Tastes

On a Bruichladdich masterclass I had the opportunity to compare both the Port Charlotte Scottish Barley with the Port Charlotte Islay Barley. While they’re both great drams, I’m now absolutely convinced that terroir matters. While they’re both obviously very similar, the Islay Barley definitely has the edge here. It’s slightly fresher (nonetheless the peat and smoke), it tastes more nutty, and has a tad more balance in general, but especially in the spices. The Scottish Barley actually appears a bit subdued when compared directly, but I honestly doubt wether I could single one of them out as being distilled with either Scottish or Islay Barly in a general comparison. All in all, they’re both very nice drams!

On a Bruichladdich masterclass I had the opportunity to compare both the Port Charlotte Scottish Barley with the Port Charlotte Islay Barley. While they’re both great drams, I’m now absolutely convinced that terroir matters. While they’re both obviously very similar, the Islay Barley definitely has the edge here. It’s slightly fresher (nonetheless the peat and smoke), it tastes more nutty, and has a tad more balance in general, but especially in the spices. The Scottish Barley actually appears a bit subdued when compared directly, but I honestly doubt wether I could single one of them out as being distilled with either Scottish or Islay Barly in a general comparison. All in all, they’re both very nice drams!

Not sure why, but I’ve had a thing for Bruichladdich from the first dram I’ve tried. Their Classic Laddy was an instant favourite. I like the higher ABV, but also enjoyed it’s salty, peppery taste. Altough the Bruichladdich range is said to be non-peated, I imagine to perceive a whiff of smoke and peat nonetheless. Anyhow, for me the Classic Laddie is absolutely a superb dram.

I tasted this Black Art as the finale in the non-peated line on a Bruichladdich masterclass. Needless to say, it was the summon of what we tasted that day. The dark, pronounced color was a real feast on the eyes - anticipation and expectations were set high, to say the least. The Black Art completely filled in everything expected, and more! Rich and floral on both the nose as the palate and it is definitely the most exotic and 'colourful' whisky I've tasted this far. It shouldn't come as a surprise that I voted this one as my favourite non-peated whisky of the whole tasting. It's just perfect.

I received a miniature of 3cl as a gift from an old neighbourhood friend. My first Canadian Whisky. It wasn't bad at all, but I missed some body. Not one I woud purchase myself.

Being one of Scotland’s most sold blends, one certainly cannot do wrong with this one, especially considering its price.

Being indecisive to choose either the Highland Park 12 or this Dalwhinny 15, I figured since I had already tasted the Highland Park, I’d go for this actual ‘Highlander’. At this price level: wow. While a bit feint on the nose, I tasted a rich, balanced combination of honey, brown sugar, oil and cream as well as some citrus fruits. The aftertaste is somewhat less impressive, considering I usually like peat and smoke, but it’s nevertheless enjoyable. Again, at it’s price level probably one of the best single malts around.