Whisky Philosophy

Whisky Is An Industry, Get Over It

April 5, 2013

Diageo’s recent announcement to build a new big whisky distillery next to Teaninich has again – much like it was the case with Roseisle some years ago – prompted a wave of disapproval among whisky geeks.

The Ageless Revolution

February 27, 2013
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A spectre is haunting the whisky world – the spectre of No Age Statement whisky.

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.

Why Peated Whiskies Get Higher Scores

January 4, 2013
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A closer look at an interesting phenomenon.

Patience vs. Cash Flow – When Maturation Becomes A Necessary Evil

October 3, 2012
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Making whisky takes patience and determination. Many newcomers on the whisky market just don’t seem to care.

Who Needs Brora And Port Ellen? We Have Clynelish And Caol Ila!

September 27, 2012
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Did I manage to grab your attention? Thank you. Of course the headline is an exaggeration, but not by much, actually.

Does Whisky Have A Gender?

August 23, 2012

“Whisky is a man’s drink.” This is probably one the most commonly used stereotypes in the whisky world. But is it really true?

Why Blended Whisky Is So Important For Maltheads

July 5, 2012

A final pondering about the Malt Maniacs’ rendezvous with Diageo in June. Actually it is about the whisky industry as a whole,

Whisky Haiku

June 28, 2012

A dram in a glass
Whiff off amber, taste of gold
Caressing your mind

Whisky And Cheese – Some Interesting Parallels

January 27, 2012
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Whisky and cheese are an odd couple somehow. Their tastes have very little in common. But there are similarities and analogies that make them look like cousins.

Drinking or Investing? – Revisiting An Old Question

December 15, 2011

The age-old debate about what should be done with whisky has recently be been regurgitated once again. I feel compelled to throw in my tuppence here because I feel both views make up the two sides of a coin.

Down With Whisky Regions!

June 13, 2011
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Yes, I really mean it!

Why I Score Whisky Anyway

March 20, 2011
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If there is one topic that is constantly popular in discussions among whisky lovers, then it’s the question if whisky should be scored or not.

Why Is There No Pot Still Scotch Grain Whisky?

March 10, 2011

Let me present you one the last unsolved mysteries of Scotch whisky.

Malt Medal Mania

December 1, 2010
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The First of December is an important date in the whisky calendar. This is the day when the Malt Maniacs publish their annual awards by giving medals to the best whiskies sent to them by the producers.

Sulphur in Whisky – Spice or Poison?

November 25, 2010
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Time to take on another hot topic which seems to be the worst nightmare of many maltheads – sulphur. But there is also a small minority who appreciate those special aromas.

The Forgotten Art of Smoky Sherry Whisky

October 13, 2010

A few days ago I reviewed the Karuizawa 15 yo. The combination of a slight but noticeable smokiness with a rich first fill sherry cask is somthing that is quite unusual for Scotch whisky.

The Ethics of Whisky Blogging

October 2, 2010
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At some monent in their career, all bloggers and whisky writers will have to make up their minds how they want to position themselves in regard to their readers, other writers and the whisky industry. For me, this moment has come now.

Has Whisky Become Better, Worse or Just Different?

September 6, 2010
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Among whisky lovers there is a constant debate on how whisky has changed over the years. It is not recommendable to generalize. And to answer the question prematurely: “Yes, but all of it”

Learning From the Masters or How I Became an Idiot Scotch Snob

March 20, 2010

Whisky and ice can certainly be an explosive mixture. Renowned whisky writer and bourbon expert Chuck Cowdery published a blog article called Scotch Snobs on Parade taking on the criticism of The Macallan Ice Ball Serve.