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Glen Garioch
Aged 21 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A lovely malt more delicious for its effect than its complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glenmorangie
12 Years Old, Millennium Malt
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A charming and excellent single malt offering untold complexity in the layers of flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
Cask Strength Batch 7
ABV 57.9%
Comments: An interesting whisky and one for saving for a cold snap.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
Single Cask Batch 14, Aged 12 Years
ABV 58.3%
Comments: Like a hug in a high-ABV mug (which is the exact-sized receptacle I’d like to enjoy this in).
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Dornoch
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A little too short in the finish.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Dalmore The Dalmore
21 Years Old
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Lots of flavours which ultimately confuse the drinker. Not a bad dram, just very strange indeed.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Tullibardine Tullibardine
228 Burgundy Finish
ABV 43.0%
Comments: This is certainly a pleasant whisky, but a little uninspiring for me.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Tùsail
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A lovely robust, deep whisky with a delightful finish. What more can you say?
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
Navigator
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Whisky in ballet shoes and on tip toes, delightful.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Ballechin Ballechin
10 Years Old, Single Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A reflective dram that needs time to unravel.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
anCnoc anCnoc
Vintage 1998
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram, well balanced and refreshing.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Single Cask Release
1990, 19 Years Old, Tropical Spice
ABV 59.4%
Comments: On the edge of being too woody but manages to keep a pleasant balance if you give it time, peace and quiet ! A tribute to old age?
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
Good Hope WK209
ABV 52.0%
Comments: An outdoor dram which comes back indoors as it opens. For a winter warmer up.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Single Malts of Scotland The Single Malts of Scotland
Aged 15 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Good aperitif whisky. Lulls you into a false sense of security then hits you on the finish.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Rare Malts Selection
Teaninich
1972, Aged 27 Years
ABV 64.2%
Comments: This little-known malt almost always surprises me with its robust flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Adelphi Adelphi
Clynelish
1995, 10 Years Old, Cask 12783
ABV 59.3%
Comments: This delivers on palate rather than nose. Oak is just a little hard though.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Dalmore
1991, Madeira Finish
ABV 60.0%
Comments: Like a passionate rendez-vous between a chocolatier and a distiller.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Dewar Rattray Dewar Rattray
Invergordon
1964, 40 Years Old
ABV 48.1%
Comments: This isn't a bourbon? Shows how much oak has had its say. Throw some ice in and sip.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
The Glenlivet
1973, Cask Strength
ABV 55.9%
Comments: Surprisingly vibrant for its age. There is a gap between the sharp nose and soothingly smooth palate. Water reconciles both. Would go well with a pear and almond pie.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Rare Malts Selection
Glen Ord
1974, 23 Years Old
ABV 60.8%
Comments: Extremely high quality expression from an ill-served distillery.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A gentle dram,lively and refreshing. To toast the spring.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Old Pulteney
15 Years Old, Sherry Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A genuinely delightful malt that shows great charisma beyond the so-so nose.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
Lochside
1981, Aged 19 Years
ABV 60.9%
Comments: This was never a great distillery but it made some perfectly pleasant whiskies and its loss is to be regretted. This bottling is past its best but obviously has rarity value.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Aberfeldy Aberfeldy
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Refreshing and light-hearted. Almost too playful to take seriously.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Tomatin Tomatin
2009 Rum Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sweet all the way and not much else, but very enjoyable for what it offers.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Teaninich Teaninich
Aged 17 Years, Special Release
ABV 55.9%
Comments: Nice enough, but it’s hard to feel too excited about this.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Grindlay's Selection Grindlay's Selection
Dalriada
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very inviting nose that doesn’t really come through on the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Abbey Whisky Abbey Whisky
Glencadam
22 Years Old
ABV 55.3%
Comments: A delicate whisky but the alcohol bite makes it difficult to fully appreciate.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
(A Rare Find) 1986, 26 Years Old, Cask No. 1807
ABV 52.4%
Comments: A really well put together whisky, well integrated and balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Berry Bros. & Rudd Berry Bros. & Rudd
1991, 21 Years Old
ABV 54.8%
Comments: A pleasant dram. A touch of water brings out a refined oak frame and beeswax. A kind of spicy fruit salad.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Lasanta
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Very well integrated. A real improvement.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Ben Nevis Ben Nevis
10 Years Old, Batch 1
ABV 62.4%
Comments: An exciting dram with lots of punch.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Edradour Straight from the Cask Edradour Straight from the Cask
Port Wood Finish 13 Years Old
ABV 56.3%
Comments: The alcohol is quite overwhelming. Works best with water. But even so, it lacks a little in structure and richness.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Singleton of Glen Ord The Singleton of Glen Ord
Trinité
ABV 44.0%
Comments: A well balanced dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
1995
ABV 55.3%
Comments: Balanced and well layered, just need a drop of water to help it emerge.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Scott's Selection
Dailuaine
1983, 28 Years Old
ABV 55.8%
Comments: Marked down slightly for an undistinguished nose.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Tomatin Tomatin
2006, 13 Years Old Fino UK Exclusive
ABV 56.0%
Comments: An easy-going whisky with some lovely nutty notes, I can see it becoming moreish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glengoyne Glengoyne
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Well worth sitting back and enjoying. Give it a little time in the glass.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tullibardine Tullibardine
1993, Sauternes Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A rich character which does not seem to allow the sauternes cask leave its sweet print. It shows through with water however. Broad, complex and enjoyable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Glenturret The Glenturret
15 Years Old
ABV 55.3%
Comments: The balance is just tipping in favour of the cask. Glad this was bottled now.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glengoyne Glengoyne
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A lovely, complex, sophisticated malt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Wemyss Malts Family Collection Wemyss Malts Family Collection
Flaming Feast
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Those spices really work the tastebuds. However, the palate doesn’t promise what the nose lays out.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Gordon & MacPhail Discovery
Balblair
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Really sweet. Feels like you are waiting for a spice kick but it just keeps delivering sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Lombard Jewels of Scotland Lombard Jewels of Scotland
Royal Lochnagar
Single Cask
ABV 57.3%
Comments: Fun, big boned and water really helps it show its true colours though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Balblair Balblair
Vintage 2005
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Slather this on a scone with some strawberry jam.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
15 Years Old
ABV 53.7%
Comments: A confident, well-rounded cask strength expression from an often underrated distillery.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Invergordon
Batch 3
ABV 49.8%
Comments: Classic: fruity, spicy, rich, unctuous and a superb mouthfeel.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
Inchmurrin
1997
ABV 55.3%
Comments: Big and bold but that alcohol needs taming to get the best out of it
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Single Malts of Scotland The Single Malts of Scotland
Ardmore
1993, 19 Years Old
ABV 49.3%
Comments: Ardmore shows its gentle side. When will people discover this distillery?
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tullibardine Tullibardine
Aged Oak Edition
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well structured dram. Oakier on the palate than on the nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
Tomatin
1988, 23 Years Old
ABV 50.6%
Comments: A restorative dram for those quiet, reflective moments
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
21 Years old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A two times dram. Fruity sweetness followed by a dry spiciness. The two faces meet up on time.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Glencadam
1973
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A ripe dram which seems to have headed across to Kentucky. Big and lush.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Edradour Edradour
Ballechin
# 1 Burgundy Matured
ABV 46.0%
Comments: It is young and showing great promise. Keep watching this with interest.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Oban Oban
14 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Classic, gentle and pleasing. A consensual malt. Good match with salmon and light seafood dishes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Invergordon
1965, 40 Years Old
ABV 49.0%
Comments: Want to get bourbon drinkers into whisky, give 'em grain! Maybe not 40 Years Old grain but it could be the way in.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
James MacArthur's Old Masters
1988, 18 Years Old
ABV 53.9%
Comments: Elements of many of the flavour groups creates a balanced, Highland-style malt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glenugie
1968, 43 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Oak is not as prevailing on the nose as on the palate. An exotic profile. Reminds me of Irish whiskey. Interesting richness. Avoid water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glenkeir Treasures Glenkeir Treasures
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A slightly uneasy balance between cereal, fruit and oak. Do not water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
1990, Cask Strength
ABV 55.8%
Comments: Jim Beam, will you PLEASE do what Allied failed to and release Ardmore as a single malt? It's criminal this distillery isn't better known.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Adelphi Adelphi
1964, 11 Years Old
ABV 47.1%
Comments: Best on its own or one cube of ice.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tullibardine Tullibardine
1993, Marsala Wood Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A lovely dram. Fresh, natural, cheery. The perfect companion for a cheese party. Preferably undiluted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Dalmore
1973, Cabernet Sauvignon Finish
ABV 53.0%
Comments: A charming old lady with her pockets full of candies. Who can resist?
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Rare Malts Selection Rare Malts Selection
Aged 28 Years, Cask Strength
ABV 51.9%
Comments: A straight-ahead, fruity, creamy, Speysider.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Clynelish Clynelish
14 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A lovely dram. Well balanced. Water cuts the edges off. Peaceful.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Cooper's Choice The Cooper's Choice
Clynelish
1990, 12 Years Old, Port Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Gentle and well-balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Clynelish
Aged 14 Years
ABV 57.6%
Comments: I love Clynelish to bits but this was almost too much even for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Murray McDavid Mission Murray McDavid Mission
Royal Brackla
1975
ABV 46.0%
Comments: An especially rich sherryish bottling. Voluptuous. With the afterdinner chocs.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Cigar Malt Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: It's fine, but only suitable for a lighter stogie. Not a patch on the old version I'm afraid.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Cadenhead's
Royal Brackla
15 Years Old
ABV 58.2%
Comments: Hardly elegant but a muscular malt of a style that is sadly vanishing from the Highlands. I greatly enjoyed it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Royal Brackla Royal Brackla
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A pleasant malt, but this bottling has less structure than I remember. It is to be hoped that new owners Dewar's give more prominence to this distillery.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Glenturret The Glenturret
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This must have been a very fresh cask, as the woody tannins are very prevalent for one so young.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Chieftain's
Clynelish
Aged 13 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: So different to the Douglas Laing Clynelish. The perfect whisky with farm cheeses.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Adelphi Adelphi
Tullibardine
35 Years Old, Cask 2112
ABV 54.6%
Comments: Tullibardine is a gentle, civilised, malt that seems to live in obscurity. Nice to be reminded of its existence. Could be a golfers dram - the distillery is near Gleneagles.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Adelphi Adelphi
Clynelish
11 Years Old
ABV 59.8%
Comments: I normally rate Clynelish very highly, but this bottling leaves its fireworks until the last minute, and with more heat than light.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glengoyne Glengoyne
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Quite a complex character for its age. The palate is well-structured, just a little too woodframed.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Cooper's Choice The Cooper's Choice
Clynelish
1983, 16 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A simple amazingly clean dram that belies its years.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Balblair Balblair
Aged 16 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An attractive character. Too much sweetness on the palate though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
anCnoc anCnoc
13 Years Old, Limited Edition Highland Selection
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A pale, shimmery gold dram with flavours one expects from a bigger, darker, whisky. Slightly odd, but enjoyable. Could be a flavoured spirit from a little-known, newly independent republic in Central Asia.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
anCnoc anCnoc
Cutter
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Probably matured in second fill bourbon casks. Not complex but refreshing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Brora Brora
30 Years Old
ABV 52.4%
Comments: This is better than other Brora's I have tried. Balanced and poised.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Cù Bòcan Cù Bòcan
Signature, North American Casks
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A full-on outdoor dram that will warm the cockles, whether you are on the hills or hanging out in the potting shed.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tullibardine Tullibardine
Aged 15 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Really just missing a full-on chocolate edge; then you would have s’mores contained in a bottle.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
1999, 14 Years Old
ABV 56.3%
Comments: It’s a big bear hug of a whisky for those sherry lovers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
Forgue, Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Good solid stuff, once it breathes it starts to release all of its layers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
anCnoc anCnoc
peatheart
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Dominated by the oak and the spice notes get a little lost. A drop of water sweetens things up nicely.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
James Eadie James Eadie
8 Years Old, Single Cask #309429
ABV 46.0%
Comments: My sweet tooth really loves the chocolaty sweetness, but this is balanced perfectly by the spicy dryness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tomatin Tomatin
15 Years Old, American Oak Casks
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Perfectly sound, but lacks much development.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
1990 Vintage
ABV 46.0%
Comments: I expected a sweeter character. Oak tends to overwhelm in an assertive way. Tamed with a dash of water though, this whisky is pleasantly brisk.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tomatin Tomatin
Tempranillo & Bourbon Matured 15 Years Old
ABV 52.0%
Comments: Well put together, but that nose does not belie what the palate delivers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Wee Dram The Wee Dram
Balblair
12 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A rich and deep character with an enticing nose and a more rigid palate. Give it time.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
North Port
1977
ABV 0.0%
Comments: Much the best North Port I have tasted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Loch Lomond Loch Lomond
Single Grain
ABV 46.0%
Comments: By no means a bad dram, but a little bitter in the finish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
(A Rare Find) 1997, 15 Years Old, Cask No. 828
ABV 53.8%
Comments: A soft drink with alcohol? Pleasant and refreshing. A dash of water is necessary to cut the edges though. But it enhances astringency.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
Tullibardine
1989, 23 Years Old
ABV 55.7%
Comments: A well balanced dram, on the oaky edge of things.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Tullibardine
1989, Rum 'n' Raisin
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A pleasant summer dram. The nose delivers more than the palate though. To try with a bowl of strawberries and yoghurt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Glencadam
1990, Caribbean Fruits
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Another deliciously drinkable dram from an increasingly impressive bottler.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Millburn
34 Years Old
ABV 50.9%
Comments: Has the austerity of age but not the sweetness to balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Ardmore
1987
ABV 40.0%
Comments: All the qualities of this distillery: fragrance, good feel, little smoke but not one of the best.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Glenmorangie
Manager's Choice Port Wood
ABV 57.2%
Comments: More of a cocktail than a malt as if some wine has been left in the glass and Glenmorangie poured on top of it. Help! I'm confused!
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Old Malt Cask
Clynelish
1971, Aged 30 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: It's just too old and struggles to fight its way out of the wood.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Label 5 Label 5
Classic Black
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good solid whisky with nice balance to it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
Original 12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Avery enjoyable whisky, but somewhat lacking in liveliness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Malts of Scotland Malts of Scotland
Clynelish
1996, 12 Years Old
ABV 58.1%
Comments: Atypically consistent example from Clynelish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Cigar Malt Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Oak calls the tune but does not drown out the choir. A classic afterdinner dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Berry Bros. & Rudd Berry Bros. & Rudd
Tullibardine
1993, 24 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A great amount of sweetness that is tempered by the dark fruits and darker chocolate. Quite moreish really.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
Single Cask Batch 14, 30 Years Old
ABV 52.3%
Comments: Lots to love, but the anise-y seeds knock points unfortunately – they don’t quite sit comfortably with the rest.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Tomatin Tomatin
14 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A shy whisky with a restrained aromatic profile.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Clynelish
1982
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A very pleasing dram with decent balance, but just a touch too discreet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Glencadam
1985, Aged 21 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Mature, balanced, elegant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
Classic Range
Highland
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A very decent dram with good balance and structure.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Mackillop's Choice
Tomatin
1975, Cask 4
ABV 58.2%
Comments: Lovely, soft and sweet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Chieftain's
Teaninich
Aged 21 Years, Sherry Butt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A good Teaninich, austere, grassy yet with an extra dimension.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Miltonduff
1968
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An easy-going and well preserved oldie with reasonable complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Signatory Signatory
Edradour
1976
ABV 53.1%
Comments: Past its best with one or two off-key notes, but otherwise still holds out well.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Cù Bòcan Cù Bòcan
Cù Bòcan Creation #1
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A good strong character with a brilliant finish, love that chilli prickle, one for before dinner.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Douglas Laing
Clynelish
1989, 13 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Avery spicy whisky, especially in the minty notes that seem always to come with rum, yet the Clynelish shines through.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Brora Brora
30 Years Old
ABV 56.3%
Comments: Dour at first then opening up in a delightful way. Take your time to get acquainted with this fellow and you'll like it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Dalmore The Dalmore
2001, Vintage Port Collection, Aged 15 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A whisky interrupted. Wonderful while the flavours lasted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Abbey Whisky Abbey Whisky
Anon
Batch 1, Aged 13 Years
ABV 51.5%
Comments: Great, floral, citrusy, nutty, an amalgam of flavours which do not supersede each other. I would gladly indulge in some more.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Brora Brora
Aged 35 Years
ABV 48.1%
Comments: The oak dominates a bit too much for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Single Cask Release
1989, 20 Years Old, The Fruit Bowl
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A cousin of the previous sample? Maybe creamier and softer though.
But there is still a gap between nose and palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Brechin Brechin
28 Years Old
ABV 53.3%
Comments: A warm character, just a little too assertive when it comes to oak but so uplifting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Teaninich Teaninich
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A dram you admire first, then love.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Teaninich Teaninich
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The opposite of its lush companions. A poet on a wobbly bicycle (Norman MacCaig?) I like its perversity. Regional style? Pah!
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Balblair
1966
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Another which picks up well on the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Angus Dundee Angus Dundee
Glencadam
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Well put together.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Ardmore
1990, Cask Strength
ABV 55.8%
Comments: Starts slowly, and seems uncertain as to where it is going.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
1986, Aged 16 Years
ABV 54.4%
Comments: A big, robust whisky from the days when Glen Garioch made its own peated malt. I love the idea of a smoky whisky from the edge of Speyside, but I find this slightly astringent.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Glenlivet The Glenlivet
12 Years Old, American Oak Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lacks the subtlety of a more conventional Glenlivet, but will charm some consumers with a richer, creamier, style. Very drinkable indeed.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Signatory
The Glenturret
1985
ABV 58.4%
Comments: Big, gentle and attractive if you are a fan of old-style Aussie Chardonnay.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Rare Malts Selection
Millburn
1975, 25 Years Old
ABV 61.9%
Comments: A grizzled old character, but gains points for resilience.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Glengoyne Glengoyne
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: If this were a Lowland malt, it would be a star. As a Highlander, it gets lost.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Scapa
1987
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Gordon and MacPhail has been the purveyor of Scapa's excellent malt far longer than owners Allied, which was slow to wake up to its allure. However, this is not its finest bottling and lacks that lovely cocoa depth of yore.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Cognac Matured
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Crisp, but not as characterful as might be hoped.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Aberlour Aberlour
1988, Distiller's Selection
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An astonishingly malty whisky. For someone who wants to taste the eponymous ingredient, this shows it at its best.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Tullibardine Tullibardine
2005, The Murray
ABV 56.3%
Comments: It’s blunt and there’s something not quite right about the spirit underneath it all.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Regalis
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The palate disappoints slightly by not offering a lot
more fullness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
anCnoc anCnoc
Vintage 2001
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Nice, could do with being a touch more mellow to score higher.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Tomatin Tomatin
Cask Strength Edition
ABV 57.5%
Comments: Perfectly drinkable whisky, only the harshest of task masters would be disappointed with it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Edradour, Straight from the Cask Edradour, Straight from the Cask
Chateauneuf du Pape Cask Finish, 11 Years Old
ABV 58.9%
Comments: It’s a young sherry monster, which could have come from anywhere.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Maltman The Maltman
Ben Nevis
15 Years Old
ABV 49.5%
Comments: Classic and classy - I preferred it neat.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Single Cask Release
1997, 13 Years Old, Salt & Pepper
ABV 56.2%
Comments: That whisky seems to have matured in a tired cask. But it is worth giving it time to unwind. Finally quite pleasant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Tomatin Tomatin
18 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The nose is appealing but the sherry makes the palate a bit dour.
Would certainly warm you up on a frosty morning.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Clynelish
1997, Spiced Chocolate
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Doesn't sing out as loudly as one would hope for - it's certainly pleasant, but not hugely exciting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Ben Bracken Ben Bracken
Highland Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Very approachable, and admirable layers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
30 Years Old
ABV 44.0%
Comments: A dapper old gentleman but he won't set your world on fire.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Tomatin Tomatin
1997, 12 Years Old, Single Cask No. 4326
ABV 57.1%
Comments: Lovely texture. The nose is a bit shy, the palate more expressive. Very correct but not terribly exciting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Tantallan Tantallan
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Good flavours in the middle, but not very well rounded.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Old Pulteney
1994, Sauternes Wood Finish
ABV 45.0%
Comments: The nose is enticing, the palate disappointing. Funny enough, the heavy sweetness does not tame the alcohol bite.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Valour
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Unusual and quite mysterious – a light touch to it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Edinburgh Whisky Edinburgh Whisky
The Surgeons Ball
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A good weight to it, yet with lighter frills. A bit like a rugby player wearing a tutu.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Mortlach
1995, Flambé Fruit
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Fresh and fruity, then toasty and nutty, before getting down and funky. The epitome of 'flavour journey'.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Dominium
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A promising dram with a slightly disappointing finish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Ardmore Ardmore
Triple Wood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A very drinkable peated Highlander. Good to see Ardmore’s unique take on peated whiskies is gaining a much greater exposure.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Wemyss Vintage Malts Wemyss Vintage Malts
Single Cask Release
1989, 20 Years Old, Fruit and Nut Fudge
ABV 46.0%
Comments: While this doesn't set the house on fire,it's eminently drinkable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Usquebach Usquebach
Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A solid performer.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Oban Oban
Limited Edition
ABV 55.2%
Comments: Gets there in the end but you have to work for it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Dalwhinnie Dalwhinnie
Aged 20 Years
ABV 57.0%
Comments: Try to get the dilution right.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Balblair Balblair
1989 Vintage
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Seems young, but very attractive.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Deanston Deanston
Aged 30 Years, Limited Edition
ABV 46.7%
Comments: An old malty number just about holding its own, but it hasn't gained hugely in terms of complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Tomatin Tomatin
1962
ABV 42.2%
Comments: High maintenance. Beneath that sleek exterior beats a hard, one dimensional heart.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The McGibbon's Provenance The McGibbon's Provenance
Lochnagar
1994, Over 11 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Better weight but ultimately this is still fragile.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Glengoyne Glengoyne
Aged 19 Years, Single Cask
ABV 55.8%
Comments: A nice fresh feel. But alcohol is not tamed. Water cools it down but takes the zesty kick away.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Glencadam
1991, 13 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A fine enough dram, but insubstantial compared to the others in this company.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Glengoyne Glengoyne
12 Years Old, Cask Strength
ABV 57.2%
Comments: Greater depth and apparent maturity than you'd expect from a 12 Years Old.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Edradour Edradour
Aged 11 Years, Straight from the Cask Madeira Finish
ABV 59.6%
Comments: Bags of cask character, and fine if you find finishes fun.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Glen Ord Glen Ord
Aged 12 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A well-balanced dram. Nothing lacking, nothing too much. Just pleasant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Aged 12 Years, Black Pearl
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A rich sweet and fairly deep dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glen Mhor
1979
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Good, but needs some oomph.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Ardmore
1990
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram, especially with a splash of water but lacks nerve and buoyancy.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Dormant Distillery Company The Dormant Distillery Company
Glenglassaugh
1976, 27 Years Old
ABV 47.4%
Comments: A distinctive malt, but now slightly past its best.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Connoisseur's Choice Connoisseur's Choice
Clynelish
1991
ABV 43.0%
Comments: That peachiness made me think of a Clynelish Bellini.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Stronachie Stronachie
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: I have a vague family connection with the original Stronachie Distillery. Good to see the name back. A good aperitif.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Old Pulteney
Aged 8 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: All the elements are there but haven't knitted. Better with a couple more years in the cask.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
12 Years Old, National Trust for Scotland bottling
ABV 47.4%
Comments: Approachable and enjoyable, but a little mild-mannered for me. Bring back the peat...please!
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Signatory Signatory
Brora
Un-Chillfiltered Collection 1981, Aged 21 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not sufficient drive being given by the cask.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Clynelish
1989
ABV 59.1%
Comments: A good one, though spoiled by that slightly grubby character.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Mellow and accessible.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
1991, Sauternes Wood Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not easy to evaluate what sauternes casks have brought in. An extra sweetness maybe but no particular sauternes aromas. Appreciable bottling strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Brora
1982, Aged 19 Years, Sherry Butt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Good, but it could be any heavily sherried malt. Lacks an individual personality.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Chieftain's
The Glenturret
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Crunchy! Attractive.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Blackadder
Ben Nevis
1984, Raw Cask
ABV 61.2%
Comments: Rich and heavy. Plenty of nutty sherry-derived notes. It's good but just lacks complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Adelphi Adelphi
Royal Brackla
27 Years Old, Cask 5467
ABV 59.5%
Comments: Big and aromatic. There's bags of oaky character and not a lot of the distillery's. One to sip and ponder over.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Deanston Deanston
17 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An improvement from the 17 Years Old of old, which doesn't even begin to show its big age.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Glenturret The Glenturret
Peated Edition
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Quite a loud whisky but it needs to find its feet more.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Tullibardine Tullibardine
Sovereign
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A nice dram with some interesting layers of flavour.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
(A Rare Find) 1999, 12 Years Old, Cask No. 2906
ABV 58.2%
Comments: A shy and sleepy whisky. Water wakes it up a little revealing spices but it still lacks expression.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Blair Athol
1986, Autumn Berries
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Deceptive. The nose is fresh and fragrant. But the palate does not deliver much and the finish is so short.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Usquebach Usquebach
15 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A deceptive sweetness on the nose that is defeated by an obvious oakiness. Water gives a better balance. But the palate lacks subtlety.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
The Glendronach The Glendronach
Tawny Port 15 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: We all know 'Dronach is capable of better. This is a relic of an old regime.
Better things will come in the future.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
1994 17 Years Old
ABV 53.9%
Comments: This whisky needs water to tame the alcohol. Pleasant enough.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Ardmore
Peated Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram. No complexity of any sort,but a good outdoor companion for a barbecue or a walk in
the fields.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
The Dalmore The Dalmore
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Sweet and simple. Maybe higher alcohol would help?
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glengoyne Glengoyne
14 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Nothing really unlikeable, apart from that soft weakness. But nothing to get excited about. Water kills it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Malts of Scotland Malts of Scotland
Glenglassaugh
1984, 25 Years Old
ABV 54.7%
Comments: Another oak and oak only whisky. I must have an oak-(over)sensitive palate!
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
The Single Malts of Scotland The Single Malts of Scotland
Clynelish
1972, Aged 32 Years, Cask 15619
ABV 49.9%
Comments: Simple blocks of flavour and aroma come together to form a whisky that might have benefited from a few more years maturation.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
James Eadie James Eadie
Aged 8 Years, Small Batch
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Summer on the farm. Questionable casks, but the underlying spirit is lovely.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Tomatin Tomatin
15 Years OId
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A good solid dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Ben Nevis Ben Nevis
14 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Like the new Ardmore,an acquired but complex taste worth working on.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Cadenhead's
Glen Ord
19 Years Old
ABV 57.0%
Comments: A good aperitif whisky. Great drinking.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glengoyne Glengoyne
1972
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The nose promised smoothness, the palate delivered dry oakiness. Water cuts the edges but enhances bitterness and spices.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Teaninich
30 Years Old
ABV 60.8%
Comments: The high strength makes it difficult to tame even with water. Some like it hot. But my palate waves a white flag.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Speakeasy
ABV 58.4%
Comments: A frisky wee beastie.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Rare Malts Selection Rare Malts Selection
Blair Athol
1975, Aged 27 Years
ABV 54.7%
Comments: Attractive but slightly flabby.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Balblair Balblair
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Approachable and well structured, with delicious flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Signatory
Clynelish
1989, South African Sherry Butt
ABV 58.7%
Comments: At the risk of being pedantic are you allowed to call it South African sherry?
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Adelphi Adelphi
Clynelish
12 Years Old, Cask 3280
ABV 57.2%
Comments: Pungent and vibrant but lacks the beautiful Clynelish style.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Blair Athol Blair Athol
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: About as uncomplicated as it gets. Has improved on recent years, though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glen Mhor
1979
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The flavours of a school sweetshop. I hope that does not get Glen Mhor banned in Boston.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Cù Bòcan Cù Bòcan
Single Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The nose is so much lighter than the taste – very one dimensional whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Wemyss Malts
The Smooth Gentleman
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A mis-nomer?
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Brora
1976, Aged 30 Years
ABV 55.1%
Comments: Surprising. The nose is more appealing than the palate. A cardboardy flavour when water added.Disappointing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Old Pulteney
1990
ABV 59.4%
Comments: A shame. Pulteney is a weighty enough spirit to cope with European oak. Not this time though!
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Clynelish
1992
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Tight and hard to love.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Old Pulteney
1990, Cask Strength
ABV 58.8%
Comments: A grumbly kind of cove.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Brora
1981, Aged 23 Years, Sherry Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: This is decent, just slightly dull.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Ben Nevis
1963, Aged 40 Years
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Just about holds its own against the effects of excessive age. On the cusp!
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Signatory Silent Stills Signatory Silent Stills
Glencadam
29 Years Old
ABV 52.5%
Comments: This whisky used to remind me of strawberry shortcake. This bottling turns me toward tiramisu.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Signatory Silent Stills Signatory Silent Stills
Banff
34 Years Old
ABV 50.1%
Comments: Just too woody for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Signatory Signatory
Aberfeldy
1978
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Less structure than the youthful version from the distillery or the more mature choice, but enjoyable in its own right. As a dessert malt with trifle?
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Signatory
Millburn
1983
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Confusing aroma, but otherwise the most enjoyable Millburn I have tasted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Old Pulteney Old Pulteney
15 Years Old, Millennium Edition
ABV 0.0%
Comments: More distillery character than a 15 Years Old identified as 'sherry-aged'
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Glenmorangie
Three Cask Matured
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very unusual vatting (bourbon, plain charred oak and Rioja) has produced equally strange flavours. Less oaky vanilla and more Rioja than I would have expected. I like its eccentricity, but it loses points for lack of whisky character.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Dalwhinnie Dalwhinnie
1981, Distillers Edition, Oloroso Sherry
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Beautiful interplay and balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Balblair Balblair
Elements
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Gentle, but complex as the flavours open.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Ardmore
1985
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Big and old fashioned feel.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Raasay Raasay
While We Wait
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The peaty medicine box is balanced by creamy characters, but vegetal quirk marks it down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Single Cask Series
The Dalmore, Single Cask
ABV 55.5%
Comments: Decent enough but a little underwhelming.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Tomatin Tomatin
1988, 21 Years Old
ABV 52.0%
Comments: The cask has left a dour print on this whisky. Too grumpy for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Wemyss Vintage Malts Wemyss Vintage Malts
Single Cask Release
1994, 14 Years Old, Honey Comb
ABV 60.0%
Comments: One of the better sweet lemon whiskies in a new release batch full of them.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Tomatin Tomatin
Legacy
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A surprising dram. There is plenty of fruit but also, a spirit feel although it is not strong. Just as the cask had not given much. But the colour is not pale... Well? It tastes young anyway.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Balblair
1990, 19 Years Old
ABV 61.8%
Comments: Not quite enough interaction between wood and spirit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Douglas Laing Old Particular Douglas Laing Old Particular
19 Years Old
ABV 51.5%
Comments: I like the texture of this whisky neat, but comes into its own with water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Clynelish
1997, 17 Years Old, Cask #4043
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The nose initially feels a little lumpen but give it some time and aeration.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glengoyne Glengoyne
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite a shadowy spirit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
The Glenrothes
1986, 25 Years Old
ABV 51.7%
Comments: A little underwhelming.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glenalmond Glenalmond
1998 Pure Highland Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A light and gentle aperitif.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
MWBH MWBH
15 Years Old
ABV 52.3%
Comments: I was put off by that sour/acidic vinegar note that seemed like a clear fault.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Glencadam
1991
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A dram for a sweet tooth. Nearly sugary. Unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Tomatin Tomatin
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pretty straightforward malty malt. For completists only.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Macleod's Macleod's
Aged 8 Years, Highland Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Bold flavours. "Take me as I am, " it seems to say. I will. Let's live dangerously.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Whisky Shop The Whisky Shop
Brora
30 Years Old
ABV 47.4%
Comments: For the collector.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Cooper's Choice The Cooper's Choice
Glen Albyn
1974, 28 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Attractive.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Royal Lochnagar Royal Lochnagar
Selected Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A quality malt that restores the faith.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Royal Lochnagar Royal Lochnagar
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Complex, beautifully rounded and soothing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Lombard Lombard
Lochside
1981
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Vibrant, sure wakes you up.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
The Glenturret
1986
ABV 51.3%
Comments: As refreshing as a herbal tea but much more rewarding and fulfilling. Would suit a leg of lamb with mint sauce.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Hart Brothers Hart Brothers
Ben Nevis
35 Years Old, Sherry Wood
ABV 50.1%
Comments: Of interest certainly, but is it a pleasurable experience? Not really.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Cadenhead's
The Glenturret
1986, 15 Years Old
ABV 54.0%
Comments: A charming whisky, and a reminder that Glenturret is a place, not an experience.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Kingsbury Kingsbury
Glencadam
1971, 28 Years Old
ABV 55.6%
Comments: Lacks roundness, structure, balance. I was sorry to hear that this distillery has been closed. Temporarily?
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
Aged 21 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A reminder that a distillery with its own maltings gains a layer of character. So long as the maltings is working.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Tomatin
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: No great complexity, but pleasant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Tullibardine Tullibardine
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A delicate malt, but with some complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
15 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Disappointing, with one or two delicious moments.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glen Ord Glen Ord
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good, solid all-rounder.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
anCnoc anCnoc
Peter Arkle LE No.4
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A fresh aperitif dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Treacle Chest
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Unusual flavours, and I’d love to say they worked well. Alas…
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glengoyne Glengoyne
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: It really sticks to the back of the palate in a cloying way. Not hugely complex, though the palate was, at first, quite interesting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Dalmore The Dalmore
The Manager's Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Maybe a faulty sample for this has no energy at all.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
The Smooth Gentleman
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A smooth gentleman? A bit oily, too,methinks.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Malts of Scotland Malts of Scotland
Glengoyne
1997, 12 Years Old
ABV 57.2%
Comments: A dry character.Lacks elegancy and brightness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Tomatin Tomatin
2007, Aged 9 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: You have to search for the flavours past the vanilla, but they’re definitely there.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Single & Single Single & Single
Glencadam
1991, 16 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Ethereal but somehow charming.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray
Invergordon
1964
ABV 51.3%
Comments: A pretty bundle of US oak, slathered in silky creaminess. Impossible not to like.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Borders Borders
Single Grain Scotch Whisky
ABV 51.7%
Comments: Fantastic nose, the palate is… different.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Brora
1981, 25 Years Old
ABV 56.5%
Comments: Lacks balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray Dewar Rattray
Balblair
1990, 15 Years Old
ABV 62.9%
Comments: Once again not sufficient complexity or balance to elevate it to greatness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
The Dalmore
Aged 15 Years
ABV 57.5%
Comments: Quite a light character for a Highland malt. Water helps but still a bit rough. Even on a frosty morning!
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Invergordon
1965, Aged 38 Years
ABV 50.1%
Comments: I wasn't surprised to learn this was a single grain whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Signatory Silent Stills Signatory Silent Stills
Imperial
25 Years Old
ABV 59.2%
Comments: A little less eccentric, and more rounded than other bottlings I have tried recently.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Chieftain's Chieftain's
The Glenturret
1990, Aged 12 Years, Port Finish
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A cocktail rather than a finish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Tambowie Tambowie
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Gentle and undemanding.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
Ben Nevis
1986, 16 Years Old
ABV 61.9%
Comments: Builds from a slightly disappointing nose to a solid sweet palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
Invergordon
Aged 13 Years
ABV 67.8%
Comments: A sound mix of power and weight with lifted top notes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Boisdale Boisdale
Boisdale
Cask No. 16638
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not firing fully yet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Wolfburn Wolfburn
Aurora
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Smells nothing like a curry, but all the elements of the passanda are there. Trust me!
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Usquebach Usquebach
Old Rare
ABV 43.0%
Comments: It's a decent blend, but there's something about the wood that
doesn't seem quite right.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray
Ben Nevis
1992, 14 Years Old
ABV 57.2%
Comments: I find it a little grubby.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Teaninich
1973
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Just seems a little unformed. Not holding all its parts together.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
Ardmore
1977, Sherry Wood
ABV 58.1%
Comments: Can't get hugely excited.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Gordon & MacPhail
Teaninich
1983
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sherry tends to overwhelm the palate. Persistent dryness. A good companion for coffee.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's
Loch Lomond
1974, 29 Years Old, Chairmans Stock
ABV 54.4%
Comments: The brilliant greeny-gold colour sets a summery mood. Remarkably fresh. Drier than other Inchmurrins I have tasted. Green salad rather than the more usual tropical fruit salad.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Mackillop's Choice
Glencadam
1974, Cask 10
ABV 59.9%
Comments: Showing its age, but still with the distillery character. Glencadam has its devotees and, with the distillery's future uncertain, supplies are finite.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Inchmurrin Inchmurrin
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Interesting stuff. Hardly glorious but unlike any other single malt around with an astonishing array of flavours and mood changes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Invergordon
Batch 2
ABV 58.3%
Comments: Bizarre, but strangely likeable if you’re going off piste, for something a little different . If I did shots I’d do it with this!
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
anCnoc anCnoc
Peter Arkle
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sadly unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
anCnoc anCnoc
18 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A whisky of two halves! Big and oaky on the nose but crisp and fresh on the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Oban
18 Years Old, Limited Edition
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Adisappointmentfor an Oban - inoffensive and a bit forgettable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Fettercairn
1995, 17 Years Old
ABV 57.9%
Comments: Too drying for my taste.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glen Ord Glen Ord
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Anyone not quite understanding the term "malt" should try this whisky. All will then be clear.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Brora
1976, Aged 30 Years
ABV 57.5%
Comments: A bold character,delivering the whole package at once.Keeps spirity to the finish. Water cuts the edges but still
tooharsh for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
Margaux Cask Finish Vintage 1987
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Disappointing to drink given the price tag and all the fancy frippery that goes with a bottling like this. I much prefer the 10 Years Old and Artisan cask!
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Douglas Laing Douglas Laing
Glen Garioch
1991, Aged 14 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Has better weight than the Bladnoch.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Distillery Select Distillery Select
2000, Organic Single Highland Grain
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Split into spirit on one side and wood on the other.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Harris Whisky Harris Whisky
Macduff International
Aged 14 Years, Cask Strength
ABV 58.7%
Comments: A strange, floaty dram suited to summer drinking.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Old Malt Cask
North Port
Aged 36 Years
ABV 49.3%
Comments: It's my first taste of North Port so I can't decide if the distillery character has been blurred or not by sherry. Like a bulldozer after an earthquake.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Adelphi Adelphi
The Dalmore
11 Years Old
ABV 57.2%
Comments: This is not Dalmore at anything like its best. A miss, I'm afraid, for all its short-lived riches.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old
Inchmurrin
1973
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Maturity improves it. Still needs rounding out, but less gauche than the distillery bottling.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old
Glenlochy
1965
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A breakfast whisky?
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Glenturret The Glenturret
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Bizarre. The sweetest Glenturret I've come across and a must for liqueur lovers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Dougie Macleans Caledonia Selection Dougie Macleans Caledonia Selection
Edradour
12 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A tired sherry cask? Or a tyred one? A rubbery profile which does not release much, apart from dour sulphury notes. Water does not help.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Old Masters Old Masters
The Glenturret
14 Years Old
ABV 56.9%
Comments: Absolutely no cask interaction, making this the polar opposite of the last quartet. In a way this is a very
instructive tasting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Glenturret The Glenturret
1972, Limited Edition
ABV 47.0%
Comments: I tried two samples and five glasses. The soap was still there.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Cigar Malt
1996, Aged 11 Years
ABV 54.9%
Comments: Alcohol is too assertive. Water eases the burning sensation and gives an oily feel.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Cigar Malt
1994, Aged 13 Years
ABV 54.4%
Comments: Intriguing mix of earthy, vegetal flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Dewar Rattray Dewar Rattray
Glen Garioch
16 Years Old
ABV 52.5%
Comments: That baby needed to be cradled in oak a few more years. It can hardly mutter a few aromas. Or is it just a maturation in a tired cask?
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Connoisseur's Choice
Lochside
1991
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A refined and pleasant dram, perfect for a summer tea-time. Less attractive and aromatic when diluted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glen Garioch Glen Garioch
1985, 16 Years Old, Sherry Butt
ABV 51.9%
Comments: I have always had a quiet fancy for this malt. It has a lot character: demonstrated here in the way it stands up to such heavy sherry.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Loch Lomond Loch Lomond
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not the greatest malt I have tasted from this distillery but the finish saves it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glen Deveron Glen Deveron
1987, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I am sure this is a wood problem: nearly two full marks down on its score from three years ago. What a massive disappointment.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
The GlenDronach The GlenDronach
14 Years Old Marsala
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not what I was expecting, perhaps a rogue sample?
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glengoyne Glengoyne
Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish, 16 Years Old
ABV 48.0%
Comments: More of a fruit squash than a whisky, but use it as a delicious,ready-mixed summer drink.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Edradour Edradour
Barolo Cask Matured
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Decent enough but doesn’t carry enough punch to it, even at 46%.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Tomatin Tomatin
18 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Not a great example.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Royal Mile Whiskies Royal Mile Whiskies
Invergordon
22 Years Old
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Well-made, just lacks some complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
The Speyside The Speyside
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Nothing much wrong here.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Tomatin Tomatin
1999, Tempranillo Single Cask No. 29457
ABV 57.1%
Comments: The musty/butyric note exacerbated by the alcoholic bite, does not make an appealing concoction.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Kingsbury's Kingsbury's
The Glenturret
1965
ABV 46.2%
Comments: The result of a stillman's very worst nightmare.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Ben Nevis Ben Nevis
1996, 12 Years Old, Single Cask
ABV 59.3%
Comments: On the sour and dour side. Better with water. Cask problem? Disappointing.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Blair Athol
1998
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Seems a little young but that’s not stopping it.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Cadenhead's World Whiskies
Invergordon
Aged 12 Years
ABV 65.3%
Comments: Has bags of intensity, but lacks quality, balance and integration.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Edradour Edradour
Aged 11 Years, Straight from the Cask Burgundy Finish
ABV 57.0%
Comments: Not to my taste. Only useful as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Tullibardine Tullibardine
1993, Port Wood Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Somewhere in the mid palate, there was a momentary hint of malt whisky. I don't know how that found its way into this obscure liqueur from Heaven.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Scapa
1988
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Fairly gentle for a Scapa and a little drier throughout than expected.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Deanston Deanston
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: More of a Lowland style. If Deanston were regarded as a Lowland distillery, it would score higher.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Clynelish
1993
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Difficult to find any exciting character in this pale shadow of a dram.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Glen Deveron Glen Deveron
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Decent run-of-the-mill style.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Tullibardine Tullibardine
Coume Del Mas Banyuls
ABV 46.0%
Comments: I know that some like it hot but I wonder if any like it rot ! Not I anyway...
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Ben Nevis
1996, 13 Years Old
ABV 58.2%
Comments: An inactive cask hasn’t allowed the sulphur to be removed fully. Nothing wrong with the spirit, it’s just been bottled too early.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Ladyburn Ladyburn
1973, 27 Years Old
ABV 50.4%
Comments: I am pleased that this very rare malt has been made available. Ladyburn is a product about which I am frequently asked. Sad to say, its greatest appeal is as a collector's item.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Edradour Edradour
1984, 24 Years Old, Chateau d'Yquem Cask Finish
ABV 48.0%
Comments: For masochists only. Finish in a sauternes cask? Might be a tired one then.
OVERALL SCORE
6.2
Rare Malts Selection
North Port
19 Years Old
ABV 61.0%
Comments: Some malts are deservedly rare, but full marks to United for at least giving us the chance to taste them.
OVERALL SCORE
6.0
Malts of Scotland Malts of Scotland
Glengoyne
1972, 37 Years Old
ABV 52.8%
Comments: Oak seems integrated on the nose but blatantly shows on the palate. More pleasant if given time to breathe.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Glenmorangie Glenmorangie
1977
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Very juicy wood, but just too much of it?
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
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