Sunday

Longrow 14year old

Longrow 14 Year Old 70cl / 46%
Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery Bottling
A 14 year old expression of Longrow, Springbank's peated malt, put together from a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Rich smokey goodness


Scoring
7 out of 10 points for taste
6 out of 10 points for character and body
8 out of 10 points on value for money
21/30

This has fire and is a sharp dram not for the faint hearted warming and ouses the bourbon character that they suggest. Longrow is certainly making it mark as a maker of fine expressions of whisky. Great packing and style

Fettercairn Fior

70cl / 42%
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery Bottling
Fior means pure or true in Gaelic, and this no-age-statement bottling launched in summer 2010 is something of a rebirth for the much-maligned Fettercairn distillery. Described by the producers as tasting of dark chocolate, coffee beans and peat smoke, with nutmeg, mint, citrus fruits and truffle.

Nose:
This was a floral nose and a hint of caramel

Body
Lovely sherry colour and looked good in the glass

Taste
Sherry shone through on this dram and I would say is a summer whisky that you have out at a garden party and ween the non whisky drinker to a splendid dram. 

Do not underestimate Fettercairnes relaunch. If this is the way they see their future, then we are in for a rollercoaster  ride. This is one of those drams you would open and drink and drink somemore, good flavours, colours and pricing.

Scoring
9 out of 10 points for taste
7 out of 10 points for character and body
8 out of 10 points on value for money
24/30

Saturday

Dalmore Dee Dram

Description:
40%ABV / 70cl.  Dalmore Dee Dram 12 year old,(from The River Series), is a limited edition of 3600 bottles with 50% of profits going to help with the conservation of the river Dee, a popular Salmon river with anglers.  The whisky is 50% from Olorosso sherry casks and 50% from American white oak a 2010 release.

Taste:

Initial tasting notes based upon a partial nip - Small sips,Slowly moving over the tongue,allowing to evaporate off on the finish: This creates a rich intense citrus taste with hints of sweet vanilla.
An initial burst of spice at the outset, followed by a warming continuation of sweet caramels, with a subtle smokey finish which evaporates at the back of your mouth.

Nose:

Deep red wood mahogany and caramel in colour, with orange peel and cinnamon hint to the nose.
Rich,sweet, residual caramels with a slight hint of lingering honey infused with treacle.

Body:

Light bodied, smooth, easy drinking, perhaps verging on the delicate?


This is one of those drams you would open and enjoy, knowing that your purchase is contributing in some small way to conservationism - well done Dalmore for being innovative!





Scoring
7 out of 10 points for taste
7 out of 10 points for character and body
8 out of 10 points on value for money
22/30

The bottle is also very easy on the eye "classy".

Wednesday

Bunnahabhain 9

Bunnahabhain 9 Bottling Note

A single cask, packaged in a rather unusual looking sample bottle. This was distilled at Bunnahabhain in 2000, matured for 9 years in cask number 947, and bottled in 2010 by Adelphi at cask strength. A release of 554 bottles.

Bunnahabhain 9 Tasting Note

Nose: Lots of sherry influence, caramel, char, butterscotch, hints of citrus, vanilla, cocoa.
Palate: Coffee, sultanas, resin, nutty, cocoa, walnut, almond.
Finish: Bitter chocolate, coffee, raisins.
What I can say is I get all of this and find these note very accurate and have enjoyed this dram for a very young dram this will come down to pricing.


Scoring
8 out of 10 points for taste
8 out of 10 points for character and body
7 out of 10 points on value for money hard to score as sold out everywhere but was £65.00
23/30

Friday

Shackleton Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt Limited Edition Reborn

I feel I have have been very fortunate to have been able to taste a special commemorative bottling of a truly unique blended whisky. Shackleton Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt Limited Edition Reborn ( Blended). This faithful reproduction of the actual Mackinlay's whisky taken on the ill fated Shackleton Antarctic expedition to the South pole in 1907. Presented in a replica bottle and wooden case - just as Shackleton left it.
For me this is a wonderful dram which has a  mystique about it and a sense of adventure! For a blended whisky they have produced a grand dram which will sell well and appear in many a collection, but I personally would share this with friends and tell everyone how enjoyable it was!!
The colour is a light honey, straw gold with shimmering highlights.To the nose it is soft, elegant and refined. Delicate aromas of crushed apple, pear and fresh pineapple arouse the senses. The spirit is exciting and vibrant with attractive notes of oak shavings that release hints of buttery vanilla, creamy caramel and nutmeg. A whisper of citrus, cinnamon and even a tease of smoke? This is bottled at 47.3% which warms your throat and leaves your taste buds tingling with pleasure.


Scoring
8 out of 10 points for taste - a real adventure....
8 out of 10 points for character and body
9 out of 10 points on value for money
25/30

Thursday

Kilchoman Winter 2010 46%

As I contemplated my whiskies this evening in search of something that would warm the cockles of my heart, the Kilchoman Winter 2010 seemed to draw me in? What can I say? Kilchoman seem to have their finger on the pulse? They say“If you speak to older people on Islay who have worked in distilleries they will generally agree that the best whisky is made in cold weather ." Well if winter produces this quailty of whisky then bring on the long cold winters and fantastic drams! They are slightly different, I'm pleased to say. I found this dram had a sweetness of caramel and butterscotch, along with its peaty hit, mmmmm!   Like all other Kilchomans it rises to the challenge of their mantra..... " there is nothing wrong with a young whisky, its how you make it ".... and they undoubtedly can make it!!
Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for flavour and a feel good factor with a wee bit of bite.
3 out of 3 points for Presentation – Well delivered packaging
3 out of 3 points on cost and is it worth is money?  Yes!
9.8/10

Friday

Bruichladdich Valhalla USA 15 year Old 46%

 Tonight I wondered which dram would take my fancy? With autumn well and truly upon us I felt that the Bruichladdich Valhalla 15 year Old, partly matured in Chateau Climens Sauternes casks to 46% was my choice to sample tonight. This whisky was issued as part ten in the links series, which is the Valhalla Kentucky golf course, designed by the world famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. The label is a painting of Valhalla by the famed golf artist Graeme W. Baxter.This whisky to the nose is lightly fruity and oaky, particularly peaches and a hint of plums, with a buttery honey taste in the mouth, almost like vanilla custard. This just bounces with flavour and gives your taste buds a good work out! You really need to partake of this expression to understand it. Is it my favourite? No. Is it  enjoyable? Certainly. Would I buy it again? For sure!! I would say this is a drinker and not a collector, so enjoy this dram while it lasts......


Scoring
3.5 out of 4 points for flavour that is an unusual quality
2.8 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Really nice colouring
2.8 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? At the right price!!
9.1/10

Saturday

Benriach Solstice 15 year old 50%

This wee dram was launched on the 21.12.2010 the shortest day of the year, therefore was given the name BenRiach Solstice. A 15 year-old heavily-peated dram with an almost mulled wine and cinnamon taste, this in itself gave this dram a christmas feel from the onset. It is a warming perfect dram you would want to sip on a cold, windy night, certainly fit for a winter warmer.  For me Benriach undersold this whisky! It also has a summer fruitiness which makes it drinkable at anytime of the year. It has a  wonderful burnt orange and ruby pinknness, so pleasing to the eye.
These bottlings won't last long on the shelves when word gets round! The problem with whiskies like these - they don't last long, and soon become but a distant memory. We can only wait to see what other gems are waiting round the corner in the Benriach story? Well packaged and presented, a must for your christmas stocking!!


Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour that is oozing quality
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Really nice colouring
3 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? Definitely!!
10/10+

Friday

Glen Garioch Founders Reserve 48%

I sit here chewing on a Quality Street toffee and familiarizing myself with the Highland Glen Garioch Founders Reserve whisky. For me the two go well together - with the caramel and butterscotch taste of the dram. It has a wee bit of fire with a kick, but a pleasant whisky nonetheless. I certainly would not put water into this dram, as it would lose its character which is its main appeal. Not bad in price either, this bottling is presented well and would look good in any cabinet. Its colour is warming and rich.
I like this dram as it's all down to price and packaging, this one ticks all the boxes.
Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for flavour - Nice dram which lingers well
2.8 out of 3 points for presentation – well delivered packaging
2.9 out of 3 points on cost, and is it worth the money? I think so especially with a toffee!!
9.5/10

Monday

Talisker 57' North 57%

Tonight we visit the beautiful Isle of Skye and stay on the trail of the Talisker, the perfect dram, and this expression is named after the location of the distillery which sits on 57 Degrees North, and just happens to be 57% proof! I thought it only fitting to frequent their award winning dram and share my experience with you. To the nose this wee dram oozes citrus and sea water which feels quite refreshing. To the palate it is very peppery ( chilli pepper ), again a refreshing change that leaves a tingling glow in your mouth. To the eye it looks like oil, a wonderful golden colour. This wee dram leaves you wanting more, and that is no bad thing!



Scoring
3.9 out of 4 points for flavour and that refreshing feeling
2.8 out of 3 points for presentation and style
2.8 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money?  I think so!
9.5/10

Sunday

Talisker 10 year old 45.8%

Now if you love Talisker then you have to make the pilgrimage to the Isle of Skye. I have had the good fortune to do so many times. For that reason I've chosen the Talisker 10 year old 45.8% which has a pleasant smokey bouquet and leaves your palate tingling with spices and pepper, and a fruitiness of Braeburn apples. I like this tipple, and with three other expressions in the cupboard I can't wait to leave you my thoughts. This dram deserves its rightful place with all good drams, albeit now owned by the multi- nationals. Where would Talisker be if they had not been procured by them and had the use of their mighty marketing strength?

Scoring
3.9 out of 4 points for flavour and that comforting smokey feeling
2.7 out of 3 points for presentation and style
2.8 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money?  I think so!
9.4/10

Saturday

Balvenie PortWood 1993

I enjoyed the last dram I commented on so much, ( the Balvenie 12 year old signature), that I thought I would try the Balvenie PortWood 1993.  It is an easy whisky to talk about like the last one, it is a definite comfort whisky, and if you ask others they would probably all agree?  It has a golden caramel colour with a smooth fruity, oaky taste that's pretty pleasing to both the nose and palette. Nothing too complicated and easy enough for even a novice taster to enjoy! Buttery and creamy with lots of lovely honey, this dram. A nice log fire, with the dark nights drawing in and this dram for company.... what else can you really ask for? If you are a Speyside man then this is an easy choice for you.


Scoring
3.9 out of 4 points for flavour and that comforting feeling
2.8 out of 3 points for presentation and style
2.9 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money?  I think so! Its better than the 12 year old
9.6/10

Friday

Balvenie Signature 12 Year Old(70cl, 40%)

Tonight we wander the hills and glens of speyside and enjoy the smoothness of an old friend, the Balvenie Signature 12 Year Old. This wee dram leaves a warming glow on the palette, a very enjoyable 12 year old. It's not an exciting whisky, but more of a comfort whisky to enjoy as frequently as possible. Nicely sweet and for me has a caramel after taste with a hint of walnut. The colour is pleasantly golden and warming and to the nose you get a hint of sherry. A good well finished all rounder! Whisky that won't break the budget but won't get you over excited either - definitely worth a try.

Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for flavour and that comfort feeling
2.8 out of 3 points for presentation and style
2.8 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money?  I think so!
9.4/10

Monday

Bruichladdich 21 Year Old Oloroso Cask 46%

I was with friends at the weekend for a wee get together, and whilst there out came an endearing whisky from Bruichladdich, their 21 Year Old Oloroso Cask 46% amongst many others. This is as elusive as the Holy Grail! The Oloroso sherry cask shines through in this expression, and is so easy on the palette with its sweet notes: - decadently nutty with a definite sherbet spritz.
Amongst the sherry taste it is said there is a hint of sulphur?  Not for me - I thought the sherry expression shone through and was the main characteristic of this dram. Its colour is a wonderful, caramel light golden brown, and very pleasing to the eye.


Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for a flavour that is oozing quaility
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – really contemporary bottle
2.9 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money?  I think so!
9.7/10

Wednesday

Bruichladdich 2003 Port 55% Ltd. Edition (Fields of Oak)

Although this Bruichladdich 2003 Port 55% Ltd. Edition (Fields of Oak) was released for a local charity earlier this year, this whisky is an amazing dram that engulfs your mouth and tantalizes the taste buds with the fruitiness of the port. Gone are the days when you looked for old whiskies. This 7 year old is re-writing the rule book on whiskies. If you support charities then buy it, and if you love a whisky that will open your mind buy it! With fantastic packaging and flavouring this whisky can only score high in my books. Along with the fact that this is a limited bottling, who could not buy this to drink and collect?



Scoring
4 out of 4 points for a flavour that is oozing quaility
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – really contemporary bottle
3 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? For sure
10/10+

And you get to support a charity - what else could you want from a dram?!

Saturday

Ardbeg Supernova 2010 60.1%

After a 2 week break drinking Vida Nova and Onda Nova wine in Portugal onthe Algarve. I needed a quick re-introduction to tasting whisky to remind me why I love it so much! To celebrate this occassion I chose the Ardbeg Supernova 2010 60.1% with its big, peaty, medicinal kick. It is oily in the mouth with a chilli peppery after taste which goes all the way down!  Its pale colour is pleasing to the eye. This, like its little brother ( the 10 year old ) is very good, but its little brother takes some beating. This is a beautiful whisky none the less . The cask strength leaves your taste buds fresh and prepared for anything! Again - hats off to the men of Islay....................


Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
2.9 out of 3 points for presentation -nice labelling
2.7 out of 3 points on cost, and is it worth is money?  Yes but the 10 year old takes some beating!!

9.7/10

Friday

TOMINTOUL 27 Year Old ''The gentle dram''

Tonight we travel north into the heart of Moray and Speyside to frequent the Tomintoul 27 year old, known as '' The gentle dram'', and gentle dram it is. Easy on the palate, smooth and sweet with a beautiful warming citrus sensation of oranges, cream and caramelized brown sugar .It has a fruity nose and a orangey hint to it. This is a surprisingly enjoyable dram which I was not expecting - very moreish. In some ways this is reminiscent of cigar malts, and its 40% needs no water as it's fine just as it comes. A commendable dram from Tomintou,l and yes it is a gentle dram!!

Scoring
3.7 out of 4 points for flavour, this is fruity and sweet
2.7 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Really nice colour
3 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? Nice dram and very drinkable, I think so
9.4/10

Thursday

Bruichladdich 'Black Art' 21yo 49.7%

Bruichladdich 'Black Art' strikes again - 21year old, 49.7%.
Jim McEwan leaves our imagination exploding with this magical, mystical expression! Wondering where the Bruichladdich Alchemist has been to get us this immortal red/ pink concoction of whisky? To the nose it oozes enchantment, and once on my palate it breaths Eternal life! This wee gem will rise like a magical spirit in Bruichladdichs history. Wonderfully fiery with the sweetness of an angel carrying the water of life! I cannot see how anyone could not be enchanted  and succumb to this mesmerizing dram? Once under its spell and charm, the fairytale is complete.........



Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour that is oozing quaility
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Really cool bottling
3 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? For sure
10/10+

Monday

Cadenheads Highland Malt Whisky 58.5% Cask Strength

Today we hit the capital, (Edinburgh) for inspiration and wander down The Royal Mile to a wee shop called Cadenheads. This whisky shop sits quietly 3/4 of the way down the Royal Mile, but stocks a fair few whiskies. The one on the wall was 15k last time I was in there! Here they do a very special thing which all whisky shops should do if they can?
 They have 4 casks of whisky, Campbeltown/Highland/Speyside and Islay all at cask strength and allow you to bottle them. Which may not seem unusual, but they do this in really cool bottles at 20cl,35cl and 70cl, a lovely present idea I think? On to the whisky I've chosen to sample tonight, it is the Cadenheads Highland Malt Whisky 58.5% Cask Strength, it has no age listed but is a nice wee dram. It's fruity and floral with a wee bite, it trickles down your larynx leaving you with that warmth that you look for in a dram. Its colour is pale lemony barley that is pleasing to the eye. It has no significant nose that leaves you with any discerning aroma. So to round up this whisky, it looks good and tastes not bad either with a wee kick, and all at a reasonable price.

Scoring

3 out of 4 points for flavour
2.9 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Really cool bottling
2.6 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? For me yes

9.5/10

Saturday

Knappogue Castle 1994 Very Special Reserve 40% Whiskey

Today we will continue our Celtic journey across the sea to Ireland. The whiskey, Knappogue Castle  with their 1994 Very Special Reserve 40% Whiskey bottling has been chosen for inspiration.
 Now being a hardened Islay drinker this triple distilled dram is unusual to say the least for my palette!  Saying that, it has no harshness at all and its pale white wine like colouring is not displeasing to the eye. To the nose it is sweet with a slight hint of newly cut grass. It is quite a refreshing dram, however, for me it has no kick!! This is not really my cup of tea, if I can use that expression about whiskey? I have never really been a follower of Irish whiskey. I've drunk a few and liked a few but this for me is an average dram. I would say this is a weaning whiskey which would lead you on to the real drams.

Scoring

2.5 out of 4 points for flavour
1.75 out of 3 points for presentation and style – Nothing Startling
2 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? Depends on your palette.

6.25/10

Thursday

Penderyn Port Single Malt Cask Bottling Cask PT26 60.6% Limited Edition

Tonight we venture into the heart of Wales, where we travel from one Celtic nation to another and savour the fruits of the Penderyn distillery. I am very fortunate to have in front of me the Port Wood Single Cask Bottling, Cask PT26 60.6% Limited Edition, favoured by the Master distiller Jim Swan. This is non chill-filtered Welsh Malt whisky.
Its colour comes from the port casks, this gives it a real lush red glow, which has a mystical air that draws you into its spell. The port flavours are intense with the hint of Puff Candy (Honeycombe). Although this whisky is 60.6% its presence is smooth and charming, and only lets you know its strength when it hits your very soul!
Adding water to this perfection would be sacrilige, but if you must it apparently releases a warming glow?!
To the nose it has a fresh cut oak wood aroma, extremely pleasant.
I would recommend this to anyone, and would say this puts Wales firmly on the whisky map!!
Is this a collector? Most definitely!! Well presented and one of only 207 bottles....



Scoring

4 out of 4 points for flavour
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – well delivered packaging
3 out of 3 points on cost... and is it worth it's money? Yes!  This is the way whisky should be!!
10/10+

Penderyn Port Wood Edition named ‘European Single Cask Whisky of the Year’

Penderyn, Wales’s only single malt whisky, has received one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, placing it among the very best whiskies in the world.
Jim Murray, the independent whisky expert and author of the industry’s most respected guide, the ‘Whisky Bible’, selected the new Penderyn Port edition as ‘European Single Cask Whisky of the Year’ and scoring it at a staggering 96.5, one of the highest marks ever awarded in the Whisky Bible’s six year history.

In the 2010 edition of the Whisky Bible, published today, Murray, who is believed to have visited more distilleries than any other living person, reviews more than 3,500 whiskies. He described the malt as  "stunning" and went on to comment, "Classic doesn’t quite cover it... I doubt if even Swansea’s much vaunted beautiful football is quite as beautiful as this; this is [...] perfection".

Single cask whiskies are bottled from one unique barrel, ensuring that their unmatched characteristics remain undiluted. Winning the European Single Cask award confirms the singular perfection of the Penderyn Port Edition.

Tuesday

Bruichladdich Octomore Futures the BEAST/167 Ochdamh-mòr 60.5%

Tonight I go where few men have gone before! I get to christen one of my newly aquired bottles of Bruichladdich Octomore Futures the BEAST/167 Ochdamh-mòr 60.5%, being biased towards the Islay Malts all I can say is what a malt!! This whisky has no harshness about it whatsoever, it is beautifully peaty and sweet, with a syrupy caramel flavour that just reeks of a smoky bonfire. With an ochre colouring that is pleasing to both the eye and its presentation. This makes a gem of a whisky, which is very desirable and collectable, both now and in the future. These bottles are sure to disappear extremely quickly! If you love whiskies like this, this is the closest to perfection!! This malt is not readily available to the open market. People had to invest in Bruichladdichs capablity to produce this malt, which could just as easily been a complete disaster! Fortunately for the investors it has been a fantastic success!!
I would normally add a touch of water at this stage to comment on the change of taste, however on this occasion I will leave that to someone braver than me, as I am enjoying this wee dram far too much just as it is....
Thank you Jim McEwan

Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour
3 out of 3 points for presentation and style – well delivered packaging
3 out of 3 points on cost and is it worth it's money? Yes  This is the way it should be
10/10+

Sunday

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix 46.7% Limited Edition Bottling

I broke this seal last night and I was very pleased with the fusion of flavours that embraced my taste buds. For me it has a very fruity taste of apples and pears that leaves a sweetness lingering on your palette.It has a light straw like golden colour and is one you could impress your friends with and gladly share! I've been fortunate to taste the 30 year old in the past, which is in a different league to this dram. The Snow Phoenix from Glenfiddich edges its way slightly towards the 30 year old and aspires to be like it's older brother but just lacks that certain finesse, (but then again it is half the price!). The main attribute this bottle has, is that it's very well presented and makes you want to buy one or even two on that alone.

 Is it worth the money? It depends what you pay for it? It ranges from £50 - £100 and upwards.
 I personally like it and would buy it again when the bottle is empty, not that I will know when that's going to happen? As you can't see with the bottle being black!
If you love sweet fruity whisky, then this is the one for you. Is it a collector? Yes! Although not one for the decanter. Glenfiddichs disaster brought forth a Phoenix as described, which saved the day to produce a very good product with no real bad points.

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix

Scoring
3.6 out of 4 points for flavour
3 out of 3 points for presentation – well delivered packaging
2.7 out of 3 points on cost and is it worth it's money?  Yes if you get it at the right price for now.
9.3/10

Friday

Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release 46%

Kilchoman were celebrating this week with a Spring 2011 release after this fine dram won the GOLD BEST IN CLASS award for the Islay Single Malt un-aged catergory at the IWSC 2011 awards ..........slainte :-))
Kilchoman Spring 2011 is described as a mix of 3 year old (70%) and 4 year old (30%) matured in first fill bourbon barrels. The 4 year old has been finished in oloroso sherry butts for five weeks.
I thought I'd compare it to last nights tipple the Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay 2011 50% Limited Edition Release. They are slightly different I'm pleased to say! I found the Spring 2011 release to be much sweeter and fruitier to my palette with a bit more fire. It still has that lingering smoky wood after taste, common to other Kilchoman's that I have tasted. I won't dribble on about this one as I think you would all agree another fine whisky worth the money.   


Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor but with a wee bit of bite.
3 out of 3 points for Presentation – Well delivered packaging
3 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes
9.8/10

Thursday

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay 2011 50% Limited Edition Release.

Today the weather's not so good, a perfect day for a perfect dram. It had to be the Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay 2011 50% Limited Edition Release.
Although very young at 3 years old, this is surprisingly peaty and smooth, with hints of fruit, and for an Islay whisky consumer it ticks all the right boxes. It has all the wonderful sweetness and a smoky after taste that lingers, with a real quality to it. This is so moreish and pleasant it just leaves you wanting more! I have followed this distillery since it opened, and enjoyed the fruits of their labour in the few years they have been around. I personally find them good value for money. It's a shame that I didn't manage to aquire one of their first bottlings to taste, but they are as rare as hens teeth and cost a fortune! However, with so many whiskies to make friends with over the coming years I will have to bow down to those who saw the light sooner than I. This is so much a comfort whisky, whilst sat in front of a warming fire and the wind blowing a hooley, listening to the waves crashing on the shore outside the house..... You could almost imagine being on the shores of Islay supping this dram. Kilchoman do make really good whisky, that we should all agree, but this time they made really good whisky even better if that's possible? Let’s see where they take us? Islay produces for me the best whiskies in the world and we should be very proud of them for that. I'll raise a glass to them...... Sláinte!!
Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay Release
Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
3 out of 3 points for Presentation – Well delivered packaging
3 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes
10/10

Wednesday

Glendronach 1991 Oloroso Sherry Butt aged 18 years and 51.9%.

This summer evening I sit upon the Solway shore pondering my thoughts to create the perfect atmosphere and dram . Should I go peaty or should I go sweet, should I go with my heart and Bruichladdich or should I venture into the unknown. Oh what a dilemma, a challenge for someone so old. I’ve scanned the stock that sits before me and have been drawn to the Glendronach 1991 Oloroso Sherry Butt aged 18 years and 51.9%. Bottle 85/760, the toffee apple and Tiramisu mix shines through and are very pleasant to say the least. It also has a fantastic toffee chocolate brown colour as it presents itself and adorns your glass. It has a wee bit of fire as it cascades to the back of your throat, but this is no bad thing, as a sweet sensation of space dust  leaves you wanting more. On presenting it with a few droplets of water the malty toffee flavour intensifies and releases the sherry to the nose making this excellent whisky even better. The fire stays with this whisky and does it no harm. Whisky blogging what a chore!!
Scoring
3.8 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
3 out of 3 points for Presentation – Well delivered packaging
2.9 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes

9.7/10

Tuesday

Mannochmore 21 year old Vintage 1978 from Signatory 57.1%

Tonights addition to our wee blog , this has age and maturity about it and all the citrus from oranges and lemons, which hits the back of your throat the second it gets there. It is certainly a very lively whisky and packs a punch. To the nose you get an acid kick with it being 57.1%.
Saying that, its not unpleasant, it has so much going on and is one every whisky drinker should experience as this is at the sharp end. This all changes when you add a tad of water, as this releases a sweet malt aroma to the nose and even more citrus flavour’s become apparent. This is an exciting whisky but only really for the tried and tested friends of the Malt.


Scoring
3.1 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
2.6 out of 3 points for Presentation -Nice Labelling
2.6 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes

8.3/10
   

Sunday

Ardbeg 10 Year Old( 46%)

Like everyone says it’s a true classic malt from Islay. When you’re feeling low and you need something to dust the cobwebs from your taste buds look no further! This is a dram for the whisky drinker that’s been around a wee while, because of its smoky, peaty and malty expression.
 This is the one that lingers with a sweetness that will make you smile. For me, I think this dram is fantastic when you’re sat round a campfire with like-minded friends of the malt, on a late summers evening. I'm sure it would even keep the midges away?!
Ardbeg Single Malt Whisky 10 year old 46%

Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
2.9 out of 3 points for Presentation -Nice Labelling
3 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes

9.9/10

Saturday

Bruichladdich 17 Year Old Rum Cask( 46%)

If Danes made whisky then they would have made this one. This is probably the best whisky you could drink as far as I’m concerned. It is so sweet to the palette and is excitingly refreshing. This 17 year old whisky that’s been flavoured and matured in a RUM cask shines through giving it a very Caribbean feel. When you sip this whisky you'll go where seagulls fly and waves roll in as the sun sets on Scotland!! Or Caribbean if you’re lucky!! This is packaged well and Bruichladdich have excelled with this, they should try mixing this with  the Pomerol Bordeaux, this truly a drinking dram and will be a sorry miss when it all runs dry.
Wine Cask I think this would make a wonderful combination. Jim McEwan any chance.
Scoring
4 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
3 out of 3 points for Presentation
3 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money

Scoring 10/10

If I could give it more I would

Aberlour A'Bunadh 59.5%

Never been a frequenter of Aberlour but the Aberlour A'Bunadh 59.5% give you that feeling of warmth and comfort, the sherry expression is a real enhancer to this whisky, beautifully rich in colour for me this benefit’s for a wee tad of water as the aroma just floods out and makes a good whisky even better.
Aberlour A Bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 70cl
Scoring
3.5 out of 4 points for flavour and feel good factor
2.9 out of 3 points for Presentation -Nice Labelling
3 out of 3 points on Cost and is it worth is money,  Yes

9.4/10