Scottish Whisky

Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside, The Collector's Cabinet /

The Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Distilled 1991, Bottle 08/09, Batch 0809A
48% ABV
Website
glenlivet-1991-nadurra-triumph-main_image-250
What the Distillery Says:
Matured in a mixture of American and European oak casks, Nàdurra Triumph 1991 is a limited release bottled at 48% and is the first Nàdurra expression based on a vintage statement.

This new expression has been selected from stocks that were distilled in 1991 using Triumph, a variety of the barley that is no longer used in the production of The Glenlivet. Keeping in line with the Nàdurra range, the Nàdurra Triumph 1991 is non-chill filtered, which better retains its natural flavours with an additional richness and a creamy mouth feel.

The additional resting time and a broader selection of casks provide a layer of complexity, and results in a whisky that is more fruitful and has a mildly sweeter flavour; sure to be appreciated by whisky lovers everywhere.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Hints of licorice, fresh grain, and citrus notes.
Palate: Sweeter than regular Nadurra or regular 18 year old Glenlivet. Creme brulee, peaches, poached pears, buttery and delicious. The Triumph barley adds additional complexity and depth to the malt.
Finish Surprisingly dry and slightly tannic. Unexpected given how juicy the palate was.
Comments: I’m am so sad this was a one off. It takes classic Glenlivet and really turns it up. It’s vibrant, fresh, well balanced, and soothing. I’m even sadder that I waited so long to review it because my bottle is almost empty.
Rating: Must Try

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Dewar’s Signature

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky
Bottle Number A18955
43% ABV
$180 to $200
Website
Dewars_Signature
What the Distillery Says:
There are over 160 years of blending traditions in every bottle of Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky. Carefully layered from the rarest whiskies from each of Scotland’s whiskies regions and double barrel aged to bring out the complex flavor, Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is our richest, fullest, and smoothest creation.

Our Dewar’s Signature Blended Scotch Whisky is Honeyed, rich toffee and velvet

What Richard Says:
Nose: Oranges, smoke, wet hay, floral notes, and vanilla.
Palate: Rich, creamy, and welcoming. More vanilla, caramel hard candies, more hay, and spicy oak notes at the back of the palate.
Finish: Heavy on the pepper, spice and oak. Medium length. Surprisingly robust given the delicate nature of the nose and palate.
Comments: This is possibly the most well balanced dram of scotch I’ve ever had. This is absolutely delightful. The next time you’re thinking about grabbing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, grab a bottle of Dewar’s Signature instead. You won’t regret it.
Rating: Must Try

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Dewar’s 12 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Dewar’s 12 Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV
$25
Website
dewars-12-year-scotch-whisky
What the Distillery Says:
After we blend our Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky, we return it to the vintage oak casks so it can mature a little more. This extra step is called double barrel aging and it makes Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky an even smoother blend with a long, lingering finish.

Our Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky is Warm, buttery and mellow

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fresh hay dipped in honey and vanilla. Green as in vegetal not new or young. Lots of toffee and orange zest.
Palate: Sweet and creamy like a custard with more vanilla and light oak.
Finish: Surprisingly dry and woody.
Comments: If the sum total of your 12 year of blended scotch experience is Johnnie Walker Black and Chivas then you need to get out more. Dewar’s makes some lovely drams. Their Special Reserve is a nice well balanced dram that you shouldn’t overlook.
Rating: Stands Out

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Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 21 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV/80 Proof
$170 to $220
Website
chivas_bottle
What the Distillery Says:
In 1953, Chivas Brothers paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by creating a limited edition of a very special blended whisky. Only 2,500 cases were produced for worldwide distribution. The first flagons, adorned with the royal crest, were sealed on the day of her coronation. The name chosen was considered a fitting tribute to the new monarch. It was called Royal Salute, after the 21-gun salute – the ultimate mark of respect, reserved for tributes to dignitaries and nations alike. Appropriately, each of the whiskies in the blend was at least 21 years old and thus, Royal Salute 21 Year Old was born.

Appearance: Deep, golden amber colour

Nose: Rich, fruity aromas and the sweet fragrance of autumn flowers

Taste: Full, deep fruity flavours wit a subtle smokiness

Finish: Rich, long and lingering

What Richard Says:
Nose: Sherry sweetness, malted barley, heather, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
Palate: There’s the slightest smokiness that is really very pleasant. It’s a silky smooth dram with a little nuttiness and a surprisingly woody note. It’s not oak per se but woody just the same.
Finish: Oak at first but it smooths out into a nutty smokiness. A nice long finish.
Comments: Yummy. I’m not in the habit of dropping $200 on a bottle of scotch. Even less so for a blend. Fortunately, I picked this up for about half the price duty free in Puerto Rico and I’m glad I did. This is an immensely drinkable dram. Are there things I’d rather spend $200 on? Yes but it’s very tasty just the same.
Rating: Stands Out

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Glen Grant 10 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 10 Years
40% ABV
$30 to $45+
Website
glen_grant_10_year_old
What the Distillery Says:
Our 10 Year Old single malt brings an added intensity to Glen Grant’s familiar orchard fruits. Rich in colour, it lingers in the mouth with a soft, almond finish. 10 Year Old, 40%

Appearance: Rich golden barley
Bouquet: Medium/Dry, with a good balance of ripe orchard fruits
Palate: Creamy, fruity
Finish: Intense, fruity
Whisky style: Gentle, elegant Speyside Single Malt with hints of hazelnut
Cask type: Matures in Bourbon casks

What Richard Says:
Nose: Floral and fruity with hints of treacle.
Palate: Light, clean, and ridiculously drinkable. Creamy notes of vanilla and straw.
Finish: Light and dry.
Comments: Okay, so this isn’t the most flavorful or popular single malt out there but oh my it’s drinkable. This one of those whiskies that if you’re not careful you’ll be halfway done with the bottle before you know it. When this rolled out to the U.S. a while back you could get it for $30 or less. Now it’s in the $40 to $50 range. At $30 it’s an easy Must Buy but at current prices it’s only a stand out for it’s drinkability.
Rating: Stands Out

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