The Scalasaig Island Hopper Maiden Voyage whisky review: A well constructed blend I’m assuming from all island Malts? Good balance of peat & sherry – not too sweet almost classical ‘Highland’ style in fact. Well done 83/100
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
Lagavulin 2001 Distillers Edition whisky review: Despite overall revealing similar flavours this one seems different again, a little less well integrated, cracks are beginning to show here, the smoke is muted and also a little more menthol crystal accompaniment makes it less well suited to what is essentially less sweet, more dry nut and saltier – if any malt is present it is more in the Custard cream biscuit range than the thick, heavy malt extract I’m used to from Lagavulin. 83/100
Lagavulin 2000 Distillers Edition whisky review: Softer and less smoky both on the nose and palate than the 1999 vintage. More fruity in nature and much more vanilla influence. Slightly more sugary and nutty too. It is hard to ascribe why this is distinctly less smoky and slightly lighter in texture, however differences in the maturation/finishing casks more than justify the alterations in flavour profile, more fruit and nut than chocolate and tobacco. Still very pleasant. 84/100
Lagavulin 1999 Distillers Edition whisky review: A very “Classic” Lagavulin Distillers Edition with a great balance between hugely smoky Lagavulin and sweet dried sherry fruits and cocoa from the PX casks. Plenty of depth on the nose and palate and a finish that persists. 85/100
Aberlour 18 Year Old whisky review: Much more dried fruit and sherry influence in the 18 year old expression as compared to the Aberlour Triple Cask I sampled in this little duet. Still quite fresh and zesty polish and pear drop distillate character and masses of apples join much of the sherry-derived darker fruits. 88/100
Benromach 15 Years Old Whisky Review: A wonderfully complex dram with zesty fruits, chocolate and sherry influences, the added maturation adds a little more oak wood influence and spice over the 10 year old and 100° Proof expressions. A great price for a characterful 15 Year Old Speyside whisky. 88/100
Glengoyne Balbaína whisky review: Compared to the Cuartillo, this Balbaína expression has a little more woody spice and nuttiness derived from the European oak casks, also presented at 43% has much more body too. 83/100
Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Years Old whisky review: Fresher and fruitier than I remember, slightly odd nutty and zestiness to it like peanut butter and lime curd on toast. – I guess peat and crisp sea salt from the official notes hints at what they are trying to attain. 83/100
The Exceptional Blend 1st Edition whisky review: A heavily-sherry influenced blend which may draw more from the casks than it does its component parts, I guess as with any blend it is hard to tell. Very well put together, a lot lighter and more summer fruits on the palate than the nose suggests which is a pleasant surprise. Very drinkable. 81/100
