Whisky a Day

Whisky #265 – Great Southern Distillery – Limeburners Directors Cut M90

October 20, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

Great Southern Distillery – Limeburners Directors Cut M90 Barrel Strength Single Malt (bottle 106 / 228). Albany, Western Australia, Australia. ABV: 61%. Tasted at the Great Southern Distillery cellar door, $10 (15mL tasting).

Colour: Dark ambery caramel.

Nose: Freshy hewn hardwood timber, golden syrup notes too.

Palate: Buttery, creamy sweetness; oily mouthfeel. Hot toast with butter and golden syrup.

Finish: Long and smooth; intense flavours but without overpowering heat, belying the barrel strength 61% ABV.

Comments: It’s like licking a salted caramel hard toffee, amazing. I’m definitely enjoying the barrel strength Limeburners more than the standard single malts, which typically run around 43%. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the standard single malts – they’re delicious – it’s just that the barrel strength releases seem to strike the balance between being full flavoured and yet don’t seem to have the kick you might expect of something north of 60%. Another great Limeburners!

Whisky #264 – Great Southern Distillery – Limeburners Barrel M138 Single Malt

October 18, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

Great Southern Distillery – Limeburners Barrel M138 Single Malt (bottle 019 / 219). Albany, Western Australia, Australia. ABV: 61%. Tasted at the Great Southern Distillery cellar door, $10 (15mL tasting).

Colour: Bright honey gold.

Nose: Charred oak and molasses. Cigar box hints too.

Palate: Wow – intense warmth and spice. Cloves with a touch of rich syrupy sweetness, almost like a caramelised balsamic. Alcohol kick, oily mouthfeel.

Finish: Long and warm. Hints of candied dried fruits, but the warmth and spice dominates.

Comments: Perfect on a cold rainy day. Even better on a cold rainy day at the Limeburners cellar door in Albany!

Whisky with a smile from the gorgeous Sarah at the Limeburners cellar door

Whisky a Day research is a tough job, but someone has to do it…

Whisky #263 – Glenfarclas 1980 Family Casks Single Malt

October 15, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Glenfarclas 1980 Family Casks Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 50.1%. Tasted at Must Winebar, $37.

Colour: Light amber. Not nearly as dark as I thought it might be given it has spent 27 years in an ex sherry barrel.

Nose: A very, very subtle toasted oak. Surprisingly soft given the ABV.

Palate: Quite dry, yet warming. Delicious caramel and hay-like woody notes.

Finish: Intense warming in a good way – like putting your hands close to an open fire. Putting your mouth towards an open fire??? That doesn’t really make much sense, maybe sans the singed eyebrows. You get my drift.

Comments: A single cask release, it’s one of only 681 bottles from a refill sherry butt. Distilled in 1980, bottled in 2007. Yes it’s old and yes it’s quite uncommon, but I’m not convinced it’s worth $37 a nip. A great drop however.

Whisky #262 – Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

October 14, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky. Speyside, Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at home, $9 (50mL sample bottle).

Colour: Light caramel.

Nose: Citrus, straw and faint honey notes.

Palate: Smooth yet more flavour depth than I was expecting from a blend. A little like sweet biscuits – think of buttery Nice biscuits, the ones with sugar sprinkled on top.

Finish: Medium length, minimal heat. Quite dry. You can taste the Nice biscuits gradually fading as the grains of sugar dissolve in your mouth.

Comments: Again much like the Chivas 12 year old, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s no world-beater and is a little too mild and unassuming for my tastes, but it’s certainly easy drinking.

Whisky #259-261: Frank McHardy Masterclass at Whipper Snapper Distillery

October 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Frank McHardy Masterclass at Whipper Snapper Distillery, $90.

The master distiller from Springbank, Frank McHardy, has been enlisted by our amazing local Whipper Snapper Distillery to act as their Chief Whiskey Advisor. Given Frank’s 50-odd years of experience at Springbank, it’s fair to say the Whipper Snapper boys could hardly have chosen a finer mentor. So it was a great privilege to be able to attend an intimate masterclass where Frank led us through a tasting of Springbank, Hazelburn and Kilkerran malts, along with some behind the scenes insights into whisky production at Springbank.

Whisky #259: Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.0%.

Colour: Pale gold

Nose: Very faint hint of peat, subtle sweetness too.

Palate: A very clean, crisp flavour profile. Oily mouthfeel. Floral sweetness.

Finish: Gentle heat front half of palate that builds slightly, medium length. Salty vs sweet flavours battle it out, great balance.

Whisky #260: Hazelburn Rundlets & Kilderkins 10 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 50.1%.

Colour: Pale gold again.

Nose: Floral, vanilla notes. With time in the glass it really starts to develop some rich woody notes.

Palate: Rich, deep buttery raspberry flavours.

Finish: Softer finish than the Kilkerran. Dried fruit flavours linger long on the palate, as does the warmth again on the front half of the tongue.

Whisky #261: Springbank 15 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.0%.

Colour: Deep rich gold.

Nose: Honey on hot buttered toast. Quite mild, not too intense.

Palate: Thicker syrupy mouthfeel compared to the Springbank 10. Not super sweet mind you, some subtle honey flavours along with some rich dried fruit flavours.

Finish: Buttery dried fruits, long tingle & flavour fade.

Overall comments: All three have spent some time maturing ex sherry casks, although I wouldn’t have picked it initially. No huge sherry bombs, the Springbank 15 in particular is quite subtle. The Hazelburn Rundlets & Kilderkins was the pick for me.

A fascinating afternoon listening to Frank talk about the history of Springbank and his own career. The guided tour of Whipper Snapper by chief distiller Jimmy McKeown was also fantastic, plus that gorgeous copper still of theirs (see below), wow. Hats off to the Whipper Snapper boys, these guys are really going places.

Whipper Snapper’s stunning still.

Whisky #258 – Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey

October 5, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey. Kentucky, United States. ABV: 47.00%. Tasted at The Royal Hotel, $12.

Colour: Like looking at a 40 year old stripper called Amber through rose-coloured glasses.

Nose: Lots of rye initially, in fact that’s all I could smell. Softens after a few minutes in the glass, a few faint lemon & woody notes begin to poke their heads above the parapet.

Palate: Boom – there’s your traditional bourbon flavours.

Finish: Liquorice, aniseed; a quick drying sensation which leaves a tingle on the front half of the mouth (not just the tongue). Some pepper and spice in the medium to long fade.

Comments: The nose seemed to suggest something a little unique, but when I took a sip it was a relatively standard bourbon. Certainly not bad, but equally it’s nothing to write home about.

Whiskies #256 & 257: Chivas Brothers Tasting with Laura Hay

October 5, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Chivas Brothers Tasting with Laura Hay. Helvetica, $50.

I was fortunate to attend another tasting event hosted by Chivas Brothers ambassador Laura Hay. We had five whiskies to taste, however I’ve already covered three of them so far this year – The Glenlivet 18, Longmorn 16 and Aberlour A’bunadh. I suspect as the year draws to a close there will be a few more times like this where I’ve sampled some of them already.

Whisky #256, Scapa 16 Year Old Single Malt. Orkney Islands, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%.

Colour: Pale toffee.

Nose: Very soft. Orange peel, vanilla, straw. Reminds me of walking into a room with freshly varnished timber floorboards.

Palate: Soft oak, some hay-like flavours.

Finish: Short to medium length, a little briny but not like other island malts, it’s very light and subtle.

Comments: Fresh and light. Quite pleasant, but it’s not the kind of whisky that’s going to really wow you. A great whisky to kick off the evening’s whisky tasting though.

Whisky #257, Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%.

Colour: Light amber.

Nose: Earthy, but quite light. Musty bookshelves. Pistachio shells.

Palate: Stoney is how I’d describe it. Much more subtle sherry notes than the Aberlour 10 year old.

Finish: Medium length, not much heat.

Comments: I actually didn’t enjoy this one as the Aberlour 10 Year Old Single Malt, which apparently is being phased out of the Aberlour lineup in favour of the 12 year old. Not as sweet and sherry-like as I was expecting. My good mate Tim remarks that it’s his ideal whisky when you’re having a shit day, it’s the one you turn to when you get home and pour yourself a dram. It’s smooth yet uncomplicated; you can drink it with the assurance that everything is going to be alright. Couldn’t have said it better myself Timbo!

Whisky #255 – Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey

September 30, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey. Kentucky, United States. ABV: 53.50%. Tasted at The Royal Hotel, $18.

Colour: Deep orangey amber, like sap oozing from an old tree trunk.

Nose: Slight prickle with the first sniff. Pine needles. A freshly struck match.

Palate: Lots of rye and spice, predominantly pepper. Warmth builds with intensity.

Finish: Alcohol vapours seem to want to float to the highest point at the roof of the mouth. Long finish – the tongue is just buzzing for ages.

Comments: Damn, a sip of this would’ve quickly woken old Rip from his slumber, it certainly packs a punch. A brutally intense rye, but not enough flavour complexity for my liking – it’s just not subtle enough.

Whisky #254 – Suntory Royal Blended Whisky

September 29, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Suntory Royal Blended Whisky. Japan. ABV: 43%. Tasted at home, $7 (50mL miniature bottle).

Colour: Dark caramel.

Nose: Musty oak, a bit grassy. Some faint aromas that almost remind you like you’ve just opened a bag of plain corn chips.

Palate: Velvety smooth entry, it slithers its way around your palate. Very oily mouthfeel, quite a cooling sensation initially before the heat starts to build. Soft woody notes, a touch of sweetness.

Finish: Juicy, like chewing on a long fresh piece of grass.

Comments: It’s Suntory time, and I quite like this one actually. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, particularly being a blend; ultimately very drinkable.

Whisky #253 – Berry’s Bladnoch 19 Year Old 1992 Single Malt

September 29, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Berry’s Bladnoch 19 Year Old 1992 Single Malt. Lowlands, Scotland. 46%. Tasted at Lafayette, $22.

Colour: Very pale lemon.

Nose: Floral, quite delicate. Citrus notes too – not like the outside of an orange peel, but more like the smell after you’ve peeled an orange or mandarin and you’re just left with the white pith.

Palate: Quite a soft entry, but then quickly builds with a bit of heat and pepper.

Finish: Long finish. Gradually dries and contorts itself on the palate as it fades, revealing lemon and pepper.

Comments: Bottled in 2011, having been aged for 19 years. Surprisingly complex for a Lowlands whisky. It’s very light yet complex, some great stuff going on here.

Whisky #252 – Hazelburn 12 Year Old Single Malt

September 28, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Hazelburn 12 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at Lafayette, $20.

Colour: Tired gold. The type of gold that’s a little worn out by being so lustrous so it’s now a little dulled.

Nose: Gentle wood and honey notes. Also some subtle savoury aromas too; a little like when you peel the outer layers off eschallots before slicing them up.

Palate: Fairly one dimensional, just lots of oak.

Finish: Very long, mainly woody notes. Like going to the doctor and they place timber stick on your tongue and make you go “argh”. Slightly sour sensation on the tongue as it fades.

Comments: One of the very few triple distilled whiskies from Scotland. A solid, yet not spectacular whisky.

Whisky #251: Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel Single Malt

September 28, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 47.80%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $115 (bottle).

Colour: Brilliant translucent yellow.

Nose: Vanilla and bush honey.

Palate: Sweet biscuity notes. Creamy and buttery. Oily mouthfeel.

Finish: Medium length, lots of sweet oak and vanilla flavours. Almost a bit jammy.

Comments: A very smooth dram, the fact that half the bottle has mysteriously disappeared over a few days would suggest that it’s dangerously drinkable!

Whisky #250 – Michel Couvreur Candid Malt Whisky

September 26, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Michel Couvreur Candid Malt Whisky. Burgundy, France. ABV: 49.00%. Tasted at Lafayette.

Colour: Deep amber.

Nose: Smokey, meaty, yet thick molasses notes punctuating the olfactory profile. That last bit was an attempt to sound as wanky as possible, think I succeeded.

Palate: Big and thick mouthfeel, almost furry. Smoke all over the place, like sweet hickory BBQ sauce slathered all over some baby back ribs.

Finish: Very long. Giles got beef jerky, the longer it goes the more jerky you get.

Comments: Surprising – I certainly wasn’t expecting such a meaty, smokey and intense whisky given my tasting of two other Michel Couvreur whiskies (the Overaged and Clearach single malts). This was fantastic, I could drink this all night. It’s so tasty it almost makes you want to lick the day off your fingers like you would after devouring that juicy rack of BBQ pork ribs.

Whisky #249 – Middleton Green Spot Irish Whiskey

September 25, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Middleton Green Spot Irish Whiskey. Dublin, Ireland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at Lafayette.

Colour: Solid gold.

Nose: Smells like a rye whiskey. Grassy notes too.

Palate: Lots of rye-like spice on the palate too. Very pleasant without being overly complex. Quite a dry mouthfeel. A touch of black pepper and spice.

Finish: Gentle development of flavour and warmth, but a medium finish.

Comments: While obviously not a rye whiskey, it does share similar qualities with some American rye whiskies. Not too bad overall.

Whisky #248 – Chivas Regal Extra

September 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Chivas Regal Extra. Speyside, Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 40%. Tasted at Lafayette.

Colour: Dark varnished timber.

Nose: A bit of oak, a bit of sherry. That’s about as complex as it gets.

Palate: surprisingly thin on the palate. Soft enough, but not much depth. It’s got some sherry flavours but they’re sadly quite watered down.

Finish: Reasonably short finish, quite dry.

Comments: The “Extra” is a blend with a higher proportion from ex sherry casks than other Chivas offerings, so I was intrigued to see if it had that typical sherry richness and fruity sweetness. To be honest I found the flavours to be ok, but I cannot help but think it would’ve been interesting to try before they’d diluted it down to 40%. My good friend Giles is quite underwhelmed – “all I can taste is marketing”. Hard to disagree with that assessment old boy.

Whisky #247 – The Lark Distillery Port Cask Finish (Bottled 2013)

September 23, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

The Lark Distillery Port Cask Finish (Bottled 2013). Tasmania, Australia. ABV: 46.0%. Tasted at home, $45 (100mL bottle).

Colour: Quite an orangey bronze.

Nose: Initially it was a little harsh, but after a short while in the glass the nose softens revealing muscatels and charred oak.

Palate: Rich and full flavoured; toffee sweetness balanced with slightly tart fruity flavours. Tastes a little stronger than 46% ABV.

Finish: Quite dry; cocoa and cigar box flavours. Gentle warmth fades in a medium to long finish.

Comments: Another great offering from The Lark. To be honest, when I took my first sip I was a little disappointed as I thought it was a bit raw and harsher than the other Lark Port Cask Finish (also bottled in 2013) I recently tried. But in the name of science, I pressed on and continued the tasting – I’m very glad that I did as it developed into a great drop. I still rate the Lark Sherry Cask Finish as my favourite Lark expression that I’ve tried so far this year, but the Port Cask offerings are not too far behind.