Fahrenheit 173 - Whisky Ratings
| Whisky | Age/ Vintage | Origin | Richness | Peat/ smoke | Sherry influence | Rating | Comments | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springbank (local barley) 52.4% |  | 1965 36 | Campb. | 7 | 1-2 | 96 | Springbank at its very best: Fantastic fruity, fragrant nose and a wonderful, complex palate with the typical spicy/fruity notes | ||
| Springbank (Cad) 50.5% | | 1965 31 | Campb. | 8 | 8 | 95 | Wonderful nose with with lots of very nice sherry; water brings out the Springbank character but the sherry is still in the foreground; complex palate with sherry, vanilla, citrus fruits and cardamom | ||
| Banff (Malts of Scotland) 43.8% | | 1975 36 | E Highland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 94 | Fragrant nose with vanilla, almonds, coconut, apricot and orange. Also notes of cocoa and chocolate ice cream. Wonderful! Reminds me of 1960s Springbank. The palate is rich, fruity and yummy, also oaky and fairly spicy. Milder, sweeter and even nicer with a drop of water. dull and a little disappointing after the nose and palate. (Water kills the nose, so first enjoy the nose undiluted, then add water before tasting. Or use two glasses.) | |
| Laphroaig | | 30 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 7 | 94 | Wonderful sherry notes on the nose; earthy, medicinal palate with notes of dried fruit and also a mild floweriness; very smoky finish; wonderfully balanced | |
| Macallan (GM) (gold label) | | 40 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 7 | 94 | A fascinating interplay of light minty notes, richer sherry notes, cinnamon and ginger and finally gingerbread in the very long finish | |
| Springbank 46% | | 21 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 4-5 | 94 | Rich, sweet, a bit salty/spicy with hints of fruit, vanilla (and perhaps a little coconut) with a distinct, yet light and balanced sherry taste | |
| Springbank (HB) | | 1967 34 | Campb. | 5 | 2 | 0 | 94 | Wonderful nose with notes of fruit and vanilla; yummy, sweet, minty, fruity palate (apples); also a dash of peat that grows stronger in the finish | |
| Ardbeg Provenance 55.6% | | 1974 | Islay | 4 | 6 | 0 | 93 | Very nice sweet nose; fairly peaty palate with sweet/fruity notes; subtle and wonderfully balanced with a very nice, quite peaty finish | |
| BenRiach cask 8795 53.2% | 1976 2010 | Speyside | 5 | 2 | 0 | 93 | Dense, secretive nose, oaky with notes of wood smoke, black pepper and mint, some citrus coming through faintly; light, sweet palate with wonderful fruity notes (mango, melon, pear), develops oak in a beautiful balance; wonderful finish with tropical fruits; fascinating whisky, as the nose gives no clue to what lies ahead (the nose is also its only weakness) | ||
| Bowmore 45.5% * | | 1968 32 | Islay | 6 | 2 | 7 | 93 | Wonderful fruity nose; very nice palate, sweet and fruity with notes of peach | |
| Bruichladdich 44.2% | | 1970 | Islay | 6 | 2 | 93 | Wonderful, fruity nose with vanilla and melon; very nice palate; slightly spicy with a hint of peat in the finish (probably best w/o water) | | |
| Glen Grant (GM) | | 1949 1988 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 4 | 93 | Wonderful, fragrant nose: fruity with coconut and vanilla (a little like an old Springer) but also a little musty with a chemical note; mild, fruity, very nice palate, sweet but drying, develops oaky, spicy notes; oaky finish with a note of peat | |
| Lagavulin 56.5% | | 1985 21 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 5 | 93 | Peaty, malty nose with nice, restrained sherry notes and lighter notes of citrus fruit and mint; fruity, very peaty palate, also spicy with a note of gingerbread; very nice balance between fruit and peat | |
| Laphroaig (GM) 54% | | 1966 18 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 5? | 93 | Fruity, creamy and quite smoky yet soft and balanced with a very nice, smoky finish; the most subtle and refined Laphroaig I've tried (bottled by G&M for Intertrade, Italy) | |
| Rosebank (DL) 50% | | 1975-Jan 2002-Feb | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 6 | 93 | Lovely sherry notes on the nose: dried fruits, gingerbread, cloves, allspice; rich, wonderful palate with orange and apricot; it's at first sweet, then spicy, develops oak and vanilla; all in all complex, balanced | |
| Springbank 46% (red seal) | | 25 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 3? | 93 | Lovely fruity notes on the nose; they carry over into the palate and are joined by vanilla and a bit of peat; overall balanced, fairly light with an excellent finish | |
| Tamdhu (HB) 40.8% | | 1958 42 | Speyside | 93 | Fantastic nose with rich, fragrant, fruity notes (a bit like an old Springbank!) and a very nice, balanced, fruity palate | ||||
| Tamnavulin (SMOS) 40.4% | | 40 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 93 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with tropical fruits, oak, linseed oil, marzipan and vanilla. The palate is at first rich and oaky then turns smoother and sweeter with light, fresh notes of citrus and mint. The finish is light, minty and refreshing at first, then grows richer as the oak returns together with ginger. All in all very nicely balanced with a fascinating development. Amazingly fresh for its age! | |
| Ardbeg Lord of the Isles 46% | | 25 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 3 | 92 | Wonderful peaty, medicinal notes, also fruity with a note of citrus; balanced, complex, fruity and quite peaty with a wonderful, peaty finish with notes of iodine and oak, also mint right at the end (best w/o water) | |
| Ardbeg (Sign) 53.7% cask 575 | | 1967 28 | Islay | 92 | Rich, sherried, peaty and somehow "dark" nose; wonderful, balanced palate with rich sherry and an "old", mild peatiness | ||||
| BenRiach (WF) 47.4% cask 3558 | | 1976 33 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 0 | 92 | Rather nice nose with light notes of citrus and custard offset by heavier notes of oak and marzipan; the palate is rich, sweet and malty at first, then hot with oaky spices and dark chocolate, then develops fresh notes of wild berries - fascinating!; very nice finish with light fruity notes of mango and clementine, also oak and mint; complex to the point of being splintered (best without water) | |
| BenRiach (DT) 48.6% cask 2597 | | 1968 37 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 1 | 92 | Wonderful nose with fresh notes of tropical fruits and vanilla; sweet, fruity, fresh, very, very nice palate with a hint of peat in the finish | |
| Bruichladdich (Sign) 52.7% | | 1970 30 | Islay | 6 | 2 | 0 | 92 | Very nice nose with vanilla and light fruity notes (melon/kiwi); wonderful palate that develops richer fruit notes (peach/apricot), also peat and oak; the finish disappoints, however | |
| Bruichladdich 40.7% | | 1968 35 | Islay | 6 | 0 | 92 | Intensely fruity, wonderful nose with vanilla, melon and an interesting bitter note; very nice fruity palate; similar to the '70 but more complex (best w/o water) | ||
| Campbeltown Loch | | 25 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 4 | 92 | Wonderful nose with a note of Springbank coconut; rich, complex, spicy and fruity palate with a note of liqourice; a roller-coaster ride of flavours | |
| Highland Park 50.7% | 25 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 2 | 6 | 92 | Lovely nose with sherry wood imparting gingerbread and dried fruits, behind that a wisp of wood smoke; rich, sweet, wonderful palate with dried fruits and honey, drying, develops spices and a note of peat; dry, spicy yet very nice finish | ||
| Highland Park 48.1% | | 30 | Islands/ Orkney | 92 | Wonderful nose with fresh notes of vanilla and tropical fruits; balanced, complex palate with a light fruitiness and also a note of sherry; develops an oaky spiciness (best w/o water) | ||||
| Ledaig (Alambic Classique) 48.9% | | 1972 32 | Islands/ Mull | 8 | 6 | 8 | 92 | Fascinating nose with dry sherry and thick peat smoke; rich yet dry palate, quite peaty with lots of sherry yet very nicely balanced; wonderful finish | |
| Longmorn (DL) 45.65% | | 1969-May 2001-Feb | Speyside | 5 | 1 | 0 | 92 | Subtle yet wonderful nose with notes of melon, mango, vanilla and hints of oak and peat; the palate is more powerful (even a little fiery) with wonderful notes of vanilla, oak, apricot and peach (best without water) | |
| Mortlach 50.1% | | 1971 32 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 92 | Wonderful, fresh, fruity nose with candy-like notes of apples and citrus, also heather; light, clean, very nice palate, fairly sweet with very nice fruity notes | |
| Old Pulteney (DL) 50% | | 1964-Dec 1999-Oct | N Highland | 92 | Wonderful light, fruity and herbal nose; balanced, sweet, fruity palate; unusual yet wonderful (reminds me of my favourite Trinidad rum) | ||||
| Redbreast Pure Pot Still 46% | | 15 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 7 | 0 | 92 | The nose is a little prickly but has very nice notes of vanilla, peach, oak and marzipan. Very nice palate: intensely fruity with peach and apricot, also oaky. The finish has amazing, concentrated fruity notes (mostly peach), also oak, then marzipan and mint at the end. One of the best finishes I've ever experienced. It's a little hot but best without water. (L5308) | ||
| Springbank 50% | 12 | Campb. | 8 | 1 | 8 | 92 | Wonderful nose with dried fruit, ginger and the typical vanilla; rich, smooth, very nice palate with a rich sherried fruitiness and also lighter notes of vanilla and melon(?); the finish is a bit dry, however | | |
| Springbank (Milroy Associates) 50% | | 30 | Campb. | 92 | Very nice, light nose yet a little untypical with a citric fruitiness; wonderful light, balanced palate with citrus fruit, also a little spicy with a note of peat (needs very little water, if any) | ||||
| Springbank (WF) 59% | | 1971-Apr 2007-Jan | Campb. | 6 | 1? | 2 | 92 | ||
| Tomatin (CWC) 51.1% | | 1976 28 | Highland | 92 | Candy on the nose, also blueberries, cocoa and a minty note; a light candy-like fruitiness on the palate, also a heavier spiciness and a note of mint; unusual and intriguing but very, very nice | ||||
| Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 53.5% | | 15 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 92 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with notes of vanilla, caramel, almonds; rich, sweet, a little spicy and very nice palate (purchased 2003) | |
| A H Hirsch Reserve 45.8% | | 1974 16 | Bourbon/ PA/USA | 5 | 0 | 0 | 91 | Subtle, very nice nose with oak and dried fruits (like a Spanish brandy). Also vanilla, gingerbread, marzipan and a note of mint. The palate is sweet, smooth and balanced. Very nice and (for a bourbon) very mild. Drying, develops oak. Dry, spicy, quite oaky finish but the oak is very nice. All in all a unique, fascinating bourbon. | |
| Alloa (Alambic Classique) 46.1% | | 1964 43 | Grain/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 91 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with linseed oil, vanilla and arrack, yet a little prickly/spirity; light, sweet palate with notes of rum, crème brûlée and whipped cream, develops oak (but not as much as you'd expect from the age) | |
| Bowmore Moonlight | | 25 | Islay | 5 | 5 | 3 | 91 | Smooth, balanced, complex and fairly rich with a wonderful fruitiness with a note of apricots; wonderful, fairly peaty finish | |
| Bowmore Seadragon | | 30 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 5 | 91 | Very nice nose and very nice palate; rich and quite fruity (apricots) with quite a peaty finish (probably best w/o water) | |
| Brora (RM) 61.1% | | 1972 22 | N Highland | 7 | 7 | 3 | 91 | Very nice nose with sherry and rich, "dark" peat; rich palate with peat and sweet sherry, also a note of mint; wonderful peaty finish with a note of mint | |
| Brora (DL) 50% | | 1971-Feb 1999-Dec | N Highland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 91 | Light, flowery and balanced; a hint of something burnt at first but that fades into a wonderful interplay of peaty and flowery notes | |
| Dallas Dhu (Sign) 48.5% | | 1975 32 | Speyside | 5 | 1 | 0 | 91 | Very nice fragrant nose with notes of apricot, clementine and vanilla; fruity palate with crème brûlée, vanilla and a note of peat, develops peppermint and a little oak; all in all mild and beautifully balanced | |
| Glen Grant (GM) | | 25 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 91 | Very nice nose with rich fruity notes, also coconut and a hint of peat; fresh, fruity, spicy palate with tropical fruit | | |
| Glen Moray (TWA) 53.1% | | 1973 36 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 91 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with oak, vanilla, apricot marmalade, also floral with a hint of cardboard; the palate is sweet and fruity but drying and develops quite a bit of oak; wonderful finish with oak, cinnamon, mint; great nose & finish but the palate is just a bit disappointing | |
| Glenlochy (Sign) 53.1% cask 3021 | | 1980 31 | W Highland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 91 | The nose is quiet at first and takes a while to open up but turns out to be rather wonderful with vanilla and tropical fruits, also oak and malt. Light, sweet and smooth palate with vanilla and citrus. Develops oak and a note of mint. Balanced and very nice. Oaky finish with notes of malt and butter but it's mostly oaky and a bit dull (disappointing after the lovely nose and palate). | |
| Highland Park 53.5% | | 25 | Islands/ Orkney | 5 | 3 | 4 | 91 | Wonderful, complex nose with sherry and dried fruits, also an oily, musty, peaty note and a light, fresh note of citrus; sweet, almost cloying yet very nice palate with sherry, pepper and notes of orange and mint; spicy, fairly peaty finish | |
| Highland Park 48.3% (Cad) | | 1985 28 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 1 | 0 | 91 | The nose is subtle, complex and very nice with oak, green fruits, vanilla and mint, also a hint of peat. Rich, sweet, fruity palate with notes of vanilla and oak. It's sweet, fruity and oaky in a beautiful balance. The finish is oaky and spicy but very nice. By far the best independent bottling of HP I've tried (and one of the best bottlings overall). | |
| Lagavulin (MI) 50% | | 1988 10 | Islay | 5 | 9 | 0 | 91 | First comes a heavy attack of peat, then wonderful, light, almost flowery notes and lastly a long, wonderful and a bit sweet finish | |
| Lagavulin (white label) * | | 12 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 7 | 91 | Rich and sweet with lots of dry sherry; the peat is at first hidden by the fruitiness but gets stronger and peaks in the excellent finish | |
| Lagavulin | | 16 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 91 | Sweet, fruity and very smoky but it seems mild thanks to the excellent balance; the finish is long, warming and wonderful | |
| Laphroaig 58.2% (SMWS) | | 1990 20 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 4 | 91 | Powerful, very nice nose with peat, tar and iodine. Also notes of mint and orange marmalade. Wonderful palate: at first rich, sweet and fruity with a note of mint, then suddenly very peaty (like walking into a cloud of peat smoke). Powerful yet beautifully balanced. Wonderful, peaty finish with a note of mint. | |
| Ledaig (WF) 48% | | 1973-Jun 2006-Dec | Islands/ Mull | 7 | 5 | 91 | Yummy nose with dried fruits, cinnamon, vanilla and mint, also quite smoky; rich, sweet, wonderful palate with notes of gingerbread and oranges followed by quite a lot of wood smoke on the finish (add very little water to this one, if any) | ||
| Mortlach (RM) 59.4% | | 1972 23 | Speyside | 4 | 2 | 0 | 91 | Yummy, fruity nose with a note of peat; light, balanced, wonderful palate with fruity/flowery notes, also a little oaky; the finish has a hint of peat and notes of candy but is a little too dry and spicy | |
| Mortlach (JWWW) cask 7377 50.8% | | 1974 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 91 | Wonderful, fragrant, fruity nose with vanilla, honey, orange, custard and a little oak; smooth, sweet, creamy palate with fruity candy, develops oaky spices; spicy, slightly disappointing finish with mostly oak; all in all very nice and moreish | |
| Old Pulteney 40.1% | 30 | N Highland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 91 | Fragrant, fruity nose with vanilla, coconut, custard and a note of oak. Wonderful! Mild, sweet, balanced palate with notes of vanilla and oak. Very, very nice but actually a little disappointing after the brilliant nose. Oaky finish with a note of mint. | | |
| Port Ellen (Golden Cask) 53% | | 1983 2006 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 91 | Very nice nose with notes of orange and crème brûlée; the palate is at first sweet and fruity but then there's an explosion of peat and wood smoke - very nice! | ||
| Port Ellen (Old Bothwell) 52% cask 2729 | | 1982 26 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 6-7 | 91 | Very nice nose with peat, iodine and sherry fruits; the palate is at first rich and sweet, then develops lots of peat and a note of iodine; very nice finish | |
| Springbank 46% | 32 | Campb. | 6 | 1 | 0 | 91 | Lovely, classic Springbank nose with coconut, vanilla and spices; rich, fruity palate with dried fruits, ginger and cinnamon, very nice but a little too dry and spicy | | |
| Strathisla (GM) | | 1960 2002 | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8 | 91 | Complex, amazing nose with gingerbread, prunes, oak, peppermint, cinnamon, apple pie and calvados; the palate is at first sweet, smooth and very nice but drying, develops spices, a lot of oak; the oak dominates the dry, disapp. finish | |
| Talisker 62% | | 1981 20 | Islands/ Skye | 8 | 5 | 7 | 91 | Black pepper, peat and fruit on the nose; rich, complex, peppery palate with a wonderful sherry character that softens the spiciness, develops citrus; peaty, spicy finish with a minty note | |
| Talisker 54.8% | 25 | Islands/ Skye | 4 | 3 | 0 | 91 | Wonderful, delicate nose with wood smoke, orange, apricot; light, balanced, very nice palate, at first sweet with citrus then drying, develops notes of oak, black pepper; very nice notes of oak and peat on the finish (bottled 2009) | ||
| Talisker 49.5% | 30 | Islands/ Skye | 4 | 3 | 0 | 91 | Subtle yet wonderful nose with peat, lemon, orange-flavoured candy, honey and hint of mint; surprisingly light palate with peat, mint and citrus in a wonderful balance, develops oak and a little more peat (bottled 2008) | ||
| Tomatin (DT) 51.6% cask 6816 | | 1976 33 | Highland | 4 | 2 | 0? | 91 | Complex, unusual nose with notes of vanilla, citrus, oak shavings and linseed oil, also a note of musty peat; light, balanced palate with vanilla, orange, peach - at first sweet, then slowly drying; nice finish with a note of oak | |
| Aberfeldy | | 21 | Highland | 4 | 0 | 3 | 90 | Very nice, fruity nose; sweet, fruity, a little spicy palate with just the right amount of oak; beautifully balanced and very moreish | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 1 59.6% | | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8 | 90 | Wonderful, rich, sherried nose; rich, sweet palate with sherry and honey | | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 48.4% | | 1972-Oct 2001-Nov | Islay | 90 | Rich, sherried and peaty palate with a minty note; very nice yet slightly rubbery (PLOWED's "Ardbeggeddon") | ||||
| Ardbeg (CC) | | 1974 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0? | 90 | Lots of peat and iodine yet balanced with integrated flavours and a fantastic finish | |
| Auchroisk 58.1% | | 20 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 90 | Fruity, oaky, complex nose with notes of cocoa, honey, orange marmalade, vanilla, custard and peppermint; fresh, very nice palate with sweet citrus fruits, also a little spicy; very nice fruity/oaky finish; all in all beautifully balanced and very moreish | |
| Balblair (Cad) 51.7% | | 1990 23 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Fragrant, fruity nose with apple, pear and melon, also honey, malt and a little oak. Very nice! The palate is classic Balblair: rich and sweet with lovely fruity notes of citrus, apple and pear, also oak. Rather nice finish with oak, citrus and a note of mint. | |
| Banff (CC) 40% | | 1974 1996 | E Highland | 6 | 1 | 2 | 90 | The nose is quite oaky with notes of caramelized sugar, vanilla and coconut, also a little peat. It's "dark", earthy and a little dull. The palate is rich with a heavy oak character but the oak is beautifully offset by light, fresh notes of vanilla, mint and citrus. Lovely! The finish has oak, gingerbread and a note of mint. All in all uneven yet very nice. | |
| Banff (CC) | | 1976 32 | E Highland | 7 | 2 | 3 | 90 | Very nice nose: at first I smell a log fire, then it develops fruits, both fresh (melon, mango) and dried (raisins, prunes), also vanilla and spices; rich, sweet palate, develops oak and turns spicy - nice yet slightly disappointing after the nose | |
| BenRiach | 20 | Speyside | 90 | Fairly complex/multifaceted nose with a wonderful fruitiness (banana, apricot), also spice and a hint of peat; the palate is quite nice but the finish a little disappointing | | ||||
| BenRiach Virgin Oak 50.6% cask 5620 | 1989 22 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Big, fragrant nose with lots of oak and brown sugar, also lighter notes of vanilla and mint. Not quite balanced but very nice. Sweet, fruity palate with marzipan and oak. Develops a note of mint. Big and rich yet balanced. Oaky finish with notes of cinnamon and gingerbread. Balanced and very nice. Conclusion: The oak is prominent and ever present but not overbearing (which is astonishing after 22 years in new wood). Very, very nice. | ||
| BenRiach (Sign) 49.0% cask 5501 | | 1985 23 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Fruity, very nice nose with citrus, apricot and melon, also custard and a little oak; very nice palate: sweet and fruity (fruity candy) with fresh oak shavings providing structure - it's light, restrained and beautifully balanced; the finish is oaky yet rather nice | |
| BenRiach New Oak 55% | 1980 26 | Speyside | 90 | Very nice, rich, fragrant nose with vanilla (almost like an old bourbon); rich, sweet palate with vanilla and coconut; drying towards the finish which has a little too much oak | |||||
| BenRiach cask 3061 50.6% (TWA) | 1975 34 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6 | 90 | Nice, quite sherried nose with orange marmalade, honey, ginger; very, very nice palate - balanced, sweet, fruity with orange and peppermint, also oaky and spicy in a very nice balance; fairly disappointing finish with mostly oak | ||
| Bladnoch (Sign) 54.8% cask 283 | | 1974 25 | Lowland | 7 | 1 | 5 | 90 | Sherried, very nice nose with dried fruits, orange marmalade, oak and a little peat; rich, big palate - fruity and zesty with orange, apricot, honey and oak; oaky finish with a note of citrus; all in all bouncy and entertaining, very nice and more-ish | |
| Blanton's Straight From The Barrel 65.45% * | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Big, fragrant, fruity nose with apricot, peach, vanilla, oak shavings and a note of rye. Water brings out crème brûlée, more oak, black tea and gingerbread. Very nice! Powerful palate with notes of vanilla, mint, citrus, oak and marzipan. Nice balance between sweet corn and dry oak. The finish is oaky and fairly dry, peppery, almost fiery. Needs less water than expected: I found it best at ~50% (thankfully, I own a hydrometer) | ||
| Brora (DL) 50% | | 1981-Jun 1999-Oct | N Highland | 6 | 6 | 0 | 90 | Powerful, peaty nose with a note of iodine, also fruity with honey and orange marmalade - very nice; peaty, malty, muscular palate, also fairly sweet; peaty finish with notes of iodine and aniseed; one of the more powerful Broras I've tasted | |
| Brora 53.2% | 30 | N Highland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 90 | The nose is smoky, malty, oaky and a little rough but also fruity and buttery with light, fresh notes of vanilla, citrus and mint; the palate is light, smooth and sweet at first with citrus and custard but drying, develops oak and spices - complex and very nice; oaky finish with citrus and peat - nice yet a little too oaky (b. 2009) | | |
| Caperdonich (Scottish Castles) 48.3% * | | 1966 39 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Wonderful nose with oak, vanilla and tropical fruits (reminiscent of an old bourbon); very nice palate yet a little unusual with a note of armagnac | |
| Carsebridge (JWWW) 54.6% | | 1979 29 | Grain/ Scotland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Fragrant nose with vanilla, orange and apricot; very nice, sweet, rum-like palate with very nice notes of fruits and vanilla, also oaky; it's clean and quite light but also a little fiery; beautifully balanced | |
| Clynelish (RM) 59.1% | | 1974 23 | N Highland | 3 | 0? | 90 | Complex, peaty, fruity nose with very nice notes of tropical fruits; light, subtle palate with a delicious peatiness and wonderful notes of fruits, coconut & vanilla | ||
| Convalmore (CC) 40% | | 1969 1997 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 5 | 90 | Lovely sherried nose with notes of dried fruits, marzipan, honey, oak and coconut. The palate is mild, sweet and subtle with heather honey, mint and a note of gingerbread. Oaky, peppery finish with a note of gingerbread. Fairly dry. Ends with a note of cardboard. A little disappointing. Verdict: The nose shows signs of greatness but the palate and finish don't quite deliver on the promise. | |
| Convalmore 57.9% | | 1977 28 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 0 | 90 | Complex, wonderful nose with very nice fruity notes; very nice, fairly sweet palate with lots of fruit (citrus and passion fruit among others), also vanilla; the finish is spicy, oaky and slightly disappointing | |
| Cutty Sark 45.7% * | | 25 | Blend/ Scotland | 7 | 1 | 6 | 90 | Shy yet nice nose with dried fruit, also lighter notes of citrus and vanilla; rich, complex, balanced palate with notes of cinnamon and dried fruit; develops notes of oak and vanilla | |
| Girvan (Cad) 46% | | 1979 33 | Grain/ Scotland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Fresh, fragrant, rum-like nose with citrus and crème brûlée, also notes of oak and dark chocolate. Wonderful! The palate is at first sweet with a note of citrus but quickly drying and turns spicy and oaky. The finish is dry and oaky but has nice notes of gingerbread and mint. All in all it starts with a wonderful nose but goes downhill from there. | |
| Glen Grant (BB&R) 57% | 1972 2002 | Speyside | 90 | Rich and spicy, also a little minty with a note of gingerbread | |||||
| Glen Keith (CC) 46% * | | 1968 2008 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Complex, very nice nose with lots of oak and vanilla, also apricot, honey, linseed oil and black tea; the palate is surprisingly light and sweet at first but drying, develops oak and spices; spicy yet rather nice finish | |
| Glendronach (old dumpy bottle) | 8 | Speyside | 6 | 2 | 3 | 90 | Wonderful nose with notes of banana, citrus fruits and mint, also a hint of peat; mild, sweet and a little spicy palate with notes of citrus fruits and banana | | |
| Glenfiddich | | 30 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 90 | Very nice nose with vanilla and lovely fruity notes; farly rich palate, complex with notes of gingerbread and dark chocolate, also fairly oaky and spicy (goes very well with a cigar) | | |
| Glenury Royal (RM) 61.3% | | 1971 23 | E Highland | 7 | 2 | 7 | 90 | Very nice sherry on the nose with dried fruit, gingerbread and prunes; very nice, complex palate with plums, gingerbread and wisps of smoke in the background; develops a note of mustard | |
| Highland Park | | 1958 1975 | Islands/ Orkney | 3 | 3 | 4 | 90 | Light, balanced, very subtle and complex, a little peaty, flowery and quite wonderful | |
| Isle of Jura 'Stillman's Dram' 45% | 1967 27 | Islands/ Jura | 6 | 1 | 6 | 90 | Very nice nose with dried fruits and Christmas spices, also a little briny; wonderful, rich palate: sweet at first but drying, develops oak, cloves and peppermint; very nice finish with lingering notes of citrus and mint | ||
| Lagavulin 48% * | | 1995 12 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 5 | 90 | Very nice peaty, fruity nose with a note of mint and also a note of perfume; wonderful palate: peaty and fiery but also sweet and fruity (reminiscent of the old white label) | |
| Laphroaig 57.3% | | 10 | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 90 | Spicy and very peaty palate with smoke and tar, also fairly sweet with a note of pears; wonderful finish; peatier, cleaner and much nicer than the normal 10 y.o. (must be because this is unchillfiltered) | |
| Laphroaig | | 1977 1995 | Islay | 6 | 6 | 5 | 90 | Peat, peach and citrus on the nose; rich, fruity and peaty palate with a note of peach; the fruit fades and the peat builds up into a very peaty finish | |
| Laphroaig (SMWS) 54.7% | | 1987 18 | Islay | 90 | Coal and tar on the nose, also lighter fruity notes; peaty, cereally palate; fantastic finish with peat and a very nice fruitiness | ||||
| Longmorn (WF) 54.6% cask 3724 | | 1969 | Speyside | 90 | Very nice nose with dried fruits; rich, spicy palate with a note of gingerbread (GM for Whisky Fair) | ||||
| Macallan (GM) | | 1973 2004 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 7 | 90 | Subtle yet wonderful nose with vanilla and a light fruitiness; complex, balanced and surprisingly mild palate with citrus fruit and a note of mint; the mint lingers into the dry, spicy finish | |
| Macallan (GM) | 1973 2005 | Speyside | 5 | 6-7 | 90 | Very nice palate; fresh, balanced, delicate and complex with notes of ginger and white pepper | |||
| Port Ellen (DL) 50% (sherry wood) | | 1981-Dec 2000-Dec | Islay | 6 | 7 | 5 | 90 | Wonderful sherry nose with a note of peppermint; very nice palate: at first sweet with sherry and quite a bit of peat, then turns spicy and fiery; very nice finish with mint and iodine; all in all very nice yet a bit unbalanced | |
| Port Ellen 56.2% | | 1979 22 | Islay | 5 | 6 | 0 | 90 | The 1st release. Slightly musty at first but soon gets better; the palate is complex, a little fruity and very nice and develops wonderful peaty/minty notes | |
| Port Ellen (DL) 61.1% | | 1982-Feb 2004-Dec | Islay | 90 | Interesting, unusual, "creamy" fruitiness on the nose; the palate is fairly mild, balanced, complex with a light fruitiness; an unusual but rather nice Port Ellen (bottled for PLOWED) | ||||
| Port Ellen 57.4% | | 1979 25 | Islay | 4 | 5 | 0 | 90 | The 5th release. Quite peaty but also light and clean with very nice fruity notes, develops oaky spices; oaky, peaty finish; compared to the 1st release: lighter and less peaty; milder and less complex | |
| Redbreast Single Pot Still 57.7% | | 12 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 6 | 0 | 90 | Fragrant, very nice nose with marzipan, cream, vanilla and peach. Also a hint of menthol. The palate is fruity (at first peach, then pear cider). Balanced, clean and fresh. Medium-bodied, neither sweet nor dry. A little oaky and develops more oak and spices. On the finish the fruitiness fades and is replaced by oak and mint. Spicy and warming. It has big, bold flavours but it's smooth, balanced and irresistably drinkable. (B1/11) | ||
| Rosebank (GM) 54.4% | 1991 2008 | Lowland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Very nice nose with orange, honey and a note of linseed oil; sweet palate with apricot, orange and vanilla, also notes of oak and mint; nice finish with vanilla and oak; all in all wonderfully balanced and quite lovely | ||
| Rosebank (Dun Bheagan) 48% * | 1990 18 | Lowland | 3 | 1 | 2 | 90 | Very nice nose with citrus, lychee, fruity candy and peppermint; absolutely yummy palate: at first light and sweet with notes of citrus fruits, then develops spices and a hint of peat; all in all mild, complex and very nicely balanced | ||
| Rosebank 61.4% | 1981 25 | Lowland | 5 | 1 | 5 | 90 | Very nice nose with sherry notes: dried fruits, cloves, gingerbread, also oak and a hint of peat; fairly rich palate, sweet and spicy in a very nice balance; develops lighter notes of citrus; water brings out a peaty note | ||
| Springbank 46% (dark, late bottling) | 21 | Campb. | 8 | 7 | 90 | Compared to the medium dark 21 y.o.: Richer, spicier, oakier, more sherry, less balanced | |||
| Springbank (limited edition) 46% * | | 30 | Campb. | 8 | 0 | 7 | 90 | Nice nose with notes of dried fruit and oak; rich, complex, dry and spicy palate; rather oaky but the oak gives it a touch of old armagnac; oakier than the 21 y.o. (dark) but otherwise very similar | |
| Strathisla (Cad) 54.5% | | 1987 26 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Very nice, fruity nose with mandarine orange, orange marmalade, honey and vanilla. The palate is sweet and fruity with malt and oak providing structure in a lovely balance. The finish is oaky and spicy with a note of mint, simplistic but nice. All in all smooth, beautifully balanced and very more-ish. | |
| Strathisla (GM) | | 40 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 6 | 90 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with notes of sherry and oak, also leather, turpentine and citrus fruits; rich, sweet palate with nice notes of honey, gingerbread and orange, drying, develops oak; dry, spicy, oaky finish (well, after 40 years in wood...) | |
| Strathisla (GM) | | 1964 2004 | Speyside | 7-8 | 8 | 90 | Nose is similar to the 25 y.o., but quieter; similar palate (yet perhaps richer) with a note of gingerbread but lacks the minty note(?) | ||
| Strathmill 60.1% | 1996 2009 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 90 | Fresh, fragrant, fruity nose with notes of eucalyptus, apples and pears. Unusual but wonderful! Light, clean, balanced palate with green fruits. Develops oak. Very nice finish: Oaky yet fresh, with notes of butter and sage. All in all light and fresh, balanced and more-ish. A wonderful apéritif (but ridiculously overpriced). | ||
| Talisker 58.8% | | 1982 20 | Islands/ Skye | 6 | 6 | 0 | 90 | Peaty, powerful nose with peppermint, orange and a note of smoked fish; fairly rich palate with peat, orange, lime; sweet at first but drying; dry, peaty finish with a nice note of oak | |
| Tomatin (Scott's) 50.6% | 1988 2011 | Highland | 5 | 0 | 4 | 90 | Oaky, fruity nose with notes of wild berries, dried plums, mint, custard and cocoa. Complex and unusual but very nice. The palate is sweet, chewy and fruity, develops notes of mint and oak. Fresh and very nice. Very nice, refreshing finish with notes of mint, vanilla and cream, also oak. All in all unusual, interesting and complex yet very nice and very drinkable. | ||
| Yamazaki Sherry Cask 48% | | Japan | 7 | 0 | 8 | 90 | Wonderful nose with sherry, vanilla and hints of coconut and turpentine; rich yet fairly dry palate, at first spicy with gingerbread then develops dried fruits and honey; quite oaky but with a nice balance between oak and sherry | | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 13 59.8% | | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 89 | Wonderful nose with sherry, dried fruits, cinnamon, gingerbread and a note of mint; sweet, wonderful palate, complex and multifaceted with citrus and caramelized sugar (hint of aged rum), drying, develops gingerbread | | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 6 59.9% | | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 89 | Lighter than batch #1 and adds a note of citrus fruit; yet it's not quite as nice | | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 9 60.0% | | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8 | 89 | Very similar to batch #1 but not quite as nice | | |
| Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 46% * | | 1990 2008 | Islay | 4 | 8 | 0 | 89 | The nose is very peaty yet fresh with citrus fruits, vanilla and mint; light, sweet, very nice palate with lots of peat, develops spices (L8253) | |
| Ardbeg Committee Reserve 56.3% | 21 | Islay | 89 | Peaty nose with very nice fresh fruity notes; the palate is light, sweet and fruity at first, then peaty and peppery | |||||
| Ardbeg Kildalton 52.6% | 1981 2005 | Islay | 4 | 3 | 0 | 89 | Very nice, fairly peaty nose with fruity and herbal notes; light, balanced, yummy palate, fresh, fruity and spicy with a delicious note of peat | ||
| Ardbeg (DL) 50.1% | | 1972-Nov 2000-Nov | Islay | 5 | 6 | 0 | 89 | Quite peaty yet light and sweet with very nice fruity notes; wonderful peaty, fruity finish; very similar to the 1972-Mar; this one is slightly fruitier and slightly less peaty | |
| Ardbeg 46% * | | 1977 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 89 | Very nice, very peaty nose with iodine, mint and cereal notes; very peaty palate with light, fruity notes; wonderful finish | |
| Ardmore 51.4% | | 25 | E Highland | 6 | 5 | 0 | 89 | Restrained, rather nice nose with wood smoke, wood shavings and citrus. It's also herbal and slightly medicinal (but less so than a south shore Islay). Sweet, fruity, malty palate (orange marmalade on toast). Balanced, medium-bodied. Drying, develops oak and a little heat, also smoke. Very nice finish: smoky, oaky and warming. All in all balanced and restrained. Classy! | |
| Auchroisk (RM) 56.8% | | 1974 28 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 2 | 89 | Very nice, fruity nose with notes of wild berries and oak shavings; sweet, fairly rich palate, fruity (peach-flavoured iced tea), develops spicy, woody notes; unfortunately, the finish is a little too woody (refill sherry, I think) | |
| Auld Alliance (Chieftain's) 46% | 1990 16 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 89 | Rather peaty nose, also fruity with winey notes; very nice palate: rich and fruity but at the same time dry and clean | |||
| Ballantine's | | 21 | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 2 | 2-3 | 89 | Very nice, complex nose with a note of herbs; fairly rich yet smooth palate with tropical fruits, also spicy with notes of oak and liqourice; very nice, slightly peaty finish | |
| BenRiach Virgin Oak 55.6% cask 2788 | 1996 15 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Interesting, fragrant nose with oak shavings, vanilla, apricot, orange (a little like an old bourbon). Nice but perhaps a little too oaky. The palate is rich, sweet and very nice. Fruity at first, then develops oak and marzipan. Grows quite spicy. The finish is quite oaky with very nice notes of orange, clove, vanilla and mint. All in all uneven - unconvincing nose but the palate is nice and the finish wonderful. Best with only a little water. | ||
| BenRiach cask 8084 56% | 1976 29 | Speyside | 5 | 1-2 | 0 | 89 | Fruity, peaty, complex, mature nose; palate is at first sweet with wonderful fruity notes (mango? apricot?), then develops peat and a slightly disappointing spicy note | ||
| BenRiach 57.8% cask 6942 | 1976 2011 | Speyside | 8 | 1 | 8 | 89 | Very oaky nose with linseed oil and brown sugar, also dried fruits and plum compôte (reminiscent of old Spanish brandies). Nice and complex but too oaky. The palate is surprisingly mild and surprisingly nice: rich, sweet and sherried with notes of caramelized sugar, gingerbread and mint. It's at first sweet then drying and develops oak. Dry, oaky finish with gingerbread and mint. Spicy and warming. Long. All in all it's a powerful winter warmer. Heavy on the oak. | ||
| Bowmore Claret 56% | | 13 | Islay | 5 | 6 | 89 | Violets, mint, smoke and barbecue on the nose but also a whiff of something burnt; clean, balanced palate with a very nice and unusual fruitiness | | |
| Bowmore Laimrig 50.3% | | 15 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 6 | 89 | Fragrant nose with peat and yummy fruity notes from the oloroso, develops plums, dried fruits, gingerbread; very nicely balanced palate, rich yet fairly dry with peat and dried fruits, develops citrus and a lingering note of mint; rather peaty, rather nice finish | |
| Bowmore Mariner | | 15 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 3 | 89 | Quite peaty with a sweet floweriness but with a very nice balance and a wonderful finish; similar to the old screen printed 12 y.o. but peatier and richer | |
| Bowmore * | | 21 | Islay | 4 | 3 | 3 | 89 | Smooth, nicely balanced and mildly smoky; very nice palate with notes of apricots and a slightly flowery finish | |
| Brora (McGibbon's Provenance) 46% | | 1976 26 | N Highland | 5 | 5 | 0 | 89 | Light and sweet with very nice fruity notes, develops a delicious peatiness, also a little spicy; overall beautifully balanced and very moreish | |
| Brora 52.4% | | 30 | N Highland | 7 | 6 | 89 | Balanced, fairly smoky, fairly woody, dry and spicy with minty notes and a very nice finish | | |
| Bruichladdich 40.2% | | 1973 | Islay | 7 | 0 | 5 | 89 | Nice nose with raisins and other dried fruits but also "cheap" candy; rich and a little spicy palate with wonderful fruity notes; drying and develops oaky notes towards the finish | |
| Campbeltown Loch | | 30 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 2 | 89 | Very nice nose with light fruits, vanilla and coconut; mild, quite light palate, sweet and fruity, develops oaky spices, very nice & beautifully balanced; disappointingly, the finish is mostly oaky | ||
| Caol Ila (JM) 55.5% | | 1982 25 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 89 | Very nice, very unusual nose with iodine and a note of Trinidad rum; sweet, very nice palate, also peaty with notes of fruit and arrack; quite peaty finish | |
| Caol Ila (JWWW) 60.9% | | 1979 2005 | Islay | 4 | 8 | 0 | 89 | Light, clean, "sharp" and very nice palate; quite peaty and a bit sweet with notes of apples and pears | |
| Caperdonich (Cad) 56.8% | | 1980 27 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 89 | On the nose it's nice yet a little shy with notes of honey, orange marmalade and vanilla. Sweet palate with honey and citrus. Also oaky and a little spicy. Notes of vanilla and custard. Fresh, smooth and balanced. Nice finish with notes of oak, orange and peppermint. Surprisingly light and fresh for its age. (From the Chairman's Stock line.) | |
| Caperdonich (DT) 51.4% | | 1972 2010 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 89 | The nose is quite oaky (oak shavings) with a dull, earthy note but also nice, fresh notes of vanilla, citrus and mint. The palate is light, subtle and balanced with vanilla and lovely fruity notes of peach and apricot. Develops oak. Oaky, peppery finish with a note of mint that lingers to the end. Verdict: tentative nose but lovely palate and nice finish. | |
| Convalmore (RM) 54.9% | | 1978 24 | Speyside | 4 | 2 | 0 | 89 | Very nice, fruity nose with a note of orange zest; very nice, mild, fruity palate with notes of orange sweets and sponge cake (with raisins); cleaner than the 1977 but also more one-dimensional | |
| Dalwhinnie 57.8% | 1973 29 | Highland | 5 | 0 | 2 | 89 | Fairly nice nose with notes of oak, sherry and citrus fruit; the palate is much nicer (very nice actually) with dried fruit, fruity candy and a minty note | ||
| Eagle Rare Single Barrel 45% | | 10 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Fragrant nose with vanilla, oak, ginger, apricot and orange. Fruity iced tea. Nice! The palate is fairly rich and sweet with notes of vanilla, oak and caramelized sugar. Develops nice fruity notes of orange and peach, also mint. Drying, develops oak and a note of lemon. The finish is oaky, peppery and fairly hot. Warming. All in all balanced and very nice. (Doesn't need water but a drop won't hurt.) | |
| Glen Grant (HB) 53.6% | | 1972 29 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 89 | Very nice nose with notes of sherry, turpentine, raisins and plums; wonderful, balanced sherried palate with tropical fruits | |
| Glen Grant (DL) 45.9% | | 1978-May 2008-May | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 89 | Very nice nose with orange and apricot marmalade, honey, caramelized sugar and christmas cake; sweet, fruity palate with notes of oak and mint, develops spices, gingerbread - rather nice; oaky finish with dried fruits - slightly metallic, however; best without water (sherry butt no 4295, 341 b.) | |
| Glen Grant (JWWW) 55.1% | 1970 33 | Speyside | 89 | Nice, rich, predominantly spicy nose with a hint of gingerbread; very nice fruity/spicy palate with a note of peppermint, gets drier with quite a dry finish | |||||
| Glen Grant (JM) 57.1% | 1969 | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 9 | 89 | Fantastic nose with wonderful, rich sherry and a note of gingerbread; rich, dry, fairly spicy palate - nice yet disappointing after the nose | | |
| Glencraig 50.8% (Cad) | | 1981 31 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 2 | 89 | Fruity, quite oaky nose with orange candy and oak shavings. Unfortunately also a flowery note. Unusual. Sweet, fruity palate with apples and pears (pears in syrup), develops notes of oak and orange marmalade. Very nice! Nice finish with notes of oak and orange. All in all unusual and uneven but very nice. (Distilled in Lomond stills at the Glenburgie distillery) | |
| Glenfarclas | 25 | Speyside | 5 | 2 | 4? | 89 | Very nice nose with fresh notes of citrus fruit and mint, also a bit of oak and peat and a hint of violets; sweet, a bit spicy palate with a delicious fruitiness that fades into the spicy, peaty finish | | |
| Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve 54.1% | | 1977 31 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 89 | Complex, "venerable" and rather nice nose with notes of oak, leather, cinnamon and citrus fruits; the palate is oaky and spicy at first but develops very nice notes of gingerbread, dried fruits and vanilla | |
| Glenlivet (Sign) 55.1% cask 5719 | | 1975 28 | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8? | 89 | Very nice nose with rich notes of sherry, oak and tropical fruit; complex, oaky, spicy palate with a dry sherry character and a minty note | |
| Glenlivet (Sign) 53.9% cask 5720 | | 1975 29 | Speyside | 0 | 8 | 89 | Wonderful nose with lots of (nice!) sherry; complex, oaky palate with a note of vanilla | ||
| Glenlivet (SMWS) 49.4% | | 1972 30 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 4? | 89 | Very oaky at first but develops wonderful notes of vanilla, orange and mint; complex, refined and very nice but a little too oaky | |
| Glenlivet (B) 51.9% cask 1040 | | 1975 32 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 1 | 89 | Lovely nose with lots of fruit (orange, peach, melon ...); sweet, fruity palate, also a little spicy with just the right amount of oak | |
| Glenmorangie | | 1974 2000 | N Highland | 7 | 1 | 89 | Very nice, complex nose with notes of vanilla and oak; rich, spicy, oaky palate with more vanilla and delicious notes of orange and peppermint; very nice finish | ||
| Glenrothes (Cad) 53.8% | | 1994 15 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Very nice nose: light and fresh with notes of vanilla, mint, apple, oak and cinnamon; light, clean, subtle palate, sweet and fruity, develops spices and oak, then citrus at the end, complex and beautifully balanced; nice oaky finish; smooth and more-ish (I usually find Glenrothes too sweet but this one is just right!) | |
| Glenury Royal (TWA) 42.1% | 1973 37 | E Highland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Fragrant, herbal nose with vanilla, linseed oil and crème brûlée (a little rum-like); rich, sweet and a little fiery yet very nice palate with honey, oak, peppermint; nice finish with a note of oak shavings | ||
| Inverleven (Sign) 48.7% | | 1977 34 | Lowland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Fragrant, fruity nose with notes of apple, pear and melon, also vanilla and oak shavings. Amazingly fresh for a 34 y.o. Fresh, sweet, fruity palate with notes of mint and citrus. Drying, develops oak. The finish is oaky (but not overly so) and spicy with a note of gingerbread. Very nice. All in all balanced and more-ish. Very fresh for its age. | |
| Lagavulin 57.5% | 12 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 89 | (11th release, bottled 2011) | | |
| Laphroaig (McGibbon's Provenance) 46% | | 1998 8 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 2 | 89 | Very smoky nose with cereal notes; light, sweet, fruity, spicy, fairly fiery and very smoky palate with a note of mint; mature beyond its years yet still fresh and powerful | |
| Laphroaig batch 001 57.8% | | 10 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 89 | Nice nose with peat, iodine, also malt and toffee; fairly rich palate, at first sweet and fruity, then peaty, develops spices and more peat; wonderful finish with peat and iodine, also spicy and a little earthy (unlike the earlier c/s bottling this one doesn't get cloudy w/ water) | |
| Laphroaig (Cad) 53.0% | | 1994 16 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 89 | Powerful nose with peat, coal, tar and iodine; rich, sweet, malty, creamy and (of course) peaty palate; wonderful finish with peat, peppermint, iodine and citrus | |
| Linkwood (RM) 54.9% | | 1974 30 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0? | 89 | Very nice fruitiness on the nose; clean, balanced, fairly light and very nice palate with orange, lemon and a note of peppermint | |
| Lochside (Cad) 54.9% | | 1981 30 | E Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Huge nose with oak shavings (and lots of it). It's almost vulgar but also has nice notes of citrus and fudge. The palate is surprisingly nice: smooth, sweet and fruity with notes of orange and honey. It's still oaky but to a lesser degree. Very nice, in fact. The finish is oaky but with nice notes of cream, mint and wild berries. All in all uneven but actually quite nice. (The oaky character makes me suspect a new oak finish.) | |
| Longrow 'Dreams' (MI) 45% | | 1987 1999 | Campb. | 8 | 7 | 0 | 89 | Peat and engine oil on the nose; busy, powerful, very smoky palate with a musty peatiness; calms down a bit towards the finish; wonderful palate and finish (best without water) | |
| Longrow (Samaroli) 45% | 1987 2002 | Campb. | 6 | 5 | 0 | 89 | Malty, peaty nose with a note of dirty boiler room but also fresh notes of citrus and mint; sweet, very nice palate with malt and citrus, develops oak, spices and a little heat; rather peaty, rather nice finish; compared to the "Dreams" bottling it's milder, more balanced and more complex (but not as fresh and exciting) | ||
| Longrow (Samaroli) 55% | 1987 2002 | Campb. | 6 | 5 | 0 | 89 | Very similar to the 45% bottling (of course) but it was interesting to try it at higher strength | ||
| Longrow 46% | | 1974 25 | Campb. | 7 | 7 | 0 | 89 | At first sweet with notes of citrus fruits, then comes a sting of peat: dry, almost metallic; quite intense and spicy | |
| Macallan (MM) 41% | 1969 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 89 | Wonderful, intensely fruity nose with notes of melon and peach; fruity palate with oranges and a chemical note like a good Armagnac, sweet but drying; dry, oaky, disappointing finish | | |
| Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy 46% * | | Pot Still/ Ireland | 3 | 89 | The nose is quite oaky, dense and heavy but with nice notes of marzipan and peach. The palate is unexpectedly light and smooth, subtle and balanced, with very nice notes of vanilla, peach, apricot and almonds. The finish is oaky with a note of peppermint. Very nice! All in all very nice and very more-ish. Not quite worth the price, though. | ||||
| Mortlach (DL) 50% | | 1992-Sep 2008-Dec | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 8 | 89 | Very nice sherry on the nose with notes of dried fruits, prunes, figs; rich, fruity palate with blood orange and honey; the palate is sweet at first but drying and develops spices | |
| Mortlach (GM) | | 1970 2002 | Speyside | 89 | Wonderful fruity and complex nose; fairly rich palate with a very nice sherry character; complex, a bit spicy with a minty note | ||||
| Nikka Taketsuru | | 21 | Malt/ Japan | 6 | 0 | 0? | 89 | Very nice, complex, fragrant nose with oak, vanilla, malt and citrus fruits; rich yet smooth palate, rather nice although fairly spicy | |
| Old Pulteney 54.9% | 15 | N Highland | 5 | 1 | 0 | 89 | Very nice palate - sweet and fruity, also a little spicy with a hint of peat | | |
| Port Ellen (CC) | | 1974 ~15 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 4 | 89 | Very smoky nose with a slightly burnt aroma; surprisingly, the palate is much milder; soft, balanced with light minty notes; wonderful finish | |
| Port Ellen 59.35% | | 1978 24 | Islay | 4 | 7 | 0 | 89 | The 2nd release. Very nice, peaty nose; light, fruity, very nice with minty notes and a very nice finish | |
| Port Ellen (DL) 50% | | 1978-Sep 2005-Mar | Islay | 5 | 7 | 2 | 89 | Fairly powerful nose with peat but also wonderful notes of citrus fruits; milder palate that retains most of the fruitiness, also oaky with a note of liqourice - very nice | |
| Rosebank (old crest label) | | 12 | Lowland | 6 | 1 | 6 | 89 | Fairly rich with a wonderful, complex palate; rich, spicy with lovely sherry notes; yet a slightly disappointing finish towards the end | |
| Rosebank (SMWS) 56.1% | | 1991 17 | Lowland | 1 | 0 | 89 | Slightly earthy nose with notes of linseed oil, vanilla, blood orange, apple, pear and also a hint of peat; the palate is sweet and fruity yet a little earthy, develops spices and a note of peppermint, very nice! | ||
| Rosebank (SMWS) 64.2% | | 1981 21 | Lowland | 5 | 1 | 2 | 89 | Very nice, complex nose with marzipan, citrus and pears; fairly light and sweet palate with oak and light fruity notes, at first citrus then develops sherry notes; unfortunately, in the finish the fruity notes are overshadowed by spices | |
| Rosebank (WF) 55.8% | | 1974-Mar 2004-Nov | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 5 | 89 | Very nice nose with oak and sherry notes; rich, oaky palate but not overly dry (fairly sweet actually); develops lovely notes of vanilla and mints; the finish has mostly oak, unfortunately | |
| Springbank 46% * | | 18 | Campb. | 5 | 2 | 5 | 89 | Rather nice nose with vanilla, dried fruits and a minty, citric note on top; rich palate, quite sherried although not very sweet (in fact, it's a touch too dry), also spicy with a note of coconut; fairly smoky finish | |
| Springbank 46% (Lateltin) | | 1964 1998 | Campb. | 7 | 1 | 6 | 89 | Very nice nose with notes of vanilla and fruit; very nice palate with hints of cinnamon and spice but the slightly bitter finish disappoints | |
| St. Magdalene (Dun Bheagan) 50% | 1982 26 | Lowland | 4 | 0 | 2 | 89 | Fruity, grassy nose with citrus fruits; light, sweet, very nice palate with notes of citrus fruits and pineapple | ||
| Strathisla (GM) 40% | | 25 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 8 | 89 | Wonderful, richly sherried nose with notes of raisins and prunes but also light notes of citrus and peppermint; rich, sweet palate, also quite oaky and spicy but nicely offset by notes of lemon and mint; fairly dry, oaky yet nice finish with orange and gingerbread | |
| Strathisla (GM) 43% * | | 25 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 8 | 89 | Very nice, complex nose with oak, gingerbread, honey and a hint of linseed oil. It's a little harsh neat but a little water takes care of that. Water also brings out notes of citrus and peppermint. Rich palate with notes of dried fruits and gingerbread. Quite oaky and spicy, also dry and rather hot. Water turns the heat down and brings out sweetness, honey and orange marmalade. Very nice! The finish is hot, spicy and dry with oak, gingerbread and peppermint. With water it's sweeter, milder, less spicy and oaky (and very similar to the 40% bottling from a few years ago). | |
| Talisker 54.2% | 25 | Islands/ Skye | 5 | 4 | 0 | 89 | Peat, pepper, steak, vanilla, light fruity notes, apple, orange, but also a little earthy and musty with a note of rubber, nice yet messy; sweet, peaty, very nice palate with citrus and a note of mint, drying, develops a nice note of oak (bottled 2008) | ||
| Woodford Reserve batch 8 45.2% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 1 | 0 | 89 | Wonderful nose with vanilla and peppermint, also bitter notes from the rye; very nice, rich, complex palate with marzipan and a hint of smoke | ||
| Yamazaki | 18 | Japan | 7 | 2 | 3 | 89 | Wonderful nose with vanilla, dried fruit and a yummy note of peat; rich, fruity, oaky, quite dry palate - rather nice but doesn't deliver what the nose promises | | |
| Clynelish (SMWS) 54.7% | | 1983 22 | N Highland | 88-89 | Very nice, light, fragrant nose with coconut; more of the same on the palate; very nice, balanced and a little spicy | ||||
| Lagavulin (MI) 46% | 1988 2000 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 88-89 | Light yet very peaty nose; sweet, a little musty, very peaty, very nice palate with a cereal note | ||
| Aberlour 100 Proof 57.1% (bottled ca 1998) | | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 6-7 | 88 | Very nice sherry nose; complex, very nice palate with notes of oranges, honey, vanilla and cinnamon | ||
| Aberlour | | 18 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 5 | 88 | Light, fresh nose with apple, lime and a note of white pepper; medium-bodied palate, sweet at first but drying, develops sherry, honey and gingerbread, turns spicy (perhaps too spicy); very nice finish | |
| Ardbeg Corryvreckan Committee Reserve 57.1% | | Islay | 5 | 7 | 2 | 88 | Nice nose with wood smoke and unusual fruity notes; rich, fruity palate but at the same time dry and crisp, with peat and wine notes in a wonderful balance, develops spices and a hint of mint; peaty, surprisingly fiery finish | ||
| Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 46% * | 1990 2006 | Islay | 4 | 7 | 0 | 88 | Peaty, cereally nose with a note of oranges; quite peaty, smoky palate, develops fruit and pepper; rather nice finish with a note of mint (needs a drop of water) | ||
| Ardbeg (Cad) 57.0% | | 1994 16 | Islay | 6 | 9 | 0 | 88 | Very peaty nose with iodine, burnt rubber, coal and tar; light, sweet and very peaty palate with a minty note; very nice finish with lots of peat and notes of mint, apple and cinnamon | |
| Ardbeg (sherry wood) 45.2% | | 1975 1999 | Islay | 6 | 6 | 5? | 88 | A little musty at first; rich, fruity and quite peaty with lighter, flowery notes as well; complex, balanced and very nice | |
| Ardbeg | | 1975 2000 | Islay | 5 | 5 | 2 | 88 | Nice nose with notes of tropical fruits; at first fairly peaty, then lighter with floral notes; subtle and complex | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 50% | | 1972-Mar 2000-Oct | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 88 | At first a note of rubber, then develops a very nice, very peaty palate with notes of fruit and cereal | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 49.5% | | 1972-Nov 2001-Jun | Islay | 7 | 7 | 0 | 88 | Peppery and quite peaty, also sweet and fruity with iodine and a musty, rubbery note; richer and spicier than the other 1972-Nov | |
| Ardmore (Cad) 55.2% | | 1997 16 | E Highland | 5 | 5 | 0 | 88 | Young-ish nose with malt and a mild peatiness. The palate is light and sweet, also malty and fairly peaty with notes of citrus, lime and mint (makes me think of a peaty mojito!). Peaty, malty, rather nice finish. | |
| Auchentoshan 48.6% cask 4614 | | 1981 21 | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Very nice and intensely fruity nose with banana ("skumbananer") and apricot; nice, fruity palate with orange and lemon but also disappointing spicy notes | |
| Banff (Cad) 47.1% | | 1976 32 | E Highland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Fruity, complex, very nice nose; the palate is fairly rich and a little spicy yet mild with a very nice balance of fruity and oaky notes | |
| Ben Nevis (Cad) 66% | | 1990 16 | W Highland | 7 | 0 | 7 | 88 | "Loud", fragrant nose with sherry and fresh fruity notes; the palate is at first fruity then develops spices - unexpectedly mild after the nose; it's rich, sweet and very nice; the finish is a little too fiery, however | |
| BenRiach Septendecim 46% * | 17 | Speyside | 4 | 7 | 0 | 88 | Nose: a mild smokiness (more wood smoke than peat), also notes of malt, mint and butter. Quite nice. The palate is light and fresh at first, then delivers quite a punch of peat and spices (a drop of water takes the edge off that, if you want). The finish is smoky, malty and minty. All in all light-bodied yet quite peaty; complex with an unusual and interesting smokiness. Very nice! | | |
| BenRiach cask 3182 56.1% | 1986 2009 | Speyside | 6 | 2 | 8 | 88 | Fairly heavy nose with a strong PX sherry influence (like in some Spanish brandies) - notes of dried fruits, brown sugar and oak but also lighter notes of citrus and mint against a background of wood smoke; rich, sweet, smooth palate, a little smoky at first, then sweetness and dried fruits take over (raisins, plums) and finally it's drying and develops oak and citrus; oaky finish with notes of mint and liqourice; all in all complex and quite unusual but a bit extreme (PLOWED) | ||
| BenRiach (Sign) 56.3% cask 7217 | | 1975 28 | Speyside | 88 | Nice, light fruitiness on the nose; very nice fruity palate (mango?), also spicy, balanced, complex with a hint of peat | ||||
| Benrinnes 58.8% | 1985 23 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 8 | 88 | Fragrant, complex nose, quite oaky with caramelized sugar (like a Spanish brandy), also quite sherried with notes of gingerbread and white pepper; sweet, rich yet delightfully smooth palate, oaky and spicy with notes of honey and dried fruits (figs, prunes), very nicely balanced; nice finish - oaky and spicy but with light notes of citrus and vanilla | | |
| Bowmore (JM) 58.8% | 1996 13 | Islay | 6 | 9 | 0 | 88 | Wow, what a peaty nose (this must be the peatiest Bowmore ever!); light, sweet yet very peaty palate, develops spices; long, warming, very nice finish | ||
| Braeval 57.5% (Sign) | | 1998 12 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Fragrant, fruity, slightly floral nose. Notes of citrus, oak shavings and vanilla. Very nice! Sweet, fresh palate with honey and a little oak. Zesty and nicely balanced. Fruity, oaky, very nice finish with a note of mint. All in all clean, fresh and very drinkable. | |
| Bunnahabhain (TWA) 45.8% * | 1976 32 | Islay | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Unusual but interesting nose with notes of green fruits, pine forest, pickled gherkin; sweet, fresh palate with apple, pear, oak, peppermint, develops vanilla and gingerbread; unusual but fascinating and actually very nice | ||
| Bunnahabhain (DL) 41.25% | | 1967-May 2001-Feb | Islay | 4 | 0 | 0? | 88 | Wonderful nose with notes of tropical fruits and almonds; the palate is restrained and a bit disappointing after the nose (less fruity, more spicy) | |
| Caol Ila (SMWS) 60.2% | | 1983 21 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 88 | Musty, earthy, peaty nose; sweet, fairly rich, very smoky palate; at first briefly a note of rubber, then develops a nice fruitiness that goes very well with the peat | |
| Chivas Royal Salute | | 21 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 4 | 88 | Oaky nose with notes of smoke and liqourice; mild, balanced palate with a very nice, fresh fruitiness (peach, orange) fading into a peaty, spicy finish with a note of cinnamon | |
| Clynelish 46% * | | 14 | N Highland | 6 | 2 | 0 | 88 | Lovely, fragrant nose with orange-flavoured candy, coconut, honey and a note of peat; yummy palate - creamy, fruity, zesty, spicy and to top it off, also a little peaty | |
| Cutty Sark Discovery | | 18 | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 0 | 5 | 88 | Wonderful nose with honey, sherry wood, oak and vanilla. Very nice palate with dried fruits and gingerbread. Also fairly oaky and spicy. Oak and mint on the finish. All in all subtle, restrained and very nicely balanced. | |
| Dailuaine (DL) 50% | | 1983-Feb 2010-Feb | Speyside | 7 | 6 | 0 | 88 | The nose is floral, fruity, oaky and surprisingly smoky. Nice! The palate is at first light, sweet and fruity with notes of citrus and mint, then it's drying and suddenly quite smoky. As the smoke slowly fades it develops floral notes, peppermint and oak. Very nice. The finish is quite oaky and spicy. Warming with a lingering smoky note. All in all it's temperamental yet charming with a unique, fascinating development. The finish is a bit too hot and oaky, however (perhaps it's a little too old). (DL5809) | |
| Glen Albyn (Sign) 53.1% | | 1981 28 | N Highland | 6 | 1 | 3 | 88 | Very nice nose with dried fruits, gingerbread, orange and a note of peat; rich, complex palate with a very nice balance between sweetness and spiciness | |
| Glen Elgin Rum Cask 56.8% (Cad) | | 1991 22 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | (2) | 88 | Very nice nose with oak, peppermint, brown sugar and citrus. Rich, sweet, chewy palate with oak and orange marmalade. Dry, quite oaky finish, spicy and hot. All in all very nice but the finish is too oaky. Shows a nice and balanced influence from the rum wood. | |
| Glen Moray (Cad) 55.4% | | 1992 21 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Nice, fruity nose with a note of honey and a faint wine character. Mild, sweet balanced palate with notes of orange, honey and mint. Also oaky and malty which provides structure. The finish is oaky yet mild and nice with a note of gingerbread. All in all balanced and more-ish. (Aged in claret wood.) | |
| Glen Spey 50.4% | 1989 21 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 2 | 88 | Rather nice nose with vanilla, apricot, honey and oak (a bit like an old bourbon). Sweet, fairly rich palate with orange marmalade and a note of mint. Fresh and chewy. Develops oak and spices. Very nice finish with citrus and oak. Very nicely balanced and very drinkable. | ||
| Glendronach 46% | | 15 | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8 | 88 | Very nice fragrant nose with plenty of sherry and a note of linseed oil; complex and very nice palate - rich and sweet with dried fruits, also a little spicy with ginger, cloves (richer, more powerful than its 40% predecessor) | |
| Glendronach cask 528 61.7% | 1993 16 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 7 | 88 | Fragrant, sherried, very nice nose with honey, gingerbread, orange and turpentine; rather nice palate - rich, sweet and spicy, develops a note of peppermint; fairly oaky finish, dry and slightly disappointing | | |
| Glendronach cask 529 60.5% | 1993 17 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 7 | 88 | Very similar to cask 528 but less spicy, milder and more complex but has a slight note of perfume | | |
| Glenfiddich Gran Reserva * | 21 | Speyside | 88 | Very nice palate: rich, fruity and spicy with lovely rum notes; a rum wood finish (of course) and it works beautifully | | ||||
| Glenlivet Nàdurra 48% * | | 1991 2010 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Lovely, fragrant nose with orange, apricot and notes of custard, lemon and oak; sweet, fairly rich palate with a wonderful balance of fruit and oak (batch 0310B) | |
| Glenlivet | 25 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 3 | 88 | Rather nice nose with notes of oak and citrus fruits; on the palate it's oaky (as old Glenlivets tend to be) but not overly so; it also has very nice notes of gingerbread and dried fruit | | |
| Glenlochy (Sign) 55.3% cask 2827 | | 1980 25 | W Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Malt, honey and orange on the nose. Rather oaky with oak shavings, also a bit sour. Not entirely balanced. The palate is at first sweet and zesty with citrus and honey, then malty and oaky with a note of mint. Light and rather nice. Lovely finish with oak and a refreshing citrus note. In the end spicy with notes of gingerbread and mint. All in all quite nice and more-ish but a little splintered. | |
| Glenmorangie Côte de Nuits Wood Finish * | | 1975 25 | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 88 | Rich, fiery, complex with subtle notes of the burgundy and a very nice, balanced finish with a hint of cognac | ||
| Hakushu | 18 | Japan | 6 | 0 | 0? | 88 | Very nice nose: complex, subtle, herbal, grassy with fruity candy, oak shavings and vanilla; the palate is fairly rich, at first sweet with vanilla and citrus, then drying, develops oak; very nicely balanced | | |
| Hazelburn 46% * | | 12 | Campb. | 7 | 2 | 6 | 88 | Very nice, complex nose with "rich", fruity notes of blood orange, prunes and raisins; rich, quite sherried, rather nice palate, also spicy with a note of gingerbread, develops marzipan, at first sweet but drying with a dry, disappointing finish (a little fiery & may need a drop of water) (b. 2009) | |
| Heaven Hill (Cad) 63.5% | | 1999 10 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 88 | Very nice, fragrant nose with notes of vanilla, orange, apricot and oak; the palate is sweet, fruity and surprisingly mild | ||||
| Kavalan Concertmaster | | Taiwan | 5 | 0 | (7) | 88 | Malty, fruity and oaky nose with a prominent port influence. Also notes of vanilla and gingerbread. Lovely! The palate is medium-bodied, oaky and winey with a note of orange. Neither sweet nor dry. Oaky, fairly dry finish with a note of gingerbread. All in all unusual but very nice and very nicely balanced. Mature beyond its years. Impressive! | | |
| Lagavulin 56.5% | | 12 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 88 | Quite peaty yet light and fairly sweet with a very nice, fresh fruitiness and minty note; very nice and very drinkable; not as peaty as the 1st release but it's drier, cleaner and more balanced (5th release, b. 2005) | |
| Lagavulin 56.5% | | 12 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 88 | Peaty, malty nose with notes of citrus and peppermint; the palate is fairly dry, light but very peaty with fresh minty notes, restrained and nicely balanced; peaty, spicy finish (10th release, b. 2010) | |
| Lagavulin 57.2% | | 25 | Islay | 5 | 6 | 0 | 88 | Peaty nose but otherwise dry and fairly disappointing; mild, sweet, fruity and quite peaty palate; fairly unremarkable at first but improves; very well balanced with a very nice finish | |
| Laphroaig (B) 62.2% cask 700214 | | 1998 10 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 88 | The nose is very peaty and powerful yet a bit rough with cereal notes; the palate is nicer: sweet and very peaty with notes of apples and citrus; very nice finish with the peat offset by light fruity notes | |
| Laphroaig (Sign) 61% | | 1992 13 | Islay | 88 | A rich, musty peatiness, also fruity and cereally; very peaty yet balanced with a very nice finish | ||||
| Laphroaig | | 15 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 88 | Peaty, tarry nose; rich, smooth palate with fruity notes (blood orange at first, then peach) and a very nice, very peaty finish | | |
| Lochside (B) 55.8% cask 618 | | 1981 26 | E Highland | 5 | 1 | 88 | Unusual but very nice nose with notes of oak, citrus fruits and cream; very nice palate with honey, black tea and green fruits | ||
| Longrow (Cad) 56.8% | | 1992 9 | Campb. | 7-8 | 7 | 0 | 88 | Powerful, peaty, musty nose with a shy note of oranges hiding behind the peat; rich, sweet palate with fruity, spicy and peaty notes in a very nice balance | |
| Longrow (sherry wood) 46% | | 10 | Campb. | 7 | 4 | 5 | 88 | Rather nice nose with honey and orange; rich palate with honey, linseed oil and oak shavings, also fairly fiery; oaky, peaty finish; compared to "bourbon wood" it's sweeter and more balanced with the addition of dried fruits from the sherry wood, also a little less peaty | |
| Macallan 'The Sea' (MI) 46% | 1970 1988 | Speyside | 5 | 3 | 4 | 88 | Quiet yet very nice nose with dried fruits and wood smoke; the palate is sweet, fruity and surprisingly mild for 46%; also surprisingly light for an 18 y.o. Mac | ||
| Mortlach (GM) 46% * | | 1983 2001 | Speyside | 7 | 3 | 5 | 88 | Very nice fruity, peaty nose; rich, very fruity palate and quite a smoky finish; complex, multi-faceted and a little difficult to grasp yet quite nice | |
| Mortlach (GM) | | 1969 1999 | Speyside | 6-7 | 1 | 6 | 88 | Fantastic, Springbank-like nose with fruit and vanilla/coconut; nice yet disappointing palate with a note of ginger, also fairly dry with quite a dry (and disappointing) finish | |
| Oban 55.1% | 1969 32 | W Highland | 88 | Very nice nose with a light fruitiness and a note of gingerbread; fairly complex palate with more of that fruitiness (melon/kiwi?) | |||||
| Old Pulteney 60.2% cask 133 | | 1991 15 | N Highland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Nice, fruity nose, also spicy and a little musty; light, fresh and very nice palate; at first mild with a very nice fruitiness then spicier which gives it more bite; slightly disappointing finish though | |
| Old Pulteney 46% * | 17 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 4 | 88 | Quiet yet rather nice nose with oak, gingerbread. Oak, gingerbread and dried fruits on the palate, also notes of mint and citrus. Mild despite the 46% (but improves with a drop of water). Oaky, peppery finish. All in all complex, subtle and balanced. Very nice! | | |
| Old Pulteney (Cad) 56.9% | | 1990 20 | N Highland | 6 | 1 | 0 | 88 | Fragrant, fruity nose with notes of caramelized sugar, citrus and crème brûlée, also briny with a note of peat; very nice, balanced palate - rich and sweet with vanilla and dark chocolate | |
| Old Pulteney (Cad) 56.7% | | 1990 21 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 88 | On the nose it's a little shy yet nice and fresh with notes of citrus, vanilla, custard, oak and peppermint. Rich, chewy palate. Sweet, fruity and fairly oaky with notes of honey, orange marmalade and malt. Very nice! Oaky, fairly spicy finish. Nice and complex with notes of citrus, spongecake and mints. Black pepper at the end. | |
| Redbreast Single Pot Still 46% * | | 15 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 7 | 0 | 88 | Very nice nose: fruity with peach and apricot and notes of mint, marzipan and vanilla. Also quite oaky. Rich, powerful palate. Fruity, oaky and spicy. A bit hot without water but with a drop or two it's smooth and very fruity, develops oak. Oaky, spicy, warming finish. All in all nice but too oaky. Compared to the old 15 y.o. it's less fruity and more oaky, more complex but not nearly as nice. | ||
| Rosebank (old stills label) | 12 | Lowland | 5 | 2-3 | 88 | Very nice nose with fruity and floral notes, also peaty with a hint of gingerbread; peaty, fruity and a bit spicy palate, balanced and very nice (refill sherry, I believe) | |||
| Rosebank (RM) 62.3% | | 1981 20 | Lowland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 88 | Nice, unexpectedly peaty nose with fruit and oak in a very nice balance; the palate is fruity (citrus) and a little floral, develops oak and spices; disappointingly, the finish has mostly oak | |
| Speyburn (CC) * | | 1977-Sep 2007-Dec | Speyside | 5-6 | 2 | 4 | 88 | Very nice, fragrant nose with notes of dried fruits and honey, also a whiff of smoke; the palate is light and fruity at first, then develops oak, spices and turns a bit fiery (might need a drop of water) | |
| Springbank cask 115 56% | | 1996 2010 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 5 | 88 | Rather nice nose with dried fruits, honey, caramelized sugar and citrus, also wood smoke and a little oak; the palate is mild and sweet at first with citrus, also a litle smoky, drying, grows more intense and develops spices, cinnamon and mint; nice, spicy finish with a note of gingerbread; all in all complex, balanced and very nice | |
| Springbank cask 759 46% * | | 1972 30 | Campb. | 7 | 6 | 0 | 88 | Peaty, musty nose; nice, quite peaty palate and a very nice finish; peatier, sweeter and nicer than the 1974 cask 2283 | |
| Springbank (MM) (fresh bourbon cask) 46% * | | 1967 31 | Campb. | 6 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Delicious fresh fruity notes which sadly fade too quickly into the spicy, creamy (and fairly disappointing) finish | |
| St. Magdalene (B) 61.8% cask 2180 | | 1982 25 | Lowland | 4 | 1 | 1 | 88 | Nice, complex, subtle nose: fruity (orange flavoured candy), grassy and slightly peaty; fresh, fruity palate with more of that orange candy, also fairly spicy; all in all light, balanced and very nice | |
| St. Magdalene (Cad) 52.7% | | 1982 26 | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 5 | 88 | Fruity, flowery nose (almost perfumed); rich, sweet palate with notes of dried fruits, ginger and cloves; all in all mild, balanced and very nice | |
| St. Magdalene (Sign) 48.1% | | 1975 28 | Lowland | 4 | 1? | 88 | Peaty, musty and a little sweet nose; peaty, musty palate with contrasting light notes of apples and citrus fruit | ||
| Strathisla (GM) | | 30 | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 7 | 88 | Dense, a little earthy nose with oak, dried fruits and ginger, also flowery with a hint of citrus; rich, quite oaky yet very nice palate with light notes of linseed oil, peppermint and aniseed, drying with a very dry, oaky finish | |
| Talisker 45.8% * | | 18 | Islands/ Skye | 5 | 88 | Sweet, fruity and a little peaty; at first mild/smooth but getting stronger (seems tame compared to the standard 10 y.o. but I prefer this one) | |||
| Tamdhu (Scott's) 49.6% | 1984 2011 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 88 | The nose is fruity with notes of orange marmalade and orange candy, also oak and malt. Very nice! The palate is light and sweet, clean and fresh with notes of lemon, orange, mint and oak. Balanced and more-ish. Drying, develops oak. Orange, honey and a note of mint on the finish. Also oaky and peppery with a hint of dried fruits. All in all nice and more-ish but the finish is a little too hot and oaky. | ||
| Tullibardine 49.8% cask 1112 | 1966 40 | S Highland | 88 | Faint but very nice nose with rich fruit and a lighter, minty note; rich, quite dry palate; slightly fiery finish; milder with water but the nose loses out | |||||
| Van Winkle Family Reserve 53.5% | | 15 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Nice, fragrant nose with vanilla and a note of gingerbread but also a slightly disturbing note of solvent; rich, sweet, quite nice palate; not as nice as Van Winkle's 15 y.o. "Handmade Bourbon", however | |
| Van Winkle Special Reserve 'Lot B' 45.2% | 12 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Nice nose with vanilla, caramelized sugar and mint; very nice palate with fresh notes of lemon and lime; balanced, fairly rich and a little spicy | ||
| W L Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon 45% | 7 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Fragrant, very nice nose with vanilla, arrack, oak shavings and orange peel; rich, sweet palate with vanilla, mint and citrus, quite mild at first then develops spices and a little fire; hot, peppery finish | ||
| Woodford Reserve batch 70 43.2% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 88 | Huge nose with oak and linseed oil but also surprisingly complex with nice notes of vanilla, marzipan, allspice and orange marmalade. Nice but a bit rough around the edges. The palate is quite oaky but surprisingly smooth. Rich with notes of mint and vanilla. Nice heat. Oaky, dry finish (disappointing). All in all powerful yet complex, rather nice but uneven. | ||
| Aberlour 100 Proof 57.1% | | Speyside | 87 | Not as nice as the earlier bottling, lighter with more spice and less sherry, also a little harsh (needs just a bit of water, if any) | | ||||
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 18 59.7% | | Speyside | 6-7 | 0 | 8 | 87 | Very nice nose with notes of sherry, dried fruits, gingerbread and honey, also an unusual, distinct oaky note like a Spanish brandy; rich, sweet, rather nice palate with sherry, oak shavings, notes of mint and orange; oaky, spicy finish with a note of gingerbread | | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 24 60.2% | | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 6 | 87 | Lovely, fragrant nose with dried fruits, oak and a note of brandy, also herbal; nice yet unexpectedly light palate with notes of crème brûlée, orange, clementine; nice, smooth and balanced yet a little disappointing; the lightest a'bunadh I've tried | | |
| Aberlour Cuvée Marie d'Ecosse * | | 15 | Speyside | 7 | 2 | 6-7 | 87 | Sweet, fairly rich with a very nice sherry character and nice spicy notes; surprisingly, also a little peaty (it's a bit hot so I prefer it with a drop of water) | |
| Amrut Intermediate Sherry 57.1% | | India | 4 | 0 | 5 | 87 | Fragrant, fruity nose with raisins, plum compôte and notes of mint and gingerbread. Very nice! The palate is fresh, fruity and clean, neither sweet nor dry. Lighter and fresher than the nose suggested. Very nice and quite more-ish. The finish is oaky, spicy and a bit simple - disappointing after the nice nose and palate. All in all very nice and more-ish but a little uneven. | | |
| An Cnoc 46% | 16 | E Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | The nose is fresh but a little quiet, with notes of fruits and oak. Very nice palate: light, fresh, fruity and minty with notes of oak, white pepper and citrus. Mostly oak on the finish but also notes of custard and citrus. All in all fresh, balanced and very drinkable. Needs no water. | | |
| Ardbeg Committee Reserve 55.3% | Islay | 8? | 87 | Peaty, peppery and powerful with a very nice finish although with a note of something burnt | |||||
| Ardbeg Uigeadail 54.2% | | Islay | 6-7 | 8 | 3 | 87 | Nice fruity, peaty nose; peaty palate with a nice sweet fruitiness but unfortunately also a note of burnt rubber | | |
| Ardbeg (SMWS) 56.2% | | 1998 6 | Islay | 87 | Youngish nose with cereal notes; mild, rich and fairly sweet palate with an unusual but rather nice fruitiness; the peat builds up and culminates in the finish; amazingly mature for its age (only the nose betrays its youth) | ||||
| Ardbeg 46% * | | 10 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Sweet, very peaty with a note of rubber which fades into light floral notes; quite nice but on the whole a bit rough; the peat provides a very nice finish though (bottled ~2004) | |
| Ardbeg Renaissance 55.9% | | 1998 2008 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Peaty nose with wonderful notes of tropical fruits; dry, sharp, very peaty palate, seems surprisingly brutal after the complex, fruity nose; spicy, peaty, intense finish even with plenty of water | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 50% | | 1973-Mar 27 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Flowery nose, the palate is fairly musty and a bit fruity; quite nice but not that balanced | |
| Auchentoshan (bourbon & claret wood) | 17 | Lowland | 87 | Complex, unusual nose with a nice fruitiness; rich palate with a "thick", yet very nice fruitiness | |||||
| Balblair | | 1997 2009 | N Highland | 6 | 87 | Lovely, fragrant, fruity nose with notes of vanilla, citrus and oak shavings; sweet, fruity palate with citrus, also oaky and spicy in a nice balance; quite oaky yet fairly nice finish | |||
| Balmenach (HB) 50.1% (port wood) | | 1972-Jan 30 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 87 | Rather nice nose: quite fruity with prunes, also malty with a note of peat; sweet, fruity palate, also a little spicy; rich, full of flavours yet very nicely balanced | ||
| BenRiach Importanticus Fumosus 46% | 12 | Speyside | 7 | 7 | 87 | Very nice nose with fruit and wood smoke; rich palate with fruit and smoke in a very nice balance; delicious, smoky finish with a note of mint | |||
| BenRiach cask 4023 53.5% | 1994 14 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Fragrant, voluptuous nose with vanilla, lime and oak shavings; nice, light, fresh palate with plenty of vanilla and citrus, sweet at first but drying, develops oak; oaky, spicy finish with notes of cinnamon and ginger; aged in new, "virgin" wood which has imparted quite a bit of oak (but not too much) and a very interesting character | ||
| BenRiach Madeira Finish | 1991 15 | Speyside | 87 | Fragrant nose with vanilla and unusual fruity notes, also a little spirity; rich, very nice palate with delicious fruity notes | |||||
| BenRiach Authenticus 46% * | 21 | Speyside | 5 | 5 | 0 | 87 | The nose is quiet yet nice, with notes of wood smoke, tropical fruits and honey. The palate also has honey, joined by malt and citrus. Develops oak, spices and a bit of heat. Oaky, smoky finish. All in all it's subtle, complex and rather nice yet a little disappointing. | | |
| BenRiach cask 1596 54% | 1978 28 | Speyside | 5 | 3 | 0 | 87 | Quiet, fruity and a little peaty nose; fruity and fairly sweet palate with a very nice, mild peatiness | ||
| BenRiach cask 1733 45% | 1972 33 | Speyside | 7 | 2 | 6 | 87 | Peaty, musty, fruity nose; complex, rich, dry palate, also oaky and spicy; rather nice but a little too oaky | ||
| Benromach | 21 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 5 | 87 | Very nice nose with light fruity notes; the palate is fairly rich and quite spicy with nice fruity notes; all in all rather nice but too spicy | | |
| Bladnoch 46% * | 17 | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 0? | 87 | Fruity, spicy nose; rich, sweet palate with very nice fruity notes (I can't pick them out, so I say fruit salad, heh) | | |
| Bowmore | | 12 | Islay | 6 | 6 | 2 | 87 | Strange nose but quite a nice palate; smoky, fairly rich, fairly sweet and a little flowery with a very nice, malty, peaty finish; (nicer, peatier and less flowery than a few years ago) | |
| Bowmore Enigma | 12 | Islay | 6 | 5 | 3 | 87 | Nice, peaty, fruity nose, also malty and a little floral (not like FWP though); peaty, malty palate, sweet with orange and honey but drying, develops more peat; dry, spicy, quite peaty, rather nice finish; youthful but fresh and very nicely balanced | | |
| Bowmore (JM) 57.8% | | 1994 2006 | Islay | 4 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Peaty, malty nose with faint but nice fruity notes; the palate is light, fresh and very peaty, seems young for its age | |
| Bowmore (bourbon wood) 51.8% | | 1989 16 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Peaty nose with wood smoke and the typical floweriness (violets); spicy, cereally and fairly fiery palate with a musty, yet mild peatiness | |
| Bowmore | | 17 | Islay | 87 | Shy nose with notes of tropical fruit and a bit of peat; complex, fairly rich palate | | |||
| Brackla, Royal (Cad) 54.7% | | 1992 16 | Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Gentle, subtle nose with very nice fruity notes; the palate is mild and sweet with lots of fruits: banana, apple (like in fruit-flavoured candy), very nice at first but the fruits fade as oaky spices develop | |
| Brackla, Royal (Sign) | | 1975 24 | Highland | 4 | 0? | 7 | 87 | Mild and balanced with a wonderful, light sherry taste | |
| Braeval (B) 46% * | | 1998 13 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Fresh, fruity, slightly sour nose, like white wine (Riesling). Notes of green fruits and oak. Very nice! Fruity, oaky, peppery palate. A little too oaky and peppery, in fact but it gets milder and nicer with a drop of water. With water it's sweet, fruity and more-ish. Oaky, peppery, rather nice finish. A lovely apéritif! | |
| Brora (RM) 58.1% | | 1982 20 | N Highland | 5 | 4? | 0 | 87 | Fresh notes of citrus fruits on the nose; sweet, smooth and balanced palate; fairly peaty with a nice note of oranges, also peppermint | |
| Brora (RM) 56.1% | | 1977 24 | N Highland | 6 | 6 | 0 | 87 | Wonderful sweet and peaty nose; clean palate with fresh, fruity notes, also peaty with a cereal note; very nice peaty-flowery balance | |
| Brora (SMWS) 56.0% | | 1978 24 | N Highland | 5 | 6 | 0 | 87 | Peat and bread on the nose; the palate: at first youngish cereal notes, then develops a very nice balance of sweet, fruity and peaty notes | |
| Brora (McGibbon's Provenance) | | 1975 25 | N Highland | 5 | 6 | 0 | 87 | Sweet nose, fairly sweet palate, not that smoky but a smokier finish; balanced and very nice | |
| Bruichladdich 46% * | | 20 | Islay | 5 | 1 | 0 | 87 | Very nice, fruity nose; fairly sweet palate with vanilla and very nice fruity notes (apples) and a hint of peat; dry, oaky and slightly disappointing finish, however | |
| Caol Ila Cask Strength 55% | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 87 | Very peaty and a little peppery with a very nice finish; richer, more balanced than the 12 y.o. and seems more mature (unchillfiltered, unlike the 12 y.o.) | | ||
| Caol Ila 65.8% | | 10 | Islay | 5 | 2 | 0 | 87 | Nice nose with notes of apples and citrus fruits; light, sweet palate with very nice fruity notes (citrus, apricot), also a little spicy with the spices very nicely balanced against the fruits | |
| Caol Ila (B) 60.8% | | 1995 12 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Nice fruity and peaty nose; the palate is at first light, sweet and fruity, then develops quite a bit of peat, with thick wood smoke in the finish; very nice! | |
| Caol Ila (DE) | | 1993 2006 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Very nice nose: very peaty with interesting fruity notes; rich, chewy palate with lots of flavours: sweet, fruity and peaty with a delicious minty note on top; very nice peaty, fruity finish (L6249) | |
| Caol Ila (RM) 61.12% | | 1975 20 | Islay | 3 | 5 | 0 | 87 | Subtle, light and flowery; the peat is at first only a hint, then gets gradually more intense and turns into a balanced and fairly medicinal finish | |
| Caol Ila (RM) 61.3% | | 1977 21 | Islay | 4 | 6 | 0 | 87 | Very nice fruity nose; light and sweet with a fascinating interplay of delicate peat and citrus fruit; the finish is fairly flat and disappointing, however | |
| Caol Ila (Sign) 58.2% | | 1979 25 | Islay | 87 | Very nice palate with a very nice peaty/fruity balance; the finish is spicy, almost fiery and a little disappointing | ||||
| Caol Ila Centenary Reserve (GM) * | | 1966 29 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 4 | 87 | Fairly rich and very peaty with a very nice finish; sherry wood but the sherry isn't very prominent | |
| Clynelish (B) 46% | | 1995 15 | N Highland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 87 | Very nice nose with notes of cream, coconut and custard, also a little oak. Sweet, malty palate. Rum-like with a note of arrack. Oaky and fairly peppery finish, also slightly peaty. | |
| Clynelish (DL) 50% | | 1983-Apr 2007-May | N Highlands | 4 | 1 | 0 | 87 | Fragrant, almost perfumed yet rather nice nose with vanilla, crème brûlée and a note of peat; nice, mild palate with citrus flavoured candy and a rum-like sweetness, also a little spicy; nice, light and moreish | |
| Compass Box Oak Cross | | Malt/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Nice, fragrant nose with lots of oak, vanilla and malt. Behind that there are fresh notes of green fruits. The palate is at first sweet, mild and smooth, fresh, zesty with citrus. Drying, develops oak and spicy notes. The finish is herbal and quite oaky (the new French oak comes to the fore). All in all balanced, very nice and quite more-ish. Very well crafted. | ||
| Cragganmore 52.5% | 1973 29 | Speyside | 87 | Light, fruity and quite nice nose with notes of lemon, orange and vanilla; very nice light, balanced palate, fairly sweet, also spicy | |||||
| Craigellachie 60.0% (Sign) | | 2002 8 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6 | 87 | Complex, unusual yet nice nose with honey, caramelized sugar and spices (spiced rum). Also citrus. Sweet palate with dried fruits, a bit like a Spanish brandy. Drying, develops notes of oak and honey. Very nice balance between sweet fruits and spicy oak. Nice oaky, fruity finish. All in all unusual but unusually good for an 8 y.o. | |
| Dallas Dhu (DLP) | 1971 32 | Speyside | 6-7 | 0 | 4 | 87 | Wonderful nose with a sweet unusual fruitiness; quite nice yet disappointing palate with notes of sherry, ginger and maybe cinnamon | ||
| Finlaggan Old Reserve | | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Rich, fruity, peaty but also a little rubbery nose; rich, sweet, powerful palate with a contrasting light, fresh minty note - very nice! | | |
| Glen Garioch 48% * | 12 | E Highland | 6 | 2 | 2 | 87 | Nice fruity, malty nose, young and zesty with orange marmalade, also a little oaky with note of peat. Rich, sweet palate with notes of honey and citrus. Also malty, oaky and spicy with a hint of añejo tequila. Fresh and rather nice. All in all it's a little unpolished but fresh and enjoyable (and very good value). | | |
| Glen Ord (RM) 60.8% | | 1974 23 | N Highland | 6 | 1 | 0? | 87 | Nice nose with the typical fruity character (banana, pear among other fruits); nice, sweet, fruity palate, also a hint of peat | |
| Glen Ord 58.7% | 30 | N Highland | 87 | Faint yet nice nose with a candy-like fruitiness (banana, citrus); sweet, fruity palate with more banana; quite nice but a little one-dimensional | | ||||
| Glen Spey (SMWS) 52.1% | | 1985 20 | Speyside | 87 | Quite light yet very nice; fresh, balanced and drinkable with notes of lime and mint (mojito!), also apple | ||||
| Glendronach 46% | | 18 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 87 | Subtle, complex nose with spices and citrus, also oak and dried fruits (prunes and figs) - a bit like a Spanish brandy; mild, complex palate, fairly dry and oaky (a little too oaky actually) but with nice notes of gingerbread and peppermint | |
| Glendronach cask 1241 49.8% | 1990 20 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 6 | 87 | Quite sherried yet fresh nose with honey, caramelized sugar, linseed oil, oak; rich, spicy, quite oaky palate with honey, orange marmalade, gingerbread - nice yet a bit too dry and oaky; nice finish with gingerbread and peppermint | | |
| Glenfarclas Quarter Cask 46.1% | 1988 20 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 87 | Rich, sweet palate with sherry, also spicy with notes of gingerbread and tropical fruits | ||
| Glenfiddich 51% | 15 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 87 | Very nice nose, complex with notes of oak, vanilla, brown sugar and oranges; the palate is simpler, with predominantly oak and spices, nice, but not as nice as the nose suggests | | ||
| Glenlivet | | 12 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Lovely, fragrant nose with notes of vanilla, clementine and oak, also a hint of aniseed; mild, sweet, very nice palate with citrus fruits, vanilla and a note of mint; light, smooth and eminently drinkable; short finish though | |
| Glenlivet (JM) 57.8% | 1996 12 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 3 | 87 | Very nice fruity nose; rather nice, complex palate - sweet, fruity, creamy with tropical fruits and a hint of peat, also a little spicy from the oak | ||
| Glenlivet French Oak Reserve | 15 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 87 | Yummy, fruity nose; mild, balanced palate with fragrant notes of honey and vanilla; drier, spicier and more complex than the 12 y.o. but lacks its freshness | | ||
| Glenlivet Nàdurra 48% | | 16 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Yummy nose with lots of fruit, notes of candied apple and a hint of ginger; the palate is sweet, quite fruity and very nice, also slightly fiery (but milder with water) | |
| Glenlivet Nàdurra 54.2% | | 16 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Very nice, fresh nose with notes of vanilla, orange, apricot and oak. Creamy, chewy palate with vanilla, oak and apricot marmalade. Develops a note of mint that lingers into the finish. Oaky, fruity finish. Very similar to the original 48% bottling. (Batch 1109I, bottled 2009-Nov) | |
| Glenlivet Nàdurra 57.6% | 16 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Just as nice as its 48% predecessor (but cask strength is more logical when you market a whisky as "natural") | | |
| Glenlivet French Oak Finish 46% | 1983 2003 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 5 | 87 | Rich, sweet and fruity with notes of gingerbread and blood orange | ||
| Glenlivet (GM) | 21 | Speyside | 87 | Fairly quiet nose with a note of oak; mild yet restrained palate with tropical fruit | | ||||
| Glenlochy (Sign) 52.8% | | 1980 29 | W Highland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Fragrant, very fruity, very nice nose with orange, lemon, crème brûlée and vanilla, also oak; sweet, fruity palate with citrus and peppermint, develops oak; oaky, spicy finish | |
| Glenlossie (Cad) 55.1% | | 1993 18 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 8 | 87 | Quite nice nose with notes of oak, gingerbread, cardamom and honey. Big, very oaky palate with dried fruits (reminiscent of a Spanish brandy). Sweet at first, then drying. Develops gingerbread. Oak and gingerbread on the finish. Dry yet nice. All in all powerful and quite sherried but rather nice. | |
| Glenmorangie 56.0% (SMWS) | | 1995 11 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Nice, fresh nose with vanilla, caramelized sugar (a little rum-like), lime, orange, oak and a hint of mint. Clean, fresh palate with oak and sweetness in a very nice balance. Quite oaky and spicy yet rather nice. The finish is hot and oaky and a little disappointing. | |
| Glentauchers 56.0% (Sign) | | 1981 30 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 4 | 87 | Nose: Honey, orange marmalade, peppermint and a little oak. Palate: Fresh, sweet and smooth with orange and oak. Develops spices. Finish: Oak and citrus. Overall: It's amazingly fresh for a 30 y.o. with surprisingly little oak. It doesn't have much of a sherry character either but it's balanced, very nice and very drinkable. | |
| Hazelburn 46% * | | 8 | Campb. | 6 | 1 | 3 | 87 | Fresh, fruity nose with orange zest, young but not immature; rather nice palate - sweet, fruity and candy-like with vanilla and oaky/spicy notes in a nice balance (07/183) | |
| Hazelburn 46% * | | 12 | Campb. | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Fragrant, very nice nose with fruity candy (Fix & Foxi chewing gum), citrus and Curaçao liqueur, also vanilla and oak; sweet palate with citrus, vanilla and oak, unfortunately also a bit hot and spirity; oaky, dry, disappointing finish (b. 2010) | |
| Highland Park (GM) 59.0% | | 1991 13 | Islands/ Orkney | 5-6 | 0 | 87 | Clean, fresh and balanced, also fairly peaty (careful with that water, Eugene!) | ||
| Highland Park (MM) 51.7% | 1989 15 | Islands/ | 3 | 1 | 3 | 87 | Citrus, honey, vanilla, oak and a little peat on the nose - complex, subtle and rather nice; light, subtle, balanced palate with lemon, orange, custard, cream, develops peppermint and oak (MM for Hudson's Bay) | ||
| Highland Park (new bottle) | 18 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 1 | 5 | 87 | Nice nose with dried fruits and gingerbread; fairly rich palate with nice fruity notes and heather, develops a note of peat; more balanced and a little nicer than it was a few years ago | ||
| Highland Park (Cad) 50% | | 1979 25 | Islands/ Orkney | 87 | Wonderful nose with tropical fruits; palate is less fruity and adds spices, nice yet disappointing after the nose; the finish is slightly peaty but again, disappointing | ||||
| Imperial (DD) 46% | | 1996 11 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 0 | 87 | Very fruity, very nice nose with notes of lime, orange and pear; fruity, spicy palate, develops a grassy note and a hint of peat | |
| Inchgower (MI) 59% | 18 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 4 | 87 | Dried fruits, ginger and cloves on the nose; nice, mild palate with nice sherry notes | | |
| Jack Daniel's Single Barrel 45% * | | Bourbon/ TN/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Big, fragrant nose with marzipan and apricot. Also spicy oak and white pepper (from the rye, I presume). Very nice and well aged. The palate is clean but hot without water. With water it's light, sweet and very nice with notes of orange and lemon. Nice finish with spicy oak and vanilla. All in all impressive and very nicely balanced. Needs a drop of water to soften the heat. | ||
| Johnnie Walker Gold Label | | 18 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 3 | 87 | Very nice, complex nose with fresh, fruity notes, also peaty; the palate is at first sweet and fruity then develops spicy, peaty and malty notes | ||
| Karuizawa 60.4% cask 7387 | 1986 21 | Japan | 6 | 0 | 3 | 87 | Fragrant, very nose with notes of vanilla and gingerbread; rich, spicy palate, develops vanilla (nice yet a little disappointing after the nice nose) | ||
| Kinclaith (Sign) 52.3% | | 1975 26 | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 7 | 87 | Very nice, sweet and fruity nose; rich, fruity palate with wonderful sherry notes but they fade into the disappointing finish | |
| Lagavulin 56.4% | | 12 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Thick, musty peat on the nose. Also notes of green fruits and oak. The palate is surprisingly mild and sweet at first with notes of apples and pears, then drying, turns spicy and develops lots of peat. Dry, malty, very peaty finish with notes of coal, tar and mint. All in all peaty and powerful but with fresh fruity notes. (8th release, b. 2008) | |
| Lagavulin 57.9% | 12 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Very peaty nose with malt, orange peel, custard, also a youngish cereal note; very nice palate: light and sweet at first and of course very peaty, also fruity with citrus; the finish is very peaty and a little oaky (9th release, b. 2009) | | |
| Lagavulin 58.2% | | 12 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Peaty and a little musty nose but there are also nice fruity notes; sweet, fruity, balanced palate; a little cleaner than #1 but otherwise similar (4th release, b. 2004) | |
| Laphroaig Càirdeas Master Edition 57.3% | | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Very nice, powerful nose with thick peat smoke and tar, also fruity notes of melon and pear and youngish notes of malt and cereal; spicy, very peaty palate, fairly dry and curiously light-bodied but with nice fruity notes; long, warming, very nice finish with malt, liqourice and lots of peat (bottled 2010) | ||
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask 48% | | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Peaty nose with very nice fruity notes; unusual palate with a nice fruitiness; quite medicinal finish; seems younger than the 10 y.o. but adds interesting flavours (best without water) | | |
| Laphroaig 'Leapfrog' (MM) 46% | | 1987 12 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Rich and very peaty, also sweet with a wonderful fruitiness (pears in syrup) | |
| Laphroaig (DL) 50% | | 1988-Mar 2005-Oct | Islay | 87 | Peaty nose with an interesting fruity note; peaty, sweet palate, develops spicy notes; quite peaty finish (six months rum finish) | ||||
| Laphroaig 48% * | | 18 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 87 | Very nice, very smoky nose; mild, sweet, fairly rich palate; unexpectedly mild but nicely balanced and quite moreish (L9056) | | |
| Laphroaig (B) 56.3% cask 2247 | | 1990 18 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Sweet, fruity and peaty palate, also a little spicy with a cereal note; all in all rather nice but a little simple | |
| Laphroaig (CWC) 50.2% cask 2230 | 1990 18 | Islay | 5 | 6 | 0 | 87 | Peaty yet mild nose; the palate is sweet and spicy at first, then quite peaty | ||
| Ledaig | | 1979 | Islands/ Mull | 6 | 5? | 0 | 87 | Rich, sweet, peaty; at first a bit musty (with an off-note as well?) but develops very nice notes of apples and candy; the finish is fairly dull and disappointing however | |
| Longmorn (GM) | 12 | Speyside | 87 | Light, fresh, fruity nose with citrus fruit; fruity, fairly sweet palate, balanced and very nice with a note of honey | | ||||
| Longmorn (JWWW) 50.7% | 1966 36 | Speyside | 7 | 0? | 9 | 87 | Very rich with wonderful sherry notes (needs quite a lot of water) | ||
| Longrow (bourbon wood) 46% | | 10 | Campb. | 7 | 5 | 0 | 87 | Rich, spicy and a bit creamy with a wonderful, very long finish; complex and very nice yet a wee bit too young | |
| Longrow 100 Proof 57% | | 10 | Campb. | 6 | 6 | 2 | 87 | Rather nice nose with peat, mint and citrus fruits but also youngish cereal notes; very nice palate: light, clean, sweet and fruity, also quite peaty; nice fruity, peaty finish | |
| Longrow 46% * | 10 | Campb. | 6 | 5 | 2 | 87 | Very nice fruity notes on the nose, also nicely smoky; rather nice palate with citrus fruits and a note of mint (bottled 2007) | | |
| Longrow 46% * | | 1992 10 | Campb. | 8 | 7 | 0 | 87 | At first a very nice fruitiness, then becomes more peaty; the peat peaks in the very nice, yet slightly musty finish | |
| Longrow 46% * | | 1993 10 | Campb. | 7 | 5 | 0 | 87 | Fairly peaty with a light, very nice fruitiness; a little sweeter and less peaty than the '92 | |
| Longrow 46% | | 1996 10 | Campb. | 8 | 6-7 | 87 | Young and a bit fiery with cereal notes and an interesting combination of rich fruit and thick peat | ||
| Macallan Royal Marriage (1948/1961 vatting) | | 20 | Speyside | 8 | 0? | 8 | 87 | Very rich with the typical Mac sherry but this time more complex and not so dominating; very nice finish | |
| Macallan (Cad) 53.8% | | 1989 21 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Fresh, fruity nose with lemon and lime; sweet, fruity palate with a note of orange, develops oak; very nicely balanced (comes from a bourbon cask, which is unusual for Macallan) | |
| Macallan (DL) 50% | | 1977-May 2000-Oct | Speyside | 87 | Light, clean and balanced with a very nice fruitiness (blood orange?) and a note of hay; develops spiciness; slightly peaty finish | ||||
| Mortlach (RM) 62.2% | | 1978 20 | Speyside | 4 | 3 | 2 | 87 | Very nice at first, with flowery and peaty notes, but a disappointing finish; not quite as nice, light and balanced as the 1972 | |
| Mortlach (JWWW) 51.1% | 1974 | Speyside | 5 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Very nice subtle, fruity palate; surprisingly peaty with a very peaty finish | | |
| Nikka Taketsuru | | 12 | Malt/ Japan | 5 | 2 | 0 | 87 | Fragrant, floral nose with notes of oak, dark chocolate, citrus and peat, unusual yet rather nice; mild, sweet, floral palate, develops oak and peat; smooth and complex with a beautiful balance between sweet & spicy flavours; rather nice but maybe a little heavy on the flowery stuff... | |
| Old Pulteney 46% * | 21 | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 4 | 87 | Very nice nose with honey, orange marmalade, crème brûlée and oak. Rich palate with oak, honey and orange marmalade. Quite oaky and fairly dry. Mild for 46% so water is not necessary (but adding a drop makes it sweeter and less dry). Oaky, dry, peppery finish with a note of gingerbread. Warming. All in all nice but on the oaky side. | | |
| Penderyn Madeira Finish 46% | | Wales | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | The classic expression, aged in ex-bourbon and finished in ex-Madeira casks. Fruity nose with apricot, lemon and sponge cake. Also oak and mint. Quiet but nice. Sweet, chewy, fairly rich palate. Drying, develops oak and lovely fruity notes of apricot, peach and lime. Very nice! Fruity, oaky, nice finish. | | |
| Penderyn Peated 46% | | Wales | 5 | 5 | 0 | 87 | Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-peated Scotch casks. Oaky, peaty nose with notes of citrus, vanilla and malt. Sweet, chewy palate with oak, peat and fresh notes of lemon, lime and peppermint, also malt. Smooth, nicely balanced and very nice. Very nice finish with mint and citrus. Oak and peat at the end. All in all balanced and more-ish. Rather mild for its 46% ABV (might be even nicer at 50%). | | |
| Port Ellen (McGibbon's Provenance) * | | 1982 17 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 7 | 87 | Very sherried (and with a nice sherry), also quite peaty; a wild combination but it works rather well | |
| Port Ellen (DL) 50% | | 1979-Sep 2001-Apr | Islay | 7 | 7 | 0 | 87 | Peaty, musty nose with a hint of rubber; the palate is nicer: loses the rubber and develops notes of fruit and cereal; excellent finish with a minty note | |
| Port Ellen (Drumlanrig) 58.2% | 1982 25 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 87 | Peaty, musty, fruity, quite nice nose; sweet, fruity, peaty palate, quite nice but there's a disturbing note of rubber; very nice finish with peat and iodine | ||
| Powers John's Lane 46% * | 12 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 7 | 0 | 87 | Fresh, fruity and oaky nose with the typical fruity pot still character. A little spirity without water. With water it develops almonds, marzipan, custard and more oak. Also a note of bourbon. The palate is fresh and quite fruity (orange marmalade), also custard and honey. Oaky and spicy with a dry, rye-like note. The finish has marzipan and oak. A little peppery. All in all it has lots of flavour but it's not quite balanced. It's a little splintered but entertaining and rather nice. Best with a drop of water (too hot and spicy without it). | |||
| Redbreast Pure Pot Still 40% | 12 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 6 | 0 | 87 | Rich and intensely fruity, a bit spicy with a hint of perfume and clear notes of peach; all in all very nice | |||
| Redbreast Single Pot Still 40% | 12 b. 2012 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 6 | 0 | 87 | Big nose with peach, marzipan and oak. Very fruity palate with a fresh note of vanilla. Lighter than expected at first but grows richer as it develops oak and spices. The finish is fairly oaky with peach, marzipan and a note of mint. Lighter, cleaner and more easy drinking than the other expressions of Redbreast. | |||
| Rosebank (Mackillop's Choice) 59.1% | 1989 13 | Lowland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 87 | Subtle yet rather nice nose with citrus fruits, vanilla and oak; light, clean, floral palate with a note of candy, develops spices and a hint of peat; very nice! | ||
| Rosebank (Chieftain's) 46% * | | 1990 20 | Lowland | 5 | 1 | 3 | 87 | Citrus, oak and mint on the nose; fairly light palate with orange, honey and gingerbread, also slightly peaty, it's at first sweet, then turns dry and surprisingly spicy; oaky, spicy finish with a note of mint | |
| Rosebank (RM) 61.1% | | 1981 22 | Lowland | 4 | 2 | 87 | Rather nice palate, light, sweet with citrus, vanilla and behind that a little peat but also a slightly disturbing musty note | ||
| Springbank 100 Proof 57% | | 10 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 0 | 87 | Fresh, fruity and zesty with coconut, vanilla and a delicious peatiness | |
| Springbank 55.2% | | 1997 2007 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 87 | Very nice, very unusual nose; complex, sweet, fairly rich palate with vanilla and tropical fruits, also peaty with quite a peaty finish | ||
| Springbank bourbon wood 58.5% | | 1991 12 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 0 | 87 | Fruity, a little peaty nose, unfortunately also a little musty; nicer palate - rich, sweet and creamy, also oaky with very nice fruity notes; the oak dominates the finish, however | |
| Springbank 46% * | | 1967 24 | Campb. | 4 | 0-1 | 0? | 87 | Rich, intense, spicy and complex; quite interesting but the flavours don't quite hang together | |
| St. Magdalene (RM) 63.8% | | 1979 19 | Lowland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Wonderful nose with sweet, fruity notes; nice, light palate with notes of citrus fruits; slightly disappointing finish however | |
| St. Magdalene (Sign) 48.7% | | 1975 29 | Lowland | 87 | Light, grassy, slightly peaty nose; richer palate, fresh, fruity, spicy and even a little fiery, develops a very nice fruitiness | ||||
| Strathisla (DD) 47.2% | 40 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Complex nose with very nice notes of vanilla and tropical fruits; nice fruity palate but it's also spicy and a little too dry and oaky | | |
| Strathmill (TWA) 44.4% | 1974 37 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Unusual but very nice nose with notes of tropical fruits, coconut, fried butter, oak and wet cardboard. Light, sweet, fruity palate, develops oak. Nice, but not as nice as the nose. Oak, vanilla and traces of the fruits on the finish. | ||
| Talisker 57° North 57% | Islands/ Skye | 5 | 5 | 0 | 87 | Unexpectedly light palate: sweet with notes of citrus, fairly peaty but develops more peat; very nice, rather peaty finish; decidedly milder and lighter than the 10 y.o. but I prefer this one (L7299) | |||
| Tomatin 52% | 21 | Highland | 5 | 0 | 2 | 87 | Nice yet quiet nose with honey and gingerbread; complex, rather nice palate with honey and gingerbread again, also white pepper, orange marmalade and a little oak; oaky, spicy finish (perhaps a little too oaky) | | |
| Tullamore Dew 40% | 12 | Blend/ Ireland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Nice nose with oak, allspice, hay, citrus fruits and custard. The palate is balanced, smooth, sweet and very mild with notes of custard and honey. The finish has oak, mint and honey, also notes of apricot and peach (from the pot still component). All in all very smooth with an excellent balance. It's more-ish and goes down very easily! | ||
| Wild Turkey Rare Breed 54.2% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Nice nose with vanilla and oak, also herbal and earthy notes; the palate is rich and fruity with a note of marzipan, oaky, a bit dry, also fiery and a little musty (needs very little water) (batch W-T-01-99) | ||
| Yamazaki | | 10 | Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Very nice nose with oak, vanilla and citrus, also a little flowery; light, clean palate (über-clean in fact), smooth and sweet, develops spices | |
| Yamazaki | | 12 | Japan | 5 | 0 | 0 | 87 | Wonderful, fragrant nose with notes of tropical fruits, vanilla and oak; nice, sweet, oaky palate; clean and nicely balanced but just a little too oaky | |
| Yoichi 52% | 20 | Japan | 6 | 1 | 0? | 87 | Very nice nose with oak, vanilla and a hint of smoke; rich yet fairly dry palate, also a little bitter and musty; all in all it's unusual and interesting with lots of flavours but it lacks balance | | |
| Inchgower (RM) 55.6% | | 1976 27 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0? | 87? | Nice nose with refreshing notes of citrus fruits; very nice fruity palate; also fairly spicy and intense | |
| Talisker 175th Anniversary 45.8% | Islands/ Skye | 87? | Peaty and fairly fruity nose; intense, peaty palate | ||||||
| Laphroaig (DL) 50% | | 1987-Oct 2003-Mar | Islay | 7 | 8 | 4 | 86-87 | Rich and smooth yet very peaty with a note of iodine and a whiff of wood smoke; also a mild and very nice sherry character | |
| Longrow (SMWS) 57.8% | | 1990 14 | Campb. | 0 | 86-87 | Light, balanced palate with a nice fresh fruitiness at first, then develops quite a bit of peat | |||
| Springbank Cuvée (MM) 46% | Campb. | 86-87 | "Old" peat (like in Longrow) and rich fruit on the nose; interesting peatiness on the palate; complex but a bit chaotic; very nice finish though | | |||||
| Aberlour (SMOS) 46% | | 1994 11 | Speyside | 5 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Very nice fruity nose (banana), also a little young with a hint of peat; quite nice palate with a note of oak and a very nice finish; fruity all the way (bourbon matured) | |
| Aberlour (Cad) 57.5% | | 1989 21 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 86 | From a bourbon hogshead (unusual for Aberlour). Nice, fresh, fruity nose with notes of citrus (lemon drops), oak and mint. Fairly light palate with sweet fruits and oaky spices in a very nice balance. Oaky, dry finish (slightly disappointing). | |
| Ardbeg Corryvreckan 57.1% | Islay | 7 | 8 | 86 | Peaty, malty nose with interesting, unusual fruity notes; powerful, very peaty palate with a cereal note, develops notes of cherries and white chocolate; all in all nice but not as nice as the Committee bottling | | |||
| Ardbeg Supernova 58.9% | | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 86 | Rather nice nose: very peaty with a note of coal, yet complex, fruity and slightly floral with notes of black pepper, mint and iodine; the palate is at first quite sweet and fruity but drying and develops lots of peat; very peaty, very nice finish with a lingering note of iodine | | |
| Ardbeg Almost There 54.1% | | 1998 2007 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 86 | Wood smoke, tar and iodine on the nose, also a note of apples; sweet, fruity, peaty palate; rather nice even though it's a little immature | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 50% | | 1992-Mar 2003-Feb | Islay | 5 | 9 | 0 | 86 | Very smoky yet light and clean; very nice palate with a cereal note and a very nice finish with a candy-like fruitiness | |
| Ardbeg | 17 | Islay | 5 | 6 | 0 | 86 | Nice nose with notes of fruit candy, peat and iodine; sweet, subtle, complex, fairly peaty palate with a cereal note; very nice finish | | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 50% | | 1975-Oct 2000-Oct | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 86 | Rich, peaty, powerful with some pepperiness; youthful for its age | |
| Auchentoshan | | 12 | Lowland | 4 | 0 | 2? | 86 | Very nice fragrant nose with citrus fruits, custard and a little oak; mild, sweet, fruity palate, develops spices; rather nice at first but the spices take over towards the finish | |
| Balblair | 1997 2007 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Quite fruity, quite nice nose with vanilla and a note of oak; sweet, fruity palate, drying and develops spices; nice, spicy finish; a solid well-crafted dram | ||
| Balblair | 1989 2007 | N Highland | 5 | 0 | 2 | 86 | Rather nice nose with notes of tropical fruits and oak; mild palate with dried fruits and a note of cinnamon (some refill sherry wood in there, I think); nice, spicy finish | ||
| Balblair 46% * | 1989 2012 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 2 | 86 | Oaky, fruity nose with notes of linseed oil, orange and apricot. A little unusual. The palate is rich, sweet and fruity with a note of mint. Mild for 46% but the balance improves a little with water. The finish is oaky and a little peppery with a note of gingerbread. All in all it's not quite balanced but rather nice. | ||
| Ballantine's | | 17 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 1 | 3 | 86 | Light nose (predominantly grain) with a nice fruitiness and a hint of peat; richer palate with more malt and very nice notes of tropical fruits, sawdust and liqourice | |
| Balvenie Double Wood | 12 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 4 | 86 | Oak (sherry wood), dried fruits, gingerbread and caramelized sugar on the nose. Sweet, smooth, fairly rich palate with honey, oak and spices. Rather nice finish with a note of gingerbread. All in all smooth, balanced and drinkable. (Works quite well with a cigar, BTW) | | |
| Balvenie Vintage Cask * | | 1966 32 | Speyside | 4 | 2 | 0 | 86 | Sweet, fruity nose; balanced, slightly peaty palate with a very nice fruitiness | |
| BenRiach Curiositas | 10 | Speyside | 86 | | |||||
| BenRiach cask 4005 51.2% | 1970 34 | Speyside | 7 | 1 | 7 | 86 | Fascinating, complex nose with oak, vanilla, dried fruit and a hint of smoke; rich palate with a nice fruitiness but also very oaky and dry with an even drier finish | ||
| Benrinnes (DL) 50% | | 1990-Nov 2004-Dec | Speyside | 7 | 1 | 4 | 86 | Nice nose with notes of orange, blood orange; nice, fruity palate, not overly sweet from the sherry but instead spicy and a little fiery; slightly peaty finish | |
| Blanton's Special Reserve 40% | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Very nice fragrant nose with vanilla, passion fruit, orange and oak shavings. Also notes of cereal and linseed oil. Rich, sweet palate with orange and vanilla. Fairly dry yet nice finish with citrus, vanilla and oak, also a little musty. All in all nice but rather mild (perhaps a little weak at 40%). | |||
| Bowmore Voyage 56% | | 13 | Islay | 6 | 5 | 7 | 86 | Quite rich, a bit spicy, complex with an interesting fruitiness in addition to the typical peaty/flowery combination | |
| Bowmore Darkest | 15 | Islay | 7 | 6-7 | 6-7 | 86 | The nose is strange and not quite coherent but the palate is quite nice; rich with lots of sherry (but that doesn't smother the light floral notes) | | |
| Bowmore (sherry wood) 53.8% | 1990 16 | Islay | 86 | Cereal and jam on the nose; rich, sweet, peaty palate with nice fruity notes and a hint of grapes; unfortunately the peat and the fruit don't work well together | |||||
| Bowmore (TWA) 54.6% | 1993 17 | Islay | 8 | 7 | 0 | 86 | Peaty, malty nose; dry, spicy, peaty palate, light at first, then grows powerful and develops a lot of peat, simplistic and a little hot but quite nice; very peaty, very nice finish with notes of tar, iodine, malt | ||
| Box Pioneer 48.1% | | 3 | Sweden | 7 | 3 | 0 | 86 | The nose is dominated by oak but there are also notes of mint, lemon, orange, white pepper and peat. A little on the young side but the nice fruity notes make up for that. Hopefully the prominent oak won't overpower the palate and finish! Let's see... The palate is rich, sweet and fruity, also malty and oaky with notes of citrus and mint. Youthful but rather nice. The finish is oaky, peppery and a little hot but it also has a refreshing note of citrus. All in all it's very mature for its age. More-ish. An impressive first effort! The use of small casks (and partly new oak) has made it quite oaky but luckily not too oaky. A little hot without water but adding water reveals more of the youthful character. Best neat. | |
| Brora (RM) 60.75% | | 1975 20 | N Highland | 5 | 5 | 0 | 86 | Fresh, fruity, peaty nose; nice, light and fairly sweet palate, also quite peaty; all in all rather nice but the fruitiness could be cleaner | |
| Bruichladdich Full Strength 57.1% | | 1989 13 | Islay | 3 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Mild, light and clean, malty with a very nice orangey fruitiness and a note of peat in the background | |
| Bunnahabhain (SMWS) 51.2% | | 1985 18 | Islay | 6 | 3 | 6 | 86 | Nice, fruity, yet slightly unusual nose; fairly sweet/fruity and a bit peaty palate; overall balanced, mellow and quite nice | |
| Caol Ila (DE) | 1995 2007 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 0 | 86 | Compared to the 1993: smokier nose but not as nice; palate is lighter, less sweet, fairly spicy; all in all nice but not quite as nice as the 1993 | ||
| Caol Ila (DE) | 1996 2008 | Islay | 7 | 6 | 0 | 86 | Peaty nose, also spicy and fruity (a bit like a barbecued, marinated steak); sweet palate, fruity and a little spicy, the peat is subdued at first but grows stronger; quite nice but a little too sweet and lacks the complexity of the '93 | ||
| Caol Ila (Cad) 60.4% | | 1995 13 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 2 | 86 | Very smoky nose with notes of citrus fruits (think slightly burnt toast with orange marmalade), also a little earthy; the palate is very peaty, spicy and surprisingly dry; all in all nice but a little raw | |
| Caol Ila (Shieldaig) | | 1983 17 | Islay | 5 | 5 | 0 | 86 | Light, clean and fairly sweet palate with a very nice fresh fruitiness (apples and citrus), a mild peatiness and also a youthful cereal note | |
| Caol Ila (Sign) 62.5% | | 1981 20 | Islay | 86 | Peaty, fruity (apples) nose (possibly a hint of rubber); light, quite peaty palate with a very nice finish | ||||
| Caol Ila (Scottish Castles) 46% | | 1982 21 | Islay | 6 | 4 | 2 | 86 | Peaty, fruity, a little unusual nose; mild, sweet palate (rounder and milder than usual); quite peaty finish | |
| Caperdonich (CC) | | 1968 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6 | 86 | Nice nose with a note of sherry; very nice, clean, balanced, medium-sherried palate; nice, slowly fading finish | |
| Chivas Regal | | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 2 | 3 | 86 | Weak nose with faint but nice notes of grain whisky, toffee, citrus and oak; mild, sweet, balanced palate with dried fruits (sherry wood), also peat, develops oak and spices; oaky, spicy, slightly peaty finish; a very nicely balanced, easy drinking Scotch (much nicer than a few years ago) | |
| Chivas Regal | | 18 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 1 | 86 | The nose is oaky and a little earthy with a note of peat, there are also very nice notes of citrus and vanilla; rich, oaky palate with notes of spices (ginger, cloves) and dried fruits (raisins, prunes) | ||
| Clynelish 46% * | 12 | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fresh, fruity nose with citrus and coconut; sweet, zesty, spicy, powerful palate with notes of apricot marmalade and vanilla; hot, spicy finish; more powerful than the 14 y.o. but less complex and not as balanced | | |
| Clynelish (Duthies) 46% * | 14 | N Highland | 86 | Quite nice but also quite similar to the OB (at a much higher price, hmm) | | ||||
| Clynelish (TWA) 48% * | 1995 14 | N Highland | 7 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Nice nose with oak, tropical fruits, vanilla, coconut; nice, spicy, fruity palate, develops vanilla and orange; more powerful than the OB 14 but less fragrant, less balanced | ||
| Clynelish (DE) 46% * | | 1991 2006 | N Highland | 7 | 1? | 3 | 86 | Nice fruity/spicy nose; nice, fairly sweet palate, also spicy and a little oaky; quite spicy and oaky finish | |
| Compass Box Great King Street Artist's Blend | | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Fairly quiet yet rather nice nose with notes of rum, caramelized sugar and vanilla (crème brûlée), also oak. Light, smooth, beautifully balanced palate. Fairly sweet with notes of oak and liqourice. Very nice! Oaky, spicy, very nice finish with notes of rum and liqourice (again). All in all balanced and more-ish. A great session whisky (but as such it's a little pricey). | ||
| Cooley (DD) 46% | 11 | Ireland | 5 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Nice, fruity nose with banana; nice, fairly mild palate; spicy and slightly peaty finish | | |
| Cooley (Cad) 58.6% | | 15 | Ireland | 86 | Surprisingly mild undiluted; sweet, fruity (orange candy) and quite smoky palate (wood smoke); all in all rather nice and clean with a "clean" kind of smoke | | |||
| Cragganmore 55.5% | 17 | Speyside | 86 | Nice, mild and fruity nose with orange, apple and other fruits; richer palate with spices and more fruit; smooth and balanced but I had expected more (rather nice finish though) | | ||||
| Dalmore Alexander III | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 7 | 86 | Big, busy, fragrant nose. Quite oaky with notes of dried fruits, port, Spanish brandy and crème brûlée. The palate is rich and oaky but not particularly sweet. The flavours are nicely integrated at first, but then the wine character takes over. Dry, crisp, oaky, peppery finish. All in all it's complex, unusual and rather interesting with lots of flavour. Quite busy (which is also its weakness). | | ||
| Famous Grouse Bill McLaren's Famous XV | | 15 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 2? | 86 | Light, fresh nose with a nice fruitiness; sweet, fairly rich palate yet mild and balanced with notes of tropical fruits and oak | |
| Glen Garioch (Sam) 57% | 1975 1987 | E Highland | 3 | 7 | 0 | 86 | Peaty yet clean and smooth; balanced and unusually light palate for being so peaty | ||
| Glen Grant (DL) 50% | | 1990-Mar 2008-May | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 1 | 86 | Nice, interesting nose with notes of oak, citrus fruits and black tea, also a little flowery; unexpectedly mild and light palate (for a sherry cask) with nice, fresh notes of citrus (but I docked a point because of that flowery/perfumy note) | |
| Glen Grant (Sign) 59% cask 7119 | | 1990 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 86 | Nice nose with tropical fruits; nice, fruity palate, also spicy and a little fiery | |
| Glen Scotia (B) 61.2% cask 1072 | | 1991 17 | Campb. | 6 | 1 | 86 | Fruity nose with notes of vanilla, orange and clementine but there's also a slightly chemical note (a bit like Armagnac); sweet palate with very nice fruity notes and a hint of mint; slightly smoky finish | ||
| Glencadam (Sign) 57.6% | | 1989 19 | E Highland | 6 | 0 | 4 | 86 | Very nice nose with dried fruits and orange marmalade, also a note of gingerbread; nice, rich, sweet palate, also spicy; hot, spicy, slightly disappointing finish | |
| Glendronach cask 2621 57.9% | 1990 20 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 6 | 86 | Interesting, rather nice nose with caramelized sugar, vanilla and oak, also a little flowery; rich, dry, oaky palate with gingerbread, dried fruits (plums, raisins) and peppermint, nice and complex yet too dry and oaky; dry, very oaky finish | | |
| Glendullan (RM) 62.43% | | 1972 23 | Speyside | 4 | 2 | 0 | 86 | Light and very nice nose with fruity and spicy notes; nice sweet, fruity palate with vanilla, develops spicy notes; spicy, creamy yet slightly disappointing finish | |
| Glendullan (RM) 56.6% | | 1978 26 | Speyside | 5 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Light, fruity nose with apples, nice but not entirely convincing; much nicer palate; creamy, fruity and a little spicy | |
| Glenfarclas | | 17 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 86 | Nice nose with citrus and oak; smooth, sweet palate, also a little spicy/oaky with a nice, light fruitiness | | |
| Glenfarclas Family Reserve 46% * | | 1985 18 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6 | 86 | Nice, fruity, spicy, lively with caramelized sugar and a very nice sherry character | |
| Glenfiddich Rich Oak | 14 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 86 | Fruity, oaky, nice nose with notes of vanilla, orange and apricot marmalade. Rich, sweet, chewy, smooth palate with notes of citrus (lime) and mint. Drying, develops oak. The finish is short but nice and warming. Conclusion: it does show a nice oak influence (and just the right amount). | | ||
| Glengoyne | 21 | S Highland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Oak, fruity nose; complex, balanced, sweet and very nice palate with notes of candy and aniseed, also oak and vanilla (like in a good bourbon); nice, slightly peaty finish | | |
| Glenlivet 54.6% | | 1988 16 | Speyside | 86 | Quite dry and spicy at first but develops very nice fruity notes of lemon and orange | ||||
| Glenlivet (JM) 53.6% | 1977 28 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Very nice fruity nose with apples; light, fresh, fruity palate; all in all nice and clean but a little too "simple" | ||
| Glenlivet (Mackillop's Choice) | 1979 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Very nice fruity nose with notes of melon and apple; nice, sweet, fruity palate, also a little spicy and oaky | | |
| Hammer Head 40.7% | | 1989 21 | Czech Rep. | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, fruity and slightly floral nose with lemon, vanilla, cinnamon and white bread (cinnamon bun). Unusual but rather nice. The palate is mild and sweet. Quite oaky from the new oak but not too much. Rather nice, actually. Oaky finish with cinnamon and a little citrus. Nice but short. All in all it's unusual with interesting character from the fresh oak - yet perhaps a little too oaky. | |
| Hibiki | 17 | Blend/ Japan | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Rather nice nose with oak and vanilla, also fruity; light, sweet, very nice palate with vanilla and citrus, develops oak and spices; similar to the 12 y.o. but fruitier and a little richer | ||
| Highland Park | 15 | Islands/ Orkney | 7 | 3 | 3 | 86 | Nice, complex nose with peat and lovely sherry notes, also a flowery note; quite nice palate with lots of flavour but a little lacking in balance | ||
| Highland Park 'Earl Magnus' 52.6% | 15 | Islands/ Orkney | 5 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Fruity nose with oak, honey and a hint of peat; mild, sweet palate with citrus fruits and vanilla, also oaky; nice balance of fruity/spicy flavours | ||
| Highland Park 59.8% cask 7473 | 1990 2005 | Islands/ Orkney | 7 | 8 | 86 | Quite sherried with a rather nice sherry, rich yet fresh | |||
| Highland Park | | 18 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 3 | 4 | 86 | Very nice complex nose - fruity and flowery with notes of sherry fruits and a hint of peat; fairly dry and slightly bitter palate - nice but still disappointing after the promising nose | |
| Highland Park (MI) 46% * | | 1980 2000 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 6 | 0 | 86 | Nice nose with sweet notes of toffee and fruit; the toffee and fruit remain in the very nice palate, accompanied by a mild peatiness | |
| Highland Park | 1990 | Islands/ | 6 | 1 | 2 | 86 | Complex, rather nice nose with oak, gingerbread, vanilla and a little peat; sweet, fairly spicy palate with notes of crème brûlée and honey; the finish is a little hot but has nice notes of vanilla and cocoa | | |
| Hven Seven Stars #2 "Merak" 45% | | Sweden | 6 | 2 | 2 | 86 | The nose is quite oaky (oak shavings) with an unusual but interesting note of juniper berries. Also notes of candy, spices, vanilla and caramelized sugar. Also a little peat. Complex and mature. The palate is rich, sweet and smooth with orange and quite a bit of oak (oak shavings again). A bit unusual but rather nice. Develops vanilla and even more oak. The finish is oaky and spicy yet nice with notes of cinnamon and citrus. Lingering notes of oak and peat. All in all it's impressively complex and mature but doesn't have much malt character (tastes more like a blend than a single). It also has a slightly perfumy oak character (from new oak, I suspect). That said, it's smooth and more-ish and I quite like it! (But I suspect malt purists won't) | | |
| Imperial (Sign) 58.3% | | 1982 27 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 3 | 86 | Orange marmalade, apricot and lemon on the nose but also a note of sulphur (but adding water tames it a little); sweet, balanced palate with orange, develops oak, gingerbread, white pepper and some heat; nice spicy, oaky finish with a note of basil | |
| Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack | Bourbon/ TN/USA | 4 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, rather nice nose with vanilla, marzipan, apricot and oak shavings. Also a cereal note. Light, sweet, fruity palate with a note of peppermint. Drying, develops oak and a little heat. Rather nice. Fruits, oak and vanilla on the finish. Also a little peppery. All in all smooth, nicely balanced and very drinkable. (Much milder and decidedly nicer than the standard Jack Daniel's.) | |||
| Johnnie Walker Premier | | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 2 | 2 | 86 | Malty, peaty nose with plenty of oak and a hint of sherry wood; rich, complex palate with a rather nice sherry note, also oaky and spicy; nice yet disappointing for such a premium product | ||
| Karuizawa | | 15 | Japan | 7 | 1 | 5 | 86 | Gingerbread, honey on the nose, also dried fruits and oak (a bit like an old Spanish brandy), also a little peaty; rich yet smooth palate, quite oaky but not overly dry, a little earthy, develops a note of mint; spicy (maybe too spicy) finish with brandy-like notes of oak and raisins, also cinnamon | |
| Kilkerran 46% * | | 8 b. 2012 | Campb. | 6 | 1 | 2 | 86 | Malty, oaky nose with notes of peat and orange marmalade. Youthful and muscular. The palate is malty and fairly sweet with honey and fresh notes of citrus and mint. Drying, develops oak. (The notes of honey and orange marmalade make me suspect refill sherry wood was used.) The finish is fruity at first, then oaky and peppery. Warming. All in all quite enjoyable. | |
| Lagavulin (Sign) 58.4% | | 5 | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 86 | Very peaty and quite sweet palate with fresh, vibrant flavours; wonderful, very peaty finish (holds its own against malts twice its age!) | |
| Lagavulin 58% | | 12 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 86 | Malty, smoky, very peaty with a note of iodine and behind that a lighter fruitiness; unfortunately also a note of rubber (1st release, b. 2002) | |
| Lagavulin (DE) | 1986 | Islay | 8 | 8 | 6 | 86 | Rich, fruity, smoky; quite nice but the intense smoke collides a bit with the rich fruit | | |
| Lagavulin (DE) | 1981 | Islay | 8 | 4 | 6 | 86 | Compared to the 1979: A little less smoky with a lighter, fresher fruitiness; all in all nicer and more balanced | | |
| Laphroaig Càirdeas 55% | | Islay | 5 | 7 | 0 | 86 | Fresh, fruity nose with notes of wood smoke, sawdust and citrus fruits; light, sweet palate with a smoky finish; unusually light and mild for a Laphroaig but quite moreish | | |
| Laphroaig (DD) 55.5% | 9 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 86 | Very peaty nose with a note of tar, also fruity; nice, very peaty palate | | |
| Laphroaig (Sign) 46% | | 1988 15 | Islay | 7 | 8-9 | 6? | 86 | Fruity, cereally, rich, powerful, earthy and very peaty | |
| Laphroaig | 25 | Islay | 3 | 3 | 2 | 86 | Quiet, mildly peaty nose with citrus fruits and also a little sherry in the background; unusually mild, light palate but develops delicious peaty notes; all in all nice but ultimately disappointing | | |
| Ledaig (Cad) 55.7% | | 1993 16 | Islands/ Mull | 5 | 3 | 0 | 86 | Interesting nose with notes of apple, cream and wood smoke but also a chemical note of solvent; light, fresh palate with notes of citrus fruits and vanilla; an unusually light and lightly peated Ledaig | |
| Lochnagar Rum Cask 57.4% (Cad) | | 1996 17 | Highland | 6 | 0 | (7) | 86 | Dense, quite oaky nose, also herbal with a note of dried fruits. Rich, sweet, quite oaky palate with a nice refreshing minty note. Also notes of brown sugar, crème brûlée and orange marmalade. Oaky, spicy finish. Shows a lot more rum wood character than the Glen Elgin does but here it's a little exaggerated. | |
| Longmorn (WF) 54% | | 1976-May 2007-Jun | Speyside | 86 | Nice and fruity without water; water makes it thinner and a bit fiery | ||||
| Longrow CV 46% * | 6-14 | Campb. | 7 | 6 | 2 | 86 | Peaty, malty, youngish nose, also flowery with wine notes; strange nose but the palate is nicer: complex with a nice combination of peat and fruits; very nice, warming finish | | |
| Longrow 46% * | | 1994 10 | Campb. | 8 | 0 | 86 | Rounder and richer than other recent bottlings but not as nice | ||
| Longrow 46% | | 1995 10 | Campb. | 0 | 86 | Young with a very nice fresh fruitiness; very nice and very drinkable; not as peaty as other recent bottlings | |||
| Longrow 46% | 18 | Campb. | 7 | 7 | 0 | 86 | Peaty, fruity nose with a note of vanilla; musty, quite peaty palate with wood smoke, also sweet and fruity but the peat and the fruits don't work well together | | |
| Macallan (DL) 50% | | 1975-Feb 2003-May | Speyside | 6 | 3 | 0 | 86 | Nice, fruity nose with notes of citrus fruit; very nice, sweet, fruity palate with a hint of peat; very nice peaty finish | |
| Macdonald's Glencoe 58% | 8 | Malt/ Scotland | 6 | 2 | 0 | 86 | The nose has oak shavings, floral notes and honey. It's also earthy and a little peaty. Rough yet rather nice! Sweet, fruity palate with citrus and orange candy. Also slightly floral. Chewy and yummy, grows fairly oaky. Oak, fruits and citrus on the finish. All in all fresh with lots of flavour. More-ish. Youthful in the sense that it's zesty and lively but it seems older than 8 years. (The notes of honey and peat remind me of Highland Park 12 from about 10 years ago.) | ||
| Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt 47.3% | Malt/ Scotland | 7 | 4 | 0 | 86 | The replica of "Shackleton's Whisky". Wood smoke, oak and malt on the nose, also honey and green fruits. Rather nice and surprisingly smoky! Rich, powerful palate. Smoky and malty with honey and citrus. The alcohol heat makes it crisp and dry. The finish is initially nice with mostly oak and smoke but in the end only dull, disappointing oak remains. All in all complex and powerful yet nicely balanced. Overpriced (but beautifully presented!) Best without water. | |||
| Mackmyra Special:08 46.0% * | Sweden | 6 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Herbal, aromatic nose with new oak, malt, allspice and orange candy. Unusual yet rather nice. Mild, sweet palate with vanilla and citrus. Fresh. Develops menthol, then oak. The finish has oak and citrus at first, then grows spicy (allspice, again). All in all unusual, interesting and rather nice. More-ish. | | ||
| Mortlach (GM) * | | 21 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 2-3 | 86 | Very nice nose with lots of fruits; surprisingly rich palate, also spicy, fiery; with a little water: sweet, fruity, nice | |
| Mosstowie (CC) | | 1975 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 5-6 | 86 | Very nice fruitiness and a light fresh sherry character on the nose; the palate is richer, spicier with honey and fruit | |
| Nikka From The Barrel 51.4% | | Blend/ Japan | 5 | 0 | 2 | 86 | Light, fresh, fruity nose with lots of vanilla; richer palate, sweet with toffee and sherry fruits, develops oak; all in all rather nice yet a bit on the oaky side | ||
| North British (Sign) 50.7% | | 1963 45 | Grain/ Scotland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Huge, fragrant nose with vanilla, caramelized sugar and lemon candy - rum-like and very nice but there's also a note of solvent; fruity palate with mango and citrus but also dry and fairly oaky | |
| Old Pulteney | | 12 | N Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, yummy nose with tropical fruits, honey and malt. The palate is fresh, fruity, malty and fairly sweet. Mild and nice (but not as nice as the nose). On the finish the fruits fade and are replaced by malt and oak, also a little spicy heat. All in all entertaining, drinkable and easy-going. A great session malt. (Good value, too) | |
| Penderyn Sherrywood 46% * | | Wales | 7 | 0 | 4 | 86 | Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Malty, cereally, youngish nose but with nice notes of dried fruits (prunes, raisins) and oak. Rich, sweet, chewy palate with custard and very nice fresh notes of clementine and apricot. Develops oak and spices (black pepper). Grows quite spicy (but can be tamed with a drop of water). Oaky, spicy, peppery finish. Hot and warming. | | |
| Pittyvaich 57.5% | 1989 20 | Speyside | 4 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Complex, a little quiet nose, rather nice with oak, tobacco and notes of peat, mint and citrus; light, sweet and fruity palate with vanilla and citrus, develops oak and malt, drying, grows more powerful; nice finish with fruits and oak in a nice balance; all in all nice but the oak tends to dominate the delicate fruity notes | | |
| Port Charlotte 'PC6' 61.6% | | 2001 6 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 86 | Very peaty nose with youthful cereal notes; sweet, fruity, very peaty and rather nice palate; very nice finish with (again) lots of peat and a note of iodine | ||
| Port Charlotte 'PC8' 60.5% | 2001 8 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 86 | Very peaty nose with coal and tar, also malty with notes of citrus and mint; powerful, very peaty palate, also a little earthy but develops surprisingly light and fresh notes of mint and vanilla; very peaty, tarry finish | ||
| Port Ellen (RM) 60.50% | | 1978 22 | Islay | 6 | 6 | 0 | 86 | Fairly subtle, fairly smoky with a very nice, spicy palate and a nice (yet disappointing) fruity/peaty finish | |
| Rosebank (Cooper's Choice) 59.9% | | 1992 6 | Lowland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Nice, light fruitiness on the nose (apple? citrus?); light, mild, fairy sweet and surprisingly balanced palate with a wonderful fruitiness | |
| Rosebank (FF) | | 12 | Lowland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 86 | Very nice nose with oranges, black pepper and (surprisingly) a whiff of peat; sweet, fairly rich palate, at first oaky, spicy and a little disappointing, then develops very nice, fresh fruity notes | |
| Rosebank 61% (old crest label) | | 15 | Lowland | 4 | 3 | 2 | 86 | Light, subtle, creamy, fairly peaty and only lightly sherried; very nice at first but the finish is a little disappointing | |
| Scapa (GM) | 1993 2005 | Islands/ Orkney | 4 | 0? | 0 | 86 | Light and fresh with a very nice fruitiness (green fruits: apple, melon, ...); very moreish | ||
| Scottish Prince | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 86 | Nice nose: subtle and complex with notes of fudge, honey, orange and grain whisky, also oak, vanilla and cinnamon; mild, smooth, balanced palate, rather sweet but the sweetness is nicely offset by oaky spices, it's drying, develops notes of fennel and orange; lovely finish with oak and aniseed | ||
| Slyrs | | 2006 3 | Germany | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, bourbon-like nose with vanilla, oak, apricot, peach and almonds. Nice! Sweet but slightly bitter palate with oak and vanilla. Oak, white pepper and marzipan on the finish. Fairly dry from the oak yet rather nice. All in all oak and vanilla dominates, like in a bourbon (but like a rather good bourbon). Unusual but very nice! | |
| Springbank marsala wood 58% | 1996 9 | Campb. | 86 | Spicy, sweet, balanced and very nice; mature beyond its age | |||||
| Springbank 46% * | 10 b. 2011 | Campb. | 6 | 5 | 0 | 86 | Fresh and fruity, also a little peaty; uncomplicated and very nice (updated 2011: this bottling is peatier but not quite as nice; now back at 86 p) | ||
| Springbank 46% * | 10 b. 2012 | Campb. | 6 | 4 | 3 | 86 | Big nose with honey, malt and peat, also a note of engine oil. Youthful and a little vulgar yet nice. The palate is more mature and more balanced. Sweet and fairly rich with notes of orange marmalade, fruity candy and malt. Nice finish with notes of honey, malt and a little peat. All in all youthful and a bit rough yet playful and entertaining. (12/73) | ||
| Springbank 54.9% | 1997 2008 | Campb. | 6 | 2 | 86 | Quite similar to batch #1 but the extra year in wood has made batch #2 milder and less peaty (unfortunately not for the better) | |||
| Springbank madeira wood 55.1% | 1997 11 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 86 | Nice nose with toffee and an unusual fruity character, also fairly smoky; the palate is at first sweet with interesting fruity notes, then turns spicy; wonderful finish with a minty note; all in all a bit chaotic but entertaining and quite nice | |||
| Springbank 54.6% | | 12 | Campb. | 7 | 4 | 4 | 86 | Complex, nice nose: briny and fairly peaty, also fruity with blood orange and vanilla. On the palate there's a blast of peat at first but when the smoke has cleared (heh) it turns sweet and develops citrus and malt. (Needs only a little water) | |
| Springbank claret wood 54.4% | | 1997 12 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 86 | Interesting nose with red berries, wood smoke and black pepper; the palate is complex and unusual, rich yet dry with notes of prunes and oak, drying, develops gingerbread and mint; spicy, oaky, herbal finish, restrained yet nice | ||
| Springbank 46% | | 15 | Campb. | 7 | 3 | 7 | 86 | Complex, spicy, quite sherried and fairly peaty; the trademark vanilla/coconut flavours are there but almost hidden by the sherry | |
| Springbank cask 2283 46% * | | 1974 28 | Campb. | 6 | 4 | 0 | 86 | Sweet, fruity nose (pears in syrup); fiery, fruity & fairly peaty palate; very nice nose but a disappointing palate | |
| Strathmill (FF) * | 12 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant nose with oak shavings, honey, orange and apricot. Nice but a bit heavy on the oak. Sweet, fruity palate with honey and oak. A note of eucalyptus. Spicy and fairly hot but mellows with a drop of water. The finish is quite oaky yet nice. All in all nice and complex but a little too oaky. | | |
| Talisker 45.8% * | | 10 | Islands/ Skye | 7 | 5 | 3 | 86 | Intense and peppery (needs to be tamed with a little water); complex palate with a very nice fruitiness and quite a nice finish | |
| Talisker (Johnnie Walker label) | | 12 | Islands/ Skye | 6 | 7 | 3 | 86 | Light at first, getting richer; fairly hot/spicy and a little fruity; complex, balanced with a short, disappointing finish; milder and rounder than current editions | |
| Talisker (DL) 50% | | 1988-Feb 2006-Dec | Islands/ Skye | 86 | Fruity, fairly peppery and quite nice; similar in quality to the 18 y.o. OB but a bit more powerful | ||||
| The Six Isles | | Malt/ Scotland | 4 | 6 | 0 | 86 | Peaty, malty, youthful nose with honey and green fruits. The palate is light, sweet and smooth at first, then develops malt and fresh notes of mint and citrus. Grows quite peaty. Peaty finish with a youngish cereal note. All in all a little on the young side but charming and more-ish. A wonderful concept and also a very nice whisky. (L 07 07 10) | ||
| Tobermory (B) 46% | | 1995 15 | Islands/ Mull | 6 | 2 | 0 | 86 | Nice nose with notes of peat, citrus and malt. Sweet, more-ish palate with malt and honey. Also slightly peaty and slightly minty. Malty, spicy, peppery finish. All in all nice and entertaining yet a little rough. | |
| Tomintoul | 10 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Pleasant, refreshing nose with orange marmalade, custard, also lemon and hints of mint and oak; mild, light, balanced palate with citrus, fairly sweet, creamy, not much going on but it's clean, very enjoyable and more-ish; dry, slightly disappointing finish | | |
| Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 45% * | 10 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 1-2 | 0 | 86 | Faint nose yet nice and complex with vanilla, oak and a note of mint, also a little musty and smoky (burned oak shavings); sweet, spicy, rather nice palate with notes of vanilla, mint and orange, also herbal with a hint of basil | ||
| Wild Turkey 50.5% | | 8 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, very nice nose with vanilla, citrus fruits and oak; rich, full-flavoured palate with vanilla, also sweet and fairly spicy, develops notes of citrus and mint; nice! | |
| Willett Straight Rye 55% | 4 | Rye/ IN/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 86 | Fragrant, rather nice nose with notes of vanilla, black pepper, oak shavings and marzipan. Sweet palate with vanilla and caramelized sugar. It's also oaky, peppery and powerful. Oaky, herbal, slightly flowery finish with notes of orange and honey. (Unusually balanced and complex for a rye whisky. From the Lawrenceburg distillery.) | ||
| Yellow Spot 46% * | 12 | Pot Still/ Ireland | 3 | 0 | 1 | 86 | Fragrant, fruity, fresh nose with notes of apricot, oak shavings, linseed oil and créme caramel. Also a hint of Trinidad rum. Complex but not entirely balanced. The palate is hot but with a drop of water it's light, sweet and smooth. Complex and nicely balanced with notes of custard and orange. Develops oak and a note of marzipan. Very nice! The finish has a bit of oak and a note of vanilla but it short and disappointing. All in all it's uneven and a bit splintered. (Aged in bourbon, sherry and Malaga casks) | ||
| Clynelish (SMOS) 46% | | 1994 11 | N Highland | 85-86 | Quite nice but slightly prickly nose (w/o water at least); the palate is fairly rich, fairly peppery and quite nice with a note of dried fruit | ||||
| Dimple | | 15 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 2-3 | 85-86 | Very nice nose with notes of sherry and heather; smooth, balanced palate with a nice fruitiness and a hint of peat; nice finish with notes of cocoa and peppermint | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 25 60.4% | | Speyside | 8 | 0 | 8 | 85 | Very nice nose with dried fruits, oak and gingerbread, also hints of lemon and mint; dry palate with a spicy rather than fruity sherry character, a little fiery | | |
| Aberlour Double Cask | 12 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 4? | 85 | Very nice balance between the wood types; lighter than the sherry wood but just as good - only different | | |
| Aberlour Sherry Cask | | 12 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6? | 85 | Fairly rich with a very nice sherry character; the sherry influence (Oloroso) is dry and a bit spicy and not particularly sweet | |
| Amrut 46% * | | India | 5 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Nice nose with malt, honey, citrus and an oaky spiciness; sweet, rather nice palate with fresh notes of orange and lime; nice oaky, peppery finish with citrus fruits; all in all rather nice and moreish although it's a bit on the oaky side | | |
| Amrut Peated 46% | | India | 6 | 6 | 0 | 85 | Youngish, malty nose with notes of citrus and smoked ham; sweet, fruity, quite peaty palate with honey, develops notes of mint, citrus and pepper; peppery finish with a grassy note (similar to a young Talisker) | | |
| Amrut Peated 62.8% | | India | 6 | 7 | 0 | 85 | Rather nice nose - quite peaty with a note of iodine, also a little earthy with a cereal note; quite sweet, quite peaty palate, youngish yet rather nice, develops nice notes of mint and citrus; very nice finish with peat, iodine and a little oak | | |
| Ardbeg Very Young 58.3% | 1998 2004 | Islay | 6 | 9 | 0 | 85 | Very peaty nose with iodine but also nice fruity notes; light yet powerful palate with iodine and lots of peat, also sweet; fairly clean but a little rough | ||
| Ardbeg Still Young 56.2% | | 1998 2006 | Islay | 5 | 9 | 0 | 85 | Quite nice nose with wood smoke, notes of tar, cereal and a hint of citrus fruit; quite peaty palate, at first light and clean with a hint of citrus fruit, then develops youthful cereal notes | |
| Ardbeg (DL) 50% | | 1993-Mar 2003-Oct | Islay | 4 | 8 | 0 | 85 | Milder, less smoky, more balanced than the 1992 (almost tame in fact) | |
| Ardmore (JWWW) 53.7% | 1991 2007 | E Highland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 85 | Nice nose with peat and fruity notes, also slightly musty; nice, peaty, spicy palate with notes of apples and cream | ||
| Armorik | | France | 4 | 2 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, youthful yet rather nice nose - malty and oaky with vanilla and custard. Also slightly floral with a note of peat. Light, smooth, fresh palate with malt, citrus and peppermint. The finish is oaky and a little peppery, also fruity (apricot). All in all youthful, colourful, rowdy even, yet charming, entertaining and quite drinkable. | | |
| Balblair 43% | 1995 2011 | N Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Quiet nose (but not bad). The palate is mild, smooth and balanced - a little too mild perhaps, but it's quite drinkable. Nice notes of vanilla, orange and apricot. Develops a little oak. Oaky, peppery, malty finish. | ||
| BenRiach Horizons 50% | 12 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 5 | 85 | Nice creamy nose with honey and dried fruits from the sherry wood, also notes of sponge cake, apricot and orange marmalade. Light, sweet palate with a fresh fruitiness (orange) and a note of custard. Clean and fresh but slightly thin. Drying and develops oak. Nice spicy, oaky finish. All in all nicely balanced and more-ish. | | |
| BenRiach Maderensis Fumosus 46% | 13 | Speyside | 5 | 7 | 85 | Clean smoke and unusual fruits on the nose; sweet, smoky palate with unusual but interesting fruity notes; very nice finish | |||
| Black Bush | | Blend/ Ireland | 6 | 0 | 2-3 | 85 | Very nice nose with lovely fruity notes; complex palate - quite rich and sweet from the sherry but also spicy and a bit fiery; the finish is drying and fairly oaky and makes me thirsty for more (L6054) | ||
| Blanton's Single Barrel 46.5% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant nose with vanilla but it's also dry and kind of "dusty"; rich, a bit fiery palate with a note of mint; quite nice but I had expected more from this one (maybe it's a below average cask?) | ||
| Bowmore Dusk 50% | | 14 | Islay | 6 | 5 | 85 | Fairly flowery and peaty with a nice, unusual fruitiness; reminiscent of the "Claret" but not as clean and not as nice | | |
| Bowmore (port wood) 53.1% | 1991 16 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 85 | A rather nice combo of peat, malt and fruit on the nose; the palate is surprisingly dry, musty and disappointing; the fruit makes a welcome comeback in the finish though (careful with the water) | |||
| Braeval (DL) 50% | | 1996-Nov 2009-Feb | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 2 | 85 | Fresh, fruity, sweet palate, also a little spicy; all in all quite nice | |
| Bruichladdich 46% * | 17 | Islay | 5 | 2 | 0 | 85 | Spicy with a note of vanilla; at first a little disappointing but behind the spiciness it develops much nicer fruity and minty notes | | |
| Bruichladdich 46% | 18 | Islay | 6 | 0 | 0 | 85 | The 2nd edition. Weak yet nice nose with fruits, vanilla and oak; quite nice palate with winey notes, also a little fiery (but best without water) | | |
| Caol Ila | | 12 | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 85 | Nice peaty nose with a light, fresh fruitiness; sweet, fruity and very peaty palate with peat smoke but also a rubbery note | |
| Caol Ila 57.6% | | 12 | Islay | 8 | 3 | 0 | 85 | Malty, peaty nose with citrus, honey and black pepper; the palate is sweet and fruity, also malty, peppery and powerful - nice yet a bit rough; not as nice, clean and balanced as the 10 y.o. bottled in 2009 (interestingly, this one's quite peaty even though the malt wasn't peated) | |
| Caol Ila | | 18 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 0 | 85 | Peaty, complex nose with notes of oak, vanilla, orange; fairly rich and sweet palate, very peaty and smoky with a cereal note but also a disappointing hint of rubber | |
| Caol Ila (RM) 61.3% | | 1975 21 | Islay | 6 | 7 | 0 | 85 | Fairly rich/sweet/fruity; spicy and quite peaty; not quite balanced but still good | |
| Caol Ila 59.4% | 1978 25 | Islay | 85 | Very nice at first with an interesting flowery (but almost perfumy) note; disappointing finish; it's also a bit too sweet which makes it seem "dull" (esp. compared to the clean, crisp JWWW bottling) | |||||
| Cragganmore 60.1% | | 10 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 6 | 85 | Nice nose with raisins, crème brûlée and mint; medium bodied palate with a nice, not overly sweet sherry character, also a fresh note of citrus; oaky, slightly fiery finish; all in all youngish, slightly raw and fiery yet entertaining | |
| Cragganmore | | 12 | Speyside | 4 | 1 | 2 | 85 | Complex, slightly thick/sweet and nutty taste with just a hint of peat; short, but nice finish with a fair bit of bourbon wood | |
| Cragganmore (B) 61% cask 1895 | | 1993 14 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 85 | Fresh, fruity, slightly flowery nose with apples, pears and orange candy; sweet, mild, balanced palate with a note of honey - nice but a bit "simple" after the complex nose; slightly spicy, smoky (but disappointing) finish | ||
| Cragganmore (CC) | | 1976 | Speyside | 6 | 2 | 4 | 85 | Very nice nose with fruity (sherry) notes; very nice palate with notes of sherry and gingerbread and a hint of peat; fairly peaty finish | |
| Dewar's Special Reserve | | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 1 | 2 | 85 | Nice nose with a fresh grain whisky character, fragrant oak shavings, sherry fruits and a hint of aniseed; sweet, balanced, very mild palate with soft fruits, vanilla and toffee, develops a little pepper; the finish is oaky, a little peppery and just a little peaty | |
| Dufftown | 12 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Mild, fruity nose with orange and lemon, also notes of apple and pear; light, sweet, fresh palate with very nice fruity notes, develops oak and spices; the finish is too dry and spicy, however | | |
| Dufftown | 15 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 2 | 85 | Quiet yet nice nose with notes of figs and blood orange; nice, balanced palate, fairly rich with a little sherry; spicy yet nice finish | | |
| Dufftown (Sign) 58.1% | | 1984 25 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 8 | 85 | Complex, rather nice nose - very sherried with prunes, figs, gingerbread and oak (reminiscent of a Spanish brandy); rich, sherried palate, at first sweet then drying; fairly oaky but very dry finish | |
| Edradour Sassicaia Finish 58.1% | 10 | Highland | 7 | 0 | 85 | Fruity, flowery nose; rich, fruity, quite nice palate with wine notes, also fairly dry with a spicy finish | |||
| Gibson's Finest | | 18 | Blend/ Canada | 2 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Mild, balanced palate with some oak and a soft rye character; at first sweet with a very nice fruitiness, then getting drier | |
| Glen Albyn (RM) 54.8% | | 1975 26 | N Highland | 6 | 2 | 2? | 85 | Complex nose with oak and a nice fruitiness; spicy, slightly peaty with a note of dried fruit; quite nice palate but a slightly sour finish | |
| Glen Elgin (JM) 54.6% cask 2598 | 1991 17 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 85 | "Dark", fruity, spicy nose; quite nice palate, rich and fruity with a note of gingerbread | ||
| Glen Mhor (RM) 51.9% | | 1976 28 | N Highland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 85 | Compared to Glendullan 1978: Heavier nose, fruity (also apples), a little peatier | |
| Glen Moray 40.6% (SMWS) | | 26 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 6 | 85 | Quiet yet nice nose with dried fruits, fudge and oak. Clearly a sherry cask (oloroso?). The palate is at first sweet and fruity, then drying and develops notes of oak and marzipan. Rich, clean and balanced. Notes of gingerbread and oak on the finish. | |
| Glen Ord | 12 | N Highland | 4 | 2-3 | 3 | 85 | Very nice fruity nose (even a bit of sherry, I think); quite nice, mild, sweet palate with delicious fruity and peaty notes | | |
| Glendronach (port wood finish) (W&M) 46% * | 1990 2004 | E Highland | 85 | Slightly harsh, young nose but has an interesting fruitiness; opens up w/ water and loses the harshness; quite nice palate w/ an unusual candy-like fruitiness with grape fruit (pink? hehe) | |||||
| Glenfarclas | | 21 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 4? | 85 | Busy, complex nose; the palate is at first oaky, then fruity, then spicy towards the finish; fairly rich and full of flavour; a little too oaky however | |
| Glenfarclas (Cad) 54.3% | | 1990 21 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Unusually for Glenfarclas, this came from a bourbon hogshead. Fresh, interesting nose with notes of apples, pears and calvados. Unfortunately also a sour, disturbing note. Very nice palate, however: sweet, fruity and zesty, also oaky. Drying, develops more oak. Dry, oaky, spicy finish. Disappointingly dry. | |
| Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 3 | 85 | Very nice nose with notes of orange, tropical fruits and oak. The palate is sweet and fruity, also floral and herbal with a note of oak shavings. Nice finish with oak and vanilla. All in all mild and balanced; an easy drinking session malt. Milder but also more complex than the standard 12 y.o. (A bit weak though, would probably be nicer at 43% ABV). A vatting of whisky aged in sherry butts, first-fill bourbon barrels and refill bourbon hogsheads. | | ||
| Glenmorangie Original | 10 | N Highland | 85 | Citrus, vanilla and oak on the nose. Fresh, youthful and rather nice. Spicy, fairly hot palate but zesty and nice. | | ||||
| Glenmorangie Lasanta 46% * | 12 | N Highland | 85 | Dark, quite oaky nose with dried fruits (like a Spanish brandy). Also a note of struck match. Oak and dried fruits on the palate. Complex and quite nice but unfortunately a little sulphury. | | ||||
| Grand Bark Reserve | | Blend/ Scotland | 85 | Youthful and vigorous yet mild and balanced with a nice fruitiness and notes of aniseed and liqourice (blended in Sweden) | |||||
| Green Spot 40% | Pot Still/ Ireland | 4 | 0 | 3 | 85 | The nose is oaky and nutty with notes of oak shavings, dessert wine, crème brûlée and orange candy. Splintered and a little vulgar. The palate is nicer: smooth, sweet and chewy with notes of sherry, lemon and orange marmalade. The finish is dry, oaky, spicy and nutty. All in all complex with lots of flavour but not entirely convincing. Difficult to grasp. | |||
| Hibiki | 12 | Blend/ Japan | 4 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, herbal, rather nice nose with oak shavings and vanilla; light palate with nice notes of green fruits but the fruits fade too soon, develops oak and turns fairly dry; disappointing finish | ||
| Highland Park (GM) 63.7% | | 1987 1997 | Islands/ Orkney | 4 | 3 | 2 | 85 | Compared to the OB 12: Lighter and less sweet; a little less of everything, basically | |
| Highland Park | | 12 | Islands/ Orkney | 5 | 3 | 3 | 85 | A little smoky and quite malty with notes of honey, peach, citrus fruits and oak shavings; very nice palate but the finish is slightly disappointing | |
| Highland Park Bicentenary | 1977 | Islands/ Orkney | 85 | Oaky, spicy with notes of peat and sherry wood; fairly nondescript at first but gets better and develops more flavours; complex and quite nice but a bit too oaky | |||||
| Highland Park (DL) 50% | | 1970 | Islands/ Orkney | 7 | 4 | 3-4 | 85 | Rich, fruity, peaty nose; mature "elegant" palate | |
| Hven Seven Stars #1 "Dubhe" 45% | | Sweden | 4 | 2 | 3? | 85 | The nose has caramelized sugar and vanilla, also oak, malt, a little peat and a hint of cinnamon. Quite nice but unfortunately there's also a musty off-note. The palate is light and sweet with orange, malt and oak. Young-ish yet balanced. Light and sweet at first, then develops spices and a little heat. The finish has at first citrus and mint, then lingering notes of oak, gingerbread and black pepper. Also a little peat. All in all youthful yet complex and balanced. | | |
| Hven Urania 45% | | 2008 3 | Sweden | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85 | Interesting, herbal nose with oak, vanilla and orange peel. Also hints of dried fruits and gingerbread. Nice and promising. The palate is rich, oaky and powerful. Herbal and aromatic with a note of orange. Oaky, spicy finish with citrus and peppermint, also a little bitter and a bit too oaky. All in all it's amazingly mature for its age but on the other hand quite oaky and a little lacking in balance. | |
| Imperial (DL) 50% | | 1979-Nov 2001-Jan | Speyside | 5 | 1 | 0 | 85 | Unusual nose with nice notes of banana, orange and oak, but it's also musty and earthy; fruity, spicy palate with a note of mint and a hint of peat | |
| Inverleven (DL) 50% | | 1989-Jan 2005-Jul | Lowland | 85 | Herbal, dry, "dusty" nose, also fruity; unusual yet nice palate, spicy, with notes of coriander and peppermint | ||||
| Isle of Jura (DL) (sherry wood finish) | | 1975-Apr 2001-Dec | Islands/ Jura | 6 | 1 | 3 | 85 | A mild (yet slightly disappointing) sherry character with a note of citrus fruit; also fairly spicy and briny which lends it a bit of character | |
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 3 | 85 | Oaky, peaty nose with notes of dried fruits, orange and peppermint; the palate is at first mild and subtle with dried fruits and gingerbread but develops quite a bit of oak (too much, in fact) | |||
| Kilkerran 46% * | | 5 b. 2009 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 0 | 85 | Nose: wood smoke and malt, also very nice notes of custard, apricot and pear. Youthful but fresh. Rather nice palate: light, sweet and fruity (first apple, then orange). Develops malt, peat, oak and spices. Spicy, slightly disappointing finish though. All in all fresh, entertaining and quite drinkable. | |
| Kilkerran 46% * | | 7 b. 2011 | Campb. | 6 | 1 | 0 | 85 | Interesting but not quite convincing nose with black pepper, wet cardboard and a note of crème brûlée. Nicer palate: fresh, quite sweet and chewy with notes of custard, orange marmalade, mint and oak. The finish has notes of dessert wine, oak and mint. It's also quite spicy with a little smoke at the end. All in all quite sweet with a slightly unusual character (perhaps from a dessert wine cask, like Sauternes). | |
| Knappogue Castle | | 1995 2007 | Ireland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Very nice nose with fresh, fruity notes, also spicy and herbal with a note of hay; the palate is at first nice, light and fruity (peach) then gets drier and develops pepper; oaky finish but hot, dull and disappointing | |
| Laphroaig | | 10 | Islay | 8 | 8 | 0 | 85 | Intense, rich, tarry and very smoky but also slightly burnt; tastes like no other whisky! | |
| Laphroaig (SMWS) 52.2% | | 1987 19 | Islay | 85 | Surprising nose with fruity and flowery notes; more muscular palate with coal/tar/peat, also clean with cereal notes (seems younger than 19) | ||||
| Littlemill 56.0% (SMWS) | | 1990 17 | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, herbal, unusual nose with a lot of oak and lots of fruits (fruit sallad). Nice and interesting. The palate is sweet, fruity and zesty. Develops oak. Oaky, fruity finish with a note of violets. All in all a little vulgar but quite nice. | |
| Longrow (SMWS) 56.9% | | 1990 14 | Campb. | 85 | Peaty and musty with an unusual fruitiness and ditto spiciness (curry sausage); fairly sherried, but with an unusual sherry; very nice finish | ||||
| Lot 40 | | Blend/ Canada | 5 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fairly rich yet smooth with a mild rye character | ||
| Macallan | | 12 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 6 | 85 | Very nice nose with sherry and fresh fruity notes; nice, medium-bodied palate, fairly dry despite the sherry influence, also fairly spicy; spicy, disappointing finish | |
| Macallan * | 1978 18 | Speyside | 5 | 0? | 7 | 85 | Fairly spicy and very nice palate with notes of tropical fruits; very nice finish with notes of gingerbread and peppermint | ||
| Mackmyra Brukswhisky 41.4% * | | Sweden | 5 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, fruity, very nice nose with fresh notes of citrus, vanilla and eucalyptus, also oak, white pepper and black tea; light, fresh, sweet and fruity palate with a very nice balance between sweetness and oakiness; spicy, oaky finish, hot yet nice; all in all very drinkable, also good value (Mackmyra's best bang for the buck so far) | | |
| Mackmyra Special:04 53.0% | | Sweden | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, very nice nose with oak shavings, vanilla, apricot marmalade and pears in syrup - maybe a bit too oaky, however; the palate is at first mild and light, minty, fruity and sweet (almost cloying) then develops oak and heat; the finish is peppery and fiery yet quite nice | | |
| Mannochmore (RM) 60.1% | | 1974 22 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Nice but quiet nose; light, fresh, fruity palate with citrus fruits; all in all nice, mild and smooth but a little "simple" | |
| Octomore Edition 01.1 63.5% | 5 | Islay | 8 | 10 | 0 | 85 | Pungent, very peaty, earthy nose with cereal and iodine but also a delicate note of mint; earthy, musty, very peaty palate, also quite sweet with a chemical note; powerful, even brutal but entertaining; very peaty finish with a note of mint | | |
| Powers Special Reserve | | 12 | Blend/ Ireland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Fragrant, fruity nose with orange, apricot and vanilla; rather nice, mild, sweet palate with citrus, custard; very nicely balanced (nicer than the standard edition even though this has less pot still character and more grain) | |
| Scapa (DL) 50% | | 1991-Apr 2005-May | Islands/ Orkney | 85 | Medium-bodied palate with a very nice, fresh fruitiness, also spicy and nutty; the finish is quite spicy and a little disappointing | ||||
| Slyrs * | 2007 3 | Germany | 6 | 0 | 0 | 85 | The nose is fragrant, fruity and quite oaky with notes of new oak, vanilla and marzipan. Nice but too oaky. The palate is hot and quite oaky but with a drop of water it's light and sweet with fresh notes of lemon and orange. Still oaky, though (oak shavings). The finish is oaky too, with notes of vanilla and black pepper. All in all it's rather nice for a 3 y.o. (but I would have preferred more time in less active wood). Compared to the 2006 vintage it's less complex and not as nice. | ||
| Springbank (sherry wood) 46% * | | 12 | Campb. | 8 | 1 | 9 | 85 | Rich sherry nose with notes of prunes and gingerbread; rich palate with dried fruits and also a lighter note of citrus | |
| Springbank rum wood 54.2% | 1991 16 | Campb. | 6 | 0 | 85 | Sweet, fruity, quite clean and quite nice | |||
| Strathisla | | 12 | Speyside | 3-4 | 0 | 3 | 85 | Very nice mild palate with fresh notes of oranges and other citrus fruits | |
| Teaninich (RM) 64.8% | | 1972 23 | N Highland | 6 | 3 | 0 | 85 | Fairly rich/sweet/fruity, a bit spicy and also fairly smoky; complex, interesting and quite nice | |
| The Six Isles | | Malt/ Scotland | 6 | 7 | 0 | 85 | Balanced, fairly mild yet full of flavours; at first peaty, then develops very nice fruity notes; perhaps a slightly disturbing bitter note in the finish (L4273) | ||
| Tomatin 58.4% cask 8510 | 1995 | Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Rich, thick nose with lots of fruits, among them pear, apple and orange, also oak; rich, sweet, fruity palate, also spicy, unfortunately a little too oaky; oaky yet nice finish | | |
| Wild Turkey Straight Rye 50.5% | | Rye/ KY/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 85 | Quite nice nose with vanilla, fruits and a cereal note. Intense, powerful palate. Dry and bitter at first but softens, turns sweeter and develops notes of apricot, vanilla and oak. Very nice finish with notes of orange-flavoured candy and vanilla. All in all powerful, unusual and entertaining. (Needs just a drop of water.) | ||
| Aberlour Double Cask | 16 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 4-5 | 84 | Richer and spicier than the 12 y.o.; too spicy, in fact, but better with a little water; fairly balanced but not very exciting | | |
| Ardbeg Supernova 60.1% | | Islay | 8 | 10 | 0 | 84 | Very peaty, earthy nose, also malty with notes of mint and citrus. The palate is at first light with citrus and malt but as soon as I swallow there's an explosion of peat followed by notes of coal, tar and iodine. The finish is long and dry, peppery and (of course) very peaty. Also a dull, dry oakiness. Disappointing. All in all nice but a bit simplistic (the 2009 bottling is sweeter, more complex and decidedly nicer). | | |
| Very Young Ardbeg 58.9% | | 1997 2003 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 84 | Peat, iodine and cereal notes on the nose; peppery palate; with (more) water it develops a very nice, sweet fruitiness | |
| Ardbeg (SMWS) 59.4% | | 1998 6 | Islay | 84 | With just a little water: fruity, cereally and quite young; too much water makes it too mild (almost bland); milder and less peaty compared to AVY | ||||
| Arran 46% | 10 | Islands/ Arran | 6 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Youngish, slightly prickly nose but with nice notes of apples, pears and custard; balanced, fairly mild palate, sweet and fruity, also oaky and spicy; very nice finish with a hint of custard | ||
| Auchentoshan Three Wood * | Lowland | 8 | 0 | 9 | 84 | Rather nice, very fruity nose with dried fruits, figs, gingerbread, marzipan and a note of turpentine; rich, explosive, very fruity palate - almost vulgar (needs a drop of water to tame it), fairly dry (but sweeter with water), also quite spicy and oaky (too oaky without water) | | ||
| Balblair 46% * | 2002 2012 | N Highland | 7 | 1 | 0 | 84 | The nose is oaky, earthy and young-ish but with nice fruity notes. Also a hint of smoke. The palate is malty and youthful at first but develops very nice fresh, fruity notes. Much nicer than the rough nose. Oaky, spicy finish with notes of mint and smoke. | ||
| Balblair | 16 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Very nice fruity nose with apricot and melon; sweet, fresh, fruity palate, also a little spicy; all in all nicely balanced | | |
| Ballantine's Gold Seal | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 84 | Rather nice nose with notes of dried fruits, gingerbread, oak, white pepper and a hint of peat; the palate is very nice at first: sweet and fruity with lime and vanilla but then the oak takes over; the finish is oaky, spicy, hot, fairly dry and a little bitter - disappointing after the nice start | |||
| Ballantruan 50% | Speyside | 6 | 5 | 0 | 84 | Nice, interesting nose: smoky and fruity with notes of cereal, mint and butter; the palate is young, fresh and entertaining - sweet, fruity and chewy with a note of orange, develops spices and a hint of barbecued meat; nice finish with notes of oak and peppermint; surpr. mild, balanced and complex for such a young 'un (careful with the water) | | ||
| Ballantruan (JWWW) 60.4% | 2001 | Speyside | 7 | 7 | 0 | 84 | Young, malty, cereally nose, also fairly peaty with green fruits and peppermint; sweet palate with citrus, only fairly peaty at first but develops more peat; all in all nice but a little unbalanced | | |
| Balvenie | 12 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Very nice nose with apples, pears and oak, also a hint of turpentine; mild, subtle palate - quite nice at first but unfortunately the fruits fade and only oaky, spicy notes remain in the finish | | |
| BenRiach Dark Rum Finish | 15 | Speyside | 84 | Very nice, herbal, rum-like nose; nice yet quite spicy palate (the most rum-like whisky ever!) | | ||||
| BenRiach Maderia Finish | 15 | Speyside | 84 | Light, fruity, youngish nose with a note of wood smoke; fruity palate with notes of apples and cream | | ||||
| Benromach | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Youngish nose but it has very nice fruity notes (unusual fruits - a finish, perhaps?); sweet, spicy, malty palate | | ||
| Big T | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 1? | 1 | 84 | Fruity, slightly bitter nose with a note of oak; very nice palate: fresh, spicy, oaky and a little fiery, develops fruity notes | ||
| Bowmore 56% | | ~10 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 2 | 84 | Peaty nose, also fruity and flowery; the palate is at first sweet, fruity and a little flowery but then comes lots of peat and also youthful cereal notes; very peaty finish; a little on the young side but quite entertaining | |
| Bowmore (B) 47.8% cask 2783 | | 1987 21 | Islay | 5 | 5 | 84 | Complex, intriguing nose with peat, coal, tar and light citrus notes and a hint of violets on top; peaty, fairly flowery palate with violets/lavender; all in all quite nice but a little too flowery | ||
| Brora (DL) 50% | | 1981-Sep 19 | N Highland | 6 | 5 | 6 | 84 | Fruity nose; the palate has a very nice fruity/peaty balance but its not that exciting | |
| Bruichladdich Yellow Submarine 46% | | 1991 14 | Islay | 7 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Fairly rich and sweet, spicy and warming, almost fiery yet nicely balanced with an unusual but very nice fruitiness (best without water) (Rioja cask finish) | |
| Bruichladdich 46% * | 15 | Islay | 6 | 3 | 0 | 84 | Fruity, spicy, a little musty; richer, peatier, nicer than the 10 y.o. | | |
| Bruichladdich Bourbon Wood 46% | 16 | Islay | 6 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Weak yet nice and fruity nose with vanilla; nice palate with notes of vanilla and fresh oak shavings (fairly mild for 46%, i.e. best without water) | ||
| Buffalo Trace 45% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Rather nice fragrant nose with vanilla and tropical fruits; the palate is spicy and fiery yet complex, also quite dry and oaky; quite nice but earlier bottlings (ca 2003) were milder and nicer | ||
| Campbeltown Loch | | 21 | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 0-1 | 84 | Nice nose with oak and vanilla; the palate is fairly intense and a little fiery with lighter fruity notes; spicy finish; all in all nice yet disappointing | ||
| Caol Ila Medoc Finish (Chieftain's) 50% | 12 | Islay | 5 | 7-8 | 84 | Peaty, cereally, young nose; palate is similar to the OB 12 but a little less peaty, a little sweeter/milder and adds an interesting fruitiness | |||
| Clontarf Single Malt | Ireland | 8 | 0 | 84 | Very nice nose with tropical fruits offset by dry, herbal notes; intense yet rather nice palate, fruity and fairly sweet but the finish is quite spicy and fiery; all in all rather nice but it's not for the faint-hearted (Bushmills) | | |||
| Compass Box Asyla | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Nice nose with fresh, fruity notes of orange, lime, also vanilla, develops a little oak, white pepper; mild, light, sweet palate | |||
| Craigellachie | 14 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Fruity nose with orange & lemon candy, also honey and a note of crème brûlée - nice, complex yet slightly spirity; light, sweet palate with citrus, nice yet simple after the complex nose; oaky, spicy finish | | |
| Crown Royal | | 10 | Blend/ Canada | 4 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Nice nose with vanilla, citrus, caramelized sugar and bitter hint of wormwood; light and smooth palate with very nice fruity notes, develops oak, spices and a slight bitterness from the rye | |
| Cutty Sark Emerald 43% | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 84 | Very nice nose with honey and a hint of heather; quite sweet and a little spicy palate with honey, nice fruity notes and a note of peat; quite nice but too sweet | |||
| Dimple | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 2 | 84 | Smooth and balanced with notes of toffee and a very nice fruitiness; a nice finish with a hint of liqourice | ||
| Famous Grouse | 12 | Malt/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 2 | 84 | Subtle, complex, rather nice nose: spicy and oaky with notes of vanilla, dried fruits and peppermint. The palate is quite mild and smooth at first but develops spices and heat. Nutty with quite a bit of oak. All in all pleasant and well-mannered. A little heavy on the oak, though, but apart from the oak there's not much going on. (That said, it is balanced and quite drinkable) | ||
| Glen Breton | 10 | Canada | 5 | 0 | 0? | 84 | Nice, mild, malty nose with oak and a note of cream; richer palate with nice notes of fruit and oak (rather nice for a 10 y.o.) | | |
| Glen Elgin 58.5% | | 16 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 5 | 84 | Nice nose with notes of orange marmalade, brown sugar and notes of mint and cinnamon; rich, sweet palate, at first fruity with citrus fruits, then develops spices; dry, spicy, slightly disappointing finish | |
| Glen Grant | 10 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 84 | Quiet, restrained nose but rather nice with orange, apricot, oak and malt; mild, balanced palate with oak, a little citrus | | ||
| Glen Scotia (DL) 50% | | 1969 30 | Campb. | 6 | 1? | 3 | 84 | Complex, very nice; develops a very nice and interesting fruitiness | |
| Glenfarclas 46% | | 15 | Speyside | 7 | 2 | 84 | Rich, spicy, fruity with oak, honey and orange, also a little peaty; oaky, spicy finish with a note of juniper; overall nice, complex and interesting yet fiery and a little too oaky | | |
| Glenlivet Archive | 21 | Speyside | 84 | Very nice nose with oak, vanilla and sherry; oaky, spicy, fairly dry and quite disappointing palate (too much wood) | | ||||
| Glenmorangie Cellar 13 * | 10 | N Highland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 84 | A bit intense, but with a few drops of water: Nice/light with vanilla & spice and a creamy, slightly fruity and slightly bitter finish | ||
| Hazelburn 46% * | | 12 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 5 | 84 | Oak and brown sugar on the nose, also dried fruits (sherry wood) and a hint of peat. Rather nice. The palate is sweet with notes of honey and orange marmalade. Develops malt, spices, oak and peat. Oaky, peppery, fairly dry finish. Notes of peat and sherry but they don't work well together. Disappointing after the nice bottlings from 2009 and 2010. Best with a drop of water. (b. 2012) | |
| Highland Park | 1998 | Islands/ | 7 | 2 | 3 | 84 | Fruity, flowery nose with notes of honey and gingerbread, also a little peaty, slightly spirity, however; nicer palate: sweet, honeyed and fairly light (like the 12 y.o. used to be), also fairly spicy and oaky | | |
| Inchfad cask 4359 45% | | 2002 4 | Highland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 84 | Fruity, malty, peaty nose with notes of citrus, black tea and linseed oil, also a hint of grappa - unusual yet entertaining; sweet, fruity palate, develops heat, spices and oak (tastes young of course, but rather nice for a 4 y.o.) | |
| Inverleven (Sign) 52.2% | | 1977 27 | Lowland | 84 | Light, quiet yet nice nose with notes of fruit and herbs; the palate adds spices and a hint of peat; clean, mild and quite nice yet unremarkable | ||||
| Isle of Jura Prophecy 46% | Islands/ Jura | 7 | 5 | 3 | 84 | Interesting, promising nose - peaty, malty (wholemeal bread), fruity (orange) with gingerbread (signs of sherry wood); rich, sweet palate with gingerbread, drying, develops spices and peat; quite peaty finish; a little young and not particularly balanced but rather entertaining | |||
| Jack's Pirate Whisky 55% | | 8 | Malt/ Scotland | 6 | 8 | 0 | 84 | Very peaty, fairly sweet with a note of pears in syrup, but also a note of rubber; youthful yet balanced | |
| Johnnie Walker Black Label | | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 2 | 84 | Nice nose with notes of both grain and malt whisky, also custard, citrus (blood orange), oak and a little peat; medium-bodied, malty palate with a little smoke, it's muscular, fairly powerful, slightly fiery, a little rough yet charming, turns sweeter and develops notes of dried fruits; nice oaky, spicy finish with toffee and some peat at the end | |
| Johnnie Walker Green Label | 15 | Malt/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 1 | 84 | Very nice, promising nose. Balanced, malty, oaky and a little fruity with notes of liquorice and peat. Medium-bodied palate with oak, caramelized sugar and a nice note of peat. A little rough, however. The finish is quite oaky and a bit hot, with notes of smoke and mint. The oak is dull and disappointing, unfortunately. All in all it has a nice nose but goes downhill from there. | ||
| Kilkerran 46% * | | 6 b. 2010 | Campb. | 7 | 2 | 0 | 84 | The nose has malt, citrus (orange marmalade on toast) and notes of black pepper and smoke. Young-ish yet nice. Sweet, chewy palate with malt, black pepper and honey. The finish is malty and a little peaty, peppery and fairly hot with disappointing cereal notes. All in all sweeter, richer and a little more mature than the 2009 bottling but lacks its freshness. | |
| Lagavulin (Dun Bheagan) | | 8 | Islay | 7 | 8 | 0 | 84 | Fairly rich and sweet, very peaty with a note of iodine; rather nice but rough, fiery and a bit on the young side | |
| Lagavulin (DE) | | 1979 | Islay | 8 | 5 | 6 | 84 | Smoky, fruity nose with notes of raisins and prunes; rich, fruity yet fairly dry palate; unfortunately, the fruit hides most of the peat but doesn't add much character; quite peaty finish, however | |
| Ledaig (McGibbon's Provenance) 46% | | 1992 12 | Islands/ Mull | 84 | Mild, almost weak yet nice nose; light, balanced palate with mild peat and nice fruity notes | ||||
| Macallan * | 1979 18 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 7 | 84 | Fairly rich palate with a very nice fruitiness and notes of gingerbread and peppermint | ||
| Mackmyra 'Den första utgåvan' 46.1% * | | Sweden | 6 | 1 | 0 | 84 | Spicy nose with oak and very nice notes of citrus fruits and peppermint; nice palate with oak, vanilla and citrus; spicy, oaky, disappointing finish; all in all nice but a little heavy on the oak; more mature and together than the "preludes" | ||
| Mackmyra Preludium:05 48.4% | | Sweden | 4 | 1 | 0 | 84 | Very nice nose with vanilla and fresh fruity notes; nice, sweet, fruity and oaky palate; dry, spicy finish; the nicest and cleanest Mackmyra in the Preludium range | | |
| Maker's Mark 45% * | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Fragrant nose with nice notes of vanilla, apricot, peach, almonds and oak. Fairly prickly however, but mellows with a little water. Powerful, fruity, zesty palate. Also oaky, fairly dry and slightly earthy. With water it's milder, sweeter and richer. Nice, oaky, spicy finish with a note of mint. A bit hot at 45% but with a drop of water it's an easy drinking session bourbon. | ||
| Mannochmore 54.9% | 1990 18 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 7 | 84 | Dense, powerful nose with sherry, oak and caramelized sugar, also lighter notes of green fruits; rich palate with very nice fruity notes, at first sweet then drying, develops spicy oak; spicy, fairly hot finish | ||
| Michel Couvreur 'unfiltered' | 12 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 84 | Fruity, fairly sweet, quite sherried yet in a balanced way (must've been a good sherry!); also malty and a bit spicy with a note of peppermint | | ||
| Millburn (RM) 51.2% | | 1969 35 | Highland | 6 | 0 | 0? | 84 | Fairly rich with a (disappointing) dry, spicy, oaky character but also a nice fruitiness | |
| Mortlach (FF) * | 16 | Speyside | 6 | 2 | 6 | 84 | Rich, fruity and a little peaty nose; the palate has very nice fruity notes and behind that lighter, flowery notes and also a hint of coconut | | |
| Mortlach (DL) 50% | | 1983-May 2003-Aug | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 84 | Shy yet nice nose with dried fruit; spicy/fiery palate w/o water; w/ water it's mild, sweet and balanced with nice fruity notes but a fairly fiery finish | |
| Octomore 46% | 2002 5 | Islay | 7 | 9 | 0 | 84 | N: very phenolic with iodine & intense, concentrated peat, also yeasty, cereally but with nice fruity, minty notes P: musty, "dirty" with peat, tar, develops malt, sweetness & fruity notes F: nice, peaty, spicy with a note of grilled meat | ||
| Old Pulteney (GM) 45% | 1973 30 | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 8-9 | 84 | Wonderful, rich, complex, fruity and spicy nose; the palate is rich, dry, bitter and disappointing; nicer w/ water (especially the finish, but the nose loses out) | ||
| Strathmill (Cad) 54.4% | | 1995 18 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 0 | 84 | The nose is grassy and farmy with notes of hay and old barn, also fruity with apple and melon. Incongruous. The palate is nicer: sweet and fruity with notes of citrus (mandarine orange) and mint. Develops oak. Nice, oaky finish with a note of mint. All in all uneven with a disappointing nose. | |
| Talisker (SMWS) 59.4% | | 1989 15 | Islands/ Skye | 84 | Nice, peaty nose; intense, peaty, peppery palate (but not to the same degree as the OB 10); also sweet and a little fruity | ||||
| Tomatin 46% * | 18 | Highland | 7 | 0 | 7 | 84 | Nice, complex nose with gingerbread, caramelized sugar, orange and a nice note of oak; rich yet dry palate with sherry fruits, oak and notes of honey and mint (too dry and oaky without water but nice with a few drops) | | |
| Tomintoul | 16 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 2? | 84 | Complex, interesting, rather nice nose: oaky, flowery, also spicy with notes of black pepper and citrus; sweet, fruity palate - nice yet surprisingly simple; unusual finish with oak, fennel and herbs (a bit like an aged, spiced akvavit) | | |
| Tomintoul (Scott's) 56.9% | 1989 2008 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 84 | Unusual nose with oak shavings, lemon drops and a note of pickles. The palate is surprisingly nice after the strange nose: sweet and smooth with oak shavings, citrus and peppermint. The finish is rather oaky and spicy; a little dull, in fact. All in all unusual and quite oaky but the nice palate pushes the score up a bit. | ||
| Yoichi 45% | 15 | Japan | 6 | 1 | 0 | 84 | Fruity, flowery, oaky nose with notes of citrus, elderflower, cocoa and a hint of wood smoke, complex, fascinating, really nice; sweet, smooth palate with oak, citrus and cocoa again, rather nice yet a bit too flowery and it develops a disturbing buttery note; disappointing, flowery finish; all in all it has an interesting complexity but it's a bit splintered | | |
| Springbank C.V. 46% | | 8 | Campb. | 7 | 1? | 0 | 84? | Strange, "off" nose at first but improves; interesting but not very balanced: at first fairly intense and a bit "young", then more mellow and complex | |
| Amrut Fusion 50% | | India | 5 | 4 | 0 | 83 | Peaty, malty nose, also earthy and musty (but that works well with the peat) with notes of citrus and mint; sweet, peaty palate, develops very nice notes of mint and citrus; disappointing finish with mostly oak; nice yet unbalanced, splintered | | |
| Ancient Age | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 0 | 0 | 83 | Sweet, fairly rich and fairly fiery with vanilla and nice fruity notes, also spicy | ||||
| Ardmore 46% | | E Highland | 6 | 6 | 0 | 83 | Nice, quite smoky nose with wood smoke, green fruits and a note of mint; sweet, rich, chewy palate with honey, citrus and delicious smoke; peaty, oaky yet slightly disappointing finish | | |
| Ardmore (GM) | 1993 | E Highland | 6 | 3 | 0 | 83 | Fruity nose with apples and pears, also fairly peaty; oaky, spicy, fairly sweet palate; nice but a little rough | | |
| Ballantine's Limited | | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 83 | Nice nose with grape fruit and a note of peat; mild yet oaky palate with fruity notes and a hint of peat but the oak dominates; nice finish with a note of liqourice | |||
| Ballechin Madeira Wood 46% | Highland | 83 | Smoky nose with an unusual kind of smoke; thick, musty, peaty palate, also sweet; fairly nice but kind of divided | | |||||
| BenRiach (DR) 61.6% cask 1779 | 1990 17 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 3 | 83 | Oaky, malty nose with citrus fruits, orange marmalade and vanilla, also a hint of wood smoke - nice but the insistent oak almost overshadows the fruits; the palate is at first sweet with orange and honey, then develops oak and pepper but also a nice note of mint; oaky finish; all in all fairly nice but a bit too oaky | ||
| Benromach Origins 50% | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 8 | 83 | Fairly nice nose with a dry, spicy sherry note; rich, quite spicy, oaky palate with gingerbread and dried grapes (like a Spanish brandy) | | ||
| Bladnoch (Cad) 53.5% | | 1990 21 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Fresh, fruity nose with notes of lemon and lime, also oak and vanilla. Quite nice yet a little sour. Fruity palate with notes of citrus and mint. At first briefly sweet, then drying, develops notes of oak and cardboard. Not bad, but a little dull. Dry, mostly oaky finish. All in all disappointing despite the promising nose. | |
| Blair Athol (RM) 54.7% | | 1975 27 | Highland | 5 | 0? | 2? | 83 | Very nice fruity nose (apples?); fairly rich yet mild palate but disappointing after the nose | |
| Bowmore (SMWS) 51.5% | | 1989 14 | Islay | 7? | 9 | 83 | Very smoky and a little burnt with youngish cereal notes and a nice, fresh fruitiness; fairly nice but a little immature | ||
| Bruichladdich | 15 | Islay | 4 | 1 | 0 | 83 | Very nice nose with melon, mango and also a bit of apricot; mild, sweet palate with more fruit and a hint of peat but also a disturbing bitterness | | |
| Bunnahabhain (CWC) cask 30 45% * | 2005 4 | Islay | 7 | 5 | 0 | 83 | Very nice peaty, smoky nose with iodine, mint, citrus. Impressive for its age. Quite rich, quite oaky, dry, intense palate. Nicer and milder with water. Also a little floral. Peaty, oaky, warming finish. | ||
| Connemara | Ireland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 83 | Unusual nose but has nice fruity notes, also quite smoky but the smoke is at odds with the fruits; the palate is sweet and fruity at first, also malty, then comes a wave of smoke; the palate is more integrated but still a bit splintered | | ||
| Connemara 57.9% | Ireland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 83 | Smoky, fruity nose (but the aromas don't really work together); the palate is sweet, fruity and malty, then smoky (nice!); nice, smoky finish (seems fairly young, I'd say 6-8 y.o.; also, it's been chillfiltered which explains the similarity to the standard edition) | | ||
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel 45% | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Nice, fragrant, slightly bitter nose with vanilla; full, rich, a bit spicy palate that also has a slightly disturbing dry and bitter character (best without water) | ||
| Forty Creek Barrel Select | | Blend/ Canada | 6 | 0 | 83 | Spicy, fairly rich and a little musty; balanced and very nice; the short finish leaves me wanting more... | |||
| Gibson's Finest | 12 | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Very nice nose with a nice rye note; the palate is fairly mild and balanced at first then more fiery | ||
| Glen Scotia 59.8% (SMWS) | | 1999 12 | Campb. | 5 | 2 | 5 | 83 | Unusual nose: sour with notes of lemon, fried batter, gingerbread and struck match. Also a little smoky and oily (boiler room). Fairly dry palate with a nice note of dried fruits but unfortunately it's also a little sulphury. Dry finish with notes of gingerbread and mint. All in all it has an interesting nose but a disappointing palate. | |
| Glen Scotia (SMWS) 61.1% | | 1991 13 | Campb. | 83 | Sweet, peaty nose with a chemical note of paint (although not unpleasant!); sweet, peaty palate with an interesting fruitiness and a note of armagnac | ||||
| Glendronach (Sign) 56% | | 1970 1990 | E Highland | 8 | 83 | Rich, fruity nose with a hint of peppermint; rich, fruity and spicy palate; somewhat one-dimensional and a bit too spicy for my taste | |||
| Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve | | 18 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 2? | 83 | Fruity nose with a disturbing feinty note; oaky, fairly complex palate smoothed out by a nice fruitiness | |
| Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or 46% * | 12 | N Highland | 83 | Quite oaky on the nose, herbal, with oak shavings, also a little smoky. Oaky, spicy palate with vanilla and an earthy fruitiness. Unusual and interesting but not balanced (too much oak). | | ||||
| Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 46% * | 12 | N Highland | 83 | Quiet yet nice nose with oak and tropical fruits. Interesting fruitiness on the palate. Unexpectedly dry. | | ||||
| Glenturret (JM) 56.9% | 1993 14 | S Highland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 83 | Unusual nose, a little musty with fruity notes; nicer palate, sweet and fruity, also spicy and a little musty; fairly nice and a little peaty finish | ||
| Grand Old Parr | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 2-3 | 83 | Very nice nose with tropical fruits, caramelized sugar and a note of oak (a bit like an aged rum); sweet, fruity, quite nice palate | ||
| Hakushu | 10 | Japan | 4 | 2 | 0 | 83 | Strange, unusual nose - fruity, herbal, grassy and oaky with a hint of peat. Nicer palate: light, smooth, oaky and slightly peaty. Oak and pepper on the finish. All in all unusual and interesting but not quite together. Quite drinkable, however. | | |
| Highland Park (Duthies) 46% | 17 | Islands/ Orkney | 4 | 2 | 0 | 83 | Nice nose with oak and oranges; the palate is light and a little peaty with nice yet faint notes of pears and citrus, unfortunately the fruits are overpowered by oaky spices; a nice malt but a disappointing Highland Park | ||
| Highland Park | 1994 | Islands/ | 5 | 0 | 2 | 83 | Oak, orange, honey, vanilla on the nose; sweet palate with honey, also oaky, spicy and a bit hot (milder than the 1998 but less complex) | | |
| Islay Mist | | 8 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 4 | 83 | Pine wood, peat and tar on the nose; sweet, mild palate with a note of pears but also fairly smoky and tarry; very nice finish | ||
| Islay Storm | Islay | 83 | Quite nice with a light and fairly sweet palate with a delicious peatiness; but the tarry/seaweedy notes collide a bit with the sweetness | | |||||
| Isle of Jura Superstition 45% | Islands/ Jura | 7 | 3 | 2 | 83 | Peaty, youthful nose, also a little fruity; the palate is at first fiery and spicy but develops nice, sweet, fruity notes; the peat returns in the finish | |||
| Isle of Jura * | | 36 | Islands/ Jura | 7 | 3 | 7 | 83 | Wonderful sweet nose with a hint of butter; rich, sweet palate with a nice fruitiness | |
| Littlemill (CC) | | 1991-Jan 2007-Nov | Lowland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Rather nice nose with oak, vanilla, toffee, fruits, also a rye-like note; light, sweet palate with nice fruity notes but turns dry and develops oak and spices (a little too much, in fact) | |
| Longrow 46% * | | 1991 10 | Campb. | 7 | 6 | 0 | 83 | Intense, spicy, peaty, disappointing; w/ water: milder, lighter, revealing notes of cereal and fruit | |
| Longrow (Cad) 55.7% | | 1998 12 | Campb. | 6 | 7 | 83 | Oily, peaty nose with coal, tar and a note of solvent (dirty boiler room); earthy, peaty palate, also fairly sweet; nice, very peaty finish with notes of gingerbread and peppermint; all in all strange and unbalanced but the finish wins me over | ||
| Macallan Estate Reserve 45.7% * | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 6 | 83 | Light and delicate nose with nice, fragrant sherry notes; rich yet smooth palate, fairly dry and spicy with a note of gingerbread, also disappointing flowery notes (careful with the water!) | | ||
| Magilligan | | 5 | Ireland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Very nice nose with lots of fruit; quite nice, fairly clean palate yet a little rough and fiery with a hot finish (Cooley) | |
| Mortlach (SMWS) 59.8% | | 1994 9 | Speyside | 83 | Fruity nose with a bit of sherry; sweet, mild, mildly sherried palate; overall quite nice but a little spirity | ||||
| Mosstowie (Sign) 46.7% | | 1979 29 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Nice fruity nose with orange and vanilla; the palate is rich and sweet, nice at first but unfortunately it grows very spicy and oaky; dry, oaky, disappointing finish | |
| Powers Gold Label | Blend/ Ireland | 4 | 0 | 83 | Very nice nose with fragrant, fruity notes (typical of "pure pot still" whiskey); the palate is at first fresh and fruity then develops spices, it's light-bodied yet a little fiery with a spicy, warming (yet a little disappointing) finish | ||||
| Rebel Yell | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 5 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Vanilla, marzipan and apricot on the nose. Also a dusty cereal note (signifies rye in the mash bill). Restrained but nice. The palate is fairly light and mild, sweet and fruity with apricot and orange, also a little oaky. Nice but short finish with notes of vanilla and oak. Also spicy with a note of marzipan at the end. All in all mild and balanced. An uncomplicated, easy-drinking bourbon. Distilled at Heaven Hill. | |||
| Rosebank (Dun Bheagan) 50.7% cask 2058 | 1991 16 | Lowland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 83 | Nice nose with notes of citrus and fruity sweets, also slightly herbal; light, sweet, fruity palate with oranges and pears, also a little peaty and develops a buttery note; disappointing after the nice nose | ||
| Scapa (GM) | 1993 2010 | Islands/ Orkney | 5 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Slightly unbalanced nose with malt, oak, toffee, dry apple cider and a hint of yeast; the palate is sweet, a little oaky and fairly nice but a little bland (the earlier bottlings of this vintage were much nicer) | ||
| Seagram's Seven Crown | Blend/ USA | 4 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Nice, interesting nose with citrus fruit, oak, almonds, black pepper and a note of rye; light, mild palate with sweet corn and dry rye in a nice balance, also notes of caramelized sugar and black pepper; dry, oaky finish but with a nice note of citrus (a nice, easy drinking session whisky!) | |||
| Tomatin | 12 | Highland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Butter, citrus, custard and oak on the nose - fairly nice but there's also a dull note of cardboard. The palate is nicer: light, sweet and smooth with a note of vanilla. Develops oak. The finish has notes of oak, mint and citrus. All in all light, easy-going and drinkable. | | |
| Tomatin 43% * | 15 | Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 83 | Nice nose with apricot, orange, vanilla and oak; rich, fruity, fairly oaky palate with apricot marmalade, unfortunately the oak and the fruits don't fully agree; nice, oaky finish (needed a drop of water because of the weak nose and slightly hot palate) | | |
| Aberfeldy | 12 | Highland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Nice, flowery nose with a note of oak; the palate is light, flowery and rather thin at first but improves as it grows richer and develops spices and a note of orange; all in all mild, smooth and rather nice but a little too flowery for my taste | | |
| Allt-a-Bhainne 55.6% (Sign) | | 1991 19 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Citrus and oak on the nose, unfortunately also a note of perfumed soap. Rich, sweet, quite fruity palate with citrus, oak and malt - much nicer than the nose. Oak and vanilla on the finish. The perfume returns, but only faintly this time. A note of mint at the end. | |
| Arran 59.2% cask 2047 | | 1996 2003 | Islands/ Arran | 7 | 3 | 3 | 82 | Rich/spicy and a little sweet/fruity; a bit young at first but develops a nice palate and a very nice, creamy finish | |
| Auchroisk (DL) 50% | | 1990-Feb 2011-Mar | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 82 | The nose is buttery with notes of custard, lemon and wild berries. Unfortunately also a strange sour note and a hint of tequila. The palate is cleaner and much nicer - it's sweet, smooth and chewy. Also oaky and spicy with a note of peppermint. Drying, develops a note of cardboard. Nice finish with oak, honey and citrus. All in all interesting but uneven and very disappointing for an Auchroisk. (DL7045) | |
| Ballantine's Finest | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 2-3 | 82 | Light and balanced with a nice fruitiness, also a little spicy with notes of liqourice, aniseed and a hint of peat; composed, balanced and very nice | ||||
| Ben Wyvis (Sign) 51% cask 685 | | 1968 31 | N Highland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 82 | On the nose it has nice notes of green fruits, vanilla and oak but also a strange, disturbing metallic/acidic note; the palate is nicer: sweet and fairly rich with notes of citrus, vanilla and peppermint, develops oak; nice minty, oaky finish (thanks for the sample, Lukas!) | |
| Black Bottle | | 10 | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 5 | 0 | 82 | Delicious peat on the nose, behind that there are also fresh notes of grain whisky; the palate is light and sweet with toffee and nice, warming peat, develops a note of anise; very nice, quite peaty finish with a note of liqourice | |
| Bowmore (Lateltin) 55.3% | 1976 2000 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 82 | Very rich and smoky, fruity and a bit musty; quite powerful and vigorous for its age | |||
| Braeval (Sign) 59% | | 1979 16 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 82 | Rich and quite sherried, yet balanced with a nice, buttery finish | |
| Brora 'Silent Stills' (Sign) | | 1983 18 | N Highland | 6 | 7 | 0 | 82 | Slightly strange nose; quite smoky palate; a bit rough and not very balanced | |
| Bruichladdich 46% * | 10 | Islay | 4 | 1 | 0 | 82 | Light, sweet and a little spicy with very nice fruity notes; seems a little young at first but improves; all in all balanced and quite nice | | |
| Bunnahabhain | | 12 | Islay | 3-4 | 2 | 82 | Fairly fruity; mild, balanced and very drinkable | | |
| Caol Ila 59.8% | | 8 | Islay | 6 | 3 | 0 | 82 | Youthful nose, rough and muscular with peat and cereal notes; nice, fresh, fruity palate but develops disappointing spicy notes; not bad for an 8 y.o. (but I'd rather drink it at 10 or 12) | |
| Caol Ila Cognac Finish (GM) | 1988 11 | Islay | 5 | 7 | 82 | Complex, a bit spicy with a very nice, smoky finish | |||
| Caol Ila (Sign) 58.5% | | 1981 20 | Islay | 3 | 7 | 0? | 82 | Mild yet quite peaty, balanced with a very nice finish (but perhaps a bit bland) | |
| Caperdonich (Sign) 43.5% cask 3335 | | 1970 38 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 1 | 82 | Unusual yet fairly nice nose with oak, linseed oil and note of vanilla (the oaky character is similar to a Spanish brandy); rich, dry, nutty palate, very oaky and rather dry but saved by a nice note of peppermint; dry, spicy, disappointing finish with mostly oak but also a note of gingerbread; verdict: it's spent too long in the wood | |
| Clynelish (JM) 59.1% | 1989 2002 | N Highland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Nice nose with notes of vanilla, coconut and oak; oaky, spicy, disappointing palate | ||
| Clynelish (Chieftain's) 46% * | 1991 17 | N Highland | 82 | Rich, spicy, fiery but with an interesting fruity/winey character; all in all disappointing, however | |||||
| Crown Royal Limited Edition | Blend/ Canada | 5 | 0 | 82 | Richer than the standard edition, but not quite as nice and balanced | ||||
| Dailuaine (FF) | 16 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 82 | Weak nose but a very nice fruity palate | | |
| Edradour * | | 10 | Highland | 4 | 0 | 6 | 82 | Unusual, sweet, candy-like nose; the smooth palate has more candy and light fruity notes; all in all unusual but quite drinkable | |
| Glen Keith | 1983 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 0? | 82 | Light, fruity nose; sweet, fruity palate with a hint of peat | | |
| Glen Ord (McGibbon's Provenance) | | 1996 12 | N Highland | 82 | Rather nice, fruity nose with banana; fruity, malty, youngish palate with a note of peat; nice nose but ultimately disappointing; immature for a 12 y.o. | ||||
| Glen Scanlan | | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 1 | 82 | Nice, quite fruity nose with notes of fudge and crème brûlée, as well as hints of peat and sherry wood. The palate is light, sweet and mild. Clean and fresh with notes of orange, allspice and a little peat. The finish is oaky and a little spicy. Warming. All in all mild, complex and quite nice. Much better than 10 years ago. | ||
| Glen Scotia | 12 | Campb. | 6 | 3 | 0 | 82 | Interesting nose with fruity and maritime notes, also peaty and a little musty; sweet, fruity, spicy palate with an odd "chemical" note | | |
| Glenkinchie * | | 10 | Lowland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Nice light fruitiness on the nose, yet slightly immature; clean, fresh, zesty palate with a very nice fruitiness | |
| Glenlivet | | 18 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 0? | 82 | Dry, oaky, fiery and a bit spicy palate with notes of vanilla and fruit; all in all nice but fairly flat and a little too woody | |
| Glenrothes | 1984 2002 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 4 | 82 | Sweet, fruity; quite similar to the 1989 but more mature and more balanced | ||
| Glentauchers (SMWS) 57.8% | | 1989 14 | Speyside | 82 | Fragrant fruity nose with apples and pears and also a slightly chemical note; light palate with a nice fruitiness (again pears) | ||||
| Glenturret | 15 | S Highland | 6 | 1 | 82 | Nice fruity nose with notes of apple, lemon, vanilla and also sherry; fairly complex, very nice palate: sweet, a little spicy, fairly fruity with a hint of peat | | ||
| Gooderham & Worts 45% | | Blend/ Canada | 6 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Spicy and a little fiery, fairly sweet with notes of oranges and toffee, also a bit bitter because of the rye; all in all complex with a lot of flavour (best without water) | ||
| Highland Park (GM) | 8 | Islands/ Orkney | 7 | 5 | 82 | Fairly rich, quite peaty, unusually mature for an 8 y.o. | |||
| Imperial (GM) | 1991 2010 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Unusual nose with butter, vanilla, citrus and also a slightly off-putting acidic note; much nicer palate: fruity and a little oaky with green fruits; nice finish with oak and vanilla | ||
| Isle of Jura | Islands/ | 5 | 0 | 0 | 82 | The nose is youthful with a cereal note, also slightly harsh but has nice, fragrant notes of oak and green fruits. Mild, sweet palate with a fresh fruitiness (more citrus this time). It's oaky and develops more oak. Oaky, spicy finish - slightly dull and disappointing. All in all young and a little unbalanced but fresh, entertaining and drinkable. (L8091) | | ||
| Jack Daniel's | | Bourbon/ TN/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Huge, fragrant, in-your-face nose with apricot, almond, caramel, peppermint, vanilla and oak. Complex and quite nice yet a little spirity. Intense, powerful yet clean palate with a nice sweetness as well as notes of citrus, mint and vanilla. Oaky, spicy finish. All in all nice but very powerful (sometimes I like it, sometimes I find it too intense). | ||
| Karuizawa | | 8 | Japan | 8 | 0 | 3 | 82 | Quiet yet nice nose with gingerbread, honey and oak; the palate is at first mild, fruity and sweet but drying, develops spices and lot of oak; dry, quite spicy and disappointing finish (the label describes it as a vatting of sherry matured whiskies but the sherry character isn't prominent) | |
| Kilchoman 46% | 3 | Islay | 8 | 9 | 0 | 82 | Thick peat smoke and malt on the nose, also citrus, chili pepper and (unfortunately) new make; the palate is nicer, more mature: very peaty, also spicy and fairly hot, develops iodine (best without water - dilution emphasizes its youth) | | |
| Knob Creek 50% * | | 9 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Rather nice nose: fragrant and fruity with vanilla and a bitter note of rye; the palate is dry, rather oaky and a bit bitter, peppery and fairly fiery yet quite nice (needs just a little water, with too much it loses its interesting character) | |
| Ledaig Sherry Finish | | Islands/ Mull | 5 | 5 | 2 | 82 | Fruity, peaty, unusual nose, powerful, "dirty" smoke; nicer palate: unexpectedly mild after the powerful nose, sweet and a little peaty | ||
| Ledaig (JM) 56.5% cask 271 | 1993 2003 | Islands/ Mull | 6 | 5 | 0 | 82 | Unusual nose: fruity, with a musty peatiness; fruity, peaty but splintered palate where the fruits and peat are at odds (interesting though...) | ||
| Linkwood (B) 46% | | 1993 18 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 82 | The nose is fruity (citrus candy) and oaky with a strange note of pickled cucumber. Rich, fruity, quite oaky palate. Drying. Dry, oaky, dull finish. Disappointing. | |
| Macallan | | 1976 18 | Speyside | 5 | 8 | 82 | A little strange at first (perhaps due to oxidation); nice, balanced and complex with a fairly light fruitiness | ||
| Mackmyra Preludium:04 53.3% | | Sweden | 5 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Unusual nose with oak and fruity notes (apples and pears), also dry and "dusty"; fairly rich palate with unusual yet nice fruity notes; disappointing, flat finish; all in all complex, uneven and slightly immature | | |
| Mackmyra Svensk Rök 46.1% * | Sweden | 6 | 4 | 0 | 82 | Nice, sweet-ish smoke on the nose but unfortunately it's also floral and perfumy (from a little too much new oak, I suspect). Fruity (citrus), malty and nutty. Youthful yet complex. The palate is sweet with a prominent oak character and a note of gingerbread. The finish is peaty, quite oaky and spicy with nice refreshing notes of mint and citrus. Verdict: it has a nice, unusual peatiness but the oak character is a bit vulgar. | | ||
| Mortlach (TB) 57% cask 2378 | 1983 18 | Speyside | 5 | 2 | 82 | Nice, fruity nose; fruity and a little spicy palate with notes of candy; slightly peaty finish | |||
| Mortlach (DL) 50% | | 1981-Jan 2000-Jun | Speyside | 6 | 4 | 4 | 82 | Fruity, a bit peaty; milder and more balanced than the 1983 GM | |
| Old Fettercairn (DL) 50% | | 1991-Mar 2005-Jan | E Highland | 82 | Fairly unusual nose with fruity and musty notes; sweet, fruity and a little peaty palate | ||||
| Rosebank (SMWS) 60.3% | | 1990 9 | Lowland | 82 | Spirity, chemical nose but improves with water - earthy, musty but also fruity with apples; the palate is nicer, sweet and fruity, develops a little peat | ||||
| Smögen Primör 63.7% | 2010 3 | Sweden | 8 | 7 | 0 | 82 | The nose is young and powerful, very malty with wood smoke and a note of engine oil. Also new oak and unusual, wine-like fruity notes. Splintered and rough with a still noticeable new make character. The palate is young, too, but more balanced and much nicer. It has lots of malt and peat smoke, nicely offset by light, fresh notes of mint and citrus. Also a herbal note of new oak. Sweet, fruity and enjoyable. The finish has peat and malt, of course, but also fresh notes of mint and vanilla. Nice! All in all it's big, peaty and powerful. Well crafted but a little immature. (Improved a lot after being open for a few months) | ||
| Speyburn (CC) | | 1971 | Speyside | 7 | 2 | 0 | 82 | Very nice nose with oak and vanilla (like an old bourbon), also a hint of peat; rich, oaky and fairly dry palate (disappointing after the nice nose) | |
| Säntis Malt | Switzerland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 82 | The nose is fruity (citrus flavoured candy, orange peel) and oaky with notes of aged rum, allspice and gunpowder. A little quiet yet complex and nice. Nice, fruity palate with notes of vanilla, caramelized sugar, black tea and white pepper. At first mild and sweet then drying and grows more intense. The finish is fruity and peppery (but in a nice balance) with a note of rum. All in all unusual, quite rum-like, nice but a bit too mild. | | ||
| Tormore 49.7% (Sign) | | 1992 18 | Speyside | 5 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Fruity nose with citrus and oak. Orange marmalade. Nice yet slightly earthy. Sweet palate with malt, honey and citrus. Unfortunately also a little musty. Develops a dull oaky note. Quite oaky finish but - again - dull. (A little overaged, I suspect.) | |
| Tormore (SMOS) 64.8% | | 1988 21 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Fragrant nose with vanilla and oak shavings (makes me suspect use of new oak). Also fruity and a little flowery with a note of straw (like an old barn). Quite nice. The palate is sweet and fruity (candy-like) with oak shavings and a note of mint. Also flowery, unfortunately. Drying and develops oak. Oaky, spicy finish. Conclusion: Oak, oak and oak (and I'm not so keen on that flowery note). | |
| Tullamore Dew | | Blend/ Ireland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 82 | Youngish nose with a note of sawdust, also dry and "dusty" (like a rye whisky); light, fresh palate with very nice notes of apples and pears, also fairly spicy and a little fiery | ||
| Antiquary | 12 | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 4 | 81 | Rather nice, smoky nose with notes of toffee and citrus yet maybe a little musty; the palate is nice and smoky at first but disappointing once the smoke has cleared; nice note of toffee in the finish, though | |||
| Ardbeg Blasda | Islay | 4 | 6 | 0 | 81 | Young, malty, peaty nose, also nice notes of citrus fruits; light, spicy, peaty palate; disappointing... (I don't find it too mild, but too young) | | ||
| Bailie Nicol Jarvie | Blend/ Scotland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Nice, fresh, fruity nose (lemon); light, astonishingly mild palate that doesn't leave a lasting impression (leaves hardly any impression!) | |||
| BenRiach Solstice 50% | 15 | Speyside | 6 | 7 | 81 | Unusual nose with peat, malt and grapes; rich but fairly dry palate, peaty and fruity with a note of mint; dry, quite peaty finish; all in all interesting but splintered | | ||
| BenRiach Solstice 50% | 17 | Speyside | 6 | 7 | 81 | Unusual nose: cereally, smoky and fruity (like eating digestives washed down with port in front of a roaring bonfire). Smoky, sweet and fruity/winey palate. Not quite balanced. On the finish the fruits fade but the smoke remains, joined by a minty note. All in all interesting but splintered (like the 1st edition). | | ||
| Benromach (CC) | | 1972 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 4? | 81 | Slightly bitter nose with notes of sherry and dried fruit; nice, rich, spicy, a little oaky palate with notes of sherry and ginger | |
| Black Velvet Reserve | | 8 | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Mild, balanced palate, fairly nice but fairly unremarkable; nicer finish with a note of orange | |
| Bowmore (Samaroli) | | 1972 1990 | Islay | 6 | 2-3 | 7? | 81 | Fairly rich, sherried, only lightly peated with a light floweriness, balanced | |
| Bowmore 30th Anniversary 50% | | 1963 30 | Islay | 7 | 1-2? | 6 | 81 | Rich, sweet, waxy with nice fresh sherry notes | |
| Bunnahabhain Toiteach 46% * | Islay | 5 | 5 | 0 | 81 | Peaty, earthy, cereally, youngish nose with hints of vanilla, oak shavings, fennel; light, sweet palate with orange and a note of peppermint; nice, warming finish with a lingering note of wood smoke | | ||
| Canadian Club | | 6 | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 1 | 0 | 81 | Quite mild/light yet not without character; a bit spicy with a hint of smoke in the finish; all in all very enjoyable (the perfect party whisky!) | |
| Caol Ila (Sign) 46% | | 1989 12 | Islay | 6 | 8 | 1 | 81 | At first musty and a little disappointing with notes of burnt rubber but develops a lighter, flowery and much nicer taste and a very nice finish | |
| Cutty Sark | | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 81 | Nice nose with notes of citrus fruits, juniper, tree sap and a hint of peat; light, sweet, smooth, rather nice palate with refreshing notes of citrus fruits and a little oak; the peaty note returns in the finish together with the juniper - very nice | ||
| Four Roses | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Fragrant, fruity nose with vanilla, marzipan and rye. Not bad (but a little vulgar). The palate is light and sweet at first but grows more powerful and develops notes of rye, spices and oak. A little too sweet and not quite balanced. Like the nose it's a bit vulgar. Oaky, spicy, warming finish. | |||
| Glen Grant The Major's Reserve | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 81 | Malty, cereally, youngish nose but also fresh and fruity with vanilla - actually quite nice; palate is at first mild, sweet and fruity but the fruits fade, it develops heat and cereal notes which again show its youth; spicy, fiery, disappointing finish | | |||
| Glen Mhor (RM) 61.0% | | 1979 22 | N Highland | 5 | 1 | 3 | 81 | Fairly fruity, a little buttery and fairly complex with quite a nice finish | |
| Glendronach | | 12 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 81 | Nice, fragrant nose with dry, spicy sherry, dried fruits and a note of turpentine; rich yet surprisingly dry palate, quite spicy and disappointing after the nice nose (the oak and dried fruits remind me of Spanish brandy) | |
| Glenrothes | 1989 2002 | Speyside | 6 | 1 | 4 | 81 | Sweet, quite fruity and fairly rich with a slightly smoky finish; nice but a bit on the young side | ||
| Glenturret | 12 | S Highland | 6 | 0 | 2? | 81 | A little strange nose but a much nicer palate; mild and balanced with lovely fresh, fruity and minty notes | | |
| Isle of Jura | 21 | Islands/ Jura | 5 | 1 | 5 | 81 | Strange yet fairly nice nose with sherry, oak and notes of peat and Brie cheese. The palate is mild and sweet, also oaky. Quite nice at first but develops a disappointing waxy sherry character. Oaky, dry finish with a note of gingerbread. (L5269) | ||
| Jameson | | Blend/ Ireland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Fresh, fruity nose with apricot and orange but also a note of oak that mars the freshness a little; fairly sweet palate with nice fruity notes but also fairly spicy and fiery; sadly, just a hint of "pure pot still" | ||
| Jim Beam Black Label | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 7 | 0 | 0 | 81 | The nose has nice notes of oak, vanilla and a hint of fennel. Unfortunately it's also a little earthy. Rich, sweet palate but a little "dirty" and unbalanced. Develops nice notes of oak and fruits, however. Also some heat. The finish is hot, spicy and quite dry. Disappointing. | ||
| Ladyburn 50.4% | 1973 | Lowland | 6 | 2 | 0 | 81 | Slightly strange nose, nice palate with notes of dried fruit and a little bit of peat; fairly peaty finish | | |
| Seagram's VO | | Blend/ Canada | 2 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Nice nose with light fruity notes; light, sweet, mild and smooth palate, develops rye; an easy drinking, uncomplicated session whisky | ||
| Springbank (old dumpy bottle) 46% | | 8 | Campb. | 8 | 1-2 | 81 | At first strange, then rich and a bit spicy; quite mature for its age, quite good but also very intense | ||
| St. George Peated | England | 6 | 7 | 0 | 81 | The nose is quite peaty and malty. Young, rough and a little musty. Also fruity and spirity (like a fruit schnapps). The palate also shows youth but is nicer than the nose: it's sweet and fruity (again, fruit schnapps), also peaty. Peaty finish with fresh notes of mint and citrus. All in all young and rough. Nice finish, though. | | ||
| Stewart's Malt Whisky | Malt/ Scotland | 6 | 1-2 | 81 | Quite nice, complex nose with notes of fruits and peat; the palate is smooth but a little bland and disappointing compared to the nose | ||||
| Talisker (DE) 45.8% | 1989 | Islands/ Skye | 8 | 7? | 81 | Lots of fruit on the nose; rich, fruity, spicy palate; also develops a pepperiness that barely avoids a head-on collision with the fruit | |||
| Teerenpeli | | 2003 8 | Finland | 6 | 0 | 0 | 81 | Fragrant, quite oaky nose (fresh oak, I believe) with white pepper, malt, citrus, honey and vanilla. Youngish but quite nice. Smooth, fresh and fairly sweet palate with a note of citrus. Develops mint. The minty note carries over into the finish and is joined by vanilla and a flowery note. Above all, however, the finish is quite oaky and spicy. Disappointing. All in all it's a little unbalanced and has too much oak which makes it a bit vulgar. | |
| Aberlour a'bunadh batch 16 59.5% | | Speyside | 80 | Rich, fruity nose yet harsh and sulphury; nicer palate with a dry, spicy sherry character but it's also a bit sulphury (not up to the usual standard) | | ||||
| Balblair Elements | N Highland | 4 | 1 | 80 | Quite young on the nose but the palate is quite mild with a hint of peat, fairly uninteresting yet drinkable | | |||
| Black Grouse | | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 80 | Nice nose with peat and wood smoke; the palate is at first peaty and malty then develops clean notes of the grains; shows a bit more character than its more famous sibling | ||
| Brora (CC) | | 1972 ~25 | N Highland | 6 | 4 | 80 | A disappointing musty note dominates the nose; fairly rich and sweet palate, also fairly peaty with a musty/earthy note; all in all disappointing | ||
| Bruichladdich Rocks 46% | Islay | 7 | 1? | 80 | Weird, wild, young, fresh yet complex and multi-faceted with a note of new make (and even a note of grain whisky!) | | |||
| Canadian Club 100 Proof | 6 | Blend/ Canada | 4 | 1? | 80 | ||||
| Canadian Club Classic | | 12 | Blend/ Canada | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80 | Dry, slightly harsh and bitter with a very nice finish; compared to the 6 y.o.: richer, less balanced, less drinkable | |
| Caol Ila (Sign) | | 1989 11 | Islay | 7 | 7 | 0 | 80 | At first a bit strange with a burnt aroma, then sweet, quite peaty with a very nice, surprisingly light and a tad fruity finish | |
| Dougherty's | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 80 | The nose is quiet, a little spirity and slightly earthy but has a nice note of fudge. The palate is quite light and mild with notes of custard, citrus, mint and caramel. A little rum-like. The finish is oaky, spicy and a little hot. All in all surprisingly nice after the dubious nose. | |||
| Finlaggan | Islay | 4 | 5 | 0 | 80 | Young nose, but there are also very nice fruity notes, also peaty; light, sweet, fruity palate; fairly peaty at first but develops more peat; nice, quite peaty finish | | ||
| Glen Deveron | 10 | Speyside | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80 | Fairly nice nose with toffee, also a little flowery with a note of Tequila and a hint of peat; mild, sweet palate with caramelized sugar, also spicy and oaky; oaky, flowery finish; all in all much nicer than the 12 y.o. of old but still unimpressive | | |
| Glen Moray | 16 | Speyside | 80 | Subtle, complex, herbal nose; mild, sweet palate with quite a nice, spicy finish; all in all solid yet unspectacular | | ||||
| Glenglassaugh Revival 46% | Speyside | 8 | 1 | 0 | 80 | The nose is fragrant and fruity, with malt, cereal and honey but it's quite young and a bit vulgar. Rough, very young palate (close to new make, in fact) but with nice fruity notes. Oily, musty finish, also a bit smoky. | | ||
| Glenlochy (DL) * | | 1952 49 | W Highland | 6 | 0 | 80 | Dry, oaky nose (reminiscent of old cognac); dry, earthy, oaky palate; so-so palate but the finish is quite nice | ||
| Grant's 43% | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 0 | 80 | Muscular, earthy, peaty nose; fairly rich palate with a bold, full flavour, yet a bit young/rough; quite malty and fairly peaty with a very nice finish | |||
| Hazelburn CV 46% * | Campb. | 6 | 4 | 0 | 80 | Malty, peaty nose with a note of engine oil - immature and disappointing; peaty, musty, spicy palate, also fairly sweet with notes of green fruits; fairly nice, peaty finish with oak and black pepper (Hazelburn isn't supposed to be peated!) | | ||
| Imperial Cognac Finish (GM) | | 1990 9 | Speyside | 4 | 1-2 | 0 | 80 | A bit young on the nose; the taste is very mild at first, then getting richer, spicier and more complex; the finish is balanced and intriguing | |
| Jim Beam White Label | | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 80 | Vanilla, apricot, orange, white pepper and oak on the nose. Also a note of rye. Nice and complex yet slightly spirity. The palate is fairly light with sweet corn and orange at first, then drying, develops dry rye notes and oak. It's fairly thin in flavour but at the same time spicy with some alcohol burn. Disappointing finish: oaky with herbal notes that don't work with the oak. It also has a cloying sweetness. | ||
| Jim Beam Yellow Label | | Rye/ KY/USA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 80 | Unusual nose with a dusty, earthy rye note, also cereally and a little spirity with a note of solvent. Powerful, oaky, spicy palate. Dry and a bit harsh but develops nice notes of vanilla and orange. Spicy, fiery yet nice finish. All in all entertaining with lots of character but lacks balance. | ||
| King George IV | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80 | Quiet nose with mostly grain whisky but also a little oak. Mild, sweet palate with notes of custard and citrus. Quite nice. Develops oak and a note of peat. Oaky, spicy finish, also a little peaty and slightly earthy. Grows fairly hot. All in all uneven but the palate is not bad. | |||
| Longrow 46% * | b. 2012 | Campb. | 7 | 4 | 0 | 80 | Malty, nutty, peaty nose with notes of engine oil, orange and mint. Unfortunately also a note of rubber. A little too young; lacks balance. The palate is fairly rich and sweet, malty and cereally with honey and orange marmalade. Young and quite peaty. Nicer than the nose but still not convincing. The finish has peat, iodine, cereal and oak. Disappointing after the peat fades. All in all young and rowdy, peaty and powerful. Lacks balance and maturity. Cheap for a Longrow but poor value. | | |
| Longrow 46% * | | 1974 16 | Campb. | 8 | 4 | 9 | 80 | Dry, fruity nose with lots of sherry; rich, fruity palate, also with lots of sherry (but not a very nice one); very dark for a Longrow | |
| Mackmyra Preludium:06 50.5% | | Sweden | 5 | 3 | 0 | 80 | Very nice nose with light notes of fruit and cream offset by oak and wood smoke; mild and fruity palate with oak and wood smoke but it's also a little musty with a chemical note | | |
| Pittyvaich (FF) * | | 12 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 8 | 80 | Nice fresh sherry notes on the nose; unusual palate with a note of candy; rich, dry and balanced sherry taste with a nice finish | |
| Scapa (GM) | 1989 | Islands/ Orkney | 6 | 0? | 0 | 80 | Sweet, quity fruity, quite nice yet slightly immature | ||
| Tomintoul 46% * | 14 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 0 | 80 | Interesting nose with notes of citrus, Poire Williams and oak, unfortunately also spirity and a little musty; the palate is a bit hot but with a little water: sweet with nice notes of citrus and mint but almost overpowered by oaky spices | | |
| Whyte & Mackay Special | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 2 | 80 | Nice nose with honey, dried fruits and a nice grain note, also a little oak; mild, smooth palate with a note of gingerbread, at first fruity, sweet and creamy, then drying, develops spices; dry, spicy, hot finish with a little peat; married in sherry wood which makes it sweet and smooth | ||
| Alberta Springs | 10 | Rye/ Canada | 4 | 0 | 0 | 79 | A bit spicy and fairly complex; compared to Alberta Premium: Milder, more balanced and nicer | ||
| Black & White | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 79 | Quiet yet complex nose with notes of toffee, vanilla, apple, oak, peat and malt. Also slightly earthy. Light, fairly sweet palate. Develops malt, oak and a little peat. Oaky, peaty finish - unexpectedly powerful and surprisingly nice. All in all a little rough but has a nice peatiness. (I expected more from this classic brand.) | |||
| Blair Athol (FF) | 12 | Highland | 6 | 1? | 6 | 79 | Fairly rich sherry notes; not that nice nose but a much nicer finish | | |
| Bowmore Surf | ~8 | Islay | 6 | 79 | Even younger than C/S, milder but less interesting than the C/S with an off-note as well | | |||
| Braeval (SMWS) 43.8% | | 1977 25 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 3 | 79 | Freshly sawn wood on the nose; rich, spicy, fruity (at first apples, then citrus, then raisins); quite interesting but a bit chaotic | |
| Bruichladdich 53.8% (Lateltin @ Whisky Ship) | | 1986 15 | Islay | 6 | 0 | 4 | 79 | Fairly rich yet dry with a spicy rather than fruity sherry character; soft, mellow and nice but a little disappointing | |
| Canadian Club Reserve | | 10 | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 79 | Smoother, richer and sweeter than the 6 y.o. but lacking in the character department | |
| Claymore | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 79 | Interesting nose with notes of fruit and tar; nice, a little sweet palate with notes of toffee, peat and tar | ||||
| Connemara | 12 | Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 79 | Fragrant, fruity nose with apricot, pears, citrus and a little peat, also a disturbing note of soap, however; mild, sweet palate, fruity and creamy with a note of butter, develops a little peat, unfortunately the soapy note persists | | |
| Glen Clova | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 1 | 0 | 79 | Sweet, fruity palate, develops spices; tastes mostly of grain yet quite nice; fiery finish with a note of peat; an easy drinking session whisky but not without character | |||
| Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 6 | 0 | 0 | 79 | Fairly nice nose with notes of vanilla, apples, pears and oak shavings, also spicy with an earthy note of rye; sweet, fruity palate with a spicy note of black pepper; the finish is fiery, spicy and herbal (almost like an akvavit) | |||
| Jameson | | 12 | Blend/ Ireland | 5 | 0 | 4 | 79 | Weird nose with sherry fruits, barbecue sauce and a loud, sulphury off-note; the palate is much nicer: sweet and smooth with both "pure pot still" fruits and sherry fruits; conclusion: swill it but don't smell it | |
| Mackmyra Preludium:01 55.6% | | Sweden | 6 | 1 | 0 | 79 | Young yet complex nose with nice fruity notes (orange marmalade) but also a musty cereal note; nice fruitiness at first but it fades and leaves a slightly peaty yet disappointing finish | | |
| Mackmyra Preludium:03 52.2% | | Sweden | 6 | 4 | 2 | 79 | Quite nice nose with smoke and barbecue sauce; dry, smoky, peppery palate, also minty; develops sweetness and flowery rather than fruity notes from the sherry; also a cereal note that shows the lack of maturity | | |
| White Horse | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 79 | Malt, peat, and a note of oak on the nose, it's youngish and a bit rough, however; the palate is at first spicy, peaty and powerful but has a better balance, turns sweet and develops nice notes of toffee and liqourice; the finish is peaty but fairly one-dimensional | |||
| Ardbeg (SMWS) 59.8% | | 1993 8 | Islay | 9 | 79? | Powerful and a bit musty with lots of peat and iodine but also a disturbing note of solvent | |||
| Clynelish | | 5 | N Highland | 6 | 3 | 4 | 78 | Fairly peaty, a little salty with rich sherry notes which develop into a thick, musty fruitiness (plums); mature for its age | |
| Dewar's White Label | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 78 | Fairly quiet nose with predominantly grain whisky, with notes of toffee, citrus and peat, also a bit dry/dusty/rye-like; light, sweet, smooth palate with toffee, apples; rather nice finish with notes of liqourice and peat; all in all fairly young yet nice and more-ish | |||
| Famous Grouse | Blend/ Scotland | 6 | 1 | 0 | 78 | Light nose (predominantly grain), yet a little harsh; clean, fresh palate with nice notes of citrus fruits; quite nice yet a little harsh; all in all a smooth ride yet a bit cheap (Citroën?) | |||
| Forty Creek Three Grain | | Blend/ Canada | 5 | 1 | 78 | A little fiery, a little musty; quite nice but less mature and less balanced than the "Barrel Select" | |||
| Glen Garioch (large box version) | 21 | E Highland | 7 | 2 | 78 | Fairly sweet with a fairly dominating perfume-like floweriness; very nice finish; overall nice but uneven | |||
| Glen Moray | 12 | Speyside | 3 | 0 | 0 | 78 | Fairly nice fruity/spicy nose yet a little too young; nicer palate: mild and drinkable but almost too mild (at this age it would benefit from fresher casks) | | |
| Glenrothes (SMWS) 57.7% | | 1990 13 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 7 | 78 | Rich, sweet and fruity but the finish is a little sulphury | |
| Glenrothes (SMWS) 54.9% | | 1972 29 | Speyside | 6 | 4 | 78 | Baking yeast and slightly bitter, sulphury notes on the nose; quite sweet and quite nice palate with notes of dried fruit | ||
| Highland Reserve | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 78 | Light, balanced, fairly sweet palate with very nice notes of fruit candy and a hint of liqourice | ||||
| Imperial Claret Finish (GM) | 1990 9 | Speyside | 6 | 0 | 3 | 78 | Buttery, fairly spicy and very complex; overall balanced and interesting | ||
| J&B Rare | | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 78 | Tea, apples, oak and hint of smoke on the nose; quite mild palate, sweet, also a little oaky, spicy and youngish but with nice notes of black tea and green fruits; the tea and fruits linger into the rather nice finish; all in all nice and complex but perhaps a bit splintered, quite entertaining though | ||
| Kolme Leijonaa (Three Lions) | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 78 | Sweet and fruity with nice herbal notes, also a little peaty (a Finnish product) | |||
| Long John | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 3 | 0 | 78 | Rough, spirity nose, malty and peaty with notes of oak and fennel, also a little dusty and musty (old, dusty attic); much nicer palate: fairly rich, sweet and chewy with notes of oak shavings, citrus and mint, also a nice peaty note; the finish is warming but perhaps a little too hot | |||
| Mackmyra Preludium:02 54.2% | | Sweden | 4 | 0 | 0 | 78 | Fresh, fruity, oaky nose, young yet nice; surprisingly mild and light palate with nice spicy notes but a slightly disappointing aftertaste | | |
| McAfee's Benchmark | 4 | Bourbon/ KY/USA | 5 | 78 | Weird nose, musty, dusty (from the rye, I presume), also fruity with a note of avocado; sweet, fruity palate with green fruits and cucumber but - again - musty; rather disappointing but the finish is fairly nice | ||||
| Scots Knight | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 78 | Quiet yet nice nose with a note of crème brûlée; mild, sweet palate, fairly balanced yet a little dry and musty; there are also nice notes of liqourice and dried fruit (surprisingly good for the price!) | ||
| Springbank 175th Anniversary 46% * | | 12 | Campb. | 6 | 4 | 3 | 78 | Fruity nose that collides with an oily peatiness; the palate has nice peaty notes but also a disappointing sherry note; slightly musty finish | |
| Stewart's Finest | | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 0 | 78 | Fairly nice nose with grain whisky and a note of aniseed; fairly nice palate with a note of oranges but it's a little rough and fiery; quite nice finish with a note of liqourice | ||
| Teacher's | Blend/ Scotland | 7 | 3-4 | 2 | 78 | Rich and lively with a very nice finish with notes of fruits and liqourice; rather young yet nicely balanced | |||
| Alberta Premium | 5 | Rye/ Canada | 5 | 0 | 0 | 77 | Mild and sweet with an interesting, slightly sour fruitiness | ||
| Bell's | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 77 | Young yet quite nice nose with notes of grain whisky, toffee, custard, citrus and oak; light, sweet palate with crème brûlée, also herbal with notes of aniseed, fennel and a hint of tequila; nice finish with a note of mint | |||
| Haig Gold Label | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 77 | Young and a bit unbalanced nose with predominantly grain but also a peaty, malty note; the palate is nicer: light and clean with a fresh fruitiness | ||
| Lauder's | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 77 | Youngish nose with malt, toffee and a note of linseed oil, also a little rough, earthy and spirity; the palate is more mellow and much nicer: sweet, creamy and malty with crème brûlée and toffee; all in all nice yet uneven, the malts are prominent yet quite young | ||
| Mackmyra Special:03 48.2% | Sweden | 6 | 2 | 2 | 77 | Nice nose with sherry, oak and wood smoke, also vanilla and citrus; the palate is another matter: at first there's a musty oakiness, then citrus, then a pang of fresh peppermint which fades into the spicy finish; all in all interesting yet splintered | | ||
| Moose Crown | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 77 | Young, rough nose but a much nicer palate: fresh, clean and balanced with notes of brown sugar and toffee; shows hardly any rye character, in fact it tastes more like a rum than a Canadian whisky! | |||
| Ardbeg (Samaroli) 57% | | 1975 1990 | Islay | 6 | 5 | 76 | At first a disappointing strange fruitiness, but it develops into a very nice finish (which doesn't make up for the bad start though) | ||
| Cromwell's Royal | | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 76 | Fairly weak yet nice nose with citrus, vanilla and notes of peat and oak; light, sweet palate with lemon and orange, also green fruits, very light at first, then develops vanilla, oak and spice, also a note of liqourice; all in all it's quite light but surprisingly balanced considering it's a cheap "bag in box" whisky | ||
| Hankey Bannister | | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 0 | 0? | 76 | The nose is young but has nice spicy, fruity notes and a hint of toffee; the palate is smooth at first but develops a spicy bite and maybe even a hint of peat; a little young for my taste though | ||
| Highland Gold | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 76 | Light, fruity and a little smoky | |||
| Latitude 55° | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 1 | 3 | 76 | The nose is a little spirity and oily with a cereal note, also a hint of peat and nice notes of citrus fruits, caramel and oak; the palate is youngish and a bit unbalanced, sweet, develops toffee and a nice note of sherry wood; oaky, spicy, quite nice finish with notes of sage and peppermint | |||
| Longrow 46% | | 14 | Campb. | 5? | 76 | Nice, peaty, muscular nose with a softer note of fruit; the fruit grows stronger in the palate but overflows and collapes in the finish; a veritable anti climax | | ||
| Lord Calvert | 3 | Blend/ Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 76 | Light, sweet, refreshing with citrus and vanilla, develops a little heat and notes of oak and rye; fairly young but balanced for its age | ||
| Major Gunn's | Blend/ Scotland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 76 | The nose is spirity (although not harsh) with mostly grain whisky. Vodka-like but with nice notes of toffee and honey. The palate is light and clean but bland and a bit spirity. The finish is disappointing and (thankfully) short. Very little malt whisky in this (it probably contains more colouring than malt). | |||
| Upper Ten | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 76 | Quiet nose; light, balanced palate, a little dry and peaty with a hint of liqourice; slightly peppery and peaty finish; a bit on the bland side but it's an easy-going session whisky | ||||
| William Lawson's | Blend/ Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 76 | Young yet fairly nice nose with toffee, grain whisky, apricot, marzipan and a hint of oak; light, sweet yet a little harsh palate with toffee, apricot and a little oak; hot, dry but otherwise nonexistant finish | |||
| Ardbeg Special Reserve | | 12 | Islay | 5 | 8 | 0 | 75 | Young and smoky on the nose; on the palate: still a bit young, not very balanced, with burned aromas (like burned microchips!) | |
| Caol Ila (CC) * | | 1981 | Islay | 6 | 5 | 0? | 75 | Fairly smoky and a bit intense (needs a drop of water); all in all more balanced (but less exciting) than the 1975 RM | |
| Hiram Walker Special Old Rye Whisky | Rye/ Canada | 4 | 2 | 0 | 75 | Begins with a slightly musty fruitiness that develops into a nice and fairly spicy finish | |||
| Royal Canadian | 5 | Blend/ Canada | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75 | Fairly light with a spicy rye character; nice but a bit too musty | ||
| Caol Ila Calvados Finish (GM) | 1988 11 | Islay | 5 | 2 | 0 | 74 | Complex, a bit peaty with an unusual fruitiness | ||
| Doctor's Special | Blend/ Scotland | 3 | 2 | 0? | 74 | Balanced, light and very mild with a slightly peaty finish | |||
| 100 Pipers | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 73 | Dry, fairly harsh, a little smoky with a hint of toffee | ||||
| An Cnoc | 12 | E Highland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 72 | Fruity and a bit peaty nose (a bit of a collision though); mild, spicy palate with a hint of grilled steak; all in all unusual but quite drinkable | | |
| McGuinness Old Canada | Blend/ Canada | 2 | 2 | 0 | 70 | Mild at first, then quite spicy but with off-notes and a disappointing finish | |||
| Black Bruichladdich (JWWW) 47.5% | 1969 32 | Islay | 5 | 3 | 0 | 69 | Very dark, like a liquorice shot(!); a little salty with hints of peat and liquorice and a strange, metallic finish | ||
| Glen Grant (GM) | | 15 | Speyside | 6 | 3 | 3 | 69 | Dry, complex, a little peaty and a little fruity but also some off-notes, I'm afraid | |
| Glen Scotia (Sign) | | 1991 9 | Campb. | 5 | 2 | 0 | 69 | Interesting nose with sawdust and hints of wood smoke and smoked fish; sweet palate with a note of capers | |
| Yacht Club | Blend/ Scotland | 5 | 2 | 1-2? | 69 | A bit young and slightly confusing at first; fairly sweet/fruity with a bit of liqourice, a nice peaty element and a nice light finish | |||
| Glen Grant | | 5 | Speyside | 7 | 0 | 0 | 68 | Slightly strange and offputting nose, but a nice, fruity taste and a surprisingly nice and balanced finish | |
| Braeval (DL) 50% | | 1981-Apr 17 | Speyside | 4 | 0 | 67 | At first a strange, rich fruitiness that develops into a nicer, lighter taste and a fairly nice finish | ||
| Loch Dhu | 10 | Highland | 3 | 0 | 55 | Unusual, strange, very sweet, with a fairly intense finish | | ||
| Edradour (Sign) 51.2% | | 1976 24 | Highland | 4 | 0 | 2 | 40 | Liquid soap? Car wash liquid? At any rate, there's no chance of mistaking it for a whisky (hmm, maybe I can use it as an after shave?) | |
| Saturnus Premium Blend | 5 | 1 | 0 | 35 | Very sweet with notes of grapes and candy; strange, immature palate with off-notes but the finish is quite close to whisky | | |||
| Mekong | Grain/ Thailand | 4 | 0 | 0? | 30 | A mild taste of disinfectant (quite awful really) but the finish is fairly close to whisky |
Last modified on 20-Jun-2014. 1695494 accesses since 16-Nov-2000.