Scotland Archives - Page 17 of 22

Whisky #164 – Glendronach Allardice 18 Year Old 100% Sherry Matured Single Malt

July 20, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

Glendronach Allardice 18 Year Old 100% Sherry Matured Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at home, $125 (bottle).

Colour: Deep almost purplish copper.

Nose: Dark fruity sweetness, caramel aromas too.

Palate: Toffee, vanilla, sweet woody flavours.

Finish: The chewy sweet caramel flavours gradually fade to a reasonably dry finish with a gentle tingle on the front of the tongue.

Comments: Glendronach are one of the few distilleries to have their single malts 100% matured in ex Sherry casks, with many sherry drams from other distilleries using ex bourbon barrels for the majority of the maturation before spending some time ‘finishing’ in Sherry barrels.

The Allardice is quite a bit woodier than I recall the Glendronach Revival 15 year old was, but they’re both great whiskies. Do I like it? Absolutely, it’s fantastic. Would I rate it above the Revival 15 year old? I don’t think so. The Revival really is superb, and while the Allardice is a great whisky, I’m not sure that the extra 3 years maturation has made it a step-change improvement that warrants the extra $25/bottle investment compared to the Revival.

Whisky #163 – Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt

July 20, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt. Isle of Skye, Scotland. ABV: 45.80%. Tasted at Lalla Rookh, $15.

Colour: Deep gold.

Nose: Lots of peat. Not as much spice as I remember.

Palate: Ah, there’s the fire and spice, but not quite as intense as I seemed to recall. Lots of peat on the palate, it dominates.

Finish: Mixed spices linger on the tip of the tongue, as does the tingle of some residual peat smoke & heat.

Comments: Talisker 10 has always been a reliable, go-to whisky for me. You know what you’re going to get every time, it’s great value and it’s a quality drop. I haven’t had one for a while as I’ve been busy sampling 162 other whiskies so far this year. It’s definitely not as complex a flavour profile as the Talisker Distiller’s Edition that I tasted a little while ago, but it’s still a good dram. For me it’s a much better offering than the Talisker Storm (which I have yet to review here on Whisky a Day), and it definitely would not be out of place were you to pick say a selection of half a dozen decent quality and value for money single malts to start your whisky selection.

Whisky #158 – Oban Distiller’s Edition Single Malt

July 18, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Oban Distiller’s Edition Single Malt (distilled 1998, bottled 2013). Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at home, $120.

Colour: Burnt amber. Much like its Diageo Distiller’s Edition stablemates, this Oban has spent time extra maturing in some addition casks, in this case it’s Montilla Fino casks which have imparted the darker colour.

Nose: Oaky, briny.

Palate: Salty notes dominate. Quite woody, some dry vanilla too.

Finish: Sweet subtle smoke, quite dry.

Comments: I had never even heard of Montilla Fino before, apparently it’s a sweet fortified wine similar to sherry produced in the southern part of Córdoba in Spain. It’s a little drier than I’d prefer, not a bad offering but not a whisky I would spend all night drinking.

I was hoping the Distiller’s Edition whiskies might be something quite special, as if the master distillers had selected a few special barrels and produced a nice limited edition whisky. And while they’ve been quite ok, they’ve certainly fallen a little short of expectations.

Whisky #157 – Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition Single Malt

July 17, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition Single Malt (distilled 1997, bottled 2013). Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at home, $116 (bottle).

Colour: Deep amber; much darker than the Dalwhinnie 15 year old. It’s not a huge surprise as for the Distillers Edition Dalwhinnie have finished it in some Oloroso Sherry casks, giving it the darker hue.

Nose: Not a strong nose, a little woody.

Palate: A little briny, very oaky too.

Finish: Leathery notes; a slight tingle at the front of the palate as the flavours subside. Very dry, almost a faint touch of smoke.

Comments: I was actually expecting there to be a lot more sweetness given the extra maturation it’s had in sherry casks. If I hadn’t known, I would probably not have guessed it for a sherry dram. I certainly prefer it to the Dalwhinnie 15 year old as it’s got a lot more depth of flavour, but overall I’m not hugely impressed. Certainly very drinkable though. I’d prefer to have one of these to start and then move onto another whisky that has a bit more complexity to offer.

Whisky #156 – Glenmorangie Astar Single Malt

July 16, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Glenmorangie Astar Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 57.10%. Tasted at The Aviary.

Colour: Pale gold, straw.

Nose: Slight oak, but very subtle. Not the sweetness of other Glenmorangie drams.

Palate: Salty apricot. Brett remarks that it’s a lot smoother than he first anticipated, yet it has a bit on his tongue. I’m not sure whether he’s talking about the whisky or the…

Finish: Quite dry, Dry dusty finish. A bit of spice and fire in the aftertaste, not as smooth as other Glenmorangies that I’ve come to love.

Comments: Bottled at the cask strength of 57.10%. Unmistakable Glenmorangie qualities, full flavoured and loads of spice.

Whisky #155 – Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Malt

July 16, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at Print Hall.

Colour: Pale straw.

Nose: Sweet peat. Not a sexy alluring kind of peat, but there are some sweet notes.

Palate: Smooth entry, but has neither the peatiness nor the meatiness of the really great Islay malts.

Finish: Heat & peat linger, but nothing too exceptional to report.

Comments: Tastes like a sweeter Ardbeg 10. Not bad, but wouldn’t rush out to buy a bottle. Kilchoman is a very young distillery having been founded only in 2005, so we shouldn’t be too harsh on them. I’m excited by what I’ve tried so far (see also the Kilchoman Loch Gorm & Kilchoman Single Bourbon Cask 5 year old), but feel that perhaps they’re releasing their malts a little too soon so as to begin to see a return on their investment, rather than waiting a few extra years that might see the whisky’s flavours develop a little more.

Whisky #152 – SMWS 44.52 The Artist, the Brewer and the Baker

July 12, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

SMWS 44.52 The Artist, the Brewer and the Baker. 22 year old single cask from Craigellachie Distillery, Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 52.1%. Tasted at home, 100mL tasting bottle as part of SMWS new members’ welcome pack.

Colour: Brilliant light yellow gold; like a fresh glass of clear apple juice.

Nose: Like walking into a wood workshop where craftsmen have been working on timber furniture; rich sawdust, oils and a hint of varnish.

Palate: Smooth entry onto the tongue, flattens out to a salty taste overall. And then the esters really open up and some amazingly complex flavours fill the mouth. Lots of woody notes again, also a slight suggestion of some dried fruits, like grabbing a handful of some mixed dried fruits like apricots, cranberries and sultanas.

Finish: Oily, warming mouthfeel that lingers predominantly at the front of the mouth. Slow fade of flavours and the tingling sensation.

Comments: I’m a big fan of this one. It’s certainly more interesting than some of the SMWS bottlings I tried at their recent tasting event. Maybe because I got to pour myself a larger serve than they could at the tasting event, giving me the chance to get to know the whisky a little better. More of a long lunch kind of affair rather than speed dating. I’d definitely give this one another chance at a later date.

Whisky #151 – The Macallan Ruby Single Malt

July 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

The Macallan Ruby Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at Helvetica, $32.

Colour: Yes it is ruby-ish

Nose: Dusty sherry notes.

Palate: Tart raspberries. Tastes better than my mate Brett’s stomach, which is how how he got the nickname “Raspberry”. I still can’t believe he revealed this to us.

Finish: After consuming our fifth whisky for the evening, the novelty we are getting out of calling Brett “Raspberry” and seeing him get progressively more agitated has certainly distracted us from the important business of whisky tasting.

Comments: In the cold morning light, I actually can’t remember exactly how Brett got his nickname “Raspberry”. But it sure seemed to push his buttons, so I’ll be sure to use it again next time we catch up! I think I’ll have to subtly use it when I’m trying to describe the whisky’s colour…”What do you think Brett, is this dram a dark raspberry colour or a light raspberry?”

Whisky #150 – McDonald’s Traditional Ben Nevis

July 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

McDonald’s Traditional Ben Nevis. Highlands, Scotland. Tasted at Helvetica, $26.

Colour: Bright copper.

Nose: Quite gentle. Soft smoke, hint of cherries.

Palate: Hint of peat smoke; orange peel, maybe a hint of cocoa – like the aftertaste of a really good high cocoa dark chocolate.

Finish: Medium finish; neither dry nor sweet – about midway on the spectrum.

Comments: Maccas has never tasted so good. I’m lovin’ it! (TM).

Seriously though, one thing I am really loving as part of the Whisky a Day project is exploring a lot of these independent bottlings. I’ve never tried a Ben Nevis whisky before (the distillery is actually owned by Nikka these days), but on the basis of trying this McDonald’s bottling I’m inclined to track some down and give it a taste, really quite liked this one.

Whisky #149 – Longrow Burgundy Wood 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt

July 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

Longrow Burgundy Wood 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 56.10%. Tasted at Helvetica, $27.

Colour: Rich Amber. It’s been a good night on the stripper’s pole for the old girl.

Nose: Oak is the first thing that hits you, followed by some sweet smokey bacon notes.

Palate: Smoother than I was expecting for one so strong. Tastes more like a sherry matured dram.

Finish: Sweet sherry flavours.

Comments: My mate Charles the Frenchman can’t find any burgundy in it. Sacré bleu!

Whisky #148 – Ardbeg Auriverdes Limited Edition Single Malt

July 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Ardbeg Auriverdes Limited Edition Single Malt. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 49.90%. Tasted at Helvetica, $29.

Colour: Golden.

Nose: Not as peaty as I was expecting for an Ardbeg! Still plenty of smoke, but also leather and some surprising sweet notes. Some typical Ardbeg notes in there though, but much more subtle than say the 10 year.

Palate: ‘Cool smoke’ is how I’d describe it. It doesn’t have the heat of other Ardbegs, plus that very subtle sweetness pokes its head through.

Finish: Quite similar to the 10 year in terms of the finish flavours, but the Auriverdes is definitely a lot softer.

Comments: It’s great to see Arbeg mixing things up a bit with the Auriverdes release for World Ardbeg Day. Too many expressions in the Ardbeg stable are overly similar – sure there’s some subtle differences but in many cases I find the distinction too subtle, especially for such a big peaty, flavoursome whisky.

The Auriverdes has some unmistakable Ardbeg qualities, but for me it’s just not that special, particularly when you consider a bottle of it will set you back $200 AUD. It’s ok, but a little disappointing given this is intended to be a special release to commemorate Ardbeg Day.

Whisky #145 – SMWS 3.194 Surf and Turf BBQ

July 9, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

SMWS 3.194 Surf and Turf BBQ. 14 year old single cask from Bowmore distillery. Islay, Scotland. ABV: 58.3%. Tasted at home, 100mL tasting bottle as part of SMWS new members’ welcome pack.

Colour: Deep, brilliant, burnished copper. So bright.

Nose: Strong alcohol fumes abound. Slowly dissipating with some time in the glass to reveal some toffee, butter & burnt orange scents. A hint of smoke too.

Palate: Freshly ground black pepper. Chewy; very meaty, with a smokey almost charcoal taste. It really does taste a little similar to a steak flame cooked on a BBQ.

Finish: Salty smoked aftertaste, long finish.

Comments: I not picking up the seafood flavours that the SWMS abundantly describe, but the meaty BBQ flavours are definitely there. Wow. Not your typic Islay – the smoke is ever-present but it takes a back seat to the complex flavour profile. Really enjoying this one! In fact I’m really loving the Scotch Malt Whisky Society releases generally; they’re all unique, full flavoured and offer huge amounts of character that gradually reveal more layers with every sip.

Whisky #144 – Benromach Peat Smoke (Phenol Level 53PPM)

July 8, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Benromach Peat Smoke (Phenol Level 53PPM). Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 46.00%. Tasted at home, purchased as part of a 3 x 200mL pack of Benromach malts, $100.

Colour: Pale straw.

Nose: Smokey, but more like a campfire rather than peat.

Palate: Sweet peat and oaky flavours.

Finish: Honey and gentle smoke roll around the mouth.

Comments: Definitely the pick of the three Benromachs from this tasting pack. Interesting that they’ve gone out of their way to make a definitive statement about the peat level.

It’s certainly a different beast to your typical peaty Scottish whiskies (e.g. Islay or island whiskies), given Benromach is a Speyside whisky that should hardly surprise. Softer, sweeter flavours make for a more subtle experience, so if you’re someone who is apprehensive about peaty drams it could be a decent place to start and dip your toe in the water. Or in the whisky, though I don’t recommend that literally. Regardless, the Benromach Peat Smoke makes for a good point of difference to other peaty drams you might have tried before.

Whisky #143 – Benromach Organic Single Malt

July 8, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

Benromach Organic Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 43.0%. Tasted at home, purchased as part of a 3 x 200mL pack of Benromach malts, $100.

Colour: Golden honey.

Nose: Again a slight prickle much like the Benromach 10 year old. Some oak comes through, nothing much else to report really.

Palate: Sweet vanilla notes primarily, a bit of pepper.

Finish: Medium length, sweet oaky notes linger.

Comment: Urgh, another distillery trying to play the “organic” card. Look, if you want to be seen to be environmentally conscious, try hugging a tree or dating a vegan. It’s a perfectly acceptable single malt, but like the Bruichladdich Organic Single Malt it would appear from the outside that Benromach are taking the “organic” angle to appeal to a wider audience or maybe trying it as a point of difference from other distilleries. Either way, the fact that this whisky is organic does not add anything to the drinking experience. It’s a good whisky, don’t get me wrong, but who really cares if it’s organic?

Whisky #141 – Benromach 10 Year Old Single Malt

July 7, 2014 by Whisky a Day 1 Comment

Benromach 10 Year Old Single Malt. Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 43.0%. Tasted at home, purchased as part of a 3 x 200mL pack of Benromach malts, $100.

Colour: Orangey gold.

Nose: Dried fruits, but not much sweetness. A verrrrrry subtle hint of smoke. A bit of a prickle in the nostrils from the alcohol.

Palate: Dried apricots. Quite an oily mouthfeel. Smooth entry, flavours don’t really develop in the mouth though.

Finish: Short to medium finish, some sweet notes linger for a little while, as does the tingle of heat from the alcohol.

Comment: Not too bad, but there’s certainly better examples of Speyside malts in my opinion (e.g. Glenfarclas 15 year old). It doesn’t quite have the complexity or depth of flavour that I was hoping for. Check back over the next few posts where I will review the Benromach Organic Single Malt & the Benromach Peat Smoke (Phenol Level 53PPM).

Whisky #140 – Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Year Old Single Malt

July 2, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Year Old Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at home, $120 (bottle).

Colour: A light golden hue.

Nose: Floral, sweet hay-like notes.

Palate: Silky smooth entry, oily mouthfeel. Oak and somewhat sweet fruity flavours. Less spice than other Glenmorangies.

Finish: Warmth gradually builds as the flavours start to fade. Medium-long finish.

Comments: A lot smoother than other Glenmorangie expressions, less oaky. I’ve always had a bottle of this kicking around in my collection for the past few years (needless to say, it’s not the same bottle – they don’t last that long!) and for good reason – I really like it. Great balance, both in terms of flavours and also heat. Absolutely no hesitation in ordering another bottle once this one is finished.