Tastes

Oh well. With only 40% ABV, heavy chill-filtration and added colorant, the presentation of Dalmore 12 could hardly be any worse. A shiny plastic stag alone does not make a good single malt! The nose, which is still the best part of the experience, features marzipan, Christmas spices and raisins with hints of fudge and citrus. Dark fruits, baked apple and zesty oranges dominate the palate, interrupted by tingly spiritiness. Notes of bitter tea, nutty dryness and eucalyptus remain of the short to medium finish. This Highlander could be so much better, if only... RATING: 3.0/5.0 stars ≙ 79 pts → AVERAGE

GlenDronach is a bit of a one-trick pony, but boy, they know how to make a great sherry malt! Recent batches of the 'Allardice' are much older than 18 years, and the age shows. Heavy sherry notes, oranges and rich spices bewitch the nose, intermingled with hazelnuts, roasted coffee and subdued herbal freshness. The taste is intense, full-bodied and very much in line with the aroma, culminating in a substantial, lasting and chocolaty bitter finish. Not quite as complex as the fantastic 15-year-old Revival, but who am I to criticize this superb whisky! RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

Distillery names can be a bit confusing: Knockdhu, Knockando - so let's just call this single malt anCnoc which is Gaelic for 'black hill'. Fruity acidity, sour berry mash and lemon zest are first to arrive on the nose, but there is a diverse mixture of fresh, floral and malty notes lurking in the back. The taste is spirit-driven, spicy and mildly dry with tropical fruits, heather honey and brown sugar. Just shy of medium length, the finish evolves with a touch of cinnamon, oak and licorice. A good 12-year-old entry-level malt which is flawless, easy-drinking and reliable. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

Low expectations have the advantage of leaving room for pleasant surprises, as happened with this 12-year-old Ballantine's. The nose is 'Auchentoshan + X': floral, light and fragrant with notes of tinned fruits, marzipan and soft spices. Certainly not bad for a blended Scotch! Heather honey, parsley and a spicy touch of oak dominate the palate, very 'smooth' although I hate to use the word. This whisky does not benefit from additional water. As with most blends, the finish doesn't linger and remains rather vague. Still, it is almost better than JW Black Label. RATING: 3.0/5.0 stars ≙ 80 pts → AVERAGE

There are few Japanese whiskies I consider a true bargain in these days, but Nikka From the Barrel is one of them. Minimalist packaging, solid 51.4% ABV and the aromatic, gingery aroma with cayenne pepper, lemongrass and hints of orange peel leave a good first impression. On the palate, you get an interesting combination of Yoichi and Miyagikyo flavors: initial spiciness is followed by fruity-sweet notes until a zesty-dry bitterness emerges. The medium finish fades with restrained oak, green tea and a touch of fresh mint. Grab a bottle while you still can! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Many malt drinkers tend to overlook grain whiskies, although they can offer a nice variation in smell and taste. Kilbeggan 8-year-old is column-distilled from corn and matured in ex-bourbon casks, giving it a sweet, biscuity and slightly dusty nose. Vanilla, coconut cream and hints of lavender stick out in particular. The palate evolves sugary, aromatic and a little spirity with notes of walnuts, breakfast cereals and citrus fruits. A touch of wood spice accompanies the short finish. This is not an Irish whiskey to wax poetic about, but I have certainly tried worse. RATING: 2.7/5.0 stars ≙ 76 pts → SUBPAR [+]

Peated non-Islay whiskies are shooting up like mushrooms in these days, but are they really worth your attention? The nose of this Benromach 'Peat Smoke' is intensely sweet, phenolic and oily with notes of spiced apple pie, anise and dried herbs. Zesty and bitter in the arrival, the taste develops with pineapple, over-brewed tea and hints of salt, all surrounded by sickly sweet honey and vegetal peatiness. After a flat and almost abrupt finish, featuring white pepper, tannins and traces of fennel, I have to admit that this expression is 'just another peated malt'. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

Being the first whisky to be certified 'Organic' by UK Soil Association standards, this single malt is a bit of a trend-setter. Maturation in American virgin oak casks gives this Benromach a surprising depth and complexity, which is rarely found at this young age. On the nose, I get banana, apricots and toffee with lemongrass, marshmallows and hints of fresh mint. All very sweet and spicy. Tropical fruits, green tea and even a touch of chili follow on the palate before the lingering, cask-dominated and mildly dry finish kicks in. This dram is refreshingly different! RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

So, what have we got here? The smallest distillery of Diageo's portfolio, a royal warrant dating back to 1848, and one of the key contributors to JW Blue Label. The nose starts off with cloudy apple juice, fruit salad and maltiness before hints of caramel and sawdust creep in. More apples follow on the palate (apple puree and pie), and there is a delicate touch of oak, ginger and cloves. Easy, short but without any off-notes, the finish does not leave much of an impression. With that being said, I would still prefer Royal Lochnagar 12 over JW Blue Label at any time. RATING: 3.2/5.0 stars ≙ 81 pts → AVERAGE [+]

Airfix glue, here I come! Back in the mists of time, the classic Old No. 7 was my first review. Does double filtration through charcoal make this Tennessee whiskey any better? Well, the nose is less rough and almost pleasant with notes of caramelized popcorn, syrup and nail polish. Is 'diabetic' a valid descriptor? Sugary, oily and slightly minty, the taste is rather one-dimensional with fresh oak spices, the expected spiritiness and a quickly fading finish. Granted, Gentleman Jack is a step up from the basic, mass-produced Jack Daniel's - but it's a small one. RATING: 2.5/5.0 stars ≙ 74 pts → SUBPAR