Ratings

Tamdhu 1988/2012 Malts of Scotland

January 26, 2015

Both nose and palate are fairly restrained, there really is not much interesting going on. It sips nicely but I expect a bit more from a whisky of this age. Rating: 83/100

Glendronach 20 yo 1994/2014 Abbey Whisky Exclusive

January 22, 2015
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The wood has been very active on this cask, not only because of the very dark colour. The strong tannins are kept just in check by the fruity sherry aromas. A sherry monster for those who like it strong. – Rating: 85/100

Compass Box “The General”

January 14, 2015
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A true masterpiece of blending, most would think this is pure malt whisky. Sadly it is not available anymore. – Rating: 90/100

Glenlivet 15 yo 1998/2014 Signatory For Whiskybrother

January 11, 2015
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Quite simply this is a very good full sherried single malt, right out of the textbook, not too old and not too young. There is nothing unusual about it at all, but it is delicious. – Rating: 87/100

Convalmore 36 yo Special Release 2013

January 6, 2015
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The nose is excellent and tells of its old age, but the spices on the palate are a little too strong and the finish is a little too short for a truly remarkable whisky. – Rating: 86/100

Benriach 15 yo PX Finish

January 4, 2015
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This is no in-your-face finish, the PX sherry remains a bit in the background. The wood is pronounced but not overwhelming and makes the whisky appear older than it is. – Rating: 87/100

Glendronach 18 yo Tawny Port Finish

January 1, 2015
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For 46% ABV this is quite watery. The spice aromas are a bit odd and don’t really harmonize with the subdued fruit aromas. Not my cup of tea. – Rating: 79/100

Singleton of Dufftown “Sunray”

December 29, 2014
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While this is not an unpleasant whisky at all, the lack of distinctive flavours combined with a very watery mouthfeel makes tasting this a forgettable experience. 75 points still for being an easy sipper nonetheless. – Rating: 75/100

Highland Park 14 yo 1999/2014 Signatory For TWE

December 21, 2014
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This very spicy Highland Park is probably not everybody’s darling. But the combination of a very creamy mouthfeel with strong pepper works surprisingly well for me. – Rating: 84/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 yo

December 12, 2014
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Big and bold wood flavours dominate this chewy bourbon. The finish is a bit on the tannic side but the overall quality is impressive. – Rating: 86/100

Aberfeldy 18 yo

December 11, 2014
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Refill bourbon casks probably make up the bulk of this. It is very civilized and gentle but with quite a pleasant array of flavours. – Rating: 85/100

Ballantine’s 30 yo

December 8, 2014
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An excellent old blend that has its price (~€250). Nice and delicate fruity aromas are balanced with mild spices, there is no smoke to speak of. – Rating: 87/100

Ballantine’s 21 yo

December 4, 2014
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This is a high quality blend that needs time to fully appreciate. Sadly the mouthfeel is a bit thin and the finish a bit shorter than hoped for. – Rating: 86/100

Heaven Hill 15 yo Whisky Jewbilee 2013 Festival Bottling

November 23, 2014
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An excellent bourbon on the peak of maturity with both rich flavours and a gentle character. Despite the high ABV the thought of adding water never crosses the mind. – Rating: 87/100

Arran 17 yo Single Cask 2033 For TWE

November 21, 2014
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Strong and sweet sherry dominates this whisky, actually overpowering it a little. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love it anyway. – Rating: 84/100

Wemyss Velvet Fig

November 18, 2014
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A very nice blended malt with an affordable price tag of £40. Sherry fruit and mild spices make it a very good sipper. – Rating: 84/100

SIA Blended Scotch Whisky

November 14, 2014
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Clever blending has turned the often disturbing youthful cereal notes into an asset as they integrate well with the “fruit and nuts” theme of this whisky. – Rating: 80/100

Glenlivet 32 yo 1981 Signatory for TWE

November 11, 2014
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Independent Glenlivets are not easy to find. This is an excellent example from a refill sherry cask that almost tastes like a first fill. – Rating: 88/100

Knob Creek Rye

November 10, 2014
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I was surprised how gentle this is for a rye, too gentle for my taste, in fact. – Rating: 79/100

Clynelish Select Reserve

November 6, 2014
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This is a very good Clynelish with an almost chewy mouthfeel. The spices are kept just in check by the spirit. As good as it may be, the £500 price tag is impertinent. – Rating: 88/100

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