Hello, readers. First, I want to say a quick ‘Thank You!’ to my regular readers – you know who you are. I started this blog in November of 2010 as a way to document my journey; learning about Scotch (and later, bourbon and world whiskey) and sharing my opinions with the Web. I honestly thought …
A very different and enjoyable alternative to distillery-released Macallan. It clearly deviates from the distillery profile of sweetness, bright red fruit, and elegant old sherry. Here there are wilder notes and sharper edges. Almost savory at times, and eclectic.
A mediocre dram when compared with similar young Islays. There is some nice dark musty peat, but it’s not as intense as most Islay fans would like. My best guess is that this is a 6 year-old Ardbeg from a heavily charred ex-bourbon barrel, but not an excellent one.
Although overshadowed by its mighty (both in flavor and in following) neighbors to the south, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, Bowmore’s whisky displays a restraint that provides grateful relief to the bog-soddened palates of peat lovers.
We’re looking at a craft presentation (46% ABV, unchilfiltered, and no color added) peated malt from a working farm. This shows a LOT of promise, but it’s only really promise at this point.
A cinnamon bomb that never lets up. The nose is suggestive and deep, but it’s the palate that explodes with fruit and spice. Truly eyebrow-raising, this shows what quality can do to elevate the standard flavors of straight rye.
Whisky enthusiasts are easy to buy for. Most of us are happy to try a new and unfamiliar Scotch, and will be enthused to drain the bottle even if it doesn’t become a new favorite. Here are my top 10 suggestions for giving whisky gifts in 2011.
In March, The Wynn Casino in Las Vegas will hold the second 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.
Elegant and pure. Not too young, and not particularly old. A very straightforward picture of Speyside style. If you’ll excuse the hyperbole, this tastes like sunshine on a cool spring day. Yum.
Far more dynanic than similarly-priced bourbons. St. George shows an adept hand with blending, and a clever choice of source material which yields a big, bold, multi-layered blended bourbon. A pleasure to drink, and a fabulous value.