September 2009

Jura 1996/2008 Adelphi

September 30, 2009
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Another quite spicy Adelphi. The peat that is noticeable in the nose is covered by vanilla and spices on the palate. Quite nice, but a little bit rough for my taste. – Score: 84/100

Adelphi Breath of Islay 1992/2008

September 29, 2009

This is a true spice bomb. but not of the usual “wood spice” type that can get too overpowering at times. Balanced out by a slight sweetness. Almost no fruity aromas to be found here. – Score: 87/100

Jura Superstition

September 26, 2009
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Mouthfeel is quite soft at first but gets rougher with growing wood spiciness. I would have preferred a stronger attack, but this still is a very good dram for a very moderate price. – Score: 84/100

Bowmore Enigma 12 yo

September 26, 2009
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More sherry than the regular 12yo, but not very sweet, definitely a notch up. Very good value for an affordable price. – Score: 86/100

The Famous Grouse

September 24, 2009
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You can taste that this is a young whisky. OK for just sipping, nothing really disturbing, but it’s hard pinning down any noteworthy aromatic components. – Score: 51/100

Glen Grant 1990/2008 Signatory

September 22, 2009

A nice contrast between dried fruits in the nose and tropical fruits on the palate. Needs a good amount of water. Wood spice is a bit too dominant for my taste. – Score: 80/100

Glen Garioch 15 yo

September 21, 2009
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A simple middle-of-the-road malt. No weaknesses and no strengths. – Score: 74/100

Cragganmore Distiller’s Edition 1993/2007

September 19, 2009
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Not very fruity for a port finish. Gentle and well-balanced but a bit weak on the palate – Score: 77/100

Brora 1981/2008 Duncan Taylor

September 18, 2009

The first Brora I ever tasted, and I am somewhat underwhelmed. I guess the wood has taken overhand here. – Score: 83/100

Dalwhinnie 15 yo

September 18, 2009
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A gentle base malt with quite a lot of spicy wood. – Score: 77/100

Glen Deveron 10 yo

September 18, 2009
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A somewhat unusual nutty taste combined with quite a lot of wood spice. Not bad, but lacks some complexity – Score: 75/100

Bowmore Port Matured 1991/2007

September 16, 2009

A great combination of fruit and smoke, very complex – Score: 87/100

Fettercairn 12 yo

September 14, 2009
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A very light malt that might appeal to blend drinkers, but a bit too meaningless for my taste. – Score: 62/100

Aberfeldy 12 yo

September 14, 2009
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This malt doesn’t have much to offer. Some might call it “light summertime dram” which for me is a bit of a euphemism. – Score: 66/100

Jura Heavy Peated 1999/2006

September 9, 2009

A great young peat monster that doesn’t have to hide behind its cousins from Islay. – Score: 91/100

Longmorn 16 yo

September 9, 2009
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This one is a bit too spicy for my taste. There is not much to balance out the wood. It’s still not a bad whisky, but there is something missing. – Score: 80/100

Will Scotch Single Malt Become a Luxury Item ?

September 7, 2009

The launch of the new “Manager’s Choice” line by Diageo was only the latest in a series of whisky releases that left many whisky lovers dazzled by the attached price tags. Two notable examples are:

Diageo Takes a Big Gulp

September 3, 2009

It is now an open secret that whisky industry giant Diageo will launch a new series called “Manager’s Choice” on September 4. News has been leaking for about a week, so Diageo has decided to make it official now.

Poll: Your Opinion on Colouring and Chill Filtering

September 2, 2009

Two things have always been the source of heated debates:

1. Should a whisky be coloured with caramel (E 150a) to maintain uniformity of colour among batches?

2. Should a whisky be chillfiltered to avoid clouding?

Hey! What’s the next Whiskey?

September 1, 2009

Quite special because of its slightly acrid note. Quite mild, although it has noticable wood spice. Not a real “danger” for scotch single malts, but it’s drinkable without regret. – Score: 55/100