Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 43% ABV $40 Available in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
What the Distillery Says: This is a medium-bodied whisky with the aromas of dried fruits and honey. It has a delicate, mellow taste with a lingering, woody, dry finish.
What Richard Says: Nose: Initial agitation brings floral-fruity sweetness. As the whisky settles the nose becomes a little more wooded but still mellow and pleasant. Water seems to dull the nose. Palate: Very light and aperitif-like initially but the smokiness comes in on the palate before the finish. Crisp and lightly sweet, it is reminiscent of scotch while being something else entirely. Water makes the palate flow more continuously but it also takes out some of the flavors. Finish: The finish is my least favorite component. It’s a little too oaky and peppery. However, the cure for that is to drink more. Comments: This was my first foray into Japanese a few years ago. Japanese whisky is a spectacular group that is amazingly diverse and shows great ingenuity. The 12 Year Old is not my favorite but it makes a good transition malt for scotch drinkers. Rating: Stands out, Great Value
What Matt Says: Nose: Green apples, pears, and wild flowers. With water burnt sugar also comes out. Palate: Warming and viscous, cherry cough drops, German chocolate cake, and oak resin. With water the apples and pears also come out. Finish: Not too long, not too short. I get more from the sherry influence than expected with rich dark berry flavors. Comments: This easily stands out against Glenlivet and Glenfiddich 12 and it’s more approachable than Glenmorangie Original. Rating: Stands Out
Penderyn Aur Cymru Single Malt Welsh Whisky (March 09) 46% ABV/92 Proof Around $65 Available in select markets
What the Distillery Says: At premium strength (46%) Penderyn has an exceptionally balanced taste with an aroma of cream toffee and fleetingly of fresh new leather. Then, as the initial sensations fade, the finishing notes of tropical fruits, raisins and vanilla emerge strongly and are long lasting.
Like Welsh Gold (Aur Cymru) this malt whisky is rare and precious. Handcrafted and Madeira Finished.
What Richard Says: Nose: Ripe fruits, floral sweetness, aged and polished wooden furniture, and well worn leather. Very brandy-like. Cognac in the 10 to 20 Year Old range more than anything else. Palate: Macerated orchard fruit but not citrus. It’s more like peaches and apricot but not sweet at all. Vegetal under currents. A good bit of heat and spice that seems to be coming from the youth of the whisky and alcohol more than the inherent flavor profile. Finish: It leaves the lips numb. More woody on the finish. Those vegetal notes show up more pronounced on the finish than the palate. Comments: This is definitely an interesting whisky. The nose alone makes it stand out. I love the nose. The palate is pleasant and should develop with some more years on it. Rating: Stands Out
What Matt Says: Nose: At the back there is a distinct “whisky-ness” about it (an echo of smoke, caramel and crème brulee that reminds me of Springbank). The predominant scents are more akin to sour fruit candies. When I was in the UK, I got addicted to these Starburst Jellybeans. They were a lot better than the ones we get over here (actual fruit juice and different flavors). The two flavors that really grabbed me were the pink grapefruit and black currant flavors. This smells exactly like those tasted. Palate: Cantaloupe, barley malt, green wood and sap. More oak than the nose suggests. Finish: Slight burn with lingering oak. Comments: This is a very nice dram. Its easy to drink. Its not all that complex, so you can drink a lot of it. It easily holds it’s own with other entry-level drams from the rest of the UK. However, for the price point, I want a little more complexity. I love Wales and there is nothing else like this out there, so I would buy a bottle of it for the novelty. I would drink it all and not necessarily buy another bottle based on this bottling. I’ve enjoyed past bottlings much more and look forward to future bottlings. Rating: Average
Glenmorangie Astar 57.1% ABV, 114.2 Proof Around $75, Widely Available Website What The Distillery Says: From the tall peaks of Missouri ‘Ozarks’ to the sweeping grandeur of the Highlands of Scotland, Astar (in Gaelic it means “journey”) is the story of our quest to ‘design’ the very best oak casks that will deliver perfection in the final spirit; the result is a deep, rich, silky and creamy malt that embodies Glenmorangie’s art of whisky creation.
What Richard Says: Nose: The high bottling strength makes for a trying nose. The alcohol tends to get in the way. It’s very delicate and clean. Crisp apples. With water there is a hint of peat and more of a nutty character. Also more apple and under ripe fruit. Palate: Very tart opening with a mild vegetal quality but soon the alcohol bulldozes everything out of the way. Not a dram to be had without water. The flavor is too delicate for bottle strength. With water a honey sweetness develops and is followed by grassy notes. Finish: Straight, the finish is all alcohol burn. Once water is added you get a tart finish bookending the tart opening. Comments: Astar is the “heart” of the new Glenmorangie Original and it shares many characteristics from nose through to the finish. I would like to maybe see this bottled down around 46% ABV. Heresy to some but that’s just my opinion. This flavor profile is much too delicate for so much alcohol. Rating: Average
What Matt Says: Nose: Without water the alcohol is dominant, but there is a strong scent of bread dough. With water, the nose opens to a cornucopia of aromas. Green apples (the meaty bit, not the skin), vanilla, honeysuckle, oak, and spice all dance together to a sensuous melody. Palate: There is a lot of oak and spice here. With water the fruit and sweetness is revealed. Green apples, cinnamon, ginger, mint, vanilla, and a creamy sweetness like sweetened condensed milk. Finish: Neat, there is enough burn for a bonfire. With water, there is tartness (like green apple skins). Comments: As with anything from Glenmorangie, I carry a slight sentimental bias. I don’t think this is a dram for a novice, but I would recommend it for a seasoned whisky drinker. I’m not sure the high proof is necessary. The best bits of this whisky don’t come out until you add water. However, that means that this bottle will last me about twice as long (which makes for better value). Rating: Stands Out
Overall Rating: Average. Not for the novice or the faint of heart.
A word from Matt: Let me start by saying that I am not a tequila drinker. I have not had tequila in probably eight years (apart from the very rare margarita). I have danced with Jose and Pepe and a myriad others and I always come away with a black eye, a wicked headache, and other maladies I’d rather not discuss. No matter the price or the quality, tequila has always brought the hurt. So when Charbay said they had a new tequila and they wanted me to try it, I was a little afraid to say the least. I have an open mind though. I am always a supporter of craft distilling. After all, rums are doing it, whiskies are doing it, even educated fleas are doing it. And I’ll try anything once. I was more than surprised by my findings…
What the distillery says: This is fragrant, true to the source, clean tequila. From all of the world’s distilled spirit classes, Tequila is by far one of the most challenging. We combined to traditional methods of classic tequila distillery in the Arandas area (Mexico) with our proprietary Charbay distilling methods that have developed for 13 generations. The mutual trust, respect and camaraderie with our host distillers will last a lifetime. This has been a real learning experience. (Miles Karakasevic)
During the final distillation at 142 Proof, our Tequila tasted as if you were chewing on fresh chamomile buds. Later, at 140 Proof, it started to taste like cinnamon. At 138 Proof, the flavors were herbaceous, rich agave, with a pepper spice finish. We captured all these flavors… (Marko Karakasevic)
What Matt says: Nose: Agave nectar, vegetal (cactus?), cucumber, juniper, lime Palate: Viscous, white pepper, herbal, whole lime that translates from lime meat to zest and back, a little burn around the edges Finish: Short and sharp. Powerful lime zest and a side-of-the-tongue burn. Comments: I can honestly say that this is the first tequila I’ve had in a long while that did not make me gag. As you may have guessed, I drink mostly whisk(e)y and the occasional gin. I think what I like most about this is that it is very much like a gin and not much like a tequila (from my experience with tequila). To me, that is very much a good thing. If you are a hardcore tequila drinker, this may leave you wanting. You will enjoy it, but it may not serve that craving (do people crave tequila?). I think most people use tequila as a mixer. Charbay Tequila Blanco is part of the craft movement that hopes to elevate tequila to something worthy of sipping. On that front, this is very successful. If I decide to stock tequila in my home bar, this will be the one. I always say that you should never stock a mixer that you can’t drink neat and Charbay’s Tequila Blanco fits the bill. Rating: Stands Out
What Richard Says: Nose: This definitely smells better than any tequila I’ve ever smelled. The agave is still there but without the dirty jockstrap notes of other widely available tequilas. Palate: Admittedly, I don’t drink much tequila anymore, especially straight. That said, this doesn’t taste like any tequila I’ve ever tasted. Fruity notes flow throughout and it is a very pleasant experience. Finish: The flavors clear the mouth very quickly and leave only a clean crisp hint that the drink was there. Top notch! Comments: I was at first hesitant to review this offering from Charbay. If I categorically don’t like a particular spirit then I don’t feel that it is my place to offer opinions on the quality. However, I was intrigued by what Charbay might do and I can honestly say that I never knew tequila could be like this. I’m still not going to be a regular tequila drinker but this is in a league of it’s own. Rating: Must Try
Back in 2009 we published our Gateway Series, and for this one decided to do something a little different. We decided that a head-to-head-to-head tasting of the Three Glens would be a nice twist on our usual reviews. There was some discussion if single malt scotches should even be included as a “gateway” drink given their tendency toward higher prices and a more refined palate. That said, if you are venturing into single malts for the first time you’re likely to cross paths with one of these three. Here are the results of our tasting of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, and Glenmorangie The Original. Enjoy!
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Smooth, balanced, fruity… an invitation to indulgence in liquid form.
This whisky has been called a lot of things in its time: smooth, fruity, complex, sophisticated, entertaining, classic. The Original Malt Whisky Almanac says: “A first-class malt. One of the most popular malts in the world – deservedly so.” Representing The Glenlivet’s signature style, this classic malt is first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks which impart notes of vanilla and gives the whisky it’s distinctive smoothness. The mineral-rich water that comes from Josie’s Well helps form the flavours during mashing and fermentation, whilst the specific height and width of the copper stills add a delicate yet complex character. Keep a bottle on hand for every occasion.
Color: Bright, vibrant gold Cask: European and American oak Nose: Fruity and summery Palate: Well-balanced and fruity, with strong pineapple notes Flavor: Delicately balanced with strong pineapple notes Finish: Long, creamy, smooth
What Richard Says:
Nose: Light grass with sweet fruit notes pushing through. No note of earthiness (peat, smoke, etc.) which is a little surprising. Water tends to fade the nose without continued agitation. Palate: Apples, grass (like sitting in a meadow), and sweet cream (pre-whipped sweetened heavy cream). Water mutes the more delicate notes. Finish: Short and fleeting. Not much but it leaves you with notes of apple skin. Comments: Full sweetness through the palate as opposed to a typical fore tongue sweetness. Overall it was better than expected. I’ve had this a thousand times and I’ll have it a thousand more. It’s a great entry scotch but not necessarily typical of like scotches. Good for fans of a fruiter white wine.
What Matt Says:
Nose: Crisp green apples, caramel, candy apple coating. This is a very fruity and accessible nose for the neophyte but not very “Scotch-y.” No smoke and no earth. Palate: The green apple is still present, but the sweeter notes move from caramel to sweet cream. There is something I can’t quite grasp that Richard calls grassy. I suppose I could call it saw grass, but it is very vague and faint. Finish: Short and tart. The skin of a Granny Smith apple. Comments: This is a pleasant dram with lots of crisp fruit. It is a great introduction for folks with a fondness for fruity drinks. Don’t bother adding water or using this as a mixer. Mixing kills the flavor. Among single malts, this is decidedly average (that’s why it is so popular). However, this stands out among gateway whiskies.
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Flowing in the Valley of the Deer since 1887, our family’s signature expression is the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky*.
With a unique freshness from the same Highland spring water we’ve used since 1887, its distinctive fruitiness comes from the high cut point William Grant always insisted upon.
Carefully matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks for at least 12 years, it is mellowed in oak marrying tuns to create its sweet and subtle oak flavours.
Creamy with a long, smooth and mellow finish, our 12 Year Old is the perfect example of Glenfiddich’s unique Speyside style and is widely proclaimed the best dram in the valley.
TRADITION IN TUNS Marrying single malt whisky is a tradition we have passed down through generations. Our whisky is matured for 12 years in Olorosso, European oak sherry and American oak casks before being married by our Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, in specially designed, uniquely sized oak marrying tuns for 9 months.
THE SWEETEST PART In the first few weeks of Glenfiddich, William Grant put his son Alec in charge of the stills. His job was to find the best part of the distillate. He chose only the heart of the spirit, although good spirit was lost. We continue to use the same unusually high cut point for an unequivocally clean, estery, sweet and fruity distillate. Ready for maturation.
PROTECTING OUR SPRING Since 1887, we’ve used water from the same spring William Grant did. He could tell the Robbie Dhu spring would remain crucial to the future of our distillery, so bought more acres of land around it than he could afford, guaranteeing the purity of our whisky forever.
Tasting Notes COLOUR: Golden NOSE: Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced. TASTE: Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours. FINISH: A long smooth and mellow finish.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Honey/honeysuckle with butter but it’s more like a brown butter sauce or clarified butter. Not to sound too snotty but it has a really nice bouquet. More of a green/under ripened note develops with water. Palate: Initially not very much on the palate. Upon further investigation this is a more peppered honey on the palate compared to the nose. It has a creamier mouth feel. Finish: Leave the mouth feeling…chewy. A slight vegetal note as the sweetness clears the throat. More pepper is left behind. Comments: There’s a reason this is sold more widely than any other single malt. It’s a very pleasant dram. A solid go-to malt.
What Matt Says:
Nose: Honey butter and those little toast bites you can buy at Ikea (like heavily toasted mini baguettes). Palate: Buttery, toasty, viscous, clove, slightly burnt toast bites. The palate gives an interesting sensation. The whisky forms a meniscus then bursts on the center of the tongue. Water opens the nose to some green apple, but kills the palate. Finish: Short finish with a slight burn. Glenfiddich makes my mouth water and my cheeks feel full (almost swollen). Comments: Of the Glens, Glenfiddich is the one that I would suggest to anyone interested in getting into Single Malts. It is not overly complex or overly simple and has a very accessible flavor profile. Like the Glenlivet, this stands out only compared to other gateway drams. This is my favorite gateway dram despite the fact that I prefer Glenmorangie (see notes below).
Glenmorangie Original 10 Years Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenmorangie Original is an inviting single malt whisky, acclaimed and appreciated by luxury spirit drinkers around the world. The original expression of Glenmorangie’s elegant, floral spirit that is renowned the world over for exquisite finesse and alluring complexity, The Original is the intriguing marriage of delicate spirit and long, slow maturation.
The taste characteristics from the first-fill bourbon casks that permeates the majority of the ages spirit, coupled with the increased proportion of our ‘designer casks’ (made from slow-growth, air-dried American oak from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri), results in a delicious spirit that enhances the relaxed and convivial mood of the group by igniting the senses.
The Original is, quite simply, the most delicate and deliciously complex single malt whisky in the world.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Yeast rolls and tart apples. For only 3% more alcohol than the other two Glens it makes a big difference on the nose. Much more alcohol. Water cuts down the alcohol but all else remains the same. Palate: Viscous mouth feel with a bit of sweetness but more tart. Almost like Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda. Water mutes the flavor. Finish: There’s like a viscous hold on the finish and then it releases from the mouth like a dam break. Comments: Glenmorangie seems to move away from a gateway malt to be more of a defined palate that needs to be sought out as opposed to embracing your. Their reformulation over the old 10 Year is quite noticeable. Would I call it “the most delicate and deliciously complex single malt whisky in the world”? No. But it is quite good.
What Matt Says:
Nose: Yeast rolls, tart apples and a lot of alcohol. Palate: Birch beer, herbal, faint notes of licorice. Water draws out some caramel sweetness but creates an odd sensation of a crystalline caramel shell with nothing inside. Finish: Short and slightly numbing Comments: I find it odd that Glenmorangie is so often mentioned in the same breath as Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. Both ‘fiddich and ‘livet are Speyside malts while Glenmorangie comes from the Highland region. Furthermore, the taste profiles are very different. Glenmorangie is herbal and slightly medicinal compared to the fruitiness of the other two. The extra alcohol content is small, but prominent. This dram is for a decidedly different palate. While this suits my palate best of the three, I cannot recommend it over the Glenfiddich as a gateway dram.
Rating:
This was a very interesting experience. It brought up a lot of questions about the nature of ratings and whether they should be a definitive scale or a relative scale. Definitively we rated all three as average because while good, they are far overshadowed by world of single malts. On a relative scale all three standout from everything we’ve tried in the gateway series. So if you want an overall rating they would each be Average/Stands Out. Personally, Matt and I both picked Glenfiddich from the group. No matter which one you pick up I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
