Tastes
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Glenfiddich 15 Year Solera Reserve
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed September 11, 2021 (edited August 17, 2022)I was reluctant to revisit Glenfiddich's Solera 15 because I sensed I would be disappointed. Did I change? Did the whisky change? Probably both. Gentle and delicate fruit notes dominate the nose, in particular canned peaches, kiwi and apples. Sourdough, allspice and a hint of sherry emerge. The spicy arrival is quickly spoiled by the thin mouthfeel, where subdued fruitiness, green tea and distant toffee are losing ground. Drying wood spices, walnuts and plums fade in the bittersweet finish. Not quite what it used to be, but that's the malt aficionado speaking. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE45.0 EUR per Bottle -
Tomintoul 25 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed August 29, 2021 (edited August 17, 2022)Big age statement, low expectations. With artificial colorant and measly 40% ABV, the presentation of this Tomintoul illustrates that old habits die hard. That said, the nose opens up beautifully, showcasing persimmon, chamomile and a dash of pepper. After a sweet soda pop arrival, the palate is hit by an avalanche of spices, overshadowing sour fruits, coconut and floral notes. The oak keeps the upper hand into the dry and tannin-rich finish, giving away the impact of mediocre casks. I have mixed feelings, this whisky appears to be a bit beyond its peak. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE255.0 EUR per Bottle -
Caol Ila 35 Year (2018 Special Release)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed August 15, 2021 (edited October 29, 2022)Oh My God (part 2). Diageo's 2014 release of Caol Ila 30 is still my highest-rated whisky to date, so I was excited to taste its successor. The nose takes me back to the salt cellar, with layers of flavors unpacking like a Matryoshka doll. Guava, herbal teas and bonfire ash mingle with aniseed, old cigars and sour cream. Superb balance on the palate, where fruity, dry and spicy notes are interwoven with mineral peat smoke, peppermint and plums. Waves of brine, tobacco and espresso sparkle in the everlasting finish. 35 years in the casks for a moment of bliss! RATING: 4.9/5.0 stars ≙ 94 pts → PERFECT [-]750.0 EUR per Bottle -
Opened in 1969 and formerly known as Sendai distillery, Miyagikyo produces the bulk of Nikka's malt and grain whisky. The nose of this NAS expression is fruity, floral and not overtly young, emphasizing banana, mango and a touch of coconut. Beeswax, raisins and lemon hide in the back. On the palate, rich, sweet and surprisingly spicy flavors predominate, ranging from ginger, cinnamon and apples to mocha, licorice and restrained oak. Peppery, zesty and slightly herbaceous, the medium finish subsides with a hint of peat. A very pleasant summer dram. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE68.0 EUR per Bottle
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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (New Formula)
Blended Malt — Japan
Reviewed July 3, 2021 (edited June 21, 2023)Nikka's new transparency rebutted the rumor that Taketsuru Pure Malt contains Ben Nevis, so this is authentic Japanese whisky. Green apples, gooseberries and honeydew melon are first to greet the nose before lemongrass, chamomile and subtle peatiness emerge. The palate showcases the flavor profiles of Miyagikyo and Yoichi, moving from a fruity-floral arrival towards a modestly peaty and gingery-dry development. Lingering oak, green tea and whiffs of smoke remain in the medium finish. I daresay that it is even better than its predecessor. Kanpai! RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE55.0 EUR per Bottle -
Older peated whiskies are not necessarily better than their raw and spirit-driven counterparts - they are different. That said, there is a lot to discover in this 18-year-old Ledaig. On the nose, sooty and slightly sour peat smoke hovers over dry sherry notes, including red currants, leather and walnuts. Initially sweet and oily, the taste explodes with a punch of spices and peat, drifting towards rubber, grapefruit zest and burned coffee. Chili, licorice and lots of tannins dominate the long and pungent finish. An expressive character, but I do prefer its younger sibling. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]110.0 EUR per Bottle
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Renowned whisky writer Michael Jackson held Cragganmore in high regard, while it is mostly overlooked by malt aficionados. Fresh, citric and quite assertive, the aroma features a wide range of flavors. Lime, melon and litchi give way to heather honey, thyme and lavender. Tastewise, crisp and sour notes turn slightly bitter and herbal as the palate progresses, flanked by ginger, white pepper and a touch of banana. Grapefruit, green tea and walnuts fade in the short finish. It's not my favorite classic malt, but it has something to offer if given the chance. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]32.0 EUR per Bottle
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The kickin' chicken needs no further introduction, so let's get on with it. Matured for 6-8 years in heavily charred American oak barrels, the fiery nose offers no surprises. Vanilla cream, toffee and brown sugar are interwoven with cinnamon, tobacco and hints of acetone. Classic bourbon notes with a spicy punch of rye characterize the palate, rounded off by chamomile, nutmeg and orange jam. Re-emerging sweetness, ginger and a touch of mint linger in the wood-driven finish. If you don't mind the occasional bite, then Wild Turkey 101 is certainly a buy. RATING: 3.2/5.0 stars ≙ 81 pts → AVERAGE [+]22.0 EUR per Bottle
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Ardnamurchan AD/09.20:01
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed May 2, 2021 (edited December 1, 2021)Greed knows no bounds, and bottle flippers are an annoyance for every whisky drinker when it comes to inaugural releases. At 5 years of age, the nose of this Ardnamurchan has a lot to offer. Stone fruits, thyme and whiffs of smoke mingle with brine, juniper and muesli. On the palate, peat smoke and spices arrive hand in hand, followed by raspberries, peppermint and distinct sherry notes. It is surprisingly complex and quite oily. Dark chocolate, wood smoke and minty freshness migrate into the mineral and mildly bitter finish. A malt to sip, not to flip! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]89.0 EUR per Bottle -
Three Ships 12 Year (James Sedgwick)
Single Malt — Western Cape, South Africa
Reviewed April 18, 2021 (edited May 24, 2021)Africa's only commercial whisky distillery has an interesting history, reaching back to James Sedgwick who started his business in 1850. Matured in American oak, the nose of Three Ships 12 is both expressive and complex. Yellow fruits, mixed spices and barley sugar are complemented by sour berries, heather and subtle peatiness. The sweet arrival is swiftly overtaken by aromatic flavors, unripe peach and quality oak, balanced by waves of peat smoke. Pepper, nutmeg and vanilla mark the dry and herbal finish. I am really impressed with this malt! RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]46.0 EUR per Bottle
Results 51-60 of 238 Reviews