Tastes

One of my favourite whiskeys. The Black Art 4 1990 rewards patience with an incredible depth of flavour. The influence of the European oak in both the Sauternes and Bordeaux wine casks add a range of fruit notes: tropical fruits initially on the palate make way for more dried fruits notes, dark chocolate, citrus and oak. A complex whiskey, this one is worth letting sit on your tongue just that bit longer. Pairs particularly well with the tangy Cashel Blue cheese.

True for a lot of grain whiskies, the Chita is particularly sharp on the palate and quite ethanol-forward in nature. There are notes of fresh fruits and honey to taste but the whiskey is too harsh to be truly enjoyed neat. Unfortunately ended up using this whiskey to make cocktails.

A full-bodied dram rich with wood spices and sherry notes: dried fruits, raisins and nutmeg are all apparent. The A'Bunadh, bottled at cask strength, has a long, warming finish and opens up with a few drops of water. Truly a sherry-rich beast of a whiskey and a perfect slow sipper during the colder months.

One of Ireland's best single malts in this age range. There is an initial hit of fresh pine on the nose that gives way to sweeter notes of vanilla and ripened berries. The palate is rich and peppery with red fruits and milk chocolate, while the finish is long-lasting as PX sherry comes to the fore.

The nose is sweet with white chocolate and marshmallow readily apparent, along with more traditional Green Spot notes of apple. The palate is more subtle with orchard fruits and marzipan giving way to a straightforward finish of dry wine and Pot Still spice. Not a bad addition to the Green Spot family.