January 2011

Glendronach 18 yo Allardice

January 31, 2011
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This is not just a sherried whisky, this is a sherry whisky. I feel almost tempted to describe it as a 46% ABV oloroso but the whisky character is fully intact nonetheless. – Rating: 89/100

Talisker 175th Anniversary

January 30, 2011
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A surprisingly fruity Talisker, the multi-age vatting gives it a lot of complexity. The overall character is gentler than the standard 10 yo. – Rating: 87/100

Bowmore 2000/2010 James MacArthur

January 29, 2011
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Despite its pale colour this malt is pretty complex but also rather gentle. A few drops of water release even more flavours. Unusually “clean” for a Bowmore. – Rating: 83/100

Whisky Leaks: Top Ten Unreleased Gaelic Whisky Names

January 29, 2011
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I have recevied a document from an anonymous source shedding light on the inner workings within the marketing departments of the Scotch whisky industry.

Glenfiddich 15 yo Solera Reserve

January 28, 2011
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A very enjoyable malt made using the solera system known from sherry. It is very well balanced and rich in flavours. – Rating: 84/100

Scottish Spirits – It’s Getting Strange

January 28, 2011

Inspired by last week’s Scottish Spirits news about whisky in cans I was venturing around the nether regions of the whisky industry with the help of my favourite search engine. I came across an interesting company

Turning Vodka Into Whisky (sort of…) – Updated

January 28, 2011
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I am so excited to present you the lastest experiment of the Dramming Research Kitchen: The spirit-ual equivalent of turning water into wine.

Big Peat

January 27, 2011
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Contrary to its name this isn’t a true peat monster. But it is a dangerously sippable smooth and smoky malt with a lot going on on the palate. – Rating: 86/100

Comparing Two Macallan 10 yo Cask Strength

January 25, 2011
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The Macallan 10 yo CS is not easy to come by these days and you have to be prepared to pay significantly more than for the standard sherried 10 yo. Yet I was fortunate enough to secure 2 samples of different batches.

Ballantine’s Finest

January 23, 2011
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One of the more recommendable entry level blends. The nose is nothing to speak of, but it’s not entirely unpleasant on the palate. – Rating: 73/100

Diageo’s Classic Malts – Taken Hostage by Johnnie Walker?

January 23, 2011
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For a whisky blogger these days there are few things as convenient as joining the Diageo bashing game. But it often gets forgotten that many of their distilleries make a bloody good whisky!

Greenore 18 yo

January 22, 2011

Quite a nice grain whisky with a very dense palate, not easy to pick up speficic notes. Perhaps a tad on the bitter side but still very pleasant – Rating: 84/100

Old Pulteney WK209

January 21, 2011

A very nice expression centered around dried fruits and mild spices but it’s not not the maritime style you might expect from this distillery. No need to add water. – Rating: 84/100

SWA Response to Scottish Spirits Ltd.

January 21, 2011
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Not much to my suprise the recent news about Scottish Spirits Ltd. launching whisky in cans created quite a bit of publicity. Dozens of search engine queries found my article about the company.

Glenrothes 1994/2006

January 20, 2011
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This is an uncomplicated dram for causual sipping, nothing more and nothing less. Not bad, but there are cheaper alternatives. – Rating: 81/100

Scottish Spirits – Scotch Or No Scotch?

January 18, 2011

Yesterday saw the announcment of Scottish Spirits Ltd. to offer whisky in cans in some markets in Central and South America. The company was in the news last year because of misleading ads. I think it’s time to look a little closer.

Dramming at the Spirit of Speyside Festival

January 15, 2011
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After my journey to Islay in May 2010 I thought it would be only consequent to also visit the other whisky focal point in Scotland, Speyside. The Spring Festival 2010 is taking place from 28th April to 2nd May.

Glengoyne Vintage 1997/2010

January 14, 2011

I’m not absolutely convinced by this malt. All parts of the tasting experience leave a somewhat shy impression even though the general plavour profile is rather pleasant. – Rating: 79/100

Benrinnes 13 yo “Vom Fass”

January 13, 2011

A rather spicy sherried malt – probably a refill – with a great nose and a strong palate with enough richness to counter the spices. It benefits from adding water. Just the finish is over a bit too soon. – Rating: 85/100

Whisky Blogging Survey 2011

January 12, 2011
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The number of whisky blogs has risen to a level that makes it difficult for a single person to oversee the blogging landscape. I thought it might be interesting for bloggers, blog readers and also the whisky industry alike to know a little more about the demograhpics of whisky blogs

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