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That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Blended Whisky #1 Batch 1
ABV 50.3%
Comments: Three wishes you say? More, more, more...
OVERALL SCORE
9.3
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
40 Years Old Batch No. 2
ABV 41.9%
Comments: A pure beauty. The age without the wrinkles...
OVERALL SCORE
9.3
Compass Box Compass Box
This Is Not A Luxury Whisky
ABV 53.1%
Comments: Like a break in the clouds, with a product of this quality underscoring the mysteries of the blend.
OVERALL SCORE
9.2
Johnnie Walker
Blue Label
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A lovely, luxurious whisky. I imagine a restaurant called café Opera. First, a little foie gras, then a couple of Maine lobsters, Marron glacé....and Blue Label?
OVERALL SCORE
9.2
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Black Label
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Deceptively gentle at first. I have on occasion been completely led astray by what seems to be mildness of this whisky, then taken on a journey of rediscovery. I find new flavours every time.
OVERALL SCORE
9.2
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
40 Years Old
ABV 47.6%
Comments: This is a really wonderful whisky which wears its age very well indeed.
OVERALL SCORE
9.1
Syndicate 58/6 Syndicate 58/6
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This was not just perfectly drinkable, but astonishingly tasty. Really good body and flavour, it was a pleasure to drink.
OVERALL SCORE
9.1
The Antiquary The Antiquary
35 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Shows off why whisky is aged in oak, all caught at the right time.
OVERALL SCORE
9.1
Black Bottle
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A delicious, appetising, new expression of Black Bottle. As a blend, it is a star.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
33 Years Old Art Deco
ABV 41.7%
Comments: This feels quite fragile so treat gently and take
your time.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
Chivas Regal
18 Years Old Gold Signature
ABV 40.0%
Comments: More lifted than others of this age. Just has the edge in terms of complexity and balance.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
Jameson Jameson
18 Years Old, Master Selection
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I could drink this all day. A classic Irish whiskey.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
18 Ultimate Cask Collection
ABV 48.0%
Comments: Whatever this is, I’d like a bottle. A real star.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
Kinloch Kinloch
35 Years Old Vintage Blend
ABV 46.0%
Comments: You could say it’s a one-dimensional sherry-heavy blend, but it has some lovely maturity.
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Royal Salute
50 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A work of craftsmanship, elegance and its own style.
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
25 Years Old
ABV 45.7%
Comments: Cutty with rippling well-oiled muscles. Well done!
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Tin Cup Tin Cup
American Whiskey
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Like a liquid version of a Bakewell tart. If Mr Kipling did Bourbon.
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Grant's Grant's
Rum Cask Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Again another nicely balanced whisky, great play between smoke, fruit and sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
High West Whiskey High West Whiskey
Campfire
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The perfect Old Fashioned whiskey, simply open and pour!
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Jameson Jameson
Bow Street 18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This doesn’t disappoint at all.
OVERALL SCORE
8.9
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Aged 25 Years
ABV 42.3%
Comments: An alcoholic fruit salad – what can be wrong with that?
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Darryl Sittler Darryl Sittler
Alumni Whisky Series, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Oh Canada! Yes please, and send more. What a stunner!
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
The One The One
Signature Blend
ABV 46.6%
Comments: Clearly the knitting together of some great elements. This hits you bit by bit slowly revealing all. Really enjoyable.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Midleton Midleton
Very Rare
ABV 40.0%
Comments: In general, Midleton is a bit too elegant for me, but this is a lovely vintage. The Yquem of whiskies?
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Compass Box Compass Box
The Circus
ABV 49.0%
Comments: The aroma and finish score higher than the palate, but it’s still a high scoring dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Grant's Grant's
Voyager
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Another simple but well crafted blend which will delight those looking at this style of whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Midleton Midleton
Very Rare
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Don't know how Barry Walsh keeps this standard up year on year, the most robust MVR in ages. Bravo!
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Extra 13, Selectively Finished in Rum Casks
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lovely stuff, everything is in balance, just what a blend should do really.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Royal Salute
Aged 21 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A stunningly good blend.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Royal Salute Royal Salute
The Beach Polo Edition
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Well put together, reminiscent of old school puddings, but an awful lot better.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Bailie Nicol Jarvie Bailie Nicol Jarvie
Very Old Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A superbly balanced blend. You can't fail to love it.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Johnnie Walker
Gold Label Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Stylish and cool. Supper club whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A bit overbalanced by sherry, but nicely rounded by the smoky finish.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Black Bush
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Long one of my great favourites. In composition, it is the the simplest of blends, yet it demonstrates how malt can someimes be enhanced by a leavening of grain.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Islay Mist
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A distinctively Laphroaig-led blend, even though that distillery and this blend are now owned by separate companies.
OVERALL SCORE
8.8
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
40 Years Old 3rd Release
ABV 41.5%
Comments: Nice stuff, well balanced and intriguing.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Jameson Jameson
Rarest Vintage Reserve
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A perfect integration of oak and fruit. Elegant and well balanced. A festive dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
Special Reserve, Batch 1
ABV 46.6%
Comments: It's all quite subtle, but rewarding.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Isle of Skye Isle of Skye
21 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Someone’s been behind the wheel of the Delorean here. Either that or they have put something very interesting together.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Jameson Jameson
18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Even after 18 years, the pot still refuses to be mastered by the wood. Very drinkable.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Hibiki Hibiki
17 Years Old, Non chill filtered
ABV 50.5%
Comments: Virile. Rich display of flavours. If I was to climb up the Fujiyama, I'd take a flask with me.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Jameson Jameson
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: For the money, this is the best damn blend you will ever, ever taste.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Jameson Jameson
Gold
ABV 40.0%
Comments: No two vattings are ever the same. However this is, astonishingly high quality every time. The most complex Irish of them all; a blender triumph.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
William Grant's 18 Years Old, Deluxe Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Leans toward peat-smoke, but beautifully composed. Luxurious. With a cigar?
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
Jameson
Limited Edition, 15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A really clean, compact whiskey which expands in a controlled but mouthwatering manner.
OVERALL SCORE
8.7
The Tweeddale Blend The Tweeddale Blend
12 Years Old - Batch 2
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A lovely old-fashioned blend.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Roe & Co Roe & Co
Cask & Keg Antwerpen Stout
ABV 56.1%
Comments: Takes you on a serious rollercoaster, that ABV shows up at the end. Be sure to use water judiciously though.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Wiser's Wiser's
Red Letter
ABV 45.0%
Comments: I liked this for its delicacy, if a little shy.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
The One The One
Port Cask Finished
ABV 46.6%
Comments: Jammy, almost sticky and very moreish as well.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Yellow Rose Yellow Rose
Blended Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I think drinkers of this style of whiskey might find this a little weak, but I really like it.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Royal Salute Royal Salute
29 Years Old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Clearly been looked after and put together with some care. Has grace but also a youthful zip to it.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
1987 Vintage Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The Grouse at its most graceful.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Grant's
25 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A long maturation for a blend, but this has emerged with confidence, style and sophistication.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Ballantine’s Ballantine’s
21 Years Old Signature Oak Edition
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A light blend, acceptable for sipping but nothing incredible. Missing some bass notes.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
Masters Reserve, Aged 21 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: One for people who like 'em big boned.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Bushmills Bushmills
1608 Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A less exuberant Black Bush: richer and more brooding.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Royal Salute
Aged 21 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A classic example of the understated, elegant approach of the old Chivas blends.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Ballantine's Ballantine's
Limited
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Much more sherryish than the colour suggests. Sweet. Sponge fingers. I wouldn't have recognised it as a Ballantine's.
OVERALL SCORE
8.6
Teeling Whiskey Teeling Whiskey
Stout Cask
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A gorgeous mixed bag of spices and rich malty notes.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
J. J. Cory Irish Whiskey J. J. Cory Irish Whiskey
The Gael
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Shared some traits with other Irish blends out there, but then blows things out of the park with its own lovely nuances.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Jameson Jameson
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Never lets you down and offers the most old-fashioned and complex of Irish blended character. No nonsense but stunningly beautiful.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Black Label
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A blend that I like more every time I evaluate it.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Maverick Drinks Maverick Drinks
The Blended Whisky Company
The Lost Distilleries Blend, Batch 5
ABV 50.4%
Comments: Dead easy to drink, neat. Even easier with water. Once opened, don't expect this to sit around. It demands to be poured and polished off. Not for sipping!
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Compass Box Compass Box
The General
Limited Release
ABV 53.4%
Comments: A wonderful nose with an equally cracking palate, let down a little by the dominance of the oaky dominance at the end.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Compass Box Compass Box
The Last Vatted Malt
Islay & Speyside
ABV 53.7%
Comments: A strong character. Peat and sherry are closely interlaced. A warmer up
on icy days.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An absolute cracker. Taste a whisky as good as this and you'll be instantly converted to blends.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
Teacher's Teacher's
Highland Cream
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Cream is the appropriate moniker. Smoky, robust, vibrant.
OVERALL SCORE
8.5
The One The One
Sherry Cask Finished
ABV 46.6%
Comments: An afternoon tea served in an old library.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Royal Salute Royal Salute
Aged 21 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A huge mouthful that takes blended whisky onto a new level of exoticism. Shame about the packaging. Velvet pouches are so very camp.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Hibiki Hibiki
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An elegant and satisfying dram. Well educated, in good quality casks for sure.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Hibiki Hibiki
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An excellent whisky, well put together.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Loch Lomond Loch Lomond
Signature Deluxe Blend
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A little too much clove, perhaps.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
"An Fear Ciuin"
The Quiet Man
Oak Bourbon Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The spirit of Ireland in a glass: relaxed, easy going and fun.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Breizh Whisky Breizh Whisky
Whisky Breton Blended Single Distillerie
ABV 42.0%
Comments: The whiff of a Parisian boulangerie and the sweet treats hidden inside.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Blue Label The Casks Edition
ABV 55.8%
Comments: A well structured dram. It only needs a small dash of water to cut the edges.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
40 Years Old
ABV 40.2%
Comments: A delicate yet full of character old whisky. Like walking in a flower garden
at springtime.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Michael Collins Michael Collins
A Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Pleasing, bright, and easy-going. A good gift whiskey, but not one for the new breed of crusading Whiskey Adventurer.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
William Grant's
15 Years Old, Cask Selection
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite an assertive blend. The nose delivers to the palate but it tastes older than 15 years.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
Imperial Kingdom
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A big, sweet-hearted giant.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
White Walker
ABV 41.7%
Comments: Really well put together. One for drinking by an open hearth with friends, possibly over ice.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
The Tweeddale Blend The Tweeddale Blend
12 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A well-balanced enticing whisky. Like a walk in a summer garden.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Jameson Jameson
Crested
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Far more robust than most Irish whiskeys.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Label 5 Label 5
Extra Rare 18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Fantastic nose, but I hope economics have not got in the way of what could have been a rich and unctuous palate, let down by its strength.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Hankey Bannister Hankey Bannister
40 Years Old
ABV 44.3%
Comments: I have to confess I was so excited I knocked my glass over. My notes smelled lovely though afterwards!
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Dunvilles Dunvilles
Belfast Vintage Blend - Three Crowns
ABV 43.5%
Comments: A decent whisky with plenty going on. Would be something to start a great night.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Master of Malt Master of Malt
10 Years Old, 1st Edition
ABV 47.5%
Comments: Reminds me of a house party I once went to in Brixton; all tie-dye and hemp smoking. Nice, but lacking any real bite. Needs some irony goodness for some get-up-and-go.
OVERALL SCORE
8.4
Umiki Umiki
Ocean-Fused Whisky Finished in Pine Barrels
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Wonderful stuff, like walking into a grain store in the summer. Fabulous.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Light and delicate but hides its punch well. Great stuff.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
The Tweeddale Blend The Tweeddale Blend
14 Years Old, Batch 4
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A very nice, easy drinking, smoky whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Hibiki Hibiki
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Leaner, drier, less estery and more oaky than the version that has no age statement. I like each equally, in its own right.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Two Med Two Med
Whiskey
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A dash of bitters to complete, perhaps. Confounding but enjoyable. Now, how to score?
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Parker's Heritage Collection Parker's Heritage Collection
8 Years Old Straight Malt Whiskey
ABV 54.0%
Comments: Is this a sipper? Yes. Is it a mixer? Probably.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Dewar's Dewar's
White Label Scratched Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Very pleasant blended whisky which is super easy to drink with good balance and complexity. It isn’t a big, old single malt, but isn’t pretending to be.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Compass Box Compass Box
Hedonism
Quindecimus
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Comments: Good all- rounder. Tastes like whisky straight from warehouse on a cold day. Very appealing.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Tullamore D.E.W. Tullamore D.E.W.
Celebratory Phoenix Single Batch
ABV 55.0%
Comments: The nose announced a sweet dram but this wasn’t the case on the palate. A dash of water smoothes the flavours, but there is perhaps a sensation
of immaturity.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Platinum 18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A beautiful dram. But it would have delivered even more if it had been bottled at 43%.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Gibson's Finest
18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Appetising, Very enjoyable.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Crown Royal Crown Royal
Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Much more character.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Ballantine's Ballantine's
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: My personal taste is more robust, but I am in awe of the precision and refinement of the older Ballantine's.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Royal Salute Royal Salute
Signature Blend 21 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well-put-together blend with plenty of interesting layers of flavour.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Ballantine's Ballantine's
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: I was surprised when the bottle was revealed. This has been a favourite for a while, but not on this occasion.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The blend for grown-ups, for people who have made their rites of passage and are ready to enjoy their success. Sweet, but not cloying. Buxom, but not overblown. Balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Sutcliffe & Son Sutcliffe & Son
The Exceptional
Blend, 1st Edition
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Easy to drink, this is a proper slugger of a Scotch.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Grant's Grant's
8 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Nose and palate: a delicate oaky blend. On the finish, smoke! A magician’s dram!
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
The Tweedale The Tweedale
14 Years Old Blended Scotch
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not a bad little blended whisky. I don’t think this will challenge too many people but might be a good gateway blend to richer offerings.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Aged 16 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Grouse? Really? I'm impressed!
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Nikka Nikka
34 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A whisky of antiquity that has survived many years. Quite excellent.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Big, sexy and luscious. Sophia Loren (or George Clooney depending on your preference).
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: If this were a person it would be Salma Hayek.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Gold Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A cracking juicy dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Wiser's Wiser's
Very Old, 18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well integrated combination of fruit and oak. A dram for uplifting hikers back from a wet walk.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Jameson Jameson
12 Years Old, Old Distillery Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I find the aroma quite sexy. The palate is big, but the finish leaves me wondering about the casks.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Black Bottle
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An uncompromising Islay blend. Washes along sea fragrances. But reveals a sweet nature on the palate. Grain and malt are well married. A good cure for Islay-sickness.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Barrel Select
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Good balance with lots of extractive flavours. Oscar Peterson.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Antiquary Antiquary
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Complex and ever-changing.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Bell's Bell's
Extra Special, Aged 8 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Assertive but rounded. A wonderfully satisfying whisky. Enormously improved since its (and my) younger days.
OVERALL SCORE
8.3
Denis Charpentier Group Denis Charpentier Group
Eternity
Diamond Reserve, Old Premium Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lovely balance of malt and grain, wrapped in some gorgeous sweetness and oak vanillas.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Explorers' Club Collection, The Gold Route
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Great finesse and great balance - all is clear now!
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Grant's Grant's
Triple Wood
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent well balanced drops, where smoke and sweetens play well together indeed.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Gooderham & Worts Gooderham & Worts
Four Grain
ABV 44.4%
Comments: Is this a rum? Not a huge deal of complexity, balance or finesse, but packed full of sweet flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Lombard Lombard
Gold Label
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A lovely summer dram, fruity and full of peps.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Saint Isidore Saint Isidore
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 41.4%
Comments: The first nose is unusual and takes you to pine forests. Then the fruit character unwinds. Water releases a cardboard note. I like the spiciness and bouncyp rofile of this whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
Tam O'Shanter
ABV 46.5%
Comments: Oaky, elegant, rich.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Early Times Early Times
150th Anniversay
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Stylish, but the finish knocks it back a few points for me.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Cattos Cattos
25 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: What a surprising whisky. The nose is so shy that you expect a bland palate. And here you are, with a lovely array of fruity flavours. You definitely can't tell a sausage by the skin (one of my favourite expressions learnt at school !)
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Auld Blended
35 Years Old
ABV 0.0%
Comments: A dessert whisky? Bring on the crème brulée.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Peat Chimney
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Has everything you would want from Islay.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Boxes Blend
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.9%
Comments: A well matured and complex whisky with a weakness at mid-palate. Surprisingly, a drop of water gives it a kick and spices it up.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Tullamore Dew
12 Years Old, Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Sophisticated and seductive, but I always find it a little lacking in substance.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Bushmills Bushmills
Black Bush
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Beautifully balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Dewar's Dewar's
Aged 18 Years, Founder's Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A very classy blend. Recommended.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Campbeltown Loch Campbeltown Loch
Aged 21 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good, solid blend. Serve chilled, neat, with Loch Fyne oysters, pickled herrings and scallops.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
The Whisky Exchange The Whisky Exchange
Old Midleton
1967, 35 Years Old
ABV 41.1%
Comments: A smooth tongued charmer.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Greenwich Meridian Greenwich Meridian
2000 Blended Scotch
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Excellent classic blend from the old school: brilliantly firm grain guarantees class and complexity. If they dropped the colour - which affects the taste towards the middle - it would hit amazing heights.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Isle of Skye Isle of Skye
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The aromas and flavours evoke breakfast, but in a farmhouse kitchen with an open fire, rused and dashed by the winds down the chimney.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Compass Box Compass Box
The Entertainer
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Interesting stuff, plenty to keep you busy with.
OVERALL SCORE
8.2
Jameson Jameson
Limited Edition St. Patrick’s Day
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Bullseye if these guys were going for an easy-drinking, well priced Irish blend.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Extra 13, Selectively Finished in Tequila Casks
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A lovely engaging blend that has been well put together and easy to drink.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
The One The One
Sherry Expression
ABV 46.4%
Comments: Really like the way the sherry notes are integrated with the wood smoke.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Compass Box Compass Box
Artist's Blend
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A good solid blend, nice balance overall and a stunning nose to it.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Lord Elcho
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well knitted whisky. On the astringent side though
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Dark Horse Dark Horse
Alberta Premium
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Deliciously sweet, bagfuls of pudding.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Glen Grant Glen Grant
Five Decades
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sweet and a little artificial in places, but not without merit.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Secret Bottlings Series
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Young but well knitted. Good balance, good delivery. A cheerful dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Taketsuru Taketsuru
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Images of a weatherbeaten oak. Mature, but sweet-hearted.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Silkie Silkie
The Legendary Silkie
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Woodier than a woodchuck chucker’s pocket.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Barr an Uisce Barr an Uisce
Wicklow Rare
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Interesting stuff worth a look at.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Islay Mist Islay Mist
8 Years Old Manzanilla La Gitana Cask Finish
ABV 43.0%
Comments: After three tastes of this dram, still consider it peculiar for my taste. Difficult to establish its identity or where it positions itself on the market.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Heart Of Gold
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Canadian? I'd never have guess that under all that oak..
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Bunnahabhain
1991, Honey Spice
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The palate is sweeter than the nose. A pleasant sherry character. Well
balanced. Oak is well mastered.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Tay Dram
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well-knitted dram. Good structure and balance. Water enhances oak.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
Original, 40 Years Old
ABV 45.0%
Comments: On the dry and spicy side,but a good oak integration. Needs a bit of time to unbutton itself.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
25 Years old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram but flimsy. You tend to forget it as soon as you have swallowed.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Tsuru Tsuru
Aged 17 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The finish pulls it down. Other than that, very approachable and highly drinkable.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Islay Mist Islay Mist
17 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant autumnal dram. Good balance, a bit tottering on the palate. But that can be forgiven.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
14 Years Old, Islay Blended Malt
ABV 58.3%
Comments: A big playfight on Port Ellen beach after closing time.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Berry Bros. & Rudd Berry Bros. & Rudd
Blue Hanger
25 Years Old, Second Release
ABV 45.6%
Comments: A rich, ripe and well-balanced dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
The Famous Grouse
Islay Cask Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: To reconcile the style of the regular Grouse with Islay is an achievement, but a dubious one. Grouse has a powerful franchise, but Highland already has an Islay-accented blend in the excellent Black Bottle.
OVERALL SCORE
8.1
Roe & Co Roe & Co
Cask Strength, 13 Years Old, 2020 Edition
ABV 58.0%
Comments: One I would certainly earmark for dessert with its multiple layers of sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Cask Strength
ABV 56.0%
Comments: Like the regular Grouse, it tastes maltier and bigger than it really is. An excellent justification of cask strength.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
J.P. Wiser's J.P. Wiser's
Rye
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I found this one growing on me. I’d like to see it at 43%.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Crown Royal Crown Royal
Canadian Blended Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Like Seagram's VO Gold, a delicate but wonderfully dextrous blend.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Collectivium XXVII Collectivium XXVII
Special Release
ABV 57.3%
Comments: Pleasing. Strength brings intensity of flavours it wouldn’t otherwise have.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Select Casks Rye Cask Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: This is a very drinkable whisky indeed, could do with a touch more spice over sweetness but it is jam packed with flavour.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Grant's Grant's
Signature, Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A whisky for beginners, but a good launch pad. Look what NASA has given to the world…
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Label 5 Label 5
Gold Heritage, Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very quaffable dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Spirit of Freedom Spirit of Freedom
30 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A good early evening dram.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Lord Elcho Lord Elcho
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent blend well thought out and put together.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Spey Dram
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A solid character on the oaky side but not overwhelmed by wood.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
High West Whiskey High West Whiskey
Son of Bourye
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The world's only Bourbon/rye marriage. And it works.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
12 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram. On the fruit side.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Nikka Nikka
Super
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A very, very fine blend that which makes no apology for the peaty complexity of Yoichi malt. Classy stuff.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Seagram's Seagram's
Very Old Gold, 8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Creamy and lovely. A great introduction to the Canadian style. Buffalo Springfield.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
30 Years Old, Rare Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Heavier than the 21 Years Old due to its sweetness. But harmonious and elegant.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
William Grant's
Sherry Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Masculine. Rather austere, aloof.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Tullamore Dew Tullamore Dew
Heritage
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very decent and reserved blend that is simply overshadowed and outclassed by the 12 Years Old.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Clan Campbell Clan Campbell
Legendary, 18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A big whisky which needs time in the glass to open.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Tullamore Dew
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This is a super little whiskey; a premium Jameson clone. And a good one too.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Jameson
Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A superb Irish for everyday drinking. I love this, though not quite as much as the 1780.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Pike Creek Pike Creek
Aged 21 Years Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Noses like a Bourbon but the palate surprises with its huge spice and tannin finish.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
30 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Good handling of fragile old stock.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
High West High West
Rendezvous
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Quite reserved for a rye, but it reveals itself right at the end.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Fercullen Fercullen
Premium Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Solid stuff, with layers of aroma and flavour going on.
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
The One The One
Orange Wine Cask
ABV 46.6%
Comments: A soft and gentle drop that has a real winey quality to it, perhaps one for the cheese course?
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Lambay Whiskey Lambay Whiskey
Small Batch Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent well put together blend.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Lombard Lombard
Old Masters (Lombard)
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well knitted dram. Pleasantly nutty.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
Storm
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well balanced dram with a good malty core.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Benrinnes
1996, 15 Years Old, Ginger Compote
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Restrained at first. Slowly unwinding, especially with a dash of water. A nice
refreshing aftertaste.
OVERALL SCORE
8.0
Compass Box Compass Box
Delilah’s
20th Anniversary Bottling
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Stick with juicy fruit notes and this is a good drink.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Tullamore D.E.W.
Heritage
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Deserves points for daring to be so sweet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Hibiki Hibiki
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Just a little too fat for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Ian Macleod
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A grumbly bass-note blend but it all seems slightly muted, as if the blanket of smoke has dampened things down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
William Grant's
15 Years Old, Cask Selection
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A dessert malt? Remarkably sweet and chocolatey until water is added.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Lakes Distillery The Lakes Distillery
The One
Blended British Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A neat well balanced blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Lombard Lombard
Ballaglass
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very creamy and vanilla fronted product.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Mellow Gold
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This is a sweet blend that doesn’t do anything badly, but nothing spectacular either.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Kinnickinnic Kinnickinnic
Blended Whiskey
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A dram for a sweet tooth. The nose is more complex than the palate though.
But there is a some harmony about it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Black Grouse The Black Grouse
Alpha Edition
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This whisky lacks character. Sweet and floppy. The nose lead me to expect more consistency.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Dee Dram
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant dram with a satisfying balance to it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Black Bull
Special Reserve, Batch 2
ABV 46.6%
Comments: Lovely stuff. The Bull just keeps on charging with some excellent expressions.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Scottish Leader Scottish Leader
Platinum Seal
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Obviously old but still very well balanced. Sean Connery.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Crown Royal Crown Royal
SR Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A mild character, soft and pleasant but lacking nerve. Fine for a sweet tooth.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
18 Years Old, Founders Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A big broad, spicy number typical of the house style.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Evermore Evermore
2004 Blend, 21 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An old whisky and of interest, but beginning to fade.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Jon, Mark and Robbo's Jon, Mark and Robbo's
The Rich Spicy One
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Substantial, weighty and easy drinking!
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Ballantine's Ballantine's
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An example of superb blending skills. If this tasting is about balance then this is a perfect example, every element pulls together in harmony.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Hibiki Hibiki
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Just a little too fat for me,though a little unfair to slip two blends among all of these malts!
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Talisman The Talisman
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Attractive, well-balanced and harmonious. Good session blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Antiquary Antiquary
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Feminine. Elegant. Having talked myself into an oriental mind-set, I begin to wonder whether this whisky would accompany some Asian dishes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Islay Mist Islay Mist
17 Years Old, Premium
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not the full-on blast of peat reek you may expect, but a good, pretty dry dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Gibson's Finest Gibson's Finest
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Attractive, lifted, spicy yet soft. K. d. lang.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Ben Nevis
Dew of the Ben 21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Fine, pretty classy stuff.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Century Reserve Century Reserve
21 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Seems light and approachable but carries a switchblade in its pocket. Robbie Robertson.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Crown Royal Crown Royal
Canadian Blended Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Better balance between this sweet, easy-going Canadian character and some grip.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
J.P. Wiser's J.P. Wiser's
Hopped Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The style seems confused.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Canadian Rockies Canadian Rockies
21 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Great stuff, Canada is really spoiling us again.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
St Patrick’s Irish Whiskey St Patrick’s Irish Whiskey
Oak Aged
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not for me, but you can tell there are good intentions.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Lombard Scotch Whisky Lombard Scotch Whisky
Dhoon Glen
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant blend. Rich cereal profile. Good balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Aged in Oak Casks
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well-balanced dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Compass Box Compass Box
Flaming Heart
10th Anniversary
ABV 48.9%
Comments: Nicely balanced but with a seriously great nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
The Tweeddale Blend The Tweeddale Blend
10 Years Old - Batch 1
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A new name but a well put together blend that's worth a punt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Grant's Grant's
25 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A delicate and enticing whisky which would have benefited from a higher
strength. When you want to try a little tenderness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.9
Black Bull Black Bull
Black Bull Peated Edition
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Something to warm you in the winter months.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Three Ships Three Ships
15 Years Old Pinotage Cask Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sweet relief. An easy-drinking drop.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Jameson Jameson
Round
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lacking
real body.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Label 5 Label 5
Classic Black, Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: If this is an entry level priced Scotch then things will be fine; any more expensive and it would be a no from me.
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
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Three Grain
ABV 40.0%
Comments: In palate, the closer of the two to the Canadian tradition. Wins points for that attribute. I could drink quite a few of these.
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
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Classic, Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Rye bite with butter and vanilla coating. Cowboy Junkies.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Nikka Nikka
Pure Malt White
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Intriguing and dynamic.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Wild Scotsman Wild Scotsman
Vatted Malt Whisky
Aged 15 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A comforting dram, cheery, brings in visions of a warm summer day in the country.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Hibiki Hibiki
Suntory
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Enjoyable if simplistic, the grain holds power here. An attractive session whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Gibson's Finest Gibson's Finest
Sterling
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Is there enough of a bridge between the youngest and oldest whiskies?
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Clean, fresh and refreshing. A whisky for the beach?
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Black Bottle Black Bottle
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: It is so different from the old bottling. But if you are going to make a change you might as well make it radical. The result is great – I remain a loyal fan.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Dewar's Dewar's
Signature
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A very sound, approachable and pretty classy blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
William Grant's William Grant's
The Family Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I have always felt this blend to lack dimension but, as it warmed in the glass, more flavours emerged, especially heathery-peaty elements. Also a more honeyed, malty fullness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Grant's Grant's
Stand Fast
ABV 0.0%
Comments: Not even a whispering whisky. Almost silent! I appreciate light delicate whiskies but there is a limit to self-effacing characters!
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Dewar's Dewar's
House A39
ABV 58.9%
Comments: Very pleasant and moreish. The alcohol is well mastered.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Celebratory Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent addition to the Famous Grouse flight.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Dalmore The Dalmore
Tweed Dram
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent dram but without an oomph character.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Six Isles The Six Isles
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A classy introduction to island peated malts.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Barrel Select
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Well put together.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Royal Salute Royal Salute
The Hundred Cask Selection
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Robust, rather than complex. A sustaining, sweetish, restorative.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Dewar's Dewar's
Signature
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Broader than most. Great blending of old, mature whiskies.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Nikka Nikka
All Malt 1989
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An interesting idea, and it produces for Nikka a much sweeter style of whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
William Grant's
Ale Cask Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Fresh and seductively drinkable. I'm astonished how well this innovation worked. The ale was brewed especially to add much more malty sweetness than hop.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Scottish Leader Scottish Leader
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A soft, gentle, labrador of a dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Campbeltown Loch Campbeltown Loch
25 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pretty phenolic example. Lacks the complexity and harmony of the Adelphi bottling.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Crested Ten
Irish Whiskey, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A shade more sherry-intense than it used to be, so some of the finer notes have been swamped. If anything the sherry is of too fine a character. Even so, tremendous whiskey.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
The Classic Cask The Classic Cask
Rare Scotch Whisky, Aged 35 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An enormous whisky which hangs together impressively for its great age.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Inishowen
Blended Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A superb blend that is more complex than it used to be.
OVERALL SCORE
7.8
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Smokin'
Gentleman's Dram
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A clean mouthfeel with lingering menthol. Comments: A dram that delivers everything it should without overwhelming you.
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
Syndicate 58/6 Syndicate 58/6
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Doesn’t give much away, to the point that it feels that all it gives is sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Slane Slane
Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Well balanced. A solid workhorse of a whiskey.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Black Mountain Black Mountain
BM No1
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Another young’un. Signs that greatness is on its way.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Eternity Scotch Whisky Eternity Scotch Whisky
Royal Reserve Ex-Bourbon Casks
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very easy-going, non-complicated dram. Has the potential to go really well with a pint of 80.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Extra 13, Selectively Finished in American Rye Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not really a talkative type until right at the end, but still intriguing stuff.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Reserve, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Easy going and middle of the road, but needs another layer of complexity to lift it into greatness. Bryan Adams.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Matisse Matisse
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Decent balance. A light session dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Matisse Matisse
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite a complex blend but it takes time to deliver. Well-balanced. Again it would have displayed more at a higher strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Roe & Co Roe & Co
Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Curious at first, but it ends up being a bit of a charmer.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Bushmills Bushmills
Red Bush
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A delicate drop overtaken by tannin, someone left that tea a bit too long.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Jameson Jameson
Lively
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The finish is too bitter to give real balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Compass Box Compass Box
Great King St.
Glasgow Blend
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Quite sharp, it felt like the cask was a little weary.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Collingwood Collingwood
Hand-crafted Blended Canadian Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This is very sweet on the nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
William Grant's
18 Years Old, Rare Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Firmer and smokier than the 15.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Jameson Jameson
Select Reserve Small Batch
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Nose and palate differ a lot. Oak is blatantly present.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Double Black
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not unpleasant but light in flavours although syrupy in texture.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Usquebach Usquebach
Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A solid performer.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
The Loch Fyne The Loch Fyne
Volume XI
ABV 57.0%
Comments: A loud lad whose tone needs softening.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Dewar's Dewar's
15 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A palatable whisky which comes as some relief after the initially alarming nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Seagram's Seagram's
Aged 8 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very gentle and fruity whisky. Would have benefited from a balancing dryness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Three Ships Three Ships
5 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A decent dram, a little heavy on the palate though. You need to like oaky aftertaste to fully appreciate it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Whyte & Mackay Whyte & Mackay
15 Years Old, Select Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Oak is better expressed on the palate than on the nose. Will please sweet tooth. Very drinkable but lacks the distinction of the older expressions.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Bailie Nicol Jarvie Bailie Nicol Jarvie
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant drink with an interesting freshness. Leaves a burning sensation with a spirity feel back in the throat though. No reason to get excited.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Karuizawa Karuizawa
Master's Blend, Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A great session whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
James Martin's
Deluxe Blend 20 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: It's a lovely whisky, but somehow I expect more from a 20 Years Old.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good mouthful. OK, its not hugely demanding but a great introduction.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Jameson Jameson
Bold
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The tannic finish is somewhat overstated but still a good finish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.7
Fort Glen Fort Glen
The Blender's Reserve, 12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Perfectly OK, but a bit whisky by numbers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Grant's Grant's
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The palate is very sweet and lacks some muscle. But the nose is interesting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Midleton Midleton
Very Rare 2014
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Oak is dominating but in an elegant way. Avoid water, it takes on a bitter side.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
The Royal Route
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not unpleasant but not much character. And that cereal sweetness is cloying.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Lauder's Lauder's
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Decent stuff, lacks a little oomph though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Fort Glen
The Blender's Reserve 12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Perfectly OK, but a bit whisky by numbers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Michael Collins Michael Collins
Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A refreshing blend that can be enjoyed slightly chilled.
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
K5 K5
Himalayan Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A little lacking and thin, perhaps it was too young.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Galleg Galleg
Whisky de France
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Quite a soft whisky that gets better with time.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Wiser's Wiser's
Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: All that caramel dress up seems to hide an immature spirit. Has it been aged in decent wood? One can wonder.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Explorer's Club Collection The Spice Road
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent everyday dram, perfect for any occasion.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Crown Royal Crown Royal
Extra Rare
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I am puzzled, Crown Royal? Well I'd never have guessed.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Kilbeggan Kilbeggan
Aged 15 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The luxurious nose raises expectations that the palate can't quite match.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Seagram's Seagram's
VO Gold, 8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Perfectly nice, but nice isn't enough! There's such a bland similarity between most of these you wonder if it's whisky-making by committee.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Crown Royal Crown Royal
XR Extra Rare
ABV 40.0%
Comments: That maple syrup taste works more like an additive than a natural aroma gained through maturation.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
Canadian Club
8 Years Old, Sherry Cask
ABV 41.3%
Comments: Does Canadian work with sherry? I think bourbon wood has more to offer, but this is a nice try.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Finest Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Creates the illusion of being massively more malty than it really is. Very good extraction of flavours from the wood seems to be the secret (or part of it). I am in awe of the dexterity of the blender, though the result is a little soft and sweet for my personal tastes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Century Reserve Century Reserve
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A little short but more to it than meets the eye. Alanis Morissette.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Single Blended New Whisky
ABV 53.8%
Comments: More of a liqueur than a whisky, so sweet it almost hurts.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Kilbeggan Kilbeggan
18 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A 18 year old whisky should have a more exciting aromatic profile.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Confederation Oak Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Even a sweet tooth would find it too sweet! Soft and lacking character.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Nikka Nikka
Super Nikka Malt
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A growling bear among a bunch of deer-like whiskies.This is a good thing. The mushroomy noteis one I associate with new
Japanese whiskies.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Nikka Nikka
Pure Malt Red
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A classy and sophisticated all-rounder.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Islay Mist Islay Mist
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Needs water to open the nose, but the palate is rather simple.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Forty Creek Forty Creek
John K. Hall Small Batch Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Interesting nose but the palate does not quite fulfil the expectations. Oak speaks too loud at times.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Seagram's Seagram's
VO
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Clean and light and sweet, but it's merely another...and lesser...variation on the clean light and sweet theme.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Knights Knights
Finest Matured Whisky
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A fruity character. Well-balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Scottish Oak Finish
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Is this Scotch I thought? Yes, but not as we are used to it. Interesting.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glen Calder
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A delicious rounded session blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
The Famous Grouse
Port Wood Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Port wood can add toffeeish and spicy flavours, rounding out a whisky without adding an obvious wine flavour. That is what happens here.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Ballantine's Ballantine's
Finest
ABV 40.0%
Comments: For those imbibers who relish a honeyed/caramel core to their whisky. If you prefer the more sinewy, definitive elements of oak or smoke, stay clear.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Hewitts
Irish Whiskey
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A favourite. The sherry also has a kind of port-wood fruitiness to it, but it is the malt that is so memorable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Black Barrel Black Barrel
Single Grain
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A lovely easy going, approachable dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Locke's
Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Perhaps the most improved blend in the Cooley range. A massive assertiveness throughout.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Scottish Leader Scottish Leader
12 Years Old, Supreme
ABV 40.0%
Comments: LOTS of sherry and fat, rich flavours. One for those who like their whiskies well covered.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
P&M P&M
Blend Superieur
ABV 40.0%
Comments: That whisky is well structured but a tad too sweet. The spicy character on the palate does not make up for it enough.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Isle of Mull Isle of Mull
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I’m an Inchgower fan but I’d want more from a whisky of this age.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Ballantine's Ballantine's
Hard Fired
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I’m undecided. Perfect for a half-n-half.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Black Mountain Black Mountain
BM No2
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not sure about this one. Perplexing. It is very perfumey and perhaps not entirely balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Extra Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A shame that the palate doesn’t match up to the pleasing notes on the nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Peat Chimney
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Unusual peaty character. This cheesy note (not a butyric one) annoyed me
but there is some balance in the malty sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Revel Stoke Revel Stoke
Spiced Whisky
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Another whisky liquor ? Ah, a Canadian whisky ? With an addition of sugar obviously. I would have scored it higher if it had been a whisky liquor. Let's call a cat a cat!
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Peat Chimney
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Not subtle but does what it sets out to do.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Matisse Matisse
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good mixing blend, though this too fades a little.
OVERALL SCORE
7.5
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Classic, Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Oak plays a bigger part there. Spices dry up the demerara sweetness. Nothing much to write home about though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Forty Creek Forty Creek
Evolution
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The nose is enticing. The palate does not hold all the promises. A young bourbon?
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Danny Boy Danny Boy
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Pleasant enough but not one of Cooley'schampionship efforts.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Harrier Harrier
Finest Matured Whisky
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A good development, even if astringence shows up at times.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Clan Campbell Clan Campbell
Highlander 12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Rounded. On the sweet side.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Kilbeggan Kilbeggan
Finest
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An attractive sipper, but only in decent mouthfuls. A good session whiskey...if one is allowed to say that in these moderate times.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Wiser's Wiser's
De Luxe
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Does not reflect a quality spirit. Looks as if it had been sweetened.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Canadian Mist Canadian Mist
Blended Canadian Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Trying to please too many people therefore has no individuality, other than aggression.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Jon, Mark and Robbo's Jon, Mark and Robbo's
The Smooth Sweeter One
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A curious whisky. Not sure where it's coming from, or going to.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Langs Select Langs Select
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A light, refreshing and aromatic blend. To be enjoyed with light food such as seafood salad or trifle. No water please.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Famous Grouse The Famous Grouse
Finest
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A beautifully mingled aromatic palette. But this whisky would have delivered more character if bottled at a higher strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Pendleton Pendleton
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Good nose but doesn't really deliver.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Canadian Mist Canadian Mist
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Comes in two distinct and unlinked parts which would knit if longer in cask.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Ballantine's Ballantine's
Gold Seal, 12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Balances all its elements very well. One to work on.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Century Reserve Century Reserve
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A wraith of a whisky. The spirit is OK, the cask has let it down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Kinahans Kinahans
The Kasc Project, Batch 1
ABV 43.0%
Comments: If you like your whiskey woody, this is for you. I just think it lacks some character and punch to it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dry Fly Dry Fly
Wheat
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Well made. Just needs time in cask to bulk up a little. Just hope they keep
some back for longer term aging.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Wild Geese The Wild Geese
Untamed
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good solid blend that is going to sit right in any situation.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Wild Geese The Wild Geese
Rare Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Wild geese fly together! This one could be the leader. More flesh than the others. And a good balance between fruit and oak.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Wild Geese The Wild Geese
Limited Edition, Fourth Centennial
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite similar to the previous one but with more character. Drier and better structured. Obviously young.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Bushmills Bushmills
Irish Honey
ABV 35.0%
Comments: There was too much of the confectionary sweetness for my taste, but I can see that you would like this as an alternative to a liqueur.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Reserve, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A rum-like whisky. More full-bodied and richer than some of the others but still unremarkable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Highland Harvest Highland Harvest
Organic Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Fine, but no dandy.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Bushmills Bushmills
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Gives the impression of needing time to grow into itself.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Frisky Whisky
Milroy's
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Frisky to say the least! The palate is much more talkative and pleasant than the nose. Would be great in a granite with strawberries.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Reserve, 10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: It's sweet...and then sweeter.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Hyde Hyde
No.6 Special Reserve
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A very gentle whiskey right up to the end with those chilli elements, wonder if it more cask time would round it out more.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
The Smooth Gentleman
5 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The nose is lively and appetising but the palate is bland and lacks nerve.
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
Nikka Nikka
Pure Malt Black
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A delicatessen whisky which quietly earns your respect.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Canadian Club Canadian Club
8 Years Old, Sherry Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Everything turned up to 11, but that can't hide its clumsy character. More bolted together than blended.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Jon, Mark and Robbo's Jon, Mark and Robbo's
The Smoky Peaty One
ABV 40.0%
Comments: All very well knitted together.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker
Red Label
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Full of youthful daring, but with enough stamina to last all night (this means that you and your buddy will probably drink the whole bottle).
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Fort Glen Fort Glen
The Distiller's Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hard nose and lacking in individuality.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Fort Glen Fort Glen
The Distiller's Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hard nose and lacking in individuality.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Collingwood Collingwood
Hand-Crafted Canadian whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Like a sticky candy you have kept in your pocket for ages. Easy to forget.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Extra 13, Selectively Matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A good solid whisky, perfect for everyday use, I would be inclined to use soda water to liven it up with the bubbles.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Wild Geese The Wild Geese
Classic Blend
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A skimpy lad. Nothing unpleasant but too easy to forget.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Spice King
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Another which collapses with water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Grant's Grant's
Family Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Grain overwhelms malt. And the young character of that whisky does not impress much.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Mackenzie The Mackenzie
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very strange aromatic profile. Nose is not very pleasant at start then it delivers more.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Mercian Mercian
Ship Bottle
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A promising nose but a somewhat worn out palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Canadian Club
100 Proof
ABV 50.0%
Comments: About as robust a whisky as I have tasted from the established Canadian distillers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Pig's Nose Pig's Nose
5 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well balanced dram. A bit unidimensional but nothing wrong with it. Water dilutes the aromas too much.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Dunadd Dunadd
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I was left feeling unfulfilled, it didn’t deliver enough of anything for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Irishman The Irishman
70 Superior
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A promising nose, but doesn't deliver on the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Jameson Jameson
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Distinctly average. Very disappointing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Tullamore D.E.W.
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Could do better. Superior to the standard Tullamore Dew, with an engaging sweetness which works well with the fruity pot still. Not bad.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Jon, Mark and Robbo's Jon, Mark and Robbo's
The Fresh Fruity One
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very clean spirit, but I was left with a sense of absence.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Canadian Club Canadian Club
Classic, Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Again, this rum taste, in a sharper and richer version than the first one.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Royal Silk
Rare Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Easy going and light.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Millars Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Perfectly pleasant but very light in flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Kilbeggan
Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A satisfying, finely balanced dram which again shows Cooley's decent grain to good effect.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Royal Canadian Royal Canadian
Small Batch Canadian Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: For me a rum. Makes me think of Angostura rums... Bizarre. Now that I know what I tasted... a Canadian whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Chivas Regal Chivas Regal
Mizunara
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A curious beast. I’m not really sure what’s going on.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Ian Macleod Ian Macleod
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Nose and palate seem to be flattened by excess of sickly sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
The One
Blended Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An interesting idea but it needs more identity.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Dunadd Dunadd
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Too young for me – I need more depth and integration.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Forty Creek Forty Creek
John K. Hall, Double Barrel Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not working for me.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Tullamore Dew Tullamore Dew
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This metallic edge suggests the use of young grain that hasn't matured out fully.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Canadian Mist Canadian Mist
Original
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hard to love. Rush.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Canadian Club Canadian Club
6 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hard to believe this is a whisky. Closer to a rum.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Taketsuru Taketsuru
17 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Fresh but tame.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Formidable Jock of Bennachie Formidable Jock of Bennachie
Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky, 8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A decent enough dram, though not as formidable as the name suggests.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Taketsuru Taketsuru
12 Years old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not much of an impression.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Canadian Club Canadian Club
8 Years Old, Sherry Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: More smooth than the previous ones. But I still can't find if it's whisky there.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Silver Barley
Milroy's
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A very young, new-make like whisky. On the bitter side. A fresh nose isn't enough.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Murphy's Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lacks depth: a simple but pleasant blend.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Dewar's Dewar's
White Label
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Answers the question: why single malts?
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Cutty Sark Cutty Sark
Original Scots
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I find it too manipulated and, as a result, painfully bland. A cardboard cut-out.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Windsor Canadian Windsor Canadian
Blended Canadian Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An explosion at a beauticians. Nail varnish raining down while the bored Saturday assistant chews bubblegum amidst the chaos.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Matisse Matisse
Old Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Old Blended/3 Years Old'
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
J & B J & B
Rare
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Okay, okay, so you can mix with it. Do I hear any other useful applications?...I'm waiting...Is this that famous sound of one hand clapping?
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Paddy Old Irish Whiskey
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A classic Irish, though less full in flavour than Jameson.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Proof Whisky Proof Whisky
Two Grains, Rye & Wheat
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Don't think this is quite there yet. Possibly more ageing would help knit
things together more.
OVERALL SCORE
6.0
Coleraine
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant whiskey for everyday drinking.
OVERALL SCORE
6.0
McCauley's McCauley's
Finely Blended Scotch Whisky, 3 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Twix, anyone?
OVERALL SCORE
5.9
Formidable Jock of Bennachie Formidable Jock of Bennachie
Superior Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I'm not convinced about the potential of any whisky named after a cow...(or a cliched term for a Scotsman).
OVERALL SCORE
5.8
The Century of Malts The Century of Malts
Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Gentle, smooth and delicately balanced, but with some underlying muscle. Complex and sophisticated. More of a James Bond than a Braveheart.
OVERALL SCORE
9.0
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