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365 drams in 365 days...

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365 drams in 365 days...

Whisky #33: Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood Single Malt

February 25, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment
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IMG_2594Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood Single Malt. Speyside, Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at Bar Lafayette, $14.

Colour: Deep orangey amber.

Nose: Woody notes. Like a sawmill, smells a bit like someone has taken a circular saw through on of the bourbon or sherry casks it was aged in.

Palate: Clean entry, quite a bit of heat that kicks in quickly.

Finish: Quite a dry spicy finish. Slightly bitter aftertaste.

Comments: Not a whole heap of flavour. Jim Murray reckons he’s kissed & canoodled this one, but there is no spark or romance whatsoever. Have to agree with him on this one!

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Balvenie, Scotland, Speyside

Whisky #32 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

February 25, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment
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IMG_2593Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Dublin, Ireland. ABV: 40.00%. Tasted at The Royal, $0 – shouted by my cousin Marcus’ colleague Phil.

Colour: Gold brassy appearance.

Nose: Golden syrup sweetness, feint hint of peat perhaps?

Palate: Quite a smooth & subtle entry. Unlike most Irishmen when they enter a room. Soft sweet slightly creamy notes.

Finish: Quite short, like a leprechaun. Hints of oak linger.

Comments: A bit more character than I was expecting from an Irish dram.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Dublin, Ireland, pot still, Redbreast

Whisky #31: Longrow Red Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2586Longrow Red Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 52.10%. Tasted at Bar Lafayette, $20.

Colour: What’s the colour of a 2 cent piece?

Nose: Peaty, smells a bit like a sherry matured dram.

Palate: Peat repeat. Spice & tobacco.

Finish: Boom, mouth coating with peat, spice & heat that hangs around.

Comments: I would’ve picked this more for a sherry dram. Tasty drop, but the peat overpowers some of the subtle flavours (which are hard to describe over the tobacco flavours). With the cab sav barrel maturation I was expecting something different & unusual from this one, but it didn’t deliver on that front. Still a decent drop though, was just expecting (or hoping) for a more unique experience.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: cabernet sauvignon cask, Campbelltown, cask strength, Longrow, red wine maturation, Scotland

Whiskies #27-30: All American “State of the Union” Tasting

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherRighto listen up y’all…thought I’d do something a little different to mix it up a bit.  As today President Obama was giving his ‘State of the Union’ address, I thought that was the perfect segue into an all American ‘State of the Union’ whiskey tasting.  All were tasted in one evening at Varnish on King, Perth’s very own American whiskey bar.

IMG_2583Whisky #27: High West Double Rye Whiskey. Park City, Utah, United States. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at Varnish on King, $14.50.

Colour: Deep caramel

Nose: Vanilla & soft aniseed.

Palate: Liquorice & soft spice.

Finish: Soft mellow warmth.

Comments: My first American whiskEy for the project.

Varnish’s “Rye Not” flight – $20.  Only small (~20mL) serves in this flight, so a little difficult to get a full appreciation of each drop.  Only made a few observations for each.

IMG_2585Whisky #28: Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey. Kentucky, United States. ABV: 40.00%.

Nose: Very light, cereal scents. 

Finish: Has quite a fiery finish, not a very refined drop.

Comments: Not a huge fan, but it’s ok.

IMG_2584Whiskey #29: Wild Turkey 81 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Kentucky, United States. ABV: 40.5%.

Colour: 50 shades of amber. Or as we’re tasting American whiskey, should that be 50 states of amber?

Nose: Smells like a musty pool hall.

Finish: Short and thin finish.

IMG_2582Whiskey #30: Rittenhouse 100 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey.  Kentucky, United States. ABV: 50.00%.

Colour: Deep browny bronze colour.

Palate: Aniseedy or absinthe flavours, coupled with sweet spice.

Comments: Definitely my favourite of the four American whiskies this evening.  

Overall comments: I’ve never really been into American whiskey very much.  Maybe as a result of having one too many largish nights on Jack Daniels in my younger days.  The Bulleit was just too harsh to drink straight, not that enjoyable at all.  The Turkey was a bit better, but still lacked a bit of depth and complexity for my liking.  The Rittenhouse however was great, I’d definitely like to try it again (larger serving next time!) to explore it in a bit more detail.  Could it be that it’s the most whisky-like whiskEy?  Overall though, they all displayed aniseed or absinthe-like flavours to a varying extents, which is certainly a little different to anything I’ve had so far.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Bourbon Whiskey, Bulleit, Double Rye, High West, Kentucky, Park City, Rittenhouse, Straight Rye, USA, Utah, Wild Turkey

Whisky #26: Springbank 10 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2581Springbank 10 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $73.60.

Colour: Gold, like a flat glass of lager

Nose: Hard to pick this nose…(upon posting this one I’ve just realised that I’ve made the same very lame nose joke.  Two days in a row.  Note to self: get some new material).

Palate: Woody, slightly vinegary tastes. Fair bit of spice

Finish: Long warmth lingers around your mouth, makes your lips & tip of your tongue tingle.

Comments: I’m a couple of days behind schedule, need to get back on track.  This is my first tasting this year of a whisky from Campbeltown. Thankfully we’re talking Scotland and not Western Sydney. Reminds me of an old joke…what do Campbelltown girls use for protection? A bus shelter. Not sure quite what this has to do with the Springbank, but hey.

Overall it’s only ok, the Springbank 10 is not the smoothest Springbank I’ve had, which was a Hazelburn Sauternes cask finished malt – which in turn wasn’t as smooth or tasty as other Sauternes finished whiskies (e.g. Glelmorangie Nectar D’Or or Longmorn 16).

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Campbeltown, Scotland, Springbank

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

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2570Bruichladdich 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.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Bruichladdie, Islay, Scotland

Whisky #24: Glen Moray 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment
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IMG_2569Glen 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”.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Glen Moray, Scotland, Speyside

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

February 25, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2542Glenlivet 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

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.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Scotland, Speyside, The Glenlivet

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

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2552Nikka 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.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Hokkaido, Japan, Nikka

Whisky #21: Caol Ila Distillers Edition Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2539Caol 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!

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Caol Ila, Islay, Scotland

Whisky #20: Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2538Caol 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!

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Caol Ila, Islay, Scotland

Whisky #19: Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2534Highland 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?

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Highland Park, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Whisky #18: Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2533Glenmorangie 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!

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Glenmorangie, Highlands, Scotland

Whisky #17: Inverarity Ancestral 14 Year Old Single Malt

February 24, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2634Inverarity 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.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Inverarity, Scotland, Sherry cask matured, Speyside

Whisky #16: Sullivans Cove Bourbon Maturation Cask Strength

February 23, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2528Sullivans 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!

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Australia, cask strength, Sullivans Cove, Tasmania

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

February 19, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherIMG_2527Cadhenhead’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.

Posted in: Whisky tastings Tagged: Ardmore, Cadhenhead’s, cask strength, Highlands, Scotland
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