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

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

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

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