The Whiskyphiles

Reviews

Whisky Reviews

  • The Whiskymaker’s Editions Bal Masque

    Quite a refined and polished expression, quite tight or closed in places. A good malty caramel sweetness infused with fruits but encased in French oak, needs a little water to loosen it up. 84/100 Continue reading

  • The Singleton of Dufftown 54 Years Old

    Remarkably well-aged and rejuvenated whisky which is massively drinkable in no small part to the PX polish of sweet dried fruit, nut and chocolate influences layered over some really deep, fibrous and chewy old wood. Hugely complex as befitting its… Continue reading

  • Wilderness Trail Cask Strength Rye

    Incredibly drinkable as presented, not too spicy but full of woody herbal notes and sweet toffee, possibly the best Rye whiskey I have ever tasted! 88/100 Continue reading

  • Aber Falls 2nd Release

    Smooth and surprisingly complex (written without prior knowledge of the cask make-up here) suggesting an interesting cask mixture that is working really well and manages to avoid that young/forced (STR!) feeling. There is a good sweet herbality present here too… Continue reading

  • Kilkerran 12 Years Old

    Smoother and more refined than I last remember, possibly due to slightly older stock being available? Incredibly mealy and cereal led with soft peat smoke pervading later. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Hazelburn 13 Years Old 2007

    A superb Hazelburn expression in which the spirit nature has been matched to (mostly) ex-bourbon maturation, soft citrus fruits and biscuity cereals accentuated with a touch of sherry sweetness and Campbeltown maritime/salt influences. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Jura 18 Years Old

    On paper this expression is full of great flavours but I found myself really looking for anything representative of its age. Perhaps a slightly more subdued smoke and some earthier woody spices. I feel like this one is still getting… Continue reading

  • Jura 12 Years Old

    A much cleaner presentation from Jura, certainly they have tightened up on their base bourbon cask maturation stock. I found myself wishing for a little more depth (and grime) on the palate and this is a little sweet & polished… Continue reading

  • Mackmyra Svensk Ek

    Mackmyra’s 100 Swedish expression including full maturation in Swedish oak. Full of orange zest and woody spices I found this one pleasing but a little challenging in places, perhaps a dash of water may help here? 82/100 Continue reading

  • Killara 2 Years Old Batch 1

    Very drinkable, some lovely toasted notes. Although there are buttery and spirity elements present here this really doesn’t come across as a young spirit. 84/100 Continue reading