Review | Whisk(e)y Apostle: Proselytizing the way of the malt

Smooth Amble Old Scout Single Barrel Rye

April 3, 2015 / Richard / Review, Rye Whiskey / Stands Out

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel 8 yr Rye; Barrel No 983 (Sherlocks selection)
61% ABV
$50
Website

What the Bottler Says:
Old Scout Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye is a just what it says; a single barrel that has been bottled at cask strength, usually between 115 and 125 proof. We pick barrels that are different from our stock selection to create unique experiences with each purchase.

Tasting Notes: A touch of sweetness leads to big spice. A bit of menthol on the nose with hints of honey and brine. Heat related to the cask strength, but still easy to drink. Maybe a touch of water helps here for some.
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malt
Aging: A minimum of 7 years, non-chill filtered.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Hello alcohol, toasted orange zest, cinnamon; some water tamps down the heat and brings forth nutmeg and baking spices
Palate: Nice rich mouthfeel, heavy citrus notes with apricots and burnt sugar
Finish: Medium, peppery as it dries
Comments: Any single barrel offering like this has the potential to be anywhere from ‘meh’ to ‘holy @#$%, make room in the bunker’. When I first tried this, I thought enough of it to buy another bottle right away (you know – before they run out!) The more I drink it, the less impressive I find it; although I don’t regret the purchase one bit. 8 yr old barrel proof rye isn’t likely to be found for less, and it is a nice whiskey. It just reminds me that I really should sample something on at least two or three different occasions for an opinion (where a first impression might be extreme on either end). This was the third Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Proof Rye I’ve purchased, and I haven’t been disappointed in any of them.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Holy rye minty alcohol Batman! It’s not as harsh as you would expect over 60% ABV but a little water goes a long way. Churros sprinkled with citrus zest and fresh mint leaves.
Palate: Surprisingly easy to drink but a few splashes of water make it fantastic. More orange zest, fresh baked monkey bread, and great poached stone fruit flavor.
Finish: The finish is nice and subtle with just a bit of cinnamon and white pepper around the edges.
Comments: This is a really nice well rounded bottle of rye. Smooth Ambler does really nice things with MGP ryes in particular. At $50 for a bottle when comparables from Redemption and other bottlers of similar rye are moving closer to three digits makes this a value in the current market conditions. Rye fans should really like it. However, if rye whiskey isn’t your bag then this isn’t going to change your whiskey religion.
Rating: Stands Out

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Balblair 1983

March 30, 2015 / Richard / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky / Stands Out

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 1983 Vintage
46% ABV
$285
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Balblair Vintage 1983 is a rich, warm dram, combining all core Balblair characteristics. Only just launched to replace the 2nd release of 1975 this stunning dram is sure to be just as popular as its predecessor.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The first release of Balblair 1983 has a rich golden appearance.
Aroma: On the nose there are warm aromas of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Citrus fruits can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage.
Palate: On the palate it is sweet and spicy; with overtones of fresh fruits and honey.
Finish: A long, warming and full bodied finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: There is surprisingly (for a scotch this old) lightness to this with interplay of fruity and floral. Later it develops into vanilla, lemon drops, butterscotch and egg custard.
Palate: Again, surprisingly light and delicate. Honey sweetness drizzled over poached fruit. then it goes to all bourbon barrel vanilla tinged wood spice moving into the finish.
Finish: A tart woodiness that I’m not a fan of with cinnamon dusted raw wood.
Comments: As I continue to get older it is rarer that I get to drink whisky nearly as old as I am. While still a few years shy of me this one comes close. Sadly, this one doesn’t really do it for me. Of the four Balblairs we received samples of it was the 1999 and 1990, both sherry finished, that really stood out. The 1983, in all it’s bourbon cask woodiness has it’s highlights but it doesn’t jump out and grab you like the two younger expressions from the 1990’s. If it were me i would grab that 1990 and two 1999’s rather than drop the coin on the 1983.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Lukasz with Alembic Communications for sending over the review sample.

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Balblair 1990

March 28, 2015 / Richard / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky / Must Buy

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 1990 Vintage
46% ABV
$125
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak ex-sherry butts Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release is truly exceptional. Recently released to replace our award-winning 1989 Vintage, this incredible dram is sure to become a firm favourite amongst Balblair fans and whisky connoisseurs.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The second release of Balblair 1990 is deep copper in appearance with hints of sparkling amber.
Aroma: The aroma is spicy yet sweet and is punctuated with notes of raisins, toffee and honey. Hints of vanilla, chocolate and citrus fruits are also present.
Palate: On the palate it is full bodied; sweet and spicy in character with hints of honey, raisins and zesty fruits.
Finish: The finish is smooth and long-lasting.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The sherry jumps forward on the nose with spice accented sweetness. I’m thinking a treacle tart with a sherry reduction drizzled on top.
Palate: This is a slower build than the 1999 but it’s well worth the wait. It comes in muted but then swells with notes of creamed honey, buttered cinnamon raisin toast, citrus zest, and stewed fruit with a back note like biting into a black peppercorn.
Finish: Damn these older Balblairs have a finish that last for days. Cinnamon, ginger, and cocoa powder interplay well with the wood on the finish.
Comments: To be honest for a long time I had intentionally overlooked Balblair. My earliest encounters were under whelming. The newer young-ish iterations show a fruity brightness that is very easy to enjoy. These older Balbairs are spending a year or so in sherry casks as a finish and the marriage works out tremendously well. The 1999 was a joy to drink and this 1990 is like it’s older more subtle and refined brother. Very delicious and at it’s price point for a 21+ year old single malt this one is a must buy.
Rating: Must Buy

We would like to thank Lukasz with Alembic Communications for sending over the review sample.

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Balblair 1999

March 26, 2015 / Richard / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky / Must Try

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 1999 Vintage
46% ABV
$80
Website

What the Distillery Says:
ummer 2014 sees the launch of the second release of the 1999 Vintage from Balblair Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Set to hit shelves at the end of June, Balblair Vintage 1999 will be available globally in Independent and Specialist Retailers.

Balblair 1999 replaces the award winning second release of the 1997 Vintage; the introduction of the 1997 Vintage took the core collection from three to four expressions. The 1999 Vintage will be presented in a premium opening box, joining the complete Balblair collection available in this luxury format.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Balblair 1999 2nd release is copper in appearance with flecks of sparkling bronze.
Aroma: The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts used for maturation impart the signature Balblair aromas of honey and green apples, as well as notes of rich, fruity Christmas cake with a hint of spice, citrus fruits and vanilla.
Palate: On the palate it is full bodied, sweet and spicy in character, with hints of honey, vanilla and leather.
Finish: The finish is warm, smooth and long-lasting.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fruit cake drizzled with a sherry reduction. It’s smells much better than fruit cake tastes. Under ripe apples, leather and lemon zest.
Palate: Rich, spicy, sherry, and honey sweet with layers of leather and tobacco. This is delicious and drinks much older than it’s years.
Finish: Woody, dry, and tannic on the finish. It lingers damn near forever.
Comments: This is a very nice whisky. Unlike so many others the palate delivers what the nose promises. The years spent finishing in a sherry cask have done wonders for the underlying Balblair malt. The finish is a bit tart, chalky, and tannic which I’m not crazy about but just keep drinking it and this isn’t a problem.
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank Lukasz with Alembic Communications for sending over the review sample.

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Balblair 2003

March 24, 2015 / Richard / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky / Stands Out

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 2003
46% ABV
$65
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Launched alongside 1990 & 1983 in November 2013, Balblair Vintage 2003 replaces Vintage 2002. The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels used in maturation impart toffee, butterscotch and vanilla notes.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Balblair 2003 is golden amber in appearance.
Aroma: On the nose there are the signature Balblair aromas: floral and fragrant punctuated with citrus fruits, apricots and honey.
Palate: On the palate it is full bodied, with notes of oranges, lemon, honey and spice.
Finish: The long lasting finish is sweet yet spicy; a superbly well-balanced dram.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Floral,fruity, slightly herbal with hints of vanilla. Citrus zest with a little back nuttiness.
Palate: A lovely light honey sweetness. As light as it is the higher proof gives it more of a viscous creamy mouthfeel that is very nice with the honey and just a bit of pepper on the back end. Poached pears and cereal grain compote.
Finish: A little bland and a wood not that reminds me of toothpicks dusted in ground white pepper.
Comments: This is a nice approachable and easy to drink dram. It’s not terribly complex but it is terribly drinkable. I like it much better than the 2002 it replaced. The pricing is steep though.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Lukasz with Alembic Communications for sending over the review sample.

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