Springbank 12 Years Old 2004/2017 (57.1%, OB, Cage, R Sherry Butt, 1 Bottle)(4/24/2018)-Bitter and peaty thanks to the moderated cask maturation but still a mouthful of juicy dried fruits in here that brings this dram to life. Even the more "off" notes, metallic, liqourice and aniseed sort of belonged in this dram. The sort of whisky I'd describe as putting hairs on your chest, quiet invigorating or energizing this one. 86/100
Springbank 14 Years Old 2002/2017 (52.3%, OB, Cage, F Rum Barrel, 1 Bottle)(4/23/2018)-A touch spicier and more bitter, I did prefer the Hazelburn though not by much. This has some lovely funk and engine oil dirtiness I associate with Springbank but just enough sweetness from the spirit and the rum cask to keep it palateable. I feel the more rum-casked whiskies I have the less that Rum-cask maturation brings to the party - to the point I am not actively seeking any more. 83/100
Abhainn Dearg 3 Years Old 2008/2011 Cask Strength (58%, OB, 5cl)(4/23/2018)-Quite rough and ready this one. Young, spirity, and exuberant but not quite tamed by wood. Reduced it still revealed some odd flavours and tendencies, this really reminded me of agave spirit or mezcal rather than whisky. 66/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 16 2018(4/22/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 16 2018 Arran 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12357) – Old Particular (Douglas Laing) £145.38 Auchroisk 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 14661) – The First Editions (Hunter Laing) […]
Tomatin Cask Strength (57.5%, OB, +/-2015)(4/17/2018)-Zesty but not overly exuberant or young, this carries water well and retains much of its complexity even when reduced. More wood than spirit characteristics perhaps reflecting the lighter nature of Tomatin. 83/100
Scotch Boom – Ardnamurchan Distillery(4/17/2018)-Part 5 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Ardnamurchan Distillery. Thanks to their Managing Director Alex Bruce.
Highland Park 13 Years Old 2004/2018 Cask Strength (60.0%, Gordon & MacPhail, Connoisseurs Choice, First Fill Sherry Butt #3812, 655 Bottles)(4/16/2018)-A flavour-packed expression from Gordon & MacPhail in their new Cask Strength Connoisseurs Choice range. I'd expect nothing less from a Highland Park matured in a first fill Sherry butt. The balance achieved is supreme, and the result highly drinkable even at 60% ABV. This expression was stuffed full of fresh and stewed fruits, the sherry influences lightly adding toffee, chocolate, tannin, leather and spices, and matched by sweetness, malt, and heathery peat and wood smoke. 88/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 15 2018(4/15/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 15 2018 A bumper crop to pick from this week with lots of lovely looking Ben Nevis, Caol Ila and even an indie Pulteney at pocket money prices! […]
Scotch Boom – Annandale Distillery(4/11/2018)-
Part 4 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Annandale Distillery. Thanks to Annandale distillery owner David Thomson.
BenRiach 12 Years Old Sherry Wood (46%, OB, +/-2016)(4/11/2018)-A great noser, this had a little more of a grapefruit and citric acidity on the palate than I expected but some lovely woody notes both tannins and spices that caress the palate and reward the finish. 84/100
Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (45%, OB, +/-2017)(4/10/2018)-Slightly less complex than Bourbon, this wheat based whiskey has a softer, sweet and slightly spiced nature. Quite tasty and nutty with cereal elements add a bakery style / sweetie shop mixture. Very pleasant. 83/100
Glenfiddich 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017)(4/9/2018)-A classic expression from Glenfiddich with a huge hit of fruity and fresh pears on the nose that travels throughout this whisky. Expertly constructed using American and Sherry oak casks. I love the slightly drying nature in the finish making me want to revisit the freshness on the nose again. 83/100
Bunnahabhain 9 Years Old 2006/2017 (60.4%, SMWS, 10.108 Yin and Yang, Heavy Toast Medium Char HH, 282 Bottles)(4/9/2018)-Definitely young but with some interest, a complexity that seems to be mostly spirit-driven, with lots of shellfish, brine, sweet and smoky influences but also a mineralic character and soapy texture - perhaps an indication of the wood tinkering. Pretty good whisky all in but I suspect it may have been a lot better un-tinkered and matured a little (or a lot) longer. 84/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 14 2018(4/9/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 14 2018 Armorik 6 Year Old 2011 Single Cask £83.98 A single cask Armorik from Brittany the last we had was really rather good (bottled for LMDW) BenRiach […]
Scotch Boom – Wolfburn Distillery(4/5/2018)-Part 3 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Wolfburn Distillery. Thanks to Wolfburn Business Development Manager, Daniel Smith.
Glenrothes 11 Years Old 2006/2017 (65.5%, Càrn Mòr, Celebration of the Cask, Sherry Butt #5673, 610 Bottles)(4/4/2018)-A very fruity, sweet and spiced sherry influence with hints of some of the more favourable flavours for me such as nut and chocolate. Plenty of spice and sweetness masks any potentially spirit nature and there is far too much going on to overlook the fact this is only 11 years old. In fact its youth helps here as it really is quite a lively character on the palate. 87/100
Hazelburn 14 Years Old 2002/2017 (55.5%, OB, Cage, F Cognac Butt, 1 Bottle)(4/3/2018)-An interesting expression, really sweet and fruity, well-spiced and borders on becoming a little woody and tannic towards the finish. I'm not sure what I was expecting with this but it appears to carry a lot of classical 'Cognac' flavours whilst keeping that slightly musty and dirty "Springbank" sweetened barley malt backbone. I could really grow to like this one, lets hope they bottle the remainder of the cask soon. 87/100
Domaine Dupont 1980 Millesime Pays d’Auge (42%, OB, 2016)(4/3/2018)-Clear and fruity with just a touch of aged oak wood flavours, this is mostly aged in large wooden tuns to keep the oak influence light, before a finishing period in toasted 400l casks delivering a balance usually found on younger Calvados but with the flavours of a much more mature one. Superbly constructed and hugely enjoyable. 90/100
Whisky Blog Ranking April 2018(4/3/2018)-Our monthly update on the most popular whisky blogs ranked by Alexa traffic estimates
New Whisky Releases: Week 13 2018(4/1/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 13 2018 Aberlour Casg Annamh Batch 1 £54.26 A new series from Aberlour made with Euoprean and American oak, released as Batch #0001 this looks like a sister […]
BenRiach Cask Strength (60.6%, OB, Batch 2, 2018)(3/30/2018)-Really quite drinkable at Cask Strength, this for me displays characters of each of the component casks though I feel the Bourbon and Virgin Oak influences speak the loudest on the palate. Quite heady on the nose with a huge hit or dollop of vanilla. There is some spirit and spice but just enough to make it interesting and add to the progression of this whisky over the palate. I could sit and nose this one for quite some time, but drink it only in small savouring sips. 89/100
Scotch Boom – Kingsbarns Distillery(3/29/2018)-Part 2 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Kingsbarns Distillery. Thanks to their Brand Manager Steven Shand.
Bruichladdich 30 Years Old 1986/2017 Sherry: The Magnificent Seven (44.6%, OB, Rare Casks)(3/26/2018)-Delicious, really nutty and full of chocolate before moving into steamed fruit pudding soaked with rum or sherry. Very Christmas-like. From memory this is only the second Oloroso-matured and PX finished whisky we have knowingly sampled and both were really on the button for me flavour-wise. 93/100
Scotch Boom – Isle of Raasay Distillery(3/22/2018)-Part 1 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Isle of Raasay Distillery, thanks to Alasdair Day of R&B Distillers Limited.
Wemyss Malts introduces Nectar Grove(3/20/2018)-Press release from Wemyss Malts announcing the launch of Nectar Grove, a blended malt finished in Madeira wine casks.
Redbreast 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017)(3/15/2018)-A lovely mixture of fruit, sweet and spices. That Irish Pot Still unmalted barley spice and bite plus a little citric or acidic juice cuts through a rich and sweet sherry influence. Superb! 85/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 10 2018(3/11/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 10 2018 Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 102349) – Deerstalker Limited Release £69.61 Just 151 bottles available of this Independently bottled single cask Auchentoshan Chivas Revolve £79.95 […]
Tullamore D.E.W. XO Rum Cask (43%, OB, +/-2018)(3/8/2018)-Quality needs to be unlocked here, too much spirit, spice and strong citrus neat to be overly enjoyable. A drop of water reveals the creamy toffee & banana from the official tasting notes. 81/100
Tullamore D.E.W. Original (40%, OB, +/-2018)(3/8/2018)-A great introductory whiskey to the Tullamore range or 'Blended' Irish whiskey category. All very pleasant, perhaps a hint more wood smoke and spice than I remember on previous tastings? 83/100
40th Scotch Whisky Industry Review now available(3/2/2018)-40th Scotch Whisky Industry Review The Scotch Whisky Industry Review is celebrating the release of the 40th edition of its authoritative annual publication – every one of which has been authored by […]
Glenkinchie 12 Years Old (43%, OB, +/-2014)(3/1/2018)-For completeness we dug this 2014 bottled Glenkinchie 12 out of the archives and find it sits somewhere between the previous two we have tried. 82/100
Glenkinchie 2016 Distillery Only (48%, OB, 6000 Bottles)(2/24/2018)-A Distillery Only available limited edition bottling of Glenkinchie, 6,000 bottles were released in 2016. A more tannic and spicy alternative to the standard bottlings. 85/100
Glenkinchie 2004/2016 Distillers Edition (43%, OB, G/289-7-D)(2/24/2018)-Perhaps a difference in the Amontillado sherry casks used for maturation or a result of the slightly newer style of Glenkicnhie spirit we are finding? This expression was much more woody, grassy and chewier on the palate which definitely improves the experience when compared to the previous 1999 Distillers Edition we had sampled. 87/100
Glenkinchie 10 Years Old (43%, OB, +/-2006)(2/24/2018)-The original Classic Malts 10 year old release from Glenkinchie. Discontinued in 2007 and replaced by a 12 year old. 79/100
Glenkinchie 12 Years Old (43%, OB, +/-2017)(2/24/2018)-The ‘standard’ 12 year old bottling from the Lowland Glenkinchie Distillery. With a little more to it than I remember. 83/100
Balblair 1991 Vintage (46%, OB, 2nd Release, 2018)(2/22/2018)-Not as sweet or heavily sherried as the well-loved 1990 vintage it replaces. Offers a slightly different and perhaps more refined experience. 87/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 7 2018(2/18/2018)-New Whisky Releases: Week 7 2018 Ballantine’s Hard Fired (70cl) £29.64 A blend has made it to the list (finally) – if nothing more for the fact that this blend is finished […]
anCnoc 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017)(2/16/2018)-A great all-round whisky that introduces you to anCnoc's range, a lovely mid-weight floral, barley and honeyed fruit, in places more floral, sour and bitter slightly than we last remembered. 84/100
Springbank 12 Years Old 2004/2017 (57.1%, OB, Cage, R Sherry Butt, 1 Bottle) (4/24/2018) - Bitter and peaty thanks to the moderated cask maturation but still a mouthful of juicy dried fruits in here that brings this dram to life. Even the more "off" notes, metallic, liqourice and aniseed sort of belonged in this dram. The sort of whisky I'd describe as putting hairs on your chest, quiet invigorating or energizing this one. 86/100
Springbank 14 Years Old 2002/2017 (52.3%, OB, Cage, F Rum Barrel, 1 Bottle) (4/23/2018) - A touch spicier and more bitter, I did prefer the Hazelburn though not by much. This has some lovely funk and engine oil dirtiness I associate with Springbank but just enough sweetness from the spirit and the rum cask to keep it palateable. I feel the more rum-casked whiskies I have the less that Rum-cask maturation brings to the party - to the point I am not actively seeking any more. 83/100
Abhainn Dearg 3 Years Old 2008/2011 Cask Strength (58%, OB, 5cl) (4/23/2018) - Quite rough and ready this one. Young, spirity, and exuberant but not quite tamed by wood. Reduced it still revealed some odd flavours and tendencies, this really reminded me of agave spirit or mezcal rather than whisky. 66/100
Benromach launches anniversary celebrations with 20th anniversary bottling (4/23/2018) - Press release from Benromach announcing the release of their 20th anniversary bottling.
New Whisky Releases: Week 16 2018 (4/22/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 16 2018 Arran 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12357) – Old Particular (Douglas Laing) £145.38 Auchroisk 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 14661) – The First Editions (Hunter Laing) […]
Hazelburn 14 Years Old 2000/2015 (53.7%, OB, Cage, F Rum Barrel, 1 Bottle) (4/19/2018) - Sweet and spiced, pleasant but not overly complex, a good solid drinker. 84/100
Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Henry Donnelly as new Distiller at the Micro Distillery at Midleton (4/18/2018) - Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Henry Donnelly as the new Distiller of […]
Tomatin Cask Strength (57.5%, OB, +/-2015) (4/17/2018) - Zesty but not overly exuberant or young, this carries water well and retains much of its complexity even when reduced. More wood than spirit characteristics perhaps reflecting the lighter nature of Tomatin. 83/100
Malt Whisky Trail® and #OurWhisky showcase the women of Malt Whisky Country (4/17/2018) - The world’s only Malt Whisky Trail®, based in Moray Speyside, has teamed up with #OurWhisky campaign to showcase the women of Malt Whisky Country. Home to the world’s largest concentration of Scotch […]
Scotch Boom – Ardnamurchan Distillery (4/17/2018) - Part 5 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Ardnamurchan Distillery. Thanks to their Managing Director Alex Bruce.
Edinburgh’s 1st Single Malt Whisky Distillery for 90 years Completes £5.8m Fundraise (4/16/2018) - Press release announcing the completion of fund raising for the Edinburgh-based Holyrood Distillery project.
Biggest single investment in Scotch whisky tourism launched by Diageo (4/16/2018) - Press release detailing Diageo's investment in Distillery visitor centres and a new Johnnie Walker hub in Edinburgh
Highland Park 13 Years Old 2004/2018 Cask Strength (60.0%, Gordon & MacPhail, Connoisseurs Choice, First Fill Sherry Butt #3812, 655 Bottles) (4/16/2018) - A flavour-packed expression from Gordon & MacPhail in their new Cask Strength Connoisseurs Choice range. I'd expect nothing less from a Highland Park matured in a first fill Sherry butt. The balance achieved is supreme, and the result highly drinkable even at 60% ABV. This expression was stuffed full of fresh and stewed fruits, the sherry influences lightly adding toffee, chocolate, tannin, leather and spices, and matched by sweetness, malt, and heathery peat and wood smoke. 88/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 15 2018 (4/15/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 15 2018 A bumper crop to pick from this week with lots of lovely looking Ben Nevis, Caol Ila and even an indie Pulteney at pocket money prices! […]
Diageo Introduces the Impeccably Crafted 2018 Special Releases Collection (4/13/2018) - Press release announcing Diageo's 2018 Special Releases collection
Lux Row Distillers Opens on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (4/12/2018) - Press release from Lux Row Distillers announcing the opening of their new distillery in Kentucky.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey announces the 2018 release of its Rare Single Malts (4/12/2018) - Press release from Bushmills Irish Whiskey announcing the release of their 2018 rare Single Malt 16 and 21 year old whiskey.
Scotch Boom – Annandale Distillery (4/11/2018) -
Part 4 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Annandale Distillery. Thanks to Annandale distillery owner David Thomson.
BenRiach 12 Years Old Sherry Wood (46%, OB, +/-2016) (4/11/2018) - A great noser, this had a little more of a grapefruit and citric acidity on the palate than I expected but some lovely woody notes both tannins and spices that caress the palate and reward the finish. 84/100
Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey (45%, OB, +/-2017) (4/10/2018) - Slightly less complex than Bourbon, this wheat based whiskey has a softer, sweet and slightly spiced nature. Quite tasty and nutty with cereal elements add a bakery style / sweetie shop mixture. Very pleasant. 83/100
Glenfiddich 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017) (4/9/2018) - A classic expression from Glenfiddich with a huge hit of fruity and fresh pears on the nose that travels throughout this whisky. Expertly constructed using American and Sherry oak casks. I love the slightly drying nature in the finish making me want to revisit the freshness on the nose again. 83/100
Home of Jameson celebrates its first birthday as most-visited whiskey experience in the world (4/9/2018) - Press release celebrating Jameson Bow St 1st Birthday since re-opening.
Bunnahabhain 9 Years Old 2006/2017 (60.4%, SMWS, 10.108 Yin and Yang, Heavy Toast Medium Char HH, 282 Bottles) (4/9/2018) - Definitely young but with some interest, a complexity that seems to be mostly spirit-driven, with lots of shellfish, brine, sweet and smoky influences but also a mineralic character and soapy texture - perhaps an indication of the wood tinkering. Pretty good whisky all in but I suspect it may have been a lot better un-tinkered and matured a little (or a lot) longer. 84/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 14 2018 (4/9/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 14 2018 Armorik 6 Year Old 2011 Single Cask £83.98 A single cask Armorik from Brittany the last we had was really rather good (bottled for LMDW) BenRiach […]
Glenmorangie’s Vintage Collection honours former still house’s final spirit (4/9/2018) - Press release announincing the release of Glenmorangie Grand Vintage 1989
Stewart Buchanan named ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ (4/9/2018) - Press Release announcing Stewart Buchanan, instrumental in the revival of BenRiach distillery, as a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’
Whiskybase.com celebrates 1 Million whisky ratings (4/9/2018) - Press Release: Whiskybase.com celebrates 1 Million whisky ratings
Springbank 12 Years Old 2004/2017 (57.0%, OB, Cage, Refill Port HH, 1 Bottle) (4/6/2018) - A rather dirty and burnt, peaty and sweetened port-influenced Springbank. Perfect! 88/100
Scotch Boom – Wolfburn Distillery (4/5/2018) - Part 3 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Wolfburn Distillery. Thanks to Wolfburn Business Development Manager, Daniel Smith.
Glenrothes 11 Years Old 2006/2017 (65.5%, Càrn Mòr, Celebration of the Cask, Sherry Butt #5673, 610 Bottles) (4/4/2018) - A very fruity, sweet and spiced sherry influence with hints of some of the more favourable flavours for me such as nut and chocolate. Plenty of spice and sweetness masks any potentially spirit nature and there is far too much going on to overlook the fact this is only 11 years old. In fact its youth helps here as it really is quite a lively character on the palate. 87/100
Hazelburn 14 Years Old 2002/2017 (55.5%, OB, Cage, F Cognac Butt, 1 Bottle) (4/3/2018) - An interesting expression, really sweet and fruity, well-spiced and borders on becoming a little woody and tannic towards the finish. I'm not sure what I was expecting with this but it appears to carry a lot of classical 'Cognac' flavours whilst keeping that slightly musty and dirty "Springbank" sweetened barley malt backbone. I could really grow to like this one, lets hope they bottle the remainder of the cask soon. 87/100
Domaine Dupont 1980 Millesime Pays d’Auge (42%, OB, 2016) (4/3/2018) - Clear and fruity with just a touch of aged oak wood flavours, this is mostly aged in large wooden tuns to keep the oak influence light, before a finishing period in toasted 400l casks delivering a balance usually found on younger Calvados but with the flavours of a much more mature one. Superbly constructed and hugely enjoyable. 90/100
Whisky Blog Ranking April 2018 (4/3/2018) - Our monthly update on the most popular whisky blogs ranked by Alexa traffic estimates
GlenAllachie release celebratory 50th Anniversary single cask series under Billy Walker (4/3/2018) - Press release from GlenAllachie announcing their 50th Anniversary single cask range, their first release under new owners and Master Distiller Billy Walker
New Whisky Releases: Week 13 2018 (4/1/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 13 2018 Aberlour Casg Annamh Batch 1 £54.26 A new series from Aberlour made with Euoprean and American oak, released as Batch #0001 this looks like a sister […]
BenRiach Cask Strength (60.6%, OB, Batch 2, 2018) (3/30/2018) - Really quite drinkable at Cask Strength, this for me displays characters of each of the component casks though I feel the Bourbon and Virgin Oak influences speak the loudest on the palate. Quite heady on the nose with a huge hit or dollop of vanilla. There is some spirit and spice but just enough to make it interesting and add to the progression of this whisky over the palate. I could sit and nose this one for quite some time, but drink it only in small savouring sips. 89/100
Scotch Boom – Kingsbarns Distillery (3/29/2018) - Part 2 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Kingsbarns Distillery. Thanks to their Brand Manager Steven Shand.
Jameson celebrates the flavour of the wild coastline of Ireland with new seaweed bitters (3/27/2018) - Press release from Jameson announcing the launch of their Seaweed Bitters
Iain Banks Raw Spirit In search of the perfect dram (3/26/2018) - Book review: Iain Banks Raw Spirit In search of the perfect dram.
Bruichladdich 30 Years Old 1986/2017 Sherry: The Magnificent Seven (44.6%, OB, Rare Casks) (3/26/2018) - Delicious, really nutty and full of chocolate before moving into steamed fruit pudding soaked with rum or sherry. Very Christmas-like. From memory this is only the second Oloroso-matured and PX finished whisky we have knowingly sampled and both were really on the button for me flavour-wise. 93/100
Kingsbarns Distillery’s spirit reaches 3rd Birthday (3/26/2018) - Press release from Kingsbarns Distillery announcing their first Scotch Whisky
New Whisky Releases: Week 12 2018 (3/26/2018) -
Our weekly look at new Whisky released and available in stores.
One week left to enter Diageo Reserve GB World Class Competition 2018 (3/23/2018) - Press release announcing one week left to register for the 2018 Diageo Reserve GB World Class Competition
The Glenlivet challenges consumers to crack the ultimate whisky mystery (3/23/2018) - Press Release The Glenlivet launch their latest enigma bottling The Glenlivet Code
Scotch Boom – Isle of Raasay Distillery (3/22/2018) - Part 1 of our Scotch Boom series looking at the trend for new Scotch Whisky Distilleries takes a look at Isle of Raasay Distillery, thanks to Alasdair Day of R&B Distillers Limited.
The Macallan 50 Years Old 2018 Edition released (3/22/2018) - News from The Macallan announcing the release of their 50 Years Old 2018 Edition
Fife Whisky Festival 2018 (3/20/2018) - Our report from the inaugural Fife Whisky Festival
Wemyss Malts introduces Nectar Grove (3/20/2018) - Press release from Wemyss Malts announcing the launch of Nectar Grove, a blended malt finished in Madeira wine casks.
Gordon & MacPhail Unveils Rare 1950s Single Malt Whisky from Linkwood Distillery (3/20/2018) - Press release from Gordon & Macphail announcing the release of the Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 vintage.
New Whisky Releases: Week 11 2018 (3/19/2018) - Our weekly look at new Whisky released and available in stores.
Redbreast 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017) (3/15/2018) - A lovely mixture of fruit, sweet and spices. That Irish Pot Still unmalted barley spice and bite plus a little citric or acidic juice cuts through a rich and sweet sherry influence. Superb! 85/100
Competition time – name our masthead (3/15/2018) - Competition - Name our masthead Golden Eagle and win some whisky!
Blood Oath Series Continues With Release of Pact No. 4 (3/15/2018) - Press release from Lux Row Distillers announcing the release of Blood Oath Pact No.4
Pioneering fusion of Scotch and Australian whisky is a perfect blend of blockchain tech and history (3/15/2018) - Press release from Fusion Whisky announcing the launch of The Brisbane, a blend of Scotch and Australian whiskies.
Poetic short film featuring Foy Vance celebrates real Irish culture ahead of St. Patrick’s Day (3/12/2018) - Press release from Bushmills regarding their 2018 St Patrick's Day celebrations with a short film featuring Foy Vance with words by John Plunkett.
New Whisky Releases: Week 10 2018 (3/11/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 10 2018 Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 102349) – Deerstalker Limited Release £69.61 Just 151 bottles available of this Independently bottled single cask Auchentoshan Chivas Revolve £79.95 […]
BenRiach release triple cask matured Cask Strength Batch 2 (3/9/2018) - Press release announcing the launch of the BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 2. Triple cask matured in bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry casks and virgin oak hogsheads.
Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Years Old Single Malt (41.3%, OB, +/-2018) (3/8/2018) - A deliciously dark and complex whiskey, full of coffee, cocoa and oak wood notes. 89/100
Tullamore D.E.W. 14 Years Old Single Malt (41.3%, OB, +/-2018) (3/8/2018) - Sweeter, fruitier and creamier than before but still delicious. 85/100
Tullamore D.E.W. XO Rum Cask (43%, OB, +/-2018) (3/8/2018) - Quality needs to be unlocked here, too much spirit, spice and strong citrus neat to be overly enjoyable. A drop of water reveals the creamy toffee & banana from the official tasting notes. 81/100
Tullamore D.E.W. Original (40%, OB, +/-2018) (3/8/2018) - A great introductory whiskey to the Tullamore range or 'Blended' Irish whiskey category. All very pleasant, perhaps a hint more wood smoke and spice than I remember on previous tastings? 83/100
#OurWhisky launches to illustrate the face of the modern whisky drinker (3/8/2018) - #OurWhisky launches in the run up to International Women's Day 2018
Whisky Blog Ranking March 2018 (3/5/2018) - Our monthly update on whisky blogs ranked by Alexa traffic estimates
Jura launch Signature Series with 5 new expressions (3/5/2018) - Press Release announcing the launch of Jura's Signature Series of 5 new whiskies.
New Whisky Releases: Week 9 2018 (3/5/2018) - Our weekly new whisky releases feature, detailing what's hot in stores now
GlenDronach 24 Years Old Grandeur (48.7%, OB, Batch 9, 1,487 Bottles, +/-2017) (3/2/2018) - A medley of Sherry-influenced flavours delivers a rich and varied experience. Plenty of depth and complexity but slightly too dark, bitter and spiced in the nose and finish for my own personal taste. 92/100
GlenDronach 28 Years Old 1989/2017 (49.9%, OB, Batch 16, PX Puncheon #5476, 546 Bottles) (3/2/2018) - 28 Years in a PX sherry puncheon for this GlenDronach has produced a deliciously dark and juicy fruit bomb. 93/100
GlenDronach 22 Years Old 1995/2017 (50.3%, OB, Batch 16, PX Puncheon #3311, 518 Bottles) (3/2/2018) - A Calvados-soaked fruit and walnut cake of a dram, superb! 88/100
GlenDronach 11 Years Old 2006/2017 (57.2%, OB, Batch 16, PX Puncheon #1979, 679 Bottles) (3/2/2018) - A delicious young PX matured GlenDronach, pushes the boundaries at times but has such an abundant range and depth of flavour carried by a youthful vibrancy. 86/100
Havana Club launches first Cuban Rum finished in smoky whisky cask (3/2/2018) - Havana Club announce launch of first Cuban Rum matured in smoky whisky casks - an interesting development/crossover between cask-aged rum and whisky sectors?
Jameson puts ‘taste’ centre-stage in new global campaign (3/2/2018) - Press Release Jameson launch new global advertising campaign focussed on taste
Award-winning start to Benromach Distillery’s 20th anniversary year (3/2/2018) - Press Release marking Benromach Distillery's success as it enters its 20th year of operation since Gordon & MacPhail revived it back in 1998.
40th Scotch Whisky Industry Review now available (3/2/2018) - 40th Scotch Whisky Industry Review The Scotch Whisky Industry Review is celebrating the release of the 40th edition of its authoritative annual publication – every one of which has been authored by […]
2018 Rebel Yell® Bourbon Single Barrel Now Available (3/2/2018) - Press Release, Rebel Yell launch 10 Year Old single barrel limited edition of 2,000 cases
Highland Park Dragon Legend (43.1%, OB, +/-2017) (3/1/2018) - Floral Orcadian peat tempered by sherry-cask maturation results in a very drinkable Dragon Legend. 84/100
Glenkinchie 12 Years Old (43%, OB, +/-2014) (3/1/2018) - For completeness we dug this 2014 bottled Glenkinchie 12 out of the archives and find it sits somewhere between the previous two we have tried. 82/100
Mortlach 75 Years Old 1939/2015 (44.4%, G&M, Generations, Sherry Butt, 100 Bottles) (2/27/2018) - A Gordon & MacPhail tasting finishing with their Mortlach 75yo 1939 Generations - the worlds oldest whisky - can only be something very special! 98/100
GlenDronach release Batch 16 of their Single Cask Series (2/26/2018) - Press Release announcing the launch of the GlenDronach Batch 16 single cask range, including bottle details and official tasting notes
New Whisky Releases: Week 8 2018 (2/25/2018) - Our weekly new releases feature, highlighting exciting whiskies in store this week.
Glenkinchie 2016 Distillery Only (48%, OB, 6000 Bottles) (2/24/2018) - A Distillery Only available limited edition bottling of Glenkinchie, 6,000 bottles were released in 2016. A more tannic and spicy alternative to the standard bottlings. 85/100
Glenkinchie 2004/2016 Distillers Edition (43%, OB, G/289-7-D) (2/24/2018) - Perhaps a difference in the Amontillado sherry casks used for maturation or a result of the slightly newer style of Glenkicnhie spirit we are finding? This expression was much more woody, grassy and chewier on the palate which definitely improves the experience when compared to the previous 1999 Distillers Edition we had sampled. 87/100
Glenkinchie 10 Years Old (43%, OB, +/-2006) (2/24/2018) - The original Classic Malts 10 year old release from Glenkinchie. Discontinued in 2007 and replaced by a 12 year old. 79/100
Auchroisk 17 Years Old 1996/2016 (49.8%, Robert Graham, Treasurer’s Selection, Cask #1977, 252 Bottles) (2/23/2018) - A 17yo Single cask Auchroisk bottled by Robert Graham. Well imprinted with Auchroisk fruity distillery character. 83/100
Auchroisk 6 Years Old 2009/2015 (46%, Hepburn’s Choice, Single Cask) (2/23/2018) - A spirit led expression with a crash course in American oak, great experiment but perhaps not the best indication of what either distillery or cask can do. 79/100
Highland Park 25 Years Old (46.5%, Robert Graham, Treasurer’s Selection, 90 Bottles +/-2016) (2/22/2018) - A deliciously aged expression from an ex-Bourbon cask with that odd waxy florality, tropical fruit and creamy vanilla with more than a hint of mint in here. Dessert-like on lots of levels. 88/100
Balblair 1991 Vintage (46%, OB, 2nd Release, 2018) (2/22/2018) - Not as sweet or heavily sherried as the well-loved 1990 vintage it replaces. Offers a slightly different and perhaps more refined experience. 87/100
Balblair 2000 Vintage (46%, OB, 2nd Release, 2017) (2/22/2018) - A great balance between distillate and sherry cask maturation, with fruits, spice and tannic wood. 86/100
Balblair 2005 Vintage (46%, OB, 1st Release, 2017) (2/22/2018) - A second bottling of Balblair 2005 Vintage 1st Release released 2017, slightly sweeter in presentation perhaps? 84/100
National Award for new Whisky business in Sutherland (2/21/2018) - Press Release, Carnegie Whisky Cellars win Newcomer of the Year in Drinks Retailing Awards 2018
Fusion Whisky launch ‘Winter Queen’ a blend of Scotch and Dutch whisky (2/21/2018) - Press Release from Fusion Whisky who launch their Winter Queen Scotch/Dutch blend.
Isle of Arran Distillery makes the very first casks to be filled at new Lagg site available (2/20/2018) - Lagg Distillery on Arran announce Cask sale details for their first 700 casks of peated spirit.
Tomatin Five Virtues Launch: Metal and Water (2/20/2018) - Press Release from Tomatin announcing launch of the two final elements series; Metal and Water
50% Off all Ardbeg… in 2019! (2/19/2018) - News that Ardbeg Distillery plans to double capacity with another stillhouse by 2019
The Balvenie 17 Years Old Doublewood (43%, OB, +/-2017) (2/18/2018) - More refined and deeper Doublewood experience from The Balvenie. 86/100
The Balvenie 12 Years Old Doublewood (40%, OB, +/-2017) (2/18/2018) - The perennial classic Balvenie 12 Doublewood, the perfect introductory dram and still great today. 84/100
New Whisky Releases: Week 7 2018 (2/18/2018) - New Whisky Releases: Week 7 2018 Ballantine’s Hard Fired (70cl) £29.64 A blend has made it to the list (finally) – if nothing more for the fact that this blend is finished […]
anCnoc 12 Years Old (40%, OB, +/-2017) (2/16/2018) - A great all-round whisky that introduces you to anCnoc's range, a lovely mid-weight floral, barley and honeyed fruit, in places more floral, sour and bitter slightly than we last remembered. 84/100
Royal Lochnagar Triple Matured (48%, OB, FOCM, +/-2013) (2/15/2018) - Wonderfully complex with a rather odd flavour profile, perhaps too much oak wood, light sherry and berries, but overall I really liked this one! 87/100
