Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years 40% ABV $52 Website What the Distillery Says: Complex yet perfectly balanced, our 12 Years Old reflects the raw essence of Bowmore – thrashing waves, windswept landscapes and generations of tradition. Bowmore 12 Years Old has received much critical acclaim; the late, great whisky writer Michael Jackson proclaimed it “remarkably long and complex”. We like to think of it as vanilla ice cream at a beach bonfire.
Tasting Notes:
On the eye warm amber. Breathe in subtle lemon and honey, balanced beautifully by Bowmore’s trademark peaty smokiness. Sip sweet and delicious heather honey and gentle peat smoke. Savour the long, mellow finish.
What Richard Says: Nose: Peat smoke, grassy, slight citrus notes in the back. Palate: Surprising sweetness of honey bar syrup up front followed by a mild smokiness. Finish: Briney, peaty, and a little nutty. Comments: This one for the peat freaks out there for have a bit of sweet tooth. The flavors coalesce well and the dram is well balanced overall. Very enjoyable. Rating: Stands Out
We would like to thank Savona Communications for sending us a sample review.
Ardbeg Dark Cove Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 46.5% ABV $109.99 Website What the Distillery Says: THE UNTAMED SPIRIT OF ISLAY If you stand on the rocky headland behind Ardbeg Distillery today, it’s hard to believe this idyllic spot has a turbulent and murky past. For Ardbeg was once a notorious hideout for smugglers, who plied their trade within its hidden caves and secret beaches. Dark tales abound of ill-gotten gains, daring deeds and narrow escapes from the island’s excise men, until finally a raid was made, the dens destroyed and the gang scattered. Shortly afterwards, John McDougall founded Ardbeg Distillery on the site of their nefarious operations. From that dark past came the greatest legend of all… THE DARKEST ARDBEG EVER Inspired by our dark past, Ardbeg Dark Cove is a clandestine meeting of whisky matured in ex-Bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. So, take this year’s Limited Edition and hide it well. For it is Ardbeg’s darkest spirit ever.
TASTING NOTES: COLOR: The darkest Ardbeg ever. NOSE: At first meaty, earthy and spicy. Bold notes of dark chocolate emerge against orange, rich treacle toffee, coffee and oak. Wafts of a distant, smoky bonfire in the background, along with a mysterious floral note, like flowering blackcurrant bushes. And lashings of linseed oil. TASTE: The mouthfeel is almost tart, or zesty lime. Raisins, dates,ginger and pepper spice surge forward, then retreat. Waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and huge, tarry creosote notes follow. Finally, a more savory note escapes; cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles. FINISH: Long, spicy and rich with lingering notes of toffee, coffee and tar.
What Richard Says: Nose: The nose is full on smoky Ardbeg. If there is sherry in there I surely can’t find it. Spicy, herbaceous, and campfire smoky. Give the whisky a good bit of time to sit and open up and it gets a little jammy sweet. Palate: A rich raisin and toffee sweetness jump out front. Smoked bacon wrapped dates with freshly grated ginger comes to mind. More please!!! Finish: The finish is long, peppery, and sooty. Comments: So…when I read about this year’s committee bottling I was less than pleased. The recent scotch intersections of peat and sherry I’ve found to be very wanting. Ardbog I thought was medicinal and meh. Dark Origins is to this day the only thing I’ve ever had from one of my favorite distilleries that I didn’t like and it was basically Highland Park 12 with “twice the sherry”. In the same vein the Glasgow Blend is the only disappointment I’ve had from Compass Box. I’m not saying these whiskies weren’t well crafted because by all means they were. It’s just that bastard child of sherry and peat tends to make me cringe…until now. With this release Ardbeg has somehow isolated a great smoky nose and finish with a rich pruned fruit sherry taste and married then without disturbing the other. The palate doesn’t scream Ardbeg. It’s a delicious example of well sherried single malt that is sitting like a cherished pearl in the middle of a smoky Ardbeg storm. Color me very impressed. Rating: Must Try
We would like to thank LVMH and The Baddish Group for sending over a sample for review.
The Deveron Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years 40% ABV $45 Website What the Distillery Says: John Dewar & Sons Ltd. has announced the release of The Deveron single malt which hails from MacDuff distillery, located on the northern edge of Aberdeenshire.
The new expressions of THE DEVERON® 10 year-old, THE DEVERON® 12 year-old and THE DEVERON® 18 year-old have never been released before now and will be available from October 2015.
Located where the river meets the sea, Macduff distillery sits near the mouth of the River Deveron, shortly before its cool waters join the restless surge of the North Sea. Sheltered from the worst of the seaboard storms and winter winds, this tranquil spot has seen the creation of The Deveron malt whisky for many a decade.
A comparatively modern distillery – its spirit first began to flow in 1960 – Macduff was brought into being mainly for the purpose of supplying malt whisky to the blending industry. It was commissioned by a consortium of four businessmen, who called themselves Glen Deveron Distillers Ltd.
Emanating from five small copper pot stills, and unusual horizontal condensers that gently coax extra character from the spirit, The Deveron is an approachable dram which has a tang of coastal air about it. The distillery is set up for a light, fruity spirit that’s replete with apple tones and nutty notes.
Stephen Marshall, Bacardi’s Global Marketing Manager – Single Malts remarks: “The final one. We’ve done it and it tastes great. People underestimate the quality of whisky that can be made at a comparatively modern distillery, this is really top notch stuff. Get yourself up to Macduff, or if you can’t then stick Local Hero on the telly and pour yourself a dram”.
The new portfolio consists of three age statements, each bottled at 40% ABV: The Deveron 10 Years Old (only available in France), The Deveron 12 Years Old and The Deveron 18 Years Old. Each expression has been launched in selected markets around the world including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, United States and United Kingdom.
Tasting Notes When billows break and haar ghosts in, then haste ye home or some bit warm, Unwind with toasted grain and apples, seaborne spice; calm from the storm.
THE DEVERON hails from Macduff distillery, found beside the River Deveron just before it meets the North Sea. Sheltered from those restless waters and the worst winter winds, this tranquil spot offers calm from the storm; the perfect place to craft a mellow fireside malt.
Distillation employs five small copper pot stills and unusual horizontal condensers which are arranged for a light and fruity spirit. The result is a rare coastal whisky which holds the tang of shoreline air alongside sturdy apple notes, dried fruits and nutty warmth.
What Richard Says: Nose: Baked apple tarts and malt-o-meal. Palate: Sweet, nutty apple dumplings drizzled with butterscotch syrup overlaid with a grassy freshness. Finish: Dry, nutty, woody, and slightly chalky. Comments: This dram makes me think of the fall apple harvest. I think of apple cider, apple cider donuts, and apple pie at Mercier Orchards (if you’re a Georgia local). A tasty whiskey for sure. And additional kudos for Bacardi shining the light on this underrepresented malt. Rating: Stands Out
We would like to thank Bacardi for sending over a sample for our review.
Aultmore Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years 46% ABV $50 Website
What the Distillery Says: John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected names in the world of Scotch whisky, today announced plans to release a range of new expressions and never-before-released single malts – the hidden gems of its single malt portfolio. This bold move, unprecedented in recent years, will introduce a treasure trove of top-shelf whiskies to consumers around the world.
The distinguished drams of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are launched under the title of the “Last Great Malts,” each with a compelling story and character.
For generations, these distinctive whiskies have been distilled and left to mature undisturbed in oak casks. Now, at last, whisky aficionados the world over will be able to taste the single malts from these distilleries in their authentic form. “The single malt category is one of our industry’s great growth opportunities. We are blessed with five of Scotland’s finest, high-quality whiskies,” says John Burke, dark spirits category director. “We have great respect for the category and are confident that each of the Last Great Malts will be a fitting addition to the repertoire of the most discerning single malt enthusiast.”
AULTMORE is a rare Speyside malt known locally as “a nip of the Buckie Road.” The distillery’s water filters down through the misty, mysterious area called the Foggie Moss. AULTMORE is rated top-class and is a dram sought after for its gentle grassy notes. AULTMORE will be available from November with a 12- year-old, a 21-year-old in Travel Retail, and a 25-year-old in limited quantities.
What Richard Says: Nose: Grassy and very inviting. A dry kind of vanilla with a floral, fruity backing. Palate: Rich and ripe sweetness. Poached orchard fruits drizzled with honey syrup. Del Monte canned pears in the best possible way. Finish: Crisp apples, and a slight bitter dryness. Comments: Wow what a difference those few proof points make in terms of richness, depth, and mouthfeel. This is my first experience with an Aultmore bottling and it is delicious. It is rich, creamy, sweet, inviting, and painfully drinkable. I will easily be seeking out more expressions from this distillery. Rating: Must Try
We would like to thank Bacardi for sending over a sample for us to review.
1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 46.85% ABV $30 Website What the Distillery Says: Sophisticated and complex. A distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship. Made from our signature “high rye” recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by our Master Distiller. 1792 Bourbon has an expressive and elegant flavor profile. Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balances. Elevating whiskey to exceptional new heights, 1792 Bourbon is celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide.
What Gary Says: Nose: Sharp, woody, sour oak with light sweetness, cinnamon spice, subtle licorice. Palate: Cinnamon sharp, oaky, bit of cloves; more spice than sweet. Finish: Moderate and drying. Comments: As a small batch bourbon, there is variability – and I’ll confess that my last couple of bottles of 1792 were single barrel (private selections from a local retailer). I wondered if this was also a single barrel pick (or I’ve just got accustomed to the other picks). I didn’t love this one; it felt out of balance to me, very oak/wood prominent and not enough sweetness. But if you like more oak – this could be right up your alley! Rating: Average
What Richard Says: Nose: Burnt vanilla syrup, caramel, crushed chalk, and a little citrus zest. Palate: Surprisingly sweet and drinkable with notes of toffee crisps, cocoa powder, vanilla cream filling (like in donuts and Boston Cream Pie), and gooey butter bars that are slightly burnt. Finish: Wet toothpicks dusted with cocoa powder. Comments: I put off buying a bottle of “1792 Small Batch” for years because the old “1792 Ridgemont Reserve” I found to be blah many years ago when the brand first came to Georgia. If you told me these two were even remotely the same whiskey I would laugh. I only gave it another go because friends whose opinions I value kept talking up this newer iteration. I’m glad they did. This a very drinkable bourbon that can regularly be found in the $30 range. I highly recommend adding it to your home bar as a very good example of the whiskey coming out of the lesser known Barton Distillery. Rating: Stands Out
