The Whiskyphiles

Mixed Casks

  • Oxford Rye Whisky Batch 5 Red Red Rye

    Another rich and cereal led expression as I’ve come to expect from TOAD’s Rye expressions. This is up there with the best of them (possibly Batch 1). The cask combination delivers ginger beer and jammy black fruits and of course… Continue reading

  • Cu Bocan Signature

    A soft and accessible as befitting a peated Tomatin. A touch woody in places from the Virgin Oak casks perhaps but well constructed with an array of flavours complimenting this soft Highland Malt with a smoky edge. 83/100 Continue reading

  • MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated 12 Years Old

    Solid. A touch non-descript in places though I often find with blends it can be hard to discern distinct taste notes. A good mixture of sweet and peat without resorting to too much ‘cask’ influences. 83/100 Continue reading

  • Kilkerran 12 Years Old

    Smoother and more refined than I last remember, possibly due to slightly older stock being available? Incredibly mealy and cereal led with soft peat smoke pervading later. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Hazelburn 13 Years Old 2007

    A superb Hazelburn expression in which the spirit nature has been matched to (mostly) ex-bourbon maturation, soft citrus fruits and biscuity cereals accentuated with a touch of sherry sweetness and Campbeltown maritime/salt influences. 87/100 Continue reading

  • Springbank 12 Years Old

    This is a touch more closed initially than the 10yo but full of similar notes. Interestingly this batch (Batch 21, May 2021, 55.4%) has been constructed from 50:50 bourbon:sherry casks whereas previous editions have been reported at 35:65. There is… Continue reading

  • Springbank 10 Years Old

    Yum, a super expression with salt, smoke, sherry and barley malt influences throughout. A complex classic Campbeltown. 86/100 Continue reading

  • Dalmore The Quartet

    Another complex and cask driven creation but building on Dalmores solid foundations, my favourite of the tasting. 85/100 Continue reading

  • Dalmore The Trio

    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 Continue reading

  • Yellow Spot 12 Years Old

    Very much Pot still style, woody and spice driven familiar from unmalted barley. Plenty of yellow/stone fruits present in here despite the unusual cask combination used, I’d have expected something a little darker and drier like fruitcake, instead it is… Continue reading