SMWS 10.108 Yin and Yang Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review: Definitely young but with some interest, a complexity that seems to be mostly spirit-driven, with lots of shellfish, brine, sweet and smoky influences but also a mineralic character and soapy texture – perhaps an indication of the wood tinkering. Pretty good whisky all in but I suspect it may have been a lot better un-tinkered and matured a little (or a lot) longer. 84/100
Bruichladdich 1986 / 30 Sherry: The Magnificent Seven Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review: Delicious, really nutty and full of chocolate before moving into steamed fruit pudding soaked with rum or sherry. Very Christmas-like. From memory this is only the second Oloroso-matured and PX finished whisky we have knowingly sampled and both were really on the button for me flavour-wise. 93/100
Challenging, not overly complex, unusual. Improves with a drop of water as I felt the peat masked a lot of the cask influence and the sweeter Sauternes-influenced notes I was hoping for. 83/100
Much more refined and a little less challenging than previous Octomores (from memory!). There is a good sweetness that helps roll that tar, wax and smoke out all over your mouth. 88/100
Very pleasant, sweetened and peat-fuelled with a little honey and toffee malt to keep it pleasant, Caol Ila is surprisingly good at this age and this is a particularly great example! 86/100
Lagavulin 2010 Distillery Only Whisky Review Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky Origin: Lagavulin Distillery Bottling: Diageo ABV: 52.5% Cost: £sold out may be available at auction? What they say: A Limited […]
Bruichladdich 15 Years Old 2001 Cask 0560 Whisky Review Category: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Origin: Bruichladdich Distillery Bottling: Bruichladdich Distillery; Private Single Cask Bottling ABV: 56.8% Cost: ? What they say: […]
Ardbeg Kelpie Limited Edition Whisky Review Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky Origin: Ardbeg Distillery Bottling: Luis Vuitton Moet Hennessy ABV: 46% Cost: £95.95 What they say: Ardbeg Kelpie Limited Edition Ardbeg […]
Reasonable more enjoyable than the Limited Release at 46% ABV, this doesn’t require any water and is perfectly drinkable neat. A greater intensity to the chocolate and surprisingly more obvious fruity element, the other flavours are variants on a theme but are just packaged together better here. 89/100
A great combination of fierce spirit and equally sturdy oak wood cask influences – borders on bourbon in places makes for a superb balance and brings out some oddly fruity suggestions on the palate – I love this stuff and it’s preceeding reputation is very well deserved. 89/100
