Presented at a higher ABV I enjoyed this much more than Evan Williams Black Label, there is plenty of peppery nature to it and a depth of sweetness to keep it interesting. 83/100
Evan Williams White Label
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
Drinkable and well-textured (light & silky or smooth) as expected from The Glenlivet. Filled with plenty of fruit, some tropical, with a touch of syrup and spice to help it along. A refreshing alternative to The Glenlivet’s classic 12 Year old expression for example and in similar price bracket. 83/100
Tullibardine 500
My favourite of the tasting – I guess no surprises there! I guess like the whole range I felt this was a bit safe and unchallenging. I’d prefer a bit more strength or depth to some of the finishing flavours – but perhaps that’s just my palate and predilections. The whole range is quite polished and well put together, meaning accessibility and joy for newcomers. Thankfully Tullibardine have extended their signature and other ranges greatly since these were released in 2013 and I guess I should be exploring these more myself. 83/100
Tullibardine 228
Revisiting the Tullibardine 228, albeit in it’s revised packaging I was slightly underwhelmed with this expression compared to my first experience. Perhaps it was due to following the sweetness of the 225? I didn’t feel this had quite as much of the red wine influence as tasted prior and my fear was whilst the overall quality of Tullibardine’s releases has been normalised and raised slightly it has dulled the extremes which made them fun and interesting. Maybe in a different line-up or pairing this one will shine differently? 79/100
Tullibardine 225
from Tullibardine’s spirit. This one seems quite light on the impact of the finishing cask and I found myself wishing it went a little further, the end result is a sweeter and fruitier dram with a touch more woody spices too. 81/100
Tullibardine Sovereign
Good texture and rounded with a good balance between fruit and oak wood before drier and spicier elements add interest. Perhaps a shade of spirit nature belies the youthfulness on the palate. 80/100
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 on the finish but overall a great balance and intensity. 84/100
The Whiskyphiles 