Latest whisky news
METHOD AND MADNESS LAUNCHES NEW OATS AND MALT IRISH WHISKEY
Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, is proud to introduce its latest expression in innovation with the launch of METHOD AND MADNESS Oats and Malt. Only the second-ever release from the company’s Micro Distillery, Oats and Malt is a limited-edition release that continues to push the boundaries for Irish whiskey. #whisky #news
Cù Bòcan releases Limited Edition 15 Year Old, the first age-stated whisky added to the range
Cù Bòcan Single Malt has just released a limited edition 15 Year Old, this is the brand’s first age-stated whisky expression. The 15 Year Old has been fully matured in Oloroso Sherry casks for a minimum of 15 years, this 2022 Edition is the first in a series of planned annual batch releases.
Tullibardine launch Custodian Club for biggest supporters
We’re excited to announce that we’ve created a new VIP membership especially for our biggest supporters called the Custodian Club. Members will receive a whole host of offers, exclusive discounts at the distillery, first access to new releases, and a say in new bottlings among many other benefits.
Latest Scotch whisky reviews
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
Drinkable and well-textured (light & silky or smooth) as expected from The Glenlivet. Filled with plenty of fruit, some tropical, with a touch of syrup and spice to help it along. A refreshing alternative to The Glenlivet’s classic 12 Year old expression for example and in similar price bracket. 83/100
Black Bottle
Black Bottle offers a characterful blended scotch with good structure and strong flavours. A delight amongst insipid vanilla & lemon blends that let far to much youthful grain spirit shine. An easy equal to many a single malt and much more chewy and substantial than JW Black Label (for example). This has rapidly become my ‘go to’ Blended scotch. 83/100
Tullibardine 500
My favourite of the tasting – I guess no surprises there! I guess like the whole range I felt this was a bit safe and unchallenging. I’d prefer a bit more strength or depth to some of the finishing flavours – but perhaps that’s just my palate and predilections. The whole range is quite polished and well put together, meaning accessibility and joy for newcomers. Thankfully Tullibardine have extended their signature and other ranges greatly since these were released in 2013 and I guess I should be exploring these more myself. 83/100
Latest US whiskey reviews
Yellowstone Select
An easygoing Bourbon with plenty of expected sweetness and some rather herbal spice notes keeps this one interesting and entertaining. 84/100
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Intense sweet fruit and spice plus plenty of wood influence, well put-together CS Bourbon from the Four Roses stable. 85/100
Westland Garryana 2020
Complex with plenty of wood influence but also fruity, spicy and chocolate notes abound. Lifted by presentation at 50% ABV this has much more depth and presence than the heritage collection. 86/100
Latest Irish whiskey reviews
The Irishman Single Malt
Of similar quality to The Irishman The Harvest expression but quite a different character, lacking that Pot Still spice and also complexity from both malt and mixed cask maturation resulting in something very enjoyable. 84/100
The Irishman The Harvest
Robust thanks to the Pot Still spices bestowed by green barley, vanilla from the Bourbon oak and biscuity malt notes also lead to an entertaining and complex dram for an entry-level price. 84/100
Writers Tears Seaweed IPA Cask
Another rather unique expression, definitely a cut above the standard Writers Tears expressions available. A touch overtly hoppy in places which I certainly enjoyed but really shines in the finish. 84/100
Latest World whisky reviews
Kyrö 4 Year Old Batch 1
A spicy rye expression with some really wild flavours but quite enjoyable once it relaxes in the glass a little. 83/100
Slyrs 3 Years Old Batch 3
Quite oaky and tannic a touch like sherry or a good red wine, plenty of woody sugars and quite fragrant too. 85/100
HighGlen 3 Years Old Batch 1
Quite delicate nose and palate on this expression, biscuity and lemon-infused with the addition of ginger and thyme in places. Quite dessert-like and syrupy. Surprised this doesn’t feel like it is only 3 years old this one is more mature than its years. 85/100
Latest other spirits reviews
Domaine d’Aurensan 20 Ans
Woody but so drinkable, I hadn’t appreciated when sampling this that it wasn’t all 20 years old! Some soft floral notes but this is mostly wood and dried herbs and fruits with a generous nutty and chocolate component too, superb! 86/100
Chateau de Lacquy VSOP
Quite neutral despite its obvious fruity nature the sweetness has been tempered by plenty of wood talking here and saying good things. I really enjoyed this one. 85/100
Drouin Reserve Des Fiefs
Superb, creamy textured and vibrantly fruity this has something of a curd or yoghurty nature and the youth comes through as banana milkshake (estery and creamy). A great insight into Drouin’s base spirit nature. 84/100
The Whiskyphiles 