Tastes

It has been a while since I tasted something new, but this 12 Year old was a great addition to my ‘tasted’ collection. While I usually only go for peated drams, this one came highly recommended by my sister in law (who’s into whiskey ‘thanks’ to me). She doesn’t like peated very much (while still appreciating a nice Talisker for example), so she gives me some nice non-peated dreams to try on a regular base. This Old Pulteney was one of those. Full, creamy, moderate sweet. Slightly salty. I wouldn’t mind having it in my collection at all!

I purchased this bottle at a local supermarket on our way to Orciatico, Lajatico in Tuscany. Considering it’s price, an excellent dram. While the five different maturation methods result in a slight identity crisis, it’s nevertheless a gentle, sweet, approachable whisky with a whiff of peat smoke. Perfect as a daily sipper.

During a business trip a few weeks ago, I had to dine alone. The restaurant at the little hotel I stayed in was actually closed for the season, but the owner nevertheless prepared me a nice meal. I drank a glass of red wine with the deliciously prepared dear, but when I explained to him that I usually dropped the wine in favor of a dram after my meal, he offered me a glass of this nice Craigellachie 13, instead of a desert. The nose and palate are very similar: sweet apples and honey. On the palate perhaps there are some extra oaky notes, but subtle. The aftertaste is slightly spicey, but also very subtle. Nice dram, I would accept anytime!

The forth sample of a 7 part Kilchoman (custom) sample set my wife got me for my birthday. I tried this one shortly after the Sauterne Cask Matured release. As with that one, smoke was less obvious on the nose than on the palate. Again, a round body where I found dried fruits, raisins, some hints of salt, all nicely balanced. Add a nice, long aftertaste and we have another Kilchoman that I'd purchase anytime. Not exactly sure why, but I preferred this one (very) slightly over the Sauterne Cask Maturation. Perhaps it's nice, dark color?

Second sample of a 7 part Kilchoman (custom) sample set my wife got me for my birthday. On the nose, after having tasted the Saligo Bay, I found the Coull Point a bit rounder in the smoke, more BBQ-like. I also got some baked pears, and a mossy scent. As with the Saligo Bay, the smoke is somewhat subdued in the palate, is a tad sweeter than I would have expected, probably due to the sherry influences, but also a bit salty. The body is fuller than the Saligo Bay. Both Saligo Bay and Coull Point are fine drams. Not sure wether I would purchase the Saligo Bay, but I wouldn't hesitate for the Coull Point.

Sixth sample of a 7 part Kilchoman (custom) sample set my wife got me for my birthday. Kilchoman must definitely be the distillery I’ve tasted the most expressions off by now, but so far I’ve yet to try one that failed to impress. This Red Wine Maturation again is great. One the nose, a earthy, meaty smoke is accompanied with some fruity tones. The palate is also sweet, and round, and reminds me of steak and wine. Doh. Combined with a medium aftertaste dram this Kilchoman scores a solid 4 stars for me. Being very much into all things Italy, it makes me wonder how a Kilchoman matured in Bolgherian Sassicaia wine barrels would be.

The fifth sample of a 7 part Kilchoman (custom) sample set my wife got me for my birthday. As with the other 'special' releases in this set (Madeira/Sauterne Cask Matured) this 2009 Vintage, was rather soft on the smoke in the nose, but was (luckily) quite a bit bolder in the palate. It's a (small) peat bomb nevertheless, but very nicely balanced with sweet, soft fruits, which linger on in the aftertaste, together with a whiff of smoke. I'll very likely purchase a bottle of this vintage (or a next version).

My first full bottle of Kilchoman, a blind purchase after having sampled the Loch Gorm. I'm so glad I did. Peat. A lot of peat, and smoke. Salt, peppery spices, and some citrus fruits, and some dark chocolate. Similar to the Machir Bay, but the added hint of fruity sweetness by the Oloroso finish is definately a plus!

After having tried the Loch Gorm and Sanaig, I felt the time was right to try their base expression. When i ran into a gift-box set (including two Glencairns) while on a trip in Bruge, I didn't hesitate and purchased it right away. On the nose obviously a lot of peat and smoke, that comes back in the palate, along with salt, spices (pepper), and some grassy/citrussy notes. Considering it's youth, this is a remarkable balanced dram.