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The Single Malts of Scotland The Single Malts of Scotland
Linlithgow
1982, 25 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A fine Linlithgow.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Nikka Nikka
Pure Malt Black
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Intense and full-on.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glann Ar Mor Glann Ar Mor
Taol Esa, 1999
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Even nearer to a cognac on the palate. Rich and complex. Oak gives a bony structure but maybe a cask too far...
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Littlemill
97.6 – 1990, 16 Years Old
ABV 56.3%
Comments: A delicate nose but gets quite aggressive on the palate. Leaves a burning feel, even with water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Auchentoshan
1990, 18 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: For completists only.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Woodford Reserve Woodford Reserve
Master's Collection, Classic Malt
ABV 45.2%
Comments: The initial nose threw me off balance, but it grew on me. I’d enjoy this with a cube of ice.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glenfarclas
Aged 15 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Another that seems too young. Pent-up energy but no integration. Not the Glenfarclas 15 I know.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Glenlivet The Glenlivet
Archive, 21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A substantial malt, which on the palate does not match the complexity of outstanding nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Three Ships Three Ships
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Some odd esters on the nose, but a nicely festive whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
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
Hakushu Hakushu
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A trembling and rather sensitive wee soul, but a charming afternoon companion.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Ian Macleod Ian Macleod
Dun Bheagan
Speyside, Aged 8 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A pretty dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Armorik Armorik
Single Malt Classic
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Although the nose is pretty smooth, the alcohol is not mastered on the palate. Lacks balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
James Eadie James Eadie
9 Years Old, Single Cask #804015
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The palate was sadly a bit one-dimensional for me following the delicate nuances of the nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Belgian Owl The Belgian Owl
Single Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Lots of interest there in an understated organoleptic package.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Craigellachie
2002, Dark Treacle Fondant
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Bold and forward but with a nice balance of sweetness and spice.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
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
Gouden Carolus Gouden Carolus
Belgian Single Malt Whisky
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A hot summer afternoon kind of dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glengoyne Glengoyne
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite a shadowy spirit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Single Cask Series
Aultmore, 5 Years Old
ABV 66.8%
Comments: At this strength, one wonders what it's trying to prove.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Wemyss Vintage Malts Wemyss Vintage Malts
Single Cask Release
1990, 19 Years Old, Barbeque Sauce
ABV 55.0%
Comments: The palate does not hold what the nose promises. The expected subtleness is missing.
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
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Caol Ila
1996, Aged 12 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Another lovely Caol Ila that just lacks a little weight.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glenkinchie Glenkinchie
Limited Edition
ABV 59.3%
Comments: Unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The BenRiach The BenRiach
17 Years Old 1993 Burgundy Wood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: This is like batting against a team with four fast bowlers. It's relentless. A tangy taste sensation, sure, but the jury's out as to whether the malt's been
enhanced by the finish.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
Classic
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An easy dram for any time in the day.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glenalmond Glenalmond
1998 Pure Highland Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A light and gentle aperitif.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Tomintoul Tomintoul
Peated
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An attractive dram for sure,but just lacks impetus.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Whisky Fair The Whisky Fair
Ledaig
1973, 33 Years Old
ABV 48.0%
Comments: Age has dulled the peat impact. But pleasant enough.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Single Cask Swedish Oak Finish
ABV 56.5%
Comments: More than just acceptable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Dallas Dhu
Aged 26 Years, Rum Finish
ABV 48.5%
Comments: The rum acting as a cover for what you suspect is a whisky which suffered from being in a tired cask.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Macallan The Macallan
Easter Elchies Seasonal Cask Selection Summer 2007
ABV 60.2%
Comments: This is all about power, show and bravado and misses out on elegance depth and nuance. Some will love it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection Douglas Laing Old & Rare Platinum Selection
Caol Ila
1979, Aged 28 Years
ABV 54.6%
Comments: Good but pretty tired.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
1976, 30 Years Old
ABV 41.8%
Comments: Did that whisky stay too long in cask? It certainly is not at its best.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
The Macallan
1993, Aged 12 Years, Rum Finish
ABV 50.0%
Comments: All rather insubstantial but attractive enough though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Irishman The Irishman
Aged Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Once again the nose offers up hope only for it to be dashed on the palate. It's not so much these are light, it is that they lack substance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dun Bheagan Dun Bheagan
Linkwood
Aged 11 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Insubstantial.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dewar Rattray
Strathmill
1975, 31 Years Old
ABV 49.3%
Comments: The wood has taken charge. Doesn't appear to have the character to carry extended aging.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Douglas Laing Douglas Laing
St. Magdalene
1982, 23 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: There's just nothing to get excited about here.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Balvenie The Balvenie
Aged 14 Years, Rum Wood
ABV 47.1%
Comments: A disappointment after the class of the 1972.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
Aged 18 Years, Oloroso
ABV 55.8%
Comments: An underrated malt. Check it out.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Gordon & MacPhail
Inverleven
1990, 40 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The nose is appealing but the palate far tougher. Water eases the release of grassy notes. But the aromatic profile keeps shallow.
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
Hakushu Hakushu
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A perfect dram for after dinner.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Macleod's Macleod's
Aged 8 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasing balance of spirit and wood, but lacked complexity. Young spirit in active oak?
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Highland Park Highland Park
Aged 16 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I find Port and even Madeira characteristics here. Complex enough, but probably not to everyone's liking.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Auchroisk
Aged 11 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A port finish? Rather brutal and overwhelming. Was the distillery character so bland?
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Amrut Amrut
Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite an appetising nose but mid palate is faint and watery. Too quick a dilution?
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
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
The BenRiach
Aged 15 Years
ABV 59.9%
Comments: Quite an energetic guy which needs water to be tamed. A classic light Speysider, lacking elegance though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Douglas Laing Douglas Laing
Mortlach
1992, 12 Years Old, Sherry Finish
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Little interaction going on here.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Bowmore
Aged 15 Years
ABV 52.9%
Comments: A good spirit dented by that essential oil quality.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Magilligan
1991, Limited Edition, Sherry Wood Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Finishing Cooley's peated malt in a sherry wood for a year works a lot better than I imagined, and makes me wonder what an unpeated malt would taste like after a year in Jerez.
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
The Yamazaki
1984, Sherry Cask
ABV 63.0%
Comments: A huge whisky but overwhelmingly fruity and alcoholic.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Penderyn Penderyn
Aur Cymru
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Dangos cyntaf eithriadol o dda gan y chwisgi (ifanc iawn) yma. Un i'w wylio, yn sicr. As they say in Wales.
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
Connoisseur's Choice Connoisseur's Choice
Glenlossie
1975
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Again, rather dried out. Lacks roundness and structure.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Imperial
1991, Port Wood Finish
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Decent, but only for those with a sweet tooth.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Cooper's Choice The Cooper's Choice
Glen Grant
1988, 15 Years Old, Portwood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The port is trying to give this some life, but ends up dominating.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Cooper's Choice
Bruichladdich
1991, 12 Years Old, Portwood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The Port has the upper hand here. Unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Cooper's Choice
Black Cuillin
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A straightforward young dram.
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
Cadenhead's
Littlemill
1990, 11 Years Old
ABV 60.6%
Comments: Seems sweet, but just isn't quite balanced, as if the cask has yet to interact fully with the spirit.
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
The Macallan
1964, 37 Years Old, Vintage
ABV 58.6%
Comments: An odd Macallan. Light in colour. Quite aggressive, a spicy bite. Where is the elegance and roundness? Macallan on the dark side of the moon!
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Signatory Signatory
Tormore
1989
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Inoffensive but not hugely exciting.
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
Mackillop's Choice
Glen Keith
1967
ABV 41.4%
Comments: Is this one of those GK peated experiments? Or made soon after? Shame it wasn't bottled five years ago when it had more life.
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
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Tamdhu
1981, Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Mild-mannered though some would say bland.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Golden Horse Chichibu Golden Horse Chichibu
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Fresh, lively, flirtatious but slightly tart and astringent.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glen Spey Glen Spey
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A good, solid, bone-dry malt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glen Darbach
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Approachable - even amiable - but with some substance. Wintery flavours that are warming without being challenging.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dufftown Dufftown
15 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A good, mid-weight nutty style.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Auchentoshan
1978, 24 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Promising nose. Palate hard to tame, disappointing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Cameron Brig Cameron Brig
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Attractive, quite light.
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
Cadenhead's
Glencraig
1981, 21 Years Old
ABV 56.2%
Comments: Pleasant, sociable. With mint tea and Moroccan food?
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Hart Brothers Hart Brothers
Balmenach
1972, 30 Years Old, Port Wood
ABV 50.1%
Comments: A shame as you don't find many wholly port pipe matured whiskies, but this has lain in the cask for too long.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Aberlour Aberlour
Aged 15 Years, Double Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A well balanced dram. Would have got more nerve with a bit of extra strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Linkwood
1969
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Old and awaiting the grim reaper.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Signatory Signatory
Dallas Dhu
1978
ABV 59.7%
Comments: A big malt, but there are some flaws suggesting this has passed its best.
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
Adelphi
Slaney
Single Malt Irish Whiskey
ABV 0.0%
Comments: Pleasant, soothing, sociable.
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
Strathmill
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A dessert malt, perhaps, but for that purpose I prefer sweeter bottlings.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Linkwood Linkwood
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A strange fellow. As if all was delivered in a dash. Then the finish seems to never end.
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
Drumguish Drumguish
Highland Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A newish distillery, so this whisky is still on the young side, but I like its old-fashioned grassy-peaty flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Hammerhead Hammerhead
25 Years Old
ABV 40.7%
Comments: It’s like someone locked you in an old pine cupboard with a packet of oat biscuits. Great fun.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
anCnoc anCnoc
Peter Arkle LE No.4
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A fresh aperitif dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Ben Bracken Ben Bracken
Islay Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Earthy and fruity at the same time.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
St Patrick's Distillery St Patrick's Distillery
Oak Aged Irish Whiskey
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Bananarama! If you’re a big fan of the bendy yellow fruit, this is the drop for you.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
Blood Oak
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A very interesting and individualistic expression of Auchentoshan. Takes a drop of water well.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Port Charlotte Port Charlotte
Islay Barley Heavily Peated
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Well balanced, attractive and drinkable.
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
Isle of Jura Isle of Jura
Elixir, 12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A dour character. Wood is not integrated enough, and the whisky keeps an astringent edge.
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
Bowmore Bowmore
29 Years Old, 1982
ABV 47.3%
Comments: One of those Bowmores.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Glenrothes The Glenrothes
Robur Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Could be bolder.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Limeburner's Limeburner's
Barrel M39 2008
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A sweet character, lacking balance of course. Not surprising for a work in
progress. Very much cereal-centered. Not sure it is interesting to bottle such an infant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Isle of Jura Isle of Jura
Boutique Barrels Sherry J1
ABV 54.0%
Comments: Another often dismissed distillery comes out swinging.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Isle of Jura Isle of Jura
Boutique Barrels Bourbon XU
ABV 55.0%
Comments: Balanced and quite rich. Worth a look.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Isle of Jura Isle of Jura
Boutique Barrels Bourbon J0
ABV 56.5%
Comments: Lost in the forest like Hansel and Gretel, but before they find the house
of sweets.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Glencadam Glencadam
12 Years Old Portwood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: I'm a fan of Glencadam, but not this time.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The BenRiach
17 Years Old 1992 Rioja Wood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Slightly over-active finishing cask has had a negative effect.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The BenRiach The BenRiach
16 Years Old 1993 Claret Wood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Pleasant, but the burnt wood knocks it back.
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Miltonduff
27 Years Old
ABV 51.9%
Comments: Splits into its (often contradictory) component parts.Lacks balance and coherence
OVERALL SCORE
7.4
The Whisky Fair The Whisky Fair
Port Ellen
1982, 24 Years Old, Sherry
ABV 59.6%
Comments: Proof that we're not quite scraping the bottom of the Port Ellen barrel just yet.
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
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Auchroisk
Batch 1
ABV 44.7%
Comments: This dram took its time to open up but it rewards you in time.
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
Longmorn Longmorn
The Distiller's Choice
ABV 40.0%
Comments: For fans of American oak.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Dalmore The Dalmore
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I'm normally a fan of Dalmore, this doesn't do it for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Lindores Abbey Lindores Abbey
Angels Share
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lots of cereal-grain character. Seemed dry at first, but developed dessert sweetness – especially with water.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Duncan Taylor Rare Auld
Port Dundas
1973, 32 Years Old
ABV 59.3%
Comments: Wood speaks loud especially on the palate. The sherry influence is there. A finish or a full maturation? Hard to say but that whisky has definitely had a flirt with sherry.
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
Cadenhead's Duthies Cadenhead's Duthies
Caol Ila
13 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Spent ashes in a deserted croft.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
New Holland New Holland
Zeppelin Bend
ABV 45.0%
Comments: I feel the new oak, heavy char has played its part but water has pulled it apart.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Dailuaine
1997, 15 Years Old
ABV 55.7%
Comments: I wanted this to deliver more to be honest, and would have expected it from the age and strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Hakushu Hakushu
18 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Less sweet and fruity on the palate than the nose led you to expect. The balance is not there. Water makes it more bitter.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Glenallachie
Batch 1
ABV 51.7%
Comments: Impossible to get my head around this dram. Very unusual finish and ageing, intriguing to say the least. Muscat / wine finish? The sample was finished as I kept sampling more to try and further understand the dram.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glendalough Glendalough
7 Years Old, Single Malt Whiskey
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Dark and slightly medicinal. Reminds me a bit of mirto. It’s confusing but weirdly attractive.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Highland Park Highland Park
Earl Haakon
ABV 54.9%
Comments: That whisky definitely needs water. But it lacks balance and charm. The alcohol is not mastered.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Longmorn
Aged 19 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A nice dram but a bit thin. Easy to forget.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Linkwood
1993
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Pleasant enough.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
The Macallan
1986, Aged 21 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Not as rich as some Macallans but not an embarrassment.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Wemyss Vintage Malts Wemyss Vintage Malts
Single Cask Release
1991, Smoked Sausages
ABV 46.0%
Comments: It's young and seems to have been too heavily reduced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Rare Malts Selection
Cardhu
1973, Aged 27 Years
ABV 60.0%
Comments: I think I remember a 25 year-old Cardhu of far better charm and balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Duncan Taylor Duncan Taylor
Brora
1981, 25 Years Old
ABV 56.5%
Comments: Lacks balance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Single Malts of Scotland
Bowmore
1990, 16 Years Old
ABV 58.5%
Comments: Some off-notes which I really didn't like, although the smokescreen saved it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Benrinnes
1989
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Bizarrely, the nose reminded me of an Argentinian Torrontes. Where's the famed Benrinnes meatiness?
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Ledaig Ledaig
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Water takes some of the butyric notes but not the burning sensation.
Unbalanced and leaving an unpleasant taste.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Bunnahabhain Bunnahabhain
14 Years Old, Port Wood Finish
ABV 53.0%
Comments: Front-loaded, clumsy and forced. Bunna's good enough on its own.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray
Caperdonich
1980, 25 Years Old
ABV 53.1%
Comments: A bit dull, and there's no excuse for dull whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Imperial
1976
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A classic malty malt. Good balance, interesting dry spiciness. Well structured, hexagonal like Bach music. For those who don't like the unexpected. I don't mean boring though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Penderyn
Peated Limited Edition
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A thin but palatable smoky whisky. Tells more on the palate than on the nose. For a rainy afternoon with blue cheese and toasted bread.
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
The Arran Malt The Arran Malt
Bordeaux Finish
ABV 59.7%
Comments: Another finish. Why precisely?
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
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
Banff
1979, Aged 23 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: I thought this whisky had died in the bottle, but water brought it back to life.
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
The Yamazaki The Yamazaki
Aged 12 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The palate does not keep what the nose promises. Disappointing. Sweetness does not make up for flavour.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Signatory
Coleburn
1991
ABV 46.0%
Comments: I'm glad still to be able to taste a whisky from this long-gone distillery, but it's really one for the collectors.
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
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
21 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Nose is very promising,not sure about the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Lac'Holl Lac'Holl
Junior, 5 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Sweet if not sugary. Too much of these artificially flavouring candy notes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Cragganmore
14 Years Old
ABV 59.8%
Comments: At its best in a couple of years.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Allt-a-Bhainne
1991, 17 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Water diminishes it, so I’d leave well alone.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Boisdale Boisdale
Boisdale
Cask No. 16638
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not firing fully yet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Malts of Scotland Malts of Scotland
Benrinnes
1988, 21 Years Old
ABV 46.3%
Comments: I like mushrooms but not so much in a glass! It is this musty note which gets so unpleasant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Glenrothes The Glenrothes
Manse Reserve
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A little unbalanced and erratic, not a dram for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Solaria Series The Solaria Series
Aultmore
ABV 67.5%
Comments: Like a mechanics overalls. Water serves to ramp up the oil and sulphur.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Solaria Series The Solaria Series
Artis Secretum
ABV 67.1%
Comments: Really benefits from a little water to tame the beast, but not too much as it doesn’t swim that well.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Bruichladdich
10 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: This dram has changed in recent years; less silky and more malt sharp but very easy going.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glenkinchie Glenkinchie
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: I always enjoy this whisky, even though it is not the most typical of Lowlanders.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Bunnahabhain Bunnahabhain
18 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A very rich nose is slightly let down in the palate. On the whole, it's respectable enough.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Fettercairn
Batch 1
ABV 50.5%
Comments: Certainly a decent pre dinner drop, thinking it would work nicely with smoked meat I would think.
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
Glen Moray Glen Moray
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: As vanilla as your 99.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Glenrothes The Glenrothes
Vintage Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I wanted a little more to get my teeth into.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Aldi Glen Orrin Aldi Glen Orrin
Glen Orrin
30 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An easy whisky but seems a little thin, especially on the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Penderyn Penderyn
Sherrywood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Young spirit not quite integrated with the oak ..yet.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Kavalan Kavalan
5 Years Old, Solist Fino
ABV 58.3%
Comments: Bitter all the way. No balance. One dimensional. To try only if you are a 'woodfreak'. Surprisingly, water tones the bitterness down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Tomintoul Tomintoul
12 Years Old, Portwood
ABV 46.0%
Comments: No real complexity. Maybe longer in cask would have helped. Compare to
the Penderyn.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Wemyss Vintage Malts Wemyss Vintage Malts
Single Cask Release
1991, Apples and Pears
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A strange package that almost works.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Penderyn Penderyn
Aur Cymru, WRU 125th Anniversary Limited
ABV 50.0%
Comments: I was expecting the atypicality to be the world's first Malibu finish, but no...maybe it is just atypical for Welsh whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Old Ballantruan Old Ballantruan
The 'Peated Malt'
ABV 50.0%
Comments: If you are going to drink it do it neat.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Macallan The Macallan
Fine Oak 'Whisky Maker's Selection'
ABV 42.8%
Comments: Just didn't hang together for me.
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
Dewar Rattray
Bowmore
17 Years Old
ABV 49.6%
Comments: This is where Bowmore was stuck for too long.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Old Malt Cask
Glenglassaugh
Aged 30 Years
ABV 45.6%
Comments: Some delightful fruity elements but ultimately dominated by woodiness. Don't attempt if you don't like dry whisky!
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Karuizawa Karuizawa
1993, Aged 12 Years
ABV 60.1%
Comments: A herbal tea for those who like it hot and pungent. Lovely nose. Good balance. Definitely needs water to tame the strength.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Rare Malts Selection Rare Malts Selection
Aged 30 Years, Cask Strength
ABV 54.9%
Comments: I couldn't decide if this lacked a little, or was just subtle. Pleasing enough, aging with prettiness, but didn't do enough for me.
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
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Ledaig
1993
ABV 56.1%
Comments: The aroma promises more than the whisky delivers.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Isle of Jura Elixir Isle of Jura Elixir
Legacy, Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Not as enticing as the older versions. Lacks depth but it has nothing to do with youth. Water kills it down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Magilligan Magilligan
Pure Pot Still
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Although it says 'pure pot still' on the label, this is a single malt, there's no unmalted barley here. At 5 or so years old this malt is still a bit green.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
James MacArthur's Old Masters
Glentauchers
1990, 13 Years Old
ABV 59.2%
Comments: Pleasant fruitiness on the nose but the palate is somewhat dour and one dimensional.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
The Arran Malt The Arran Malt
Cognac Cask
ABV 58.6%
Comments: French oak can be pretty aggressive. Here it's got a vice-like grip on what is a gentle fragrant spirit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glen Flagler Glen Flagler
1973
ABV 46.0%
Comments: And another one bites the dust. Shame to see it go.
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
Hart Brothers Hart Brothers
Strathisla
34 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Ah well.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Adelphi Adelphi
The Macallan
1988, 12 Years Old
ABV 57.5%
Comments: Oh what might have been...
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Speyburn Speyburn
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Quite a pleasant pre-dinner dram, with light nibbles perhaps. A little shy though. Would yield more at a higher alcoholic strength or in a few years.
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
Glen Spey
12 Years Old, Distillery Malt
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Richer and more expressive than any version I have tasted previously. Extraordinary sweetness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glenfiddich Glenfiddich
Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Lean, smooth and appetising.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Hart Brothers
Caol Ila
23 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: For its age, not at all woody, but lacking in roundness. The flavours seem to be coming apart.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's
Allt-a-Bhainne
Allt-a-Bhainne 1992, 9 Years Old
ABV 59.4%
Comments: A well-made light and clean dram. Will Pernod get rid of this distillery as well?
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Cadenhead's Cadenhead's
Bladnoch
1980, 17 Years Old
ABV 57.2%
Comments: An uncomplicated but less exhausted, more even Bladnoch than Adelphi's, offering pleasing balance. Past its best, though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Adelphi Glen Grant
1970, 27 Years Old, Cask 7638
ABV 56.9%
Comments: A lot of wood...a lot of sherry wood but not a lot of Glen Grant.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Connoisseur's Choice Connoisseur's Choice
Bladnoch
1986
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Starts brightly enough but the caramel character prevents the whisky taking off.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glen Moray Glen Moray
Chardonnay Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hmmm. Not quite as well structured as I might have wished. I prefer the old Glen Moray to this, which has its moments, but tends to be a little awkward.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Auchentoshan Auchentoshan
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A malty nose but balanced and quite sweet on the palate. A drinkable session dram.
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
Tobermory Tobermory
Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A rare chance to taste a malt that is not so much youthful as pre-pubescent. Really pleasant and full-flavoured for all that.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Glenkinchie
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A charming everyday drinking malt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.3
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Craigellachie
16 Years Old
ABV 60.7%
Comments: It’s good, but can’t help thinking it might be better as an 18 year old.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Armorik Armorik
Whisky Breton
ABV 46.0%
Comments: The nose is richer than the palate. Pleasant but it lacks balance and fades away too quickly.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
anCnoc anCnoc
Peter Arkle
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Sadly unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Mannochmore
64.17 – Oozes Juiciness, 1992, 16 Years Old
ABV 54.7%
Comments: A teasing nose and an assertive palate. A dash of water reconcile both.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Macallan The Macallan
Select Oak
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Falls flat in this company. Perhaps it should have been bottled at a higher strength?
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Nikka Nikka
Single Coffey Malt, 12 Years Old
ABV 55.0%
Comments: I can't believe this is a whisky. A(decent) rum yes,but where is the grain?
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Cadenhead's Duthies Cadenhead's Duthies
Glen Scotia
17 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Lacks expressiveness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Bladnoch
1990, 20 Years Old
ABV 50.4%
Comments: Sadly the soapiness knocks it down.
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 Oban
18 Years Old, Limited Edition
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Adisappointmentfor an Oban - inoffensive and a bit forgettable.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Bruichladdich
14 Years Old
ABV 54.0%
Comments: Too young.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Hammer Head Hammer Head
1989
ABV 40.0%
Comments: It’s of interest and hope it gets going once more, because there’s clearly something going on.
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
Tobermory Tobermory
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Classic bourbon cask profile. Perfumy like Eau de cologne. Well balanced. Nuttier with water but it takes the freshness off.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Ben Bracken Ben Bracken
Speyside
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A perfectly serviceable dram. Easy drinking, but quickly forgotten.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Penderyn Penderyn
Myth
ABV 41.0%
Comments: Reminiscent of playing in cut grass on a summer’s day with a pocket full of sweets. Seems relatively young, with strong American Oak influence. I’d be interested to see this liquid with more years on it.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Powers Powers
The Temple Bar Exclusive, Aged 14 Years
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Disjointed nose, palate and finish, but pleasant nonetheless.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Auchentoshan
1996, 17 Years Old, Cask #202
ABV 46.0%
Comments: For those who love the sweets of their childhood.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Connoisseurs Choice Connoisseurs Choice
Ledaig
1999
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Like a badly made smoked daiquiri.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
PUNI ALBA PUNI ALBA
Acquavite di Cereali
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Great nose but a little unforgiving for my palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Cardhu Cardhu
Amber Rock
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Shame about the palate as the nose showed quite a bit of promise.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glen Moray Glen Moray
Port Finish 1995 13 Years Old
ABV 56.7%
Comments: Seems to have two elements to it, not quite balanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The English Whisky Co. The English Whisky Co.
Chapter 9
ABV 46.0%
Comments: It needs water to cut the edges but then the cardboardy character
is enhanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Kavalan Kavalan
4 Years Old, Solist Vinho 2008
ABV 59.2%
Comments: That whisky definitely needs water to cut the edges but it brings out bitterness. The balance is missing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Scott's Selection Scott's Selection
The Glenlivet
1980, 31 Years Old
ABV 45.5%
Comments: Given its colour and shallow aromatic profile, this whisky has certainly 'slept'
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Linkwood Linkwood
26 Years Old, Port Cask
ABV 56.9%
Comments: Okay,but this is the malt equivalent of the choreography in X Factor; too
much going on to the point of distraction
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Benromach Benromach
8 Years Old Maderia
ABV 45.0%
Comments: The sweetness of the Madeira works quite well with the earthier notes of the malt.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glenkinchie Glenkinchie
Distillers Edition
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Promised loads on the nose but has not really delivered.
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
Cradle Mountain Cradle Mountain
Double Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Of the two Cradle Mountains I have tasted, this is the better.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Wilson & Morgan Wilson & Morgan
Macduff
1989, Port Finish
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Inoffensive, but what's the point?
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Karuizawa Karuizawa
1992, Cask No. 5978
ABV 62.8%
Comments: One dimensional and rather simple.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium 03
ABV 54.2%
Comments: Very unusual and now knowing what it is, this one was hard to assess blind, as it feels very different to Scotch malt, just as it should do.
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
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Caol Ila
1990, Vintage Rum Finish
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Hang on! Is that a single malt with a rum finish or a good rum matured in a bourbon cask? An exemplary phagocytosis or a magical trick. But we wanted whisky!
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glen Moray Glen Moray
Signature Malt 1989, 16 Years Old
ABV 57.6%
Comments: A little sour for me.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Berrys' Own Selection Berrys' Own Selection
Longmorn
1992
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Pleasant enough malt, but a little unexciting.
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
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 Old Malt Cask
Aultmore
1989, Aged 16 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: OK, fine, solid. Whisky should be more though, right?
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Balvenie The Balvenie
Aged 17 Years, New Wood
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Attractive in the glass, with a pleasant nose, rich in dessert notes, but is let down by a slight astringency in the palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Nikka Nikka
Miyagikyo, 1987, Cask No.60236
ABV 61.0%
Comments: How can whisky leave its signature behind that thick oak panelling? No chance.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Berry Bros. & Rudd Berry Bros. & Rudd
Berry's Best
Lowland, 12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A fine dram to start off a tasting, but not enough interest to engage you the whole night long.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old
St. Magdalene
1982
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Brings to mind those fragile Swiss white wines. All very delicate and ever so slightly faded.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Duncan Taylor
Bunnahabhain
1969, 36 Years Old
ABV 40.7%
Comments: Gone, just spent too long in the cask.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Killyloch
1967
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Astonishingly fresh and youthful. Not complex, but an enjoyable drink. A lamented Lowlander.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glen Scotia
1992, Cask Strength
ABV 62.1%
Comments: Far from the best Glen Scotia, but I have always entertained a sneaky respect for this distillery.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Cadenhead's
Glenglassaugh
26 Years Old
ABV 51.1%
Comments: This has dried out to a point where it is aggressive and unbalanced.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Convalmore
Convalmore-Glenlivet, Aged 26 Years
ABV 61.4%
Comments: A welcome opportunity to taste a rare whisky, though it was never a classic, and in this instance is over the hill (or the Conval Hills?).
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
Rare Malts Selection Rare Malts Selection
Coleburn
1979, Aged 21 Years
ABV 59.4%
Comments: Despite the low mark, pretty good by Coleburn standards. The nose and finale are impressive.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Whisky Breton Whisky Breton
Single Malt Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Approachable. I like it.
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
Mercian Mercian
1991, Aged 10 Years, Single Cask
ABV 62.8%
Comments: Concentrated and tense, a little immature.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Inverey
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Light. A breakfast malt.
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
Golden Horse Chichibu Golden Horse Chichibu
8 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A fight between a sweet, light, attractive young spirit and firm wood.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glenfiddich Glenfiddich
12 Years Old, Special Reserve
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Easy-going, fresh and fruity, but the palate does not reflect the liveliness of the nose.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Blackadder Blackadder
The Arran Malt
1996, Raw Cask
ABV 56.8%
Comments: Young but attractive. A distillery to watch.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Glen Kirk Glen Kirk
8 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Flavours do not combine. Lack roundness.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
The Tyrconnell The Tyrconnell
Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: This malt used to be a tad young, the current bottling is older and certainly works better.
OVERALL SCORE
7.2
Tamnavulin Tamnavulin
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Strangely the label says both 'naturally light'
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
P&M P&M
Whisky Corse
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Water fades it without getting the sugar out. It needs more characterful single malt casks in the blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Benrinnes
1994, 14 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Rare steak anyone?
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Dufftown
1976, 32 Years Old
ABV 55.4%
Comments: Doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Cadenhead's Duthies Cadenhead's Duthies
Cragganmore
15 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Odd nose but decent palate.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Inchgower, 1982, 29 Years Old
ABV 53.9%
Comments: I'm an Inchgower fan but I'd want more from a whisky of this age.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Arran Malt The Arran Malt
12 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Really disappointing.Where is the fresh lively sweet character of Arran ? Has it lost its sparkle ? This whisky seems alreadytired.Or is it me ?
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Arran Malt The Arran Malt
Robert Burns 250 Years Anniversary, 1998, 10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Solid performer but the nose lets it down.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Karuizawa Karuizawa
Noh Series, 1995, 13 Years Old, Cask No. 5004
ABV 63.0%
Comments: Rare steak anyone?
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
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
Battlehill Battlehill
Auchentoshan
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Not much to shout about really. A slow developer perhaps? Put it back in the cask for another
four years.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium 06
ABV 50.5%
Comments: Seems slightly forced.Just not knitted.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Wemyss Malts Wemyss Malts
Bowmore
2002, 8 Years Old, Toasted Oats
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Needs more assertive wood. Should really be further along at this age.
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
Glen Moray Glen Moray
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A sweet, soft and mellow fruitiness. Too much is too much sometimes.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Bakery Hill Bakery Hill
Cask Strength Classic Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: This needs more time in cask. Well distilled though.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Talisker Talisker
30 Years Old
ABV 45.8%
Comments: Doesn't taste this old, doesn't taste like Talisker. Doesn't reach this distillery's greatest heights.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Springbank
27.72 – Harbour-side Harmonies
ABV 57.3%
Comments: Lacks integration.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Michael Collins Michael Collins
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Should we try pairing that whisky with cheese? I am not convinced...
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Port Ellen
1982, Aged 25 Years, Sherry Cask
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Does little to enhance the distillery's reputation.
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
Glenglassaugh
1976, 29 Years Old
ABV 53.0%
Comments: A strange cask, which has produced an unusual malt whisky. Could be to some people's tastes but not mine.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
The Queen of the Moorlands The Queen of the Moorlands
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Has nothing to be ashamed of, but could do with more action at the front end.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium : 01
ABV 55.6%
Comments: As a cask sample of a maturing whisky, I'd say it had definite potential, but otherwise, it's jailbait.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Lammerlaw Lammerlaw
12 Years Old, Peated Malt Finishing
ABV 40.0%
Comments: More weight is needed in the spirit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Imperial
1990, Sherry Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Drier and nuttier than the port, but again the finish is in charge.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
Glenlossie Glenlossie
10 Years Old
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Attractive enough but hardly complex.
OVERALL SCORE
7.1
That Boutique-y Whisky Company That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Tobermory
Batch 2
ABV 53.9%
Comments: The heavier notes make it a bit of a challenge.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Milford Milford
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Good flavour development.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Bladnoch
10 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A very peculiar beast.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Ichiro's Malt Ichiro's Malt
Chichibu Chibidaru
ABV 53.5%
Comments: Water makes it easier to drink.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Smögen Svensk Single Malt Smögen Svensk Single Malt
Primör
ABV 63.7%
Comments: Feels young and immature with little influence from the wood.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Bowmore Bowmore
Tempest Batch 3
ABV 55.6%
Comments: A step down from the previous versions. Seek those out.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release III, 1957, 50 Years Old, Cask No. 2, Sherry Hogshead
ABV 46.2%
Comments: An old fellow which has been drowned in oak. Where is the distillery character?
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release III, 1969, 39 Years Old, Cask No. 3188
ABV 55.0%
Comments: Big and tannic. Would add structure to a blend.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Limeburners Limeburners
Barrel M11, 2006, 2 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An aromatised whisky ? Odd,rather well constructed but leave a sickening
feel. Like a cough syrup.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glenfarclas Glenfarclas
Heritage
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Nothing to write home about. For the sugar freaks maybe.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Reserve Swedish Oak Finish
ABV 58.5%
Comments: Another let-down. Lacking in coherence.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
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
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Benrinnes
Aged 10 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: For me this has been bottled too early and before the sulphuriness of youth has been fully matured out.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Douglas Laing Douglas Laing
1990, 15 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A whisky on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
The Wee Dram The Wee Dram
Aged 15 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Metallic flavour seems dominant, and the rest doesn't hold together.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Glentauchers
1990, 14 Years Old
ABV 58.8%
Comments: No maturation.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Dewar Rattray Dewar Rattray
Craigellachie
Aged 15 Years
ABV 54.9%
Comments: On top of a maturation in poor wood, seems to have undergone problems at distillation. Disappointing.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Glen Grant Glen Grant
5 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Hadn't tasted the 5 Years Old for a while. Cleaner, drier and less fruity than I remember.
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
The Whisky Exchange The Whisky Exchange
Dunglas
1967
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Either the sample bottle was not rinsed out or this is just plain weird.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Strathmill
1992
ABV 64.2%
Comments: This bottling strongly manifests the woody dryness that seems to characterise the whiskies from the Islay valley. Water brings out Strathmill's muscat note.
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
Blackadder Blackadder
Rosebank
1992
ABV 60.0%
Comments: Far from Rosebank at its best. Fiery.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Adelphi
Bladnoch
22 Years Old, Single cask
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Struggles to find a rhythm. Lowlanders weren't built to last to this age. Nevertheless, it has its delightful moments. Best at full strength and at about 46%.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Convalmore
1960, Rare Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Convalmore was not the greatest malt when reasonably youthful. As a near 40 Years Old it has gained some tasty character, though most of it is of the bourbon variety.
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
Tomintoul Tomintoul
Aged 10 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A bit disappointing.
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
Glenkinchie Glenkinchie
12 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The sulphur knocks it back in aroma erms, but the palate is good. A simple aperitif.
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
St George St George
Single Malt Lot 9
ABV 43.0%
Comments: What a strange (and unpleasant) fellow ! Water cuts the bitterness down a little. But it does not make it better.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Grindlay's Selection Grindlay's Selection
Single Cask Release 2006
ABV 64.1%
Comments: A chalky texture that works well with all those flavours.
OVERALL SCORE
7.0
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Caol Ila
1997, Hermitage Finish
ABV 45.0%
Comments: Obviously a wine finish.
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
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Caledonian
G3.1 – 1978, 29 Years Old
ABV 60.1%
Comments: Deliciously drinkable.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Single & Single Single & Single
Bowmore
2000, 8 Years Old
ABV 46.0%
Comments: It’s little more than good new make.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
John McDougall's Selection John McDougall's Selection
Bladnoch
18 Years Old
ABV 53.3%
Comments: Faulty for me.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Karuizawa Karuizawa
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Disappointing. Seems to have the elements of a good whisky but nothing has knitted.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Tomatin Tomatin
18 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Not a great example.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
The Dalmore The Dalmore
King Alexander
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Does not give all what you expect. Like a too soft cushion. Not comfortable in the end. It would be interesting to taste it at a higher strength.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release III, 1962, 46 Years Old, Cask No. 2647
ABV 52.0%
Comments: Overcooked.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release II, 1960, 46 Years Old, Cask No. 1773
ABV 43.8%
Comments: Sorry,but this isn't what old whisky is for me.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
The McGibbon's Provenance The McGibbon's Provenance
Linkwood
1996, 10 Years Old, Sherry Matured
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Not come to life yet.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium 05
ABV 48.4%
Comments: May develop with time.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Ledaig Ledaig
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Nothing to cheer up tastebuds. Water saves the nose but does not help palate. A pale image of Ledaig.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Harris Whisky Harris Whisky
16 Years Old, No Ordinary
ABV 53.1%
Comments: A wake up call dram for those who like action on the tongue. A classic bourbon maturation which outlines a buoyant character.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Karuizawa Karuizawa
1974, Aged 31 Years
ABV 65.0%
Comments: Can't see the point in offering such an unbalanced oaky profile. It is whisky we want to enjoy, not a wood infusion.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Bladnoch
1992, 13 Years Old, Cask Strength
ABV 56.9%
Comments: I know, I know - it's a Lowland! Still, I want a little more from a whisky. Full stop.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Bakery Hill Bakery Hill
Cask Strength Peated Malt
ABV 61.0%
Comments: Again, well distilled but still young.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Blackadder Blackadder
Jura
1988
ABV 59.4%
Comments: Nose better than palate. A tired cask?
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Celtique Connexion Celtique Connexion
Mortlach
1989, The Spirit Safe & Cask Selection
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Lacks contribution from wood. Lacks complexity.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Dun Bheagan Dun Bheagan
Scapa
Aged 13 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Lacks the energy and the lusciousness you expect from Scapa.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Waldviertler Waldviertler
Roggen-Malzwhisky
ABV 42.0%
Comments: Good balance, with zesty rye touches.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
McDowell's McDowell's
Single Malt
ABV 42.8%
Comments: Somewhat one-dimensional.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Karuizawa Karuizawa
17 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Just plain odd.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Inverleven
1986
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Like drinking a ghost.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Golden Horse Chichibu Golden Horse Chichibu
12 Years Old
ABV 50.0%
Comments: A quick-maturing spirit that needs to be watched like a hawk.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
The Speyside The Speyside
15 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Nothing much wrong here.
OVERALL SCORE
6.9
Connemara Connemara
Turf Mor 3 Years Old
ABV 58.2%
Comments: Way, way too young.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Tomintoul Tomintoul
Single Peated Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Unspectacular and pretty forgettable. Youth doesn't become it.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Barrogill Barrogill
North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV 40.0%
Comments: An unpleasant fermenting note all the way. And a weak profile. Diluted, strength wise as well as aroma wise.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release III, 1959, Cask No. 3227
ABV 50.9%
Comments: A great vintage (!) but too long in cask for me.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Limeburner's Limeburner's
M59 2009
ABV 48.0%
Comments: The whisky's (just) at the additive rather than interactive stage and while
it will (hopefully) settle down (though that farmyard note is a little worrying)
there's really no point in bottling something at this stage.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Old Course Hotel Old Course Hotel
Aged 12 Years, Speyside Single Malt
ABV 43.0%
Comments: OK, but given that there are so many wonderful whiskies around, this gets lost.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Bushmills
10 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A bigger whisky than of a year or two back with the sherry making a much bigger impression. Quite fruity and full where once it was slightly powdery and over-dependent on the malt character alone.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
The Tyrconnell
Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A pleasant, light-tasting malt.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
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
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Glenfarclas The Family Casks
Release II, 1957, 49 Years Old, Cask No. 2115
ABV 46.5%
Comments: I have the feeling I keep repeating myself. It seems I have already swallowed a forest of Spanish oak.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Director's Tactical Selection
1990, Aged 16 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Heavy pepper dominates everything else. Lacks sophistication and balance.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Chieftain's Chieftain's
Cigar Malt
Robusto 1997, Aged 10 Years
ABV 55.1%
Comments: Reminds me of accident I had once with my chemistry set.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Glen Grant
Over 11 Years, Wine Finish
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Seems cobbled together.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
The Yamazaki The Yamazaki
25 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A PX sherry first fill? Fine if you like oak infusion. Clings on your palate for ages. Too oaky to be OK.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Lammerlaw Lammerlaw
12 Years Old, Special Finishing
ABV 40.0%
Comments: I thought the earlier, younger bottling had more vigour.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Murray McDavid
Bunnahabhain
1979, Bourbon Barrel
ABV 43.0%
Comments: One to forget.
OVERALL SCORE
6.8
Adelphi
Caol Ila
11 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: A curiously insipid bottling.
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
Strathmill
1974
ABV 57.0%
Comments: A real shame.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
The Golden Cask The Golden Cask
Bowmore
1999, 9 Years Old
ABV 60.1%
Comments: The question is...why now?
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
Craigellachie Craigellachie
2002 8 Years Old
ABV 60.3%
Comments: The various elements are not in balance for my liking.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Bowmore
1998, 9 Years Old
ABV 62.3%
Comments: A rough and ready youngster that shouldn't have been let out on its own.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Sullivans Cove Sullivans Cove
Port Maturation
ABV 60.0%
Comments: It sticks to the tongue and you can't get rid of it.
OVERALL SCORE
6.7
Sullivans Cove Sullivans Cove
Bourbon Maturation
ABV 60.0%
Comments: Showing some promise. Might develop with age.
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
Waldviertler Waldviertler
Feinster Roggenwhisky
ABV 42.0%
Comments: A winter whisky. Points for assertiveness.
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
Cadenhead's
Banff
24 Years Old
ABV 58.3%
Comments: This was probably a half decent dram 12 years ago.
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
The Belgian Owl The Belgian Owl
Single Malt
ABV 46.0%
Comments: A little lost child in the rain.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Glenglassaugh
1986, 21 Years Old
ABV 53.4%
Comments: A good example of cask tyranny. The sherry acts like a tsunami. Makes no quarter!
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Knockando Knockando
1990
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Simple, attractive and easy-drinking.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
McCarthy's McCarthy's
Single Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: In a young whisky, I would have expected more freshness of flavour, but the elements are there, and the product shows promise.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Pittyvaich Pittyvaich
Aged 12 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: The richest by far, but all of it wood-driven.
OVERALL SCORE
6.6
Teerenpeli Teerenpeli
Single Malt Whisky
ABV 43.0%
Comments: Another infant that should still be tucked up at home in its barrel rather than being allowed to wander the streets. I blame the parents myself.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Penderyn Penderyn
Rich Madeira Limited Edition
ABV 54.3%
Comments: More of a cocktail than a single malt.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
The Whisky Fair The Whisky Fair
The Macallan
1971, 35 Years Old, Olorosso Sherry Wood
ABV 35.0%
Comments: No balance,too much wood, this whisky has outlived its cask.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
James MacArthur's Old Masters James MacArthur's Old Masters
Allt-a-Bhainne
1995, 10 Years Old
ABV 58.9%
Comments: An aggressive young punk of a dram: Sid McVicious? It might have a gastronomic application as a marinade for oily fish or perhaps in a dressing.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Mortlach
1951
ABV 42.0%
Comments: For all the interest on the nose this is not a great drinking experience.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Murray McDavid Murray McDavid
Rosebank
1990, 8 Years Old, Bourbon Cask
ABV 40.0%
Comments: The label quotes my devotion to Rosebank at 8 years. I'm not devoted to it in this form. The cask this malt was filled into must have been exhausted as the whisky is closer to a 2 Years Old in character. The only good point is that there are no off notes.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
Gordon & MacPhail Gordon & MacPhail
Glentauchers
1990
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Easy-going, but nothing to get too excited about.
OVERALL SCORE
6.5
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
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Glen Scotia
93.33 – Pine Sap and Black Pepper, 1992, 16 Years Old
ABV 64.3%
Comments: I thought this whisky was too young to be bottled. And when I read that it was 16 Years Old, I could not believe it.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium 04
ABV 53.3%
Comments: If you want to build a new distillery you have to be willing to take the financial hit of waiting until the whisky is ready.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Berry Bros. & Rudd Berry Bros. & Rudd
Craoi na Mona
Irish Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Ominously pale and initial suspicions were proved correct. This has been bottled way too young.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection
Imperial
1990, Calvados Finish
ABV 40.0%
Comments: As with the Caol Ila wood finishes reviewed in the last issue, the calvados is a powerful influence but the whisky does fight back-makes for an interesting combination.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Lombard Lombard
Bowmore
1989
ABV 50.0%
Comments: This is a whisky from a 'neutral' cask where there has been no interchange between wood and spirit, giving a neutral end result. A distillery owner would be able to blend this away, an independent bottler should have the guts not to bottle it.
OVERALL SCORE
6.4
Pittyvaich Pittyvaich
Aged 12 Years
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A weird whisky all round. Pleasing character, but just doesn't feel right.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Laphroaig Laphroaig
25 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: All the aromas are working against each other and it's incredibly muted. Why bottle this at 40%?
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Littlemill Littlemill
Aged 12 Years
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Marked down for that cabbagey character - right back to school dinners.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Signatory Signatory
Rosebank
1989, 13 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: With its curiously greeny-white colour, this one actually looks like a ghost. A shadow of a great malt.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Lombard Jewels of Scotland Lombard Jewels of Scotland
Mortlach
1990
ABV 50.0%
Comments: Poor.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
Lombard Jewels of Scotland Lombard Jewels of Scotland
Caperdonich
1968
ABV 46.0%
Comments: Like an old dusty house that's being cleaned up for the new owners.
OVERALL SCORE
6.3
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
Sullivans Cove Sullivans Cove
Cask Strength, Matured in French Oak Casks
ABV 60.0%
Comments: A dirty, grizzly thing which dolls out some rough, tough flavours. Be (slightly) delighted and (mostly) disgusted all at the same time. Never ever boring, but very far from perfect.
OVERALL SCORE
6.2
Dewar Rattray Cask Collection Dewar Rattray Cask Collection
Strathmill
1991, 17 Years Old
ABV 60.0%
Comments: Poor. “British sherry” finish?
OVERALL SCORE
6.1
Dufftown Dufftown
15 Years Old
ABV 43.0%
Comments: An excellent aperitif malt.
OVERALL SCORE
6.0
St. George St. George
Single Malt
ABV 43.0%
Comments: A dessert spirit, more muscat than malt.
OVERALL SCORE
6.0
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
Mackmyra Mackmyra
Preludium 03
ABV 52.2%
Comments: A theme emerges...
OVERALL SCORE
5.9
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
Director's Tactical Selection
Talisker, Aged 20 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: What is the point of this other than to prove that leaving Talisker in first-fill sherry casks for 20 years leads to oblivion?
OVERALL SCORE
5.9
Meyer's Whisky Alsacien Meyer's Whisky Alsacien
Pur Malt
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Obviously a maturation in very bad casks. Difficult to find the spirit (apart from a hot/burning feel) behind that nasty wood.
OVERALL SCORE
5.9
Master of Malt Master of Malt
Orkney
12 Years Old
ABV 40.0%
Comments: Recession whisky?
OVERALL SCORE
5.8
Old Malt Cask Old Malt Cask
St. Magdalene
Aged 24 Years
ABV 50.0%
Comments: If this was in a better cask it would have been a rather pleasant whisky.
OVERALL SCORE
5.8
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