The Whiskyphiles

85 points

  • J.G. Thomson Smoky

    Long, sweet and smoky and medicinal and meaty. Overall Another superb blended malt from J.G. Thomson redolent of classic Islay notes, smoke, phenols, meaty, coastal and sherried to boot. 85/100 Continue reading

  • J.G. Thomson Rich

    A superb festive expression, full of the flavours of Christmas or in other words a bit of a well-balanced sherry bomb. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2011

    Quite smooth, fruity and vanilla led, perhaps the cask influence at 10 years is just starting to make its presence felt against that thick and unctuous mealy cereal nature from the Bere. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Willowbank 18 Years Old Batch 2

    Lots of old wood and fruit influence as you’d expect for its age and ex-red wine cask, hints of eucalyptus in places but overall a superb woody old whisky! 85/100 Continue reading

  • Whitlaw 15 Years Old Batch 1

    Yum, classic HP, very light initially. This one is all about the subtleties, wisps of heathery smoke and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt crystals! 85/100 Continue reading

  • Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Barolo Finish

    A touch tannic and spicy in places at full strength. This presents an unusual mixture of red fruits and toffee which is oddly harmonious. Another predictably excellent, wine cask influenced, Glen Moray. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Spey Tenne Cask Strength Batch #3

    A touch spirity at Cask strength but manages to water well, highlighting the balance achieved here using Tawny Port casks. Jammy fruit and rose petal influences but not too sweet or overpowering. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Spey Royal Choice

    Quite a closed or tight expression on both the nose and palate, often a feature of long maturation, there is depth here but it needs time and perhaps a little water to loosen it out. Some lovely woody and herbal… Continue reading

  • Ben Nevis 15 Years Old 1997 (Pearls Of Scotland)

    Very sherried, I suspect a 1st fill perhaps? This one is actually a little too intense at cask strength but with water this releases a lot of dark fruits and relaxes the tannins on the palate. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

    Very polished and smooth, Highland toffee, buttery caramel and creamy vanilla, some fruit and woody notes make this one a very easy drinker. 85/100 Continue reading