About me? I am a Whisky Educator, Travel-Tourist and Blogger. I blog tasting notes about (mostly Scotch) beer and whisky at The Whiskyphiles. I keep progress of my travels via the Alfred Barnard Society. Based in Livingston, Scotland I do most of my dramming at the University of Edinburgh Water of Life Society and Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Dailuaine 29 Years Old 1983 Old Spiced Balm Whisky Review: A superb old Dailuaine, quite light and bourbon matured unlike the sherry heavy OB, waxy rather than meaty. 88/100
Glenrothes 21 Years Old 1993 Kumquat Cluster Whisky Review: A superb tropical fruit and cream dessert of a whisky, reminding me of some fantastic home-made cheesecakes. 91/100
Strathisla 18 Years Old 1997 Samaroli Whisky Review: Super fruity, delicate and floral, I would never have guessed a virgin oak cask. 89/100
Tormore 23 Years Old 1995 Whisky Review: A fantastic combination of juicy tropical fruits, drying tannic leather and soft, gentle, ginger cake spice, superb. 88/100
Heaven Hill 10 Years Old 2009 Whisky Review: Closed and a little difficult at cask strength, a little water softens and opens up this one. Plenty of caramel and a hint of fruit but overall this is very palate-neutral. 76/100
The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.3 Whisky Review: A definite move in the right direction in this series, delivered at a more approachable ABV. This has a super nose but sadly it is not totally backed up on the palate. Perhaps an indication of the Lakes young spirit, given time (maturation) perhaps this inbalance will be redressed? 85/100
Aerolite Lyndsay 10 Years Old whisky review: A fairly complex construction leave classic Islay peat and maritime influence and me guessing at distillery character, I guess the point here is to focus on some of the great characteristics of Islay whisky that can make a powerful yet extremely drinkable dram and present them with age-statement and at wallet-friendly prices, well done TCoIWC. 85/100
Longrow 15 Years Old 2001 Whisky Review: A touch oily and closed and quite creamy in texture. Straight forward sherry and peat but with further sampling what at first seems simple is really quite accomplished, a single cask that is on par with a married standard expression. 89/100
Longrow 12 Years Old 2002 Sherry Cask Whisky Review: A hint of rubber at first but this quickly dissipates leaving a sweet and oily combination of sherry and peat smoke which is really quite lovely. 88/100
Longrow Red 11 Years Old Cabernet Franc Whisky Review: Sadly not heavily red wine influenced, a competent expression whose fruitiness struggles to compete with the peaty and spicy nature, much preferred the Gaja Barolo. 84/100
