Tastes

My mom gave me this bottle. Being bottled in '79, she had it in the cupboard for almost 38 (!) years. Since I got into whisky lately, she thought I might like checking it out. It had been opened for exactly one time, but hadn't been touched ever since. Surprisingly the quality didn't seem to have suffered, but damn... 38 years... why doesn't whisky age in the bottle... :) I taste some peanut and raisins, and some mild peppery notes. The finish seems to reveal some idea of almonds and coconut and lingers long enough. Al considered, not bad at all, but not as good as I anticipated. Bottle will get empty over time though :).

Not a bad whisky for it's buck. Since it was featured on my 'longlist', my wife bought this Glenlivet for my birthday as sort of a decoy for her 'real' present, a bottle of 'Ardbeg 10', that was at the top of my shortlist... I wasn't fooled though, and asked her right away where the other bottle was :). It's not a complicated whisky by any means, but nevertheless I find it to be an enjoyable dram! I like the oiliness, and I actually can find the ripe banana's and the apples I read about in some reviews. The finish is rather short, but fruity. Great sipper for weekdays :).

During a business trip, after dinner, I ended up in the hotel bar, and decided to taste some new whisky. Besides Glendfiddich 12 and 15, the only single malt offered (besides some blends) was Oban 14. I have the Glenfiddich 12 at home, and while the 15 was ok, my second whisky was the Oban. Compared to Laphroaigh or Ardbeg the Oban was only slightly smoked, but just enough to please me. The nose was more pronounced and smokier than the taste, though. Small hints of caramel or honey. Satisfying finish. Quite balanced dram, overall. Might be an ideal starter for who's interested in trying smoky/peaty wiskies.

During a business trip in Germany, the waiter offered me a free sample of their' German Whisky, after a few Scottish Single Malts. Unsurprisingly, due the pale yellow collar, it taste young quite young and a bit sharp. I tasted some sweet notes, but the finish was a bit bland, and short. Not bad, but might need some extra maturation.

Taking a high spot on my wish list, I finally had the opportunity to taste the Lagavullin 16 on vacation in Italy last week. Surprisingly, they poured me a double, and it got nicely served with some cooled water at the side in case I needed/wanted to dilute it. The setting was not far from perfect either : A sunny terrace at the historic Piazza dell'Amfiteatro in Lucca, Italy, and in the company of the ones I care most about. After reading several reviews I had high expectations though, even after having tasted Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Port Charlotte. What a surprise. The Lagavullin proved to be a fully, bodied whisky, sporting appropriate amounts of smoke and peat, but so nicely tempered by 16 years of aging in oak. Every sip revealed balanced hints of caramel, as well as barbecue and meat. An instant favourite, of which I'll buy a full bottle soon, and one that will be top-shelved without much doubt!

Had the opportunity to taste this one on a sunny terrace yesterday. Best Jack I tasted thus far. Clearly more mature, a bit stronger, and bolder than the regular Jack. Liked the spice, oak and caramel notes.

Another surprise gift from my wife. Wasn't really on my wishlist, but I was excited nevertheless. From the first sip I discovered a quality single malt. Love the wood and spices. Gonna make a great daily sipper :)

After the pleasant surprise of the Laphroaigh 10, it was obvious that it wouldn't take long for me wanting to try and taste the Ardbeg. Glad I did! I feel they're at the same time so different, yet similar. As with the Laphroaigh, I love the strong, bold character, including the peat and smoke, wich quickly gives way to a myriad of other notes. Definitely more earthy than the Laphroaigh, but I need some more tasting to explore them further. Hard to decide between them both though!