The Whisky Exchange's Christmas malt is now a tradition, and last year saw the release of a 10 year-old Speyside whisky. The label doesn't say, but it comes from Linkwood. Its reception wasn't quite as enthusiastic as it could've been - the fact that its predecessor in 2018 was a 17 year-old Glenfarclas may have … Continue reading A Fine Christmas Malt (54.2%, The Whisky Exchange 2019)
Tag: Speyside
Craigellachie 13 (46%, OB 2019)
Craigellachie aren't quiet about the fact that they like to do things differently. For example, while most distilleries remove the sulphur that occurs as part of the distillation, the Craigellachie style actively embraces it: the use of worm tubs for instance helps preserve sulphur notes and create the big, meaty character that the brand is … Continue reading Craigellachie 13 (46%, OB 2019)
Benromach 10 (43%, OB 2015)
The distillery is refreshingly honest about the maturation of their 10 year-old: it spends its first nine years in 80% bourbon and 20% sherry casks, before being married for a year in sherry casks. Ever since I first tried it in 2011, the Benromach 10 has remained one of my go-to whiskies both in terms … Continue reading Benromach 10 (43%, OB 2015)
Glenfiddich 15 Solera (40%, OB 2014)
This is from a litre bottle bought in 2014, but opened just recently. Glenfiddich have since changed the bottle and label design, but the liquid has stayed the same. I suppose this is especially true of this 15 year-old because of its relatively unique (for Scotch whisky) use of the Solera vat, where whisky from … Continue reading Glenfiddich 15 Solera (40%, OB 2014)
Glenfiddich 12 (40%, OB 2017)
It's fashionable in some whisky circles to dismiss Glenfiddich 12 as a 'beginner's whisky'. It's understandable for two reasons: first, it's an exponent of the soft, fruity Speyside style that a lot of people recommend to whisky newbies (personally I think the idea of a soft, fruity style for beginners and a heavy, smoky or … Continue reading Glenfiddich 12 (40%, OB 2017)
In Brief: Glenburgie 18 1995 (43%, Signatory, Casks 6447 & 6448)
Unfortunately there's an overpowering rancid mushroom note along with some mustiness that can only indicate a faulty seal. Pity, because some fruit in the background indicate what could have been. Sadly this isn't the Glenburgie I know - the sample was spoiled. By no means should this be taken as a fair representation of the … Continue reading In Brief: Glenburgie 18 1995 (43%, Signatory, Casks 6447 & 6448)
In Brief: Glen Grant 20 (43%, Signatory, Casks 88170 & 88171)
A marriage of two sister casks. This is very soft, with restrained fruity notes. It feels very fresh and young, despite its 20 years. If this was tasted blind, I would've guessed around 12 years old. The cask influence is minimal - on the one hand I approve of this, on the other it's just … Continue reading In Brief: Glen Grant 20 (43%, Signatory, Casks 88170 & 88171)
Glenfiddich 14 Rich Oak (40%, OB 2016)
This is a variant on the normal Glenfiddich range. Having been matured for 14 years in American oak (presumably ex-bourbon casks), it's finished for a few weeks in virgin casks, both from Spanish and American oak. I used to have a full bottle when it first came out about ten years ago, but this is … Continue reading Glenfiddich 14 Rich Oak (40%, OB 2016)
The Daily Dram 