The ‘Second Ten’ of the Whisky Centurion Journey
Welcome, fellow whisky enthusiasts, to another chapter in the epic journey toward whisky centurion status. Towards the end of 2023 I set out on the quest to become a Whisky Centurion, a journey to sample and savour one hundred distinct whiskies (read more about that here). Around Christmas I completed the initial leg of this journey - the first ten whiskies on my chart. Amongst these was one of my favourite, everyday drams - Aberlour 12 - as well as the, in my opinion over-priced, Macallan 12; all in all a delightful set of whiskies to kick us off. Now, I’ve come to the end of the second row on my chart so below is a summary of the next ten whiskies I’ve tried - there are some beauties in here too!
As I continue my quest to taste 100 exquisite whiskies, I find myself having completed the tasting of the second set of ten—a milestone worth celebrating and savouring. Join me as I reflect on the diverse flavours and nuances of these ten remarkable whiskies that bring me one step closer to achieving the coveted title of whisky centurion.
11. Tobermory 12 Year Old
My journey began with Tobermory 12 Year Old, a captivating single malt from the Isle of Mull. With its distinctive character and subtle maritime influence, this whisky offers a delightful introduction to the diverse range of flavours awaiting us on our quest
12. Tomatin 12 Year Old
Next, I ventured into the heart of the Scottish Highlands with Tomatin 12 Year Old. Renowned for its smoothness and complexity, this Highland dram entices with notes of orchard fruits, honey, and gentle spices—a true delight for the senses.
13. Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood
Continuing our exploration, I encountered the Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood, a masterfully crafted expression from Speyside. Matured in both traditional oak casks and sherry casks, this whisky boasts layers of rich sweetness, warm spices, and subtle oak influence—a true classic in every sense. And maybe even a rival for my favourite everyday dram - Aberlour’s 12 year old?!
14. Glenkinchie 12 Year Old
From the rolling hills of the Lowlands emerges Glenkinchie 12 Year Old, offering a taste of the region's elegant and refined style. With its delicate floral aromas, fruity sweetness, and hint of spice, this whisky exemplifies the grace and sophistication of Lowland malts. This was one of the highlights of this run of tastings.
15. Dalwhinnie Winter’s Gold
As I ventured into the colder months, I found warmth and comfort in Dalwhinnie Winter’s Gold. Crafted to capture the spirit of Highland winters, this whisky envelops the palate with honeyed sweetness, gentle spices, and a touch of heather—a true winter warmer to be savoured by the fireside. I even tried this from the freezer as recommended for a unique experience!
Read more here… (or here for the)
16. Glen Grant 12 Year Old
Hailing from the heart of Speyside, Glen Grant 12 Year Old enchants with its light and fruity character. With notes of orchard fruits, vanilla, and a hint of almond, this whisky epitomises the smooth and approachable style for which Speyside is renowned.
17. Glen Elgin 12 Year Old
Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Speyside, Glen Elgin 12 Year Old captivates with its rich and complex flavours. With its balanced blend of fruitiness, maltiness, and gentle spices, this whisky offers a harmonious tasting experience that lingers long on the palate.
18. Glenallachie 12 Year Old
Our journey took an intriguing turn with Glenallachie 12 Year Old, a whisky that embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. With its unique combination of flavours, including orchard fruits, honey, and a hint of spice, this expression showcases the artistry and skill of the distillery's master blender.
19. Talisker Skye
From the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye came Talisker Skye, a whisky that embodies the untamed spirit of the Scottish coastline. With its bold flavours of maritime saltiness, smoky richness, and a touch of sweetness, this dram offers a true taste of the sea.
20. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
This leg of our journey concluded with Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, a modern masterpiece from the Isle of Islay. With its vibrant flavours, including orchard fruits, honey, and a hint of coastal brininess and the eye-catching bottle, this whisky showcases the innovative and progressive approach of the distillery—a fitting finale to our exploration of the second ten whiskies on the road to whisky centurion status.
As I reflect on the diverse array of flavours and aromas encountered on this leg of our journey, I am reminded of the boundless richness and complexity of the whisky world. Each dram tells a story—a tale of craftsmanship, tradition, and the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape. With each sip, I draw closer to my goal of tasting 100 whiskies and becoming a true whisky centurion. Until next time, slàinte mhath!
Full resolution version of the empty chart
Feel free to use this to track your own journey