Tastes

I thought it was about time for a quick dive into the low-cost segment, so I bought this bottle of Copper Dog. Fresh and grassy, the nose offers apple puree, sour grapes and some distant spices. Other than that, there is not much going on. The taste is crisp, watery and apple-driven, expanding towards bitter oranges, cinnamon and mild tannins. Hints of biscuits, walnuts and menthol give it a bit of substance. Swift and uninspiring, the finish fades with toffee, herbs and a touch of espresso. I don't mind drinking this malt, but it's not very interesting either. RATING: 2.7/5.0 stars ≙ 76 pts → SUBPAR [+]

You never know when these ghost distilleries come back to life, and when they eventually do, they are rarely the same. Layer after layer, the aroma of this Brora reveals dragon fruits, lilies and dusty whiffs of an old basement. A touch of horse stable, soot and tobacco creep in. On the palate, tropical fruits explode with an incredible mouthfeel, followed by cayenne pepper, spearmint and ashy traces of peat. Salted grapefruit, roasted coffee and a charming peaty tang emphasize the remarkable finish. This dram dwells in a league of its own, amazing stuff! RATING: 4.7/5.0 stars ≙ 93 pts → SUPERB [+]

A successful finish enriches the underlying spirit without masking its signature, something which was very well done in this Tobermory. On the nose, blackberries, red currants and grapefruit complement the coastal nature of the whisky. Black pepper, sea spray and green onions appear. Sweet and sour, gingery and slightly herbal, the taste demonstrates complexity and great balance. Re-emerging sweetness, hints of brine and some dry oak characterize the long and chocolaty finish. The Port notes are spot-on, this malt is engaging and highly recommended! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 88 pts → FIRST-CLASS

13 is deemed an unlucky number, but together with its retro label it certainly helps Craigellachie to stand out from the crowd. Tangerines, elderflower and a touch of cider make an appearance on the nose, all rather light, fruity and slightly floral. The honeyed arrival is displaced by mango, grapefruit and white pepper, while bitter herbs and tannins are pushing forward. Drying oak, lemon zest and menthol mark the prolonged and sugar-coated finish. Don't be fooled by your first impression, this whisky requires a lot of perseverance to be fully appreciated. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

Some bottles tend to be sold out as soon as they hit the shelves, which in case of Kilkerran 12 should not come as a surprise. Like a chameleon, the nose ranges from citrus fruits, charcoal and hints of brine to farmland, ginger and band-aid. On the palate, the crisp and herbal arrival is followed by drying oak spices, lemon candies and just the right amount of peat, all very dense and spirit-driven. White pepper, chamomile and a dash of salt introduce the long and savory finish, lingering on with soot, tobacco and fresh mint. Load up the truck while you can! RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

After an extensive flight of high-end whiskies, I figured that it was time to come back down to earth and recalibrate my senses. I bought Wild Turkey Rye as a mixer, but let's give it a try neat. On the nose, canned peaches, orange blossom and coriander appear, accompanied by mild spices. Sweet and slightly spirity, the palate kicks off with loads of cinnamon. Red apples, honey and a touch of bubble gum emerge. The medium finish fades with brown sugar, cloves and spicy hints of dry oak. Not bad at all, I actually refrained from pouring it into coke. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

There is no right or wrong when it comes to taste, but the hate and confirmation bias this expression received really puzzled me, and I beg to disagree. Surprisingly peaty, briny and mineral, the nose features an intriguing mix of lime juice, aniseed and herbal teas. Sugary and vanilla-driven at first, the palate progresses with white pepper, crisp apples and bitter lemon. Ashy peat smoke, salt and a touch of chili arise, leading all the way into the long and interesting finish. This is a characterful and complex whisky emphasizing everything Talisker stands for! RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

Strictly speaking, this underproof Invergordon is no whisky, but who cares when dram in the glass is fantastic? The aroma unfolds with Mon Chéri confectionery, antique furniture and marzipan, enriched by rosemary, marjoram and cocoa powder. What a great nose! Light as a feather and yet full of flavor, the palate continues with complex wood spices, coconut cream and a touch of menthol. Licorice, dark chocolate and baked banana linger in the aromatic finish. A sublime grain, 56 years of maturation have taken this impressive spirit to another level. RATING: 4.5/5.0 stars ≙ 91 pts → SUPERB

Sake is not matured in wood, so Eigashima Shuzo had to sacrifice the sake used to season the cask for this experiment. Engaging, fruity and not young at all, the nose reveals jasmine tea, brine and hints of earthy peat smoke. This is quite unique. On the palate, you get rice wine on steroids, driven by the high ABV. Shiitake mushrooms, miso soup and menthol appear, pushing the taste towards floral and herbal notes. The medium finish is fresh and vibrant, fading on licorice and green tea. I am almost tempted to say: Hey Kurayoshi, this is Japanese whisky! RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Innovation, courage and the forces of evil. We all love a good story, and Compass Box's clash with the SWA regarding Spice Tree and the use of inner staves is almost legendary. On the nose, a potpourri of herbal and spicy flavors is enriched by grapefruit, toffee and candle wax. The punchy and aromatic arrival is led by chili pepper, ginger and a good amount of oak. Sweet and sour notes creep in, followed by lemon zest, nutmeg and parsley. Walnuts, resin and distant vanilla mark the long and peppery-dry finish. Kudos to John Glaser for creating this malt! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 88 pts → FIRST-CLASS