Tastes

Not getting a lot out of this one. Not one of the best ones I've had...slightly spirit forward. Few drops of water helped open up a bit

Bit harsh on the palate. Usual ex bourban fare

I've been quite harsh on Macallan prob as it hadn't delivered the goods for the price. This I like but still has the Macallan bitter finish however VFM has definitely improved. I'd say 3.75.

The joys of drinking at a great whisky bar regularly is you get to try stuff you literally can't buy anywhere else. In this case a non-commercial present - a cask strength single bottle provided by Springbank distillery to the Last Word bar after Dramfest. I don't think I've seen or even heard of such an old Longrow Red before. Only one barrel exists. Peat, smoke, oak, slight bitterness, bourban influence. 3.5 I'll give it.

Interesting. South African Malbec. Pepper, peat and hint of red wine. I didn't add water but maybe I should have to see if more flavor came out. Good dram definately a 4.

One of 511 bottles and another slice of history. Once one of the oldest Scottish sites of distilling in 1772. Unfortunately many owners, bankruptcy, mothballing and then closure in 1996 and finally in 2004 fire soon after being sold to a developer. Got a cost price deal on trying this one. Thank goodness as it was over $30 USD a dram even then. Lovely subtle vanilla, honey, slight nuttiness. 3.5. Nice but not $600USD good.

This Speyside dram was in cask from 1992 to 2017. 384 bottles produced. 2 x Bourban Hogshead. Lovely drop - vanilla, toffee, well balanced oak and alcohol. Solid 4

Dramfest '18. Still the Ledaig flavour I don't like. Solid 3. Much preferred the official bottling Masarla finish.

Trademark Ledaig lemony acidic bitterness mellowed by the Masala Finish. It compliments it very well. By the end of the dram it almost hit a 4. Best Ledaig to date. 3.75

Dramfest '18. Great dram. All the usual Laphroaig components. Bitter aftertaste mars it slightly however. 3.75