Tastes

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 [+]

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 [+]

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 [-]

Blackadder's Raw Cask whiskies retain all their natural cask sediments, oils and fats to achieve maximum possible flavor. Turn the bottle upside down, and you have a unique snow globe! A bit shy at first, the nose of this Invergordon flourishes with cereal notes, floral vanilla and honey pancakes. On the palate, the true potential of this flavor bomb unfolds. Custard, eucalyptus and a dash of pepper seduce the senses. The age shows in the mildly dry finish, while always hitting the sweet spot. Whoever doesn't like this grain should consult a psychotherapist. RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

I'm not a huge expert when it comes to bourbon, but I know enough to recognize that Four Roses Single Barrel is one of the better bottles out there. On the nose, classic notes of vanilla, honey and cinnamon are enriched by coconut, ripe pears and hints of fennel. Not very complex, but without any off-notes. Sweet and spicy flavors dominate the palate before the taste shifts towards mint and chili pepper. Mildly dry and lingering, the finish is marked by roasted nuts, candy floss and a touch of toothpaste. A decent and inexpensive bourbon that does the job. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

There is no such thing as bad whisky - however, this Ole Smoky is 'moonshine' and there is always an exception to the rule. Lurking insidiously in its understated jar, the spirit attacks the nose with buttered popcorn, hints of laundry and biting ethanol. The first sip sets your palate on fire, followed by corn sweetness, nail polish remover and something bitter-herbal. Raging down the throat in a fury, it settles in the stomach like a stone, while Simon & Garfunkel are singing 'Hello heartburn, my old friend'. I think this firewater merits a new rating category. RATING: 0.5/5.0 stars ≙ 30 pts → MALICIOUS

If you could buy a 25-year-old Ardbeg or Lagavulin for way under 200 €, most peatheads would go nuts. Not so with Caol Ila, which has always puzzled me. Delicate, complex and surprisingly fruity, the aroma ranges from peach, lemon oil and mild spices to pinewood, soot and hints of sage. Flavorwise, the peat smoke has taken a back seat, while aromatic, citric and slightly resinous notes mingle with eucalyptus, honey and white pepper. Espresso, salmiak and even a touch of gin fade in the gentle finish. Showcasing the quiet side of Islay, this is a superb malt. RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

With a natural preference for the independent bottlers, one tends to overlook how good some of the official bottlings can actually be. More settled and complex, the years have tamed this Caol Ila 18 quite a bit. Leaning towards smoldering bonfires, sea spray and sour apples, the nose unfolds with buttermilk, lemon and hints of aniseed. A wonderful combination of peaty, salty-sweet and acidic flavors dance on the palate, raw and yet elegant. Herbal tea, dry peat smoke and a touch of miso soup characterize the long finish. This malt is worth every penny! RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

Moscatel is a sweet dessert wine, so this wood finish should nicely add to the mineral and peaty nature of the Caol Ila spirit. The nose reveals whiffs of firewood and embers, enriched by pronounced spices, maple syrup and seaweed. Peppermint, apricots and fresh ginger appear. On the palate, aromatic and sour notes blossom whilst briny peat smoke and a sugary overcoat round off the picture. Bitter tea, licorice and grapefruit zest accompany the earthy and slightly dry finish. Giving a twist on the Caol Ila theme, this Distillers Edition is very decent. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Many moons ago, it was a dram of Caol Ila 12 that ignited my passion for whisky, and what a journey it has been. Time to revisit my old friend! On the nose, puffs of twiggy bonfire smoke give way to green apples, lemon and briny hints of seawater. Heather honey, black olives and peppery oak spices drive the full-bodied and oily taste, always accompanied by well-integrated sooty salinity. Citrus fruits, subtle vanilla and complex tea notes linger in the long and peaty finish. I'm biased, I know, but this characterful Islay malt is still overlooked and underrated! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS