Tastes

When I saw this bottle on offer for 35 €, I simply couldn't help myself. A 14-year-old Irish malt with a craft presentation? That's a no brainer. Appealing notes of orchard fruits, ginger and Belgian waffles ascend from the glass, and there are hints of lemon zest, physalis and honey. On the palate, creamy toffee, fresh apples and oak spices gravitate towards mango, walnuts and a touch of juniper. The slightly resinous finish accentuates caffè latte, salted caramel and guava. Again, I couldn't help myself and bought three backup bottles, make of that what you will. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Some reviewers argue that age statements are becoming less important, but I've to disagree. That said, there are a few exceptions. The nose of Glen Scotia Victoriana is very old school, combining porridge, spiced oranges and tobacco with sea spray, sweet licorice and peppermint. Loads of spices and citrus fruits kick off the punchy arrival before aniseed, wood smoke and ginger unfold. There is definitely some older stock in here. Cinnamon, brown sugar and hints of salt sparkle in the savory finish. Credit where credit is due, this malt has a lot going for it! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS

I am somewhat guilty of neglecting Deanston so far, and I am not even sure why. To me, it has always been the least interesting distillery in the Distell portfolio. On the nose, apple pie, honeydew melon and lemongrass mingle with malty and cereal-rich notes. Nothing sticks out, but it is quite pleasant. Spicy and drying flavors surprise on the palate before it mellows with juicy fruits, peppery oak and a touch of cider. A few drops of water help. Orange zest, honey and lingering spices migrate into the savory and floral finish. I am certainly not disappointed. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

GlenDronach's brand reputation tanked when Brown-Forman decided to remove the 'non-chill filtered' from the label, but let's give this malt a chance. Appealing and rounded, the nose combines apricots, raspberries and cherry jam with walnuts, mint and baking spices. The light and juicy arrival is followed by drying oak, eucalyptus and dark chocolate. Black tea, orange zest and notes of coffee remain in the medium-length finish. It is a quaffable modern sherry whisky, but this 'Revival' comes nowhere close to the old batches released under Billy Walker. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Referring to both Charles MacLean and a rocky outcrop on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, Maclean's Nose is a new malt-forward blend by Adelphi. Hints of tinned peaches, sea salt and grilled cod rise from the glass, and there is a lovely interplay of citrus fruits, grist and slightly earthy notes. Mineral, briny and quite oily, the taste emphasizes black olives, herbal peat smoke and white pepper. Green walnuts, bitter lemon and a touch of menthol subside in the medium-length finish. This bottling knocks it out of the park, no wonder people are raving about it. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

After some 1000 whiskies, I am rarely left speechless by a dram. With a stunning nose that is second to none, this 1972 Invergordon shines like a beacon in the dark. Cinnamon rolls, crème brûlée and fennel harmonize with strawberry cream, antique furniture and mint leaves. Elegant, silky and simply delightful, the taste fascinates with flabbergasting notes of pistachio, coconut milk and hazelnuts. Complex oak spices, white chocolate and sage conclude the spectacle, if only the finish could last forever. This is the Holy Grail of old grains, aged to perfection. RATING: 4.9/5.0 stars ≙ 94 pts → PERFECT [-]

Cooper's Choice offers a wide range of single cask releases, this one a young Tobermory finished in a Madeira cask. The nose opens up with butterscotch, peaches and soft vanilla, rounded off by thyme, ginger and a whiff of sea breeze. Spiced oranges, lemon and hints of salt unfold on the palate before it turns quite juicy, featuring marmalade, peppercorn and coffee. Eclectic notes of pink grapefruit, bitter honey and peppermint conclude the long and zesty aftertaste. This malt packs a punch, highlighting some intriguing flavors off the beaten track. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Featuring the contemporary artwork 'NONQBRC7' by Loren Klein, this Caol Ila is a vatting of 3 refill sherry butts. A dusty cloud of mineral and slightly medicinal peat smoke emerges from the glass, overshadowing notes of dark fruits, pine sap and bitter chocolate. On the palate, ripe blackberries and briny peatiness arrive hand in hand, evolving towards red currants, ginger and pipe tobacco. Roasted coffee, salty licorice and a touch of stout fade in the long and satisfying finish. It is one of these malts that instantly puts a big smile on your face. RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

Most young grain whiskies I wouldn't touch with a barge pole, but this Invergordon matured in sherry octave casks made me curious. On the nose, cinnamon, pastries and milk chocolate intermingle with sultanas, dusty cereal notes and hints of sage. After a sugary arrival, the taste develops with dark fruits, peppery spices and eucalyptus. It is a bit hot around the edges, but packed with flavors. Slightly bitter oak, cocoa and fresh mint linger in the surprisingly long finish. One evening, a poor hornet had drowned in this alluring wasp trap - so it can't be bad. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

Hailing from Scotland's iconic farm distillery, this Daftmill was bottled exclusively for the members of Whiskybase. A fairly singular nose awaits, featuring lemon tea, porridge and strong notes of vanilla. It's cereal-rich, green and floral, and I can literally smell the barn. Waves of spice hit the palate, very punchy, grassy and vanillin-driven. Water releases more flavors. Pineapple, banana bread and a touch of soda develop, leading into the zesty, gingery and semidry aftertaste. A strong reminder that whisky is meant for drinking - it is one to sip, and not to flip! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS