January 2013

Where Is The Rampant Sulphur, Mr. Murray?

January 31, 2013

Musings about the 2013 Whisky Bible

Bowmore Batch 1 – That Boutique-y Whisky Company

January 30, 2013
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A slight herbalness joins dry peat in this Bowmore that also shows nicely balanced fruity notes. – Rating: 85/100

Glen Grant 60 yo Queen’s Diamond Jubilee G&M

January 30, 2013
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If you have £8000 to spare, you will be rewarded with an excellent and very unusual whisky. Remarkably little wood influence after 60 years in the cask, I can only call it intensely delicate. – Rating: 91/100

Arran 2001/2012 Bourbon Cask 808

January 30, 2013
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Quite a shy and secluded whisky overall, a dram for those who like their whisky very subtle. – Rating: 81/100

Deanston 19 yo 1992/2012 Master of Malt

January 27, 2013
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A robust and creamy malt from a distillery not often seen in independent bottlings. Somehoew the gentle fruit aromas manage to stand up against the wood spice. – Rating: 86/100

Balcones Brimstone

January 27, 2013
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This whisky just shouts “Barbecue” at you. Its marvelous nose and unique smoky palate take you right along to Hill Country where the brisket is slowly smoking in the pit. – Rating: 88/100

The Whisky Fabric

January 27, 2013

A term born as a Twitter hashtag, I am not even sure who exactly came up with it first, but it perfectly describes the interwoven connections that form among us whisky folks on social media.

Arran Orkney Bere 2004/2012

January 26, 2013
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Surprisingly mature for its young age, this is an excellent example how using an ancient barley variety not designed for high yield can shorten maturation time. – Rating: 85/100

Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 1

January 26, 2013
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Rather dominant nut flavours in here and not too much fruit, this is quite complex and a good dram to spend some time with. – Rating: 84/100

Jim Murray – Whisky, Sulphur And Testosterone

January 23, 2013
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Jim Murray arguably is one of the most controversial personalities in the whisky world. At the Victoria Whisky Festival I had the opportunity to to experience him in action.

Victoria Whisky Festival 2013

January 23, 2013
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It came as quite a surprise when I received an official invitation for the Victoria Whisky Festival a few months ago. Here is the report.

Bunnahabhain 38 yo 1973/2012 Wilson & Morgan

January 11, 2013
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Not your typical oloroso cask here… The nose is superb, but the ABV has come down to a level that gives it a sightly watery mouthfeel. Surprisingly litte wood influence. – Rating: 87/100

Cardhu 12 yo

January 11, 2013
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The very nice nose is not fully matched by the palate. But it is a decent enough daily dram, far from being bland. – Rating: 79/100

Whisky People #14 – Lawrence Graham

January 10, 2013
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Name: Lawrence Graham
Year of Birth: 1958
Place of Residence: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Whisky Involvement: Festival organizer, blogger

Grand Castle 18 yo

January 9, 2013
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A shy sherry monster, the powerful nose is followed by a fairly modest palate and finish. Very nice aromas but it is over too soon. – Rating: 84/100

Glendronach 8 yo Octarine

January 9, 2013
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Quite a pleasant albeit not very complex daily dram on the sweet and fruity side. – Rating: 81/100

Glenturret 34 yo 1977/2012 Maltbarn

January 8, 2013
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Older Glenturrets have a reputation of being soapy. This wonderful dram has just the tiniest hint of it, where it acts rather as a spice than as a flaw. – Rating: 89/100

Longmorn 20 yo 1992/2012 Adelphi

January 8, 2013
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Be prepared for a strong spice punch when tasting this whisky. Fortunately the other flavours are bold enough not to get lost. – Rating: 86/100

Benrinnes “Stronachie” 12 yo Batch 02/12

January 6, 2013
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There are some quite nice flavours in this dram, but palate and finish are a bit too weak to really convince me. – Rating: 80/100

Blair Athol 12 yo 1998/2011 Single Cask Collection

January 6, 2013
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Don’t be fooled by the pale colour, this is a very flavourful dram. It needs a little time to open up but it is a lovely whisky. – Rating: 85/100

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