Smooth and easy-sipping, this feels a little more integrated than the ‘Reserves’ caramel, vanilla and honey predominate here to assist with this easy-feeling before fruit and spice announce the cask influences. 84/100
Dalmore The Trio
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Everything in moderation here, lots of sweet honey and caramel delivered beautifully. 84/100
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 me. 80/100
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
Glen Grant 10 Years Old
Again light, fresh and zesty with a touch of florality, this aged expression seems much more mealy with cereal and husk notes, another very well presented single malt from Glen Grant.
Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve
Light, creamy and buttery, full of fresh apples, lemon, vanilla and hazelnut – does exactly what it says on the tin. A delicious light Speyside single malt at a bargain price.
Glenfiddich 23 Years Old Grand Cru
Soft, creamy and reserved plenty of brioche, white pear & grape and soft brown sugars. In general intensity of flavour and mouthfeel I preferred this at cask strength rather than the reduced final version.
Glenfiddich 21 Years Old
Another perfectly balanced and elegant Glenfiddich example, not too sweet but with a lovely toasted banana and brown sugar combination of sweetness that reveals the rum cask influence.
Glenfiddich 18 Years Old
Classic Glenfiddich full of orchard fruits, rich and slightly more reserved/mature thanks to the extra ageing. Balanced to perfection.
Le Clos d’Orval Calvados 12 Years Old
Wood overboard but still some soft baked apple fruit and toffee/caramel notes too. Another fine example of fruit and oak balance from le Clos d’Orval. 87/100
The Whiskyphiles 