Rampur Asava (45%, OB, 2020)(11/26/2020)-Another highly drinkable and delicately finished/balanced expression matching Rampur's spirit to red wine cask influences. 85/100
Rampur Double Cask (45%, OB, 2018)(11/26/2020)-More depth and a touch more complexity, the soft tropical fruit and floral spirit nature are reserved for the finish here. 85/100
Rampur PX (45%, OB, 2016)(11/26/2020)-Core flavours still present, sweet, fruity and floral with plenty of red & dried fruits added here and a touch of chocolate from the PX finish. 84/100
Rampur Select (43%, OB, 2015)(11/26/2020)-Initially quiet this expression is full of soft and sweet tropical fruits, honey and vanilla representing Rampur's core flavour profile. 84/100
The Glenturret 12 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020)(11/26/2020)-I found this a little challenging on the nose with dry leather and woody tannins initially but once it has breathed a fairly classic Dundee cake/Fruit cake nature arises from the ex-European oak cask maturation. 84/100
The Glenturret Triple Wood (43%, OB, 2020)(11/26/2020)-A beautiful expression, quite complex but very drinkable. Lots going on in here but all very complementary the result is Baklava, buttery pastry, honey/syrup, nuts and gentle spices combined to perfection. 85/100
Defilement 8 Years Old Chestnut Cask Finish (46.7%, Defilement, 2020)(11/16/2020)-Hah a curve ball in the form of this Chestnut wood cask, whilst distinctly not oak, but then again this is not Scotch, it is a blended English whisky so I'm unsure if English whisky regulations exist or preclude the use of other wood (much like Irish chestnut casked whiskey sampled previously). Something a little different and very tasty! 84/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old French Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020)(11/16/2020)-Very pleasant, much more woody and oaky presence here though oddly slightly vinegary on the nose I did wonder if this was a pale/Amontillado sherry cask finish at one point. 82/100
Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake (46%, OB, 2020)(11/16/2020)-Well I guess malt-light highlights Glenmorangie's delicate spirit and I did pick up on a bit of fruit and sugar here but this was much more fresh wood than a piece of cake for me. 80/100
Old Ezra 7 Years Old (58.5%, OB, 2020)(11/16/2020)-A flavour journey rather than destination, plenty of spice and heat but also packed full of vanilla and nutty oak. Superb as it comes but takes a drop of water well if you like it a little calmer. 85/100
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%, OB, 2020)(11/16/2020)-Approachable rye whisky, touches of spice and earth from the Rye grains but plenty of sweet vanilla and oak wood influence too, quite enjoyable. 84/100
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish (45%, OB, 2020)(11/16/2020)-Slightly spiced and dessert-like Bourbon, the cognac cask finish has subdued some of the sweetness and given a richer, woodier and slightly festive spice feel to this one. 85/100
Tomatin to auction rare whiskies for Maggie’s Highlands charity(11/9/2020)-TOMATIN DISTILLERY ROLLS BACK THE YEARS WITH NEW FILL CASK AUCTION Tomatin Distillery has today announced an exclusive online auction of rare whiskies, including a new fill Tomatin cask, hosted and supported by The Grand […]
Chivas Brothers unveils 2020 Distillery Reserve Collection(11/9/2020)-CHIVAS BROTHERS UNVEILS 2020 DISTILLERY RESERVE COLLECTION FEATURING 48 NEW SINGLE CASKS Series of eight The Glenlivet Single Casks at the heart of the collection Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of […]
Armorik Maitre de Chai 2010 (46%, OB, Sherry Casks #3320 & #3321, 2000 bottles, 2017)(11/8/2020)-Blind tasting - Dark coloured but quite smooth and soft in flavours, I was misled by the Oloroso cask maturation effect on the colour here I think. Again having recently sampled through Armorik's core range and latest peated expression I had no idea how close this one was to them! 83/100
Hatozaki Pure Malt (40%, OB, 2020)(11/8/2020)-Blind tasting - Oddly herbal and sweet, this has plenty of Japanese influence and reminded me of some of the Hakushu expressions. 86/100
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (43%, OB, 2020)(11/8/2020)-Blind-tasted - Reasonably simple definite corn-led grain whisky with bourbon-oak maturation, possibly from somewhere with a slightly warmer climate, I guessed a grain or pot-still Irish whiskey due to the sweet and spiced nature. 83/100
Pere Magloire VSOP Speyside Cask Finish (40%. OB, 2020)(11/4/2020)-A much sweeter and more vanillic expression following finishing in aSpeyside whisky cask, more body generate from a hint of malty cereal barley also. 84/100
Whisky Blog Rankings November 2020(11/4/2020)-Whisky Blog Rankings November 2020 Ordered by Alexa Global Rank See our complete (alphabetical) listings here Contact us via the form on that page if we don’t have your blog details listed. http://thewhiskeywash.com/ […]
The Glenallachie adds a 21 Year Old to its range.(11/4/2020)-CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR WHISKY FANS AS THE GLENALLACHIE ADDS A 21-YEAR-OLD TO ITS RANGE The multi-award-winning Speyside distillery unveils limited release cask strength single malt in the run-up to Christmas After […]
Cambus 28 Years Old 1991 Single Cask (55.8%, Cadenheads, 2019)(11/3/2020)-Great on the palate despite inherent thinness of grain whisky, touch funky on the nose and slightly over-woody. Water made this spicier and woodier so I'd drink it as it comes. 82/100
Benromach 10 Years Old (43%, OB, 2020)(11/3/2020)-Benromach's entry level malt is still a complex and fascinating dram full of malty barley, fruity spirit and sweet & spiced cask derived flavours. Superb, possibly one of the best 10 year old standard expressions available. 84/100
Hatozaki Pure Malt (40%, OB, 2020)(11/2/2020)-Packed full of malt and aromatic wood with gentle wisps of smoke, this is seriously delicious. 88/100
Hatozaki Blended (40%, OB, 2020)(11/2/2020)-I really rather enjoyed this one. At first it seems quite simple, light and delicate but therein lies its beauty. Immensely drinkable and reminds me of some great and now hard to find or afford Japanese single malts. 84/100
Egan’s Centenary (46%, OB, 2019)(11/2/2020)-A delicious blend full of cereal, stone fruits and leather a marriage of a good base and plenty of French oak cask influence here, nice and chewy. 85/100
Egan’s Fortitude (46%, OB, 2020)(11/2/2020)-Sherry heavy with plenty of PX influences; rich fruit and spice. I was unable to detect much underlying spirit character here however as I feel the sherry-maturation obscures that perhaps, still super-drinkable. 84/100
Egan’s Vintage Grain Irish Whiskey (46%, OB, 2020)(11/2/2020)-Very pleasant, soft and light just as you'd expect from a Grain whiskey, a little hint of that spirity nature also give away the nature of the base spirit here. This has been well matured in ex-Bourbon and strikes a good balance making the end result very drinkable. 83/100
Armorik Yuen Elez (46%, OB, 2020)(10/27/2020)-Deliciously sweet and peaty, this has a rich malty sweetness accentuated by vanilla and all pervaded by a thick peat and dry heather brush smoke. Wonderful. 84/100
Armorik Double Maturation (46%, OB, 2020)(10/27/2020)-Great aromas and mouthfeel, the double-maturation gives good depth and texture and carries some of those darker and woodier sugary flavours topped by classic sherry finish elements. 80/100
Armorik Sherry Cask (46%, OB, 2020)(10/27/2020)-Full of dried fruits and chocolate flavours and aromas from the Oloroso sherry cask maturation, still a little sharp and too spiced when unreduced for my palate in places. 79/100
Armorik Classic (46%, OB, 2020)(10/27/2020)-Very well put together and promising, the ex-Bourbon oak is not too heavy an influence here and mostly describes their spirit character and coastal maturation. It becomes a touch abrasive later on the palate which hints at slightly younger maturation - I'm guessing some components may be under 8 years old perhaps. 77/100
Talisker 57° North (57%, OB, 2012)(10/20/2020)-Another hugely enjoyable expression from Talisker, sadly discontinued but thankfully this appears to have been replaced with strong and youthful Talisker's featuring in Diageo's special releases - hopefully one day I'll get to try them. 89/100
Ardnamurchan AD/09.20:01 (46.8%, OB, 2020)(10/16/2020)-An interesting and slightly smokey and coastal Highland single malt. Whilst still showing signs of youth the smoke here really isn't powerful enough and I was left wishing for something with a little more punch or oomph. 80/100
Waterford Bannow Island 1.2 (50%, OB, 2020)(10/16/2020)-Salty and oily fish with a dash of lemon juice - not flavours I'm really looking for in a whisky. Whilst Terroir-driven whiskey may be a fantastical experiment/marketing hack to sell Waterford they seriously need to improve their output to tempt me into drinking it again. 66/100
Nc’nean Organic Batch 1 (46%, OB, 2020)(10/16/2020)-Another vanillic sweet and fruity malt, this feels quite a bit younger and fresher, still some zest and spice present from the distillate. Some deeper notes and a beery/yeasty aroma to it once it had breathed - possibly some influence from the cask maturation. 82/100
Benromach Organic 2011 (43%, OB, 2019)(10/16/2020)-Very sweet and dessert-led, there is a malty backbone here which props up a lot of fruit and sweetness. Only the reveal gave away this weeks 'theme' of Organic. 83/100
The Macallan launch The Red Collection(10/15/2020)-INTRODUCING THE RED COLLECTION – REFLECTING THE MACALLAN’S EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Macallan has unveiled The Red Collection, an exquisite range of distinguished and rare single malt Scotch whiskies which captures […]
Douglas Laing’s Scallywag Reveals “Winter Warmer” Limited Edition(10/15/2020)-Leading distiller, blender and bottler Douglas Laing & Co today unveils the limited edition Scallywag Cask Strength Winter Edition. Joining the classic Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky and continually-available 10 Years Old […]
Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%, OB, 2020)(10/15/2020)-My first introduction to Midleton Very Rare and very enjoyable it is. Combining elements of grain whiskey and pot still from Midleton distillery. The result is light and refreshing, fruity ditillate-led expression. 87/100
Laphroaig 10 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 012 (60.1%, OB, 2020)(10/14/2020)-Nom nom nom. Another fantastic Laphroaig cask strength expression with all sorts of weird fruitiness showing up in the depths of this alcohol. Perhaps if watered down this would reveal even more but frankly it really didn't need it! 87/100
Hazelburn 10 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020)(10/14/2020)-Quite basic for a Campbeltown dram, not so much the dirty oily dockside/fishing boat but much more coastal, clean salt-laden air, mineralic chalk and plenty of citrus with a hint of vanilla. 84/100
Dufftown-Glenlivet 10 Years Old Original Collection (46%, Cadenheads, 2020)(10/14/2020)-Obviously sherried and a little acetic/vinegary on the nose, more confusing on the palate but I guess as a mixture of ex-Boubon and PX sherry casks were used this threw me a little bit. Pretty safe and sound for a well-sherried speyside dram. 84/100
Glencadam 15 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020)(10/14/2020)-Another quite light dram, of similar strength and also ex-Bourbon cask matured. remarkably the 5 years difference between this and the last were really not apparent. 83/100
Bladnoch 10 Years Old (46.7%, OB, 2020)(10/14/2020)-Quite short on the palate and slightly vaporous, quite light and makes a good introductory whisky - fitting the light & grassy Lowland style. 82/100
Glenglassaugh release the Coastal Cask Collection(10/14/2020)-GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASE COASTAL CASK COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE DISTILLERY REAWAKENING Glenglassaugh Distillery, standing at the edge of Sandend Bay on the Moray Firth coast of Scotland, lay silent for over two decades before […]
MIDLETON VERY RARE releases exceptional 2020 vintage(10/14/2020)-The Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, MIDLETON VERY RARE, releases exceptional 2020 vintage Final Midleton Very Rare vintage from Former Master Distiller Brian Nation is unveiled Irish Distillers, maker of some of the […]
The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Years Old (40%, OB, 2020)(10/9/2020)-Much more balanced that the Trinité but I still found this one a little bland. I love the 12, despite it's super-easy drinking it is full of subtleties and nuances of flavour that works really well. Sadly I'm just not finding that here. 84/100
The Singleton of Dufftown Trinité (40%, OB, 2013)(10/9/2020)-Inoffensive and almost a little bland in places, ok for an introductory whisky and for me a touch too spiced - or at least nothing balanced against the wood spices in this one. 77/100
Dalwhinnie Winters Gold (43%, OB, 2020)(10/9/2020)-Not much to write home about, soft subtle Dalwhinnie without too much character of flavour - and that's at room temperature - if you want to buy this to drink it chilled save your pennies and buy Absolut Vanilla instead. 72/100
anCnoc Peatheart Batch 2 (46%, OB, 2020)(10/9/2020)-Another great peated expression, less sweet and floral than the 12 year old but quite mealy and full of oak wood and fruit, wood char, peat smoke and coal-tar soap. 85/100
anCnoc 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2020)(10/9/2020)-A good & classic anCnoc expression, quite flavourful and rich even presented at 40% ABV with lots of dessert-led fruit and sweetness. 84/100
Egan’s Irish Whiskey launches limited Legacy Reserve III(10/9/2020)-Egan’s Irish Whiskey continues to craft ground-breaking, innovative expressions with the latest release in its limited edition Legacy series, Legacy Reserve III. The third volume in this exceptional single malt series is […]
Torabhaig Single Malt from the Isle of Skye set to launch in February 2021(10/7/2020)-One of the most eagerly awaited whisky launches in a generation Torabhaig Single Malt, from the Isle of Skye, set to launch in February 2021 Torabhaig, the second legal distillery ever to be built on the Isle of Skye, is set to release a rare new arrival to […]
Whisky Blog Rankings October 2020(10/6/2020)-Whisky Blog Rankings October 2020 Ordered by Alexa Global Rank See our complete (alphabetical) listings here Contact us via the form on that page if we don’t have your blog details listed. http://www.bozzy.org/ […]
Tomatin launch 2006 Fino UK exclusive(10/4/2020)-SWEET & SAVOURY: TOMATIN LAUNCH 2006 FINO UK EXCLUSIVE Tomatin, the award-winning Highland distillery, has today announced the release of a limited-edition 2006 Fino expression, launching exclusively to the UK market. The […]
Glasgow Distillery Announce Exclusive Cask Ownership Offer(10/4/2020)-Glasgow Distillery Announce Exclusive Cask Ownership Offer The Glasgow Distillery Company has announced that a selection of casks from the distillery’s cask portfolio will be released for private purchase. The announcement comes […]
Kilchoman 8 Years Old 2011 ‘Unpeated’ Cask 490 RMW Exclusive (56.4%, OB, 246 Bottles, 2020)(10/4/2020)-Kilchoman 8 Years Old 2011 'Unpeated' Cask 490 RMW Exclusive Whisky Review: Ha! Cheeky Kilchoman putting unpeated distillate together with peated feints and forshots from the previous distillation run. Matured in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel (or hogshead based on the number of Cask strength bottles) there is not much here to mask mostly spirit nature. It has been sometime since I regularly sampled Kilchoman and this was a very welcome return and my favourite of the tasting. 83/100
Islay Mist 8 Year Old Amontillado Napoleon Finish (43%, Macduff International, 7000 bottles, 2017)(10/4/2020)-Islay Mist 8 Year Old Amontillado Napoleon Finish Whisky Review: While there are some full flavoured malts in here - and I suspect a very good helping of Caol Ila in particular there was also something drawing the palate back to neutrality that could be nothing other than grain spirit. I completely missed that the sweetness here was due to the Amontillado sherry cask finish and just assumed it was a well-constructed blend. 82/100
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (47%, OB, 2020)(10/4/2020)-Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whisky Review: Another sample at Elijah Craig small batch and yet further disappointment, sadly this just doesn't cut it like the 12yo did. 78/100
Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt (46%, Gleann Mor Spirits, 2020)(10/4/2020)-Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt Whisky Review: Sherry influenced but a little neutral and bland to begin with, develops with air and possibly a drop of water. very woody, tasted blind this initially reminded me of some of the Balcones Bourbon and single malt expressions, also very wood oriented. 80/100
Hakushu 12 Years Old (43%, OB, 2018)(9/30/2020)-Hakushu 12 Years Old Whisky Review: Definitely the green/woody expression I remember but with perhaps a much more noticeable smoke element, minerality and sharper resolution of herbal notes - but perhaps this is just the benefit of a much more educated palate from me now. Since it is unobtainable price-wise perhaps I do appreciate this expression much more than when it was rather freely available. 84/100
Fettercairn 22 Years Old (47%, OB, 2020)(9/30/2020)-Fettercairn 22 Years Old whisky review: A deliciously sweet expression that really plays on Fettercairns core distillate flavours balanced against classic white oak ex-Bourbon maturation. Tropical fruits and syrup meet vanilla and wood spices resulting in a whole cake-shop of dessert-like flavours. 89/100
Fettercairn 16 Years Old 1st Release (46.4%, OB, 2020)(9/30/2020)-Fettercairn 16 Years Old 1st Release Whisky Review: A great addition to the range and one to follow as each batch promises to be as experimental as this 1st release. Despite chocolate malt and multiple cask use the core Fettercairn spirit qualities are still easily found in this expression. 87/100
anCnoc releases Peatheart Batch 2 for Global Market(9/30/2020)-anCnoc releases Peatheart Batch 2 for Global Market anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky continues its journey ‘to the dark side’ with the global release today (30th September 2020) of Peatheart Batch […]
Armorik announce Yuen Elez peated whisky range(9/30/2020)-Armorik announce Yuen Elez peated whisky range Yeun Elez is a peated Breton Whisky, distilled from peated (50ppm) malted barley from Scotland. Breton Single Malt Whisky, it has been distilled and matured […]
Courvoisier® Introduces New Limited-Edition Cognac to its Esteemed Portfolio(9/29/2020)-Courvoisier® Introduces New Limited-Edition Cognac to its Esteemed Portfolio DE LUXE is available exclusively at Tesco now Courvoisier®, the UK’s number 1 cognac and the Most Awarded Cognac House*, has announced the […]
The Dalmore launches 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Single Malt(9/29/2020)-The Dalmore launches 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Single Malt The latest addition to The Dalmore Principal Collection The Dalmore is proud to present The Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask […]
The Dalmore 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Select (43%, OB, 2020)(9/27/2020)-Dalmore 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Select Whisky Review: A classic Dalmore, from memory this does have some deeper nut/fruit/chocolate flavours in here than the standard Dalmore 12 Years Old - though it has been some time since I last tried the standard expression. I'd be interested to see at what price this retails at, though Dalmore fans will likely buy it regardless. 84/100
Whisky Works Quartermaster 11 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky (46.4%, OB, 2134 Bottles, 2020)(9/27/2020)-Whisky Works Quartermaster 11 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky Whisky Review: Richly flavoured, a touch thin and slightly over-spiced on the palate though I couldn't really decide if this was oak tannins or too much grain whisky presence - perhaps an indication of all that cask maturation going on in here. 82/100
Williamson 10 Years 2010 Old Strictly Limited (47.5%, Carn Mor, Oloroso HH’s, 1139 Bottles, 2020) (11/26/2020) - Rich, complex and nutty a fantastic example of how peat and sherry really work well together. 89/100
Rampur Asava (45%, OB, 2020) (11/26/2020) - Another highly drinkable and delicately finished/balanced expression matching Rampur's spirit to red wine cask influences. 85/100
Rampur Double Cask (45%, OB, 2018) (11/26/2020) - More depth and a touch more complexity, the soft tropical fruit and floral spirit nature are reserved for the finish here. 85/100
Rampur PX (45%, OB, 2016) (11/26/2020) - Core flavours still present, sweet, fruity and floral with plenty of red & dried fruits added here and a touch of chocolate from the PX finish. 84/100
Rampur Select (43%, OB, 2015) (11/26/2020) - Initially quiet this expression is full of soft and sweet tropical fruits, honey and vanilla representing Rampur's core flavour profile. 84/100
The Glenturret 12 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020) (11/26/2020) - I found this a little challenging on the nose with dry leather and woody tannins initially but once it has breathed a fairly classic Dundee cake/Fruit cake nature arises from the ex-European oak cask maturation. 84/100
The Glenturret 10 Years Old Peat Smoked (50%, OB, 2020) (11/26/2020) - A Highland peaty expression that combines thick peat smoke influences with Glenturret's fruity spirit profile. 84/100
The Glenturret Triple Wood (43%, OB, 2020) (11/26/2020) - A beautiful expression, quite complex but very drinkable. Lots going on in here but all very complementary the result is Baklava, buttery pastry, honey/syrup, nuts and gentle spices combined to perfection. 85/100
The Glenturret New Make Spirit (63.5%, OB, 2020) (11/26/2020) - Reminiscent of the process and aromas of the washbacks and mash tun, grassy cereals, doughy yeast and stone fruits.
Glen Moray 14 Years Old 2006 Sauternes Cask Matured (59.6%, OB, 1248 Bottles, 2020) (11/26/2020) - A fascinating full ex-Sauternes maturation has delivered plenty of sweet fruit but equally tannic French oak influence to Glen Moray's supple spirit. 86/100
Defilement 8 Years Old Chestnut Cask Finish (46.7%, Defilement, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Hah a curve ball in the form of this Chestnut wood cask, whilst distinctly not oak, but then again this is not Scotch, it is a blended English whisky so I'm unsure if English whisky regulations exist or preclude the use of other wood (much like Irish chestnut casked whiskey sampled previously). Something a little different and very tasty! 84/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Spanish Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Another quiet woody expression and not too dissimilar to the previous French oak edition with a touch more wood spices added here. 82/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old French Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Very pleasant, much more woody and oaky presence here though oddly slightly vinegary on the nose I did wonder if this was a pale/Amontillado sherry cask finish at one point. 82/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Chinquapin Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Despite another light spirit nature this had a little more wood to chew over and complimentary fruit and floral notes too. 83/100
Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake (46%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Well I guess malt-light highlights Glenmorangie's delicate spirit and I did pick up on a bit of fruit and sugar here but this was much more fresh wood than a piece of cake for me. 80/100
Old Ezra 7 Years Old (58.5%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - A flavour journey rather than destination, plenty of spice and heat but also packed full of vanilla and nutty oak. Superb as it comes but takes a drop of water well if you like it a little calmer. 85/100
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Approachable rye whisky, touches of spice and earth from the Rye grains but plenty of sweet vanilla and oak wood influence too, quite enjoyable. 84/100
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish (45%, OB, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Slightly spiced and dessert-like Bourbon, the cognac cask finish has subdued some of the sweetness and given a richer, woodier and slightly festive spice feel to this one. 85/100
A Fine Christmas Malt 2020 (44.5%, TWE, 1918 Bottles, 2020) (11/16/2020) - Easy drinking blended malt, mostly liquid toffee apples but also some spice, dried fruit and nut mix which resembles festive fruit cakes. 83/100
Glen Scotia 14 Year Old Tawny Port Finish Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020 (52.8%, OB, 2020) (11/12/2020) - Full of jammy red fruits, peat smoke and oily coastal influences, mixed to perfection. 88/100
Ledaig 10 Years Old (46.3%, OB, 2020) (11/12/2020) - A lovely expression full of salted caramel and soft peat smoke. 85/100
Mannochmore 13 Years Old 2007 Strictly Limited (47.5%, Carn Mor, PX HH’s, 1551 Bottles, 2020) (11/11/2020) - A delicious sweetie shop dram thanks to the PX maturation, absolutely delightful. 85/100
Longmorn 11 Years Old 2009 Strictly Limited (47.5%, Carn Mor, 1st Fill Bourbon, 830 Bottles, 2020) (11/11/2020) - A very drinkable expression full of vanilla and fruits and reasonably wood light, more tropical on the nose than the palate. 84/100
Tomatin to auction rare whiskies for Maggie’s Highlands charity (11/9/2020) - TOMATIN DISTILLERY ROLLS BACK THE YEARS WITH NEW FILL CASK AUCTION Tomatin Distillery has today announced an exclusive online auction of rare whiskies, including a new fill Tomatin cask, hosted and supported by The Grand […]
Morrison and Mackay relaunch as Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers with new Carn Mor whisky range (11/9/2020) - ONE OF SCOTLAND’S OLDEST WHISKY FAMILIES RELAUNCH COMPANY. Morrison & Mackay undergoes transformation to become Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers ahead of launching a new range of whiskies. Formally known as Morrison and […]
Chivas Brothers unveils 2020 Distillery Reserve Collection (11/9/2020) - CHIVAS BROTHERS UNVEILS 2020 DISTILLERY RESERVE COLLECTION FEATURING 48 NEW SINGLE CASKS Series of eight The Glenlivet Single Casks at the heart of the collection Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of […]
Samuel Gelston’s Launches Irish Whiskey Finished in Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir Casks (11/9/2020) - Samuel Gelston’s has announced the launch of its latest expression – a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, matured in actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks. The new release is the result of […]
High Coast 6.94 Years Old 2012 Timmer (48%, OB, 12764 Bottles, 2019) (11/8/2020) - A lovely and subtle, almost floral, woody and smokey expression, just what I imagine a campfire in a Swedish pine forest smells like. 86/100
Paul John 6 Years Old 2011 Small Batch (56.6%, Cadenheads, 564 Bottles, 2018) (11/8/2020) - Blind tasting - Definitely peated but plenty of other powerful maturation notes going on in this one too, didn't pick up on the ABV but it tasted right even at this strength - typical of Indian whiskies. 84/100
Armorik Maitre de Chai 2010 (46%, OB, Sherry Casks #3320 & #3321, 2000 bottles, 2017) (11/8/2020) - Blind tasting - Dark coloured but quite smooth and soft in flavours, I was misled by the Oloroso cask maturation effect on the colour here I think. Again having recently sampled through Armorik's core range and latest peated expression I had no idea how close this one was to them! 83/100
Hatozaki Pure Malt (40%, OB, 2020) (11/8/2020) - Blind tasting - Oddly herbal and sweet, this has plenty of Japanese influence and reminded me of some of the Hakushu expressions. 86/100
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (43%, OB, 2020) (11/8/2020) - Blind-tasted - Reasonably simple definite corn-led grain whisky with bourbon-oak maturation, possibly from somewhere with a slightly warmer climate, I guessed a grain or pot-still Irish whiskey due to the sweet and spiced nature. 83/100
Pere Magloire VSOP South Islay Cask Finish (40%. OB, 2020) (11/4/2020) - An interesting mix of peat-smoke and Calvados, quite light from the peaty whisky side which adds some darker notes of liqourice, clove and tar. 84/100
Whisky Blog Rankings November 2020 (11/4/2020) - Whisky Blog Rankings November 2020 Ordered by Alexa Global Rank See our complete (alphabetical) listings here Contact us via the form on that page if we don’t have your blog details listed. http://thewhiskeywash.com/ […]
The Glenallachie adds a 21 Year Old to its range. (11/4/2020) - CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR WHISKY FANS AS THE GLENALLACHIE ADDS A 21-YEAR-OLD TO ITS RANGE The multi-award-winning Speyside distillery unveils limited release cask strength single malt in the run-up to Christmas After […]
Glenallachie 11 Years old 2009 Single Cask (59%, OB, Sauternes Barrel #3278, 299 Bottles, 2020) (11/3/2020) - Full of honey and fruit from the Sauternes cask maturation, good malty body present here too which persists through to the finish. Delicious. 86/100
Cambus 28 Years Old 1991 Single Cask (55.8%, Cadenheads, 2019) (11/3/2020) - Great on the palate despite inherent thinness of grain whisky, touch funky on the nose and slightly over-woody. Water made this spicier and woodier so I'd drink it as it comes. 82/100
Benromach 10 Years Old (43%, OB, 2020) (11/3/2020) - Benromach's entry level malt is still a complex and fascinating dram full of malty barley, fruity spirit and sweet & spiced cask derived flavours. Superb, possibly one of the best 10 year old standard expressions available. 84/100
Marussia Beverages adds HATOZAKI blended & HATOZAKI pure malt artisan whiskies to its Japanese spirits portfolio (11/2/2020) - Marussia Beverages, producer and international distributor of wines, sakes and spirits, is launching two new artisan Japanese whiskies, HATOZAKI blended and HATOZAKI pure malt which will become part of their expanding portfolio of Japanese spirits brands. […]
Egan’s Legacy Reserve 17 Years Old (46%, OB, 1000 Bottles, 2020) (11/2/2020) - Superbly smooth and very sweet and fleshy/juicy stone fruits abound, like biting into ripe peach, apricot and Nashi pears. Wonderful. 87/100
Egan’s Centenary (46%, OB, 2019) (11/2/2020) - A delicious blend full of cereal, stone fruits and leather a marriage of a good base and plenty of French oak cask influence here, nice and chewy. 85/100
Egan’s Fortitude (46%, OB, 2020) (11/2/2020) - Sherry heavy with plenty of PX influences; rich fruit and spice. I was unable to detect much underlying spirit character here however as I feel the sherry-maturation obscures that perhaps, still super-drinkable. 84/100
Egan’s Vintage Grain Irish Whiskey (46%, OB, 2020) (11/2/2020) - Very pleasant, soft and light just as you'd expect from a Grain whiskey, a little hint of that spirity nature also give away the nature of the base spirit here. This has been well matured in ex-Bourbon and strikes a good balance making the end result very drinkable. 83/100
Armorik Yuen Elez (46%, OB, 2020) (10/27/2020) - Deliciously sweet and peaty, this has a rich malty sweetness accentuated by vanilla and all pervaded by a thick peat and dry heather brush smoke. Wonderful. 84/100
Armorik Double Maturation (46%, OB, 2020) (10/27/2020) - Great aromas and mouthfeel, the double-maturation gives good depth and texture and carries some of those darker and woodier sugary flavours topped by classic sherry finish elements. 80/100
Armorik Sherry Cask (46%, OB, 2020) (10/27/2020) - Full of dried fruits and chocolate flavours and aromas from the Oloroso sherry cask maturation, still a little sharp and too spiced when unreduced for my palate in places. 79/100
Armorik Classic (46%, OB, 2020) (10/27/2020) - Very well put together and promising, the ex-Bourbon oak is not too heavy an influence here and mostly describes their spirit character and coastal maturation. It becomes a touch abrasive later on the palate which hints at slightly younger maturation - I'm guessing some components may be under 8 years old perhaps. 77/100
Arran 18 Years Old 1996 (52.7%, Whiskybroker, Refill HH #777, 256 Bottles, 2015) (10/27/2020) - Another characteristically fruity Arran dram, still quite spicy and perhaps a little less sweet and vanillic most likely due to the use of a refill hogshead for maturation here. 84/100
Arran 21 Years Old 1996 The Single Cask (52.1%, Claxton’s, Sherry Puncheon #1843-939, 609 Bottles, 2018) (10/20/2020) - Takes a drop of water well, still some dry peppery spices present but deliciously sweet and fruity throughout this one. 86/100
Talisker 57° North (57%, OB, 2012) (10/20/2020) - Another hugely enjoyable expression from Talisker, sadly discontinued but thankfully this appears to have been replaced with strong and youthful Talisker's featuring in Diageo's special releases - hopefully one day I'll get to try them. 89/100
Talisker 2007 Distillers Edition (45.8%, OB, TD-S: 5TF, 2017) (10/20/2020) - A lovely expression full of dark, rich, fruity malt and salty smoke, superb. 86/100
Glenglassaugh 10 Years Old 2009 UK Exclusive Cask 559 (55.9%, OB, Bourbon Barrel #559, 191 Bottles, 2020) (10/20/2020) - A lovely mixture of sweet vanilla tablet and ashen peat embers. 87/100
Glenglassaugh 10 Years Old 2009 Distillery Exclusive Cask 1346 (54.7%, OB, Bourbon Barrel #1346, 250 Bottles, 2020) (10/20/2020) - Very rich and full of nutty and creamy vanilla toffee, that core tropicality is there as well as a distinct coastal influence. 86/100
Ardnamurchan AD/09.20:01 (46.8%, OB, 2020) (10/16/2020) - An interesting and slightly smokey and coastal Highland single malt. Whilst still showing signs of youth the smoke here really isn't powerful enough and I was left wishing for something with a little more punch or oomph. 80/100
Waterford Bannow Island 1.2 (50%, OB, 2020) (10/16/2020) - Salty and oily fish with a dash of lemon juice - not flavours I'm really looking for in a whisky. Whilst Terroir-driven whiskey may be a fantastical experiment/marketing hack to sell Waterford they seriously need to improve their output to tempt me into drinking it again. 66/100
Nc’nean Organic Batch 1 (46%, OB, 2020) (10/16/2020) - Another vanillic sweet and fruity malt, this feels quite a bit younger and fresher, still some zest and spice present from the distillate. Some deeper notes and a beery/yeasty aroma to it once it had breathed - possibly some influence from the cask maturation. 82/100
Benromach Organic 2011 (43%, OB, 2019) (10/16/2020) - Very sweet and dessert-led, there is a malty backbone here which props up a lot of fruit and sweetness. Only the reveal gave away this weeks 'theme' of Organic. 83/100
Three Ships South African Whisky launch exclusive 12 Year Old single malt. (10/15/2020) - EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL RELEASE SOUTH AFRICAN WHISKY FOR UK, EU & NORDICS LAUNCHED In a first for the UK and Europe, Three Ships Whisky has launched a special release 12-year-old single malt in […]
The Macallan launch The Red Collection (10/15/2020) - INTRODUCING THE RED COLLECTION – REFLECTING THE MACALLAN’S EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Macallan has unveiled The Red Collection, an exquisite range of distinguished and rare single malt Scotch whiskies which captures […]
Douglas Laing’s Scallywag Reveals “Winter Warmer” Limited Edition (10/15/2020) - Leading distiller, blender and bottler Douglas Laing & Co today unveils the limited edition Scallywag Cask Strength Winter Edition. Joining the classic Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky and continually-available 10 Years Old […]
Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%, OB, 2020) (10/15/2020) - My first introduction to Midleton Very Rare and very enjoyable it is. Combining elements of grain whiskey and pot still from Midleton distillery. The result is light and refreshing, fruity ditillate-led expression. 87/100
Laphroaig 10 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 012 (60.1%, OB, 2020) (10/14/2020) - Nom nom nom. Another fantastic Laphroaig cask strength expression with all sorts of weird fruitiness showing up in the depths of this alcohol. Perhaps if watered down this would reveal even more but frankly it really didn't need it! 87/100
Hazelburn 10 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020) (10/14/2020) - Quite basic for a Campbeltown dram, not so much the dirty oily dockside/fishing boat but much more coastal, clean salt-laden air, mineralic chalk and plenty of citrus with a hint of vanilla. 84/100
Dufftown-Glenlivet 10 Years Old Original Collection (46%, Cadenheads, 2020) (10/14/2020) - Obviously sherried and a little acetic/vinegary on the nose, more confusing on the palate but I guess as a mixture of ex-Boubon and PX sherry casks were used this threw me a little bit. Pretty safe and sound for a well-sherried speyside dram. 84/100
Glencadam 15 Years Old (46%, OB, 2020) (10/14/2020) - Another quite light dram, of similar strength and also ex-Bourbon cask matured. remarkably the 5 years difference between this and the last were really not apparent. 83/100
Bladnoch 10 Years Old (46.7%, OB, 2020) (10/14/2020) - Quite short on the palate and slightly vaporous, quite light and makes a good introductory whisky - fitting the light & grassy Lowland style. 82/100
Glenglassaugh release the Coastal Cask Collection (10/14/2020) - GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASE COASTAL CASK COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE DISTILLERY REAWAKENING Glenglassaugh Distillery, standing at the edge of Sandend Bay on the Moray Firth coast of Scotland, lay silent for over two decades before […]
MIDLETON VERY RARE releases exceptional 2020 vintage (10/14/2020) - The Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, MIDLETON VERY RARE, releases exceptional 2020 vintage Final Midleton Very Rare vintage from Former Master Distiller Brian Nation is unveiled Irish Distillers, maker of some of the […]
The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Years Old (40%, OB, 2020) (10/9/2020) - Much more balanced that the Trinité but I still found this one a little bland. I love the 12, despite it's super-easy drinking it is full of subtleties and nuances of flavour that works really well. Sadly I'm just not finding that here. 84/100
The Singleton of Dufftown Trinité (40%, OB, 2013) (10/9/2020) - Inoffensive and almost a little bland in places, ok for an introductory whisky and for me a touch too spiced - or at least nothing balanced against the wood spices in this one. 77/100
Dalwhinnie Winters Gold (43%, OB, 2020) (10/9/2020) - Not much to write home about, soft subtle Dalwhinnie without too much character of flavour - and that's at room temperature - if you want to buy this to drink it chilled save your pennies and buy Absolut Vanilla instead. 72/100
anCnoc Peatheart Batch 2 (46%, OB, 2020) (10/9/2020) - Another great peated expression, less sweet and floral than the 12 year old but quite mealy and full of oak wood and fruit, wood char, peat smoke and coal-tar soap. 85/100
anCnoc 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2020) (10/9/2020) - A good & classic anCnoc expression, quite flavourful and rich even presented at 40% ABV with lots of dessert-led fruit and sweetness. 84/100
Egan’s Irish Whiskey launches limited Legacy Reserve III (10/9/2020) - Egan’s Irish Whiskey continues to craft ground-breaking, innovative expressions with the latest release in its limited edition Legacy series, Legacy Reserve III. The third volume in this exceptional single malt series is […]
Drinks by the Dram Unveil New Lineup of Boozy Advent Calendars for 2020 (10/9/2020) - Drinks by the Dram Unveil New Lineup of Boozy Advent Calendars for 2020The original spirit-filled advent calendars are back with a range to suit every budget and taste ● The original boozy […]
Torabhaig Single Malt from the Isle of Skye set to launch in February 2021 (10/7/2020) - One of the most eagerly awaited whisky launches in a generation Torabhaig Single Malt, from the Isle of Skye, set to launch in February 2021 Torabhaig, the second legal distillery ever to be built on the Isle of Skye, is set to release a rare new arrival to […]
Whisky Blog Rankings October 2020 (10/6/2020) - Whisky Blog Rankings October 2020 Ordered by Alexa Global Rank See our complete (alphabetical) listings here Contact us via the form on that page if we don’t have your blog details listed. http://www.bozzy.org/ […]
Tomatin launch 2006 Fino UK exclusive (10/4/2020) - SWEET & SAVOURY: TOMATIN LAUNCH 2006 FINO UK EXCLUSIVE Tomatin, the award-winning Highland distillery, has today announced the release of a limited-edition 2006 Fino expression, launching exclusively to the UK market. The […]
Glasgow Distillery Announce Exclusive Cask Ownership Offer (10/4/2020) - Glasgow Distillery Announce Exclusive Cask Ownership Offer The Glasgow Distillery Company has announced that a selection of casks from the distillery’s cask portfolio will be released for private purchase. The announcement comes […]
Kilchoman 8 Years Old 2011 ‘Unpeated’ Cask 490 RMW Exclusive (56.4%, OB, 246 Bottles, 2020) (10/4/2020) - Kilchoman 8 Years Old 2011 'Unpeated' Cask 490 RMW Exclusive Whisky Review: Ha! Cheeky Kilchoman putting unpeated distillate together with peated feints and forshots from the previous distillation run. Matured in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel (or hogshead based on the number of Cask strength bottles) there is not much here to mask mostly spirit nature. It has been sometime since I regularly sampled Kilchoman and this was a very welcome return and my favourite of the tasting. 83/100
Islay Mist 8 Year Old Amontillado Napoleon Finish (43%, Macduff International, 7000 bottles, 2017) (10/4/2020) - Islay Mist 8 Year Old Amontillado Napoleon Finish Whisky Review: While there are some full flavoured malts in here - and I suspect a very good helping of Caol Ila in particular there was also something drawing the palate back to neutrality that could be nothing other than grain spirit. I completely missed that the sweetness here was due to the Amontillado sherry cask finish and just assumed it was a well-constructed blend. 82/100
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (47%, OB, 2020) (10/4/2020) - Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whisky Review: Another sample at Elijah Craig small batch and yet further disappointment, sadly this just doesn't cut it like the 12yo did. 78/100
Cameronbridge 21 Years Old 1997 (54.4%, James Eadie, Refill HH #75792, 265 Bottles, 2018) (10/4/2020) - Cameronbridge 21 Years Old 1997 James Eadie Whisky Review: Quite simple, oaky with plenty of vanilla and coconut, no surprise this was a single grain or that it was matured in a refill hogshead, still quite harsh and solventy for its age. 76/100
Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt (46%, Gleann Mor Spirits, 2020) (10/4/2020) - Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt Whisky Review: Sherry influenced but a little neutral and bland to begin with, develops with air and possibly a drop of water. very woody, tasted blind this initially reminded me of some of the Balcones Bourbon and single malt expressions, also very wood oriented. 80/100
Hakushu 12 Years Old (43%, OB, 2018) (9/30/2020) - Hakushu 12 Years Old Whisky Review: Definitely the green/woody expression I remember but with perhaps a much more noticeable smoke element, minerality and sharper resolution of herbal notes - but perhaps this is just the benefit of a much more educated palate from me now. Since it is unobtainable price-wise perhaps I do appreciate this expression much more than when it was rather freely available. 84/100
Fettercairn 22 Years Old (47%, OB, 2020) (9/30/2020) - Fettercairn 22 Years Old whisky review: A deliciously sweet expression that really plays on Fettercairns core distillate flavours balanced against classic white oak ex-Bourbon maturation. Tropical fruits and syrup meet vanilla and wood spices resulting in a whole cake-shop of dessert-like flavours. 89/100
Fettercairn 16 Years Old 1st Release (46.4%, OB, 2020) (9/30/2020) - Fettercairn 16 Years Old 1st Release Whisky Review: A great addition to the range and one to follow as each batch promises to be as experimental as this 1st release. Despite chocolate malt and multiple cask use the core Fettercairn spirit qualities are still easily found in this expression. 87/100
Douglas Laing Unveils Old Particular “Harmony” as part of The Spiritualist Single Cask Series (9/30/2020) - Douglas Laing Unveils Old Particular “Harmony” as part of The Spiritualist Single Cask Series Leading independent bottler, Douglas Laing & Co, today reveals their “Harmony” Single Cask Single Grain, the second release […]
Explosion of colour for the new Glencairn Glass range to celebrate 20th anniversary (9/30/2020) - Explosion of colour for the new Glencairn Glass range to celebrate 20th anniversary To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Glencairn Glass, the world’s favourite whisky glass, Glencairn Crystal Studio has introduced a […]
Courvoisier® Introduces New Limited-Edition Cognac to its Esteemed Portfolio (9/29/2020) - Courvoisier® Introduces New Limited-Edition Cognac to its Esteemed Portfolio DE LUXE is available exclusively at Tesco now Courvoisier®, the UK’s number 1 cognac and the Most Awarded Cognac House*, has announced the […]
The Dalmore launches 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Single Malt (9/29/2020) - The Dalmore launches 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select Single Malt The latest addition to The Dalmore Principal Collection The Dalmore is proud to present The Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask […]
The Dalmore 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Select (43%, OB, 2020) (9/27/2020) - Dalmore 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Select Whisky Review: A classic Dalmore, from memory this does have some deeper nut/fruit/chocolate flavours in here than the standard Dalmore 12 Years Old - though it has been some time since I last tried the standard expression. I'd be interested to see at what price this retails at, though Dalmore fans will likely buy it regardless. 84/100
Whisky Works Quartermaster 11 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky (46.4%, OB, 2134 Bottles, 2020) (9/27/2020) - Whisky Works Quartermaster 11 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky Whisky Review: Richly flavoured, a touch thin and slightly over-spiced on the palate though I couldn't really decide if this was oak tannins or too much grain whisky presence - perhaps an indication of all that cask maturation going on in here. 82/100
