Tastes

Sampling: Islay Barley 2010 Bruichladdich Islay Barley is unexpected to say the least and it draws on great complexity, given the time it needs to arrive at its “full potential.” This dram needs room to breathe. Failing to provide it space results in both you and the scotch never seeing the whole picture. Initially, I detected honey and not much else. The nose was a tad abrasive, acidic and carrying some notes of acetone. However, that eventually opened up into numerous other notes such as rich cream, vanilla, butterscotch, dried maple leaves, caramel soft candies, brown sugar, and molasses. First impressions are really important and while this one did eventually win me over, the nose didn’t get me all that excited until minutes after pouring. On the tongue, a medium mouthfeel displaying toasted cereal grains, oatmeal, and some incredibly sweet elements with playful candor. Islay Barley might be dessert in a glass for some, but does succeed in balancing the whole package with daring heat. The exit lingers for a bit, then gives up the ghost within 30 seconds or so. Residual heat stays in the chest a few seconds after the dram has left your mouth, leaving a more oily finish. Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2010 is worth the time and money if you can find it. Frankly, you can find better options by Bruichladdich if you’re looking for a crowd pleaser (Classic Laddie). But, if you prefer a nice slow dance with your dram, this one might be calling your number. (FWF Share #67 [3/23/2018])

Lagavulin Distillers Edition does something extraordinary: it takes their already stellar flagship Lagavulin 16 and somehow refines every facet of the experience. If you’re used to the standard 16, it’s possible you may not initially like the Distillers Edition, as all elements are slightly subdued and less lively. I’d compare it to someone confident in their 30s and someone confident in their 40s. Both know what and who they are. Both have experience, zeal and drive. Both know what they want, yet one stands out, sharper, a silver fox, sexier, existing within subtle nuances and grace within her or his step. Distillers Edition in my opinion, has depth, richness and longevity in a way that overshadows Lagavulin 16. You owe it to yourself to take your time, should you have the opportunity. This isn’t a scotch to be rushed. On the nose, you’ll find many of the same character qualities of the standard 16: brine, seaweed, smoke, light salt, bright fruity tones, vanilla, and caramel. The Distillers Edition goes further with a tad more leather, and what I’d label as old books. It’s quite stark and lovely. The mouthfeel is smoother, more full bodied and richer in oil. This one stays with you showcasing charred wood and traces of those PX casks. I found dark cherry and even a mild bite of tartness. The finish is nothing less than satisfying. The savory heat it does have stays toward the top of you throat rather than in your chest. It’s bold but not crushing, humble yet artistically boastful. I absolutely love Lagavulin 16, but for me, Lagavulin Distillers Edition is the definition of taking something from great to next level. Spending time with it reveals it as a “proper ladies and gentlemen’s dram,” worth far more than what it sells for. While I’m confident many will disagree, the caliber of craftsmanship, the experience, and the price lead me to this conclusion: this may very well belong within your top 5. (FWF $10 Dram [9th] Share #68 [3/29/2018])

Opened: 03/16/18 Finished: 09/28/18

I’ll start of by saying J.P. Wiser’s Dissertation is not for everyone. While there is so much to love about it, one has to really concentrate to enjoy the nuances it has to offer. If you don’t have time for that, move on to something with more instantaneous payoff. The nose is interesting to say the least. It’s woody, musty and a bit bitter, showcasing maple, bright ambers, burnt sugars with a touch of vanilla, displayed almost as a novelty. Take your time. These elements do not explode. They exists as minor details for the experience. Finding them is like picking up an old object in a room and exploring each crevice and dusty mark. They’re a testimony of a long past history. This dram has a medium mouthfeel with hearty warmth, staying for a good while. It’s dry, hitting on the top of the palate rather than concentrating on the tongue. The finish is smooth with a nice thickness to it. Similar to the nose, it’s unique, ending with leathery dry goods, old ropes and straps. If I had to sum all these things up in one word, I’d say J.P. Wiser’s Dissertation is “transportive.” It reminders me of a navigator thoughtfully mapping out a journey. I don’t always want this feeling in a whisky, as the experience can be quite intense. In certain circumstances however, that connectedness to an ideal, the past, a way of life I’ve never known, it’s all I want. (FWF Share #63 [3/8/2018])

Glen Breten 10 Year is a nice alternative from your standard Canadian drams. This one drinks more like a scotch, hitting many of the same profiles you’d expect. It’s very light, with thin layers of honey, vanilla, oak, and an extremely subtle through line of fruit. On the tongue, it’s initially quite woody, offering sweets toward the front end and a dry, fast finish toward the back. This all culminates into a nice heat in your chest moments after this one is gone, lasting briefly before you return to the rim. The worst part about Glen Breten 10 Year is one’s inability to acquire it. For something falling so neatly within the affordable and delicious category, it would be amazing if it were available outside of Canada. (Alternative - Highland Park Magnus) (FWF Share #62 [3/8/2018])

Delwhinnie 15 Year may not win many awards, but what is does win is your respect by being a solid dram through and through. The nose is delightful with hints of vanilla, honey, subtle peat, and ripe fruit. There’s a mild edge, acidic and unexpected. Not a bad thing, but for something so sweet, it seems a tad out of place. The mouth is a medium weight, balanced with sweets and mild savory and salty. There a nice dry feel on the tongue as you draw it through (similar to salted almonds or peanuts). The finish doesn’t stick around all that long, but this one is more for sharing and enjoying with company rather than sipping and savoring. Delwhinnie 15 Year is a crowd pleaser. It’s affordable, well crafted, well balanced and a great entry scotch for the dabbling friend or in law. (FWF Share #61 [3/1/2018])

Glen Scotia Victoriana: A Pretty Bottle. The nose was potent with acetone leading the way. While vanilla, oatmeal and caramel did make an appearance wrapped in a mildly smoky package, it wasn’t enough to save this one for me. The mouthfeel was light and fruity, offering some fun along the way, but I longed for other less expensive and interesting drams. The finish was super light, initially not showing much heat. That was followed up by nice burn afterwards. For the money, you can find dozens of more enjoyable things at equal or even at less than half the price. Sadly, this was “meh.” (OoTB February)

Talisker Distiller’s Edition satisfies on every level and leaves room for those not accustomed to a bolder, smokier scotch. This dram demonstrates ample craftsmanship well within reach, below the price tag of what it deserves. Upon opening, the nose is met with layers of smoke, peat, stewed meats, pipe tobacco, dried and ripe fruits, carrot cake, baking spices, sweet aromas and sultry vanilla. It was at one moment beauty, and the next, beast, full bodied and rich. For the mouth, expect a clean and savory saltiness, with plenty of sweet and very low levels of brine. Each sip is better than the last and you find new reasons to smile as the savory and sweet components complement one another on the tongue. The finish is warm, that heat later magnified as the dram settles for a lengthy and full bodied exit. Talisker Distiller’s Edition is a dark horse you can afford to put your chips down on. It gives you a great appreciation for what a 10 year old scotch can be when treated with such care. (FWF $10 Dram [8th] Share #60 [2/23/2018]) Purchased: 04/22/20 Opened: Finished: