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Glendronach 20 yo 1994/2014 Abbey Whisky Exclusive

January 22, 2015

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

Convalmore 36 yo Special Release 2013

January 6, 2015

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

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

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

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

Aberfeldy 18 yo

December 11, 2014

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

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

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

Arran 17 yo Single Cask 2033 For TWE

November 21, 2014

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

Clynelish Select Reserve

November 6, 2014

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

Laphroaig Select

October 20, 2014

There really is not very much going on here, but I found the long aromatic finish very pleasant. – Rating: 82/100

Glenmorangie The Taghta

October 15, 2014

A most interesting whisky that is dominated by aromatic spices. Fruity aromas are present but remain in the background. Nice but not an easy-going sipper. – Rating: 86/100

Mortlach 25 yo

October 9, 2014

Quite delicate for its age and would probably not be recognized as Mortlach in a blind tasting. It has an excellent balance of flavours but it is strangely subdued. – Rating: 87/100

Mortlach Rare Old

October 9, 2014

Indeed this is an entry level whisky. In a way it shows everything one might expect of a Mortlach but it does so in a rather shy manner. – Rating: 83/100

Haig Club Review

October 8, 2014

Tasting notes and thoughts about this new release – Rating: 68/100

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

September 24, 2014

This beefed-up version of Cutty definitely is a big step up from the regular bottling. The sweet spiciness offers quite a few interesting flavours. – Rating: 82/100

Kilchoman 5 yo 2009/2014 PX Finish Abbey Whisky Exclusive

September 12, 2014

The density of flaovurs in this young whisky is amazing as is the strong influence of aromatic spices. The finish does not interfere with the spirit. This is a superb thick exlir where a little goes a long way. – Rating: 88/100

Ardbeg Supernova SN2014 Committee Release

August 28, 2014

So far I have only tasted the 2009 version of the SN which stupefied me. This is much more civilzed but still very powerful stuff. There are enough other aromas present to prevent this from turning into a mere peat bomb. – Rating: 88/100

Glendronach 27 yo 1985/2013 Cask 1035

August 27, 2014

Quite a bold sherry monster but not as sweet as one might expect from a PX cask. The wood spices are already beginning to take control of the whisky. – Rating: 86/100

Springbank 2000/2012 Calvados Wood

May 22, 2014

The apple flavours are a perfect match for the briny Springbank house style. Even though the whisky has matured in Calvados casks for 6 years, the distillery character is not overpowered in any way. – Rating: 87/100

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