Blended (Vatted) Malt

Elements of Islay “Peat”

February 23, 2016
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Young peat monsters have been very popular for a while, and this is a very solid contender. – Rating: 87/100

Compass Box Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary

January 9, 2016
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A very well composed blended malt with a delicate balance of aromas. It is a very elegant whisky with many interesting flavours. – Rating: 87/100

Cutty Sark Blended Malt

October 13, 2015
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One of the lesser known Cuttys. I’m afraid this is no winner. Even without the soapy touch it would be just too sweet and not flavourful enough – Rating: 67/100

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

The Lost Distilleries Blend – Batch 4

March 28, 2014
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Nose and palate of this delicate dram are quite different but complement each other very well. The overall character is light and delicate with very little smoke. – Rating: 87/100

Scallywag

February 17, 2014
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Young whisky can be excellent, especially with strong peat or sherry. But this dram is just naked with nothing to hide its immaturity. – Rating: 73/100

Bally Delicious 23 yo 1989/2012 Master of Malt

February 13, 2013
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No guesses here, but the name might be a hint… Why not simply enjoy this rich and sumptuous dram. – Rating: 85/100

Mackinlay’s Shackleton Whisky – Journey Edition

December 19, 2012
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This vatting intends to recreate an old-style Scotch. It manages in almost shy way, the flavours need time to develop on the palate. I only tasted the first version informally, so I can’t draw a proper comparison, I’m afraid. – Rating: 84/100

Cask Islay Vatting #1 A.D. Rattray

April 21, 2012

A.D. Rattray’s take on the young nameless peat monster trend, not bad but maybe a bit too young for my taste. – Rating: 83/100

Wild Scotsman Black Label

April 8, 2012

A nicely sippable dram with a rather pronounced smokiness. The driness is quite pronounced as well, a bit less would make it even nicer. – Rating: 81/100

Compass Box Flaming Heart 10th Anniversary

March 31, 2012
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A nice sipping dram for those who like their peat a little sweet. The finish is over a little too short for my taste. – Rating: 82/100

Wemyss Peat Chimney 12 yo

March 10, 2012
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This combination of sweetness and peat works excellently. With a few more ABV percents this could even have broken into Top Dram terittory. – Rating: 88/100

Port Askaig Harbour 19 yo

September 28, 2011
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This is a typical Islay whisky that makes you feel like being there. Don’t bother guessing the distillery, simply enjoy it. – Rating: 87/100

The Hive 12 yo

August 20, 2011

Quite a good blended malt with a good balance of flavours. The finish is over a bit too soon for the nice taste, though. – Rating: 81/100

Sheep Dip

July 24, 2011
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A delicious blended malt full of rich flavours. It is a bit on the sweet side, but fruit and gentle spice give it a good balance. – Rating: 86/100

Whiskies of Scotland Closed Distilleries 20 yo Vatted Malt

June 19, 2011
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It needs a little time and a few drops of water, then this full bodied malt releases a plethora of nicely interwoven flavours. – Rating: 87/100

Spirit of Speyside Festival 2011 Blended Malt

June 1, 2011

This blended malt has a very promising nose, but there is a distinct bitterness on the palate that I find a bit off-putting – Score: 78/100

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

Johnnie Walker Green Label

November 4, 2010
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A nicely balanced vatting of Caol Ila, Talisker, Linkwood and Cragganmore where all components shine through but none dominates. The best value of the Johnnie Walker range. – Rating: 83/100

Glen Flagler “Pure Malt”

September 13, 2010

This malt is rather fragile and light-bodied, it needs a little water and quite some time to open up. It is a quite complex whisky but in a very subdued way. A very good aperitive when you have enough time to enjoy it. – Rating: 84/100

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