February 2012

Kavalan “King Car”

February 20, 2012

This malt from Taiwan is on eye level with a decent Scotch. The short maturation in hot climate has created a very nice dram, rich in flavour and with a creamy mouthfeel. – Rating: 84/100

Deanston Virgin Oak

February 19, 2012
Thumbnail image for Deanston Virgin Oak

In a way this is Burn Stewart’s Highland equivalent of the Bunnahabhain Darach Ur. It’s not bad at all, but it does not have the richness of its cousin from Islay. Rating: 83/100

Deanston 12 yo

February 19, 2012
Thumbnail image for Deanston 12 yo

The relaunched Deanston is a rich and rather savoury dram. Some unusal flavours probably don’t make it a whisky for anybody, but I like it. – Rating: 84/100

Redbreast 12 yo Cask Strength

February 18, 2012

A very good potstill dram at natural strength. It is a bit less fruity than the regular 12 yo expression which I actually prefer slightly. – Rating: 86/100

Sibona Grappa Riserva Botti di Porto

February 18, 2012
Thumbnail image for Sibona Grappa Riserva Botti di Porto

A very nice fruity grappa, but I would never guess that it was finished in a port cask. – Rating: 83/100

McTear’s Whisky Auctions – Buyers Beware!

February 17, 2012

Yesterday, former Malt Maniac Luc Timmermans shared a most disturbing experience he had with the 7th December whisky auction at McTear’s.

Caramel in Whisky – Demystifying a Demon

February 16, 2012
Thumbnail image for Caramel in Whisky – Demystifying a Demon

Few things are as controversial in the whisky world as caramel colouring. But facts and fictions about caramel mix up at times. Time to have a closer look at that unloved substance.

Bunnahabhain 25 yo

February 16, 2012
Thumbnail image for Bunnahabhain 25 yo

The fantastic old time sherry nose is in 90+ territory, but palate and finish are strangely weak for such a high end whisky. – Rating: 84/100

Tobermory 15 yo

February 16, 2012
Thumbnail image for Tobermory 15 yo

For a sherry finish this malt is a bit feeble. The overall character is pretty nice but it could benefit from a little more oomph. – Rating: 74/100

Head To Head – Two Longmorns – 35 Years Apart

February 15, 2012

At the Munich Finest Spirits Festival 2012 I had the chance to get two interesting Longmorn samples at the stand of slowdrink.de. One 12 and on 14 year old, but from two entirely different ages. Let’s see how they compare:

How Much Is A Dram Now Anyway?

February 15, 2012
Thumbnail image for How Much Is A Dram Now Anyway?

One of the first things any aspiring maltheads learn is that whisky is drunk by the dram, the act of doing this being aptly named dramming. They will soon find out that the dram is an immensely flexible unit of measure.

Whisky Pies #2 – How Men And Women Differ

February 14, 2012
Thumbnail image for Whisky Pies #2 – How Men And Women Differ

Interesting observations can be made at whisky festivals

Kornog Sant Ivy 2011

February 14, 2012

A terrific whisky. It needs some time to open up, but the richness of flavours is stunning. It can compete with the finest from Islay. – Rating: 92/100

Kornog Taouarc’H Eilvet 11 BC

February 14, 2012

This malt from Brittany has a very intriguing nose, but on the palate it is a bit one-dimensional. – Rating: 76/100

Whisky Pies #1 – What Is Important In Whisky

February 14, 2012
Thumbnail image for Whisky Pies #1 – What Is Important In Whisky

Extensive evaluation at Dramming HQ of many sources has shown these factors to be important for the decision of what whisky to buy next.

Tobermory 10 yo

February 13, 2012
Thumbnail image for Tobermory 10 yo

There is not much to find in this whisky. It is mostly sweet on the palate with a light fruitiness, the nose is disappointing. – Rating: 65/100

Bunnahabhain 1990/2011 Master of Malt

February 13, 2012
Thumbnail image for Bunnahabhain 1990/2011 Master of Malt

A very fine and thick dram with a nose that captures the meaty quality some rich sherries can have. Some gentle spices round off this malt. – Rating: 87/100

Glenmorangie Artein 15 yo

February 12, 2012
Thumbnail image for Glenmorangie Artein 15 yo

Surprisingly gentle, to the verge of feeling watery. The whisky steps into the background here. But it’s a nice dram, not more, not less. – Rating: 83/100

Two New Commercial Whisky Clubs In One Week

February 12, 2012

Last week saw the official announcements for two new online based whisky websites that will charge you a membership fee to enjoy their benefits.

Inchgower 1982/2011 Master of Malt

February 10, 2012
Thumbnail image for Inchgower 1982/2011 Master of Malt

Despite its age this is a very mild and gentle dram with subtle aromas. It needs quite a while to devlop in the glass but then it becomes very enjoyable – Rating: 85/100

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →