Must Try

Compass Box Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Compass Box Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
48.9% ABV
$100
Website
FH15th
What the Blender Says:
‘Every great achievement is the victory of a Flaming Heart.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Since we launched the Compass Box Whisky Company back in 2000, we have always aimed to experiment, to innovate and to explore where others wouldn’t in the world of Scotch. No whisky is a greater example of this ambition than Flaming Heart.

First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It created a genre-defying style that was mouldering, spicy, complex – and so popular that we re-released it three more times in the years that followed.

In this our fifteenth year, we felt compelled to revisit this unique style one more time. Our anniversary release is a huge, layered, long-lasting mouthful of a whisky to enjoy late into the night. Brooding, indulgent and older than ever before, this is a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire – with a big heart all of its own.

Availability: Fifteenth Anniversary Limited Edition release of 12,060 bottles. Bottled in July 2015.
Flavour Descriptors: A unique interplay between spice, sweet and smoke characteristics. Sweet fruits and wood-smoke on the nose. Fat and full-bodied on the palate with a spicy sweetness and a brooding complexity that is rich, sweet and addictively decadent.
Recommendations: This is a whisky for late nights, for after dinner, for camping under the stars. Drink it neat or pair with rich cheeses, fine cigars or your favourite rock song turned up to 11.
Bottling Details: Bottled at 48.9%, Not chill-filtered, Natural colour

What Richard Says:
Nose: A rich earthy and oily smoke rises out of the glass backed by a sweet fruitiness.
Palate: A rich citrus and stewed stone fruit sweetness punches out of the gate mixing with a slightly burnt vanilla cream. Soon the palate is transitioning though a spicy black peppercorn and chipotle spiciness into a lovely campfire sooty smoke.
Finish: This one just settles in for the long haul. “Long, lingering finish” only begins to give you a clue. That smokey palate is more subtle on the finish and fades like an elegant guest making the rounds of goodbyes on his way to door at the end of the party.
Comments: Wow! As much as I liked the last Flaming Heart edition I think I like this one even more. This really is a stellar example of John Glaser’s art. Even those who like scotch but maybe shy away from the smokier expressions might want to give this one a try. It could be a gateway toward the smokier drams.
Rating: Must Try

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Bushmills Sherry Cask Reserve

/ / Irish Whiskey, Review /

Bushmills Sherry Cask Reserve Single Malt Irish Whiskey
The Steamship Collection
40% ABV
$89 per liter
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™ is new innovation range, inspired by travel, from Ireland’s oldest working distillery
15 February 2016: BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey today announced its first new range of limited edition Irish whiskeys available exclusively to shoppers in select travel retail outlets – THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™. The first release in the collection, SHERRY CASK RESERVE, combines the centuries-old fine Irish whiskey making craft with intercontinental flavours, to mark the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of SS Bushmills.

The limited edition collection is inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the SS Bushmills steamship to new corners of the world and introduces a range of special cask matured Bushmills Irish Whiskeys. In 1890 the ship, commissioned by then owners The Boyd Brothers, set course for America, travelling as far as Philadelphia and Yokohama, before eventually returning refilled with casks of rum, fortified wine and bourbon – the gateway to new flavour possibilities.

David Phelan, Director of Jose Cuervo® Global Travel Retail, said: “The launch marks an exciting phase for Bushmills and demonstrates Jose Cuervo’s commitment to unlocking the potential of this legendary whiskey in the high profile travel retail channel. The Steamship Collection is available now in Belfast, Dublin and London Heathrow, and while it can’t be purchased elsewhere, we hope distribution will extend across the world, just like the voyages of SS Bushmills to the USA, Asia and beyond.”

SHERRY CASK RESERVE is exclusively matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts to deliver additional spiced honey, dark chocolate and rich dried fruit flavours. The bottle is presented in a distinctive maritime-designed packaging featuring a replica illustration of the famous Bushmills steamship.

Speaking about Bushmills’ tradition for innovation Colum Egan, Master Distiller at The Old Bushmills Distillery, said, “For centuries distillers have experimented with different barrels so naturally I was inspired by the adventures of the ship and the opportunities it opened to experiment with various casks from around the world. So, together with Master Blender Helen Mulholland, we created a whiskey with a rich, complex flavour and a smooth finish – a characteristic synonymous with our range of triple distilled whiskeys.”

A limited number of bottles of SHERRY CASK RESERVE are available now exclusively to travellers in Belfast City, Dublin and Heathrow T5 priced at €80, £65, $89 for 1Litre. It is the first release in the collection, which will soon comprise three permanent expressions plus regular special releases.

TASTING NOTES
Oloroso (‘scented’ in Spanish) is a darker sherry, with a rich and nutty flavour profile. This adds to sherry’s intense raisin characteristics and provides a new layer of complexity within the whiskey.

Colour: Medium rich gold
Nose: A full bodied intriguing aroma with dried fruit, spices and burnt sugar sweetness
Taste: Bushmills’ distinctive honeyed maltiness is intensified in this robust, darker liquid. Dark chocolate, nuttiness and spice with sweet oils mingle with vanilla and honey.
Finish: A long, sweet and smooth finish with subtle liquorice notes.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Brown sugar oatmeal, allspice berries, prunes, dried cranberries, and raw almonds.
Palate: Creamy honey mouthfeel that is way ahead of the 80 proof strength, chocolate covered almonds, and cloves.
Finish: Mint and fennel seed with a fading tannic finish.
Comments: This is one of the more un-Bushmill whiskeys from Bushmills I’ve had in some time. It is a very tasty whiskey in its own right but I find it even more intriguing as a different facet of the Bushmills stock. The sherry balances supremely well with the other components. Delicious!
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank Bushmills for sending us a bottle for review.

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Ardbeg Dark Cove

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Ardbeg Dark Cove Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46.5% ABV
$109.99
Website
Ardbeg Dark Cove
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.

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Aultmore 12 Year

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, Speyside /

Aultmore Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years
46% ABV
$50
Website

aged12

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.

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Ezra Brooks 12 Year

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Ezra B Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 12 Years
Barrel 558
49.5% ABV
$35
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Carefully stored away and undisturbed for 12 years inside select, heavily charred White Oak Barrels until it reaches its peak of smoothness, Ezra B 99 Proof Single Barrel Bourbon is truly a smooth, mellow bourbon whiskey. Backed behind seven generations of whiskey producing tradition, Ezra B uses only the choicest of grains, perfect limestone water, and special natural aging to acquire its exceptional flavor and character. Each hand-crafted bottle of Ezra B, topped with a wax sealed cork finish, perfectly personifies its character and sophistication, and should be enjoyed extra slowly to appreciate its unique flavor, aroma and full body.

TASTE: A MEDIUM TO FULL BODY WITH A RICH SWEETNESS OF VANILLA, HONEY, AND A HINT OF CHOCOLATE.
FINISH: TOASTY, LONG FINISH

What Gary Says:
Nose: Deep, rich, thick vanilla and brown sugar, sandalwood & toffee (a tad hot).
Palate: Thin mouthfeel, but nice balance of oak and chocolate, with caramel & honey.
Finish: Moderate in length and drying.
Comments: Very nice pour – although as a single barrel, be prepared for some variation. In full disclosure, I had bought a bottle of this years ago that left me less impressed than this sample (although our tastes evolve – so that could be completely on me). The nose had me braced for a thick and viscous pour, and while it felt thin to me – it was not short on flavor. Really nice balance – some 12 yr bourbons are too woody for me, and this wasn’t even close (my wheelhouse is typically 8-12 yrs old). It isn’t a secret that Luxco sources the whiskey that goes into this label from Heaven Hill, and it absolutely reminds me of their Heritage Center in Bardstown – which isn’t a bad thing in the least (heck – one of my favorite places to visit!) If you are a fan of other Heaven Hill bourbons, I would absolutely give this a shot!
Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich and captivating. Burnt sugar, vanilla beans, and soft deep woody notes.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla cream, woody, and peppery spicy.
Finish: It finishes smooth but heavy on the oak.
Comments: This is sourced whiskey but don’t let the recent cloud around that term dissuade you. It’s the result of a long standing arrangement with Heaven Hill for this Luxco brand. This is a nice, satisfying whiskey that is definitely a bourbon drinker’s bourbon. For those lamenting the recent loss of 12 year old Elijah Craig, may I recommend this as a potential replacement.
Rating: Stands Out

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