The Whiskyphiles

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  • MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated 12 Years Old

    Solid. A touch non-descript in places though I often find with blends it can be hard to discern distinct taste notes. A good mixture of sweet and peat without resorting to too much ‘cask’ influences. 83/100 Continue reading

  • Oxford Rye Whisky Batch 4 The Graduate

    Another solid Rye expression from TOAD, perhaps more of the Rye spice to the fore here – this didn’t feel as cask-complex as previous expressions and more raw spirit nature shines because of it. 84/100 Continue reading

    Oxford Rye Whisky Batch 4 The Graduate
  • Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Barolo Finish

    A touch tannic and spicy in places at full strength. This presents an unusual mixture of red fruits and toffee which is oddly harmonious. Another predictably excellent, wine cask influenced, Glen Moray. 85/100 Continue reading

  • The Whiskymaker’s Editions Bal Masque

    Quite a refined and polished expression, quite tight or closed in places. A good malty caramel sweetness infused with fruits but encased in French oak, needs a little water to loosen it up. 84/100 Continue reading

  • The Singleton of Dufftown 54 Years Old

    Remarkably well-aged and rejuvenated whisky which is massively drinkable in no small part to the PX polish of sweet dried fruit, nut and chocolate influences layered over some really deep, fibrous and chewy old wood. Hugely complex as befitting its… Continue reading

  • Wilderness Trail Cask Strength Rye

    Incredibly drinkable as presented, not too spicy but full of woody herbal notes and sweet toffee, possibly the best Rye whiskey I have ever tasted! 88/100 Continue reading

  • Aber Falls 2nd Release

    Smooth and surprisingly complex (written without prior knowledge of the cask make-up here) suggesting an interesting cask mixture that is working really well and manages to avoid that young/forced (STR!) feeling. There is a good sweet herbality present here too… Continue reading

  • Kilkerran 12 Years Old

    Smoother and more refined than I last remember, possibly due to slightly older stock being available? Incredibly mealy and cereal led with soft peat smoke pervading later. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Hazelburn 13 Years Old 2007

    A superb Hazelburn expression in which the spirit nature has been matched to (mostly) ex-bourbon maturation, soft citrus fruits and biscuity cereals accentuated with a touch of sherry sweetness and Campbeltown maritime/salt influences. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Jura 18 Years Old

    On paper this expression is full of great flavours but I found myself really looking for anything representative of its age. Perhaps a slightly more subdued smoke and some earthier woody spices. I feel like this one is still getting… Continue reading