Invergordon 10yo 40% OB Grain
Grain can be fantastic but usually it needs a bit more years in the cask to develop flavours like malt whisky. This one smells of liquorice and boiled peas. The taste is peppery, liquorice, papery, bitter and just extremely weird, like some cardboard stew.
No thanks: 1.5
North British 12yo 1997-2009 43% Signatory Vintage
Another blank single grain whisky, or is it just called "grain"? Well, as long as it's from same distillery I'll just use same standards as with malts. Once again the nose is extremely boring, maybe some salty water? Tonic? The taste on the other hand is pretty herbal, a bit dry, shows more promise than the Cameronbridge, but it just doesn't give much more than hints of real character. I've really liked the older CS grains I've tried before, but to bottle it young and diluted just like any other standard malt obviously won't work for grain whiskies, at least not for me.
All right, but far from it's peak: 3.5
Cameronbridge 12yo 1995-2007 43% Signatory Vintage
Although I've always been pretty exclusively a fan of scotch single malt, I've lately had some grain, some japanese and some irish, and I've been hugely impressed by some of them. So today I'll take another alternative journey, and try some grain as well as a recently revealed secret malt. This one comes from a bourbon cask, smells really light, some hay and wheat. The taste is sweet, spicy, hints of liquorice, kind of boring, with no aftertaste at all. I guess that the single grain needs some more mturing than the single malt?
Boring, bland grain: 3
Strathclyde 24yo 1980-2005 62.4% Duncan Taylor
A grain whisky of crazy strength, at a respectable age, I think this has to be something not many get to try. Strathclyde also produced the malt Kinclaith, the short period it was produced that is. it smells liquorice, salty, ammonia. This is a remarkably salty grain whisky, reminds me of the unpeated Caol Ila, or some older Bunnahabhains. I think it's a splendid grain. The taste is salty, peppery and really rustic, something of onions and red peppers. I know at a strength like this water is usually a necessity, but not here. This one's got all it needs.
A totally new grain experience: 8
Garnheath 40yo 1969-2009 47.9% Douglas Laing
Nice to try such an old grain whisky, usually it's said that the difference between old and young is even bigger when it comes to single grain than single malts. It smells really big, lots of different odors, honey, syrup, black pepper, grilled aubergine, melted butter and pesto. The taste doesn't quite follow up, but it's really pleasant, peanut butter, chorizo, slightly dry, rustic, many fine flavours. I do like to point that this is an oldie that truly doesn't need any water. Anyway, the aftertaste is a bit short and lacks character, but other than that it's a fine whisky.
Probably a bit expensive, but flawless: 7
Greenore 8yo 40% OB Cooley Single Grain
From the distillery Cooley in Ireland comes this Greenore, pretty young grain whisky. A so called small batch release, which I never understood why is a considered a sign of quality. It's a yellow, almost greenish colour, smells sort of grassy and minty, nothing special but pleasant. The taste is really light, a bit grassy, sweet, coastal, spicy, herbal, very herbal actually, I'd say the herbal flavours makes this just a bit more than your usual delicate youngster. I'm very impressed by this, unfortunately as far people have come in discovering that singles usually surpasses blends tastewise in scotch, I believe that Jameson will be the whisky of Ireland for many the year still. :(
Try this, you'll be surprised: 6
Cameronbridge 30yo 1978-2008 56.6% Adelphi cask 5 btl 1/238
A very limited bottling from this grain distillery by Adelphi. An impressing cask strength at this age. Very alcoholic and woody taste. A beautifully balanced whisky, sweet and sour, kind of like a sorbet of lime and strawberry. It changes to a peppery and very very long aftertaste of syrup, chilli, coconut, olive oil and many more flavours that's hard to describe. I haven't tried much old grain from before, but this definately makes me want much, much more.
Like a good story, a good beginning, good middle and good end: 9.5
onsdag 29. desember 2010
mandag 20. desember 2010
6 Littlemills tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Littlemill 5yo 40% OB
I'm doing a vertical of some of the less talked about closed distilleries. Starting with this OB from Littlemill, one that rarely amazes me. Straw color, smells spirity, tiger balm, minty, you know the smell when you've rubbed tiger balm on your hands, waxy and minty is the best I can describe it. The taste is sweet with iodine and dark vinegar, it definately got someting to it on the palate, but the finish is just spirity with some restrained acrylic notes.
Not very enjoyable, but fun to see how different a whisky really can get: 5
Littlemill 16yo 1980-1996 46% Murray McDavid The Perfect Dram btl.x/480
I tried this at a bar yesterday. It is a bourbon-matured Littlemill, the now, finally might some say, closed down distillery fairly known for it's variable malts. Strong smell, very strong alcohol notes and some citrus. The taste then is a bit off as I'm getting something similar to the most recent Glen Albyn I tried. With water it becomes a bit more citrussy and herbal as well. The aftertaste then kills it being mainly bitter and soapy, not enjoyable at all.
A poor malt but it has its moment halfway through: 3
Littlemill 18yo 58.5% Cadenhead's
Golden colour, european oak. Heathery, wheat and oak, traditional odors, needs some time to open up. With time, some really nice hints of honey develops. The taste is very intense, lots of honey here as well, cream soap, herbal butter and almonds. This must be one of the best versions of Littlemill, maybe it's a bit like another hard tried malt, Glen Scotia. Best when served at cask strength!
I'll be looking for cask strength Littlemills from now on: 8
Littlemill 20yo 1984-2004 46% Hart Brothers
I believe that Littlemill was the oldest distillery in scotland until it's pretty recent closure. It has a nice and fruity odor, cooked apples, prunes, coconutjuice and bananaflavoured carb shake. The taste is very nice at first, and I'm getting excited, but it finishes on weizenkorn, burnt matches and a horrible, long aftertaste of water with chlorine, the ones you accidently swallow in public baths.
I've heard much bad about this distillery, and I guess some of it is true then.
Not too bad, but far from good: 3.5
Dunglass 5yo 40% OB
Dunglass was a malt from Littlemill Distillery, without standing apart from the Littlemill OB in any way that I know of. It's very pale, short whiff of leather jacket from a second hand shop, pretty futile. Doesn't really taste anything except some diluted applejuice, with no finish at all. If I'd guess I'd say this one is far below 40% abv.
Great if you wanna get drunk in a hurry: 4
Littlemill 40% 8yo OB
Littlemill was until its recent closure Scotlands oldest distillery. It has a sort of tickling and grassy smell of dried grass and wheat flour. Nothing fancy on this one, a bit sweetness, but very uninteresting. Strong alcoholic influence tastewise, dilluting will unfortunately just make it even worse.
won't be missed by many: 2.5
I'm doing a vertical of some of the less talked about closed distilleries. Starting with this OB from Littlemill, one that rarely amazes me. Straw color, smells spirity, tiger balm, minty, you know the smell when you've rubbed tiger balm on your hands, waxy and minty is the best I can describe it. The taste is sweet with iodine and dark vinegar, it definately got someting to it on the palate, but the finish is just spirity with some restrained acrylic notes.
Not very enjoyable, but fun to see how different a whisky really can get: 5
Littlemill 16yo 1980-1996 46% Murray McDavid The Perfect Dram btl.x/480
I tried this at a bar yesterday. It is a bourbon-matured Littlemill, the now, finally might some say, closed down distillery fairly known for it's variable malts. Strong smell, very strong alcohol notes and some citrus. The taste then is a bit off as I'm getting something similar to the most recent Glen Albyn I tried. With water it becomes a bit more citrussy and herbal as well. The aftertaste then kills it being mainly bitter and soapy, not enjoyable at all.
A poor malt but it has its moment halfway through: 3
Littlemill 18yo 58.5% Cadenhead's
Golden colour, european oak. Heathery, wheat and oak, traditional odors, needs some time to open up. With time, some really nice hints of honey develops. The taste is very intense, lots of honey here as well, cream soap, herbal butter and almonds. This must be one of the best versions of Littlemill, maybe it's a bit like another hard tried malt, Glen Scotia. Best when served at cask strength!
I'll be looking for cask strength Littlemills from now on: 8
Littlemill 20yo 1984-2004 46% Hart Brothers
I believe that Littlemill was the oldest distillery in scotland until it's pretty recent closure. It has a nice and fruity odor, cooked apples, prunes, coconutjuice and bananaflavoured carb shake. The taste is very nice at first, and I'm getting excited, but it finishes on weizenkorn, burnt matches and a horrible, long aftertaste of water with chlorine, the ones you accidently swallow in public baths.
I've heard much bad about this distillery, and I guess some of it is true then.
Not too bad, but far from good: 3.5
Dunglass 5yo 40% OB
Dunglass was a malt from Littlemill Distillery, without standing apart from the Littlemill OB in any way that I know of. It's very pale, short whiff of leather jacket from a second hand shop, pretty futile. Doesn't really taste anything except some diluted applejuice, with no finish at all. If I'd guess I'd say this one is far below 40% abv.
Great if you wanna get drunk in a hurry: 4
Littlemill 40% 8yo OB
Littlemill was until its recent closure Scotlands oldest distillery. It has a sort of tickling and grassy smell of dried grass and wheat flour. Nothing fancy on this one, a bit sweetness, but very uninteresting. Strong alcoholic influence tastewise, dilluting will unfortunately just make it even worse.
won't be missed by many: 2.5
11 Rosebanks tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Rosebank 20yo 1990-2010 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#6396
I know there are many people that loves their occasional Rosebank more than me, but sometimes it shows what a great dram it can be. Another pale one, smells very light, a bourbon-cask? vanilla and alcohol, needs some time to open up, turns more spicy, goat cheese in chili, tapas-style. Time to taste this. Floral, vanilla and black pepper, a great whisky in all its simplicity. The finish is a tad short, spirity and one-dimensional.
A good whisky, but not worth the cost: 6
Rosebank 18yo 1990-2008 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#4655
A pale whisky from this closed lowland distillery, Smells sweet, aniseeds, vanilla, cream toffee and liqueur filling. Give it some time to rest and it develops a bit to the lighter side. The taste is at first very sweet, and a bit bitter, like some liqueur filled dark chocolate. It soon turns into some absolutely fantastic flavors of sour and herbal character. All in all this is a fantastic whisky, of the long lost Rosebank. Hopefully there's stock left for a couple more years before it turns too expensive for the common whisky drinker.
Fine example of the lowland character: 7.5
Rosebank 19yo 1990-2009 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Rosebanks one that was lost in the 90's, therefor still pretty widely available, but if you wanna make a good purchase, buy one now before the demand increases the price because of decreasing stock. This one smells spirity, tobacco, glue and vanilla. Much bourbon influence here. The taste is peppery and floral, typical lowland-style. I know many are very impressed by Rosebank, unfortunately I still don't quite fall into that category. Some sour lemon notes appears after a while.
A good rosebank, just not my style: 5.5
Rosebank 12yo 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Now Rosebank has been closed for nearly two decades, but there are still many bottlings to be found, and if I might say so, of very varying quality. This is a bourbon-matured version, smells very citrussy, lemon and oranges, sort of cider-ish. The taste is pretty easy, aniseed, lemon drops and pears. A nice easy-drinking malt which would've probably been a tad boring if bottled at about 40%abv. I'll add some water and see what happens. Still very gentle, cider-ish, pears, apples, aftertaste of sour apples. It's a fun, light and crispy malt, definately a whisky suitable as an aperitif.
A fine, classy, smooth, just plain good malt whisky: 7
Rosebank 13yo 1990-2003 46% Murray McDavid
This one is matured for 5 more years, will that make a big difference tastewise? Oh yes, instantly a much richer and rounder smell, like thick syrup, but still a bit burnt. This is much sweeter than the younger version, butter, syrup, malty, sort of like a strong caramel toffee. I'll add just a couple drops of water. Water doesn't enhance at all and I therefore recommend it to be taken neat.
A sweet, malty whisky: 6
Rosebank 8yo 1990-1998 46% Murray McDavid
I'm doing two different 1990-vintage Rosebanks from Murray McDavid today, both 46% and Bourbon-matured. Will they be as similar as they sound? This one smells really spirity with some burnt sugar, far from mouth-watering. The first taste is woody, burnt and very austere, I'll add some water. With water it gets a bit sweeter, some vanilla, but all in all it's not a very good Rosebank. It lacks both flavour and body.
Not complex enough: 4.5
Rosebank 10yo 1989-1999 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
This one is a bit paler despite being 2 years older, a good thing I guess, as the use of E150 has decreased at G&M. It has a far less substantial smell than the 1988, much more spirity even at 40%. The taste is kind of dry, I wonder if there's been any wine casks involved here, but I doubt it. peanut butter, capers, onion mayo and breadcrumbs. Water does no good in this one, and the aftertaste is bot with or without water a pretty dismal.
I guess it should been bottled a couple years earlier: 3.5
Rosebank 8yo 1988-1996 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
Today I'll be trying to Rosebanks from the CC-series with only a year different vintage. This 8yo has a nice and firm sweetish, caramelly odor. I have enjoyed some really young Rosebanks in the past. This tastes fresh and vibrant, blackberries, peppery, a bit woody, and it has that dirty lowland style, try a young Glenkinchie to compare. The aftertaste is quite sour, bitter and very sweet, all at once. I recommend just the tiniest drop of water in this one. Then it becomes a bit rounder.
A swell youngster from a sadly closed distillery: 6.5
Rosebank 12yo 43% OB F&F
Rosebank were due to unfortunate circumstances closed. Pretty distinctive smell, woody and mild oakiness. It has the initial fragrances of a classic lowlander, some withdrawn woody flavours, some pine nuts, burnt rubber, fried sugar, strong coffee and flowers.
Advanced but no classic: 4.5
Rosebank 8yo 40% Distillers Agency
An 8-year old version of this classic malt, maybe an OB, I'm not sure. Very dark for it's age, some lavender, hot spices and lots of herbal notes in the smell. It tastes about the same as the nosing predicted, remarkably many flavour for a whisky that consists of only 40% abv. I'm getting Fishermans Friend, cactus, lime, dried herbs and much more. One of the better Rosebanks I've come across.
By far one of the best 8yo's yet: 8.5
Rosebank 17yo 1991-2008 55.1% Single Malts of Scotland
An older Rosebank, the distillery from which I tend to lean more towards the younger versions. A fantastic nose, clearly soft, mild, sweet, manchego cheeze, dried fruits and blueberry jam. The taste is very smooth, waxy, honey, brie and mozzarella. It's just a tad drying on the finish. With a small drop of water the pleasant and quite beautiful taste all disappears, and some old tawny notes shows. I would not encourage dilution of this whisky anyhow.
A good Rosebank, not my favourite, but it's up there: 6.5
I know there are many people that loves their occasional Rosebank more than me, but sometimes it shows what a great dram it can be. Another pale one, smells very light, a bourbon-cask? vanilla and alcohol, needs some time to open up, turns more spicy, goat cheese in chili, tapas-style. Time to taste this. Floral, vanilla and black pepper, a great whisky in all its simplicity. The finish is a tad short, spirity and one-dimensional.
A good whisky, but not worth the cost: 6
Rosebank 18yo 1990-2008 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#4655
A pale whisky from this closed lowland distillery, Smells sweet, aniseeds, vanilla, cream toffee and liqueur filling. Give it some time to rest and it develops a bit to the lighter side. The taste is at first very sweet, and a bit bitter, like some liqueur filled dark chocolate. It soon turns into some absolutely fantastic flavors of sour and herbal character. All in all this is a fantastic whisky, of the long lost Rosebank. Hopefully there's stock left for a couple more years before it turns too expensive for the common whisky drinker.
Fine example of the lowland character: 7.5
Rosebank 19yo 1990-2009 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Rosebanks one that was lost in the 90's, therefor still pretty widely available, but if you wanna make a good purchase, buy one now before the demand increases the price because of decreasing stock. This one smells spirity, tobacco, glue and vanilla. Much bourbon influence here. The taste is peppery and floral, typical lowland-style. I know many are very impressed by Rosebank, unfortunately I still don't quite fall into that category. Some sour lemon notes appears after a while.
A good rosebank, just not my style: 5.5
Rosebank 12yo 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Now Rosebank has been closed for nearly two decades, but there are still many bottlings to be found, and if I might say so, of very varying quality. This is a bourbon-matured version, smells very citrussy, lemon and oranges, sort of cider-ish. The taste is pretty easy, aniseed, lemon drops and pears. A nice easy-drinking malt which would've probably been a tad boring if bottled at about 40%abv. I'll add some water and see what happens. Still very gentle, cider-ish, pears, apples, aftertaste of sour apples. It's a fun, light and crispy malt, definately a whisky suitable as an aperitif.
A fine, classy, smooth, just plain good malt whisky: 7
Rosebank 13yo 1990-2003 46% Murray McDavid
This one is matured for 5 more years, will that make a big difference tastewise? Oh yes, instantly a much richer and rounder smell, like thick syrup, but still a bit burnt. This is much sweeter than the younger version, butter, syrup, malty, sort of like a strong caramel toffee. I'll add just a couple drops of water. Water doesn't enhance at all and I therefore recommend it to be taken neat.
A sweet, malty whisky: 6
Rosebank 8yo 1990-1998 46% Murray McDavid
I'm doing two different 1990-vintage Rosebanks from Murray McDavid today, both 46% and Bourbon-matured. Will they be as similar as they sound? This one smells really spirity with some burnt sugar, far from mouth-watering. The first taste is woody, burnt and very austere, I'll add some water. With water it gets a bit sweeter, some vanilla, but all in all it's not a very good Rosebank. It lacks both flavour and body.
Not complex enough: 4.5
Rosebank 10yo 1989-1999 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
This one is a bit paler despite being 2 years older, a good thing I guess, as the use of E150 has decreased at G&M. It has a far less substantial smell than the 1988, much more spirity even at 40%. The taste is kind of dry, I wonder if there's been any wine casks involved here, but I doubt it. peanut butter, capers, onion mayo and breadcrumbs. Water does no good in this one, and the aftertaste is bot with or without water a pretty dismal.
I guess it should been bottled a couple years earlier: 3.5
Rosebank 8yo 1988-1996 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
Today I'll be trying to Rosebanks from the CC-series with only a year different vintage. This 8yo has a nice and firm sweetish, caramelly odor. I have enjoyed some really young Rosebanks in the past. This tastes fresh and vibrant, blackberries, peppery, a bit woody, and it has that dirty lowland style, try a young Glenkinchie to compare. The aftertaste is quite sour, bitter and very sweet, all at once. I recommend just the tiniest drop of water in this one. Then it becomes a bit rounder.
A swell youngster from a sadly closed distillery: 6.5
Rosebank 12yo 43% OB F&F
Rosebank were due to unfortunate circumstances closed. Pretty distinctive smell, woody and mild oakiness. It has the initial fragrances of a classic lowlander, some withdrawn woody flavours, some pine nuts, burnt rubber, fried sugar, strong coffee and flowers.
Advanced but no classic: 4.5
Rosebank 8yo 40% Distillers Agency
An 8-year old version of this classic malt, maybe an OB, I'm not sure. Very dark for it's age, some lavender, hot spices and lots of herbal notes in the smell. It tastes about the same as the nosing predicted, remarkably many flavour for a whisky that consists of only 40% abv. I'm getting Fishermans Friend, cactus, lime, dried herbs and much more. One of the better Rosebanks I've come across.
By far one of the best 8yo's yet: 8.5
Rosebank 17yo 1991-2008 55.1% Single Malts of Scotland
An older Rosebank, the distillery from which I tend to lean more towards the younger versions. A fantastic nose, clearly soft, mild, sweet, manchego cheeze, dried fruits and blueberry jam. The taste is very smooth, waxy, honey, brie and mozzarella. It's just a tad drying on the finish. With a small drop of water the pleasant and quite beautiful taste all disappears, and some old tawny notes shows. I would not encourage dilution of this whisky anyhow.
A good Rosebank, not my favourite, but it's up there: 6.5
4 Lochsides tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Lochside 19yo 1991-2010 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#6553
Lochside produced both single malt and grain whisky, and is a distillery that seems to have gotten some sort of renaissance as far as their reputation is concerned the last couple of years. Another pale one from a refill hogshead, Smells of licorice and galiano, a weird combination, sweet, honey, yeast and dark chocolate. The taste is dry and peppery with hints of dark toffee and oat meal. Its a fine mix, and my guesses would be that this comes from hoggie previously containing fino sherry?
About the same quality as the Rosebank: 6
Lochside 18yo 1991-2010 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#6303
Lochside, one of those that survived the 80's to sadly be put asleep just a decade later. Thankfully it seems that Douglas Laing predicted many of these years ago and bought casks at closing time or prior. White wine color, amazing how pale it is even after 18 years. Really strong, punchy, spirity smell with banana sweetness sprinkled with vanilla and rum and coconut liqueur. The taste is pretty straight-forward on vanilla notes and rum(again?). Water added. Now it turns extremely sweet, to the point that I can't take it serious anymore.
A disappointment, sweet and tame: 4
Lochside 27yo 1981-2009 56.1% Gordon & Macphail Cask cask#803 btl.x/205
I need another one to re-establish my relationship with the dead malts after the last disastrous Glen Albyn. This Lochside comes from a refill sherry hogshead. The nose is very anonymous, not much sherry notes or anything else actually. It needs time. The taste shows much more sherry influence, although a bit sulphury it's got some dark grapes, dry, and a bit sour. Give it a bit. It's rather pale for a sherry cask, and pretty fresh as well so I'll try with some water. Water does it very well, it makes for very sweet and spicy initial flavour, and ends with a short but lively peppery finish. Although Lochside aren't among the most sought after closed distilleries, it's well worth checking out.
A mellow beauty: 8
Lochside 17yo 1968-1985 40% CC G&M
A real oldie this one, hence some evaporation since bottling. Very strong smell, burnt toffee cake, booze filled dark chocolate, kind of charming in it's own bizarre way. The taste isn't that bad either, sweet and anticing, gingerbread, minty and strong coughdrops. Unfortunatley it gets ruined by a very burnt and rubbery finish.
To bad there's not much more left anywhere: 6.5
Lochside produced both single malt and grain whisky, and is a distillery that seems to have gotten some sort of renaissance as far as their reputation is concerned the last couple of years. Another pale one from a refill hogshead, Smells of licorice and galiano, a weird combination, sweet, honey, yeast and dark chocolate. The taste is dry and peppery with hints of dark toffee and oat meal. Its a fine mix, and my guesses would be that this comes from hoggie previously containing fino sherry?
About the same quality as the Rosebank: 6
Lochside 18yo 1991-2010 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing cask#6303
Lochside, one of those that survived the 80's to sadly be put asleep just a decade later. Thankfully it seems that Douglas Laing predicted many of these years ago and bought casks at closing time or prior. White wine color, amazing how pale it is even after 18 years. Really strong, punchy, spirity smell with banana sweetness sprinkled with vanilla and rum and coconut liqueur. The taste is pretty straight-forward on vanilla notes and rum(again?). Water added. Now it turns extremely sweet, to the point that I can't take it serious anymore.
A disappointment, sweet and tame: 4
Lochside 27yo 1981-2009 56.1% Gordon & Macphail Cask cask#803 btl.x/205
I need another one to re-establish my relationship with the dead malts after the last disastrous Glen Albyn. This Lochside comes from a refill sherry hogshead. The nose is very anonymous, not much sherry notes or anything else actually. It needs time. The taste shows much more sherry influence, although a bit sulphury it's got some dark grapes, dry, and a bit sour. Give it a bit. It's rather pale for a sherry cask, and pretty fresh as well so I'll try with some water. Water does it very well, it makes for very sweet and spicy initial flavour, and ends with a short but lively peppery finish. Although Lochside aren't among the most sought after closed distilleries, it's well worth checking out.
A mellow beauty: 8
Lochside 17yo 1968-1985 40% CC G&M
A real oldie this one, hence some evaporation since bottling. Very strong smell, burnt toffee cake, booze filled dark chocolate, kind of charming in it's own bizarre way. The taste isn't that bad either, sweet and anticing, gingerbread, minty and strong coughdrops. Unfortunatley it gets ruined by a very burnt and rubbery finish.
To bad there's not much more left anywhere: 6.5
6 Imperials tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Imperial 12yo 1997-2009 55% Closed Distilleries btl.96/250
Imperial isn't necessarily closed as far as I'm concerned, it's just out of business as current owners refuses to start producing again. Straw color, smells very light for its high %abv, very delicate, austere, fresh lavender, notes of delicious spicy bratwurst, lightly spiced and meaty. The taste is at first mild, whipped cream and orange marmalade, but the finish is long and extremely peppery, needs some water I think. With a drop of water it it gets more rubbery and quite unpleasant, I prefer it without.
Very well made Imperial but stay away from water: 6.5
Imperial 18yo 43% Chieftain's Choice
I'm one of those hoping that we will see Imperial distilling in the future even though it seems Chivas sees no future for the distillery. White wine color, smells little to nothing, like a young Glen Grant OB. Given time it develops on heathery notes and slight sweetness, sweet white wine, but very withdrawn. The taste is fresh, clean, sweet, floral, honey, winter fruits, peach, sauternes, amazingly well composed. It's all ended with a spicy peppery finish that settles the fruitiness and gives the impression of a mature malt.
Perfectly balanced fruity malt: 7
Imperial 10yo 1998-2009 46% Duncan Taylor nc2 cask#1022 btl.209/323
Imperial, seems to be one in the dangerzone of being closed within near future. This would be a major mistake I think, as its bottlings are way better at a younger and much more profitable age than for example Caperdonich, Glen Keith and Littlemill. This one has the colour of straw, smells slightly spirity and peppery, farm house. This taste is light and floral with an aftertaste of fresh mint. From a bourbon cask. A good whisky that's worth checking out while its still affordable.
From a cask that demands a flavourful malt: 5.5
Imperial 27yo 1982-2009 58.3% Signatory Vintage
The Imperial seems to be closed forever, but in this whiskyworld nothing is impossible, so we might in the future see a change of hands on this distillery, and hopefully it will start reproducing its fine malt whisky. At 27 years of age this needs some time to open up. The smell is spirity, I am a firm believer that sherry-matured whiskies handles high alcohol strength better than bourbon-matured, which shows to be true here, so I'll add some water right away. With water its still way to dry, with taste of starch, grass and orange peel, very bitter.
A bitter, ruined Imperial: 2
Imperial 17yo 1989-97 46% Signatory Vintage
Very oaky this one from Signatory. Imperial can be anything from exceptional to rock bottom when it comes to taste. This is no different, that's for sure, sweet and eucalyptic. Modern tasting, almost minty, clean. I'm looking forward to and hoping there will be some new OB's from this distillery soon.
Sofisticated and modern Signatory: 6
Imperial 12yo 65% James MacArthur's
65% on this very dark malt sherried malt. Smells of lemon, caramelized almonds and quite flowery. Very pleasant drink, even with the staggering amount of alcohol. Tastes of dark toffe, creamy caramel and leather. Is to be enjoyed without water in my opinion, and Imperial here shows that it can handle a high percentage of alcohol very well, without loosing any of the beautiful and pleasant, soft flavours.
A connoisseur's gem: 8
Imperial isn't necessarily closed as far as I'm concerned, it's just out of business as current owners refuses to start producing again. Straw color, smells very light for its high %abv, very delicate, austere, fresh lavender, notes of delicious spicy bratwurst, lightly spiced and meaty. The taste is at first mild, whipped cream and orange marmalade, but the finish is long and extremely peppery, needs some water I think. With a drop of water it it gets more rubbery and quite unpleasant, I prefer it without.
Very well made Imperial but stay away from water: 6.5
Imperial 18yo 43% Chieftain's Choice
I'm one of those hoping that we will see Imperial distilling in the future even though it seems Chivas sees no future for the distillery. White wine color, smells little to nothing, like a young Glen Grant OB. Given time it develops on heathery notes and slight sweetness, sweet white wine, but very withdrawn. The taste is fresh, clean, sweet, floral, honey, winter fruits, peach, sauternes, amazingly well composed. It's all ended with a spicy peppery finish that settles the fruitiness and gives the impression of a mature malt.
Perfectly balanced fruity malt: 7
Imperial 10yo 1998-2009 46% Duncan Taylor nc2 cask#1022 btl.209/323
Imperial, seems to be one in the dangerzone of being closed within near future. This would be a major mistake I think, as its bottlings are way better at a younger and much more profitable age than for example Caperdonich, Glen Keith and Littlemill. This one has the colour of straw, smells slightly spirity and peppery, farm house. This taste is light and floral with an aftertaste of fresh mint. From a bourbon cask. A good whisky that's worth checking out while its still affordable.
From a cask that demands a flavourful malt: 5.5
Imperial 27yo 1982-2009 58.3% Signatory Vintage
The Imperial seems to be closed forever, but in this whiskyworld nothing is impossible, so we might in the future see a change of hands on this distillery, and hopefully it will start reproducing its fine malt whisky. At 27 years of age this needs some time to open up. The smell is spirity, I am a firm believer that sherry-matured whiskies handles high alcohol strength better than bourbon-matured, which shows to be true here, so I'll add some water right away. With water its still way to dry, with taste of starch, grass and orange peel, very bitter.
A bitter, ruined Imperial: 2
Imperial 17yo 1989-97 46% Signatory Vintage
Very oaky this one from Signatory. Imperial can be anything from exceptional to rock bottom when it comes to taste. This is no different, that's for sure, sweet and eucalyptic. Modern tasting, almost minty, clean. I'm looking forward to and hoping there will be some new OB's from this distillery soon.
Sofisticated and modern Signatory: 6
Imperial 12yo 65% James MacArthur's
65% on this very dark malt sherried malt. Smells of lemon, caramelized almonds and quite flowery. Very pleasant drink, even with the staggering amount of alcohol. Tastes of dark toffe, creamy caramel and leather. Is to be enjoyed without water in my opinion, and Imperial here shows that it can handle a high percentage of alcohol very well, without loosing any of the beautiful and pleasant, soft flavours.
A connoisseur's gem: 8
fredag 17. desember 2010
3 Deanstons tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Deanston 33yo 1977-2010 43% Thosop Import
To find a Deanston of this age is nothing short of exceptional, I just wish it would've been bottled at cask strength as well. Whiskysamples is now sadly closed although Thosop will continue bottling whiskies, and I bet there's still a lot of samples going around. The colour is golden- The smell is fruity and fat, loads of apples and barbeque smoke. The taste is fresh with hints of apples and pears a real light and fruity treat. Deanston is a light malt and I was worried that it as such an age would be overdominated by oakiness, but it's actually just enhanced its best assets. This is a light and easy malt, overall very good, but considering the price it's perhaps not as fancy as many would expect. But I'm no posh commentator anyway.
A wonderful light whisky from the early days of Deanston Distillery: 8
(Ruben, thanks a lot for informing me that although whiskysamples is closed, Thosop is not!!! And by the way, Thosop bottled a new Bowmore 1993 and Tomintoul 1967 last week) mmm... :)
Deanston NAS 40% OB
This one has got some funky paper inside the cork. Thankfully it hasn't disintegrated and mixed with the malt. Odorwise it's very light, even lighter than the Strathisla, it has some barely recognizeable nutty smell. The taste is nice, a bit dry, but that doesn't matter here. Sweet, rich, nuts, mascarpone and burnt toffee, burnt baileys? The aftertaste is somewhat woody and bland. I wish there would be more than just a good malt, but unfortunately it doesn't excell beyond the palate.
A fine old malt, easily approachable: 4
Deanston 12yo 40%OB
Pale straw colour on this one, with a powerful and very very malty odor, with a small hint of gingerbread, christmas malt? The taste is soft like velvet, with a distinctive sweetness of strawberries and honey. What's perhaps missing is some muscles, there's a lot of delicate flavours, but not much character.
The sweet elixir of the Highlands: 6.5
To find a Deanston of this age is nothing short of exceptional, I just wish it would've been bottled at cask strength as well. Whiskysamples is now sadly closed although Thosop will continue bottling whiskies, and I bet there's still a lot of samples going around. The colour is golden- The smell is fruity and fat, loads of apples and barbeque smoke. The taste is fresh with hints of apples and pears a real light and fruity treat. Deanston is a light malt and I was worried that it as such an age would be overdominated by oakiness, but it's actually just enhanced its best assets. This is a light and easy malt, overall very good, but considering the price it's perhaps not as fancy as many would expect. But I'm no posh commentator anyway.
A wonderful light whisky from the early days of Deanston Distillery: 8
(Ruben, thanks a lot for informing me that although whiskysamples is closed, Thosop is not!!! And by the way, Thosop bottled a new Bowmore 1993 and Tomintoul 1967 last week) mmm... :)
Deanston NAS 40% OB
This one has got some funky paper inside the cork. Thankfully it hasn't disintegrated and mixed with the malt. Odorwise it's very light, even lighter than the Strathisla, it has some barely recognizeable nutty smell. The taste is nice, a bit dry, but that doesn't matter here. Sweet, rich, nuts, mascarpone and burnt toffee, burnt baileys? The aftertaste is somewhat woody and bland. I wish there would be more than just a good malt, but unfortunately it doesn't excell beyond the palate.
A fine old malt, easily approachable: 4
Deanston 12yo 40%OB
Pale straw colour on this one, with a powerful and very very malty odor, with a small hint of gingerbread, christmas malt? The taste is soft like velvet, with a distinctive sweetness of strawberries and honey. What's perhaps missing is some muscles, there's a lot of delicate flavours, but not much character.
The sweet elixir of the Highlands: 6.5
torsdag 9. desember 2010
7 Port Ellens tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Port Ellen 27yo 1982-2010 55.5% Old Bothwell cask#2558
Another pale Port Ellen, but last one of those was very good, and I believe Port Ellen absolutely makes it better in bourbon casks. This smells sort of briny, salty, old hard italian dry cheese, say well vintaged parmigiano. The taste is obviously peated, but the alcohol stings a bit and overshadows other flavours that pretty much stays in the background, I can detect som cod liver and raisins. I'll try some water in this one. Some time and water opens this one and some minty and herbalness comes out on the nose. The flavour is peppery and peaty with some minty sweetness, some weird but good stuff.
A good Port Ellen, if not a typical one in any way: 6.5
Port Ellen 26yo 1982-2008 46% Berry Bros.
A Port Ellen 1982 vertical today then, I believe Port Ellen bottles now has reached a prize far above justification. So this might be some of the last PE on my part then... Light colour, beautiful salty, coastal and a bit peaty nose, like the ocean winds blowing through a fire by the seaside(wow). The taste is sweet and peaty, a bit honeyed and lots of vanilla, banana, yoghurt cream, wonderful light whisky with some gentle peat in the background. The coastal character has disappeared but that doesn't really bother me in this one.
Port Ellens reaching these ages are usually solid gold: 9
Port Ellen 24yo 1982-2006 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
This has a recognizeable Port Ellen, Islay, nose. Smoke, choriander, honey, lots of salt, coastal. The taste on the other hand is extremely light and sweet for a peated Islay malt. It's just a bit too sweet to take seriously I'm afraid. That's partly, I guess, also due to the fact that it's been diluted down to 40% prior to bottling. The aftertaste is short and sweet,
Islay childrens booze: 4
Port Ellen 28yo 1983-2009 53.5% Old Bothwell for Thosop Bvba cask 221
Aaah, good old Port Ellen, now let's see if it blows me away this time. A wonderful nose, much coastal things going on here, salt, salted haddock, shrimps and fish stock. The taste continues on very salty notes, but maybe the alcohol level is showing a bit too much. It's just perfectly dry and the aftertaste is just slightly salty once again.
A beautiful old Port Ellen: 8
Port Ellen 23yo 1983-2006 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Another OMC today, this one from Douglas Laing who seems to be sitting on many Port Ellen casks. It's very pale, unusually light coloured, white wine? It's smells a lot like burnt rubber, very smoky with a sting. The taste is a hundred percent Port Ellen, it's like some of the older bottlings, a bit more coastal than the 1th-9th release. And I think that the modest and good salty and herbal flavours of Port Ellen works very well together with the peat in this one, and the result is a very fine balanced malt.
I'll have this any day: 8
Port Ellen 24yo 1975-1999 43% Signatory Vintage cask 1768 btl. 272/1250
This one's a pale and a bit hazy Port Ellen, with 24 years maturation, I suggest this to be bourbon matured. A peaty and strong smell, some vanilla, bourbon. It has a very coastal character, much saltiness, black caviar, sushi and scallops. The aftertaste is quite short with some peat and chilli.
Good, but there are many better PE's out there: 7
Port Ellen 17yo 1980-1997 40% CC G&M
Port Ellen is unfortunately becoming harder and harder to get a hold of. Clear odors of sea, mussels, pan-fried onions and sweet nuts. Lots of good fragrances, pistachio, shallots and parsley. Islay flavours combined with a nice herbal twist.
One to buy before it's too late, or too expensive: 9
Another pale Port Ellen, but last one of those was very good, and I believe Port Ellen absolutely makes it better in bourbon casks. This smells sort of briny, salty, old hard italian dry cheese, say well vintaged parmigiano. The taste is obviously peated, but the alcohol stings a bit and overshadows other flavours that pretty much stays in the background, I can detect som cod liver and raisins. I'll try some water in this one. Some time and water opens this one and some minty and herbalness comes out on the nose. The flavour is peppery and peaty with some minty sweetness, some weird but good stuff.
A good Port Ellen, if not a typical one in any way: 6.5
Port Ellen 26yo 1982-2008 46% Berry Bros.
A Port Ellen 1982 vertical today then, I believe Port Ellen bottles now has reached a prize far above justification. So this might be some of the last PE on my part then... Light colour, beautiful salty, coastal and a bit peaty nose, like the ocean winds blowing through a fire by the seaside(wow). The taste is sweet and peaty, a bit honeyed and lots of vanilla, banana, yoghurt cream, wonderful light whisky with some gentle peat in the background. The coastal character has disappeared but that doesn't really bother me in this one.
Port Ellens reaching these ages are usually solid gold: 9
Port Ellen 24yo 1982-2006 40% Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail
This has a recognizeable Port Ellen, Islay, nose. Smoke, choriander, honey, lots of salt, coastal. The taste on the other hand is extremely light and sweet for a peated Islay malt. It's just a bit too sweet to take seriously I'm afraid. That's partly, I guess, also due to the fact that it's been diluted down to 40% prior to bottling. The aftertaste is short and sweet,
Islay childrens booze: 4
Port Ellen 28yo 1983-2009 53.5% Old Bothwell for Thosop Bvba cask 221
Aaah, good old Port Ellen, now let's see if it blows me away this time. A wonderful nose, much coastal things going on here, salt, salted haddock, shrimps and fish stock. The taste continues on very salty notes, but maybe the alcohol level is showing a bit too much. It's just perfectly dry and the aftertaste is just slightly salty once again.
A beautiful old Port Ellen: 8
Port Ellen 23yo 1983-2006 50% Old Malt Cask Douglas Laing
Another OMC today, this one from Douglas Laing who seems to be sitting on many Port Ellen casks. It's very pale, unusually light coloured, white wine? It's smells a lot like burnt rubber, very smoky with a sting. The taste is a hundred percent Port Ellen, it's like some of the older bottlings, a bit more coastal than the 1th-9th release. And I think that the modest and good salty and herbal flavours of Port Ellen works very well together with the peat in this one, and the result is a very fine balanced malt.
I'll have this any day: 8
Port Ellen 24yo 1975-1999 43% Signatory Vintage cask 1768 btl. 272/1250
This one's a pale and a bit hazy Port Ellen, with 24 years maturation, I suggest this to be bourbon matured. A peaty and strong smell, some vanilla, bourbon. It has a very coastal character, much saltiness, black caviar, sushi and scallops. The aftertaste is quite short with some peat and chilli.
Good, but there are many better PE's out there: 7
Port Ellen 17yo 1980-1997 40% CC G&M
Port Ellen is unfortunately becoming harder and harder to get a hold of. Clear odors of sea, mussels, pan-fried onions and sweet nuts. Lots of good fragrances, pistachio, shallots and parsley. Islay flavours combined with a nice herbal twist.
One to buy before it's too late, or too expensive: 9
mandag 6. desember 2010
6 Foreign Whiskies tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Amrut NAS 2006 63.8% OB Peated
A peated indian whisky, I wonder if there's any vast differences between british peat and indian peat? There might be considering humidity, temperature and all that jazz. I reckon this was distilled in 2006 since that's the only vintage stated on label, which in that case makes it a very dark whisky for its young age. It smells lovely, some sweet strawberry sherry notes, moreso than peat or alcohol. The taste on the other hand is also sweet at first, but just for half a hundred of a second before the peat and massive alcohol bites. Needs water! It's another, not so pronounced peaty taste along with some tame champagne notes and a bit tarry stuff. A weird malt. As far as I'm concerned peat works best on Islay/Islands although some Highlanders and a certain Campbeltown distillery pulls it off. India? No...
Madonna doing Back In Black doesn't make it a bad song, but still: 4
The Tyrconnell NAS 40% OB
Next up on this vertical of whiskies off the beaten path is this Irish standard whisky from Cooley distillery. This one smells a bit citrussy, not bad, it's hard to taste these NAS "foreigners" without being just a little judgemental. The taste is somewhat citrussy, bitter lemon, but once again far too bland for my palate. The aftertaste is just peppery, one-dimensional, but lifts the rather boring overall impression just a bit.
I'd rather just have a regular Connemara: 2.5
Swn Y Mor NAS 40% Blended
Honest mistake, when I bought this I thought it was a welsh malt whisky, but I've since learned that Swn Y Mor started as a blend but has later been produced as a single. So this is sort of first edition, perhaps could be worth something years from now? Who cares, definately not me! Pale straw colour, smells grassy, sweet and light. The taste is zesty and bitter, I usually don't use water in Blends, but this is just a bit too mean. No, this just doesn't get any better, no aftertaste worth mentioning here.
This stuff is way too bitter, tonic stuff?: 1.5
Sikkim Old Gold Himalayan Single Malt 40% OB(?)
Okay, this is totally unfamiliar terrain for me, and I've never heard of it actually. On the bottle it says it comes from Himalaya's Dreams in Schönberg, Germany, the sole importer of Sikkim to Europe. Not a widespread whisky then, to say the least. Smells very light, actually a bit like cheap calvados, or vodka. The taste is sweet and light, sugar notes, nothing more, no aftertaste at all. It's drinkable, but not for the connoisseur. No maltiness, nothing close to scotch whisky.
Childrens booze: 2.5
Redbreast 12yo 40% OB
Well, on a trip yesterday to denmark I had a visit to a local run-down shabby to the max pub in the dirty port town of Hirtshals. They had two different single malts on their shelves, one irish and one scotch. This one smells rustic and fruity, choriander and oregano. Extremely light, just a bit too light to take seriously, like a tripple distilled Tamnavulin, Glengoyne or Highland Park. The label states it's a unique whisky. I'm not that sure.
whisky stock?: 4.5
Connemara NAS 57.9% OB CS Peated
I've had many a disappointment with irish whiskeys, as I many times find them a bit dull, but let's give this one a try. Soft nose, liquorice, very young I guess. Weird little dram, as I can't find any notes of peat at all on the nose. On the other hand, in the tasting the peat overshadows everything else. I'm not sure I follow the idea of combining tripple distillation and much peat. Anyway, no alcohol taste or aftertaste in this one, only peat.
A peat massacre: 4
A peated indian whisky, I wonder if there's any vast differences between british peat and indian peat? There might be considering humidity, temperature and all that jazz. I reckon this was distilled in 2006 since that's the only vintage stated on label, which in that case makes it a very dark whisky for its young age. It smells lovely, some sweet strawberry sherry notes, moreso than peat or alcohol. The taste on the other hand is also sweet at first, but just for half a hundred of a second before the peat and massive alcohol bites. Needs water! It's another, not so pronounced peaty taste along with some tame champagne notes and a bit tarry stuff. A weird malt. As far as I'm concerned peat works best on Islay/Islands although some Highlanders and a certain Campbeltown distillery pulls it off. India? No...
Madonna doing Back In Black doesn't make it a bad song, but still: 4
The Tyrconnell NAS 40% OB
Next up on this vertical of whiskies off the beaten path is this Irish standard whisky from Cooley distillery. This one smells a bit citrussy, not bad, it's hard to taste these NAS "foreigners" without being just a little judgemental. The taste is somewhat citrussy, bitter lemon, but once again far too bland for my palate. The aftertaste is just peppery, one-dimensional, but lifts the rather boring overall impression just a bit.
I'd rather just have a regular Connemara: 2.5
Swn Y Mor NAS 40% Blended
Honest mistake, when I bought this I thought it was a welsh malt whisky, but I've since learned that Swn Y Mor started as a blend but has later been produced as a single. So this is sort of first edition, perhaps could be worth something years from now? Who cares, definately not me! Pale straw colour, smells grassy, sweet and light. The taste is zesty and bitter, I usually don't use water in Blends, but this is just a bit too mean. No, this just doesn't get any better, no aftertaste worth mentioning here.
This stuff is way too bitter, tonic stuff?: 1.5
Sikkim Old Gold Himalayan Single Malt 40% OB(?)
Okay, this is totally unfamiliar terrain for me, and I've never heard of it actually. On the bottle it says it comes from Himalaya's Dreams in Schönberg, Germany, the sole importer of Sikkim to Europe. Not a widespread whisky then, to say the least. Smells very light, actually a bit like cheap calvados, or vodka. The taste is sweet and light, sugar notes, nothing more, no aftertaste at all. It's drinkable, but not for the connoisseur. No maltiness, nothing close to scotch whisky.
Childrens booze: 2.5
Redbreast 12yo 40% OB
Well, on a trip yesterday to denmark I had a visit to a local run-down shabby to the max pub in the dirty port town of Hirtshals. They had two different single malts on their shelves, one irish and one scotch. This one smells rustic and fruity, choriander and oregano. Extremely light, just a bit too light to take seriously, like a tripple distilled Tamnavulin, Glengoyne or Highland Park. The label states it's a unique whisky. I'm not that sure.
whisky stock?: 4.5
Connemara NAS 57.9% OB CS Peated
I've had many a disappointment with irish whiskeys, as I many times find them a bit dull, but let's give this one a try. Soft nose, liquorice, very young I guess. Weird little dram, as I can't find any notes of peat at all on the nose. On the other hand, in the tasting the peat overshadows everything else. I'm not sure I follow the idea of combining tripple distillation and much peat. Anyway, no alcohol taste or aftertaste in this one, only peat.
A peat massacre: 4
fredag 3. desember 2010
7 Longmorns tasted between 1.4.2008-28.5.2011
Longmorn 19yo 1990-2009 54.5% Malts of Scotland cask#25003
I'm doing a CS bourbon-matured vertical today. I guess it isn't a real vertical, but still. Starting it all with this Longmorn, a malt that I myself have been both impressed and depressed over. Smells light, vanilla, banana, toffee(the lame sugarfree ones). The taste is dry and sour, lemon juice, but halfway it turns sweet again with anis and vanilla notes. Do I dare add water? Yes I do! With a small touch of water it becomes more robust, the sweetness and the soury notes almost disappears and left is a real peppery flavour. I wish I didn't use water.
A good example of an aged bourbon expression: 6
Longmorn 18yo 1989-2007 54.5% Signatory Vintage
Longmorns one of those malts highly regarded by many connoisseurs although never really launched in varieties like Ardbeg, Glenmorangie and so on. Usually you can find one or maybe two if you're really lucky at the liquor store. Smells plain, lots of chlorin, like being in an overheated svimmingpool. The taste is intense, some ripe notes of pear and grapefruit as well as some nice bitterness. With a small dash of water the fruitiness and bitterness disappears, now to have this one neat will be my advice, then it's really a treat.
A really nice fruity Longmorn: 6.5
Longmorn 16yo 48% OB
The new Longmorn, replacing the old 15yo, in addition to another year of maturation it's upping the abv 3%. It doesn't smell much, caramel, glucose and woodiness. The taste is slightly dry and very straight, no fragrances really standing out. It's more like a high strength blend, a really big disappointment compared to the old 15yo standard. I have to try with some water added. It's really kind of one dimansional, rubbery and pepper. I hope they revert back to the 15yo in the future.
A bland and uninspiring malt: 3
Longmorn 15yo 1991-2006 56% JWWW Scottish Castles cask 12851
Well, this then, to celebrate my temporary break, but not to worry, I'll be back with some notes on the fine whiskies from the Great Expectations list near summer. This is a single cask cask strength from JWWW, another IB I'm not familiar with. Very light colour, and definate hints of bourbon on the nose. The taste is absolutely amazing, lots of raw vanilla, small hints of lemon and a wonderful taste of palm heart. This is the kind of malt that is wonderful by itself because of it's complexity, but would also fit just about any meal because it's so damn appetizing. Actually it makes me hungry as there are some flavours that just teases my tastebuds. The aftertaste is of vanilla, lemon and melon pie.
A fantastic version of Longmorn: 8.5
Longmorn-Glenlivet 12yo 40% Gordon and Macphail
One from back in the days, bottled by G&M, stacked with E150 and very cleverly called Pure Malt. But let's hold on to the assumption that it's single malt.It smells really weak, some well hidden rustic notes, sherry or tired cask? The taste is dry and really hot, chili and lime. Adding just a drop of water then. It really opens up with some sweetness, grape soda-like with a spicy finish, actually a pretty huge transformation for such a low abv-malt.
It's something special for sure: 5.5
Longmorn 32yo 1976-2008 53% The Whisky Agency
I haven't tried any of the whisky agency series yet, but I've heard it's supposed to be really good, so.. Nice and dark colour, old style, malty nose, some sweetness and much wood. The taste is instantly oaky and sweet, not much for the ones that loves special casks or peat or any other fragrant "additives". It takes some water and the taste becomes a bit more harmonic, eh, fantastic that is. The aftertaste is peppery, like sweet wasabi.
It's not perfect, but very charming in all it's simplicity: 8
Longmorn 15yo 45% OB
From what I know, Longmorn have now stopped distributing the 15 years old. Funky smells of sweet liquorice, blackberries and cured meat. It has a nice and powerful taste of tawny portwine, dark berries, something sweet and something very peppery. No water needed. All in all a very dry malt, which I won't invest more in event though it will become increasingly harder to get a hold of.
Nice, but don't add water: 5
I'm doing a CS bourbon-matured vertical today. I guess it isn't a real vertical, but still. Starting it all with this Longmorn, a malt that I myself have been both impressed and depressed over. Smells light, vanilla, banana, toffee(the lame sugarfree ones). The taste is dry and sour, lemon juice, but halfway it turns sweet again with anis and vanilla notes. Do I dare add water? Yes I do! With a small touch of water it becomes more robust, the sweetness and the soury notes almost disappears and left is a real peppery flavour. I wish I didn't use water.
A good example of an aged bourbon expression: 6
Longmorn 18yo 1989-2007 54.5% Signatory Vintage
Longmorns one of those malts highly regarded by many connoisseurs although never really launched in varieties like Ardbeg, Glenmorangie and so on. Usually you can find one or maybe two if you're really lucky at the liquor store. Smells plain, lots of chlorin, like being in an overheated svimmingpool. The taste is intense, some ripe notes of pear and grapefruit as well as some nice bitterness. With a small dash of water the fruitiness and bitterness disappears, now to have this one neat will be my advice, then it's really a treat.
A really nice fruity Longmorn: 6.5
Longmorn 16yo 48% OB
The new Longmorn, replacing the old 15yo, in addition to another year of maturation it's upping the abv 3%. It doesn't smell much, caramel, glucose and woodiness. The taste is slightly dry and very straight, no fragrances really standing out. It's more like a high strength blend, a really big disappointment compared to the old 15yo standard. I have to try with some water added. It's really kind of one dimansional, rubbery and pepper. I hope they revert back to the 15yo in the future.
A bland and uninspiring malt: 3
Longmorn 15yo 1991-2006 56% JWWW Scottish Castles cask 12851
Well, this then, to celebrate my temporary break, but not to worry, I'll be back with some notes on the fine whiskies from the Great Expectations list near summer. This is a single cask cask strength from JWWW, another IB I'm not familiar with. Very light colour, and definate hints of bourbon on the nose. The taste is absolutely amazing, lots of raw vanilla, small hints of lemon and a wonderful taste of palm heart. This is the kind of malt that is wonderful by itself because of it's complexity, but would also fit just about any meal because it's so damn appetizing. Actually it makes me hungry as there are some flavours that just teases my tastebuds. The aftertaste is of vanilla, lemon and melon pie.
A fantastic version of Longmorn: 8.5
Longmorn-Glenlivet 12yo 40% Gordon and Macphail
One from back in the days, bottled by G&M, stacked with E150 and very cleverly called Pure Malt. But let's hold on to the assumption that it's single malt.It smells really weak, some well hidden rustic notes, sherry or tired cask? The taste is dry and really hot, chili and lime. Adding just a drop of water then. It really opens up with some sweetness, grape soda-like with a spicy finish, actually a pretty huge transformation for such a low abv-malt.
It's something special for sure: 5.5
Longmorn 32yo 1976-2008 53% The Whisky Agency
I haven't tried any of the whisky agency series yet, but I've heard it's supposed to be really good, so.. Nice and dark colour, old style, malty nose, some sweetness and much wood. The taste is instantly oaky and sweet, not much for the ones that loves special casks or peat or any other fragrant "additives". It takes some water and the taste becomes a bit more harmonic, eh, fantastic that is. The aftertaste is peppery, like sweet wasabi.
It's not perfect, but very charming in all it's simplicity: 8
Longmorn 15yo 45% OB
From what I know, Longmorn have now stopped distributing the 15 years old. Funky smells of sweet liquorice, blackberries and cured meat. It has a nice and powerful taste of tawny portwine, dark berries, something sweet and something very peppery. No water needed. All in all a very dry malt, which I won't invest more in event though it will become increasingly harder to get a hold of.
Nice, but don't add water: 5
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