Aberlour 14 Year Old
Aberlour is one of my favourite distilleries. It was where it all started for me; I fell in love with whisky following a tour of the quaint old distillery whilst on a road trip of Scotland many, many years ago. I love the bottle designs, the flavours, the distillery buildings themselves - I’m a fanboy. The most contemporary addition to the Aberlour core range is the Aberlour 14 which was added to the 12, 16 and 18 back in early 2021. I’m eager to find out how much I love it(!) and how it completes the family…
Glen Moray Phoenix Rising
The last month of 2023 saw the release of this new, no-age-statement whisky from Glen Moray. The distillery is famed for its good value whisky available at very reasonable prices and this is no different - available (if you can find it) for around £30. The unique selling point of this expression is the ‘unusual’ way it is matured. The ‘Phoenix Rising’, a reference to the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, is a nod to the fact that the whisky is finished in new, heavily-charred oak barrels with the intention of adding spice to the classic Glen Moray whisky; let’s find out if it delivers…
Talisker 10 Year Old
A few months ago I tasted and reviewed Talisker Skye, one of the three entry whiskies from the distillery. Today we are tasting one of the other two - the 10 year old bottling. Despite there now being three entry whiskies from Talisker, the 10 year old expression is their flagship bottling and has been for decades. Maybe tasting this will help explain why Talisker has chosen to put the Skye, Storm and 10 year old all at the same price point.
Glendronach 12 Year Old
Welcome, fellow Centurions, to our latest whisky exploration featuring the Glendronach 12 year old. While my encounters with Glendronach have been somewhat limited, it's undeniable that this distillery has garnered a cult-like following since its revival under the legendary Billy Walker nearly two decades ago. Through its tumultuous past, changing hands multiple times in the twentieth century, Glendronach finally found its footing under Walker's guidance, refocusing on aged statement single malts and stepping out of the shadows from its role in blends, most notably Teacher’s.
Tamdhu 12 Year Old
Greetings, fellow Centurions! This week, we embark on a journey through the flavourful charms of Tamdhu 12 Year Old whisky. Originating from a quaint yet resilient distillery established in 1896, Tamdhu has quietly forged its legacy before being embraced by Ian Macleod Distillers in 2011. Intriguingly, it rose from a period of closure by its former owners, emerging under new stewardship with a distinct bottle shape and presentation that stands out from the crowded marketplace of Speyside whiskies.
Tomintoul 14 Year Old
In our last review, we delved into the world of whisky with the somewhat underwhelming Glenlivet 12 year old. Today, we venture just a stone's throw away from Glenlivet to explore another distillery with a shorter history but a distinctive identity: Tomintoul. Established in 1964, Tomintoul has made its mark in Speyside as "the gentle dram." Interestingly, despite having no affiliation with Glenlivet, Tomintoul upholds the convention of incorporating "Glenlivet" in its name — a practice dating back to the 1860s when rival distilleries such as Macallan, Aberlour, Glen Grant and many more claimed the term had become synonymous with the style of whisky from the area. But does the Tomintoul 14 bare any resemblance to The Glenlivet 12? Let’s find out…
Glenlivet 12 Year Old
Glenlivet — a cornerstone of Scottish whisky, boasting a legacy that spans centuries and with a brand that stands as a beacon for Scotch around the globe. Established in 1824, it holds the distinction of being Scotland's oldest legal distillery, a testament to its enduring presence in the industry, surviving even the tumult of World War II. Its prominence in the whisky world is undeniable, with millions of litres produced every year, sharing its spotlight only with Glenfiddich, the other titan of the industry. Yet, for all its fame, there's an air of detachment, a departure from the traditional image of Scottish whisky steeped in heritage.
Fettercairn 12 Year Old
There's something enchanting about Fettercairn's 12 year old whisky that has captivated me for as long as I can remember. It's like being drawn to a treasure, akin to Gollum's obsession in Lord of the Rings, albeit in a more wholesome manner! And speaking of magic, the distillery's unusual emblem — an elegant unicorn — proudly emblazoned on the bottle, adds to its allure. It is said to represent purity and strength, which bodes well for the whisky…
Auchentoshan American Oak
With a slight sense of trepidation tinged with a little nostalgia, I uncorked this bottle of Auchentoshan's American Oak whisky — a spirit that had been a steadfast companion during my early forays into the world of whisky. In those days, it was the epitome of convenience and affordability, readily available when options were limited (especially given my budget!). Returning to it now, after many years, I couldn't help but wonder if it would still hold the same allure as it once did.
Balvenie 12 Year Old - The Sweet Toast of American Oak
Balvenie’s whiskies have long been heralded as the gateway to the enchanting world of single malt whisky, captivating enthusiasts with their rich flavours and impeccable craftsmanship. Earlier this year, we delved into the revered Balvenie 12 year old DoubleWood, a staple in many whisky collections. Today, we embark on a journey to discover a unique variation of this beloved dram—the "Sweet Toast of American Oak." Despite its tongue-twisting name, this expression marks one of the first creations from the talented Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie. Inspired by the desire to enhance Balvenie's naturally sweet whisky, McKechnie opted to finish it in virgin oak barrels sourced from Kentucky.
Clynelish 14 Year Old
There's a certain mystique surrounding Clynelish 14 Year Old - a whisky that has always left me feeling torn. On one hand, there's an undeniable allure to its image and bottle design, drawing me in with an irresistible pull. Yet, on the other hand, there's a lingering doubt—a feeling that perhaps this isn't a whisky meant for me, that our tastes may not align. It's a perplexing sensation, one that I struggle to rationalise and articulate. For months, this bottle has sat on my shelf, untouched, as if waiting for the right moment to be uncorked and explored. And now, at long last, that moment has arrived as I embark on this journey to uncover the true essence of Clynelish 14 Year Old.
Craigellachie 13 Year Old
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, amidst a landscape dominated by renowned distilleries, lies the lesser-known gem of Craigellachie. Surrounded by household names like Glenfiddich and Aberlour, Craigellachie quietly produces a substantial 4 million litres of spirit annually. While most of this liquid finds its way into Dewar’s blends, a precious portion is set aside for their single malt range, of which the 13-year-old expression is the youngest. Embracing an ethos described as "uncompromising, stubborn, and slightly eccentric," Craigellachie sets itself apart with the bold decision to release whiskies aged only in prime numbers — a unique approach that piques curiosity. Let's delve into the depths of this intriguing dram and see if it lives up to its reputation…
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Bruichladdich's The Classic Laddie stands out as one of the most distinctive and unforgettable bottles in the world of whisky. The striking turquoise bottle, paired with bold, contemporary white font, ensures that it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it. My return to this whisky was sparked by a recommendation to watch "The Water of Life: A Whisky Film," which delves into Bruichladdich's rise under the stewardship of Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier since their acquisition in 2000. The film peels back the layers of this innovative and pioneering distillery, which set out to be an "antidote to the industry norm." The bottle certainly embodies this ethos—but what about the whisky itself?
Talisker Skye
Talisker stands as a legendary figure in the realm of Scottish whisky, its heritage intertwined with the rugged landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Renowned for its distinctive peaty and maritime flavours, Talisker has long captured the hearts of whisky enthusiasts worldwide. This expression, the Talisker Skye, is a non-aged statement whisky made from a selection of young and old whiskies (3-25 years). Let’s find out more about this dram…
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old
GlenAllachie emerges as a beacon of innovation among the new breed of distilleries, marrying forward-thinking approaches with decades of expertise. Acquired in 2017 by master distiller Billy Walker and his partners, GlenAllachie embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from a producer primarily catering to blends to establishing its own distinguished core range of whiskies. At the heart of this evolution lies the GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old, a cornerstone expression that has propelled the distillery to newfound heights of success…
Scottish Whisky’s Largest Owner
As it stands today, in early 2024, only 15% of Scottish distilleries are independently owned. Whilst this may not sound that bad, all of those distilleries have been founded since the turn of the millennium. Nearly 70% of the Scotland’s distilleries are owned by international companies, the largest of which is Diageo - the British multinational alcoholic drinks company. in this post we’ll dig a bit more into Diageo’s background and influence on the Scottish whisky industry…
Glen Elgin 12 Year Old
In the serene landscapes of Elgin, where childhood memories linger like whispers on the wind, lies the Glen Elgin distillery—a hidden gem in the heart of Speyside. Growing up in this quaint town, I often found solace in the tranquility of Millbuies Country Park, just a stone's throw away from this lesser-known distillery. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey down memory lane as we uncork a bottle of Glen Elgin 12 Year Old and rediscover the essence of home…
5 of the best - 12 year old whiskies for 2024
Welcome, whisky enthusiasts, to the heartland of the Scottish whisky industry—the realm of twelve-year-old whiskies. While legally, whisky must age for a minimum of three years, it's the twelve-year mark that truly embodies the pinnacle of maturity and flavour development. This age bracket represents a sweet spot where complexity meets affordability, making it a favourite among connoisseurs and novices alike…
Glen Grant 12 Year Old
Welcome, fellow Whisky Centurions, to another stop on my adventure through whiskies. Today, we're delving into the Glen Grant 12, a single malt that sits in the heart of the most competitive section of Scottish whiskies, 12 year old expressions. Most of these whiskies (and there are a lot!) are priced in the £30-£50 region, although this range is creeping up faster than I’d like at the moment. The Glen Grant 12 year old is towards the top end of this range at around £44 but certainly not the most expensive 12 year old out there. Let’s see if the whisky itself lets the expression shine in this crowded category…
Dalwhinnie Winter’s Gold
Last week I opened, tasted and posted my review of a bottle of Dalwhinnie Winter’s Gold. Having previously shared my initial thoughts on the whisky, I was intrigued by the suggestion to try it straight from the freezer. Skeptical yet curious, I decided to give it a shot, challenging my preconceived notions about the "recommended" way to enjoy this renowned spirit…