Wemyss Malts: Smooth Gentleman
November 28, 2011
Wemyss Malts has a line of romantically-named blended malts in ages 5, 8, and 12 years old. Each includes a ‘key ingredient’ to define its character and justify its name, as well as up to 16 other malts. I tried The Smooth Gentleman (primarily Aultmore) at a K&L Wednesday spirits tasting in Redwood City, CA.
Wemyss Malts: Peat Chimney
November 24, 2011
Wemyss Malts has a line of romantically-named blended malts in ages 5, 8, and 12 years old. Each includes a ‘key ingredient’ to define its character and justify its name, as well as up to 16 other malts. I tried The Peat Chimney (primarily Caol Ila) at a K&L Wednesday spirits tasting in Redwood City, CA.
Amrut Fusion
November 17, 2011
On the tongue, this dram blooms into a medium-complex whisky with no apparent flaws. A few tropical notes give it an exotic style, which might appeal to those tired of Scotch standards.
Edradour Caledonia 12
November 14, 2011
A very weighty dram, with big fruit-bomb sherry, a thick mouthfeel, and a barrage of cooked fruit flavors. It feels like a 50%-plus ABV whisky on the tongue, and even has some of the elements of good cask-strength sherry bombs.
Whisky News of Note
November 10, 2011
Compass Box releases the “Last Vatted Malt” before UK law changes the name of the category to “Blended Malt Scotch Whisky”. Also, Connosr releases a new online magazine which focuses on whisky production worldwide, edited by Dominic Roskrow.
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist
November 7, 2011
Like Willy Wonka’s Three-Course-Dinner Gum you get a salty, nutty appetizer, a main course of roasted barbecue pork, a dessert of roasted peaches, a cup of chocolatey coffee and an after-dinner mint! Amazing. I suggest keeping an eye out for a lonely bottle at a bar or a sample to bum off a friend. It’s an experience.
Amrut ‘Intermediate Sherry Matured’
November 3, 2011
Very different from sherry-finished Scotches I’ve had – the fruitiness is subdued and suggests dried rather than jammed dark fruits. This leaves a difficult-to-describe combination of wood extracts, dried herb flavors, and rancio. There is certainly more here to discover, and I think the play off of standard Amrut flavors is successful. Definitely a whisky to ponder.
