The English Original Single Malt Whisky Whisky Review: A rather accomplished expression, perhaps a touch woody in places but balanced by that lovely fruity spirit character which has started to become tropical as well as sweet on the palate. Masses of vanilla ice-cream make this a real dessert-style whisky. Very enjoyable. 83/100
Penderyn Peated Whisky Review: This has grown on me a lot since my last tasting of this expression. The smoke seems much more subtle, present on the nose and delightfully in the finish but ethereal on the palate. 85/100
Penderyn Sherrywood Whisky Review: A much more balanced expression than an out and out Sherrybomb! 83/100
Penderyn Madeira Finish whisky review: Better than previous memory apart from the metallic copper in the finish which detracts slightly for me, love how the nose and palate have developed more into peach and sweeties territory. 82/100
Paul John 6 Years Old Batch #3 Whisky Review: Quite intense and occasionally a little harsh on the palate with the peat influence, however massess of creamy vanilla and rich chocolate work wonders here too! 85/100
Bain’s 15 Years Old Founders Collection Whisky Review: A touch spicy, unsurprising due to the hot climate and cask activity in South Africa, and light-bodied and slightly spirity in character driven by the core grain spirit, though these are small prices to pay in what tastes and feels a lot older than its 15 years. Huge cask maturation influence in here would convince you this is twice its age! 87/100
The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2 whisky review: More of the same! The 1st edition was a very drinkable (albeit with a little water required) expression and this follows much in the same vein. Enticingly and subtly different, reflective of the cask used in its construction but to the same high standard and quality. 83/100
The One Port Cask Finish whisky review: Sweet and smoky but with a rather odd rubbery and metallic edge to it, reminds me of some of the more unusual Tobermory offerings from e.g. SMWS and although not displeasing it isn’t really ticking the right boxes for me. I like my port-finishes to ooze jammy sweetness, this is much more reserved than that in an attempt to preserve the blend profile – I wish it had gone a little further. 80/100
The One Signature Blend whisky review: A great blend and definite improvement in flavour profile for me, the work on this from Dhavall and the Lakes Distillery really is starting to show here. 84/100
The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 whisky review: I found this a little hot and spirity at cask strength (as presented 60.6% ABV) but this expression takes water well and reveals a robust malty body. Some great flavours developing here but perhaps a little too woody and tannic with associated spice for me, hopefully this will calm with age and so the Lakes single malt is definitely one to watch out for in the future. 83/100
