NAS

Ardbeg Dark Cove General Edition

June 1, 2016
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The nose is exactly as I remember it from the Committee Edition, but on the palate it seems to be fruitier. I do like this version more in spite of the lower strength. – Rating: 87/100

Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Edition

March 15, 2016
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This has been dubbed “darkest Ardbeg ever”, but it’s not even as dark as my Uigeadail. Wood spices dominate, and there is a mild fruitiness. A solid release, but it can not beat good batches of Uigeadail. – Rating: 85/100

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

Amrut Spectrum

February 17, 2016

This maturation experiment was successful. The whisky is densely flavoured and very robust while still being elegant. – Rating: 87/100

Scapa Skiren

January 13, 2016
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The early palate is rather pleasant and creamy but soon gives way to the kind of edgy finish that is common for immature whiskies. – Rating: 74/100

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

Elements of Islay Pl3

January 4, 2016
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Yet again this not so secret Islay distillery delivers a powerful and spicy whisky. This thick, almost oily elixir can be savoured by the drop. – Rating: 89/100

Glenfarclas Springs

December 28, 2015
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Defenders of the No Age Statement concept say “It’s not about age, it’s about maturity”. They are right. But there is no maturity in this whisky. I can not remember tasting a weaker Glenfarclas. – Rating: 73/100

Port Askaig 100 Proof

December 22, 2015
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A solid young peat monster for those who like this type of whisky. It is pleasant enough without having remarkable properties. – Rating: 86/100

Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve

November 30, 2015
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The nose is actually quite nice but the palate is a disappointment. While the generic flavours of this whisky will not offend anyone, its lack of maturity makes it difficult to like. – Rating: 69/100

Singleton of Glen Ord “Signature”

November 16, 2015

This would be a very nice daily dram if the palate did not feel so watery. The profile is a bit middle-of-the-road but not unpleasant. – Rating: 79/100

Two English Whiskies For TWE

October 24, 2015
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English Whisky Classic – 82/100
English Whisky Peated – 86/100

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

Johnnie Walker “The Spice Road”

October 9, 2015
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The promised spices are present, and the malt component is actually quite pleasant, but the palate is overwhelmed by the sugar coating of sweet young grain whisky. – Rating: 71/100

Ardbeg Supernova 2015

September 14, 2015
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Surprisingly fruity and civilised despite the 100 ppm phenol level of the malted barley. This does not feel like a peat monster at all, the fruitiness almost makes you forget the peat. – Rating: 87/100

Brenne Estate Cask

August 13, 2015
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This is made in alembic stills just like cocgnac. The sweet fruit is very dominant, to an extent that you might not recognize it as whisky in a blind tasting. It is nice, though. – Rating: 80/100

Elements of Islay Lp6

August 5, 2015
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This is a bit fruitier then the official Cask Strength bottling but it still focuses on the strong medicinal distillery character. The website says “moreish”, and I agree. – Rating: 87/100

Elements of Islay Bw5

August 3, 2015
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Tropical fruits galore are the backbone of this whisky, the peat is only in the background. This is excellent, if only the bottles were bigger… – Rating: 88/100

Cleveland Whiskey 100 Proof

July 29, 2015

Another failed experiment to speed up maturation. It does not really taste bad upfront, but it leaves an unpleasant blandness on your palate. – Rating: 58/100

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

July 23, 2015
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Grainy sweetness dominates this blend. The fruity and floral notes are in balance but the spiciness feels very youthful. The nose is much better than the palate. – Rating: 79/100

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