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.
Comte Louis de Lauriston VSOP Calvados Domfrontais Calvados Review: Very well structured, quite slick with great texture but a little ethereal in terms of distinct flavours – a really great blend with a perfect balance of fruit and wood. 85/100
Glenury Royal 1976 Connoisseurs Choice (Bottled 1998) Whisky Review: Hard to put into perspective, perhaps a slightly disappointing dream dram. Subtle in character and maturation but then that made these G&M classics so affordable. Still two big ticks off of my list in both distillery and vintage. A reminder that these pearls (rather than gems) can be found at sensible prices in many whisky bars. 84/100
The Scalasaig Island Hopper Maiden Voyage whisky review: A well constructed blend I’m assuming from all island Malts? Good balance of peat & sherry – not too sweet almost classical ‘Highland’ style in fact. Well done 83/100
SMWS 10.118 Enthralling pink and peat intensity Whisky Review: A lovely mixture of sweet port influence and smoke. I was worried the palate at cask strength may have been a little overpowering but actually the sweet and peat aren’t too much. A nice earthy/turfy influence grounds this whole whisky while gentle spices fizz in the background. A pleasant surprise, a wonderful nose sets the standard for a great dram throughout. 87/100
Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair Whisky Review: When I originally opened this I think I found it quite youthful/spirity and a little over-spiced, however after some time in the bottle and allowed to breathe a little I have come away with a much greater appreciation of this whisky. It is in fact very well constructed with a great mix of oily, buttery caramel and rich spice, fruit and nut sherry influence. It really is a classic Bunnahabhain with that wonderful spirit character you either love (like me) or hate. 84/100
The English Original Single Malt Whisky Whisky Review: A rather accomplished expression, perhaps a touch woody in places but balanced by that lovely fruity spirit character which has started to become tropical as well as sweet on the palate. Masses of vanilla ice-cream make this a real dessert-style whisky. Very enjoyable. 83/100
ARDBEG WEE BEASTIE – THE DISTILLERY’S LATEST SMOKY WHISKY IS WREAKING FLAVOUR IN ITS PATH From April of this year, whisky lovers around the world will get the chance to experience the […]
Blood Oath Pact No. 6 Launches This Spring Finished in Cognac Barrels Bourbon Series Continues To Release Successful Expressions In its sixth year, the Blood Oath ultra-premium bourbon series continues to see […]
DIAGEO PLEDGES MORE THAN EIGHT MILLION BOTTLES OF SANITISER FOR FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS World’s largest distiller in unprecedented global response in the UK, Ireland, Italy, the USA, Brazil, Kenya, India and Australia […]
DOUGLAS LAING’S THE EPICUREAN LOWLAND MALT SEEKS TO SUPPORT THE ON-TRADE COMMUNITY As the spirits trade faces mounting challenges from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, leading Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & […]
