Bunnahabhain Toiteach a Dhà

46,3°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

This expression combines peat and sherry. It is the 2nd version of Toiteach, besides its name means "Toiteach n°2" in Gaelic.

Let's Taste It : 

Thick smoke, sticky peat. Earth, tar, soot. Behind, the sherry influence is discreet. Morello cherries, blackberries. Campfire, grilling bacon. Wet tree bark. Gradually the sherry becomes more insistent, greedy, almost syrupy. Blackcurrant. Caramel and cranberry on the palate, apricot compote, but the spices rise very quickly, pepper and cumin, cherries, olives, quite strong finish, very long, charcoal, mossy earth, wood shavings, elderberry, gravel.

 

In Short, 

A perfect success. This is the one to buy among all Bunnahabhain's peated versions. 

Score : 86

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Crime & The City Solution - Six Bells Chime

Talisker 2007 The Distillers Edition

45,8°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

Reconstructed Bourbon Barrels and Amoroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2017

Peated around 22 ppm

Launched in 1997, The Distillers Edition vintage range covers 9 of the 11 Classic Single Malts of Scotland, with a different finish for each distillery. For Talisker, it is Amoroso sherry.

Let's Taste It : 

This is the Talisker 10-year-old's nose, with more smoke first of all. Also a softer, woody nuance. Then the sherry rises, creamy, red fruits, elastic, leather, caramel. Heady, deep, wet. Cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry. You have to wait a good ten minutes for the peat to make itself felt. On the palate, it's creamy, olive oil, vanilla, red plum, caramelised waffle, genoise. The pepper is light and the finish is very successful, long, with cola, a trace of soot, tobacco, liquorice and melted chocolate. An ounce of tannin in retro-olfaction, reminiscent of port.

 

In Short, 

It was an excellent experience to taste this nectar. Very good price-quality ratio, a must-have. 

Score : 87

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Rabih Abou-Khalil - Bofinger

Bruichladdich 2007 Islay Barley Rockside Farm 6 yo

50°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2014

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

Bruichladdich has been releasing this vintage whisky annually since 2012, using barley grown on Islay. Here the barley comes from Rockside Farm, and this is the third Islay Barley. The age of the whisky is indicated on the bottom of the bottle, you'll need to inspect it in great detail to discover its secrets.

Let's Taste It : 

It smells like wheat. On a bright sunny day. Vanilla, dry hay, a pinch of iodine, salt, a touch of caramel and wood in the background. The vanilla is really deep on the palate, but it's not too sweet. It's round, woody, slightly spicy, oily, grassy, warm spices, and with a rather long, fruity finish, frangipane, toasted almonds, chocolate pears, orgeat syrup, a hint of peppermint, the very slight bitterness of caramel, and lychees. Loose earth, ready to be ploughed. 

 

In Short, 

Notes of cereal and vanilla combine with a certain greediness. It's a great success. Despite the rather high price, it's well worth buying.

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

  

                                           Paco De Lucia & Al Di Meola - Mediterranean Sundance

Caol Ila Moch

43°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2011

Peated around 35 ppm

This is now the distillery's entry-level range, given the age, which is not specified. However, it's not the cheapest.

Let's Taste It : 

An avalanche of coarse salt, iodine, sea spray and kelp. Fresh lemon peel, an ounce of vanilla. Steamy smoke, a very mineral, even metallic touch. Seashells stuck to the rock. Behind, a dash of liquid honey. On the palate, honey and peat come through, lemon, white pepper, oyster, bottarga, it's slightly acidic. A stony taste on the finish, quite long, sparkling, caramel, peat and coconut milk. It's a very maritime profile, I really like it, for a NAS at less than 45° it's really extraordinary.

 

In Short, 

The nose is truly superb, the finish very pleasant and the palate a little lighter. That said, the aromas alone, which offer the quintessence of Caol Ila, are a must. 

Score : 85

                                          To Be Lustened While Sipping : 

   

                                          Joy Division - Twenty-Four Hours

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

48°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Quarter Casks Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2004

Unchillfiltered

Peated around 43 ppm

This is one of Laphroaig's best-known releases. It was a great success with the public.

Let's Taste It : 

It's the Laphroaig nose, you'd know it anywhere. Bitumen, nails and fuel oil. But this one is a little steeper, smokier, less iodised and more syrupy. You can feel the influence of the bourbon, which goes very well with the ash and betadine, softening it slightly. What little is changed in the nose is changed in the taste. A slight sweet influence, more vanilla than lemon, but on the whole it remains in a familiar universe, caramel, chocolate and cola, married to peat and vegetal notes. The finish is somewhat fizzy, full of coffee and moderately long. Earthy and herbal to finish.

 

In Short, 

The strength of the alcohol and the peat are appreciated, but I prefer the 10 year old, which is more refined and more typical.

Score : 85

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                          Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

Bowmore 15 yo

43°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Bourbon Barrels and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2017

Peated around 25 ppm

This one replaces the Darkest, although it is not certain that the blending is any different.

Let's Taste It : 

Crushed blackberries, damp wood, foresty peat. Toffee, richly waxed old leather, black earth full of humus. A hint of ash. Initially dominated by sherry, after a while it becomes smoky. Very good balance. Woody palate, sap, pear, plum and grapes, a bit of warming spices. Lots of dark chocolate in the finish, and even coffee, quite long in fact. Mocha. A bitter note in retro-olfaction. A slightly fragile and nuanced expression, which is a change from all the bombs of all kinds.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, in fact it's very good provided you aerate it sufficiently, but I find the Darkest better, maybe that's just an impression. The value for money isn't entirely convincing.

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Miles Davis - So What

Port Charlotte Scottish Barley

50°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Bourbon, Sherry, Spanish Red Wine and French White Wine Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2013

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

This one was recently replaced by the 10-year-old, which means that it is now more or less impossible to find. The batch I own, bottled in 2016, is a blend of 58 different casks in which the whisky was aged for between 6 and 9 years.

Let's Taste It : 

Massive peat on the nose, but it remains fresh, vanilla-flavoured, slightly maritime, with a hint of lemon. Iodine. On the palate, olive oil, more vanilla, pears in syrup. Discreet but rich spices, paprika and cumin. The pear becomes more prominent on the finish, enhanced by white pepper. The whole is soft, but the roughness of the peat is still felt. A long, syrupy finish. Soft toffee. Apricot Juice. Cereals. A whisky that should go well with certain desserts.

 

In Short, 

A very good dram, where the peat, although strong, does not overwhelm the other flavours. Don't hesitate to buy one if you can find it at a reasonable price. 

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened Whisle Sipping : 

  

                                           Goldfrapp - Human

Longrow Peated

46°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2012

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated from 50 to 55 ppm

This one replaces the old Longrow CV, but the blend remains essentially the same, bringing together distillates aged separately for 6, 10 and 14 years, all in Bourbon barrels. 

Let's Taste It : 

Dry and dusty peat, with a certain fullness. Lemon, very sweet vanilla, white fruits, a hint of icing sugar. A few whiffs of farmyard, cowshed, hay, animal sweat, damp wood. Grass cut in the rain. Mint leaf. Cereals and spices, cinnamon, saffron. Pretty good balance. On the palate, soft, round, still very farmy, not too young, spicy, a touch of coarse salt. Yellow apple, fairly ripe but not too much. The finish is quite long, with vanilla and paprika, earth and grass.

 

In Short, 

A clear success. The peat is not too violent due to the two-and-a-half distillations, but the flavours are there, dominated by the influence of bourbon. A classic. 

Score : 86

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          The Breeders - Canonball

Bowmore 15 yo Golden & Elegant

43°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling

Travel Retail Edition

Single Malt

Edited in 2017

Peated around 25 ppm

This limited for the travel trade edition is still distributed without any problems today, and is almost part of the normal range.

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Bowmore nose, with peat and vegetal notes, but it's even more subtle, with stone, earth and white fruit. Vanilla, mirabelle. The iodine and coarse salt come through more strongly, which is very pleasant. It's the scent of a forest after rain, but a forest very close to the sea. On the palate, caramel blends with peat, there's a hint of bourbon, an ounce of lemon and juicy pear. The finish is salty and rather long, with quince purée and white fruits in retro-olfaction.

In Short, 

Very pleasant, with more pronounced bourbon than its congeners. However, the value for money is not entirely convincing. It should be purchased during a special offer.

Score : 85

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                           Radiohead - Creep

Jura Superstition

43°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2002

Peated from 30 to 35 ppm

 

This is one of the two peaty expressions of the distillery. This one is the lighter. Although it is not stated on the bottle, it is said to be aged between 13 and 21 years.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is rather pleasant, with slightly oily peat carried by lemon peel, a touch of apricot, quince jam, and at the very back, ash and a medicinal hint. On the palate, it's fairly simple, with light caramel and peat, walnuts and more apricot. Oily. But the pepper starts to hammer on the palate. However, I smell other spices, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, and a pinch of cinnamon when the fire has gone. Woody and ashy finish. Not very ripe yellow peach.

 

In Short, 

The nose is quite good, with the apricot that is one of the distillery's hallmarks. The finish is not bad, but on the palate it's a bit disappointing, too light in flavour, too strong in pepper. The overall impression is nevertheless decent, but I'm not sure I would recommend buying it. 

Score :83

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Simple Minds - Mandela Day

Bowmore 9 yo Sherry Cask Matured

40°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay 

Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2016

Peated around 25 ppm

Easy to find at the time of its release, and even a few years later, this limited edition subsequently became quite expensive.

Let's Taste It : 

They've gone all out with the sherry. It blends very nicely with a relatively light, deep, fairly intense, smoky peat. A lemon zest, gooseberry juice, some woody hints, earth, blackberries and blackcurrants. Humus, like in a forest. Fresh on the palate, with leather, dried fig, pear compote, honey, cinnamon, liquorice, nutmeg and spices. The finish is slightly acidic, with lemon coming through a bit, dry, long but a little bitter. Asparagus, I think. Dark chocolate.

 

In Short,

A very pleasant bottle to drink, which I personally don't regret having bought, as I got it at the release price. However, at the current price, I don't think it's worth it at all.

Score : 84

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                                     Bryan Ferry - Slave to Love

The Balvenie 12 yo DoubleWood

40°

Distillery : The Balvenie - Speyside

2d and 3rd Fill Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Butts Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 1993

Peated around 6 ppm

This is the distillery's entry level, but also its oldest expression.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is fresh, almost minty, with hints of wheat, wood and vanilla. The sherry is there. There's also a touch of peat, I assure you. A few traces of fruits, berries, gooseberries or blackcurrants, but it's very light. The honey binds it all together, dominating in fact, in a very subtle whole. The palate is less complex. The honey is still there, married to the sherry. Vanilla, wood, a pinch of coarse salt and the taste of bourbon that rises to the top. The finish is quite long, not too dry. I have the sensation of a dash of aniseed in retro-olfaction, so it's all very interesting.

In Short, 

This is a very good whisky, at a fair price. The notes of honey and sherry leave their mark, as does the fruity finish. Don't hesitate to get your hands on a bottle, few will be disappointed. 

Score : 83

                

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                           Charles Mingus - Moanin'

Old Pulteney 12 yo The Maritime Malt

                                    

40°

Distillery : Pulteney - Highlands

Refill Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 1997

Totally Unpeated

This is the entry-level whisky from the most northerly distillery on the Main British Isle.

Let's Taste It : 

They say it's a maritime malt. Indeed, you can smell iodine, foam, tide, salt, kelp and even sand. Very light smoke and white grapes. A few drops of Sauternes. Lemon peel. Nice fullness. This lingers on the palate, which is quite velvety, oily, gently peppery, with wood, caramel and yellow plums. Some exotic friuts, banana, pineapple. The lemon is still there on the finish, which is warm, sparkling, not too short, a bit dry, malty and salty. Dry and sandy earth.

 

In Short, 

This saline, yet fairly subtle, profile is a real eye-catcher. However, the alcohol level is a little low, and overall I find it lacking a little character. It's a decent way to start a tasting.

Score : 82

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                           Yann Tiersen - Pell

Bowmore Legend

                                         

40°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 1994

Peated around 25 ppm

This is the distillery's entry-level whisky, and thanks to its not-too-invasive peat, it's a great way to discover Islay whiskies.

Let's Taste It : 

Iodised nose, light peat with hints of guano, limestone and wet grass. Thick moisture, medicinal touch, fairly pungent vanilla, floral whiffs, white grape. On the palate, it's a bit acidic, with a touch of pear and honey, and a taste of iron filings. Few spices, white pepper and Provence herbs. The finish is sparkling, peppery without being it too much, also a bit rough. Not very long though. Mirabelles and small yellow apples. A dash of charcoal and pebbles. 

 

In Short,  

It will always be a good starting point for going further into Islay. However, it's really very young, and when your palate starts to mature, it's no longer a pleasure to taste.

Score : 81

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Soft Cell - Tainted Love

Bunnahabhain Mòine

46,3°
Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2015
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 40 ppm

This is the bottom of the peaty Bunnahabhain line, of which there are now fairly many.

Let's Taste It :

On the nose, first a thick, dizzying smoke, which gradually dissipates. Then a very dry peat, milk chocolate, salt, fresh iodine, a touch of earth and honey. A few herbal notes and stone. On the palate, salted caramel mingles with chocolate and a strong measure of pepper, which explodes in the finish with the peat. Quite long, the caramel gradually transforms into a light fig flavour. It's a relatively subtle whisky, and a rather successful one in its kind.

In Short,

A good expression. The light fig flavour on the finish is a real attention-getter. Having said that, Bunnahabhain offers better peated spirits at slightly higher prices, not to mention the independent bottlings.

Score : 84

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Codeine - Cigarette Machine

Highland Park 10 yo Viking Scars

40°
Distillery : Highland Park - Islands
Bourbon and Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2017
Uncoloured
Peated around 20 ppm

This is now the distillery's entry-level. It is matured mainly in bourbon casks, unlike the 12-year-old.

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, smoky peat envelops you. It is refreshed by vanilla and lemon peel. And orange, which gives you the sensation of biting into the fruit. Over time, the smoke becomes stronger and stronger. The vanilla is intense on the palate, blending voluptuously with the peat. Citrus fruits spice things up. Behind, there are whiffs of hay, something country-like. The finish lacks a bit of length, but it's good, still flavoured with vanilla, with a hint of lemon zest, and the malt returning to the fore.

In Short, 

It's interesting, you can clearly see the distillery's hallmarks. It's a bit less smooth and slightly more peaty than the 12yo, but apart from that, I think it's better to go for the latter.

Score : 82

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                          Beck - Loser

Highland Park Einar The Warrior Series

40°
Distillery : Highland Park - Islands
Bourbon and Oloroso Seasoned Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Travel Retail Range
Single Malt
Edited in 2011
Uncoloured
Peated around 20 ppm

Produced as part of a series of six bottles intended exclusively for the retail travel trade, this expression is now hard to find.

Let's Taste It : 

First camphorated ointment. Then iodine freshness. Dusty smoke. Acacia honey. Or is it eucalyptus? When you break a eucalyptus leaf in half. The peat is powerful, but it doesn't prevent the rest from blossoming. Good balance. Very sweet honey on the palate, but it's a bit light. Then the bitterness rises. Quite a strong finish, which is surprising with the alcohol content at a minimum. A hint of charcoal, but the bitterness settles in. It's relatively short.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, and the dominance of bourbon barrel ageing is original for the distillery, which makes it a plus. 

Score : 84

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

  

                                           Arcade Fire - My Body Is A Cage

Highland Park 18 yo Viking Pride

43°
Distillery : Highland Park - Islands
Oloroso Seasoned Sherry and Bourbon Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2017
Uncoloured
Peated around 20 ppm

Like the 12 Year Old, this prestigious edition dating back to 1997 has been enriched with the slogan 'Viking Pride' in 2017, which in no way suggests that the blend has changed.

Let's Taste It: 

The first sensation is one of balance between peat, pine needles and wood. Then the citrus fruits rise, lemon peel, orange pulp, all enhanced by very fine, almost granular peat. Finally the honey appears. Mountain honey, from acacia, which is fragrant. Some smoke shows its nose. On the palate, an ocean of honey. Vanilla, chocolate milk. Pungent spices, nutmeg, ginger. The finish is rather long, charred and woody. Liquorice stick, heather earth and cola. 

In Short, 

It's very good quality, with a fresh taste and lots of fruits. But the price is extravagant in my humble opinion.

Score : 87








                                                 
                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Neil Young - Like A Hurricane

Highland Park 12 yo Viking Honour

40°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Ex-Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2017

Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

It actually dates back to 1979, but it was in 2017 that the slogan "Viking Honour" was added to it, without necessarily changing the blending.

Let's Taste It: 

Quite a full and fresh nose, loaded with citrus fruits. Lemon, orange, clementine. Spices, some red fruits in the background. The peat is light, but nicely smoky. A very fine balance between the smoke and the citrus fruits, it's a success in this aspect. The palate is a continuation of the nose, with a solid base of peat on which the citrus fruits rest, tending towards exotic fruits. Pineapple, papaya. White plum, an ounce of vanilla. A light sprinkling of spices. Successful finish, with a hint of smoke. A little taste of vanilla at the end. Earthy and grassy.

 

In Short, 

A very fine expression, with real qualities. However, the 40° alcohol content prevents it from entering the big league. 

Score : 84

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

   

                                          Roxy Music - Strictly Confidential

Kilchoman Machir Bay

46°
Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay
Bourbon and Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2012
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 50 ppm

This is the Kilchoman distillery's entry-level whisky, with no age statement.

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, the peat is thick, fairly fresh, mineral, earthy and damp. Imposing iodine, full of foam and sea spray. Cottony smoke, in broad wisps. Salt, stone, vegetal notes. A vanilla pod. A fairly soft, subtle caramel asserts itself on the palate, but the whole remains very abrupt, rocky, with barely sketched white fruits. Vegetal moss, lichen. I note the coarse salt, then the pepper rises to explode in a slightly bitter, sparkling finish. Honeysuckle, apricots..

In Short, 

It's very enjoyable, and this version has its fans. As far as I'm concerned, I find the value for money rather unconvincing compared to the great Islay classics.

Score : 84

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          The Black Keys - Next Girl

Smokehead High Voltage

58°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling

By Ian MacLeod Distillers

Core Range  

Single Malt
Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

 The reference edition in the Smokehead range, it has enough alcohol to justify its presentation.

Let's Taste It : 

Right from the start, a violently herbaceous peat, recognisable from a renowned Islay distillery, located in the south of the island, whose name does not begin with L. It's dark and damp, as if you were walking through a tunnel. Ash and white fruits, vanilla, a hint of citrus, caramel and wood. With the addition of water, it becomes a bit swampy, a trace of elderberry, mould and a medicinal touch. On the palate, it's young but easy to drink, obviously very peaty and vegetal. Perhaps a pinch of salt. The finish is explosive, with hints of wood and caramel, really pleasant and quite long. A metallic aftertaste in retro-olfaction. It's all very nice, but don't forget that for an extra 10 euros you get the Uigeadail.

 

In Short, 

A true Peat Bomb, as medicinal as it is smoky, which will not disappoint fans, and at a very enjoyable price.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

  

                                           Iron Maiden - Rime of The Ancient Mariner

Finlaggan Cask Strength

58° 

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Independent Bottling

By The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. Limited

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 2009

Peated around 35 to 38 ppm

This one is perhaps the most sought-after in the Finlaggan range, due to its high alcohol content and alsp a probable maturation in sherry casks. However, contrary to what is advertised, it is not cask strength. 

Let's Taste It: 

Concentrated iodine. Foam and sea breeze. Limestone. You can also smell the tide, the sand. And a touch of sherry, giving the whole a waxy quality. Smoke and a medicinal touch in the background, but which give a nice balance. The peat rises slowly, quite thick. On the palate, the sherry gives a slight cherry flavour, it's syrupy, but there's something rougher behind, very peaty, stony, then the spices rise. The finish is quite aggressive, but not too long, woody aftertaste. I'm sure it's C... Are we allowed to say it?

 

In Short, 

A great success, in the sense that it's not quite a Peat Bomb, because its profile is relatively softer than expected. Highly palatable, then, and at a very good price. 

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

  

                                           Scorpions - In Trance

'As We Get It' Islay Single Malt 2019

60,6°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling
By Ian MacLeod Distillers
Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Since the turn of the century, bottler Ian MacLeod has regularly released a new version of this 'As We Get It' from the Isle of Islay, with no indication other than that it has not been altered in any way since it left the cask. However, it does not appear to be a single cask.

Let's Taste It : 

Granitic, stony, heady peat. A wisp of smoke. Heather, iodine. Pebbles in the bed of a very clear river, at the top of the mountain. A note of humus. With the addition of water, an ounce of white fruits. Wax. White chocolate. After a few minutes, tyre and tar, a vague medicinal touch. On the palate, it's a bit young, but already velvety, herbaceous, vanilla-flavoured, fairly sweet, not at all alcohol-laden, salty and slightly fruity. White pepper, spices, then a very pleasant finish, vegetal, vanilla, just the right amount of bitterness, not too violent and quite long. Caramel and nails in retro-olfaction. It looks like cask strength Machir Bay, but I'd say it's Caol Ila, after a great deal of hesitation.

 

In Short, 

It's really excellent, provided of course that you're an unconditional enthusiast. It's still young, and very peaty. The nose and finish are exceptionally intense.  

Score : 88

                          

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                          AC/DC - Thunderstruck

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2019 Edition

46°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butts

Original Bottling

Limited Edition
Single Malt

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 50 ppm

Kilchoman has been releasing a new vintage edition of this Loch Gorm every year since 2013. Over time it has become the distillery's prestige reference. This one is a blend of 20 casks aged between 7 and 13 years, of which 15,000 bottles have been produced. 

Let's Taste It : 

A very dark sherry intrudes on the nose, combining dangerously with a very mineral and vegetal peat. It's almost meaty, with smoked ham, tar, tyres, stone, spices and of course red fruits, raspberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants. A few hints of tide bring fish and pebbles. On the palate, pomegranate, leather, rubber band, it's quite full-bodied, with the maritime character of the peat providing structure. Spices galore. The finish is a bit too sweet, but it's quite long on the other hand, the sherry coming through, with caramel, charcoal and earth.

 

In Short, 

It's an absolute success, and seems to get better every year. Despite its rather high price, you should buy it as soon as possible. 

Score : 88

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Theo Hakola - Cherries

Benromach 10 yo

43°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks, 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling
Core Range 
Single Malt
Launched in 2009

Peated around 12 ppm

This is the entry-level whisky from the Benromach distillery. Its owner, the trading company Gordon & McPhail, is seeking to recreate the whiskies as they were produced in the 1960s.

Let's Taste It: 

Leather, cherry and caramel, the three distinctive characteristics of sherry. It jumps out at the nose, so to speak. Waxy leather that smells like new, crunchy red cherry, caramel straight from the pan, a tad bitter. Then there's light, ashy peat, varnished wood and something like white fruit, a hint of orange. Vanilla and milk. Fruity and spicy on the palate, more on the muscat grape, sour apple and a touch of milk chocolate. The caramel becomes more present on the finish, which takes on a certain fullness. Dried fruits and pomegranate seeds. Charcoal.

In Short, 

An example of elegance and distinction. A fine balance of bourbon, peat and sherry. A classic at a very decent price.. 

Score : 85

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :  

   

                                          Moriarty- Jimmy

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

51,4° (90° Proof)

Distillery : Miyagikyo, Yoichi - Japan 

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Sherry Butts and Refill Hogsheads 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Blended Whisky 

Launched in 1985 

Almost Unpeated

Made from a blend of 105 different casks, this Blended is the proof of Japanese know-how and their taste for balance. It is said to be 10 to 12 years old.

Let's Taste It :

Wood, cinnamon leaves, slightly bitter caramel, a hint of peat from the countryside, the cocoa you sprinkle on cakes. Very pleasant smoke, balanced, grainy, bewitching. On the palate, a zest of citrus fruits, probably blood orange, green tea, cereals and chocolate. Slightly peppery and spicy, with cola and charred earth on the finish, it fizzes a little on the throat. You don't feel the 51°, but it's still solid and not too young. Chicory in retro-olfaction.

 

In Short, 

A little gem, offered at a very modest price despite its high alcohol content and complexity. The marriage of flavours is perfect, it's a classic.

Score : 85

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :  

   

                                          Cat Power - Nude as The News

Clynelish 14 yo

46°
Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands
Ex-Bourbon Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2002
Peated around 8 ppm

Since 2005, this has been part of the Classic Single Malts of Scotland range launched by Diageo. Despite its great age, it is the distillery's entry-level whisky.. 

Let's Taste It : 

Candle wax, unless it's pomade, camphor or glue. Then the influence of wood makes itself felt, it becomes almost fruity, like orgeat syrup or white plum. Varnish, mint candy, a touch of iodine. In the end, it's quite maritime. Peat and sherry, not much. Light sherry, more dried raisins than red fruits. Elastic, leather, straw, ending on a farmy note. On the palate, it's quite mature, suitably spicy, woody, with apple and beetroot, and a dash of lemon. A very malty finish, with slight hints of caramel and yeast. In retro-olfaction, you'd think you were drinking stout, it's very cereal-like and somewhat earthy. All in all, very subtle and rather pleasant, it's a long finish.

 

In Short, 

A very original and enjoyable whisky. Its subtle and waxy character makes it a classic, available at a very reasonable price. 

Score : 85

                                      

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                           Eric Clapton - Layla