Clynelish (14 year)
February 25, 2013
A chameleon-like shifting from briney and smoky to soft and sweet to fruity and sour. While eclectic, I cannot call it disjointed. The transitions between personalities is seamless, and the experience whole. I’ve never had anything quite like Clynelish, and I think it’s an experience that any serious malt drinker should have.
GlenDronach (14 year) Sauternes Finish
February 18, 2013
This is dessert whisky, and no bones about it. While the GlenDronach house style (meaty/oily) is missing here, this is still one robust, flavor-filled escapade of a whisky. Sweet to the point of cloying, but excellently balanced by a grapey acidity and fruity complexity. Truly a pleasure, especially for a lover of dessert wines.
Green Spot Irish Whiskey
February 11, 2013
While it has the same mouth-filling unctuousness as Redbreast, the sherry notes seem to cover up the nutty/oily notes I associate with single pot still whiskey. There seems to be a lot of depth here, but it’s hidden by a layer of simplicity. One must really search for the complexity.
Nth Whisky Show 2013 – Las Vegas
February 4, 2013
In March, The Wynn Casino in Las Vegas will hold the third annual Universal Whisky Experience show. Last year’s show made a big splash in the media for its over-the-top budget, ridiculously pricy pours, and matching ticket price. This year is no different.
Compass Box Oak Cross
Unfortunately, Oak Cross just didn’t gel for me. The individual notes are interesting – truly the first time I’ve identified clove notes so clearly – but they do not combine harmoniously. While I would recommend anyone interested in the alchemy of wood and spirit give this dram a serious contemplation, I can’t suggest buying a bottle untasted.
