The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1 whisky review: I found this a little hot and spirity at cask strength (as presented 60.6% ABV) but this expression takes water well and reveals a robust malty body. Some great flavours developing here but perhaps a little too woody and tannic with associated spice for me, hopefully this will calm with age and so the Lakes single malt is definitely one to watch out for in the future. 83/100
Kininvie KVSB003 blended scotch whisky review: Better than the single malt but not as good as the single grain.. There was still far too much of the weirdly fake/plastic lemon citrus flavour and way too much spice in the spirit which I suspect derives more from the single malt than the single grain component. I likely won’t be drinking much more of this one straight either. 75/100
Kininvie KVSG002 single grain scotch whisky review: A much better whisky than the single malt, this Rye has plenty of flavour from the cereals as well as virgin oak casks to aid maturation. Remarkable that this is only 3 years old as it feels and tastes much more mature than this. (Spoiler alert) this was my favourite of the three initial releases. 82/100
Kininvie KVSM001single malt whisky review: Initially I found this far too light and thin and didn’t favour the off citrus notes and spice. On revisit, and having breathed a little, this had smoothed a little around the edges, more sweetness and less acridity was apparent. I can’t see myself drinking a lot of this neat / with water as single malt should in my mind be able to be consumed. 68/100
BenRiach 25 Years Old 1993 Rioja Cask #7881 whisky review: A great red wine influenced expression, fruity, full of dark chocolate and woody oak tannins. 90/100
BenRiach 14 Years Old 2005 Port Pipe #3791 whisky review: A classic combination of sweet and peaty which I just love! On the palate this has quite a lot of phenolic and herbal influences that preside over the normally much sweeter and jammy fruit from the port cask, an interesting turn around on the palate which I thoroughly enjoyed. 85/100
BenRiach 9 Years Old 2006 Virgin Oak #6095 whisky review: Finally a virgin oak expression I really rather enjoyed. Lots of Benriach cereal notes in here and very complimentary spice, honey and nutty qualities combine to give a delicious caramel spiced latte coffee like nature to this. 85/100
Pacory Calvados Domfrontais Hors d’Age Calvados Review: Very fruity and fresh, slightly ascerbic and drying fresh oak influence with masses of vanilla throughout to complement the sweetness of the fruits. 85/100
Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Drinks by the Dram whisky review: Possible from a refill casks this is full of sherry, butter and fruit in the classic Glenfarclas style. A touch of wood smoke or cask char keeps this entertaining.84/100
The GlenDronach 26 Years Old 1992 Port Pipe #5896 whisky review: On reflection perhaps a little underwhelming, I had high hopes for this port matured expression but in the end it lacked a little something that sherry maturation delivers so well for GlenDronach. Undoubtedly a very well constructed whisky, not overly sweet and plenty of woody influence as you would expect after 26 years. A great comparator and on a par with the other two expressions. 87/100
