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Caol Ila 30 yo 1982/2012 Archives

May 21, 2013

The peat has almost completely transformed into fruity aromas after 30 years. The wood influence is surprisingly gentle – very delicious – Rating: 88/100

North British 50 yo 1962/2012 Adelphi

May 21, 2013

While the nose of this old grain is truly delightful, it fails to fully satisfy on the palate. The sweetness is quite dominant, though the wood is kept under control. – Rating: 83/100

Bowmore 15 yo 1996/2011 Wilson & Morgan

May 19, 2013

A wonderful combination of peat and sherry. It is dry but not too woody and feels older than it actually is. – Rating: 91/100

Clynelish 15 yo 1995/2011 L’Esprit

May 15, 2013

Without a doubt this is a divisive dram. For me the sulphur is just the right amount to add depth, but your mileage may vary. – Rating: 88/100

Bowmore 8 yo 2002/2011 L’Esprit

May 15, 2013

The nose and the first seconds on the palate are really nice but the flavours quickly fade away into a nondescript peaty sweetness. – Rating: 80/100

Northern Islay 20 yo 1990/2011 L’Esprit

May 14, 2013

Wonderful aromas on the nose are paired with a robust palate. The wood flavours are well integrated with the sherry fruit. – Rating: 87/100

Glenesk 28 yo 1983/2012 Blackadder

May 13, 2013

Some very nice elements can be found here, especially on the nose, but the palate feels a bit incoherent. – Rating: 84/100

Balmenach 32 yo 1979/2012 Maltbarn

May 12, 2013

It has a nice old-style touch to it but the driness combined with the spices covers the lovely fruit aromas quite a bit. – Rating: 86/100

Clynelish 1997 Wemyss “Fresh Fruit Sorbet”

May 12, 2013

The nose is quite strong and matches the descriptor, the palate is much more sublte but not unpleasant. – Rating: 84/100

Glen Grant 58 yo 1953 Gordon & McPhail

May 7, 2013

After the massive nose, the palate feels rather shy and lacking the complexity you would expect from a whisky of this age. Still a very fine dram but not outstanding. – Rating: 87/100

Glen Moray 21 yo 1990/2012 Single Cask Collection

May 6, 2013

If you give this dram some time and a few drops of water, the initial shyness is soon forgotten. Delicate fruitiness paired with robust spice – Rating: 88/100

Clynelish 23 yo 1989/2012 The Perfect Dram

April 28, 2013

The famous Clynelish waxiness is prominently featured in this wonderful malt, a perfect dram from the Brora successor. – Rating: 91/100

Bunnahabhain 6 yo 2005/2012 Riverstown

April 28, 2013

This uncommon heavily peated Bunnahabhain is also unusually sweet, in fact a bit too sweet for my taste. – Rating: 79/100

Blairfindy 27 yo 1984/2011 Blackadder

April 21, 2013

Quite an enjoyable dram that shows its age with a certain driness. Altogether it is nothing really special, though. – Rating: 85/100

Glen Scotia 1991 Wemyss “Strawberry Ganache”

April 21, 2013

Not really too strawberry-y, but the “ganache” descriptor is quite fitting. Expect some tannins. – Rating: 85/100

Caol Ila 30 yo 1980/2011 Maltbarn

April 19, 2013

There is an interesting savoury element in this dram, lots going on on the palate, only the finish is a bit timid. – Rating: 87/100

Tomintoul 45 yo 1967/2012 Exclusive Malts

April 18, 2013

The fruity flavours in this old malt are outstanding, but the tannic wood notes are on the verge of getting out of control. – Rating: 84/100

Caol Ila 16 yo 1995/2012 Whisky Doris

April 18, 2013

More medicinal and “dirty” than your usual Caol Ila, this is an excellent and complex peaty powerhouse. – Rating: 87/100

Bowmore 15 yo 1997/2012 Whisky-Fässle

April 16, 2013

A rather typical and Bow-moreish dram that is a bit on the peatier side. Especially the palate is quite complex. – Rating: 88/100

Benrinnes 13 1998/2012 yo A.D. Rattray

April 15, 2013

I am not sure if it is just the sulphur, but somehow I don’t find this heavily sherried dram very compelling. It lacks a certain “roundness” I expect from a really good whisky. – Rating: 80/100

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