Whisky tastings

Whisky #25: Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten Unpeated 10 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten Unpeated 10 Year Old Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $67.85.

Colour: Deep goldy amber.

Nose: Struggled to pick this one. At this time of night I’d struggle to even pick a dirty nose!

Palate: Briney, hints of peat even though it’s ‘unpeated’. Could even be described as a bit vinegary, but not in a bad way. More like a caramelised balsamic vinegar, with a balance of saltiness and subtle sweetness.

Finish: Has a bit of heat & intensity, medium length.

Comments: As my good mate Kiwi remarked, it was smoother than my entrance to the dance floor last night. To be fair, almost any whisky, moonshine or paint stripper would still have been smoother than my dance moves. Nevertheless, a great drop and one I look forward to having again very soon.

Whisky #24: Glen Moray 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Glen Moray 12 Year Old Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at mate Gordy’s place, $0 – generously shared by the big man.

Colour: Happy Straya Day! Canary yellow?? That’s Australian Gold my friend and don’t you fuckin’ forget it! Ah, the sounds of summer – we need another Twelfth Man album!

Nose: Hints of vanilla & Aeroguard. Maybe the Aussie Day mosquitoes have tried to thwart my nose.

Palate: Smooth entry, crisp creamy nutty flavours.

Finish: A slow warmer, fills the mouth. Short finish for flavour, but warmth lingers longer.

Comments: Not as full flavoured as I personally like. Reminds me a little of when you were a kid and you were over at a mate’s place and their mum served you a watered down cordial or juice. It tastes ok, but you can’t help thinking “just give it to me full strength you cheapskate”.

Whisky #23: Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Single Malt

February 25, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

by Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%.

Colour: Light reddish gold. Like an ageing ginga. Perception of this may have been slightly influenced by the backdrop.

Nose: Hint of sweetness & a bit of hay, maybe also dried apricots? My good mate Kiwi described it as a “fancy man’s Jim Beam”. Not sure I agree.

Palate: Soft, underwhelming entry. Kind of like a Citroen attacking a tight corner, too much body roll and you don’t feel confident how you’ll come out the other side.

Glenlivet 15 yr French oak reserve…like an ageing ginga

Finish: Quite short, oily. Given it’s been in French Oak, it’s unsurprising that the flavours surrender so early.

Comments: Not that inspiring. Can’t agree with other reviews, a little disappointing. It’s not unpleasant, just a little too smooth & characterless for my liking.

Whisky #22: Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky. Hokkaido, Japan. ABV: 45.00%. Tasted at The Royal, $18.

Colour: Amy says it’s like liquid toffee colour, like a rusty trombone. Hard to disagree, although I don’t know why she would be playing a rusty trombone.

Nose: Slight hints of vanilla.

Palate: Seems to be…(and then I lost concentration and made no further notes. Either it was such an amazing drop that I lost the ability to write as I was totally consumed in the whisky, or I had consumed an amazing amount and lost the ability to write).

Finish: Gets peatier the longer it lingers.

Comments: A very decent whisky, though if you’re looking at buying a bottle it’s close to $200 a pop. Not sure it’s worth that, but a very nice drop nevertheless. Definitely keen to head back and try it again.

Whisky #21: Caol Ila Distillers Edition Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Caol Ila Distillers Edition Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at Sentinel Bar, $22.

Colour: More of a yellow gold colour, deeper than the Caol Ila 12 yr. Much like apple juice.

Nose: Fruity, but not too sweet. Feint hints of peat, surprisingly not too much.

Palate: A soft crisp entry, then the peat flavours come through quite strongly. Has tastes of dried fruit. Thankfully does not taste like apple juice.

Finish: Again a long finish like the Caol Ila 12 year old, but more toward the tip of the tongue. Slight sweetness when you lick your lips after a sip. Tobacco aftertastes, dry finish.

Comments: Overall, not a noticeable step up in class from the Caol Ila 12 year old, they’re just different. Not sure it’s worth the extra investment. It’s good, but seems to lose a little of it’s distinctive Islayness (or should that be Islacity?). The Caol Ila Distillers Edition has been matured in ex Moscatel barrels for additional 6 months, which has softened it a tad too much in my opinion.

I didn’t actually realise until researching while drinking this dram that a distiller’s edition isn’t necessarily the creme de la creme of a distillery, but is actually the distiller choosing some select barrels and extra maturing their drop in these barrels.

I’ve just realised I’ve done a particularly serious tasting. After a long day at the office, my creativity and somewhat debatable wittiness is decidedly lacking this evening!

Whisky #20: Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at Sentinel Bar, $18.

Colour: Pale straw / gold.

Nose: Oh yes, definitely an Islay. Strong peat, maybe a hint of medicinal scents when you really get your nose in the glass.

Palate: Smooth entry followed by smokey, peaty flavours that seem to hit the roof of your mouth and then gives the impression of wafting back like smoke trying to escape a room.

Finish: Long finish, front third of the tongue mainly which contrasts with the warming tingling sensation on the roof of the mouth & even lips. Salty, earthy flavours linger.

Comments: A solid example of an Islay, very drinkable. Not overpowering, quite smooth compared to say an Ardbeg or Lagavulin, yet still quite strong distinctive flavours & scents. Keen to try the Caol Ila Distiller’s Edition next!

Whisky #19: Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt. Orkney Islands, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at Bobeche, $15.

Colour: Bright, golden syrup-like colour

Nose: Oaky, malty notes.

Palate: Very soft & smooth, minimal alcohol heat. Subtle sweetness.

Finish: Dry, slightly peaty & smoky finish. Doesn’t linger long.

Comments: Disappointed again in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible description of this one, no tasting notes – he just talks about it being one of his all time favourites, one of his “desert island whiskies”.

It’s ok in my opinion, I’ve heard a lot about Highland Park but was left feeling a little flat. Kind of like going on a date with a really hot girl you’ve been interested in for a while, only to discover when you talk to her that that she’s actually quite dull. You’d probably go back again if there weren’t too many other options but you’d prefer to try something else. Maybe her older sister, Highland Park 25 perhaps?

Whisky #18: Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 46.0%. Tasted at my trusted whisky tasting lieutenant Joel’s place, $0 (thanks mate!).

Colour: Deep reddish brown. As my friend Claire remarked, “like a ginger on heat”.

Nose: Hints of aniseed & burnt orange, sweet notes.

Palate: Buttery sweetness, after 10-15 min in the glass it’s noticeably smoother. Hints of sherry? On the last sip I got a taste of coffee beans.

Finish: Subtle heat lingers at the tip of your tongue.

Comments: A beautiful bottle, by far the best looking I’ve tasted from this year. Just to clarify, I did not taste directly from the bottle. I would like to try it again slightly earlier in the evening…will have to convince Joel to have us back to his place again some time to taste it once (or twice) more!

Whisky #17: Inverarity Ancestral 14 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

by Inverarity Ancestral 14 yr old Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 40.0%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $90/bottle.

Colour: She’s back on stage – bright lustrous Amber.

Nose: Sweet with a hint of maybe cinnamon. Thought it might have been some cloves, but went to the pantry & smelt some real cloves – nope that’s not it. When I stuck my snoz into a pack of cinnamon sticks…that was a bit more like it. A lot more subtle than snorting through a cinnamon quill though.

Palate: Very smooth, dry salty & sweet flavours.

Finish: Medium finish; smoked mussels, oak, mixed spice & some sweetness.

Comments: I’ve really enjoyed this drop for a couple of years now, always having a bottle around at home. I never actually thought to find out much about it – wasn’t aware it was sherry matured, just always thought it was pretty damn awesome. It’s actually a 14 year sherry cask matured Balmenach done by Inverarity Vaults. It’s not as dark or as strongly sherry-flavoured as other sherry matured drams, maybe that’s why I like it so much.

Whisky #16: Sullivans Cove Bourbon Maturation Cask Strength

February 23, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Sullivans Cove Bourbon Maturation Cask Strength. Tasmania, Australia. ABV: 60.0%. Tasted at The Greenhouse, $16.

Colour: Godly gold. That was supposed to be “goldy” gold until autocorrect kicked in, but on reflection “godly gold” is apt. Huge legs on the glass.

Nose: Well it’s a monster at 60% ABV, and boy can you tell by the fumes. Can’t easily pick the scents, reminds me a little of the fruitcakes my aunt used to bake.

Palate: Bam! Surprisingly smooth entry for a strong drop, but fills the whole mouth quickly. Huge spice and vanilla flavours.

Finish: Wow, loooong. Toasty malty flavours linger, roof of my mouth is still tingling.

Comments: My first Australian whisky of the year! It’s a monster, would possibly go well with a few drops of water to release & soften the flavours. Definitely a winter warmer, one for cold nights. Keen to compare it with the Sullivan’s Cove Double Wood which I tried at Xmas, I think that may have to be on the tasting schedule very soon!

Whisky #15: Cadhenhead’s Authentic Collection Ardmore 14 yr Cask Strength Single Malt

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Cadhenhead’s Authentic Collection Ardmore 14 yr Cask Strength Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 55.8%. Tasted at The Royal, $17.

Colour: Very light, pale straw colour. Like a Chinese Olympic swimmer’s diluted post-race “sample”.

Nose: Thankfully it doesn’t smell of chlorine, human growth hormone or urine. Very peaty, also fruity floral notes.

Palate: Warm spice. The long lost 6th member of the Spice Girls. Some sweetness too, maybe some walnut or almond flavours? Hard for me to pinpoint.

Finish: Sweet smooth finish, gentle warming of the mouth.

Comments: A Cadhenhead’s independent bottling from the Ardmore distillery. It’s like it’s trying to be an Islay, particularly with such a strong peaty aroma, but it’s much smoother and sweet at the end. I like it. I’m also starting to appreciate what a great little whisky selection they’ve got at The Royal, which is rather handy as it’s my local. It will be great for those nights when I can’t be arsed heading out elsewhere after a long day and I can walk down to my local and sample some whiskies that I haven’t seen in too many other venues around town.

Whisky #14: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Blended Scotch Whisky

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Blended Scotch Whisky. Fife, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at The Grosvenor Hotel, $18.

Colour: Deep gold

Nose: Slightly peaty, tobacco notes. Like a cigar, reminded me of a familiar scent, what might it be? Is my nose getting more attuned to different scents? No. Only then did I realise there was a guy two tables away smoking a Montecristo No.3. Clearly I am an idiot. I moved inside away from the cigar, though I still stand by the original slight peaty/tobacco scents. Of the whisky.

Palate: Slightly sweet to start, quickly moves to more spicy flavours. Could have done with a drop or two of water perhaps?

Finish: Definitely not as smooth as others I’ve tried thus far, warms the mouth, has a spicy then smoky aftertaste. A little harsh.

Comments: Not a huge fan, it’s ok but lacks a bit of complexity and smoothness. Had higher expectations, overpriced for what it is in my opinion. Had to try a Johnnie Walker at some stage, thought I’d give the Platinum a go & leave the Blue for another day.

Whisky #13: Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Riverstown, Dundalk, Ireland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at Bobeche, $12.

Colour: Bright gold. At least I can see the damn colour this time, unlike the Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old I attempted to taste yesterday at 3am in a dimly lit bar.

Nose: Malty, hints of hay.

Palate: Smooth entry. Earthy, malty flavours with a bit of spice.

Finish: Quite a short & peppery after taste, a very dry finish.

Comments: I haven’t tried too many Irish whiskies before, certainly never an Irish single malt, so wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Interesting to try, quite ok to drink, but not sure there’s enough flavour to get me excited enough to go out and buy another round (or bottle). If you like dry peppery flavours, go ahead…or just go nuts with the pepper grinder on your meal instead.

Only the second time I’ve been to Bobeche, but upon ordering I was asked if I’m “that whisky guy” as they’d been speaking to someone from Sentinel about the guy who is doing the tasting of 365 whiskies in a year. I seem to be getting a name for myself already!

Whisky #12: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 46.30%. Tasted at Malt Supper Club, $14.

Colour: Golden sherry

Nose: Smells like a sherry matured dram, a little smokey.

Palate: Straw notes, surprisingly non-peaty for an Islay. That’s all I’ve got for this one I’m afraid.

Finish: Absolutely no fucking idea.

Comments: C’mon give me a break – it was 2:30am, rather a lot had been consumed and I wasn’t really paying attention by that time of the evening (morning). I blame my mate Brett for rather helpfully suggesting I tackle Sunday’s Whisky a Day dram on Saturday night/Sunday morning at stupid o’clock. Thankfully I have a small bottle of the Bunnahabhain 12 yr at home so I can at least re-taste it at some point!

Whisky #11: Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

by Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky. Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at Malt Supper Club, no idea how much it cost me.

Colour: Hard to tell. Tough to make out in a dark bar.

Nose: I literally have no record of this. Distracted by a cute girl who wanted to dance with me and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Who am I to refuse such an offer?

Palate: Soft creamy buttery notes.

Finish: Salty initially, but sweet aftertaste.

Comments: My first blend of the project. Pity I wasn’t more sober to appreciate it. At around 11:30pm I dutifully attempted to conduct my daily whisky tasting, sending myself to a quiet(ish) corner of the bar and tried to do the tasting. Tried to fob off the cute girl who wanted to dance with “Sorry honey, I’ve got a very important whisky tasting to do. It really is DRAM critical.” She didn’t get the whisky pun & wouldn’t leave me alone, she just kept standing there insisting we dance and waiting for me to finish my whisky before dragging me out to the dance floor.

All I can say is that in the name of the project I tried, I really really tried, to do a proper tasting of this one but circumstances conspired against me. The tasting of Whisky #12 was conducted a matter of hours later in the same bar at 2:30am (well it was a new day after all), with similarly lacklustre attempts (or capability) of tasting!

Whisky #10: Auchentoshan Triple Wood Single Malt

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

by Auchentoshan Triple Wood Single Malt. Lowlands, Scotland. ABV: 43%. Tasted at Luxe Bar.

Colour: Quite a dark coppery colour, almost like sherry. Perhaps unsurprising given it’s spent a third of it’s triple wooded life in ex sherry casks. Insightful observations there Todd.

Nose: Hints of cloves? Smells like it’s going to be quite strong alcohol-wise.

Palate: Extremely smooth entry, much smoother than expected. Shoots to the back of the mouth with tobacco & peppery notes.

Finish: Despite the flavour kick at the back of the mouth, leaves a slightly sweet taste at the front. Woody aftertaste lingers.

Comments: Much more pleasant to drink than yesterday’s Glendronach 12 yr sherry matured. Possibly assisted because it was served by a cute barmaid rather than some balding overweight guy called Kevin at the other bar yesterday. That’s probably not even his real name, but who cares. In spite of this, regular consumption of such a whisky would no doubt be inhibited by the name of the distillery which would be problematic to pronounce after a couple of drams of this rather nice drop.