Scottish Whisky

Caol Ila 12 Year

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Caol Ila 12 Year
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

43% ABV
$80 – $90
Website
Caol Ila 12 Yr

What the Distillery Says

The ultimate Islay malt, Caol Ila is considered by experts to be the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malt whiskies and a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over. Fresh, sweetly fruity and smooth-bodied, Caol Ila 12 year old is the colour of pale straw, with a delicate balance of tastes.

APPEARANCE: Pale straw.
BODY: Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel: firm with a light to medium body.
NOSE: Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist’s mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke. A little water raises almond oil and old fashioned oilskins; still a fresh fruitiness, a trace of olive oil, and after a while potpourri or scented hand-soap.
PALATE: Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel; with water light acidity, some salt and still the sweeter notes. A complex balance of primary tastes.
FINISH: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Subtle peat and sea air, grassy, vanilla, hint of grapefruit and apricots, leather, maybe a touch of mint.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel with a smoky sweetness, vanilla, light spices, nutmeg, soft peat, orange and lemon zest.
Finish:  Long with peat smoke, slowly building pepper spice.
Comments:  A solid single malt that brings the peat but in a gentle and sophisticated manner. I’m a bit embarrassed that we hadn’t reviewed this classic until now!  This is a pour that I find I enjoy nosing a bit more than drinking (not that I don’t enjoy the sipping part!)  The nose has a bit more complexity than the palate, but both are nicely balanced.  If someone has been turned off by peat in the past (maybe diving right in with a Laphroaig) but is looking to try again, I find this to be a great ‘peat gateway’ pour.

Rating: Stands Out

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Ardbeg Corryvreckan

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

57.1% ABV
$88-$100
Website
Ardbeg Corryvreckan

What the Distillery Says

Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards.

Non chill-filtered at 57.1% ABV

TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Rich Amber
AROMA: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.
TASTE: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.
FINISH: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Rich and intense peat smoke, salted sea weed, leather, barbecue pulled pork, ashy, some fruit notes underneath, medicinal, a hint of sardines.
Palate:  Smoky peat and dark chocolate, white cracked pepper, vanilla, honey, soft fruit notes of pears and peaches.
Finish:  Moderately long with peat smoke and a touch of honey.
Comments:  Some folks might knock the fact that this is non-age stated (meaning it could include young single malt).  While I would applaud transparency, what I care most about is what the whisk(e)y delivers.  This is a lovely, intense dram – easily one of my favorite Ardbegs.  Nothing about it is objectionable, or even disappointing to be honest.  It isn’t just that at the high proof it brings an amazing intensity (which it does), but it has layers of complexity that I really enjoy.  Very fitting name, as I nose this I feel I’m being slowly pulled into the dram, with something new unveiled if I’m patient.  A stellar pour of peaty, briny goodness!.

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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Grangestone Sherry Cask Finish

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Grangestone Sherry Cask Finish
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

40% ABV
$30
Website
Grangestone Sherry Cask

What the Producer Says

The Grangestone Single Malt Scotch Whisky range offers a selection of some of the finest Single Malts available from the Highlands of Scotland. Each spirit is chosen by our Malt Master for its quality and character to be symbolic of whiskies of this region.

Grangestone truly is a perfect example of a whisky from the Highland region of Scotland.

This Grangestone Single Malt has been matured in traditional American oak casks until it has achieved the perfect balance of flavours, green leafy notes play in harmony with its sweet delicate oak flavour.
The whisky is then transferred into casks that have previously held Sherry to allow for further development.

Aroma: A rich malty aroma with subtle notes of dried fruits and cinnamon sticks. The sherry cask influence has introduced a sherbet spice and oaky character.
Taste: Rich and spicy with layers of sweet oak, raisins, apricots and fresh oak. Addition of a little water releases the characteristic flavours of sherry cask.
Finish: Mellow and enduring.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Fruity, almost brandy-like, grapes, green apples, hint of an earthy note.
Palate:  Thin, sour apple candy notes, grapes, bit of pepper at the back.
Finish:  Short and drying with grapes and pepper.
Comments:  Another non-age stated whisky that I again approached with low expectations – and like the Rum Cask Finish fell short of that low bar. I love sherry matured and finished spirits, but this doesn’t remind me of any of them. Again, thankful it is offered in 50mL and if you’re just dying to try this – would highly recommend buying that size before a full bottle.

Rating: Probably Pass

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Grangestone Rum Cask Finish

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Grangestone Rum Cask Finish
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

40% ABV
$30
Website
Grangestone Rum Cask

What the Producer Says

The Grangestone Single Malt Scotch Whisky range offers a selection of some of the finest Single Malts available from the Highlands of Scotland. Each spirit is chosen by our Malt Master for its quality and character to be symbolic of whiskies of this region.

Grangestone truly is a perfect example of a whisky from the Highland region of Scotland.

Character
This Grangestone Single Malt has been matured in traditional American oak casks until it has achieved the perfect balance of flavours, green leafy notes play in harmony with its sweet delicate oak flavour.

The whisky is then transferred into casks that have previously held premium Rum to allow for further development.

Aroma: A rich malty aroma with a biscuity sweetness and fresh fruit notes. A delicate leafy character is balanced with vanilla sweetness.
Taste: Sweet and rounded with a vanilla oakiness. The malty character carries through into the taste with subtle notes of caramelised fruits.
Finish: Mellow and long lasting.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Malty, grainy, heather, rum, sugar cane, hint of an earthy note.
Palate:  Thin, light and sweet with rum, a slightly sour oak note, peppery at the back.
Finish:  Short and drying with pepper and a fading mineral note.
Comments:  As a non-age stated whisky, I approached this with low expectations – and it managed to still fall short. On the nose and palate this comes across as quite young. When I think of Highland single malt scotch, this doesn’t reflect or echo any that come to mind. The most positive thing I can say about this is I’m glad that they offer this in a 50mL bottle (which is what I bought).

Rating: Probably Pass

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The Exclusive Blend 1994 – 20 Years

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

The Exclusive Blend 1994 – 20 Years
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

50% ABV
$100
The Exclusive Blend 1994 20 Years

What the Bottle Says

Distilled in 1994 / Aged in oak casks for over 20 Years
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Natural colour and without chill filtration for a more flavourful whisky

The finest Highland and Speyside Scotch Malt Whiskies all distilled in 1994, blended together and married in first fill ex-Sherry oak casks.

Matured exclusively in ex-Sherry butts from Jerez, Spain, this blend of the finest malt whiskies is full of rich chocolate, fruit salad and sweet oak. Expect a long, oily and fruit-laden finish.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Soft sherry, dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate, floral, subtle smoke, oak, herbal savory notes of grilled meat.
Palate:  Rich, sweet, fruity with plums, figs, blood orange and cherries, pepper bite with baking spices of nutmeg and clove.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying with cherries and spices.
Comments:  This is from independent bottler The Creative Whisky Co (who unfortunately was purchased a couple of years back apparently for their assets). A very nicely balanced dram. Fruity and spicy, although a tad sharp. Takes water well which opens up the floral notes but keeps a nice rich mouthfeel.

Rating: Stands Out

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