Fahrenheit 173 - Whisky

Benriach Solstice 2nd edition, 17 y.o. (Tawny Port finish, 50%):
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). (81 p)

Benriach Septendecim, 17 y.o. (46%):
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! (88 p)

Glenfiddich Rich Oak, 14 y.o. (40%):
Finished in new American and Spanish oak. 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). (86 p)

Glenglassaugh Revival (46%):
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. (80 p)

Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve (40%):
A vatting of whisky aged in sherry butts, first-fill bourbon barrels and refill bourbon hogsheads. 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). (85 p)

Three new Swedish single malt whiskies
A review of Swedish single malts Box "Pioneer", Hven "Merak" and Smögen "Primör".

Five single malts from Cadenhead's
A review of Ardmore 1997, Balblair 1990, Glen Moray 1992, Strathisla 1987 and Strathmill 1995.

World whisky
A review of single malts from the Czech Republic, England, Germany, India, Sweden and Taiwain.

Six Irish whiskeys
A review of Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Tullamore Dew 12, Redbreast 12, Powers John's Lane and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.