Reviews

Thin, simple, underpowered, a little vanilla, a little oak, hint of spice. Hasn't really got much going for it. This is entry-level bourbon; okay for mixing with coke or ginger ale, but then so is vodka. Ubiquitous here in Japan since the Suntory acquisition, and costs $7.00 a bottle (you get what you pay for). Beam does way better whiskeys, their 7 year old Black is pretty decent.

Penderyn Madeira Finish is their original and still best expression. Fruity, smooth and delicious, and at 46% the perfect strength. I've had many bottles over the years and the quality rarely dips below excellent. My current 24 0239 bottling is particularly good.

Nosing and warming the glass, this is smoother and fruitier than the slightly austere inaugural bottling, with lovely balanced peaty, sea spray & salty notes, some black coffee, pepper, cocoa and chocolate, and a hint of chalky oyster shell! Pretty good for an Islay arriviste!

Really enjoyed this. I got fig, plum, black cherry, some red currant, raspberry and a even hint of gooseberry and mango on the nose. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth with the signature Johnny Walker smoky notes creeping in very late and subdued. The finish is medium to long with lingering sherry, raisin, berry and a nice salty sea pebble coastal note. Sits nicely next to my favourite Green Label, and at a couple of hundred yen more that the Black 12, excellent value for money at ¥3,518 / $22 / £17...

I was expecting much more. The nose is pretty austere, body is thin and lacking the depth, roundness and richness I'd expect from a bourbon this age. And the finale is bitter. Maybe I got a bad bottling, but there are far better bourbons out there, especially for the price.

A lovely expression from one of my absolute favourite distilleries. Love the unusual hint of smokiness on the usually peat/smoke-free Glenmorangie. You have to take your time with this one; make sure you warm it enough to really release the nose. A birthday from my elder son, no less!

Glenmorangie in excelsis. The only expressions that trump this are the Ealanta and Baccalta, and they're not exactly easy to find!

Nose: sweet - vanilla, honey, some spice Palate: light - dried fruits, old leather, tobacco, oaky notes Finish: short - sharp with a slightly bitter finale This is not a single malt. Nor is it all that bourbon-y, despite the mash bill. Ranks a 'meh' on my overall scale.