Articles

  • lagavulin-8-year-old-200th-anniversary-edition-whisky Lagavulin 8 Years Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition (48%, OB, 2016) (2/19/2019) - Lagavulin 8 Years Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition whisky review: It has taken me some time to finally get on board with this expression. I wouldn't say I was disappointed but whenever I sat to formulate some notes I seem to get stuck after the nose and hard to ascribe anything in particular. Perhaps sampling this side-by-side with the 9yo GOT edition really highlighted the differences. There is a freshness in here quite unlike anything else I have sampled from Lagavulin, perhaps it is New Make (I have some somewhere to test this theory) or I am more inclined to think it is the result of underactive (3rd/4th fill casks)? 85/100
  • house-lannister-and-lagavulin-9-year-old-game-of-thrones-single-malts-collection-whisky House Lannister Lagavulin 9 Years Old (48%, OB, 2019) (2/19/2019) - House Lannister Lagavulin 9 Years Old whisky review: Much more of a classic Lagavulin than I found the 8 Year Old anniversary edition. Sweet and meaty with a dusty smoke, a nice bitterness to it that presents as chocolate. I suspect the colour is e150 - confirmed by the packaging. Compared to the 8 Year Old I suspect a few more refill barrels or older barrels have gone into this mix to shift the flavour-profile in a very positive way more towards the distillery character. Quite moreish. I like this a lot more than I like Lannister's - except Tyrion - I like this just as much as Tyrion. 86/100
  • 35-year-old-Smoky-Nectar-Cask-Club-Exclusive Wemyss Malts launches new website and Cask Club with an exclusive 35 year old Caol Ila (2/18/2019) - Wemyss Malts launches new website and Cask Club with an exclusive 35 year old Caol Ila   Family whisky makers Wemyss Malts have relaunched wemyssmalts.com, a brand new website offering whisky fans […]
  • Clynelish-distillery-only-2017 Clynelish Distillery Exclusive Bottling (48%, OB, Bourbon Casks, 6000 Bottles, 2017) (2/17/2019) - Clynelish Distillery Exclusive Bottling whisky review: From the colour and flavours present I suspect a healthy amount of refill ex-bourbon casks went into this vatting, surprisingly it really doesn't feel that youthful and could easily pass a comparison with the 14 year old. A little less waxy than I am used to from Clynelish, or perhaps it is the absence of flavours carried within it. A suspect this is a bit of Clynelish purists whisky and I am maybe under-appreciating it. Flawless but not really ticking my boxes regards flavour profile. 85/100
  • house-tyrrell-and-clynelish-reserve-game-of-thrones-single-malts-collection-whisky House Tyrell Clynelish Reserve (51.2%, OB, 2019) (2/17/2019) - House Tyrell Clynelish Reserve whisky review: Plenty of classic Clynelish notes in here, just delivered a little to spirity for me. This one hugely benefits from a good sploosh of water to reveal some softer vanilla notes. Waxy and spiced but a great alternative to Clynelish's 14 Year Old standard expression. 84/100
  • house-targaryen-and-cardhu-gold-reserve-game-of-thrones-single-malts-collection-whisky House Targaryen Cardhu Gold Reserve (40%, OB, 2019) (2/17/2019) - House Targaryen Cardhu Gold Reserve whisky review: It has been some time since I last tried Cardhu's Gold Reserve and I can't help but feeling it has either improved slightly or my ability to appreciate it has grown. Billed as very approachable, it is hard to argue with that, although this one seems a little spicier in the tail. Good solid stuff and perhaps more than a little of Diageo's well-meaning intentions branding Cardhu against one of the major protagonist houses. Daenerys seems to have gone from villain to hero and back again during the story and we are yet to find out if she will be triumphant in the end. My feelings for Cardhu have never been that strong, but dependable is my best assertation. 74/100
  • macnairs-lum-reek-21-year-old-whisky MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated 21 Years Old (48%, OB, 2018) (2/15/2019) - MacNair's Lum Reek Peated 21 Year Old blended malt whisky review: A deliciously well-aged blend, just enough peat smoke to make me think of older style single malts and also robust but subtle or rather soft sherry influences too - well integrated and comfortable. I suspect this blend has been constructed to reminisce some older Speyside examples when peat smoke and sherry maturation were the norm. Works beautifully. 89/100
  • Jameson-bow-street-18-cask-strength Jameson release Bow Street 18 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 2 (2/14/2019) - Jameson release Bow Street 18 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 2 Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has announced that a second batch of Jameson Bow Street […]
  • ailsa-bay-distillery Whisky Blog Rankings February 2019 (2/14/2019) - Whisky Blog Rankings February 2019 See our complete (alphabetical) listings here Contact us via the form on that page if we don’t have your blog details listed. Ordered by Alexa Global Rank https://thewhiskeywash.com/ […]
  • macnairs-lum-reek-12-year-old-whisky MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated 12 Years Old (46%, OB, 2018) (2/14/2019) - MacNair's Lum Reek Peated 12 Year Old blended malt whisky review: A very different blend, lighter on the palate and more wood influence. It feels to me like they have shifted the balance much in favour of the Speyside malt(s) here as it is much lighter and more vaporous and the peat influence feels diluted by more than age alone. 84/100
  • macnairs-lum-reek-whisky MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated (46%, OB, 2018) (2/13/2019) - MacNair's Lum Reek Peated blended malt whisky review: A great blended malt, a little youthful but this brings power to the Islay smoke, some nice floral and herbal elements in here but difficult to assign much specific cask influences. The result is very drinkable and unsurprisingly a complexity that you could easily believe this was a single malt. Reminds me a little of some early Kilchoman's but with much less power in the peat influence. 83/100
  • new-whisky-releases Whisky New Releases 2019 Issue 5 (2/13/2019) - The latest whisky new releases in stores from 3rd February 2019
  • Freeburn highball Overhead Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Tomatin inspired cocktails (2/11/2019) - Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Tomatin inspired cocktails   This 14th February why not celebrate St Valentine’s day with your loved one (or toast the single life!) with these Tomatin single malt scotch […]
  • Lasting legacy Lasting Legacy (2/11/2019) - Lasting Legacy 50ml Tomatin Legacy 25ml Elderflower liquor 25ml lemon juice 50ml pineapple juice Dash angostura bitters Aphrodisiac ingredient: pineapple
  • Freeburn high ball Free Burn Highball (2/11/2019) - Free Burn Highball 37.5ml Tomatin 12-year-old 12.5ml Sweet vermouth Dash Angostura bitters Ginger ale Garnish with lemon and fresh thyme Ginger is another aphrodisiac ingredient
  • Cherry blossom Cherry Blossom (2/11/2019) - Cherry Blossom 50ml Tomatin Legacy Barspoon cherry jam 50ml Coconut water 2ml Orange blossom water Coconut water is a natural aphrodisiac and the red cherries add a lovable flavour to the valentines themed […]
  • TOB_DISTILLERY_Commissioned Tobermory Distillery celebrates re-opening with the release of a new Tobermory 12 Year Old expression (2/11/2019) - TOBERMORY DISTILLERY CELEBRATES RELAUNCH WITH NEW SIGNATURE EXPRESSION One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Tobermory, is celebrating its return to production following a 24 month intermission during which time the distillery team have […]
  • Octomore-08.3-763x1030 Octomore Masterclass_08.3/309PPM (61.2%, OB, 2017) (2/8/2019) - Octomore 08.3 whisky review: A mixture of sweet and bitter make for quite a complex dram permanently backed by peat influences but never overpowered by it. Lots of delicious woody herbal influence and a little earthen too in places, there is soft and tropical fruits and coconut in here also.  87/100
  • Octomore Masterclass_08.2/167PPM (58.4%, OB, 2017) (2/7/2019) - Octomore 08.2 whisky review: Another peat monster but with some serious wine/fruity sweetness thrown in for measure. A little in conflict at first on the palate but eventually settles into a succulent sweet peatiness liked smoked jam. The wine casks have thrown in a handful of other fruits and plenty of oakiness too for good measure. 90/100
  • world-class-competition Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender 2019 Tour dates announced (2/5/2019) - DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR RETURNS KICKING OFF WITH ITS WORLD CLASS STUDIOS UK-WIDE TOUR Diageo Reserve’s world-renowned bartender competition, World Class, is set to return, launching with its […]
  • aberlour-18-year-old-whisky Aberlour 18 Years Old (43%, OB, 2017) (2/5/2019) - Aberlour 18 Year Old whisky review: Much more dried fruit and sherry influence in the 18 year old expression as compared to the Aberlour Triple Cask I sampled in this little duet. Still quite fresh and zesty polish and pear drop distillate character and masses of apples join much of the sherry-derived darker fruits. 88/100
  • aberlour-triple-cask-whisky Aberlour Triple Cask (40%, OB, 2018) (2/4/2019) - Aberlour Triple Cask whisky review: A soft and gentle expression full of red apples, some cinnamon bubblegum and pear drops suggest youthfulness but also distillery character here too. Rather pleasing at this price, and an acceptable replacement for the 10 year old expression. 83/100
  • new-whisky-releases Whisky New Releases 2019 Issue 4 (2/3/2019) - The latest whisky new releases in stores from 3rd February 2019
  • glen-scotia-17-year-old-2000-festival-edition-no-3 Glen Scotia 17 Years Old 2000 Festival Edition No.3 (55.7%, OB, Cask #386, 147 Bottles, 2018) (2/2/2019) - Glen Scotia Festival Edition No.3 whisky review: A very nice single cask expression Glen Scotia. There is a little fruity acidity and sherbety fizz but combined with the salt, spice and peat and also a slightly dusty old wood element this to me comes across more as slightly less active cask that has let the distillate shine through - rather than something overtly youthful tasting at 17 years old. This isn't all citrus and ex-bourbon vanilla, but has a sharpness to it that cuts across the palate like salt and chilli. 88/100
  • glen scotia 10 peated 46 Glen Scotia 10 Years Old Peated (46%, OB, 2018) (2/1/2019) - Glen Scotia 10 Year Old Peated whisky review: A delicate balance of peat and lots of sweet influences, their is a little oily wax and masses of coconut and lychee. The result is one of those surprising whiskies you expect to be harsh on the palate due to the smoke on the nose - but instead it's like a creamed banana & tropical fruit smoothie. Some nice herbal woody influences too make this feel a lot older than 10 years! 87/100
  • ISD2019 Celebrate International Scotch Day 2019 with Aberfeldy single malt scotch whisky (2/1/2019) - Celebrate International Scotch Day 2019 with Aberfeldy single malt scotch whisky  — Friday 8th February 2019 — The 3rd International Scotch Day is scheduled for February 8th 2019. Why not celebrate with Aberfeldy […]
  • Glen-scotia-warehousemans-edition Glen Scotia 12 Years Old 2005 Warehouseman’s Edition (56.2%, OB, Cask #17/413-9, 349 Bottles, 2018) (1/31/2019) - Glen Scotia 12 Years Old 2005 Warehouseman's Edition whisky review: Unctuous from nose to tail, this peated and Oloroso-finished edition still displays plenty of Glen Scotia distillate DNA. Honey sweet but balanced perfectly with salty maritime influences and a refreshing hit of mint in the middle. 90/100
  • PE10 Allta Croppings Glenmorangie unveils its first whisky created using wild yeast to mark tenth anniversary of Private Edition Series (1/30/2019) - Glenmorangie unveils its first whisky created using wild yeast to mark tenth anniversary of Private Edition Series — Rich and fruity single malt celebrates tenth anniversary of Private Edition series — 29th […]
  • port ellen artist impression[1] Legacy of heritage and innovation celebrated in thrilling Port Ellen Scotch Whisky distillery plans (1/30/2019) - Legacy of heritage and innovation celebrated in thrilling Port Ellen Scotch Whisky distillery plans The iconic Port Ellen distillery on Islay in Scotland will be revived in an inspiring celebration of quality, heritage […]
  • rosebank4 Green light for multi-million Rosebank Distillery revival  (1/30/2019) - Green light for multi-million Rosebank Distillery revival Ian Macleod Distillers has been granted planning permission to start work on its multi-million pound redevelopment of the Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk. Following the lodging […]
  • wr_bartenders_edition_white (1) Woodford Reserve® collaborates with UK On-Trade to create a bespoke Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup (1/30/2019) - Woodford Reserve® collaborates with UK On-Trade to create a bespoke Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup FROM JANUARY 2019 THE 500ML BARTENDER’S EDITION WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM SELECTED WHOLESALERS WOODFORD RESERVE®, one of the […]
  • new-whisky-releases Whisky New Releases 2019 Issue 3 (1/27/2019) - The latest whisky new releases in stores from 27th January 2019
  • glen-scotia-victoriana-54-8-whisky Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength Batch 001 (54.8%, OB, 2018) (1/22/2019) - Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength Batch 001 whisky review: Following the 18 year old, this one really stood out for me. Perhaps it was the extra ABV or the charred cask and PX influences? I don't really know why but I loved this one, maybe it was just the return to more classic coastal Campbeltown flavours...? 89/100
  • gordon & macphail 1948 from glen grant distillery (private collection) decanter and box Gordon & MacPhail launches oldest release from famous distillery as part of its ‘Private Collection’ (1/22/2019) - Gordon & MacPhail, the single malt Scotch whisky creator, has unveiled a new addition to its ‘Private Collection’: Gordon & MacPhail 1948 from Glen Grant Distillery. At 70-years-old, it is the oldest expression […]
  • glen-scotia-18-year-old-whisky Glen Scotia 18 Years Old (46%, OB, 2017) (1/21/2019) - Glen Scotia 18 Year Old whisky review: Surprisingly light and creamy, this 18 year old expression is a polar opposite to the usual oily and dirty Campbeltown smoke. Delicious waxy/oily, coastal and sherried on an unpeated malt backbone. 87/100
  • new-whisky-releases Whisky New Releases 2019 Issue 2 (1/20/2019) - The latest whisky new releases in stores from 20th January 2019
  • glen-scotia-15-year-old-whisky Glen Scotia 15 Years Old (46%, OB, 2018) (1/17/2019) - Glen Scotia 15 Year Old whisky review: A robust, briny and oily Campbeltown expression with a delicate hint of smoke throughout. 86/100
  • ewa notebook The Edinburgh Whisky Academy launches an online Introduction to Whisky Certificate (1/15/2019) - The Edinburgh Whisky Academy, which is fully accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), has launched their first tier of education. The Academy was specifically created to fill a vital gap in Scotch […]
  • game of thrones single malt scotch whisky collection_bottle design[2][1] Diageo release Limited Edition Game of Thrones whiskies for pre-order (1/15/2019) - LIMITED EDITION GAME OF THRONES®-INSPIRED SINGLE MALT WHISKY COLLECTION AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER 8 Whiskies, 8 Seasons— Pre-order Now on Amazon to toast the final season of Game of Thrones Joining White Walker by […]
  • glengoyne distillery wetlands Glengoyne Distillery wins top award for environmental best practice (1/14/2019) - Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is celebrating a top award win at an internationally acclaimed spirits competition. The Highland distillery was awarded a Master medal in the Green Initiatives category at […]
  • new-whisky-releases Whisky New Releases 2019 Issue 1 (1/13/2019) - The latest whisky new releases in stores now.
  • benromach-15-year-old-whisky Benromach 15 Years Old (43%, OB, 2018) (1/13/2019) - Benromach 15 Years Old Whisky Review: A wonderfully complex dram with zesty fruits, chocolate and sherry influences, the added maturation adds a little more oak wood influence and spice over the 10 year old and 100° Proof expressions. A great price for a characterful 15 Year Old Speyside whisky. 88/100
  • Benromach 10 Years Old 100° Proof (57%, OB, 2018) (1/12/2019) - Benromach 10 Years Old 100° Proof whisky review: A much richer and darker fruit and chocolate filled experience when presented at this strength, much more malty feeling too though this is probably a mixture of a concentration effect of the flavours found in the reduced version and higher ABV. 85/100
  • benromach-10-year-old-whisky Benromach 10 Years Old (43%, OB, 2018) (1/11/2019) - Benromach 10 Years Old Whisky Review: A lovely cereal and fruit packed dram delivered with just a wisp of smoke. Still an impressive little whisky for an entry-level expression. 84/100
  • jameson irish whiskey re-stage_jan 2019 Jameson evolves iconic whiskey bottle and label (1/10/2019) - EVOLUTION OF THE JAMESON BOTTLE AND LABEL IS SET TO CONTINUE THE SUCCESS STORY OVER 50 YEARS ON – First introduced in 1968, the new smooth pack contains the same triple-distilled Jameson […]
  • whitetail-launch Irish Whiskey Startup Looks to Launch Fundraiser After Whiskey Live Success (1/10/2019) - After the resounding success of Whiskey Live in Dublin last year, Irish Whitetail Distillery, the newest addition to the growing Irish Whiskey market, is launching their crowdfunding campaign to meet the new […]
  • daniel warren profile World Class Bartenders unite to create bespoke Haig Club serves to celebrate the brand’s Make Your Own Rules campaign (1/10/2019) - To celebrate Haig Club’s ‘Make Your Own Rules’ campaign, the brand has gathered the industry’s best bartenders to design a collection of serves specifically for consumers to replicate at home during the […]
  • clubman cup Clubman Cup (1/10/2019) - ‘Clubman Cup’ by Daniel Warren, Diageo Reserve World Class 2018 bartender of the year: A modern twist on a festive classic, the Clubman Cup showcases the vanilla and citrus notes of Haig Club […]
  • cameron_s column Cameron’s Column (1/10/2019) - ‘Cameron’s Column’ by Mark Low (Mr Lyan Studio): A refined yet punchy Haig Club Clubman cocktail featuring fortified wines, cacao and spice. 45ml Haig Club Clubman 5ml Vermouth di Torino 5ml Bodegas Gutiérrez […]
  • the clubman principal lowball The Clubman Principal Lowball (1/10/2019) - ‘The Clubman Principal Lowball’ by Tristan Stephenson, co-owner of London’s favourite whisky bar, Black Rock: This serve highlights the five principal flavours of whisky including the citrus fruit and sweet butterscotch notes found […]
  • clubman pitch punch Haig Clubman Pitch Punch (1/10/2019) - ‘Clubman Pitch Punch’ by Georgia Billing, former Head Bartender at Sexy Fish: A fresh wintertime cocktail that complements the sweet notes of butterscotch and vanilla in Haig Club Clubman, with sherry and sparkling […]
  • glengoyne-28-year-old-whisky Glengoyne 28 Years Old (46.8%, OB, 2018) (1/10/2019) - Glengoyne 28 Year Old whisky review: A superbly aged and dark sherried palate to this whisky, full of robust nut, chocolate and coffee elements but still with that soft fruit spirit character underneath. 91/100
  • glengoyne-px-cask Glengoyne Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (46%, OB, 2018) (1/9/2019) - Glengoyne Pedro Ximénez (PX) Cask Finish whisky review: This PX cask finished is a lot more balanced than I'd hoped and the PX influence is really quite light here for my liking. Zesty, fruity and spicy makes me feel this one has been matured in refill casks first, hence the finishing. Doesn't feel particularly youthfull however - this is quite an accomplished dram with some complexity to boot. 84/100
  • Bruichladdich Distillery Whisky Blog Rankings January 2019 (1/8/2019) - Our monthly listing of Whisky Blogs ordered by Alexa Global Traffic rank
  • glengoyne-balbaina-whisky Glengoyne Balbaína (43%, OB, 2018) (1/8/2019) - Glengoyne Balbaína whisky review: Compared to the Cuartillo, this Balbaína expression has a little more woody spice and nuttiness derived from the European oak casks, also presented at 43% has much more body too. 83/100
  • glengoyne-cuartillo-whisky Glengoyne Cuartillo (40%, OB, 2018) (1/7/2019) - Glengoyne Cuartillo Whisky Review: A light and fruity expression similar in many ways to Glengoyne's spirit character, soft and gentle on the palate but with hints of the rich and spicy Oloroso casks also. 80/100
  • 2 - samples of rare whisky for testing £635,000 of fake whisky exposed, as new tests lift the lid on rare whisky market (1/6/2019) - RW101 partners with SUERC to uncover the true extent of fake bottles in the secondary market for antique whisky ·         Analysis reveals fake whisky now infiltrating every major route to market for rare […]
  • taliskerexperience Diageo pilot voice activated Talisker tasting experience (1/6/2019) - DIAGEO TRIALS NEW SCOTCH WHISKY TASTING EXPERIENCE USING VOICE TECHNOLOGY Diageo is piloting a new Amazon Alexa Skill to inspire consumers to think, talk and try Scotch at-home this festive season. The Talisker […]
  • the-glover-new-release Fusion Whisky launch new release of The Glover (1/6/2019) - JAPANESE BREAKTHROUGH HERALDS RETURN OF RARE WHISKY MADE TO HONOUR SCOTTISH SAMURAI He was the Scotsman who helped modernise Japan and whose story inspired a pioneering fusion of Scotch and Japanese whisky. Now, on the anniversary […]
  • naked-grouse-whisky The Naked Grouse (40%, OB, 2018) (12/22/2018) - The Naked Grouse whisky review: I'm still not convinced by this blend, it is very pleasing and all but just too polished/smooth/blendy in places that I see it as a detraction from the whole. 75/100
  • johnnie-walker-green-label-15-year-old Johnnie Walker 15 Year Old Green Label (43%, OB, 2018) (12/21/2018) - Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Years Old whisky review: Fresher and fruitier than I remember, slightly odd nutty and zestiness to it like peanut butter and lime curd on toast. - I guess peat and crisp sea salt from the official notes hints at what they are trying to attain. 83/100
  • isle-of-jura-seven-wood-whisky Jura Seven Wood (42%, OB, 2018) (12/20/2018) - Jura Seven Wood whisky review: A little disappointing, the nose seemed OK but hardly worth it after that. It was hard to place any defined flavours and the whole thing seemed quite watery/watered-down in flavour. I think my expectations were met here and this seems to be the bin-end or infinity bottle for Jura's leftover, random and mostly worn-out casks. 77/100
  • scallywag-whisky Scallywag (46%, Douglas Laing, 2018) (12/18/2018) - Scallywag blended malt whisky review: More fuller flavoured than I remember and much more complex too. Still quite fruity in nature and just a little more spice and wood than I prefer but a decent blended malt nonetheless. I guess my reservation lies in the surreptitious use of sherry casks in this blend which perhaps represents the dichotomy of Speysides' output today but I don't feel is indicative of the regions flavour profile in general. 78/100
  • Tomatin 50 1. Open_Box_Revised Tomatin launch their first 50 Year Old distillery bottling (12/18/2018) - TOMATIN RELEASES ITS FIRST 50 YEAR OLD DISTILLERY BOTTLING Tomatin, the award-winning Highland whisky distillery, has today (Monday 17th December) announced the release of its highly anticipated single malt, the Tomatin 50 Year […]
  • Benromach_Distillery Benromach recognised at Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards 2019 (12/18/2018) - Susan Colville named Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year Benromach Distillery is celebrating success at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Scotland awards, picking up the Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year Award […]
  • Distillery Exclusive 2 Bushmills Irish Whiskey introduces new limited-edition single malt aged in indestructible Acacia wood casks (12/18/2018) - Bushmills® Irish Whiskey has released BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE, a limited edition single malt whiskey aged in Acacia wood. Only available for purchase at The Old Bushmills Distillery, the unique release marks another […]
  • anautumnmoonoverglengoynedistillery_112405 Glengoyne’s behind the scenes tickets sell out in 24 hours (12/18/2018) - Gold dust whisky tickets sell out in 24 hours Glengoyne superfans rush to pick up bucket list experience and keys to the distillery Tickets to a closed doors, behind the scenes experience […]
  • WORLD CLASS GLOBAL FINALS 2019 World Class 2019 Global Finals to be held in Glasgow (12/18/2018) - WORLD’S BIGGEST BARTENDING COMPETITION REVEALS GLASGOW AS LOCATION FOR 2019 GLOBAL FINALS The very brightest and best of the drinks community will next September descend on Scotland’s cultural capital, Glasgow, to see […]
  • bunnahabhain-11-year-old-batch-5-that-boutiquey-whisky-company-whisky Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old Batch 9 (49.5%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, 2018) (12/17/2018) - Bunnahabhain 11 Years Old Batch 5 whisky review: A rather frustrating Bunna, full of that delicious funky mustiness on the nose but just a little light on the palate and peppery in the finish that doesn't really know what to do with itself. Still a classic Bunna so I still kinda like it. 84/100
  • bruichladdich-scottish-barley-the-classic-laddie-whisky Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley (50%, OB, 2018) (12/16/2018) - Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley whisky review: Mealy and sweet, this Laddie expression is full of the cereal barley it represents with a generous portion of sweet honey, I found myself picking up a hint of gentle earthy peat (not smoke) in here that reminded me so much of how peat pervades everything in Islay - including me after being there for a few days, their really is nowhere else quite like it and this had me longing to be back there soon! 84/100
  • glen-scotia-double-cask-whisky Glen Scotia Double Cask (46%, OB, 2018) (12/15/2018) - Glen Scotia Double Cask whisky review: More smooth and creamier than I remember from our last tasting, much more toffee character too which appears to predominate now giving great body and mouthfeel. 85/100
  • glenfiddich-15-year-old-solera-whisky Glenfiddich 15 Year Old (40%, OB, 2018) (12/14/2018) - Glenfiddich 15 Years Old Unique Solera Reserve whisky review: The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old solera reserve is still one of my firm favourite whiskies and it is easy to see why this has been so well awarded. Simply well-crafted deliciousness. 86/100
  • N90-GD-GRANDUEUR-BATCH-10-LANDSCAPE-BOX The GlenDronach releases Grandeur Batch 10 (12/13/2018) - Founded in 1826, James Allardice built his distillery in the fertile landscape of the Forgue valley and named it ‘GlenDronach’, which means ‘valley of the brambles’ in Scots Gaelic. Allardice was a […]
  • new-whisky-releases New Whisky Releases: Week 49 2018 (12/12/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 49 2018 New in stores this week Ardmore 9 Year Old – Chorlton Whisky £58.95 Balvenie The DCS Compendium Chapter Four – The Complete Set £29,000 Ben Nevis […]
  • balvenie-peat-week-aged-14-year-old-2003-vintage-whisky The Balvenie 14 Years Old 2003 Peat Week (48.3%, OB, 2018) (12/12/2018) - Balvenie Peat Week 14 Years Old 2003 whisky review: A superbly smokey and sweet Balvenie with a great malty backbone to support it. 86/100
  • Behind The Scenes At Glengoyne Glengoyne Distillery announces first ever ‘Behind the Scenes’ event (12/11/2018) - 36 lucky Glengoyne fans will be given closed-door access to distillery for one day only Glengoyne Highland Single Malt has announced its first ever, exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes at Glengoyne Distillery’ event […]
  • Rachel barrie Induction Master Blender Rachel Barrie inducted into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame (12/11/2018) - RACHEL BARRIE INDUCTED INTO THE WHISKY HALL OF FAME An Aberdeenshire woman who is one of only a handful of women in the ‘top job’ in the whisky industry has been inducted […]
  • loch-lomond-12-year-old-whisky Loch Lomond 12 Year Old (46%, OB, 2018) (12/11/2018) - Loch Lomond 12 Years Old whisky review: Full of toffee but with just a hint of smoke and plenty of fresh and ripe orchard fruits here, still a very pleasing dram this one from Loch Lomond. 84/100
  • kilchoman-6-year-old-2012-single-cask-release-cask-4052012-drinks-by-the-dram-whisky Kilchoman 6 Years Old 2012 Single Cask Release (56.9%, Drinks By The Dram, Wine Cask Finish #405/2012, 2018) (12/10/2018) - Kilchoman 2012 Wine Cask Finish whisky review: Another great example of smoky and sweet from Kilchoman, reminiscent of previous port cask releases this fruity red wine cask has certainly worked here. 90/100
  • dailuaine-4-years-old-2012-strictly-limited-carn-mor-whisky Dailuaine 4 Years Old 2012 Strictly Limited (46%, Carn Mor, Bourbon Barrels, 725 Bottles, 2017) (12/9/2018) - Dailuaine 4 Years Old 2012 Strictly Limited whisky review: Another ex-bourbon Dailuaine expression and this time young enough to reveal much more spirit character. Plenty of sulphur and vanilla combine to bestow a healthy dose of custard, hiding much of the unripe fruity characteristics still present in the spirit. 75/100
  • crabbie-8-year-old-whisky Crabbie 8 Years Old (46%, John Crabbie & Co., 2018) (12/8/2018) - Crabbie 8 Year Old whisky review: Quite a full palate on this one for only 8 years old. Certainly being delivered at 46% lends it some weight. Quite waxy which had me thinking of Clynelish. Zesty orange and apple with honey and a little too much spice for me, however if they aim to produce blends like this they'll certainly be entertaining and interesting. 83/100
  • Dream-whiskies Screen Shot 2018-11-21 at 15.34.06 (1) Dream Whiskies launch Patreon membership (12/7/2018) - Dream Whiskies was launched back in July of 2017 by former world mixology champion Paul Martin. Paul was killing time eyeing a £30,000 bottle of Glenfiddich 50 year-old on display at World […]
  • Gordon & MacPhail awarded three ‘Master_ awards at prestigious Gordon & MacPhail awarded three ‘Master’ awards at prestigious Design & Packaging Masters 2018 (12/7/2018) - Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been recognised for its premium portfolio of exclusive single malt whiskies at The Spirits Business 2018 Design & Packaging Masters, securing three ‘Master’ […]
  • Helen-Mulholland-Master-Blender-Bushmills-Irish-Whiskey Bushmills Irish Whiskey Master Blender becomes first woman inducted into prestigious Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame (12/7/2018) - BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY MASTER BLENDER BECOMES FIRST WOMAN INDUCTED INTO PRESTIGIOUS WHISKY MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME Helen Mulholland, Master Blender for Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. […]
  • 1978 cask 2608 bottle & box Benromach unveils limited edition 1978 vintage (12/7/2018) - Benromach unveils limited edition 1978 vintage Only 184 bottles of 40-year old Speyside single cask available worldwide  The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd is releasing an extremely rare and limited-edition Scotch malt whisky […]
  • RoyalLochnagar_HRH_Whisky_BoxandBottle[1] HRH Prince Charles 30 Year Old Royal Lochnagar ballot announced to raise funds for The Prince’s Foundation (12/7/2018) - BALLOT ANNOUNCED FOR THE SALE OF HRH THE PRINCE CHARLES, DUKE OF ROTHESAY’S 30-YEAR-OLD ROYAL LOCHNAGAR SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY IN AID OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS’S CHARITY, THE PRINCE’S FOUNDATION A ballot […]
  • Jameson Bow St Jameson Distillery Bow St. named World’s Leading Distillery Tour (12/7/2018) - Irish Distillers announced that Jameson Distillery Bow St. was named the World’s Leading Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony in Lisbon on December 1st. The finalist list included Macallan, […]
  • fettercairn-12-year-old-whisky Fettercairn 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2018) (12/7/2018) - Fettercairn 12 Years Old whisky review: Quite light and nondescript. 72/100
  • cc-glenlivet-2002 Glenlivet 15 Years Old 2002 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength (58.4%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bourbon Barrel #800772, 200 Bottles, 2018) (12/6/2018) - Glenlivet 2002 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength whisky review: An intense Glenlivet, masses of 1st fill bourbon influences up front but these gently peel away in layers revealing the fruity and grassy Glenlivet spirit character underneath. The whole experience is quite marvellous. It's a pleasant surprise to be reminded why Glenlivet has the reputation it does once in a while. 87/100
  • Tamdhu BatchS_Bottle_ONLY_003__2017_Release_58_3%+70cl_150dpi Tamdhu Batch Strength 3 (58.3%, OB, 2017) (12/6/2018) - Tamdhu Batch Strength 3 whisky review: Very sherried and a little spirity at points, this is full of dark chocolate and red fruits which combine wonderfully here. 85/100
  • cc_-clynelish-1989 Clynelish 28 Years Old 1989 Connoisseurs Choice (49.3%, Gordon & MacPhail, Refill HH #8204, 221 Bottles, 2018) (12/5/2018) - Clynelish 1989 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength whisky review: A rather old and slightly unusual Clynelish expression bottled by Gordon & MacPhail. It has a touch of that famous waxy nature and oodles of tropical fruit as you would expect from a whisky of this age. A lovely creamy mouthfeel and plenty of toffee on the palate too. A touch sour in the finish and slightly woody and herbal, perhaps slightly under-active this refill cask - still a very solid whisky and hard not to like even with its minor off-notes. 84/100
  • Dailuaine-15-Year-Old-Batch-2-(That-Boutique-y-Whisky-Company) Dailuaine 15 Years Old Batch 2 (47.5%, That Boutique-Y Whisky Company, 950 Bottles, 2018) (12/5/2018) - Dailuaine 15 Years Old Batch 2 (That Boutique-Y Whisky Company) whisky review: Pleasing and fairly full in the palate, almost a meal in a glass - if that meal is pancakes for breakfast. A great example of a Dailuaine with very little sherry influence, I suspect refill ex-bourbon barrels here, presenting something a little different from more standard or official offerings. 86/100
  • pulteney-19-year-old-1998-cask-18-049-connoisseurs-choice-gordon-and-macphail-whisky Pulteney 19 Years Old 1998 Connoisseurs Choice (57.5%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bourbon Barrel #1071, 192 Bottles, 2018) (12/4/2018) - Pulteney 1998 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength whisky review: This single ex-bourbon barrel matured Pulteney expression reveals some interesting facets including Pulteney's delicious coastal salt influence and in this example quite a savoury lemon & thyme mixture. 87/100
  • aberfeldy-1993-connoisseurs-choice Aberfeldy 25 Years Old 1993 Connoisseurs Choice (58.8%, Gordon & MacPhail, Sherry Puncheon #4054, 444 Bottles, 2018) (12/3/2018) - Aberfeldy 1993 Connoisseurs Choice whisky review: A beautifully sherried Aberfeldy, dry and leathery with plenty of dark fruits and chocolate, with water this opens up a lot more and just gets better. 88/100
  • Gordon & MacPhail 1954 from Glenlivet Distillery Gordon & MacPhail unveils new ultra-rare single malts from its Private Collection range (12/3/2018) - The latest releases include the oldest Caol Ila whisky ever bottled Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has released two stunning new additions to its ‘Private Collection’ range: a 64-Years-Old single malt […]
  • Benromach_Distillery Benromach sprinkles a little Christmas magic with social media advent calendar (12/3/2018) - Benromach whisky lovers can look forward to a little Christmas magic this year as the Forres distillery gets ready to launch its own online advent calendar as it counts down to the […]
  • 2018 Single Malt w Box Eden Mill unveil new single malt whisky for St Andrews Day (12/3/2018) - EDEN MILL UNVEIL NEW SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR ST ANDREWS DAY Eden Mill, the popular Scottish gin and whisky distiller, has today (Friday 30th November) announced the release of its new 2018 Single Malt […]
  • Cotswold Distilling Company_MG_8952 (Large) Whisky Blog Rankings December 2018 (12/3/2018) - Whisky Blog Rankings December 2018 Ranked by Alexa rank / traffic estimates Following numerous queries over the last few months about how this list is generated and these sites are ranked, at the […]
  • new-whisky-releases New Whisky Releases: Week 48 2018 (12/2/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 48 2018 New whisky in stores this week Aberfeldy 21 Year Old – Christmas Edition £131.75 Ailsa Bay Release 1.2 Sweet Smoke £54.95 Ardbeg 27 Year Old (That […]
  • the-exceptional-blend-1st-edition-whisky The Exceptional Blend 1st Edition (43%, Sutcliffe & Son, 2018) (12/2/2018) - The Exceptional Blend 1st Edition whisky review: A heavily-sherry influenced blend which may draw more from the casks than it does its component parts, I guess as with any blend it is hard to tell. Very well put together, a lot lighter and more summer fruits on the palate than the nose suggests which is a pleasant surprise. Very drinkable. 81/100