The Whiskyphiles

Scotch whisky

Whisky distilled, matured for a minimum of 3 years and bottled in Scotland

  • Bunnahabhain 23 Years Old 1989 The Rare Casks Release 2 (Abbey Whisky)

    Bunnahabhain 23 Years Old 1989 The Rare Casks Release 2 (44%, Abbey Whisky, Refill Bourbon Barrel, 96 bottles, 2013) 96 bottles @ 44% ABV, distilled 1989, bottled 2013, £72.95 for 70cl Score 90/100 What They say: The 2nd release in… Continue reading

  • Caperdonich 17 Years Old 1995 The Rare Casks Release 1 (Abbey Whisky)

    Caperdonich 17 Years Old The Rare Casks Release 1 (57.8%, Abbey Whisky, 96 bottles, 2012) 96 bottles 57.8% ABV, distilled 1995, bottled 2012, £59.50 for 70cl Score 87/100 What they say: The 1st release in ‘The Rare Casks’ series by… Continue reading

  • Benromach 9 Years Old 2001 Hermitage Wood Finish

    Benromach 9 Years Old 2001 Hermitage Wood Finish (45%, OB, 1300 bottles, 2010) 45% ABV, £33.99 Score: 90/100 What they say: Our distillery – Speyside’s smallest – is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, in… Continue reading

    Benromach 9 Years Old 2001 Hermitage Wood Finish

  • Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1996 Bass (Lockett Bros)

    Laphroaig’s no-nonsense intense peaty style actually lends itself rather well to cask strength whisky. I don’t know if the quoted 40ppm phenolics just subtly blend into what I think of as the stereotypical Laphroaig taste or if their distillation process… Continue reading

    Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1996 Bass (Lockett Bros)

  • Johnnie Walker 12 Years Old Black Label

    Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2013) 40% ABV, £25 for 70cl Score: 63/100 What they say: With its origins in the 1870’s Old Special Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL became simply “BLACK LABEL” in 1909. It… Continue reading

    Johnnie Walker 12 Years Old Black Label

  • Naked Grouse

    Naked Grouse (40%, OB, 2012) NAS Blend, 40% ABV, £25 for 70cl Score: 68/100 What they say: The Naked Grouse is a premium, blended whisky from The Famous Grouse. Its name reflects our passion to create a simple, great tasting whisky… Continue reading

    Naked Grouse

  • Ardbeg Corryvreckan

    This is certainly an experience, and can be a little hard work to drink as it has so many complex and strong elements. Overall it is a meaty, savoury dram with pepper spice. It has a certain quality like a… Continue reading

    Ardbeg Corryvreckan

  • Oban 14 Years Old

    Oban 14 Years Old (40%, OB, 2013) 40% ABV, £40 for 70cl Score 68/100 What they say: Part of Diageo’s ‘Classic Malts Range’ launched in 1988. The 14 years old is the basic expression out of the Oban distillery established… Continue reading

    Oban 14 Years Old

  • Glen Scotia 21 Years Old 1991 Strawberry Ganache (Wemyss Malts)

    For the experience this was well worth the price. Sadly my budget doesn’t stretch to a full bottle and these are likely no longer available to buy. I would definitely try more of the Glen Scotia range and they have… Continue reading

    Glen Scotia 21 Years Old 1991 Strawberry Ganache (Wemyss Malts)

  • BenRiach 12 Years Old Arumaticus Fumosus

    Despite its limited release, I would definitely buy this if I can get my hands on a bottle. Due to the masking or minimal peat influence on the palate in this dram this is the perfect whisky for introducing peat… Continue reading

    BenRiach 12 Years Old Arumaticus Fumosus