The Whiskyphiles

£40

  • Borders Malt & Rye

    A robust and entertaining blended scotch whisky using both malt and rye derived components in great balance. I suspect a portion of the sweetness here derives from the fresh bourbon cask too but this whisky hasn’t been in these casks… Continue reading

  • Teaninich 10 Years Old Batch 3

    A very sweet and dessert-like expression from Teaninich, still a touch spirity and feisty but this adds a little interest to the palate and to the overall enjoyment. 82/100 Continue reading

  • Spey Trutina

    A cleaner expression which is still remarkably fruity with tonnes of apples and pears across the nose and palate. 84/100 Continue reading

  • Fettercairn 12 Years Old

    Relatively easy going, everything is quite soft and smooth initially. There is that characteristic leafy green note to Fettercairn that seems much more integrated here than I remember previously, gets a little too spicy and drying at the end for… Continue reading

    Fettercairn 12 Years Old

  • Aberfeldy 12 Years Old

    This whisky really is honey in a glass, it is quite hard to get away from those sweet honey notes. If you do you’ll find some well-incorporated fruits and substantial malt. Delicious! 84/100 Continue reading

    Aberfeldy 12 Years Old

  • Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old

    Something about the caramel, nut and chocolate combination enhanced by a sprinkle of smoked sea salt adding that depth and richness means Bunnahbhain is so moreish for me. I still rate this as one of the best 12 year old… Continue reading

  • Mortlach 7 Years Old Tartan

    Another raw and spirit-led Mortlach expression and again in the absence of serious cask-maturation I’m left underwhelmed by this one. 76/100 Continue reading

    Mortlach 7 Years Old Tartan

  • Bowmore 12 Years Old

    Lovely, gently smoky and coastal elements with lots of honeyed soft fruits too, the perfect introduction to Bowmore’s core range. 84/100 Continue reading

    Bowmore 12 Years Old

  • Starward Left-Field

    Very drinkable and more influenced by the red wine than the French oak cask maturation. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Jim Beam Single Barrel

    Intriguing on the nose but rather too spiced on the palate for my liking, thankfully not overtly sweet. 82/100 Continue reading

    Jim Beam Single Barrel