Scottish Whisky

Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish
51.8% ABV
$80
Website

What the Distiller Says
Each year, Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell, crafts a limited edition malt to celebrate friendship (“Cairdeas” in Gaelic). Released in limited quantities stateside as one of the most a highly anticipated Laphroaig offerings each year, the 2018 iteration, Cairdeas Fino Cask, features notes of toasted almonds, dried fruit and sea salt, all of which perfectly complement the whisky’s peaty, unmistakably Laphroaig flavor.

Crafted in the spirit of ‘friendship’, the 2018 bottling of this annual release whisky is perfect to share with friends old and new. Laid to rest in Warehouse 8 and 10, Cairdeas Fino Cask showcases an especially unique double maturation process in first-fill bourbon casks, followed by Fino Sherry Casks.

COLOR: Golden amber
NOSE: Toasted almonds
BODY: Full bodied
PALATE: Dried fruit and sea salt
FINISH: Laphroaig’s signature peaty flavor

What Gary Says
Nose: Sea air, brine, peat, medicinal notes with a touch of citrus sweetness and mixed nuts.
Palate:  Sweet, peaty with notes of caramel custard, spongecake and almonds underneath.
Finish:  Moderate in length, damp with hints of stewed fruits as it fades.
Comments:  I’m a fan of Laphroaig to be sure (so I’m biased like that), but in general I commend them for having a limited edition that isn’t outrageously expensive, and also is true to the core spirit. If you don’t like Laphroaig, you probably won’t like this – because it tastes like Laphroaig, with a subtle twist. I appreciate that they aren’t trying to turn it into something completely different (not to knock innovation of that nature either). I found this to be a delightful and enjoyable pour. Compared to your standard Laphroaig 10yr, I find this to be a tad less medicinal with just a bit more citrus and nutty sweetness. I found a bit of water tamped down those nuances (the peat isn’t subdued that easily), but at 51.8% this didn’t need any water. I don’t know that I loved this as much as last year’s Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask, as the differences were more subtle and nuanced. But I definitely like it a lot, and wouldn’t turn down anyone offering it!
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank Laphroaig and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.

Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish Read More »

Glenturret Old Particular 1987 28 Year Old

/ / Highland, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Glenturret Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Douglas Laing “Old Particular” 1987 28 Year Old
(K&L Wines Exclusive)
49.7% ABV
$100
Website
1286859x
What the Retailer Says:
It’s rare to see a 25 year old whisky for less than $150 these days, and even when we do see the occasional bottle our first instinct is often to ask: what’s wrong with it? Understanding that natural reaction we had to ask ourselves: how will people respond when we offer them a 28 year old, single barrel, cask strength, Highland single malt for $99.99? We’re hoping you’ll be excited because we’re absolutely thrilled! Glenturret isn’t a household name among whisky drinkers, but for those in the know it’s part of the Edrington portfolio: the group that owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes. Glenturret is also considered the oldest distillery in Scotland, having been founded in 1775, and today it’s the home of Famous Grouse: the world-renowned blended whisky in which it plays a large role. This 28 year old expression has reduced naturally down to a perfectly-drinkable 49.7% ABV and has the richness, oiliness, and concentration that only mature whisky can offer. It’s full of brandied fruit, resin, supple caramel, and creamy malted goodness. Despite its old age, the whisky is surprisingly lithe and light on its feet. By no means is this a heavy, full-bodied number, but rather a classic Highland whisky with plenty of barrel-aged complexity. For the price, it’s a no brainer.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, thick depth of tropical fruit salad, herbal spice, subtly floral with a note of malted milk balls.
Palate: Viscous, creamy mouthfeel, crème brluee, fruity (plums, lemon curd) before sharpening to a pepper spice – and then softening up again; a bit of water thins the mouthfeel a bit, but opens up the fruity sweetness further, adding a cereal grain note.
Finish: Long, and softly drying.
Comments: I’d never had anything from Glenturret, and this was more of an opportunistic purchase than anything (had the chance to pop into one of K&L’s stores, and thought “$100 for 28yr single malt? Why not!”) One of the better $100 blind purchases I’ve made. This is a lovely dram, and while very drinkable at bottled/cask strength – it stands up to water nicely. This was one of three bottles I picked up during my visit, and the only one I sought a back-up of. As a single cask private selection (which was sold out in short order), I don’t expect to have another chance to add a third, but this would be an insta-buy for me if I did.
Rating: Must Buy

Glenturret Old Particular 1987 28 Year Old Read More »

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Blended Scotch Whisky

40% ABV
$220 – $250
Website

What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivalled masterpiece. It is an exquisite blend made from some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the’ remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. An extraordinary whisky for extraordinary occasions.

FLAVOR
NOSE: Take in the wonderfully mellow, rounded nose – replete with dry smokiness artfully mixed with the sweetness of raisins.
PALATE: Serving a velvety combination of vanilla, honey and rose petals – before broadening out to include a zesty orange flavor with notes of hazelnut, sherry and dark chocolate.
FINISH: Signing off with a rich and luxuriously long finish, which showcases Johnnie Walker’s trademark smokiness in the most sophisticated way.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Nice with a bit of sherry, peat, and nutty spice with dark fruit; hint of pipe smoke while laid back in an old overstuffed leather chair.
Palate:  Creamy rich mouthfeel, fruity (melons and raisins), hints of chocolate with allspice, nutmeg, anise and dark candy.
Finish:  Long, slow and mellowing.
Comments:  This is one of the main reasons I wanted this sample pack.  I’ve been wanting to try Johnnie Walker Blue for years, but not enough to buy a whole bottle (and not wanting to try it in a bar/restaurant where the environment isn’t often conducive to giving a dram my full attention.  In comparison to the Platinum 18 yr, I found this to be only a marginal step up in the line-up. On its own, it is a very nice pour. It is absolutely one of the more intensely flavored drams I’ve had at only 40% ABV. Nothing objectionable either – very well balanced, and I appreciate the craftsmanship that went into blending this.  It too leaves me wanting to try it at a higher proof, and for my tastes, there are plenty of bottles I’d pick over this for the money.
Rating: Stands Out

(Richard and Matt had reviewed this as part of a ‘taste off’ in 2009; below are their notes from that post)

What Richard Says:
Nose:  Peatier and smokier than most blends. You can really smell the Islay in here. Fresh cut wood and non-orange citrus. Limes maybe?
Palate:  An initial sweetness quickly shoved aside for a rich smokiness that settles to brine notes of the sea. Rich, complicated, and ever changing on the palate.
Finish:  A very slow and long finish. It leaves you with a mellow smokiness more subtle than the robust smoke on the palate.
Rating: Must Try

What Matt Says:
Nose:  Peat, chocolate, honey suckle and other sweet florals. Quite lovely.
Palate:  Very smooth, but a little one-dimensional. There are some very light hints of peat, but mostly sweet and fruity.
Finish: Peaty and dry.
Rating: Stands Out

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Read More »

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old
40% ABV
$120
Website
Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year
What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old was inspired by the tradition of giving private blends to a close circle of family friends by John Walker & Sons. Blended from whiskies that have matured for at least 18 years, it combines sophisticated and contemporary tastes with classic Johnnie Walker flavours. When you want to make a special occasion truly exceptional, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is the discerning choice.
FLAVOURS
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Initially sweet with a warm vanilla undercurrent and a suggestion of tangerines, it moves smoothly over the palate into a nutty, malty dryness before a long finish brings elegant suggestions of soft charcoal smokiness and a beautifully fading citrus zest.

What Gary Says
Nose:  Sherried smoke with subtle dark fruit behind sea air; bit of allspice, cigar paper and sour oak.
Palate:  Soft entry with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, sweet fruit with savory vegetal notes, hints of peat and smoke.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying.
Comments:  Tasting this as part of the Johnnie Walker Sampler Pack (which includes their Black, Gold Label Reserve, this, and Blue).  If you’re not familiar with Johnnie Walker’s lineup, this is a cost effective way to get a large enough sample of each to spend some quality time with them.  This was a definite step up from the Gold Label Reserve. A nice pour that is well balanced, with a bit of several things (sherry, smoke, peat, fruit). While I enjoy it, it isn’t squarely in my wheelhouse – especially for the money. And again – while quite easy to drink at this proof, I’d love to try this at a higher proof.
Rating: Stands Out

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old Read More »

Glenfarclas 25 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

Glenfarclas 25 Year

43% ABV
$140-$180
Website
Glenfarclas 25yr

What the Distiller Says

100% Oloroso sherry cask maturation.
A great after-dinner whisky so rich and full that it is a dessert in itself, with a finish that goes on forever.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Amber with dark-gold highlights.
Nose: Complex, yet refined, with tempting aromas of marmalade, honey, freshly ground coffee, sherry and nuts. Some oaky tannins.
Flavour: Full-bodied and robust, the sherry and the oak fight for your attention yet neither overpowering.
Finish: Intense, long lasting, dry and malty. A beautiful dark chocolate taste at the back of your mouth to complete the 25 years old.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Herbal, grassy, vegetal with notes of green tobacco and leather; a bit of water brings out a subtle sweetness with peaches and honey.
Palate:  Bam! Sherried almonds in fruits salad with pears, honey, chocolate and nutmeg sprinkled in; a subtle port-like nuance going on.
Finish:  Long, nutty sweetness with a spice kick at the end (when you get there).
Comments:  This is even lighter in color than the 21 yr AND the 17 yr (very odd). The nose was a bit of an enigma; like the 17 yr, it is a departure from the rest of the range – lacking in those sherried dark fruit notes you expect with an aged single malt that’s been in Oloroso sherry this long. But it makes a big comeback on the palate, delivering those sweet fruity notes. I got a port-like sweetness near the end on the palate, which I particularly liked (like the 21 yr, left me to wonder if there was other wood involved – but there isn’t). A delicious dram, although with a beguiling nose.

Rating: Stands Out

(Richard had reviewed this as part of a Whisky Advent calendar; below are his notes from that review)

What Richard Says

Nose: Rich, deep, and refined sherry character with just a little bit of oak and tannins in the back.
Palate: Creamed honey, lighter sherry than the nose would foretell, oak, and a pinch of cracked pepper.
Finish: Lots of lingering cocoa powder and oak.
Comments: This is a lovely example of an older sherried single malt. Glenfarclas also seems to be priced rather attractively for a 25 year old. However, this particular malt is a little less complex than I would expect or hope for. Oak, tannins, and sherry are the predominate notes (understandably) but I’m not getting much else. Even still, this is a very nice dram and one you should consider trying, given the opportunity.

Rating: Stands Out

Glenfarclas 25 Year Read More »