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 Yuen Elez (46%, OB, 2020)
Armorik Double Maturation (46%, OB, 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Very rich and full of nutty and creamy vanilla toffee, that core tropicality is there as well as a distinct coastal influence. 86/100
