Tastes

I am writing this review after reviewing the younger brother of this whisky, namely the Arran Quarter Cask "The Bothy" (cask strength). I have tasted and judged them side by side for the best comparison. This dram is a special one. The youngest whisky in the bottle is at least 21 years old. Non-chill filtered, natural color, no playing around with all sorts of casks. How refreshing. Nose - After about twenty minutes (a minute in the glass for each year in the cask) I am particularly struck by the complexity on the nose. I experience more smoky and spicy characteristics than with the younger versions of Arran, which are mostly sweet and fruity. I get pepper, leather, mint, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, honey, sherry, apple, banana, orange and apricot. A lovely nose with a lot of complexity. Palate - Not a flavor bomb, but rather soft and accommodating. It gives you a chance to really explore and look for different flavors, without overpowering the palate. The mouthfeel is deliciously creamy. Finish - Harmoniously composed and for 21 years less pushy than you might think. The finish is long, dry and peppery with hints of chocolate, coffee, dried fruits and baking spices. Water - Adding a splash of water makes the palate and finish more peppery, minty and leathery. "Incredible" : 4.5 stars | An all time favorite.

Arran "The Bothy" is a whisky that, despite its younger age (finished for two years in quarter casks, after the initial maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for 7 years), manages to deliver. I am convinced that this has something to do with the use of the quarter cask and the overall integrity of this bottling; they deliberately chose to make this cask strength, naturally colored and non chill filtered. That's something I sincerely appreciate and actively look for. Nose - The nose is soft and youthful. There are many sweet elements present, such as vanilla, coconut, butterscotch and honey. This sweetness is accompanied by many different fruits, like roasted apple, pineapple, pear, grapes and raisins. Palate - Because this expression is bottled at cask strength, it makes sense that the first sips were very harsh. It immediately becomes a lot more accessible by adding a few drops of water. Just as on the nose, the sweet and sour elements were the most prominent as the dram was given some time to open up. Finish - This is the moment that the youthfulness of this whisky is the most prominent. A deliciously long and sweet finish that is not overly complex. Arran manages to amaze me again with this brilliant expression. This is a whisky that I would highly recommend to people who want to get acquainted with cask strength versions of their favourite malt brands and don't want to break the bank. "Enjoyable" : 3.75 stars | Well above average.

After trying out the Highland Park 12 and 18, I was lucky enough to get a sample of this expression. Nose - Obviously needs some time in the glass for the bouquet to open. Opening with brown sugar, vanilla and a hint of oak before leading into the wonderful notes of fruits; sherry, dates and plums. The tiniest bit of smoke is present in the background. After some five or ten minutes and with the addition of a little water, more spicy notes drift onto the scene: cinnamon and baking spices. Palate - Flavor bomb. Due to the higher ABV, the taste is intense and not for the weak hearted. I experience the whisky mainly as sweet and sour, with notes of red fruits and sherry, banana, honey, caramel, and the slightest bit of smoke. Adding a splash of water makes the experience even more intense. Finish - The finish is long, sweet and oily and is more of the complex kind. There are flavors that I can't put my finger on, and that really makes this whisky an interesting experience. A sample doesn't give me enough time to dive into the flavor profile of this whisky, and that's a shame. I'm hopeful that I'll come across this whisky again on my whisky journey. Or maybe it will soon end up on my top shelf of my whisky collection? I'm always hopeful. "Excellent" : 4.25 stars | Really quite exceptional.

This beautiful hay-colored whisky managed to surprise me. Not only because of the taste, but also the distilling philosophy of Bruichladdich. It is becoming truly rare for a distillery to communicate so openly about how the whisky is produced. This should be a matter of course, and is one of the reasons why this whisky gets an excellent score. Nose - The cleanliness of the spirit is remarkable. It reminds me of a walk through the woods on a cold autumn day. I smell moss, hay, grass, mint and oak. Many characteristics of a classic Islay whisky, but of which the peat and smoke are tuned down. Palate - Despite the higher ABV, it drinks very smoothly and doesn't overexcite me with different flavors. Finish - Like a fresh sea breeze, the finish is salty and marine. Rather dry, long and intense. Unforgettable. After drinking this whisky, I'm looking forward to exploring more expressions from Bruichladdich. Like always, best enjoyed in good company. "Enjoyable" : 3.75 stars | Well above average.

Dalmore seems to have a rich history and a loyal following, but also has many critics. Most of them concentrate on the use of E150 within the range. Personally I'm not a fan of adding colour to whisky, but I'm actually more against chill filtration. Since I really can't remember when I had my last Dalmore, I'm eager to try out this expression. Nose - I personally don't experience this as the most pleasant nose and find it somewhat off-putting. Hints of floral, sweet notes before leading into hints of anise, brown sugar, hay, grass, earth and peat. Palate - Not overpowering, but full of flavour. Light mouthfeel that became more creamy the longer I held it in my mouth. Finish - Medium long. The sweetness prevails but quickly evolves into a sourer finish. Flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest and sour apples remain for a long time. Nice whisky that I certainly won't turn down when served. Glad I had the chance to obtain a sample, although I don't think it's a must have for my growing collection. "Tasty" : 3.25 stars | A cut above.

This was my first experience with the Glenlivet distillery and I was not disappointed. Unfortunately, due to the noncommittal nature of the occasion, I was unable to write down extensive tasting notes. It's like sticking your nose in a honey pot. Honey, sweet, fruity and grassy. Smooth and voluntary on the palate. No alcohol sting due to the lower ABV. This is a classic Speyside, with hints of honey, green apples and vanilla in the finish. "Good" : 2.75 stars | Good, just fine.

"The entire modern Japanese whisky industry is truly the attempt by a single man to recreate a little slice of Scotland back in Japan." As a person interested in Japanese culture, this only captures my imagination. That is why I own (at least) a bottle from every Suntory distillery. This means that I can compare the "Yamazaki 12" (sample of 6 cl) side-by-side with the "Distiller's Reserve" (of which I own a bottle). Nose - Less fruity than the "Distiller's Reserve" (which has lots of red fruit). The nose of this whisky is clearly more complex and more mature, with more emphasis on honey, citrus and cinnamon in addition to the red fruit. I also get vanilla, caramel, apple and sherry. Palate - Sweet and sour. The first few sips were sharp, but softened as I gave the whisky the necessary time to open up. Light mouthfeel that became more creamy and buttery the longer I held it in my mouth. Finish - Medium long and dry. Especially sweet and sour, like green apples. Also slightly peppery in the aftertaste. A few drops of water emphasizes this peppery note even more. By comparing these two whisky's side by side, I am not surprised that the 12 year old Yamazaki is the logical successor to the "Distiller's Edition". This whisky clearly had more time to mature and to develop different accents. Due to the scarcity, the price of this whisky has risen disproportionately. Despite the fact that I think this whisky is delicious, I believe that there are other whisky's within this price range that are more worth your hard-earned money. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful whisky that is definitely worth trying. If, like me, you can get hold of a sample, you are certainly not going to regret it. "Excellent" : 4 stars | Really quite exceptional.

I was lucky enough to try this whisky for free during our stay at our hotel in Ypres. I always feel a little proud when I can taste a whisky that is made in my own country. Unfortunately, due to the noncommittal nature of the occasion, I was unable to write down extensive tasting notes. I do remember this whisky as being an easy drinker. The youthfulness did not detract from the taste and reminds me of the casualness of most Speyside whisky's. Did not disappoint, but didn't blow me away. "Good" : 2.5 stars | Good, just fine.

I had the chance to drink this extraordinary whisky on our honeymoon. The unique bottle and packaging immediately made a good first impression, so I ordered a dram. This special occasion called for a special whisky. Nose - As a coffee aficionado, I was immediately attracted by the welcoming notes of roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. It is also very fruity (oranges and banana), sweet (vanilla, honey, cereal) and earthy (nutty and oaky). Palate - The sweet and bitter notes dominate the palate. The higher proof is just perfect for this whisky and doesn't under- or overdeliver. The palate has a creamy texture. Finish - Long and complex. Once most of the flavors disappear into the background, the flavors of oak, chocolate and coffee remain most present. Almost like drinking espresso. Nice! A delicious whisky that has clearly been given the time to develop its special character. Just like two people in a marriage, it was given time to become the best version of itself. Taking everything above into account, I can only conclude that this is a unique whisky that takes me back to the most beautiful moments of our honeymoon. So when we got back home, I had to buy this whisky for myself. I may be biased when giving a final score, but that's perfectly okay. Drinking whisky can be an emotional thing. That's why this is my first and only 5 at this time of reviewing. Sláinte! “Perfection” : 5 stars | Perfect!

I was lucky enough to try this whisky for free during our stay at our hotel in Ypres. I always feel a little proud when I can taste a whisky that is made in my own country. Unfortunately, due to the noncommittal nature of the occasion, I was unable to write down extensive tasting notes. Nose - It's like putting your nose in a fruit basket. Very fruity and sweet, with a particular emphasis on the scent of oranges and sherry. Palate - More expressive in it's taste than the regular "Gouden Carolus". Rather young, but full of character. The palate has a nice texture, without being creamy. Finish - Dry and medium long. Wonderfully sweet, fruity and (almost) winey. I am very happy that I got to taste this whisky. This is an expression that I won't buy myself, but of which I hope that our paths will cross again. "Tasty" : 3.25 stars | A cut above.