Tastes

Suntory's workhorse distillery is not as picturesque as Yamazaki and Hakushu, and thus hidden from public view. Elegant and yet simple, the nose of 'The Chita' combines honeydew melon, chamomile and cereals with gingerbread, custard and white chocolate. The honeyed and vanilla-forward taste evolves with coconut, mint and slightly dry oak spices. A bit youthful, but very tasty. Cinnamon rolls, almonds and more honey linger in the bittersweet finish. So much in Japanese whisky is lost in translation, there is more to this bottling than meets the eye. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

There are not many contemporary releases worth chasing, but this cask strength Bunnahabhain is a notable exception. On the nose, prunes, almonds and earthy sherry notes are complemented by bitter chocolate, tobacco and currants. Very inviting and layered. The rich arrival is bursting with dark fruits, toffee and cocoa, while nutmeg, mint and hints of salt develop mid-palate. Sublime mouthfeel. Slightly dry oak, roasted coffee and eucalyptus remain in the prolonged aftertaste. An adorable sherry bomb, I can only quote Ralfy: What an absolute joy! RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

Few whisky aficionados seem to remember why Port Ellen was closed in the first place: no one wanted their malts, that's the irony. The nose opens a door to the past, as whiffs of camphor, motor oil and sooty steam engines collide with lemon drops, tobacco leaves and oysters. Sweet and herbal, the palate awakens with subtle peat smoke, orange zest and mineral notes. Wood sap, licorice and hints of kiwi whisper their farewell as the earthy finish subsides. It reinforces what Diageo's special releases used to be, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. RATING: 4.5/5.0 stars ≙ 92 pts → SUPERB

The selection of bourbon in Europe is mediocre at best, so this is as good as it gets. Predictable notes of honey, caramel and cinnamon emerge on the nose, accompanied by overripe banana, varnish and a touch of glue. Bold spices overwhelm the sweet arrival with virgin oak, ginger and white pepper at the forefront. Intense sweetness returns with a vengeance, throwing maple syrup, maraschino cherries and vanilla into the mix. Bulleit 10 tastes overaged and yet a bit rough. Rock candy, cocoa and tannins push into the simple finish. Where is my Scotch? RATING: 3.2/5.0 stars ≙ 81 pts → AVERAGE [+]

Let's re-review the winner of the Online Scotch Whisky Awards (OSWAs) in the category 'best entry-level bottling'. The nose of Arran 10 features a lovely tropical fruit complexity, think pineapple, mango and lemon cream. Hints of milk chocolate, cereals and butterscotch gain momentum. On the palate, the rich and juicy mouthfeel is flanked by sour berries, peaches and wood spices. Lime juice, apricot jam and pepper round off the taste, while the finish lingers with honey, ginger and a touch of cider. No wonder this malt is so popular, it's a modern classic! RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Diageo's Cameronbridge 'The Knight's Golden Triumph' was the laughingstock of their 2022 releases. Remember Monty Python's 'Tis but a scratch!'? Thank goodness we have the IBs. On the nose, wood polish, cut flowers and Kellogg's Smacks mingle with plaited loaf, brown sugar and anise. Honeyed and herbal in the arrival, the palate develops with vanilla, white pepper and drying oak spices. The age is noticeable. Lovely notes of icing sugar, cinnamon and cocoa mark the solid finish. Is it really better than the shiny knight? Alright, we'll call it a draw. RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS

Mothballed in 2000 and reopened only three years later, marketeers obviously decided to celebrate Glencadam's big 're-awakening' with this release. Light citrus notes, honey and cinnamon greet the nose before fresh ginger, sourdough and pistachios give it an interesting twist. The fruity arrival accentuates apricots, banana and gentle oak spices, followed by grassy, zesty and slightly dry flavors. Spearmint, walnuts and salted caramel subside in the balanced and fairly long finish. It offers more complexity and depth than the 10-year-old, I am enjoying it! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Glencadam is probably not on everyone's radar, as most of its production goes into the Ballantine's blends. On the nose, fresh citrus, honeydew melon and hints of glue take turns with thyme, vanilla and canned pineapple. Quite crisp and vivid, the taste unfolds with lemon juice, spearmint and mild spices. Sweet and sour notes, green apples and honey emphasize the firm mouthfeel. The aftertaste lingers with ginger, unripe banana and a touch of dry oak. At 10 years of age, this spirit-driven and honest malt does not have to rely on silly wood finishes. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

The Oloroso sherry butts of yesteryear were certainly better, but despite all the naysayers, Aberlour A'bunadh is still a pretty fine dram. Lovely notes of strawberries, cherries and roasted almonds emerge from the Glencairn, enriched by After Eights, walnut cake and dried herbs. Potent and spicy, the taste pushes forward with stewed fruits, ginger and eucalyptus. It is surprisingly versatile and thrives with added water. Mon Chéri, coffee and measured oak fade in the long finish. Maybe not as good as it used to be, but I am far from being disappointed. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Previous tastings of Kavalan have not impressed me, so I wanted to give Taiwan's second distillery a try. The nose of this 4-year-old Yushan is quite appealing, ranging from plums, grapes and baking spices to tropical fruits, marzipan and fresh ginger. Juicy and spicy flavors attack the palate, the rushed maturation has left it woody and slightly rough at the same time. Peppery oak, dark chocolate and hints of cantaloupe underscore the quality of the casks. Fading notes of coffee, apples and spearmint remain in the medium finish. It's a well-made spirit! RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE