegetal side and quite dry and tannic. Rating: 12/20 FP:H1 |
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Bunnahabhain 2007 Oloroso Moine Feis Ile 2018, OB, 59.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty and maritime, intense to very intense, with lots of seaweeds, on a fatty and intense peat smoke, sultanas, some figs, candied orange, light salty and medicinal flavours. Very good! Taste: Very intense and peaty, thick, syrupy, salty to very salty, maritime to very maritime, on fresh rubber, red berries, treacle, high grade leather, some tar, candied orange, light floral and aromatic herbs, liquorice and dry and bitter tannins. The finish is long, bitter, fragrant, salty, maritime, slightly astringent and rubbery, on varnish, lacquer, plums, sultanas, candied oranges, liquorice and tarry peat smoke Impression: I loved the round, thick, and heavily sherried nose with loads of peat, the palate was rather good, however, I found it too bitter on the finish. Rating: 14/20 FP:H7 |
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Laphroaig PX Sherry 2015 for CWS, 12 YO, OB, 55.3%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, peaty, maritime, rather sweet and medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor, iodine, peat smoke, various medicinal flavours, grapes, orange, sultanas, and some exotic fruits. Rather complex and elegant. Taste: Peaty, dry, tarry, maritime, phenolic, on lacquer, seaweeds, sea salt, orange, rubber, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, aromatic herbs, tar, sultanas and marmalade. The finish is long, intense, thick, syrupy, peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly salty, on sultanas, lacquer, cloves, liquorice, some marmalade, rubber, iodine, orange, seaweeds, sea brine and aromatic herbs, as well as some dry tannins. Impression: A very good Laphroaig, with a very intense and thick sherry influence, a strong medicinal influence as well as dried fruits, lacquer and spices, without any unpleasant rubbery flavours. I would not be surprise with a few years in a bottle, that it would be a stunner. I wish Laphroaig would bottle more sherry casks like this one! Thank you Derek. Rating: 16/20 FP:H7 |
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Ben Nevis 1991, 25 YO, OB, 61.3%, B:2017, Oloroso cask 3711. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow, very smooth, deliciously sweet and fruity, on orange, peach, tangerine, dried fruits, exotic fruits and some leather. With time, it becomes more on mango and other tropical fruits. Excellent. Taste: Rich, spicy, slightly floral, intense, on tangerine, orange, rich spices, vanilla, some fudge and exotic fruits. The finish is long, rich, mellow, complex, slightly citric, and rather fruity, on grapefruit, some tangerine, peach, apricot and light aromas of exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on toffee and with a light smokiness. Impression: An excellent rich, complex, fruity and well-balanced whisky, with a mixture of tropical and citric fruits. Rating: 17/20 FP:G2 |
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Singleton of Glen Ord Signature, OB, 40%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Smooth, subtle, citric, slightly oaky, floral and fragrant, on pink grapefruit, some vanilla, green fruits and light mineral flavours. Taste: Mineral, smooth, rich, slightly starchy and creamy, with light mineral and fruity flavours, as well as some marzipan. The finish is medium, slightly grassy and starchy, with light fruity and grassy flavours. Impression: A nice fresh, smooth and lightly fruity whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Kilchoman 2007 Feis Ile 2018, OB, 11 YO, 55.5%, B:2018, cask 34, 65, 82 and 83. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty, maritime, intense, complex, medicinal, phenolic, tarry, on maritime peat smoke, medicinal flavours, camphor, seaweeds, sea shells, iodine and some vanilla. Very good. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, salty to very salty, maritime, slightly smooth, with some aromatic herbs, honey, peat smoke, camphor, menthol and iodine. The finish is medium to long, round, smooth, peaty, maritime, rooty, on camphor, iodine, some tar, soot and bonfire smoke Impression: A very good, complex, peaty and maritime Kilchoman, with a fair dose of various phenolic and tarry flavours. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:A7 |
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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2018, 51.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Young, peaty, maritime, smoky, rather clean and dry, on dry winey flavours (fino), seaweeds, peat smoke and some tar. Taste: Dry, young, smooth, salty, tarry, peaty, rather maritime, on iodine, peat smoke, camphor, sea brine, seaweeds and a combination of smooth and young whisky flavours and dry winey flavours. Diluted, it is more on menthol. The finish is short to medium, smooth, young, dry, winey, peaty, smoky, maritime, on peat smoke, lemon, dry fino influence, some sea brine and seaweeds. Impression: A Laphroaig taste rather young, with a mixture of flavours from a young whisky and dry fino flavours. I wish they would release some older fino bottling of Laphroaig. Rating: 12/20 FP:D6 |
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Bowmore Single Cask 1997 for CWS, OB, 54.4%, B:2017, 231 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-dark amber Nose: Intense to very intense, tick, peaty, smoky, slightly maritime and medicinal, on peat smoke, tar, treacle, dried fruits, some wallnuts and soots. Excellent. Markedly more peaty and tarry than the Feis Ile. Taste: Floral, round, maritime, tarry, slightly salty, woody and bitter, on liquorice (black and roots), sea salt, dried fruits, some slightly bitter herb liquor, walnuts, sultanas, dates, red berries, old bonfire smoke, old tar and soot. The finish is medium, rather floral, slightly salty, smoky, peaty, tarry, bitter and tannic, on old wood, peat smoke, walnuts, dry peat smoke, some sea brine, dried fruits and liquorice. Diluted, it becomes more bitter and on wood. Impression: A single cask of Bowmore, on dark sherry, with an excellent peaty and dry nose, while it becomes bitterer and with a rather strong influence of the wood on the palate and finish. A sherry monster. Rating: 15/20 FP:G4 |
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Bowmore 15 YO Oloroso Sherry Cask for Feis Ile 2018, OB, 52.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, rich, syrupy, balanced, with loads of dried fruits, including dates, and sultanas, on treacle, some peat smoke, tar and bonfire smoke. Very good! Taste: Dry to very dry, tarry, sooty, slightly maritime and salty, rather medicinal, on camphor, seaweeds, peat smoke, lots of tar, cocoa, dried fruits, orange, some berries and nuts. The finish is long to very long, peaty to very peaty, smoky, slightly dry, tarry and bitter, with a mixture of tar, peat smoke, treacle, dark fruits and chocolate, as well as some liquorice (black and roots). Impression: An excellent Bowmore, peaty, intense, complex, with a lovely combination of cocoa, dry tarry peat smoke and dried fruits. Rating: 17/20 FP:G5 |
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Auchentoshan 1990 for CWS, 27 YO, OB, 59.1%, B:2018, 512 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, fruity, floral, grassy, complex, sweet and dried fruits, some leather and soft spices. Very elegant and well balanced. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, slightly tannic, with lots of sultanas, on figs, dates, tangerine, orange, precious wood, cinnamon, and some cloves. The finish is medium to long, rich, fruity, rather heavy, with lots of dried fruits, some orange, cocoa, exotic fruits and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitter, but also more on orange and exotic fruits. Impression: A very good Auchentoshan, with intense fruity sherry influence, lots of dried fruits and a lovely mouth feel. A very nice pick from the CWS. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Linkwood 39.166 for Whisky L, A truly engaging experience, 27 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 56.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, fruity to very fruity, floral, grassy, on honey, melon, guava, papaya, some vanilla and candied fruits. A basket of exotic fruits. Lovely! Taste: Floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, with light spices, on hay, straw, tobacco, guava, honey, and a basket of exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, with some hay, honey, chamomile and exotic fruits. Diluted, there are some additional flavours of menthol and eucalyptus released. Impression: The nicest recent bottling of Linkwood I have tasted, with the nice floral and slightly fragrant flavour from Linkwood and very pleasant fresh exotic fruit flavours. Most enjoyable. Thank you Derek. Rating: 17/20 FP:D1 |
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Edradour 1995 for Whisky L, 13 YO, OB, 54.2%, B:2018, 661 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-dark amber Nose: Very round and mellow, thick, floral, complex, rather heavy, with on high grade leather, dried fruits, plums, sultanas, precious wood, wood spices, wild berries, light floral flavours, some treacle and burnt sugar. Excellent. Taste: Very floral, round, intense, complex, thick, heavy, on high grade leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, precious wood, dried fruits, sultanas, treacle, orange, tangerine, dark berries, some other fruity flavours, and nice tannins The finish is long, thick, syrupy, heavy, floral and on the same flavours as on the palate. Diluted, it becomes moderately bitter, on dark chocolate and with more tannins. Impression: An excellent Edradour, rich, intense, heavy, floral, with dark and dried fruits. This is a style of heavy sherry that I love. It reminds me the old style of sherried Macallan. Just slightly too bitter at the end to reach a higher score. If you like heavily sherried whiskies, you have to try these Edradour. Thank you Derek. Rating: 17/20 FP:I1 |
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Aultmore 1996 Exceptional Cask Series for CWS Madeira finish, OB, 21 YO, 54%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow, elegant, complex, fresh, rather fruity and juicy, nice round floral flavours, some sultanas, dried fruits, berries, exotic fruits, precious wood and some soft spices. Excellent, Taste: Rich, intense, floral to very floral, on dry spices, sultanas, precious wood, exotic fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, leather, and tannins some cloves, dark chocolate and treacle. The finish is medium to long, rich, fruity, floral, slightly tannic and bitter, on tannins, leather, spices, orange, sultanas, figs, some exotic fruits, honey and dark chocolate. Impression: Another very good bottling from CWS. The nose of this whisky was excellent, mellow, elegant and gorgeous exotic fruits, a most pleasant mouth feel, with the winey tending to dominate these fruity flavours. I wish I could taste more Aultmore of this quality. The finish is was 9 years. Thank you Derek. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Glen Garioch 1979 for CWS, OB, 42.9%, B:2018, cask 3831, 114 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Peaty, dry, aromatic, moderately floral, slightly green and woody, on dry tarry peat smoke, juniper, heather, geraniums, cocoa, aromatic and slightly bitter herbs, some soot, old leather and burnt heather. Much more peaty than the 1987! Taste: Dry, floral, fragrant, nutty, rather bitter, tarry and woody, with a light soapiness, on walnuts, rancio, leather, tar, soot, aromatic herbs, burnt juniper bushes, geranium, cranberries and some red and slightly bitter berries. The finish is medium, dry, peaty, tarry, nutty, floral to very floral, fragrant, moderately woody, on walnuts infusion, Pu-Erh tea, old leather, aromatic herbs, cocoa and some soap. Diluted, it becomes more bitter, soapy and dry. Impression: Glen Garioch from the 1970s were known for its peatiness, and even if the peat level went down during that decade, this one is rather peaty. I am struggling in this whisky with the balance between the dry peat smoke and the fragrant floral flavours, and a rather dry sherry influence. Not an easy one, but my wife liked it very much. Looking back at my tasting notes, it was my first Glen Garioch from 1979, and it might well be the first official 1979 Glen Garioch ever bottled! Thank you Derek. Rating: 13/20 FP:H5 |
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Glen Garioch 1990 Artist #7 over 25 YO, La Maison du Whisky, 52.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, rich, complex, slightly nutty and sweet, with some leather, sultanas, honey and dried fruits. Nicely balanced. Taste: Rich to very rich, sweet, fruity, complex, spicy, on orange jam, marmalade, various spices, some nuts, leather and various exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, mellow to mellow, rich, sweet, fruity and complex, on exotic fruits jam. Diluted, it becomes spicier. Impression: A very nice mellow, complex, fruity and spicy whisky, with all flavours well balanced and a nice heavy mouth feel. Rating: 17/20 FP:D2 |
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Glen Garioch 1987 for CWS, OB, 47.1%, B:2018, cask 603, 132 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, round, slightly peaty, aromatic, grassy and herbal, on high grade leather, nuts, cocoa, some Swiss milk chocolate, nice round floral flavours, some heather honey, treacle and sultanas. Complex and well balanced. Lovely! Taste: Very floral, rather fragrant, round, on dried fruits, sultanas, a light smokiness, raisins, coca, leather, hot chocolate and some hazelnuts. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and with some varnish. The finish is medium to long, thick, rich, floral, syrupy, and slightly grassy, on dried fruits, sultanas, nuts, treacle, leather and cocoa. Impression: Not the easiest Glen Garioch! A whisky difficult to judge. In the early and mid-1980s, Glen Garioch produced a very floral and fragrant distillate, including some terrible ones (e.g., the 1984 OB). This one shares the floral and fragrant profile of this period, but the cask brings a very nice sherry influence on cocoa and high-grade leather, and a lovely nose. A very good and floral expression of Glen Garioch. Thank you Derek. Rating: 16/20 FP:G2 |
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Glen Garioch 1988 Old Malt Cask, 15 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B:2003, ref DL966. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, waxy, aromatic, slightly grassy, herbal, smoky and peaty, with some ginger, vanilla, peat smoke, aromatic herbs, light floral flavours and a hint of pears and yellow fruits. Taste: Grassy, aromatic, waxy to very waxy, slightly peaty, with some dry aromatic peat smoke, cooked orchard fruits, honey comb, ginger, yellow flowers, nice grassy flavours and heather honey. Diluted, it becomes fruitier, mainly on vanilla and melon. The finish is medium to long, round, waxy, slightly floral and peaty, on dry peat smoke, heather honey, honey wax, some candied ginger, vanilla custard, and light floral flavours. Impression: A well balanced, charming waxy Glen Garioch, lightly peaty and with nice grassy and honey flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Tomatin Grand Select, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Light, smooth, malty, juicy to very juicy, fruity, fresh, on mango, honeydew melon, orchard fruits, light grassy and starchy flavours. Taste: Light, grassy, slightly malty, on very juicy oak, liquid honey, honeydew melon, vanilla, watermelon, some mango and orchard fruits. The finish is medium, grassy to very grassy, oaky, juicy, slightly starchy and bold, on tinned (canned) peach, orchard fruits and watermelon. Very fresh. Impression: It might not be to everyone’s taste, but I enjoyed the fresh and juicy flavours of this whisky, Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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Tomatin 12 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Round, floral, complex, well balanced, slightly spicy, with some hay, freshly cut flower, vanilla and a touch of melon. Taste: Rich, grassy, slightly spicy, oaky and juicy, on juicy oak, honey, ripe orchard fruits, some melon, honeydew melon, vanilla, mango and a hint of smoke. The finish is medium to long, bold, grassy, rich, fruity, slightly creamy, on honey, melon, with some tobacco, papaya, banana and other exotic fruits, Impression: A rich, grassy, complex and fruity whisky. Very good and enjoyable. Rating: 16/20 FP:C2 |
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Glen Garioch 1994, 23 YO, Aqua Vitae, 56.3%, B:2017, cask 21. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Very smooth and floral, light, with some vanilla, vanilla custard and heather. Rather discreet. Taste: Light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on hay, freshly cut grass, some honey, vanilla and slightly bitter and peppery spices. With water, it improves markedly, becoming more intense, creamy and fruitier. The finish is medium, round, floral, smooth, light, on vanilla, honey and freshly cut flowers. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitterer and with some caramel. Impression: A nice light, fresh, floral whisky. It improves with some water. Rating: 14/20 FP:A1 |
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Mortlach 1989 Or Sileis, 27 YO, Kingsbury, 55.7%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Light, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on freshly cut flowers, light waxy and creamy flavours, some melon and cooked apples. Taste: Green, rich, floral, fragrant, on marzipan, some cooked apples, almonds and green flavours. The finish is medium, floral, fragrant, round, with some toffee, fudge, light floral flavours, apples and tobacco, as well as some almonds. Impression: A whisky spicy, fragrant, rather complex, round and rich. Rating: 14/20 FP:B1 |
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GlenDronach 2004 for CC Choice N°1 Taiwan, 12 YO, OB, 54.1%, B:2016, cask 349. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Musky, nutty, “dirty”, slightly floral, with some humus, old leaves, cardamom, curry, and light fruity flavours. Very good Taste: Round to very round, rich, bold, spicy to very spicy, green, on humus, pepper, tobacco, cinnamon, cardamom, old leaves and some apples. Diluted, there are some curcuma and curry flavours released. The finish is medium, round, slightly floral and spicy, with some apples, tobacco and humus. Impression: A very good, intense, rich and bold whisky, waxy, with a nice fragrance. Rating: 15/20 FP:B1 |
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Bunnahabhain 1987, 30 YO, A. D. Rattray, 48.3%, B :2017, cask 1298. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, malty, slightly grassy and bold, on vanilla, cooked fruits, marzipan, some orchard fruits, tobacco leaves and a light smokiness. Nicely fruity. Over time, it becomes fruitier. Taste: Spicy, green to very green, slightly maritime, floral and fruity, with some vanilla, cardamom, light floral flavours and green apples. The finish is medium, rich, moderately complex, rather fragrant, slightly maritime, with some green apples, cinnamon, tobacco and nuts. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant, on apples and with some green tobacco leaves. Impression: A good, fragrant, spicy and rather complex, with a pleasant richness. Rating: 14/20 FP:C1 |
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Arran 18 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Round, floral, malty, with some ginger and quince. Taste: Creamy, bold, round, floral, slightly bitter, on vanilla, some honey, quince and ginger. The finish is medium, malty, floral, on tobacco, tobacco smoke, honey, some caramel and ginger, as well as slight austere and fruity flavours. Impression: A slightly more austere and bitter whisky than the 10 YO. Rating: 13/20 FP::A1 |
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Glenburgie 1998, 18 YO, The Single Malts of Scotland, 59.5%, B:2017, cask 751399. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Smooth, bold, floral, slightly waxy and fragrant, on apples, some freshly cut flowers and varnish. Taste: Spicy, floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, on tobacco, freshly cut flowers, some apples, ginger, vanilla and a touch of fudge. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, slightly fragrant, on ginger, tobacco, light creamy flavours and some orchard fruits. Impression: A good floral, mature and rather spicy single malt. Rating: 14/20 Price: FP:A1 |
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Arran 10 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, light, grassy, malty, slightly green and aromatic, on vanilla, light fragrant flavours and very light spicy flavours. Taste: Malty, floral, rather bold and creamy, on honey, light spices, vanilla and some tangerine. With time, some flavours of apples are released. The finish is medium, malty, round, floral, slightly fruity and spicy, on honey, light creamy flavours, some ginger, fudge, tangerine and apples. Impression: A good malty whisky, rather bold and creamy, with light fruity flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Port Askaig 15 YO Sherry Cask, Speciality Drinks, 45.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty, intense, oaky, on wet wood, fudge, peat smoke, some vanilla, fudge, tar and hemp rope. Over time, it becomes fruitier. Taste: Sweet, fruity, round, peaty, smoky, slightly grassy and mellow, on honey, Mirabelle, quince, tangerine, some lemon and a touch of wet wood and dry roots. The finish is medium, rich, rather complex, smoky, peaty, grassy, and maritime, with some honey, seaweeds, iodine and wet wood. Impression: A very good, peaty, rich and slightly mellow whisky, with light oaky flavours, some wet wood, as well as sweet fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:D6 |
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Port Askaig 45 YO, Speciality Drinks, 40.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very fruity, maritime, slightly austere, on banana, with some aromatic herbs, eucalyptus, exotic fruits and a nice fruitiness. Lovely. Taste: Very mellow and smooth, rather fresh, slightly maritime, on old tobacco leaves, balsamic vinegar, tannins, leather, humidor, orange, cinnamon, some nutmeg, cloves and walnuts. The finish is long, slightly smoky, maritime and tannic, on old leather, tobacco quid, balsamic vinegar, orange, bloody orange, some tangerine, cinnamon, nuts and a few drops of exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tannic and bitter. Impression: The Port Askaig 45 was a Bunnahabhain distilled in 1968. A very good old sherry whisky. It would have even reached a higher score if it was slightly more intense. Rating: 17/20 FP:F1 |
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Peat, Elements of Islay, 59.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty to very peaty, maritime, medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor, iodine, peat smoke, hemp rope and some liquorice roots. Taste: Very dry and peaty, smoky to very smoky, rooty, maritime, on dry to very dry peat smoke, dry roots, some disinfectant, camphor, seaweeds, a touch of gentian and dry aromatic herbs. The finish is long, peaty to very peaty, medicinal, on disinfectant, iodine, lemon peel, and tobacco smoke. Diluted, the finish is longer., with a lingering, intense peat smoke, rather medicinal and on disinfectant, Impression: A vey peaty, intense and medicinal whisky, with a nice complexity. Lovely! A very good blended malt. Rating: 17/20 PA:A7 |
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Bunnahabhain Choc’n Nut Pretzle 2001, Wemyss Malts, 46.0%. B:2018, sherry puncheon, 880 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Mellow, round, moderately maritime and salty, slightly smoky, on tropical fruits, peach, vanilla, some dried fruits, sea brine, seaweeds and cocoa. Very good. Taste: Salty, maritime, moderately spicy and smoky, on sea brine, sea salt, seaweeds, some toffee, cocoa, tropical fruits and peach. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more on tobacco. The finish is medium to long, complex, maritime, slightly smoky, with nice round and soft tropical fruits, as well as a hint of tobacco. Impression: A very good and maritime Bunna, with very pleasant fruity flavours, while some water enhances the spicy and smoky side. Rating: 16/20 PA:D3 |
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Bunnahabhain Tropical Island Dram 1991, Wemyss Malts, 46.0%, B:2018, bourbon hogshead 257 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very mellow, soft, maritime, slightly smoky, on banana, tropical fruits, a light smokiness, sea brine, some sea salt, vanilla, honey and tobacco. Very good. Taste: Rich, intense, complex, spicy, slightly peppery, on tobacco, banana, other tropical fruits, some vanilla and honey. The finish is long, complex, intense, fruity, maritime to very maritime, on exotic fruits, tobacco, various spices, some vanilla and honey. Impression: A very good Bunna, on good tropical flavours and a good complexity. Slightly more fruity than the Choc’, but also drier. Rating: 16/20 PA: A2 |
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Port Askaig 8 YO, Elixir distillers, 45.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty, dry and intense, maritime to very maritime, on maritime dry peat smoke, soot, root, some sea salt, tar, vanilla and hemp rope. Taste: Young, very smooth and peaty, dry to very dry, tarry, maritime, on hemp rope, lots of tar, some soot, disinfectant and camphor. The finish is long, smooth, very peaty, maritime, medicinal, on dry, medicinal and maritime peat smoke, hemp rope, camphor and some seaweed. Diluted, it becomes more maritime. Impression: A very maritime, intense, smoky whisky, smooth and slightly young. Rating: 15/20 PA: A7 |
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Port Askaig 100 Proof, Elixir distillers, 57.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Peaty, maritime, round, on peat smoke, some camphor, iodine, hemp rope, citrus and toffee. Smoother, rounder and slightly less peaty than the 8 yo. Taste: Dry, rooty to very rooty, peaty, smoky, slightly maritime, on dry peat smoke, oak spices, some toffee, camphor and light aromatic flavours. The finish is long, dry, oaky, intense, spicy, maritime, on peat smoke, some camphor, iodine and light citrus flavours. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal. Impression: An intense, oaky, peaty and round whisky. Rating: 13/20 PA:A6 |
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Treacle Chest, Wemyss, Malts. 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, sweet, malty, fruity, slightly waxy, on orange, tangerine, honey, quince, light grassy flavours, cooked apples and some green apples. Taste: Extremely smooth, very light and malty, with some green apples, a touch of toffee and light vanilla flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, malty, on toffee, some apples, honey and round spices. Impression: A surprising whisky, extremely smooth and pleasant, without any roughness and with light malty flavours. Rating: 13/20 PA:D1 |
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Vanilla Burst, Wemyss, Malts, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, slightly peaty and aromatic, on spices, some vanilla and humus. Taste: Very smooth, light, malty, creamy, with light spices, some grassy flavours, honey, melon and Mirabelle. Diluted, there are initially some green apples and then, more exotic fruity flavours develop. The finish is medium, very smooth, light, malty, slightly creamy, rather soft, on freshly crushed barley and cut flowers, vanilla and some round exotic fruits. Impression: A very smooth, subtle and well balanced blended malt whisky, matured and most enjoyable. Definitely worth tasting. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Glenburgie 1995, 21 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 57.9%, B:2017, Sherry puncheon 6346. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, smooth, vegetal to vegetal, on vegetal condiment (Maggi), yeast extract, leather, nutmeg and some orange. Taste: Rich, spicy, round, vegetal, floral, on treacle, dried fruits, leather, orange, some tangerine, rubber, cinnamon, lacquer and tannins. The finish is medium to long, very round, thick, syrupy, floral, slightly vegetal, on dried fruits, leather, spices, treacle and some fruity flavours. Impression: A round, thick and rich sherried whisky, slightly vegetal and with round spicy aromas. Rating: 15/20 PA:G1 |
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Bowmore 1991, 25 YO, Antique Lions of Whisky, 48.7%, B:2017, 248 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, round, complex, moderately peaty, tarry and maritime, slightly floral, balanced, on an elegant peat smoke, nice round floral flavours, some rose, marzipan, dry tar and maritime peat smoke, exotic fruits and a twist of citrus. Taste: Salty to very salty, maritime, floral, peaty, maritime, on peat smoke, citrus, peat smoke, tar, wood smoke, various floral flavours, some leather and tropical fruits. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on peat smoke. Impression: A very good Bowmore, salty, mellow, rather floral and with a nice peat smoke. Rating: 16/20 PA:C2 |
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Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Release, OB, 55.8%, B:2018, casks 05/ 2,3 and 7. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth, creamy, slightly smoky and milky, with some pears, cream, freshly crushed barley, and gooseberries. Taste: Rich, spicy, malty, floral, on hops, barley, light creamy flavours and some pears. The finish is medium, floral, fresh, moderately spicy, with some cream, white chocolate, barley, oak spices and some gooseberries. Impression: A fresh Daftmill, malty, rather creamy and well made. Reminds me of some lost Lowlands single malts. Rating: 13/20 PA:A1 |
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Kavalan Selection for The Whisky Exchange, OB, 57.8%, B:2017, cask #S100125026A. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Very intense, smooth to very smooth, rich, floral, on balsamic vinegar, tannins, leather, soft spices, strawberries, orange and some exotic fruits. Taste: Very round, slightly soapy, spicy, on rubber, dried fruits, sultanas, leather, tannins, black liquorice and some soft floral flavours. The finish is medium, rich, round to very round, floral, on sultanas, dried fruits, soft floral flavours, tannins, black liquorice, some vegetal condiments and treacle. Impression: A very round, rich and rather velvety sherried whisky. A good dark sherry. Rating: 15/20 PA:H1 |
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BenRiach 1999 Sherry finish for Taiwan, 16 YO, OB, 59.3%, B: 2017, cask 2101. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral, smooth, slightly oaky, on vanilla, some melon, sultanas, fresh oaky spices, cardamom and mango. Taste: Rich, oaky to very oaky, floral, on melon, mango, sultanas, some exotic fruits, vanilla, orange and dried fruits. Quite spicy. The finish is medium to long, oaky, floral, fruity to very fruity, with some honey, dried fruits, exotic fruits and melon. Impression: A smooth, rich and oaky whisky, lightly floral, on honey and sweet fruity flavours. A good one. Rating: 15/20 PA:G1 |
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Ledaig 2007, 11 YO, Adelphi, 63.3%, B:2018, cask 800001. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, very peaty, fatty, maritime, moderately meaty, with some game, air dried bacon, seaweeds, maritime peat smoke, as well as some dried fruits and leather. With time, it becomes rounder and fruitier. Lovely. Taste: Intense, fresh, round, very fruity, peaty, maritime, slightly meaty, on sea brine, stewed fruits, orange, leather, sultanas, some exotic fruits and a nice maritime peat smoke, with some leather. Diluted, it becomes sweeter and more sugary. The finish is medium to long, round, sweet, fruity, peaty, on a fatty peat smoke, sweet and candied oranges, some leather, sultanas, dates, exotic fruits and nice spices. Impression: On the nose, it is rather peaty, maritime and meaty, and it becomes rounder and fruitier on the palate, with the peat smoked made slightly intense by the round sweet fruity flavours. Very good. Rating: 16/20 PA:G6 |
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Glenlivet 2007 for Whisky Live 2017, Signatory, 66.6%, B:2017, cask 900188, 343 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mellow to very mellow, complex, elegant, rich, floral, slightly spicy, on exotic fruits, orange, some cinnamon, light aromatic flavours and a touch of mint. Very good and nicely balanced. Taste: Very floral, spicy, sweet, fruity, slightly green and round, on various spices, cinnamon, sultanas, dried fruits, orange, some red berries, leather, chocolate, a hint of smoke. Diluted, it becomes spicier, with some curcuma and cardamom. The finish is medium to long, rich, intense, spicy to very spicy, floral to very floral, on cinnamon, pepper, sultanas, leather, orange, some marmalade, treacle, cocoa and a touch of rubber. Diluted, it becomes smoother and richer. Impression: A very good, rich, spicy and floral whisky, with a most pleasant richness and spiciness. Rating: 17/20 PA:F1 |
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Glenfarclas 1989, 25 YO, OB, 55.1%, B:2015, cask 13029. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very rich and spicy, on tannins, Christmas cake, leather, dark chocolate, sultanas, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, some honeycomb and plums. Taste: Rich, spicy, fruity, on orange, tangerine, honey, sultanas, some exotic fruits, various spices, a touch of marmalade and tree sap. Complex and slightly aromatic as well. The finish is long, rich, spicy, slightly bitter and tannic, on leather, slightly dry tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg, bitter orange, some coffee, dark chocolate, tree sap and walnuts. Impression: A very good whisky, complex, rich and spicy. A very well matured Glenfarclas. Rating: 17/20 PA:H1 |
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Kavalan Sherry Solist 2009 For Fortune Brand, OB, 57.8%, B:2016, cask S090102001. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Acetic, vegetal, rich, spicy, on humus, sultanas, cocoa, plums, cabbage and some game and chamomile. Taste: Smooth, fruity, spicy, rubbery, on humus, fresh and burnt rubber, plums, sultanas, cabbage, marmalade, treacle, tannins, dark chocolate and lacquer. The finish is long, dry, astringent, bitter, tannic, heavily sherried, on cinnamon, caramel, cloves, walnuts, and marmalade and orange. Diluted, it becomes more tannic and astringent. Impression: A real sherry monster, heavy on tannins, with rich astringent and bitter sherry on the finish. Rating: 13/20 PA:J1 |
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Glenfarclas 1989, 25 YO, OB, 55.1%, B:2015, cask 13029. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very rich and spicy, on tannins, Christmas cake, leather, dark chocolate, sultanas, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, some honeycomb and plums. Taste: Rich, spicy, fruity, on orange, tangerine, honey, sultanas, some exotic fruits, various spices, a touch of marmalade and tree sap. Complex and slightly aromatic as well. The finish is long, rich, spicy, slightly bitter and tannic, on leather, slightly dry tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg, bitter orange, some coffee, dark chocolate, tree sap and walnuts. Impression: A very good whisky, complex, rich and spicy. A very well matured Glenfarclas. Rating: 17/20 PA:H1 |
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Kavalan Sherry Solist Single Cask 2010, OB, 57.1%, B:2016, cask S100303052A. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Initially acetic, vegetal, floral, round, on leather, sultanas, nutmeg, plums and black liquorice. Taste: Rubbery to very rubbery, vegetal, on toffee and fudge. The finish is long, extremely rubbery, bitter, tannic, astringent and on caramel. Impression: A sherry monster, tannic and with loads of rubber. Sorry, way to much rubber to my liking. Rating: 08/20 PA:J1 |
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Kavalan Solist 2010 Port Cask for the Seven Virtues of Bushido, OB, 59.4%, B:2017, cask 0100505013A. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, floral, complex, intense, well balanced, slightly aromatic and austere, some dry winey flavours, a light sweetness and on aromatic herbs. Excellent. Taste: Rich, sweet, slightly sugary, fruity to very fruity, aromatic, with light bitter aromatic herbs, some light winey flavours and a very good complexity, with various fruity flavours. The finish is medium to long, rich, complex, very balanced, on aromatic and slightly austere flavours, aromatic herbs, light dry winey flavours and some soft spices. Impression: A very good whisky, complex and well balanced, with aromatic and slightly austere flavours that you usually find in very old whiskies. Most enjoyable and one of the best Port matured whisky I have tasted. Rating: 17/20 PA:F1 |
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Tamdhu Batch Cask Strength 2, OB, 58.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich to very rich, smooth, creamy, slightly floral, on fudge, orange, some soft spices and a nice balance. Taste: Rich, spicy, thick, syrupy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, a touch of pepper, light floral and malty flavours. The finish is medium, rich, spicy, oaky, slightly nutty, on oak spices, some orange and tangerine zest, nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoother and on cedar wood. Impression: A smooth, spicy, and rich whisky, with light elegant wood and humus flavours. Rating: 12/20 PA:G1 |
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Glenallachie 2004 Jazzin, 12 YO, The Whiskyfind, 62%, B:2017, sherry butt 900755, 678 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Vegetal, floral, with loads of caramel and toffee, on spices, dried fruits, plums and vegetal condiments. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, slightly floral, on caramel, toffee, orange, sweet fruity flavours, pineapples and other exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes smoother and fruitier. The finish is medium to long, floral, malty, slightly creamy, and fruity, on orange, tangerine, mango, papaya and some pineapples. Impression: A very good, rich and fruity whisky, on toffee and a light milk chocolate smoothness. Rating: 15/20 PA:G1 |
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Clynelish 1996, 21 YO, Acla Selection, 45.7%, B:2018, 117 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Fresh, round, waxy, citric, on vanilla, citrus, mustard seeds, sweet barley and some pears. With time, it becomes more complex. Taste: Round, complex, subtle, elegant, malty, moderately waxy, on lemon, honey, mustard seeds, some sea brine and a light touch of smoke. The finish is long, subtle, moderately citric, waxy and mustardy, on fresh citrus, malt, some ginger and pepper. Impression: A very good Clynelish, elegant, rather complex and subtle, with nice and fresh lemon flavours. Rating: 16/20 PA:A1 |
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Glen Garioch 1990, 20 YO, First Cask, 46%, B:2010 cask 2755. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Mellow, rather complex, slightly peaty, smoky, floral and malty, with some nuts, peat smoke, oak spices, honey and peach. Taste: Intense, spicy, smoky, peaty, slightly malty, tarry and gingery, on ginger, dry peat smoke, some tar, spices and pepper. The finish is medium, rich, intense, spicy, with some peat smoke, malt, pears and tar. Impression: A very good Glen Garioch, rather intense and spicy, with a fair dose of peat. Rating: 16/20 PA:A3 |
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Black & White, OB, B:1941. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Smoky to very smoky, aromatic, waxy, slightly bitter and peaty, with some flowers, perfume and spices. Quite austere. Taste: Waxy, mineral, aromatic, smoky, slightly peaty and soapy, with some aromatic herbs, wax, candied oranges, cinnamon and various spices. The finish is medium, smoky, slightly austere, mineral and aromatic, with some liquorice roots, light floral favours and caramel. Impression: A nice smoky, waxy, mineral and aromatic whisky, with some caramel and liquorice flavours, but not very intense. Rating: 12/20 PA:D2 |
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Cloag’s Rare Old Liqueur whisky, B:1940s. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round to very round, floral, slightly waxy and spicy, on candied fruits, wax, and some aromatic flavours, as well as resinous and some mineral oil. Taste: Spicy, aromatic, slightly bitter, on orange liqueur, slightly bitter aromatic herbs, resins, wax, candied oranges, oak spices and camphor. The finish is medium, resinous, slightly aromatic and grassy, on candied oranges, some heather honey and camphor. Impression: A good sherried whisky, round, resinous, slightly grassy and on candied fruits. Rating: 13/20 PA:F2 |
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Kavalan Sherry Solist 2008 for Asia Palate Association, OB, 58.6%, B:2017, cask S081217041, 476 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Very smooth, rich, floral, on high grade leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, tannins, plums, sultanas, exotic woods and light sweet fruity flavours of exotic fruits. Taste: Dry to very dry, floral, bitter to very bitter, tannic, on fresh and burnt rubber, vegetal condiment, orange, spices, cloves, cinnamon and over-infused black tea. The finish is medium to long, floral, dry to very dry, tannic, bitter to very bitter, on oak spices, lacquer, cloves, rubber, marmalade and caramel. Diluted, it becomes more astringent. Impression: The quality of the whisky is probably good, but it dominated by an intense, dry, bitter and tannic wood influence. Too much for me, but the sherry bomb freaks will love it. Rating: 11/20 PA:J1 |
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Speyside distillery 1988, 28 YO, Lotus Lord, 58.4%, B:2017, 5000 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, elegant, slightly mineral and floral, on soft leather, cocoa, sweet fruity flavours, orange, tangerine, some mango, soft spices, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Nicely balanced. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, elegant, floral, fruity, rich, moderately spicy, on cocoa, rich spices, orange, cinnamon, sultanas, some candied fruits, precious wood and a touch of lacquer. Well balanced. The finish is medium to long, dry, floral, tannic, bitter and astringent, on marmalade, bitter orange, wood tannins, herbs liqueur and coffee. Impression: The nose was very good, with pleasant smooth and fruity aromas, as well as the initial mouth feel, before the dry, tannic and astringent flavours from the finish are released. Rating: 12/20 PA:J2 |
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Tomatin 1988 for Taiwan, 26 YO, OB, 54.0%, B:2015, cask 950378. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, floral to very floral, dry, and slightly fragrant, on cocoa, sultanas, dried figs and some hay. Taste: Smooth, spicy, grassy, slightly floral, on honey, grassy flavours, cinnamon, nutmeg, Dundee cake, some humus, cocoa and plums. The finish is medium to long, floral to very floral, elegant, on humus, subtle tannins, liquorice, Swiss milk chocolate, and a touch of salmiak. Impression: An elegant floral and smooth whisky. Nicely made and fresh. Rating: 13/20 PA:G1 |
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Glenfarclas 2001 for Asia Palate Association, 15 YO, OB, 58.2%, B:2016, cask 2143. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich to very rich, intense, floral, vegetal, on dried fruits, sultanas, treacle, candied oranges, leather, tannins, some vegetal condiments, fragrance and floral perfumed. Taste: Intense, floral, fragrant, on freshly cut flowers, tannins, over-infused black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg, incense, lacquer, marmalade and some beeswax. The finish is long, elegant, rather complex, slightly tannic and bitter, on marmalade, over-infused black tea, marmalade, bitter orange, cinnamon, tannins, light floral and fragrant flavours, precious wood, and some lacquer. Impression: An elegant sherried whisky, subtle, with lingering tannins. Rating: 14/20 PA:E1 |
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Moorland Scotch Whisky, R.B. Smith & Son, 70 Proof, B:1940s. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Mineral, mellow, slightly metallic, on humus, wet wood, mineral smoke, woodlands, some rust, mellow fruits, some peat, honey and light grassy flavours. Very old style of mineral-smoky whisky. Taste: Light, dry, floral, very smooth, salty, peaty, smoky, on mineral smoke, hums, some peat smoke, honey and grassy flavours. The finish is medium and on the same flavours, and with some mushrooms and toffee. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitter. Impression: A good floral, mineral and rather smoky whisky and pleasant to drink. Rating: 14/20 PA:F2 |
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Whyte & Mackay, 21 YO, OB, 40 %, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smoky, nutty, floral, rather peaty, on cocoa, rich and mellow fruity flavours, peat smoke, juicy fruits, woodlands, some honey, humus and very mellow floral flavours. Excellent. Taste: Very smooth, slightly grainy, salty and spicy, on caramel, dried fruits, roasted coffee beans, leather, peat smoke, mineral smoke, some tangerine, nuts and a hint of citrus. The finish is long, complex to very complex, nutty, floral, spicy, slightly salty, smoky, peaty and mineral, on candied and dried fruits, leather, some tannins, cinnamon, tangerine and a touch of citrus. Rather fruity, Impression: A very good whisky, rich, intense, complex, rather peaty for a blended whisky, on leather and most pleasant fruity flavours. Rating: 16/20 PA:F4 |
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Redbreast 32 YO Dream Cask, OB, 46.5%, B:2018, cask 41207. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very mellow and fruity, round, complex to very complex, on exotic fruits (mainly mango), high grade leather, some tannins, honey, peach and polished oak. Excellent! Taste: Gorgeous! Very mellow, round, on exotic fruits (mango, banana and papaya), leather, tannins, cinnamons, some peach, nutmeg and liquorice roots. The finish is long, slightly woody and tannic, on exotic fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, old furniture and wax. Diluted, it becomes slightly more tannic. Impression: The nose of this Redbreast was delicious, very mellow and with beautiful flavours of exotic fruits. On the palate, it stated on the same pleasant flavours, before the impact of the long wood maturations starts to kick in. If not, it would have reached a higher score. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenlossie 1997 Acla Da Fans, 20 YO, Signatory, 52.2%, B:2017, cask 6774. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very smooth and fresh, mellow, round, floral, fruity, on green orchard fruits, freshly cut grass and flowers, some yellow fruits, honey and vanilla. Pleasantly fresh and floral, Taste: Very floral and round, mellow, fruity, sweet, sugary, on icing sugar, cooked apricots and peaches, vanilla, flower honey, some elderberries flower syrup and peaches in syrup. The finish is long to very long, floral, fresh, floral, round, mellow, sweet and sugary, on tinned (canned) peaches and apricots, elderberries flower syrup, flower honey, freshly cut summer flowers some vanilla and a hint of spices. Impression: A particularly floral and sugary version of Glenlossie, very drinkable, with a sticky syrupy mouth feel combining fruits and fresh floral aromas. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Teeling for Shinanoya, 23 YO, OB, 54%, B:2017, cask 6894, 187 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very mellow, round and fruity, on sultanas, dried fruits, tangerine, orange, soft spices, blackcurrant, other berries, some leather and cinnamon. Very good. Taste: Very smooth and mellow, slightly floral, on soft spices and tannins, some blackcurrant, cocoa, orange, sultanas, hay and green malt, a touch of mango and papaya. The finish is medium to long, smooth, mellow, slightly spicy, on soft tannins, tangerine, blackcurrant, papaya, and mango. Slightly tannic. Impression: A round, smooth and very mellow Teeling, with soft spices and fruity flavours. Rating: 14/20 FP:E1 |
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Lagavulin Feis Ile 2018, 18 YO, OB, 53.9%, B:2018, 6000 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Peaty, maritime, oaky, with light medicinal flavours, oak spices, peat smoke, some tar, lemon peel, freshly sawn wood and smoke. Taste: Intense, oaky, spicy to very spicy, peaty, smoky, citric, on pepper, with a lingering peat smoke, some citrus, BBQ and some very light flavours of sultanas and dried fruits. The finish is long, smoky to very smoky, peaty, moderately maritime, citric and medicinal, on seaweeds, peat smoke, citrus and some dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes smokier and on liquorice roots. Impression: A very good Lagavulin, very smoky, complex and quite oaky. A combination of refill American oak hogsheads, rejuvinated American oak hogsheads and ex-Bodega European oak butts. The ex-Bodega influence is rather light. Rating: 16/20 FP:D7 |
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Talisker Distillery exclusive, OB, 48%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, maritime, salty, slightly smoky and peaty, on charred and/or toasted wood, some pepper, oak spices, peat smoke, seaweeds, citrus and a touch of dried fruits. Taste: Light, round, zesty, peppery, moderately spicy, fresh, on charred and/or toasted wood, ground pepper, peat smoke, sea salt, seaweeds and lemon juice. The finish is medium, fresh, zesty, peppery, slightly smoky and peppery, on citrus, black pepper, smoke, and some light and fresh floral flavours. Impression: A light, fresh, zesty and peppery Talisker. A nice one for the summer. First matured in refill oak casks, then specially charred American Oak hogsheads, before finally maturing in old European Oak Puncheons. Rating: 15/20 FP: A4 |
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Octomore Farm Port Charlotte 2001, 16 YO, OB, 61.6%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Complex, peaty, maritime, balanced, salty, on peat smoke, tar, seaweeds, tar, dried fish and soot. With a nice complex peat smoke. Taste: Complex, elegant, peaty to very peaty, hot. Let us quickly add some water. Diluted, it becomes more maritime, meaty and with elegant peat smoke. The finish is long, complex, with an elegant and rather subtle meaty peat smoke, tar and some soot. Impression: A very nice and aged expression of Port Charlotte, with a very nice, elegant peat smoke combining maritime and meaty flavours. Very enjoyable. A whisky that needs a few drops of water. Rating: 16/20 FP:A8 |
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Port Charlotte 2001 The Heretic, OB, 55.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, peaty, tarry, dry, maritime, round, balanced, winey, slightly salty and mineral, on peat smoke, tar, sea salt, seaweeds, round and dried fruits, and a touch of rubber. Taste: Intense, hot, peaty, maritime, winey, on dry peat smoke, various winey flavours, leather, berries, soot, tar, and grapes. The finish is long, dry, peaty, intense, maritime, winey, on berries, sultanas and peat smoke. Diluted, it becomes spicier and wineier. Impression: A very peaty Port Charlotte, complex, tarry and sooty, with rather winey flavours. A mixture of PC matured in bourbon, rum, and French wine casks. Rating: 15/20 FP:G7 |
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Port Charlotte 2005 Valinch Oloroso Sherry Cask Feis Ile 2018, OB, 59.3%, B:2018, cask 2087. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, tarry to very tarry, maritime, on peat smoke, sultanas, seaweeds, with light vegetal flavours, some sea salt, orange, tangerine and leather. Elegant, round and well balanced. Taste: Salty, spicy, intense, round, tarry, sooty, maritime, on sultanas, orange, leather, cocoa, peat smoke, tar, some soot and red berries. The finish is medium to long, rich, peaty, tarry, round, complex, maritime, on sultanas, figs and dried fruits. Diluted, it becomes more tarry, with a long lasted round peaty influence. Impression: A very good and very round sherried Port Charlotte, with the finish round, peaty, on berries and soot. Rating: 16/20 FP:G7 |
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GlenDronach 1992 for Hsiu Ming, 24 YO, OB, 57.5%, B:2016, cask 97, 586 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth, rich, floral, slightly fragrant, on rich sweet and dry fruity flavours, treacle, high grade leather, orange, tangerine, precious wood, figs and dates. Excellent and well balanced. Taste: Rich to very rich, intense, spicy to very spicy, floral, slightly fragrant, bitter and tannic, on sultanas, tannins, toffee, caramel, cinnamon and some nutmeg. The finish is medium, floral, bitter, rather tannic and dry, on treacle, toffee, fudge, sultanas, tannins, cocoa, and some dried flowers. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee and with some coffee. Impression: A good, rich and rather thick heavily sherried whisky, with a light fragrance and bitterness, but not too much. Rating: 15/20 FP:G1 |
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Kavalan Sherry Solist 2008 for CC Choice, OB, 56.3%, B:2017, cask S081229033. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral, vegetal, round, with strong aromas of vegetal condiment (Maggi), on broth, tannins, leather, orange, cinnamon and some sea salt. Taste: Rich, dry, floral, tannic, bitter, rather astringent, on dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, marmalade, cloves and old precious wood. The finish is long, complex, dry, floral, tannic, slightly bitter and rather astringent, on cinnamon, cloves, marmalade and old wood. Once water has been added, there is a whiff of freshly burnt rubber. Impression: An intense and complex sherry matured, with rather strong woody and tannic flavours. A very good whisky but that probably stayed too long in the wood. Rating: 14/20 FP:J1 |
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GlenDronach 1993 for DC and TDM, 23 YO, OB, 59.1%, B:2016, Oloroso cask 41. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, spicy, slightly dry and tannic, on dark chocolate, dry leather, high grade tannins, orange, some vegetal condiment, plums, figs, dates, sultanas and precious wood. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, complex, fruity to very fruity, with some black liquorice, dark chocolate, cinnamon, lacquer, precious wood, dried figs, dates, sultanas, high grade leather and tannins. The finish is medium, dry, floral, spicy to very spicy, slightly rubbery, on tannins, dark chocolate, precious wood, orange, marmalade, leather and some fresh rubber.Impression: An excellent dry, complex and well-balanced sherried whisky, on various dried fruits and cocoa. Slightly too rubbery on the finish to grant it a higher score. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Ben Nevis 1996, 20 YO, The Single Malts of Scotland, 53.1%, B:2017, cask 1528, 466 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Round, floral, spicy, rich, slightly fruity, on orange, Christmas cake, candied citrus, fudge, and fresh flowers. Taste: Rich, floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, on caramel, citron (cedrat), toffee, cinnamon, soft spices, and some light sweet fruity flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, floral to very floral, slightly sugary and creamy, on soft spices and leather, toffee, fudge, some orange, milk chocolate and a touch of citron. Impression: A nice floral whisky, with round sweet flavours of toffee. Rating: 12/20 FP:D1 |
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Kavalan Solist Sherry 2009, OB, 58.6%, B:2017, cask S090306031. Price: Colour: Amber-black Nose: Smooth, very intense, tannic, slightly fragrant, on varnish, orange, bitter orange, cinnamon, lacquer, dried fruits 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 Blanca), marmalade, cloves, cinnamon, 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 |
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Ben Nevis 1997 MCCRAES, 18 YO, Hunter Laing, 55.4%, B:2016, cask HL12157, 415 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Spicy, rich, floral, slightly vegetal and smooth, on tannins, leather, dried fruits, sultanas, some vegetal condiment, orange and fudge. Well balanced and with light fruity flavours. With time, it becomes more grassy. Taste: Floral to very floral, slightly fragrant and bitter, syrupy to very syrupy, on caramel, toffee, freshly cut fragrant flowers, some treacle, orange, banana and milk chocolate. The finish is medium to long, very floral, fragrant, rather syrupy, on hay, freshly cut flowers, caramel, orange, leather, cinnamon and some dark chocolate. Impression: A very floral whisky, with a syrupy mouth feel, as well with some fragrance and freshly cut flowers and grass. A rather atypical whisky from that distillery. Rating: 12/20 FP:G1 |
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Mars Shinshu Peated 2013, 3 YO, Blackadder, 61%, B:2016, cask 1647, 239 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very peaty, farmy, meaty, smoky to very smoky, maritime, on dry meat, seaweeds, peat smoke, light farmy and aromatic flavours, as well as some iodine and disinfectant. Very good! Taste: Light, peaty to very peaty, maritime to very maritime, on seaweeds, lemon peel, camphor, some hemp smoke and liquorice roots. The finish is medium to long, intense, light, very peaty, maritime, on kippers, peat smoke, seaweeds, camphor, iodine, hemp rope, lemon and light vanilla flavours. Impression: A very good and very peaty whisky, quite maritime and with some hemp rope. I liked it very much. For being only 3 years old, it is rather impressive. Rating: 15/20 FP:A8 |
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A drop of the Irish, 8 YO, Blackadder, 58.6%, B:2016, cask DI 2015-6, 366 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Mellow, sweet, fruity, slightly grassy and floral, on honey, vanilla and some melon. Taste: Floral, slightly fragrant, sweet, fruity, on orchard fruits, honey, light spicy flavours, vanilla, some heather and some slightly green-grassy flavours. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, smooth, on yellow flowers, some heather, honey, hay, vanilla and a touch of citrus and spices. Impression: A good, floral and very smooth whiskey, matured, and a slight fragrance in the finish. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Chimera, Blackadder, 46%, B:2016, cask CH 1-2016. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, slightly mellow, spicy, moderately peaty, on cinnamon, orange, tangerine, and a light peat smoke, as well as some mango, dried fruits, pineapples, and leather. Taste: Very smooth, light, slightly smoky and peaty, on citrus, honey, some exotic fruits, leather and soft spices. Quite grassy. The finish is medium, smooth, floral, grassy to very grassy, on honey, quince, orange, tangerine and a light smokiness. Diluted, it becomes slightly smokier, with some tannins, coffee, cocoa and with more dried fruits. Impression: A very good whisky, balanced, rich, with various spices, cocoa and exotic fruits. Very enjoyable blended malt Rating: 15/20 FP:D3 |
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Black Snake VAT 7 2nd Venom for Liquors Hasegawa and Clydesdale AB, Blackadder, 57.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, very nutty, spicy, earthy, on humus, rubber, vanilla, floral flavours and lots of nuts (mainly hazelnuts). Taste: Floral, spicy, nutty, round to very round, slightly spicy, rather intense and complex, on vanilla, spices, honey, some lemon, melon, pineapples and other exotic fruits. Very good. The finish is long, round, mellow, fruity, slightly floral, and grassy, on honey, dried fruits (mainly dried figs), melon and mango. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and slightly peaty and smoky. Impression: The whisky was rather nutty on the nose, before it develops very good soft fruity flavours, including dried fruits. The mouth feel was excellent and the fruity flavours soft and most pleasant. Rating: 17/20 FP:C1 |
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Kavalan Solist Sherry 2009, OB, 57.1%, B:2016, cask S090306012, 498 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very rich and round, floral, on rich spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, orange, some tropical fruits and high grade smooth leather. With some lacquer, plums, light fragrant flavours and a hint of parsley. Taste: Rich, intense to very intense, floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, on tannins, sultanas, Cointreau (orange liqueur), Glühwein spices, rich spices, including cinnamon, cloves and aniseeds, orange, tangerine, exotic wood and some lacquer. The finish is medium to long and on the same flavours. Diluted, it becomes quite nutty (walnuts) and slightly astringent. Impression: A very good, thick and intense whisky, with a deep sherry influence and a nice mouth feel, and rich spices. Rating: 16/20 FP:J1 |
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Ben Nevis 1997, 19 YO, Blackadder, 57.5%, B:2017, cask 59. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very smooth, floral, on caramel, fresh flowers and a light fragrance. Taste: Floral to very floral, smooth, on fresh flowers, a slight fragrance, soft spices, some tangerine, treacle and light nutty flavours. The finish is medium, very floral, slightly dry and fragrant, with light nutty flavours, some green apples, hay, and caramel. Impression: A very smooth and floral whisky, clean and with some caramel flavours. Rating: 11/20 FP:G1 |
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GlenDronach for Tiger Selection 1992, 24 YO, OB, 57.6%, B:2016, cask 95. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, rich, fruity, juicy, moderately spicy and grassy, on orange, tangerine, honey, leather, exotic fruits, some cocoa, milk chocolate, cinnamon and various spices. Complex. Taste: Smooth, smoky, rather meaty, slightly floral, tarry and peaty, on smoked bacon, tar cooked ham, peat smoke, leather, some cinnamon, juniper berries, marmalade and aromatic herbs. The finish is medium, dry, and aromatic to very aromatic, on tree sap, humus, some tar, toffee and fudge. Impression: A surprising whisky, as it is very smooth, rich and fruity on the nose, with a rather tarry and aromatic palate and a dry austere and aromatic finish. Rating: 17/20 FP: G3 |
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Glenlivet for Collector (GI Jane) 1995, 20 YO, Signatory, 57.2%, B: 2016, cask 166957. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, thick, floral, bitter, slightly astringent and fruity, on dark chocolate, marmalade, some aromatic herbs, spices, dark chocolate, some cocoa, orange, leather and tannins. Well balanced. Taste: Round to very round, rich, fruity, balanced, on toffee, cinnamon, gingerbread, tangerine, light floral and aromatic flavours, some nutmeg, leather and Cointreau (orange liqueur). The finish is medium, rather dry, bitter and tannic, aromatic, on bitter orange, lacquer, tannins, cloves and a touch of juniper. Impression: A pleasant sherried whisky, rich, rather complex, with a rather tannic and bitter finish, probably due to a long maturation. Rating: 16/20 FP: J1 |
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Edradour for Fortune 2005, 11 YO, OB, 62.8%, B:2016, cask 100. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, nutty, thick, slightly floral, astringent, on nuts, dried fruits, treacle, exotic wood, dates, figs and lacquer. Taste: Rich, complex, intense, spicy, floral, subtle, on plums, sultanas, cinnamon, marmalade, light smoky flavours, woodland flavours, some cloves. Diluted, it becomes smoother, on elegant tannins and high quality leather, as well as some more cloves. The finish is long, elegant, floral, slightly nutty, on orange, marmalade, cinnamon, nutmeg, lacquer, precious wood, some exotic fruits, walnuts, a touch of smoke and cloves. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter. Impression: An excellent, complex and elegant sherried Whisky, on leather, dried fruits and leather of the highest quality. Lovely. Rating: 18/20 FP:G2 |
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Bowmore 1996 Sherry finish, 16 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 56.6%, B:2012. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty, smoky to very smoky, dry, ashy, on tar, soot, orange, tangerine, dried fruits and some aromatic herbs. Complex and very good. Taste: Very smoky, peaty, maritime, slightly dry, tarry and ashy, with some orange, seaweeds, tar, soot, BBQ, smoked meat and a touch of salt. The finish is long, smoky to very smoky, maritime, peaty, on smoked meat, some dried fruits, tangerine, orange, and BBQ. Impression: A very good Bowmore, very smoky, complex, on BBQ, tar and sweet sherry flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP: F5 |
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Bowmore 2001 Old Malt Cask, 14 YO, Hunter Laing, 51.8%, B.2016, cask 12280, 402 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty, tarry and smoky, meaty to very meaty, maritime, on charcoal, BBQ, lots of dry tar, sea weeds and a nice dry sherry influence. Taste: Very dry, peaty and tarry, maritime, on rich juicy flavours, pineapples, exotic fruits, light aromatic, grassy and honey flavours. The finish is long to very long, very tarry, peaty, smoky, maritime, on peat smoke, light meaty flavours, tar, leather, some dried fruits and candied tropical fruits. Diluted, it becomes more on dried meat and with some roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very peaty, dry and intense whisky, on a pleasantly dry sherry influence and nice light sweet juicy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP: D7 |
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Craigellachie 1995 Old Particular, 21 YO, Douglas Laing, 57.4%, B:2017, cask DL 11446, 408 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, balanced, rich, rather complex, slightly smoky and spicy, some fudge, freshly cut flowers, straw, berries and leather. Over time, it becomes markedly fruitier. Very good. Taste: Sweet, floral, fruity to very fruity, juicy, on orange, tangerine, melon, tropical fruits, some humus and a light smokiness. The finish is long, sweet to very sweet, spicy, juicy, fruity, on rich sweet and juicy fruity flavours, with some pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Impression: A very well balanced, rich, sweet and juicy whisky. Easy drinking, well made and most enjoyable. Rating: 16/20 FP: F2 |
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Scallywag Sherry, 13 YO, Douglas Laing, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Round, floral, on caramel and some vanilla. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, slightly floral and spicy, with a light fragrance, on caramel, soft and sweet fruity flavours, some cinnamon, cloves, tangerine, and freshly cut flowers. Diluted it becomes smoother, and with stronger toffee flavours. The finish is medium, smooth, floral, slightly malty, on toffee, fudge, light creamy flavours, with rather sweet fruity flavours and with some pepper. Diluted, it becomes slightly more on fudge and slightly fruitier. Impression: A very smooth, floral and easy drinking whisky, with a mixture of toffee and juicy fruits that works well. Rating: 15/20 FP: G1 |
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Rock Oyster Sherry, Douglas Laing, 46.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Peaty to very peaty, smoky, maritime to very maritime, intense, rich, on vanilla, intense and complex maritime peat smoke, camphor, light medicinal flavours, with a touch of sweetness. Very good. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, light, medicinal, smoky, peaty, on vanilla, seaweeds, peat smoke, camphor and medicinal flavours. The finish is medium, mellow, maritime, peaty, smoky, on camphor, medicinal flavours and some menthol. Diluted, it becomes more maritime and medicinal. Impression: A good, salty, maritime and peaty whisky, with a mellow medicinal peat smoke. Rating: 13/20 FP: A5 |
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Blair Athol 1995 Old Malt Cask, 20 YO, Hunter Laing, 50%, B:2016, 201 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, very floral, smooth, on fudge, fresh floral flavours, some hay, freshly cut flowers and some honey. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, floral, fragrant, on orange, marmalade, some freshly cut flowers and grass, and some toffee. Very good. The finish is medium to long, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on orange, marmalade, cinnamon, some cloves, hay and light fragrant flowers. Impression: A very nice floral whisky, with a round and slightly spicy sherry influence. Well balanced. Rating: 16/20 FP: H1 |
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Blair Athol 1995 Old Malt Cask, 20 YO, Hunter Laing, 57.1%, B:2016, HL.12537, 240 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, floral to very floral, smooth, on fudge, some dry sherry influence, chocolate, tannins, orange and yellow flowers. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, floral to very floral, very fragrant, slightly tannic and meaty, on leather, marmalade, dry grass and flowers, some smoke, toffee and honey. The finish is medium, smooth to very smooth, on rather dry sherry, leather, marmalade, some sweet fruity flavours, coffee beans and a light smokiness. Impression: A smooth, floral, fragrant and slightly smoky whisky, with a nice dry sherry influence on leather. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Glengoyne 1988 for Taiwan, 28 YO, OB, 51.1%, B:2016, cask 835, 574 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very fruity, smooth, mellow to very mellow, slightly floral and malty, on soft spices, exotic fruits, papaya, and a touch of humus. Taste: Rich, spicy, soft, gently, slightly tannic, on mango, papaya, other exotic fruits, some humus, light earthy flavours, and tobacco leaves. Diluted, it becomes more spicy, but also sweeter and fruitier, with more exotic fruits and slightly more earthy flavours as well. The finish is medium, mellow to very mellow, smooth, with light spices and soft tropical fruits. Impression: A very mellow and sweet fruity whisky. I enjoyed the exotic fruity flavours very much, but it wished they were most intense, as the whole is rather soft. Rating: 15/20 FP:E1 |
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Glenfarclas 2005, 10 YO, OB, 60.9%, B:2015, cask 2424, 634 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, rich to very rich, floral, slightly fragrant, on black berries, leather, rich spices, precious wood, lacquer, plums, sultanas, orange, some cinnamon and cocoa. Very good and elegant. Taste: Rich, round, smooth, floral, elegant, complex, slightly sweet and fruity, on treacle, dried figs, sultanas, orange, exotic fruits, cinnamon, premium Swiss chocolate, leather, some honey, soft spices and tannins. Very good. The finish is long, complex, rich, round, velvety, on rich and soft spices, high-grade leather and tannins, orange, some exotic fruits, cinnamon, precious wood. Diluted, it becomes slightly on dark chocolate. Impression: A whisky at the peak of its maturation, complex, rich, spicy, from the finest sherry cask. The balance is impressive. Excellent. A well deserved awards at the last Malt Maniacs Awards. Rating: 18/20 FP:H1 |
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Glenfarclas 2005, 10 YO, OB, 60.7%, B:2015, cask 2425, 635 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, floral, rich, sweet, fruity to very fruity, on soft spices, cocoa, light malty and creamy flavours, orange juice, exotic fruits and melon. Excellent! Taste: Rich, spicy, intense to very intense, floral, slightly fragrant, on leather, dark chocolate, cacao powder, orange, some treacle, marmalade, some precious wood, cinnamon, sultanas and cloves. The finish is medium to long, rich, dry, spicy, slightly floral and tannic, on dark chocolate, sultanas, cinnamon, cloves, some lacquer and marmalade. Impression: A very good, intense, rich whisky, on chocolate and a dry sherry influence. Markedly different from its sister cask Rating: 16/20 FP:J1 |
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Glenfarclas 1990, 25 YO, OB, 56.8%, B:2016, cask 9470. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, spicy to very spicy, on lacquer, precious wood, tannins, cocoa, tangerine, nutmeg, orange, dried fruits, orange zest, sultanas and dried fruits. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, tannic, slightly woody, on lacquer, exotic fruits, bitter citrus, marmalade, cinnamon, nutmeg, dry tannins, some cloves, and Pu-Erh tea. The finish is long, dry, tannic, woody, bitter, very spicy, on Pu-Erh, marmalade, orange, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves and dry tannins. With some astringency. Impression: A complex, dry, tannic and woody heavily sherried whisky. An old sherry monster. Too much for me, but some will love this one. Rating: 15/20 FP:J1 |
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Glenfarclas 1994, 21 YO, OB, 58.4%, B:2016, cask 3981, 276 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, spicy, floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, on precious wood, lacquer, orange, varnish, some cloves, cinnamon, dried and candied fruits. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, intense, on leather, cacao, marmalade, orange, some tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, peach, dried apricots and precious wood. The finish is long, fruity, spicy, slightly bitter, on lacquer, tannins, marmalade, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, precious wood, some cloves, sultanas, dried fruits, and dark chocolate. Diluted, it becomes fruitier and sweeter. Impression: A whisky close to the 1990, but less woody and tannic. Adding some water makes it fruitier and more enjoyable. Rating: 16/20 FP:I1 |
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Glenfarclas 15 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, malty, floral, on summer flowers, some honey and lemon. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, light, floral, slightly fragrant and malty, on ginger, some pepper, marmalade, freshly cut flowers, lemon, honey and a touch of hazelnuts. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, rather light, bitter, fragrant, with some malty, creamy and freshly cut flowers flavours, as well as some caramel. Diluted, it becomes more fragrant and bitter. Impression: A floral and fragrant whisky, with quite some spices. With nice intense floral flavours. Rating: 15/20 A1 |
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Glenfarclas 21 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Floral to very floral, rather fragrant and light to moderately nutty, with some orange peel and various spices, as well as some toffee. Taste: Juicy, grassy, slightly waxy, floral, on cooked fruits, apples, ginger, some quince, honey, aromatic herbs, marmalade, bitter orange and toffee, with light austere flavours. The finish is long, intense, rather complex, floral, slightly spicy and austere, with some aromatic flavours, marmalade, orange peel and a few dried fruits in the background. Impression: A very good sherried whisky, with a rather aromatic and austere flavours profile. Well made and most enjoyable. The 21 YO has been always a favourite of the core range. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenfarclas 105, OB, 60%, B:2017. Price:. Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, rich, spicy, slightly rubbery and bitter, on dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, orange, leather, some pepper, marmalade and orange juice. Taste: Spicy, floral to very floral, with some toffee, fudge, ginger, milk chocolate, orange, candied tangerine, soft spices and nutmeg. The finish is medium, spicy, floral, slightly bitter, on dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, marmalade and ginger, with light aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes slightly more bitter and astringent. Impression: A very good, floral and rich whisky, with a pleasant complexity and a finish slightly too bitter and tannic to my liking. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenfarclas 1976, 40 YO, OB, 43.7%, B:2016. Price:. Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very smooth and mellow, fruity, well balanced, slightly floral and fragrant, on soft spices, leather, tannins, honey, soft and sweet fruity flavours, including tangerine, orange and melon and a touch of humus. Slightly more floral and less spicy than the APA2. Taste: Sweet to very sweet, fruity, rich, spicy, on tropical fruits, mango, papaya, orange, tangerine, honey, light grassy and aromatic flavours, some Swiss milk chocolate and cinnamon. The finish is medium to long, rich, sweet, fruity, spicy, on various tropical and exotic fruits, Swiss milk chocolate and soft spices. Impression: It seemed slightly less complex than the APA2 but markedly sweeter and fruitier. Very enjoyable. Surprisingly fresh for a whisky of its age. Rating: 17/20 FP: F1 |
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Glenfarclas 2006, 10 YO, Glenfarclas, OB, 60.4%, B:2016, cask 619. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very floral, fragrant, smooth, rather clean, on freshly cut flowers and grass, toffee, and some leather. Taste: Rich, floral, nutty, slightly fragrant and syrupy, on cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, fudge, sultanas, some vegetal condiment, cloves, precious wood, tannins, marmalade, lacquer and incense. The finish is medium to long, well balanced, elegant, on tannins, leather, lacquer, precious wood, sultanas, figs, marmalade, candied orange, cinnamon, some nutmeg, tangerine and just a dash of varnish, Impression: A very elegant and matured whisky, well balanced, and with some high grade tannins, without any unpleasant bitterness. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP:F1 |
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Glenfarclas 1989 for APA batch 2, 25 YO, OB, 55.1%, B:2016, cask 18029. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very smooth, mellow and elegant, silky, fruity, on soft spices, soft leather, tangerine, orange, honey, honeycomb, melon, and exotic fruits. Excellent. Taste: Spicy, complex, rich, intense to very intense, floral, on rich spices, high grade leather, orange, marmalade, sultanas, cinnamon, nutmeg, some cloves, Christmas cake and some exotic and precious wood. The finish is long, floral, spicy to very spicy, complex, on high grade tannins, leather, marmalade, fine dark chocolate, candied oranges and other exotic spices. Impression: A most enjoyable whisky, from an excellent sherry cask, and a good mixture of spices, dried fruits and fine dark chocolate. Rating: 17/20 FP: G1 |
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Caol Ila 1966, 18 YO, Cadenhead’s, 46%, B:1982. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Sooty, tarry, maritime, peaty, smoky, on mineral oil, old fashioned peat smoke, seaweeds, some citrus, tar, flint stone and light floral flavours. Very good. Balanced and complex. Taste: Very citric and mineral, peaty, smoky, maritime, juicy, on mineral peat smoke, lemon juice, candied citrus, medicinal flavours, camphor, iodine, seaweeds, hemp rope and a touch of tobacco. The finish is long, mineral, smoky, peaty, on lemon juice, disinfectant, iodine, camphor, mineral peat smoke, bandages, seaweeds and some grapefruits. Diluted, it becomes smoother, more tarry, ashy and on a drier peat smoke. With time, it becomes slightly bitterer, on gentian and roots. Impression: An excellent citric Caol Ila, on a fine old fashioned mineral peat smoke. Rating: 18/20 FP:A7 |
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Glenfarclas 2006 Tiger’s Finest Selection, 10 YO, OB, 60.3%, B:2016, cask 618. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, thick, smooth to very smooth, winey, spicy, slightly vegetal, on cane sugar, sultanas, dried fruits, dates, Rum-like flavours, some treacle and corn (maize) syrup. Taste: Rich, spicy to very spicy, floral to very floral, fragrant, on precious wood, cane sugar, sultanas, dried fruits, rum-like flavours, some treacle, leather, lacquer and a touch of roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes rather sweet and fruity, on pineapples and other exotic fruits. The finish is medium to long, very smooth, almost velvety, sweet, thick, slightly sugary and fruity, on tannins, dried fruits, light fragrant floral flavours, lacquer, orange, tangerine, cane sugar and some honey. Impression: A whisky matured in a excellent cask, smooth, sweet and very balanced. Quite sugary and pleasantly fruity once some water has been added. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenfarclas 2005, OB, 60.80%, B:2016, cask 2427, 514 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Complex, rich, intense, on various and pleasant spices, high grade leather, orange, sultanas, dates, some precious and exotic wood, berries, humus, banana, mango, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Very good. Taste: Spicy, rich, floral, intense, on brambleberries, plums, sultanas, figs, banana, precious wood, cinnamon, cocoa, some cloves and ginger. Complex. The finish is medium to long, thick, mouth coating, floral, spicy, rich to very rich, complex, slightly fruity, on dark berries, banana, orange, sultanas, cocoa, leather, some exotic fruits, ginger, tannins, dark chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg. Diluted, it becomes slightly fruitier. Impression: A very good, matured and well balanced whisky, with a lovely balance between the fruits, spices and cacao. Most enjoyable. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Kornog Sant Erwan 2017, OB, 50.0%, B:2017, cask KRG 17126. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Light, clean, peaty to very peat, smoky, maritime, slightly oaky and medicinal, on peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine, vanilla and camphor. Taste: Intense, peaty, young, tarry, maritime, oaky, slightly salty, on caramel, peat smoke, seaweeds and some hemp rope. The finish is medium, light, salty, maritime, smoky, peaty, with some lemon juice, seaweeds, caramel and peat smoke. Impression: A light, clean and oaky peated whisky, rather maritime and some caramel. Rating: 11/20 FP:A6 |
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Armorik Sherry Cask, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Fresh, floral, slightly green, with light spices, some green tobacco leaves and a light fragrance. Taste: Intense, oaky, spicy, floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, on vanilla, toffee, some roasted coffee beans and freshly cut flowers. The finish is medium, floral, fragrant, slightly bitter, on toffee, some vanilla and dry tobacco leaves. Impression: A rather floral and fragrant whisky, slightly bitter and oaky. Rating: 12/20 FP:C2 |
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Timorous Beastie Blended Malt, 18 YO, Douglas Laing, 46.8%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Oaky, fresh, light, grainy, mellow, slightly round and floral, with some porridge, pineapples and vanilla. Taste: Very smooth, starchy, malty, floral to very floral, grainy, soft, on toffee, fudge and porridge, with some grassy and banana flavours. The finish is medium, soft, grainy, floral, slightly bitter, on vanilla, caramel, some banana and green flavours. Diluted, it becomes more green and bitterer. Impression: A light, soft and rather "grainy" whisky, with some bitter caramel. Although it is a blended malt, it tasted like if there was a fair dose of grain whisky, as it was very smooth and rather soft. Rating: 09/20 FP:A1 |
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Armorik Maitre de Chai 2010, 7 YO, OB, 46%, B:2017, First Fill Sherry Butts 3320+3321, 2000 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, peaty, smoky, slightly tarry and fruity, with some orchard fruits, orange, tangerine, sultanas, leather, honey and light grassy flavours. Taste: Young, fresh, oaky, modern, malty to very malty, on peat smoke, some tar, orchards fruit, cloves and a touch of juniper. The finish is medium, fresh, young, oaky, floral, on milk chocolate, some cloves, juniper berries, caramel and orchards fruits. Impression: A good, oaky and fresh whisky, that taste rather young, but with a promising complexity. Rating: 11/20 FP:D3 |
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Port Charlotte (Bruichladdich Heavy Peated Type) 2003 Sherry 10 Years TWA, 14 YO, The Whisky Agency, 52.9%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty and intense, meaty, maritime, rubbery, on peat smoke, high grade rubber, nice meaty flavours (dried meat), some tar, burnt matches, and red berries. There are some sulphury and rubbery flavours, but not unpleasant and well integrated. Taste: Round, sweet, maritime, slightly meaty, becoming smokier and peatier over time, on sultanas, fudge, candied oranges and tangerine, dried meaty flavours, some rubber, cloves, cinnamon, with a fair dose of seaweeds, iodine and other medicinal flavours. The finish is long, rich, sweet, maritime, smoky, peaty, slightly mellow and medicinal, on iodine, camphor, seaweeds, tangerine, orange, and some dried meat. Diluted, it becomes drier, more on leather, fudge, dried meat and some sea salt. Impression: At first, I was slightly concerned about the rubbery and sulphury flavours, but they are well integrated on the nose and almost not noticeable on the palate and finish. The whisky is balanced, slightly mellow, with lovely meaty and fruity flavours, and elegant medicinal flavours. Very enjoyable. Thank you Carsten! Rating: 15/20 FP:G6 |
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Bowmore 2001 Authentic Collection, Cadenhead’s, 53.8%, B: 2018. Price: Colour: Straw Nose: Mellow, fragrant, floral, smoky, moderately peaty, on honey, lavender, some peat smoke, fragrance, and lime blossom. Taste: Very soft, salty, lightly smoky, peaty, floral and fragrant, on honey, lime blossom, lavender and marshmallow. Diluted, it becomes more bitter and rooty. The finish is medium, soft, mellow, slightly medicinal, smoky and peaty, on honey, fragrance, peat smoke and lime blossom. Impression: A surprising Bowmore, very smooth, with a very mild peat smoke and rather floral and fragrant flavours. A rather unusual Bowmore. Rating: 10/20 FP:A2 |
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Laphroaig 1998 Authentic collection, 19 YO, Cadenhead’s, 53.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Clean, very maritime, peaty, smoky to very smoky, slightly mellow, on complex maritime smoke, lots of seaweeds and various maritime flavours, peat smoke, hemp rope, some iodine and camphor. Taste: Maritime, mellow, smoky, medicinal, slightly smoky, on iodine, camphor, seaweeds, peat smoke and some tar. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal. The finish is long, smoky, peaty, citric, maritime, on seaweeds, iodine, camphor, peat smoke, citrus and some rooty flavours. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal, citric and rooty. With a long subtle peated retro-olfaction Impression: A very good mellow, citric, rooty Laphroaig, with nice medicinal flavours and a long peated finish. Rating: 16/20 FP:A5 |
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Linlithgow 1974 Old Malt Cask, 26 YO, Douglas Laing, 50%, B:2000, 333 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Floral to very floral, round, slightly mellow, on hay, some straw, complex floral and slightly fragrant flavours, with some melon, quince, peach, citrus and light mineral and bitter floral, Taste: Round to very round, mellow, well balanced, floral, fruity, slightly fragrant, on quince, banana, melon, honey, honeydew melon, some apricots and light creamy flavours. Very good. The finish is long, complex, mellow, round, fruity to very fruity, floral, on quince, melon, heather, honey, some exotic fruits, light grassy flavours and some lime blossom. Diluted, it becomes slightly more grassy, mellow and creamy. Impression: A lovely, floral, intense, round and mellow single malt, with lovely fruity flavours. A type of St-Magdalene that I really enjoy. Thank you Tomas. Rating: 17/20 FP:A1 |
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Aultmore 2002 Elevenses at the furniture emporium 73.101, 15 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 58.3%, B:2018, 228 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round, smooth, floral to very floral, well balanced, on soft spices, sultanas, some precious wood, orange, tangerine, honey, some cloves and leather. Taste: Spicy, floral, very round, nutty, well balanced, on soft leather, cinnamon, some cloves, toffee, honey, rich and various end of spring flowers (liquid flower honey). Very nice! The finish is long, rich, round, slightly dry, on leather, spices, cinnamon, cloves, some mocha, dried fruits (including sultanas and figs), candied oranges and tangerines, as well as honey and nutty flavours. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more on black liquorice Impression: A very round, rich, floral and very well balanced Aultmore, with nice aromas of dried fruits. Rating: 16/20 FP:H1 |
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Glen Moray 2001 A composition in wood 35.194, 16 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 59.8%, B:2017, 598 bottles. Price: Colour: Pale gold-amber Nose: Very acidic, on cheap balsamic vinegar, vegetamine and sulphur. Arghh… Taste: Bitter, rubbery, acidic, yeasty, and very spirity. Diluted, it remains spirity, rubbery and sulphury. The finish is medium and on the same flavours, with more dried fruits. Impression: A mixture of sulphur, yeast, rubber and cheap balsamic vinegar. On the palate, it is very spirit and burns the tongue, so you do not really feel the flavours. My worst Glen Moray so far… Rating: 08/20 FP:J1 |
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Hakushu 1997 Whisky Live Tokyo 2010, 12 YO, OB, 56%, B:2009, cask BJ 41521. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Fresh to very fresh, slightly creamy and oaky, smooth to very smooth, on fresh orchards fruits, freshly pressed pear drops, light grassy flavours and a hint of smoke. Taste: Smooth, spicy, rich, floral, intense, fresh, creamy, malty, on orchard fruits, pear drops, some pepper and rose water. Fresh. The finish is long, smooth to very smooth, fresh to very fresh, creamy, on orchard fruits, vanilla, melon, some quince, pepper, cardamom and pear drops. Impression: A smooth and very fresh whisky, on orchard fruits and a hint of pepper. Very good. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Macduff 1989 Authentic Collection, 29 YO, Cadenhead’s, 55.1%, B:2018, sherry butt. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very mellow, round, floral, rather fresh, slightly fragrant and aromatic, with some melon, vanilla, orchard fruits and a hint of tangerine and cherries. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, round, floral, slightly spicy, with some humus, wild berries, blackcurrant, melon, some orchard fruits and pollen. Quite fresh. The finish is medium to long, oaky, rather spicy, slightly dry and bitter, with some wild berries, melon and vanilla. Diluted, it becomes spicier and bitterer. Impression: A good and very mellow Macduff, with little sherry influence. Rating: 13/20 FP:D2 |
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Omar Sherry 2009, 8 YO, OB, 58%, B:2017, cask 21090936, 201 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, slightly floral and winey, soft, with some plums, banana, peach and apricots. Taste: Smooth, mellow, rather rich, with some hops, pine wax, vanilla, peach and apricots, as well aromatic herbs and eucalyptus. The finish is medium, aromatic, bitter, mellow, rather soft, on eucalyptus, pine wax, some peach, apricots and aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes creamier and more on vanilla custard. Impression: A whisky close to cask 2109092, but slightly more intense. With some soft bourbon-like flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP:C1 |
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Glen Scotia 1992 Like a vintage dessert wine 93.78, 25 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 53.3%, B:2017, Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, spicy to very spicy, nutty to very nutty, with some leather, cinnamon, orange, tangerine and light varnish flavours. Taste: Rich to very rich, intense, spicy, floral, rubbery to very rubbery, on fresh rubber, dried fruits, intense floral flavours, some fragrance, sultanas, leather, fudge, orange, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is medium to long, spicy, intense, rubbery, rich, and fruity, on juicy orange and tangerine, some cinnamon, cloves, red berries and dried fruity. Impression: Although it is slightly too rubbery to my liking, I like the rich fruity flavours and its freshness. Rather complex. Rating: 14/20 FP:G1 |
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Omar Bourbon 2009, 8 YO, OB, 54.4%, B:2017, cask 11090084, 158 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Oaky, intense, rich, slightly floral and mellow, on wet wood, apricots, some peach, vanilla, melon and mango. A nice mellow whisky, with a bourbon-like fruitiness. Taste: Very smooth, mellow, floral, slightly fragrant, malty, slightly oaky, on varnish, peach, apricots, porridge, some vanilla, mango and papaya, with a light earthy flavour. The finish is medium to long, mellow, complex, slightly aromatic and austere, with some aromatic herbs, peach, apricots, vanilla and a slight austerity. Impression: A very elegant whisky, smooth and mellow, with some apricots, peach, vanilla and aromatic herbs. Remarquably complex and with bourbon-like flavours on the palate. Rating: 15/20 FP:A1 |
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Omar Sherry 2009, 8 YO, OB, 54.4%, B:2017, cask 2109092, 210 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Extremely smooth, mellow, floral, subtle, on soft flowers, some peach, cinnamon, apricots and nice creamy flavours. The smoothness is impressive. Taste: Soft to very soft, very smooth, mellow, green, on pineapples, peach, peanuts, pine wax, some vanilla, apricots and soft floral flavours. The finish is medium, very smooth, on pine wax, eucalyptus, a slight bitterness, some vanilla and Alps herb liqueur (mixture of Genepi and Appenzeller). Diluted, it becomes more aromatic, earthy and bitter. Impression: A very soft and smooth whisky, with a rather aromatic and slightly bitter finish. Rating: 11/20 FP:E1 |
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Hakushu 25 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very intense and smooth, smoky, slightly,peaty, on BBQ, exotic wood and fruits, peach and some dried fruits. Very good. Taste: Very mellow, smoky, intense, aromatic, slightly peaty, on smoked meat, exotic fruits, honey, melon and some peach. Well balanced and complex. The finish is long, intense, mellow, smoky, peaty, aromatic fruits and various fruity flavours. Impression: An excellent whisky combining complex fruity flavours and aromatic peat smoke. The balance is impressive. Rating: 18/20 FP: D3 |
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Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016, OB, 43%, B: 2016. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Complex, intense, very floral, silky, fruity, slightly spicy and rich, on exotic wood, orange, tangerine, some lacquer, leather, toffee, cinnamon and other spices. Rather soft and remarkably balanced. Taste: Elegant, complex to very complex, intense, rich, floral, spicy, on cinnamon, cloves, peach, lacquer, exotic wood, leather, dry and bitter tannins. Diluted, it becomes smoother, sweeter and fruitier. The finish is long, complex, intense, fruity, rather smooth and fruity, floral, slightly sweet and silky, on leather, cinnamon, various spices, leather, some cloves, orange, tangerine, marmalade, exotic woods and plums. Impression: A very elegant, complex and well-balanced whisky, floral and lovely fruity flavours. Excellent. Rating: 18/20 FP:E1 |
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Omar Virgin Oak 2012, 4 YO, OB, 58.5%, B:2017, cask 1120003, 224 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty, dry, tarry, maritime, on peat smoke, disinfectant, dried fish, tar, hemp rope, seaweeds and some liquorice roots. Very good, complex and on old-fashioned peat smoke. Taste: Peaty to very peaty, dry to very dry, maritime, salty, on liquorice root, tar, hemp rope, camphor, iodine, menthol, old peat and tobacco smoke. The finish is long, complex, elegant, smoky, peaty, slightly tarry and maritime, on iodine, seaweeds, camphor, complex peat smoke and some spearmint. Impression: A very good, complex and subtle peated whisky, with a complex and subtle peat smoke. Lovely. Impressive of complexity for being only 4 years old. Rating: 17/20 FP:A5 |
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Omar Bourbon 2014, OB, 57.4%, 2017, cask 11140689, 220 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Extremely smooth, silky, with delicate and soft spices, some plums, cinnamon and light creamy flavours. Taste: Floral, fragrant, smooth, spicy, oaky, with some peach, apricots, cinnamon, treacle and a touch of eucalyptus and bitter aromatic flavours. The finish is medium to long, aromatic, slightly austere, on aromatic herbs, peach, apricots, cinnamon and a touch of eucalyptus and a slight astringency. Impression: A whisky with an extremely smooth nose, with a fair dose of apricots, while it becomes more aromatic and austere on the finish. Seems like a whisky that has matured quickly. Rating: 14/20 FP:D1 |
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Box The Festival 2017, OB, 54.2%, B:2017, Virgin American Oak, 1000 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth, spicy, rich, floral, with lots of soft tannins, nuts, leather, some cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, various spices, orange, tangerine and humus. The leathery flavours are more enjoyable. Taste: Rich, floral, complex, slightly fragrant and bitter, on rich spices, leather, mango, some exotic fruits, orange, marmalade and freshly cut flowers. The finish is medium to long, floral, complex, slightly spicy, austere and aromatic, on aromatic herbs, marmalade, orange zest, cinnamon, lacquer, cardamom, vanilla and some grapes. Impression: A very good, intense, rich, rather complex whisky, with a very pleasant balance between floral, spicy and slightly aromatic flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:G1 |
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Box Dálvve batch 4, OB, 46%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Dry, peaty to very peaty, tarry, maritime, with some humus, seaweeds, and a touch of menthol and camphor. Taste: Dry, smoky, maritime, peaty, tarry to very tarry, on old peat smoke, vanilla, spearmint, some menthol and sea weeds. With a nice mellow peat smoke. The finish is medium, oaky to very oaky, bitter, slightly aromatic, on hops, peat smoke and some juniper. Impression: A nice peaty and smoky whisky, rather oaky, and becoming quite bitter on the finish. Rating: 13/20 FP:A3 |
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Penderyn Rich Oak 2013, OB, 50%, B:2016, Cask D161. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Smooth, round, with lots of toffee and fudge, rather aromatic, slightly peaty and floral, with some vanilla and light austere and bitter herbs. Taste: Grassy, smooth, mellow, aromatic, bitter, on aromatic and bitter herbs, gentian, bitter caramel, and some honey. The finish is medium, aromatic, slightly bitter, on aromatic herbs, some caramel, light grassy flavours as well as some quince, melon, and grapefruits. Impression: A good whisky, close to the Gold Range, but more bitter and slightly drier. Rating: 13/20 FP:B2 |
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Box 2012 Swedish Oaky 'Quercus Robur', OB, 50.8%, B:2017, 7800 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Round, aromatic, slightly austere, floral and fragrant. Taste: Oaky to very oaky, aromatic, floral, slightly fragrant, on wood spices, tree sap, vanilla and light bitter herbs. The finish is medium, oaky, floral, slightly creamy, with some vanilla, ginger and aromatic herbs. Diluted, it becomes more on hops. Impression: Tasted like a virgin oak matured whisky, with lots of wood and on aromatic and austere flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Ar 10, Elements of Islay, 52.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, peaty, complex, peaty, smoky, maritime to very maritime, on citrus, seaweeds, maritime complex peat smoke, camphor, and lots of iodine. Very good! Taste: Mellow, maritime, complex, smoky, peaty, on sea salt, complex maritime peat smoke, iodine, camphor, some bandages, menthol, charcoal, tar and dry bacon. Very good! The finish is long, complex, maritime, medicinal, smoky, peaty, slightly salty and meaty, on dry meaty and maritime peat smoke, some citrus, camphor and charcoal. Diluted, it becomes more medicinal, with more iodine, seaweeds and sea salt. Impression: A very lovely Ardbeg, rich, complex, intense, maritime, with very good and intense medicinal flavours. A very good value whisky. Rating: 17/20 FP:A7 |
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Oc 5, Elements of Islay, 59.8%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, peaty, slightly young, on dry bacon, dry peat smoke, light meaty flavours, some vanilla and light malty flavours. Over time, it becomes more complex. Taste: Young, smooth to very smooth, on dry peat smoke, tar, charcoal, some iodine, cooked apples and bacon. The finish is medium, smooth, on dry peat smoke, some iodine, dry bacon, menthol and some cooked apples. Impression: Although it was distilled in 2011, I find it still slightly young, but with nice dry peat smoke and medicinal flavours, as well as a nice smooth mouth feel. A good expression of Octomore. Rating: 13/20 FP:A7 |
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Lg 8, Elements of Islay, 59.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Oaky, smoky, peaty, with a rather light and subtle smoke, some peat, soot, vanilla, seaweeds, iodine, camphor and light medicinal flavours. Taste: Salty, peaty, maritime, oaky, smoky, slightly rooty, on peat smoke, liquorice root, sea brine, camphor, lots of iodine, some grapefruits, bandages, peach and mint. The finish is long, rooty, smoky, peaty, slightly oaky and salty, on peat smoke, seaweeds, iodine, camphor, bandages, sea brine and some light fruity flavours. With a nice and long medicinal retro-olfaction. Impression: A very nice medicinal expression of Lagavulin, with light rooty and salty flavours. Very good! Rating: 15/20 FP:A6 |
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Cl 10, Elements of Islay, 58.2%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Maritime, peaty, smoky, on seaweeds, peat smoke, camphor and hemp rope. Rather clean and complex. Taste: Light, fresh, smoky, maritime, salty, on lemon juice, camphor, seaweeds, hemp rope, peat smoke and a touch of toffee and tangerine juice. The finish is medium, mellow, smooth, light, rather fresh, on lemon juice, hemp rope, with some tangerine drops and liquorice roots. Impression: A very smooth, light and elegant expression of Caol Ila, on lemon juice and a subtle peat smoke. Slightly young, but well balanced and with a nice touch of sea brine. Rating: 14/20 FP:A6 |
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Macmyra 10 YO, OB, 46.1%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow, rich, intense, fruity, slightly grassy, on honey, some spices and light floral flavours and summer flowers. Taste: Oaky, spicy, grassy, slightly fruity and malty, on honey, some starch, almonds and slightly bitter and fragrant flowers. The finish is medium and on the same flavours. Impression: An oaky, spicy and grassy whisky, with light floral flavours. Rating: 12/20 FP:A1 |
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Speyside Region 1977 10th Anniversary, 40 YO, The Whisky Agency, 43.0%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very rich, thick, intense, complex, nutty, floral, on cloves, rich spices, precious woods, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, figs, dried fruits, orange and tangerine. Lovely. Taste: Rich, floral, nutty, with lots of dried fruits, various spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange, sultanas, candied oranges, cloves, dried fruits, dark chocolate and some exotic fruits, as well as nutty and light fragrant flavours. The finish is long to very long, complex, rich, thick, syrupy, on leather, precious wood, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, dried fruits, various spices and nutty flavours. Diluted, it becomes drier. Impression: A delicious, complex, floral and nutty whisky, with intense dried fruits aromas. An excellent thick and sherried single malt. Thank you Carsten. Rating: 18/20 FP:H2 |
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Carsebridge 1974 10th Anniversary, 43 YO, The Whisky Agency, 46.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Pale gold Nose: Very mellow, smooth, fragrant, with some varnish, melon, vanilla, exotic fruits and a touch of mint. Taste: Fresh to very fresh, fragrant to very fragrant, on cooked cereals, varnish, some melon, honey and peach. The finish is medium, fresh, fragrant, on varnish, vanilla, peach and some honey. Diluted, it becomes more grainy. Impression: A fresh and fragrant grain whisky, with some varnish and fruity flavours. Thank you Carsten. Rating: 14/20 FP:A2 |
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Ardbeg 1965, 13 YO, Cadenhead’s, 46%, B:1978. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Clean, oaky, tarry, maritime, medicinal, floral, on seaweeds, bandages, old wet woods, camphor and burnt wood. With some surprising soft slightly floral flavours. Rather light and delicate. Taste: Oaky, stinky, peaty, with an abundance of wet socks and some pears. The finish is unfortunately long and on the same flavours. Impression: A flawed and unpleasant whisky on wet socks. Very expensive for what it is. Rating: 07/20 FP:A5 |
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Aberlour-Glenlivet Centenary Decanter 1958, 21 YO, OB, 80 Proof, B:1979. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Sweet, fruity, floral, mellow, round, slightly resinous and aromatic, with some orange, tangerine, mineral smoke and a touch of papaya. Taste: Very smooth, mellow and sweet, fruity, spicy, slightly peppery, on delicate floral flavours, some bitter orange, leather, ripe tangerine, cinnamon and a touch of high grade leather. The finish is rather short, mellow, smooth to very smooth, creamy, on honey, some tangerine, orange, soft spices and melon. Diluted, it becomes very weak. Impression: A nice Aberlour, with a sweet, floral and mellow nose, remarquably smooth and mellow on the palate and although it was bottled at 80 proof (46%), it is rather weak. Rating: 14/20 FP:E2 |
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Balmenach 25 YO Golden Jubilee Decanter, 58%. B:2002. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Mellow, floral to very floral, malty, slightly fruity and creamy, with a subtle interplay between gooseberries, geranium, melon, orchard fruits, heather honey, kiwi, and some soft spices, with a hint of smoke Taste: Floral to very floral, round, on apples, gooseberries, some quince, melon, vanilla. Fresh to very fresh. The finish is long, round, fresh, floral, on quince, melon, kiwi, vanilla, gooseberries, some freshly crushed malt, a twist of lemon, and a slight bitterness. Impression: A very good Balmenach, surprisingly fresh, slightly malty, on apples and gooseberries. Rating: 15/20 FP:C1 |
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Dailuaine 1980 Fauna & Flora, OB, 63.8%, B:1997. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Floral to very floral, round, very intense, on fresh rubber, intense spicy and slightly bitter flavours, orange zest, coffee, leather and some burnt rubber. Taste: Very intense and floral, round, sweet to very sweet, rubbery, slightly bitter, on orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, fresh rubber, some coffee beans, fresh leather and liquorice. The finish is medium to long, floral to very floral, spicy, rubbery, slightly bitter and spicy, on fresh rubber, some burnt tyres, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, precious wood, some dried fruits and lacquer. Impression: Not an easy one. When taster rather fresh, the whisky was extremely rubbery and quite bitter. Tasted later on and in standard conditions, the whisky was sweeter and more pleasant, and slightly less rubbery. The rubbery flavours remain otherwise rather pronounced. Rating: 11/20 FP:H1 |
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Glenlivet 1965, 20 YO, Intertrade, 56.4%, B:1985. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Intense, fresh, floral, smooth to very smooth, on pears, vanilla, a touch of melon and some wax. Without any noticeable cask influence. Taste: Floral top very floral, smooth, slightly grassy, smoky and waxy, with some mint, cooked orchard fruits, some wax, freshly cut grass, vanilla and light nutty flavours. The finish is medium to long, floral, intense, rather spicy, slightly waxy and grassy, on beeswax, vanilla, some peat smoke, melon and light aromas of orchard fruits. Diluted, it becomes spicier (more peppery) and more intense. Impression: A very good, floral, intense, clean Genlivet, with light grassy flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Glenlivet 1984, 10 YO, Wilson & Morgan, 56.3%, B:1984, cask 2550. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Very intense, thick, spicy to very spicy, nutty to very nutty, very rich, on humus, wet tobacco, leather, spices, orange, tangerine, cinnamon and nutmeg. Very complex. Taste: Thick, rich, floral to very floral, very intense, nutty, slightly rubbery, on rich spices, intense aromas of leather, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, orange, some fresh and high grade rubber, mint, sultanas, figs and a hint of roasted coffee beans. The finish is long, intense, rich, spicy, thick, slightly bitter and rubbery, on cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, leather, bitter orange, some toffee, roasted coffee beans, and a touch of fresh rubber. Diluted, it becomes slightly more rubbery. Impression: A very intense, rich, spicy and thick Glenlivet, with an amazing complexity for being only 10 years old. If not for some rubbery flavours, it would have even reached a higher score. Rating: 17/20 FP:H2 |
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Blended Scotch Whisky 40 YO For Taiwan, Berry Bros & Rudd, 46%, B:2016, 1600 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Mellow, very fruity, rich, sweet, on apricots, exotic fruits, orange, tangerine, honey, some eucalyptus, tree sap, light aromatic and smoky flavours. Excellent. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, floral, grassy, very complex, slightly aromatic, on peat smoke, tree sap, honey, aromatic herbs, some eucalyptus, orange, tangerine, various spices and tropical fruits. The finish is long, complex, mellow, rich, slightly peaty, aromatic and austere. Diluted, it becomes more on slightly bitter orange, aromatic herbs and tree sap. Impression: An excellent whisky, mellow, very complex, with delicious old fashioned flavours, reminding me of some of the finest Speyside and Highland malts from the 1960s. Rating: 18/20 FP:G2 |
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Irish Single Malt 2001 10th Anniversary, 16 YO, The Whisky Agency, 48.5%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Grassy, malty, intense, citric, on melon, mango, some grapefruit, apples, gooseberries and redcurrant Taste: Fresh to very fresh, light, grassy to very grassy, citric, on honey, freshly cut grass, gooseberries, redcurrant, melon and a touch of smoke and grapefruits. The finish is medium to long, creamy, slightly oaky and citric, on berries, milk, light oaky spices, some grapefruits and melon. Impression: A nicely made creamy, fruity and slightly citric Irish single malt. Thank you Carsten. Rating: 15/20 FP:B2 |
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Irish Singe Malt 1990 10th Anniversary, 28 YO, The Whisky Agency, 28 YO, 42.4%, B:2018. Price: Colour: Dark amber Nose: Very sweet and smooth, extremely fruity, fresh, with loads of exotic fruits, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, chocolate and other very sweet fruits. Excellent. Taste: Extremely sweet and fruity, on pineapples, mango, guava. papaya, blackcurrant, soft spices and other berries. The finish is long, very sweet and fruity, mellow, extremely fruity, slightly spicy and on the same flavours as on the palate, with some slightly bitter aromas of coffee. Diluted, it becomes more bitter and slightly tannic and astringent. Impression: An excellent Irish, with delicious sweet fruity flavours as well as most pleasant berry flavours. The slightly bitter, tannic and astringent finish prevents me from giving a higher score. Rating: 17/20 FP:G1 |
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Littlemill 1991, 27 YO, Cadenhead’s, 50.4%, B:2018, 48 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Very grassy and mellow, slightly smoky and intense, lots of melon, papaya and mango, on honey and freshly cut grass. Very good. Taste: Malty, soft, very mellow, on tropical fruits, mainly mango, papaya and passion fruits, a light smokiness, some honey and freshly cut grass. Complex. The finish is long, grassy, fruity, and slightly citric, on exotic fruits, lots of passion fruits and some grapefruits. Impression: An excellent grassy and very mellow Littlemill, with nice exotic fruits. Unfortunately, there was only 48 bottles of this very fairly priced malt. Rating: 17/20 FP: C2 |
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Glenturret 1989, 29 YO, Signatory, 54.9%, B:2017, cask 380, Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Yeasty, mellow, round, floral, on yeast extracts, hops, some humus, cooked orchard fruits, nuts, and tangerine. Taste: Fresh, zesty, floral, grassy, with some hops, orchard fruits and citrus, as well as some melon. The finish is medium to long, zesty, fresh, rather smooth and citric, with some humus, hops, grapefruits, zesty citrus, light floral flavours and a hint of roasted nuts and melon. Impression: A nice balanced Glenturret, with a rather typical nose with some hops, becoming pleasantly fresh and zesty on the palate. A good one. Rating: 14/20 FP: C1 |
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Glentauchers 1998, Gordon & MacPhail, 56.8%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Floral to very floral, fragrant, malty, slightly spicy, with some humus, hops, wet tobacco, some dried fruits, sultanas, orange and pollen. Taste: Intense, spicy, fruity, floral to very floral, on humus, yeast, hops, tangerine, orange, nutmeg, some cinnamon, cardamom and soft and mellow spices. Diluted, it becomes more nutty. The finish is medium to long, rich, spicy, floral, very smooth, slightly smoky, on ginger, tobacco, humus, melon, vanilla, honey and some hops. Diluted, it becomes slightly smokier. Impression: A good and sweet whisky, smooth, floral, with a nice roundness and fruitiness. Rating: 14/20 FP:G2 |
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Glenallachie 50th Anniversary 1990, OB, 44.97%, B:2017, cask 2515, 748 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very intense, floral to very floral, spicy, rich, complex, on dried fruits, orange skin, sultanas, nice spices and dark chocolate. Very good. Taste: Very mellow, round, floral, fruity to very fruity, on orange, tangerine, pineapples, some grapes, grapefruits and exotic fruits. The finish is long, mellow, round, floral, fruity, complex, with some toffee, fudge, exotic fruits, orange and tangerine. Diluted, it becomes spicier and more on cocoa. Impression: A delicious floral, mellow and complex whisky, with a nice fruitiness and cocoa flavours. Billy Walker selected an impressive cask for his new distillery and first bottlings. Rating: 18/20 FP:G1 |
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Glenallachie 50th Anniversary 1989, OB, 57.7%, B:2018, cask 986, 152 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very floral, smooth, sweet, on toffee, fudge, cocoa, spices, on complex floral flavours, some pineapple, cinnamon and orange. Rather different from the 1990. Taste: Very floral, fragrant, smooth to very smooth, slightly spicy and fragrant, on toffee, fudge, fresh flowers, sultanas, dates, figs, dry spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and some rubber. The finish is medium to long, smooth to very smooth, floral on soft floral and spices, dates, cinnamon, some cloves, sultanas, dry leather and light fruity flavours. Diluted, it becomes more floral, fragrant, and drier. Impression: A very smooth and floral version of Glenallachie. Less complex, drier than the 1990, and with less fruity flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:F1 |
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Millstone 1996, OB, 55.5%, B:2017 cask 2530/SS29. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Thick, rich, intense to very intense, slightly dry and floral, on treacle, dried fruits, figs, dates, cinnamon, cloves, some walnuts and cocoa. Diluted, it becomes slightly smoky and rather meaty (dried meat) Taste: Rich, dry, intense, spicy, thick to very thick, syrupy, quite rubbery, on plums, sultanas, treacle, some burnt rubber, cinnamon, cocoa, tannins and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes less rubbery and strong fruity flavours of orange, tangerine, quince, leather and some meaty flavours. The finish is medium, spicy, thick, syrupy, slightly dry and tannic, on bloody orange, marmalade, dried apricots, some red berries jam, treacle, leather, honey, dried meat, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Impression: A very good heavily sherried whisky, thick and syrupy, with rich spicy and fruity flavours, but slightly too rubbery to my liking. Rating: 16/20 FP:H2 |
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Hammerfall Imperial 18 YO, OB, 43%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, complex, spicy to very spicy, floral, on precious wood, various spices, round floral flavours, orange, tangerine, and light aromatic herbs. Rather round. Taste: Rich, spicy, intense, floral to very floral, slightly bitter, on fresh and zesty orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruits, some leather, precious wood, aromatic herbs and a touch of rubber and incense. The finish is medium to long, very round, floral, complex, intense, spicy, with some aromatic herbs, orange, tangerine, cinnamon, nutmeg, lacquer and precious wood. Impression: A very nice, floral, round and complex whisky, slightly aromatic and with round fruity flavours, as well as some well-integrated dry spices and precious wood. Very good! A Speyside single malt whisky, but not necessarily from the lost Imperial distillery. Rating: 15/20 FP:H1 |
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Islay Caol Ila 2009, Bar du Nord, 59.9%, B:2016. Price: Colour: Straw-pale gold Nose: Intense to very intense, slightly young and smooth, fresh, peaty to very peaty, salty, on seaweeds, sea salt, kipper, tar, iodine and light aromas of vanilla. Taste: Young smooth, intense, salty, lemony, maritime to very maritime, on peat smoke, tar, liquorice roots, camphor, seaweeds and lemon juice. The finish is medium to long, intense to very intense, peaty, maritime to very maritime, smoky to very smoky, on liquorice roots, tar, camphor, peat smoke, seaweeds, and iodine. Impression: Slightly young and smooth on the nose, peaty to very peaty and with a remarkable intensity on the palate, with a strong maritime influence, on iodine and camphor. Rating: 14/20 FP:A7 |
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Ardbeg 1972 Connoisseur’s Choice, 13 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 40%, B:1985. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty and phenolic, maritime, with lots of camphor and disinfectant, on iodine, maritime peat smoke, tar, charcoal, seaweeds and other medicinal flavours, as well as sweet fruity flavours. Excellent. Taste: Rich, intense, very peaty, maritime and oaky, with lots of tar, soap tar, soot and smoked meat, on wet wood, peat smoke, medicinal flavours, some liquorice roots, black liquorice, orange, candied oranges and various spices Impression: An impressive Ardbeg. Bottled only at 40%, it is very intense, rich, with loads of tarry flavours, nice maritime and medicinal flavours. Excellent. Rating: 19/20 FP:G7 |
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Ardbeg 10 YO Dark Green Label, OB, 70 Proof, B: 1970s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Mineral, peaty, smoky, meaty, maritime, with some iodine, disinfectant, wet wood and smoked bacon. Taste: Mineral, maritime, waxy, slightly juicy and grassy, subtle, complex, on seaweeds, some seashells, old mineral peat smoke and light notes of bandages. The finish is medium, maritime, medicinal, mineral, smoky, subtle, some seabrine, slightly wet wood and liquorice roots, and a touch of sea spray. Impression: A subtle mineral, and medicinal old style of Ardbeg, with a good intensity for being bottled at 70 Proof. Thank you Patrick. Rating: 17/20 FP: A5 |
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Dallas Dhu 1979, 23 YO, Cadenhead’s, 59.2%, B:2003, 168 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very round and mellow, grassy to very grassy, floral, sweet, on melon, honey, abundant grassy flavours, a light smokiness and some cooked apples. Very good! Taste: Rich, grassy, round, spicy, slightly peppery, on cooked apples, freshly cut grass, some melon, grapefruits and tobacco. The finish is medium, grassy, peppery, and slightly smoky, on cooked apples, melon, some grapefruits and light tobacco flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly more peppery. Impression: A very nice grassy Dallas Dhu, mellow, grassy, slightly peppery and with a nice complexity. Rating: 16/20 FP:A2 |
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Dallas Dhu 1975 45.10, 27 YO, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 49.9%, B:2003. Price: Colour: Pale gold-gold Nose: Floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, round, mellow, on hay, dry smoke, sun bathed malt, exotic fruits, light grassy, peaty and spicy flavours. Very good. Taste: Spicy to very spicy, floral, mellow, slightly grassy and tarry, on ginger, hay, dry smoke, cold tar, some honey, mango, melon and tobacco. The finish is long, floral, peaty, dry, grassy, slightly fragrant, on dry peat smoke, freshly cut grass, some malt and honey. Diluted, it becomes slightly bitter. Impression: A very good and mellow Dallas Dhu, with a rather dry and peaty flavours. Rating: 16/20 FP:A3 |
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Port Charlotte distilled at Bruichladdich 2001, 15 YO, Blackadder, 58.6%, B;2017, cask 888, 266 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very peaty and tarry, sweet, on new tyres, tar, peat smoke, toffee, orange, dried fruits, leather, cocoa, soft spices and soot. A nice balance between dry peat smoke and a very smooth sherry influence on fudge and light floral flavours. Taste: Smooth, mellow, round, peaty to very peaty, salty, tarry to very tarry, maritime, slightly fruity, on orange, tangerine, a peat smoke slightly aromatic, sea weeds, tar, some soot, tyre and liquorice. The finish is medium to long, slightly tannic, on cloves, various spices, maritime and aromatic peat smoke, orange, tangerine, some cocoa, coffee, dried fruits, tar, soot and seaweeds. Impression: A very good, sweet and peaty whisky, with a rather smooth and sweet sherry influence complemented by loads of tar. Rating: 16/20 FP:H6 |
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Macallan 1989 Statement Sherry Cask, 27 YO, Blackadder, 45.7%, B:2017, cask 5245. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, floral, elegant, malty to very malty, slightly smoky and creamy, on yellow flowers, some fudge, soft spices and orange. Taste: Very floral, smooth, slightly fragrant, with some bitter and bloody orange, caramel, roasted coffee beans, cocoa, orchard fruits and freshly cut flowers. The finish is medium, floral to very floral, slightly fragrant, on bitter caramel, freshly cut flowers and light fruity flavours. Diluted, it becomes more on bitter caramel and dry floral flavours. Impression: A very floral and smooth whisky, and rather strong caramel flavours. Tasted blind. Rating: 10/20 FP: F1 |
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Peat Reek Islay Single Malt 2006 Sherry Cask Finish, 10 YO, Blackadder, 58.6%, B:2017, cask PR 2017-4, 234 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Smooth, peaty, slightly maritime, on vanilla, toffee and some disinfectant. Taste: Young, very smooth, peaty, maritime, rooty, on disinfectant, camphor and peat smoke, with some seaweeds and fish. The finish is medium to long, salty, very rooty, phenolic, tarry, on peat smoke, tar, some seaweeds and camphor. Slightly young. Impression: A young, very smooth, peaty and very rooty whisky. Rating: 13/20 FP: A6 |
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Peat Reek Embers Islay Single malts, Blackadder, 59.4%, B:2016, EMB1, 285 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very peaty and intense, clean, smooth, on vanilla, some seaweeds, camphor and iodine. Very good. Taste: Slightly smooth and young, very peaty, intense, salty, medicinal, on camphor , seaweeds and tar. The finish is medium, very peaty, intense, tarry, salty, medicinal, on seaweeds, camphor and candied citrus. Impression: A very peaty, intense and clean whisky. I enjoyed it very much. Rating: 15/20 FP: A7 |
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Amrut Greedy Angels, 8 YO, OB, 50%, B:2017, 1350 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Smooth to very smooth, bold, malty, fruity to very fruity, on apricots, peach, exotic fruits, some blackcurrant and other berries. Smells like an Irish single malt. Taste: Smooth to very smooth, mellow, starchy, bold, slightly spicy, fruity, rich, with some toffee, orchard and exotic fruits, mango, papaya, cinnamon and other spices. The finish is long, smooth to very smooth, fruity, bold, slightly creamy, and aromatic, some aromatic herbs, citrus, orchard and exotic fruits, with light and various spices. Diluted, there is some coffee, light aromatic flavours and it is slightly smoky as well. Impression: A smooth, mellow and rather bold whisky, with a nice fruitiness, including light citric flavours. Tasting almost like an Irish single malt. Tasted blind Rating: 16/20 FP: C1 |
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Paul John Classic Select Cask, OB, 55.2%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, round, complex, intense, fruity to very fruity, on vanilla, honeydew melon, quince, Mirabelle, some honey, banana, mango and other exotic fruits. Taste: Rich, mellow, spicy, complex, on apples, juicy oaky, honey, freshly cut grass, mango and orchard fruits, with a hint of smoke. The finish is medium, mellow to very mellow, slightly green and fruity, on honey, Mirabelle, quince, juicy oak, apples and some exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes rounder and more nutty. Impression: A very good, pleasant, mellow and round whisky. Well made and rather complex. Rating: 14/20 FP: B2 |
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Amrut Double Cask, OB, 46%, B:2017, 1850 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very peaty and tarry, meaty, maritime to very maritime, medicinal, on dry kelps, dry tar, leather, cocoa, some dry orange and tangerine, camphor, cinnamon and bonfire smoke. Taste: Tarry, salty, smoky, very maritime, on toffee, sea salt, orange, coffee, leather and fudge. The finish is medium to long, salty, maritime, smoky, on toffee, orange, black and salted liquorice and seaweeds. Impression: A rather unusual whisky, with strong tarry and smoky flavours, on barbecue, and only with a moderate peatiness. Rating: 13/20 FP: G4 |
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Amrut Spectrum 004, OB, 50%, B:2017, 1800 bottles. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Intense, rich, vegetal, and floral, on vegetal condiment, lacquer, dried fruits, orange, toffee, and various spices. Taste: Aromatic, herbal, floral, spicy, on toffee, some sea salt, dried fruits, bitter orange, tangerine and some vegetal condiment. The finish is medium, floral, smooth, on toffee, roasted coffee beans, orange, spices and vegetal condiments. Impression: A rather unusual whisky, smooth, with a pleasant mouth feel, but with the flavours going in every direction. A whisky that I have not understood. Rating: 13/20 FP: G2 |
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Amrut Peated Cask Finish, Blackadder, 61.2%, B:2017, cask BA27-2017, 166 bottles. Price: Colour: Gold-old gold Nose: Peaty, mellow, malty, slightly dry and tarry, on melon, apricots, some exotic fruits, as well as some cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste: Young, smooth to very smooth, malty, floral, on vanilla custard, apples, honey, melon, mango and a touch of aromatic herbs. The finish is medium to long, rich, complex, mellow, slightly peaty, with some dried fruits, citrus and light exotic fruity flavours. Impression: A very good, complex, sweet and fruity whisky. Tasted slightly young at the start, before the complex and sweet flavours come through. Very good. Rating: 16/20 FP: D3 |
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Amrut 2011 PX Sherry Exclusively Bottled for Hot Malt, OB, 56.5%, B:2016, cask 4122. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Spicy to very spicy, very vegetal, salty, with loads of vegetal condiment (Maggi), as well as some toffee and humus. Original. Taste: Dry, austere, aromatic, floral, spicy, vegetal, on coffee, roasted coffee beans, dry nutty flavours, old dried meat (Graubündner dried meat), and vegetal condiment. The finish is medium to long, dry to very dry, floral, nutty, vegetal, on tannins, cloves, dry leather, sweet liquorice, light dry aromatic and slightly bitter flavours, bitter orange, coffee beans and some eucalyptus. Diluted, it becomes more on toffee and fudge, as well as slightly salty and creamy. Impression: Initially very spicy and vegetal on the nose, it is a rather dry, floral, spicy whisky on the palate, on tannins and with more toffee on the finish, especially once water has been added. Rating: 16/20 FP: H1 |
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Linkwood 1939 Connoisseur’s Choice for Pinerolo, 37 YO, Gordon & MacPhail, 43%, B:1970s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very complex, peaty, meaty, smoky, slightly floral, on old leather, dry and meaty peat smoke, orange, tangerine, some humus, dry and smoked meat, aromatic herbs, tobacco, resins, coal and oil. Excellent. Taste: Very sweet and mellow, rich, floral, smoky, peaty, meaty, on leather, dry peat smoke, tangerine, orange, some charcoal, tree sap, smoked bacon, papaya, orange liqueur, slight austere and aromatic flavours. Diluted, it becomes slightly dryer. The finish is long, rich, dry, smoky, peaty, meaty, on old and dry leather, some papaya, coconut, smoked ham, light mineral flavours, peach, Mirabelle, old, dry, slightly metallic and aromatic peat smoke, as well as cocoa. Diluted, it becomes more on bitter orange, slightly more metallic, and with some coffee. Impression: An excellent Linkwood, complex, meaty, slightly metallic, with a nice dry and old-fashioned peat smoke. Lovely. Rating: 17/20 FP: G4 |
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Millstone 1996 American Oak, 20 YO, OB, 51.45% ; B:2017, cask 1376, 287 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very rich and complex, mellow, elegant, slightly floral, on precious wood, lacquer, some wallnuts, candied oranges and tangerine, marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg. Excellent. Taste: Rich, complex, intense, on pleasant soft aromatic herbs, dried fruits, sultanas, some quince, orange, Cointreau (orange liqueur), precious wood, tannins, and cocoa. The finish is long to very long, complex, floral, slightly aromatic, on tree sap, marmalade, precious wood, lacquer, some eucalyptus, cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, there are some light notes of hand made fudge. Impression: A delicious sherried whisky that reminds the some of best Speyside whiskies distilled in the 1960s, with a mixture of precious wood, tree sap and various spiced. Simply excellent. Rating: 18/20 FP: H2 |
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Millstone Single Malt 1996 Oloroso sherry, OB, 55.5%, cask 2530/SS35. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Rich, intense, elegant, slightly floral, smooth to very smooth, on precious wood, some lacquer, orange, tangerine, tannins, cinnamon, nutmeg and light nutty flavours. Deliciously complex. Taste: Thick, intense, rich, syrupy, slightly floral, on fudge, spices (cinnamon, some nutmeg and cloves), tannins, leather, fruit jam, light exotic fruits flavours, orange, tangerine, some marmalade, precious wood, grinded coffee and dark chocolate and tree sap. The finish is long, syrupy, thick, quite heavy, on treacle, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruits, plums, orange, apricots, some marmalade and walnuts. Diluted, it becomes more on caramel and slightly astringent. Impression: A very good and rich sherried whisky, very thick, complex and pleasantly fruity. Of very high quality, as expected by Zuidam. Rating: 17/20 FP: G2 |
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Sandy Ross Old Blended Malt, OB, B:1960s. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Grainy, smooth to very smooth, on cooked cereals, some starch, a light smokiness, light sugary and fruity flavours. Taste: Very smooth, peaty, smoky, grainy, slightly salty and fruity, with some wax, camphor, Mirabelle, quince, tangerine and a touch of iodine and sugar. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter. The finish is medium, sweet, grainy, moderately smoky and peaty, slightly salty and mineral, with some tar, soot, quince, Mirabelle, tangerine, some humus and wax. Impression: A blended whisky that started rather grainy on the nose, before becoming more intense, sweeter and smokier on the palate. Thank you Nicolas. Rating: 13/20 FP: D3 |
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Old Vatted Malt, Cadenhead’s, 80 Proof (46%), B: 1970s. Price: Colour: Amber Nose: Very round, mellow, floral, nutty, sweet, rich, rather complex, on humus, furniture, old leather, dried fruits, plums, orange, tangerine, sultanas, some cinnamon and fruit jam. Taste: Mellow to very mellow, floral, sweet, slightly meaty, on humus, some hops, tangerine, sultanas, cinnamon and a light smokiness. Diluted, it becomes spicier, woodier, smoky and with some old dry old fashioned peat smoke. The finish is medium, nutty, slightly muddy, on humus, old leather, some old-fashioned dry peat smoke, sea brine, humus, dried fruits, tangerine, some cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Diluted, it becomes more on coffee. Impression: A good, mellow, balanced, fruity blended malt, on pleasant leather, floral and nutty flavours. Rating: 13/20 FP: F3 |
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Ardmore 1996, 20 YO, OB, 49.3%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Peaty, smoky, aromatic, intense, slightly maritime and tarry, on a mixture of aromatic, tarry and dry peat smoke, seaweeds, aromatic herbs and some vanilla. Taste: Grassy, oaky, dry, peaty, aromatic, dry, tarry, maritime, slightly citric, on aromatic peat smoke, some camphor, iodine, rather pronounced oak spices, sea salt, and bitter lemon. The finish is medium, oaky, slightly dry and citric, moderately peaty, with some tarry and aromatic peat smoke, as well as a twist of bitter lemon. Diluted, it becomes bitterer. Impression: A rather special Ardmore, with a nice and intense peaty nose, slightly maritime and with some citrus on the palate. Matured in a first fill cask and then finished in ex-Islay cask. The influence of the ex-Islay is noticeable and shows some contrast with the aromatic peat smoke from Ardmore. Fairly price (under 100 euros) Rating: 14/20 FP: A4 |
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Ben Nevis 1973, 26 YO, OB, 52.7%, B:1999, cask 747, 232 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Very round and mellow, complex, intense, slightly grassy and sweet, on cooked cereals, peach, apricots, tangerine, heather honey, exotic fruits and some marzipan. Very good and rich. Taste: Intense, fruity to very fruity, with loads of pineapples, on exotic fruits, cinnamon, orange, some tangerine and nutmeg, as well as canned (tinned) peaches. Well balanced and complex. Diluted, it becomes slightly smokier, with more tobacco and cooked cereals. The finish is medium to long, mellow, very smooth, slightly sweet, on cooked cereals, light spices, some cinnamon, dry leather, melon and pineapples. Impression: A very good, well-balanced and complex Ben Nevis, with nice exotic fruits and pineapples. Rating: 16/20 FP: E2 |
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Ben Nevis 1972, 19 YO, OB, 55%, B: 1991. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Intense, sharp, floral, slightly nutty, on a clean and dry sherry, tangerine, orange, some leather, smoke, cinnamon, nutmeg, peach, tobacco and cinnamon. Very good. Taste: Very intense, clean, sharp, floral, on varnish, lacquer, plums, cinnamon, orange, some nutmeg and cloves. The finish is medium to long, dry, intense, bitter, nutty, slightly tannic, floral and fragrant, on varnish, fragrance, dry to very dry sherry, orange, tangerine, some honey and nutmeg. Impression: A very intense and clean Ben Nevis, with surprisingly intense varnish flavours and some dry nuts. Rating: 13/20 FP: G2 |
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Inchmurrin 1967, 34 YO, Part Nan Angelen, 45.3%, B:2001. Price: Colour: Old gold Nose: Mellow to very mellow, very round, malty, moderately spicy, on round and mellow spicy flavours, lots of yellow fruits and a fair dose of exotic fruits. Well balanced. Taste: Spicy, malty, slightly floral, yeasty and oaky, round, with some toffee, fudge, yellow fruits, melon and some orchard fruits. Balanced. The finish is medium to long, rich, mellow to very mellow, round, malty, fruity, with some tobacco, fudge and exotic fruits. Diluted, it becomes slightly sweeter and with some figs and dried fruits. Impression: A very good, mellow, round and fruity Inchmurrin. Thank you to the unknown donator! Rating: 16/20 FP: C1 |
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Coilltean, Unique Pure Malt 1997 No Age, Samaroli, 45%, 1997, 480 bottles. Price: Colour: Old gold-amber Nose: Complex, peaty, smoky, maritime, slightly dry and floral, on dry, complex and maritime peat smoke, seaweeds, some bandages, camphor and iodine. Smells good the old and complex peat smoke from Islay. Diluted, it becomes more complex. Taste: Light, subtle, with a delicious complex, elegant, mineral and old-fashioned peat smoke, slightly maritime and salty, with some exotic fruits, tar and soot. The finish is long, light, subtle, and elegant, on complex and subtle old-fashioned peat smoke, tar, soot and seaweeds. Impression: A delicious complex, mellow and rather light whisky with a most elegant complex old fashioned maritime peat smoke. Excellent. Tasted pretty much like a vatting of old style Islay malts. Rating: 17/20 FP:B5 |
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Miltonduff 1982 Maturing in Style 72.56, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 49.5%, B:2017. Price: Colour: Gold Nose: Very round and grassy, floral, on toffee, grassy and aromatic flavours, some citrus, yellow fruity and smoke Taste: Citric, slightly spicy and floral, on grapefruit, wet tobacco, some hops, apricots, vanilla and light aromatic flavours. Diluted, it becomes spicier, mainly on black pepper. The finish is medium to long, slightly dry, rooty and floral, on wet tobacco leaves, some hops, tobacco quid, some apricots, vanilla, light aromatic and citric flavours. Impression: A very good expression of Miltonduff, rounded, rather complex, with a mixture of tobacco, citrus and light aromatic flavours. Rating: 15/20 FP:A2 |
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